Fort Worth-area high school football: 15 elite senior quarterbacks to keep an eye on

Charles Baggarly

The Texas high school football season starts on Aug. 29, and local players are getting ready for Friday nights under the lights.

Here are 15 senior quarterbacks from the greater Fort Worth-area to keep an eye on during the 2024 season.

1. Chris Jimerson Jr., North Crowley

Chris Jimerson Jr. won the Star-Telegram’s high school football Player of the Year award in 2023, and he’s primed for a monster senior season with North Crowley. The UNT commit passed for over 3,092 yards and rushed for 1,105 en route to the Class 6A D1 State Semifinals; he had 52 total touchdowns.

With an elite offensive line, Jimerson is expected to have another monster season with one of Texas football’s best programs.

North Crowley quarterback Chris Jimerson (12) scrambles in the backfield during the first half of a UIL Conference 6A Division I state semifinal football playoff game at Mesquite Memorial Stadium in Mesquite, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 09, 2023. Duncanville led North Crowley 24-0 at the half.
North Crowley quarterback Chris Jimerson (12) scrambles in the backfield during the first half of a UIL Conference 6A Division I state semifinal football playoff game at Mesquite Memorial Stadium in Mesquite, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 09, 2023. Duncanville led North Crowley 24-0 at the half.

2. Keelon Russell, Duncanville

Keelon Russell led Duncanville to a Class 6A D1 State Championship in his junior year, passing for 3,267 yards and 36 touchdowns in the process. Russell, an Alabama commit, has a 6-foot-3, 175 pound frame and will have an elite supporting cast with the Panthers, the state championship favorite.

Russell will be targeting Oregon commit Dakorien Moore, the No. 1 ranked wide receiver in the nation by 247Sports.

Duncanville quarterback Keelon Russell (12) poses with District 23 Senator Royce West after the UIL Conference 6A Division 1 state championship football game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.
Duncanville quarterback Keelon Russell (12) poses with District 23 Senator Royce West after the UIL Conference 6A Division 1 state championship football game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.

3. Kevin Sperry, Denton Guyer

Kevin Sperry, an Oklahoma commit, is 247Sports No. 72 ranked senior in Texas. He played his sophomore season with Prosper Rock Hill. As a junior, he played at Carl Albert, a school in Oklahoma, and threw 2,564 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Now, he’s back in Texas and has potential for a monster season with Denton Guyer. One of his targets will be wide junior wide receiver Corbin Glasco, who has offers from Notre Dame, Kansas State and more.

4. Canyon Evans, Glen Rose

Canyon Evans, statistically, is arguably the best quarterback in North Texas. His stats are so good, they are almost unbelievable. He passed for a whopping 4,577 yards and 49 touchdowns.

Glen Rose is one favorite in Class 4A D2, and Evans will have talent to work with. One of his targets is wide receiver Josiah Groeneweg, who tallied 1,669 yards and 19 touchdowns.

5. Caleb Williams, Crowley

Caleb Williams was a superstar for Crowley in 2023, passing for 3,131 yards and 36 touchdowns. He also ran for 807 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Eagles are a rising program, and the offense should take another step forward in Williams’ senior season; at times, Crowley’s offense rivaled the best in high school football and the team now searches for consistency.

Williams will target Derrick Tasby and Antayvious Ellis, who were both extremely productive last season.

Crowley quarterback Caleb Williams (10) connects outside in the first half of a UIL high school football game at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium in Crowley, Texas, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
Crowley quarterback Caleb Williams (10) connects outside in the first half of a UIL high school football game at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium in Crowley, Texas, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

6. Drew Kates, Richland

Drew Kates stuffed the stat sheet for the Richland Royals in 2023, passing for 2,498 yards and 29 touchdowns while only throwing four interceptions. With another year under his belt and two playoff wins, Kates is in an excellent position to build on a stellar season.

The Royals have an established run game with superstar running back Michael Turner, a Baylor commit. Kates will target wide receivers Xavier Johnson, a three-star Memphis commit and Deon Jones.

Richland quarterback Drew Kates looks downfield to pass while being pressured by Mansfield Timberview defenders on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Birdville Fine Arts/Athletics Complex in North Richland Hills, Texas.
Richland quarterback Drew Kates looks downfield to pass while being pressured by Mansfield Timberview defenders on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Birdville Fine Arts/Athletics Complex in North Richland Hills, Texas.

7. Braxton Van Cleave, Mansfield

As a Kentucky baseball commit, Braxton Van Cleave’s main focus is on the diamond. But he can sling it on the gridiron too. Last season, he threw for 1,601 yards and 15 touchdowns in Texas football’s toughest district.

He’ll still face elite competition in District 3-6A, but he is in a prime position to have a breakout senior year.

Mansfield quarterback Braxton Van Cleave (10) tosses an incompletion that was almost intercepted in the first half of a UIL high school football game at Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.
Mansfield quarterback Braxton Van Cleave (10) tosses an incompletion that was almost intercepted in the first half of a UIL high school football game at Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield, Texas, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.

