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RANKINGS
Heavenbound Christian League celebrates silver anniversary with inspirational weekend
The Heavenbound Christian League (HCL) kicks off its Silver Legacy Week on Friday with a high-profile Exposure Camp, headlined by Super Bowl champion Ainias Smith.
A product of Dulles High School and Texas A&M, Smith recently wrapped up his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles. But before the NFL spotlight, he was deeply rooted in a mission that hits closer to home—HCL, the faith-based organization founded by his parents.
The Heavenbound Christian League serves the Greater Houston area, empowering student-athletes and their families through mentorship, character development, and athletic training—all grounded in faith.
Smith, joined by fellow HCL alumni Ross Blacklock and Leon O’Neal, sat down with VYPE’s Matt Malatesta to reflect on their football journeys—and the impact that HCL has had on their lives, both on and off the field.
From little league dreams to NFL realities, the trio credits HCL not just for athletic guidance, but for shaping their values and vision for the future.
For information on the camp, fund-raiser and dinner, please go to Heavenbound Christian League.
Joseph Credit of Pearland is narrowing list
Pearland LB Credit set for crucial visits ahead of May commitment
Class of 2026 Pearland three-star linebacker Joseph Credit dropped his Top 8 schools in February, featuring Arizona State, Baylor, Kansas, Houston, SMU, Texas A&M, and TCU.
Now, with a plan to commit sometime in May, Credit has lined up official visits to four of his finalists. These visits will play a key role in his decision-making process.
The Latest on His Recruitment
The recruiting journey can be a rollercoaster, but Credit has handled the process with maturity and focus.
“The recruiting process has been going good,” Credit said. “I’ve been talking to these coaches and looking at the opportunities I have.”
The 6-foot linebacker has set official visits to Kansas (April 4–6), Arizona State (April 8–10), TCU (April 11–13), and UCLA (May 5–7).
Though his official visits will certainly help him get a feel for each program, Credit emphasizes that the relationships and conversations leading up to them will be the real deciding factors.
“I feel like it’s not going to be the official visit that does it for me,” he said. “It’s going to be everything that led up to that point. That said, what I’m really looking for on my visits is the scheme—and how I would be utilized in it.”
With a May commitment looming, expect programs to make a final push over the next month as they aim to earn the talented linebacker’s pledge.