GAMES
RANKINGS
Nimitz Sr. QB Albert "AJ" Brown Jr.
MAN WITH A PLAN: Nimitz's Brown possesses a skillset, mentality that few can replicate
The calm before a storm reveals the most about a team -- and its leader. For Nimitz, that leader is Albert "AJ" Brown Jr., the seasoned senior quarterback whose presence in the huddle has become synonymous with poise, power, and purpose.
Coming off a standout 2024 season, Brown enters his final high school campaign with both confidence and unfinished business.
The reigning District 14-6A Offensive MVP threw for nearly 2,300 yards and 26 touchdowns last year, while also rushing for six scores — a dual-threat force that helped guide Nimitz to a 7-4 record and a hard-earned playoff berth.
Though their postseason run ended early with a first-round loss to The Woodlands, Brown’s impact was undeniable.
Now, with another year under his belt and the fall season well underway, Brown’s mindset is sharp.
“We know what we’re capable of,” Brown said. “The main goal is to win; ‘W-I-N’. That means showing up everyday, controlling everything that’s within our reach before Friday night – whether that’s in practice, the weight room, film study – all of it. In order to get up front on people we need to capture and maintain that victory mindset.”
2025-26 Aldine Nimitz FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Cougars, led by head coach Cornelius Harmon, have carved out a reputation as a playoff-caliber program — a reputation Brown is determined to uphold and elevate.
For him, it’s not just about stats or highlight plays; it’s about execution.
That growth has come not only physically but mentally. As Brown reflects on his evolution under center, he emphasizes how much the signal-caller role demands beyond athleticism.
“Being a quarterback requires more than just knowing the play-call,” he explained. “You have to be able to analyze and control the flow of the offense to generate the best outcome in games. Football is a game of inches, so there’s a level of situational awareness and comprehension that’s needed to put us in the best position.”
Despite not having made a college commitment yet, Brown remains a hot name in recruiting circles. As of July, he holds an offer from Grambling State — as tarting point that likely won’t be the end of his recruiting journey. Coaches across the state have taken notice of his complete skill set and mature approach.
When asked about the future, Brown’s response speaks volumes about his values.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Of course, I’m going to lean towards education first,” he said. “As a man, you always have to be planning for the future and be sure to have options to support yourself and your family. Secondly, I’ll just be grateful for an opportunity to surround myself with guys who know what it’s like to compete at the next level, and be able to show why I belong.”
Brown models his game after NFL stars like Cam Ward, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts — admiring Hurts most for his physicality and ability to elevate the players around him. It’s a fitting parallel. Brown isn’t trying to be flashy — he’s trying to be effective, to lead, and to earn everything in front of him.
Whether it leads to more offers or deeper playoff runs, AJ Brown Jr.’s presence under center already means something at Nimitz. And as the 2025 season unfolds, it’s that steady presence that might end up being his greatest weapon.
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Aldine Davis Sr. RB Nicholas Tramble (Prairie View A&M-commit)
MIND GAMES: Tramble's methodical edge is driving Davis' resurgence
There's a sharp sense of detail to the way Nicholas Tramble approaches his role in the Aldine Davis backfield -- a blend of discipline and focus that doesn't just show up in the box score.
Now a senior, the 5-foot-9 tailback has grown into much more than just the most dynamic player on the field — he’s the foundation of a team on the rise.
Since transferring from Booker T. Washington nearly three years ago, Tramble’s trajectory has been one of steady climb and impact. He served as the engine of Davis’ offense last fall, piling up more than 1,200 all-purpose yards and finding the end zone nine times on his way to a first-team, all-district nod.
Those numbers helped power the Falcons to a 6-5 record and a long-awaited return to the playoffs — the program’s first postseason appearance since 2018.
2025-26 Aldine Davis FootballJamey Wright (VYPE)
“Sure, I’ve developed in the physical sense over the years,” Tramble said, “But, the area I’ve seen the most growth is how I’ve learned to take on more of a leadership role. After being named a captain my sophomore year and beyond, it was definitely something that I had to adjust to.”
That leadership now sits at the heart of what the Falcons hope will be a breakout year. Under head coach Kelvin Chatham, Davis finished second in District 14-6A last season —a sign that the program is turning a corner, and that Tramble’s presence is helping push them forward.
Off the field, he solidified his next chapter with a commitment to Prairie View A&M on July 24. The decision — made just days after this interview — reflected a consistent mindset focused on development beyond football.
“First and foremost, it’s going to be about education. That has always been No. 1 in my household and for me,” Tramble said. “When it comes to a program, I intend to go somewhere that will allow me to continue my growth as a player and a young man — hopefully being able to step in and make an impact in quick succession.”
His impact is already undeniable at the high school level, and not just in yardage. Tramble possesses a level of awareness that’s rare for his position.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“I think it relates to my Game IQ,” he explained. “Being able to analyze a defense before the snap and make adjustments. While that isn’t a trait that most associate with the running back position, it helps me understand what my next move needs to be.”
Stylistically, he draws from an eclectic group of inspirations: NFL backs like Ashton Jeanty and Saquon Barkley, as well as the explosive return skills of former star DeSean Jackson. Elusiveness, vision, and change-of-direction ability are hallmarks of his game.
And when it comes to off-field dreams, Tramble isn’t shy about keeping it real.
“It’s a hard take but, honestly, Kroger,” he said with a laugh, when asked about his ideal NIL sponsor. “Growing up, I feel like I was always in there or Wal-Mart for whatever I needed. So, I think it would be fun to give back in that sense, given the chance.”
As the 2025 campaign unfolds, Tramble will remain both a proven weapon and a vital presence for a Davis team looking to build on momentum. If the past three years are any indication, he’s more than ready to lead the charge.