8. Bechkham Robinson, Keller

Beckham Robinson had a great junior year with Keller in District 4-6A, home to a few of Texas football’s greatest defenses. He passed for 1,961 yards and 22 touchdowns, completing 64% of passes.

Keller will once again have its hands full with Southlake Carroll, Euless Trinity and Byron Nelson, but the Indians are in a position to compete for a playoff spot. Robinson’s veteran leadership and consistency could be the driving force.

Offensive lineman Kilian Registe, a three-star TCU commit, will be an anchor of what is expected to be a strong offensive line.

Keller quarterback Beckham Robinson (15) takes the snap in the first half of a UIL high school football game at Keller ISD Stadium in Keller, Texas, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Keller led Eaton 31-14 at the half.
Keller quarterback Beckham Robinson (15) takes the snap in the first half of a UIL high school football game at Keller ISD Stadium in Keller, Texas, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Keller led Eaton 31-14 at the half.

9. Carson Porter, Timber Creek

Carson Porter, a first team District 4-6A quarterback, is an all-around athlete for Keller Timber Creek. He had a solid junior season, throwing for 1,988 yards and 19 touchdowns.

The Falcons are returning seven players on offense, which could set up Porter for a big senior season. Jacob Hardin will serve as Timber Creek’s offensive coordinator and Porter, on X, said he has full trust in him.

10. TJ Tupou, Euless Trinity

TJ Tupou is leading Euless Trinity into a new era with the school’s move to District 4-6A. The path won’t be easy with schools like Southlake Carroll and Byron Nelson on the schedule, but Tupou is equipped with the skills and mindset to lead his team.

The Trojans, once again, have a formidable offensive line and a great running back in Josh Bell. Tupou will direct the offense; he passed for 1,533 yards and 17 touchdowns and ran for 315 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Tupou’s toughness and grit stood out last season, and it could be a difference maker in close games.

Trinity quarterback TJ Tupou (8) tosses to the outside in the second half of a UIL Class 6A Division 1 bi-district playoff football game at Pennington Field in Bedford, Texas, Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. Trinity moves on in the playoffs after defeating Timber Creek 63-35.
Trinity quarterback TJ Tupou (8) tosses to the outside in the second half of a UIL Class 6A Division 1 bi-district playoff football game at Pennington Field in Bedford, Texas, Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. Trinity moves on in the playoffs after defeating Timber Creek 63-35.

11. Gannon Carey, Arlington Lamar

Gannon Carey has experience and will lead the Vikings as they attempt to make the playoffs out of District 8-6A. His primary target Trenton Yancey, an elite sophomore, transferred to Duncanville.

But Carey is still in a position to put together a tremendous senior season as one of the best returning quarterbacks in the Fort Worth-area. He passed for 1,907 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

Arlington Lamar quarterback Gannon Carey (2) tosses a short pass to the sidelines in the first half of a UIL high school football game on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Arlington Lamar quarterback Gannon Carey (2) tosses a short pass to the sidelines in the first half of a UIL high school football game on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

12. Noah Normand, Birdville

Noah Normand and Birdville narrowly missed the playoffs last season with four district wins. This year could be a different story for the Hawks, but they have some tough competition in District 3-5A D1 alongside Richland, Aledo, Denton Ryan, Brewer and more.

Normand was a touchdown machine last season, throwing for 21 and rushing for six. He totaled 1,920 passing yards and 740 rushing yards.

Southlake Carroll offensive coordinator Chris Smith was hired as Birdville’s next head coach. Smith has experience running a top five offense in Texas, and he could bring the best out of Normand and the Hawks.

13. Jed Ross, Decatur

Jed Ross was one of the best quarterbacks in Class 4A last season, throwing for 2,781 yards and 31 touchdowns while completing 69% of passes. He led his squad to four playoff wins last year.

Decatur is the District 5-4A D1 favorite once again, but the Eagles lost some talent. They will rely on Ross’ experience to help build up young players.

14. Cardea Collier, Alvarado

Cardea Collier is one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in Class 4A, and is expected to lead Alvarado to the playoffs. In 2023, he passed for 2,820 yards and 27 touchdowns and ran for 1,097 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Collier is one of the favorites to win the District 6-4A D1 MVP.

Alvarado quarterback Cardea Collier passes during the third quarter of Thursday’s bi-district game against Kennedale at Crowley ISD Multipurpose Stadium.
Alvarado quarterback Cardea Collier passes during the third quarter of Thursday’s bi-district game against Kennedale at Crowley ISD Multipurpose Stadium.

15. Brody Woods, Senior, Brock

Brock football may be moving up classifications, but don’t expect different results. The Eagles are a state superpower and Brody Woods is back to lead the offense. He was lights out in 2023, passing for 2,427 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Woods is an all around athlete that has one year of experience as a signal caller. He now has a better understanding of running an offense, and could make a jump to have an even better season.

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