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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.
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Four-Star Cypress Springs ATH Paris Melvin Jr.
BUILT DIFFERENT: Melvin Jr.’s versatile brilliance has revitalized Cy Springs Football
Melvin, now entering his senior year, is an athlete in every sense of the word.
Offensively, he lines up in the backfield or in the slot. Defensively, he locks down receivers at corner or flies around as a nickelback. Wherever the Panthers need a spark, Melvin delivers.
Last season, he totaled over 1,500 scrimmage yards, 21 touchdowns, and added an interception with four pass breakups on defense – enough to earn District 16-6A MVP honors and turn heads across Texas.
“Really, it’s something that I’ve been doing since I was a kid,” Melvin said. “Now, it’s come to the point where I just don’t like being off the field. When I’m not out there doing everything I can to make a play, it makes me feel like I’ve done something wrong.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
That mindset – never sitting still, always impacting the game – has helped shape him into one of the most dynamic two-way athletes in the country. His skill set draws natural comparisons to Travis Hunter, the Colorado star turned No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But for Melvin, the inspiration goes even deeper.
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“Most people would assume that it’s Travis Hunter. Of course, he’s an athlete I aspire to be like… But I have two favorites: Deion Sanders and CeeDee Lamb.”
Deion’s once-in-a-generation versatility and Lamb’s explosive playmaking – especially meaningful given his roots in the Houston area, where he starred at Foster before ascending to Oklahoma and, ultimately, the Dallas Cowboys – both resonate with Melvin.
“CeeDee is my favorite current player and plays at my favorite position,” he said. “I’m not on his level yet, of course, but I do get a lot of comparisons to him.”
That confidence comes naturally. Ask Melvin what sets him apart, and his answer is simple but revealing.
“It’s the way I’m built,” Melvin said. “There’s nothing you could tell me that I can’t do. If you doubt me, I’m just going to go out there and prove it.”
Now in the latter stages of his high school career, Melvin ultimately announced his future program after committing to the University of Houston in July. The Coogs will be getting more than just a recruit – they’re getting a mentality.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
And that distinct mindset has been forged at Cy Springs, a program that didn’t always get the attention it’s starting to now.
“When I first got here after eighth grade, there wasn’t anyone on the outside who believed in this program,” Melvin said. “When everyone turned left, I turned right. I’m grateful that I stayed and have been able to build something with Coach [Oji] Fagan and his staff. Now, we’re in the process of becoming one of the top teams in the state. Stay tuned for that.”
If Melvin Jr. has anything to say about it – and he usually does, on every down and on every side of the ball – Cypress Springs won’t just be in the conversation. They’ll be leading it.