GAMES
RANKINGS
Manvel's Karnell "Greedy" James (LSU commit)
NO DOUBT: “Greedy” James strives to cement his place among Manvel’s all-time greats
“My journey started when I was five playing flag football and then in little league,” James said. “It’s been a really great journey, and I’ve learned how to work and adjust to playing different positions like linebacker, running back and now defensive back.
Fast forward to today, James has emerged as one of the state’s premier talents, ranked as the No. 10 player in Texas. While much of his focus remains on refining his craft and preparing for the upcoming season, he continues to prioritize the routines that help him stay centered away from the game.
Past the intensity of preparation, James finds clarity in the quieter moments.
“I really just hang out with friends and go fishing,” he said. “Fishing, you get out there for a nice long time and it takes your mind off things. You can put the football stuff to the side and zone out, which is good to balance out your mental health.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2026 VYPE HOUSTON FOOTBALL MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE
...
James’ rise has also brought a new level of attention to his recruitment. This offseason, he made a pivotal decision, changing his commitment from Texas to LSU.
Ultimately, the decision came down to more than a recruiting process — it was about finding the place that felt right.
“What made me flip was just the natural feeling I had when I was there and the connection I built with Coach (Corey) Raymond, knowing the opportunities he can bring to me,” James said. “They’ve sent a lot of guys to the league, and it just felt like home.”
Though Baton Rouge awaits, James understands there is still work to be done in Manvel. Wearing the Mavericks uniform one final time is a responsibility he does not take lightly.
The standard he hopes to leave behind is simple.
“I want people to say I was the best to ever do it at Manvel,” James said. “I want to leave no doubt on the field this year.”
...
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2026 VYPE HOUSTON FOOTBALL MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Shadow Creek's Xavier Muhammad (Michigan commit)
NEW HOME, SAME HUNGER: Muhammad’s disruptive edge remains unchanged at Shadow Creek
While changing schools presented a new challenge, Muhammad’s adjustment has been anything but difficult — quickly finding his footing with the Sharks.
“I love it there,” Muhammad said. “The guys welcomed me right away when I moved over, and I’m excited to keep building with them, make plays, win games and chase a State championship. I’m just trying to have fun and enjoy my final journey through high school.”
Muhammad’s path to becoming a standout defensive presence began long before the Friday night spotlight. It started in little league, where his size introduced him to a higher level of competition at an early age.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2026 VYPE HOUSTON FOOTBALL MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE
...
“My football journey started when I was in little league,” he said. “I actually always had to play up because I was bigger than everybody else in my grade, so I had to play with the 2026 class growing up.”
That early adjustment helped shape the athletic foundation Muhammad continues to rely on today — one that extends beyond football. Basketball has also played a significant role in developing the coordination and footwork that separate him on the edge.
“Basketball definitely helps translate to the football field with my coordination and my footwork, especially for my size,” Muhammad said. “A lot of people with my size aren’t always coordinated, so basketball really helps with that and most definitely translates to football.”
As Muhammad enters his final season, he understands the viewership that comes with being one of Shadow Creek’s standout defenders — and he plans to turn it into an advantage.
“I plan on just being disruptive on the field and using that target on my back,” he said. “If people are focused on me, it lets other people get free and make big plays, and I think that’s going to be the main factor for us to make a deeper playoff run.”
That selfless mentality shows the mark Muhammad hopes to leave with the Sharks before beginning his next chapter at Michigan. More than individual honors, he wants his time at Shadow Creek to be remembered through the culture he helped strengthen.
“I want to leave a legacy where people never forget about me,” he said. “Every year they bring me up or compare future players to me and talk about how I impacted the team.”
...