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Randle's Landen Williams-Callis (Texas commit)
COMING FOR IT ALL: Texas-bound Williams-Callis chases history, legacy, and another ring with Randle
Yet, despite the heightened profile surrounding his future, Williams-Callis remains the same reserved presence that has defined his rise to national prominence.
“I try to be more vocal as a leader, but I can’t change who I am,” Williams-Callis said. “I’ve always been the type to keep my talking to a minimum, let my work speak for itself, and lead by example.”
Now entering his final high school campaign, Williams-Callis finds himself on the doorstep of legendary status. With 7,554 career rushing yards under his belt, LWC is on the verge of surpassing his cousin, former Lamar Consolidated standout and NFL running back Jacquizz Rodgers (8,302), for No. 2 on the Greater Houston-area all-time rushing leaderboard.
Furthermore, the prolific every-down back has his sights set on another historic milestone after a season that produced Gatorade Texas Football Player of the Year recognition and his third consecutive District MVP award — fueled by an astounding 3,502 rushing yards and 59 touchdowns. Matching that level of dominance would put Williams-Callis within striking distance of Mount Enterprise’s Kaegan Ash (11,382) and Sugar Land’s Kenneth Hall (11,232) for the title of Texas high school football’s all-time leading career rusher.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Collectively, Randle’s motivation stems from a chance to finish what they started. The Lions (15-1) were denied a repeat UIL title last December in a 35-19 defeat against South Oak Cliff in the 5A Division II State Championship. Now moving to 5A Division I, Williams-Callis is once again at the center of a team in pursuit of its second state title.
“I’ve been trying to get the guys on track heading into this season,” he said. “We lost at State, but don’t let that get in the way of what we can do. We’ve got to come with it, work, put our heads down, and get ready for what’s next.”
For Williams-Callis, the pursuit of greatness has never been defined solely by the numbers attached to his name. Records, accolades, and recognition are simply byproducts of a daily commitment to maximizing the talents he believes were given to him for a reason.
“You know, I’m definitely going to celebrate with my teammates and my family, but I don’t think it’ll really hit me in the moment,” Williams-Callis said. “When we won State, I didn’t know how to process it at first. We work toward those goals every day, so when it finally happens, it almost feels normal. I think it’ll probably feel the same way. No matter what happens, I’m giving all the glory to God.”
The records may tell the story of Williams-Callis’ production, but they don’t fully capture the player or person behind them.
“What keeps me going is knowing I can’t take the God-given talents I have for granted,” he said. “Every day, I want to get to it. I want to prove I’m the best at what I do, be known as a good person, and be remembered as the greatest to ever come through Houston.”
A player whose reputation has grown louder with every accomplishment, Williams-Callis has always operated the same way: prepare, compete, and let the results follow. Now, as his time at Randle nears its conclusion, he has one more opportunity to show why the process matters most.
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Alief Hastings' Smith Orogbo
TARDY TO THE PARTY: Hastings' Orogbo a future star in the making
The 6-foot-4 outside linebacker looks like a natural in pads and is just learning the game. His future and upside are so bright that colleges across the country were vying for his commitment over the off-season.
“When talking about legacy, I want to be that guy,” he said. “I hope to set an all-time record in sacks or tackles for losses, which is abig thing to aspire to. Overall, I just want to leave it all out there during my last year, with no questions left to be asked.”
New coach Michael Carter’s eyes light up with he talks of his stud senior.
“Yeah, a few years from now, this guy is going to be playing on Sundays,” he said. “He just has ‘it’.”
The first-team, all-district selection in 2023 has expanded his game entering his senior year.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“It’s a little hard to believe, but I’m just going into my fourth year of playing football, in general,” he said. “When I was going into high school, I wanted to play basketball. I saw my brother play football so I figured I might as well give it a shot. After I got my first hit in practice, I knew that this was the sport for me.
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunities that I’ve been given here, and now it’s my time to lead through my vocals and through my actions. I’m going to try to help pick my team up on the defensive side of the ball all season.”
Orogbo likes to model his game after professional players such as Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers), Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys)and Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders).
While he has NFL aspirations, first things first.
“Once I first get there (Texas), I’m going to be a sponge,” said Orogbo. “I’ll be trying to soak up all the information I can and keep up my work ethic as I look up to the guys in front of me. I’ll have to be patient for when my time comes. Until then, all I can do is continue to work on my craft and get better as a player.”
The way that the soon-to-be Longhorn composes himself on the field speaks for itself. So, what does he do when he’s not in pads?
“When I’m not hanging with the guys, you’ll probably see me watching some movies and shows,” Orogbo said. “I’m a big fan of The Boys, the Planet of the Apes trilogy and The Walking Dead. I really like Spider-Man,too. Something else people might know about me is that I like to listen to music by Nirvana.”
The stars of 2024-25 Alief Hastings FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
But, back to football.
Hastings will be moving over to District 20-6A this Fall, which brings new competition in the district– namely Fulshear, Foster, George Ranch and Strake Jesuit.
With Orogbo being the first one off the bus for Hastings, the Bears will be in the conversation for a district title and surely a playoff spot.
Are the Bears back in business?