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THE PLAYMAKERS: Recruiting Season Edition powered by UTMB Health
The South Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it there all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from this past week who stole the headlines.
In this edition, we'll be detailing some of the notable developments that are taking place during each individual's respective off-season.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Month, as the Winter season heats up.
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Coach Corby Meekins, Lutheran South Academy Football
Photo provided by Coach Corby Meekins (Twitter: @corbymeekins)
The Pioneers recently made an expert hire by bringing in a household name in Texas coaching like Corby Meekins.
LSA's newest head football coach has built up quite the resume over the years, most recently serving as the assistant head coach for the University of Houston.
Prior to the four years he spent with UH, Meekins' considerable career was bolstered with experience at the University of Texas. Most notably, Meekins served as the head coach for Westfield between 2004 and 2014, where he would guide the team to 10 playoff appearances, including a trip to the state championship game in 2004.
Given this new change in leadership, all eyes will certainly be on Lutheran South once they suit up next Fall.
Chase Bruton, Hitchcock Football
Photo by Jackson DiPasquale (VYPE)
Chase Bruton's stellar performance in the 2023 season was one of many Hitchcock players that led the Class 3A power to yet another district championship and ensuing trip to the postseason.
The star DB/WR naturally earned himself first-team all-district honors with his efforts, and given his considerable speed and 5-foot-10 frame, it was only a matter of time before the junior Bulldog received his first official offer to play collegiate ball.
Just this past week, Bruton got the call from the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP), which will undoubtedly be the first of many if the results he has shown thus far are any indication.
Kyden Barker, Galveston Ball Football
Photo provided by Kyden Barker
QB Kyden Barker put up some impressive numbers from behind center this past Fall.
In just his sophomore year, the Galveston Ball phenom threw for over 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, with another score on the ground to boot.
Given the productivity he's displayed, despite his young age, it comes as no surprise that Barker already has an offer from UNLV, and recently visited the University of Texas following a note-worthy invite.
With additional visits to Texas A&M and the University of Houston coming soon, the future is certainly bright for this rising star.
Tyler Thomas, Dickinson Football
Photo provided by Tyler Thomas (Twitter: @TThomas06x)
As one of the top offensive linemen in the state, Class of 2025's Tyler Thomas has been raising eyebrows from recruiters nationwide.
The three-star Dickinson product already holds offers from several top collegiate programs -- namely Tennessee, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Texas, Ole Miss, and LSU -- with plenty more pouring in.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, complemented by quick feet and an explosive energy, Thomas has become a force to be reckoned with in the trenches.
It will interesting to see where he ultimately decides to call home following his upcoming senior year.
Jaylen Stewart, Pearland Football
Photo provided by Jaylen Stewart
Jaylen Stewart was a welcome surprise to Pearland's already-stingy defense in 2023.
In just his sophomore year, he racked up a team-high 6 sacks, along with 52 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Unsurprisingly, Stewart earned first-team all-district honors, with the additional recognition of being named the district's Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
While he currently only holds one offer (Baylor), there's no doubt that will change by the time he takes to the field again for his junior season.
If this was his introduction, we can't to see what more is in store for this Pearland game-wrecker.
THE WRAP: VYPE's Top 5 performers at the DR7 7-on-7 Tourney
This past weekend, DR7Sports had its first Houston tournament at CE King High School, where dozens of recruitable athletes showed their skills in open space.
VYPE's Jackson DiPasquale was on the scene and picked his Top 5 performers of the tournament and others to watch.
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Jalen Mickens, Class of 2025 WR, Willis HS
Mickens was one of, if not the best wide receiver, of the weekend. He had an impressive junior season with 883 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Mickens ran good routes and displayed his ball skills this past weekend making some pretty impressive one-on-one catches. He also impressed with the speed he displayed. Holds one offer from Arkansas State as of right now, but expect his offer list to continue to grow.
Jayden Johnson, Class of 2026 ATH, Texas City HS
Jayden "Juice" Johnson was a player that showed he has tremendous tools and versatility. At 6-foot-3, 160-pounds, the sophomore looks like a promising young prospect. He had over 500 all-purpose yards this past Fall. Johnson posses solid route-running ability and his length gives him the ability to make tough contested catches. No offers as of yet, but that should change after hitting the camp circuit this offseason.
Aiden Martin, Class of 2025 QB, Tomball Memorial HS
Cypress Elite won the 18U bracket off the arm of 2025 QB Aiden Martin. Martin is an intriguing quarterback prospect who threw for 2,433 yards and 30 touchdowns this fall. He has good arm-strength and accuracy, and pushes the ball down the field on the deep throw. He was consistent in his throws across the middle. No offers as of yet, but expect Martin to be a sleeper in the class of 2025 and see his recruitment start to see some movement this offseason.
Eli Morcos, 2025 Quarterback, Lake Creek High School
The 2025 Lake Creek QB Eli Morcos is a hidden gem in the city of Houston at the uarterback position. Morcos was impressive at the DR7 tournament showing ability to make every throw with ease. He really was impressed with his arm strength and accuracy throughout the tournament. Threw for 1,817 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 584 yards and 12 touchdowns this Fall, while being injured for a few games. No offers as of yet... but a big offseason for Morcos incoming.
Jack Daulton, Class of 2026 QB, The Woodlands HS
With the departure of Wisconsin-signee Mabrey Mettauer, The Woodlands Highlanders will have a new quarterback for the first time in three years. Jack Daulton looks the part to be the guy next Fall. The 6-foot-2, dual-threat impressed all weekend at the tournament. He has a strong arm and is able to throw a good deep ball with accuracy and looked good during intermediate throws.
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Though these 5 players stood out over the rest of the field, there are a few players that you should put on your radar this offseason.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Paris Melvin Jr, 2026 Athlete, Cy Springs High School - 8 Total Offers, most recently picked up Michigan
- Daylion Robinson, 2025 Athlete, Willis High School - 4 Total Offers, most recently Arkansas State
- Parker Stewart, 2026 Athlete, The Woodlands High School
- Joshua Scott, 2025 Wide Receiver, Paetow High School
- Ashton Jones, 2025 Wide Receiver, Shadow Creek High School - Committed to Baylor
- Kairee Williams, 2027 Athlete, New Caney High School
- Juwaan Woodbury, 2026 Wide Receiver, Galveston Ball High School
- Kaleb Burns, 2025 Linebacker, Cy Falls High School - Holds 10 Offers, most recently Oregon State
- Ashton Ansley, 2025 Wide Receiver, Tomball Memorial High School - Holds 5 Offers, most recently South Carolina
- Kingston Cramer, 2025 Defensive Back, Clear Falls High School