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The stars of 2025-26 Kinkaid Football
PRIVATE SCHOOL RANKINGS: No. 3 The Kinkaid School Falcons
While the departure of All-SPC quarterback David Capobianco leaves a void under center, junior running back Wayne Shanks Jr. is more than capable of leading the offense. The explosive, do-it-all back posted nearly 1,900 total yards from scrimmage with 27 touchdowns in 2024, drawing scholarship offers from Ohio State, Florida, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, and others. His presence alone keeps Kinkaid's attack dangerous.
Kinkaid Jr. RB Wayne Shanks Jr.Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
In the passing game, senior receivers Alexander Donnelly and Peter Liuzzi bring experience, dependable hands, and the ability to stretch defenses – giving the Falcons balance and options no matter who takes over at quarterback.
Moving over to defense, Kinkaid returns senior safety Caleb Pitts, edge rusher Odell Winn III, and junior linebacker Thomas Smith, a trio expected to set the tone physically.
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Three-Star Strake Jesuit RB John Hebert
MOBILE CARRIER: Nationwide Signal Reached by Strake Jesuit’s Hebert
And that work spoke volumes – loud enough to earn him a commitment to Houston at the end of July.
As the centerpiece of Strake Jesuit’s offense, Hebert rushed for a staggering 3,542 yards and 40 total touchdowns in 2024, leading the state in rushing and finishing second nationally. He was named unanimous District 20-6A MVP and helped guide the Crusaders to a 9-4 finish and a third-round playoff berth in the 6A-D2 bracket.
Still, for someone who made that kind of impact, Hebert deflects praise as quickly as he breaks tackles.
“From a personal perspective, I obviously have to give a huge portion of the credit to the team,” he said. “The offensive line did their job on every single down last year, which clearly gave me the opportunity to do what I did.”
He didn’t forget the rest of the unit, either.
“I also need to recognize the selflessness and commitment that all the skill guys show, even if they don’t get all the attention.”
Make no mistake: Hebert is the engine of Strake Jesuit’s offense.
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Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
That’s not a slight to his teammates – it’s a testament to how game-changing he is, even when defenses know exactly what’s coming.
His approach to the game reflects the same no-nonsense discipline that’s defined his life off the field, including his unusual (by modern standards) decision to grow up without a smartphone.
“In a way, you can’t miss what you never had,” Hebert said. “So, growing up without a phone is just something that I’ve gotten used to, really, because I’ve never needed one to function. It’s not like my family and I don’t have a TV, and my friend and I share a gaming system. We’re not off the grid completely,” he added with a laugh.
Still, as his recruitment gained traction, a phone became more necessity than luxury. Even then, his mindset hasn’t changed.
“My goal is to primarily use it for that purpose. I intend to live in the real world, and I don’t want anything to take me away from that.”
That grounded perspective has helped him become one of the state’s most respected backs – not just for his production, but for his relentlessness.
“I like to think it’s my determination,” he said. “I’ll always be the runner who gets right back to the line and is ready for the next step – only, this time, I want to be the one dealing out the punishment. Vision has also been a useful tool for me.”
When it comes to role models, Hebert sees himself in Christian McCaffrey – a versatile, workhorse back with a similar build and playing style. But he also points to Tim Tebow as a model of leadership and faith.
“I really admired the type of person he (Tebow) was on and off the field,” Hebert said. “His Christ-centered attitude is something that Strake Jesuit preaches, and it’s a mentality I aim to replicate.”
With one more season left in his already remarkable high school career, Hebert isn’t just looking to build on his stats. He’s elevating a team, staying true to himself – and proving that you don’t need a phone to make noise in Texas football.
You just need the ball.