The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Meet Texas' signing class of 2007
02.07.2007 | Football
Sam Acho (AH-cho)
Defensive End
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 250
Dallas, Texas (St. Mark's)
H.S. Coach: Scott Parker
A three-time All-Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) performer who was also a four-year member of the honor roll ... versatile three-sport letterman who was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... led St. Mark's to a 24-7 record during his final three seasons and an SPC Championship as a sophomore ... was named captain by his teammates as a junior and senior ... played DT as a freshman and DE and TE as a sophomore, junior and senior ... earned All-SPC and all-district honors as a senior ... named the team's Most Valuable Player ... participated in the North vs. South Private School All-Star game ... recorded 12 sacks as a senior ... posted four sacks in a game against Casady ... led the Lions to a 9-2 record and a berth in the SPC Championship game as a junior ... tabbed All- SPC ... also voted the Lion Award winner by his teammates for being the most respected player on the team ... notched 10 sacks ... helped St. Mark's to a 10-1 season and an SPC Championship as as sophomore ... named All-SPC ... also was a four-year letterman in track and field and a three-year letterman in basketball ... was a two-year captain in track and field ... holds the school record in the discus with a toss of 163-5 ... ranks second in school history in the shot put with a throw of 55-1 ... won the SPC Championship in the discus and shot put as a junior and the discus as a sophomore ... named St. Mark's most valuable field athlete as a junior ... competed in the Texas Relays as a sophomore and junior ... finished 4th in the discus (B Division) as a junior ... averaged 12 ppg and 15 rpg in basketball as a senior ... earned All-SPC South Zone honors as a junior in that sport ... was a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the Intercultural Club and the student government ... was a class representative as a senior and class vice president as a sophomore ... is close to being fluent in Spanish ... spends time at the Jubilee Community Center helping teach adults English as a second language ... spends time each summer taking mission trips to Nigeria where he performs mission work and helps provide medical care ... volunteers time to special events for local homeless shelters ... volunteered to help with landscaping around Richland College ... mom, Christi, ran track at University College Hospital in Nigeria ... full name is Samuel Onyedikachi Acho ... middle name means 'one who is like God' ... born 9/6/88 in Dallas.
Tray Allen
Offensive Line
Fr.-HS - 6-5 - 310
Grand Prairie, Texas (South Grand Prairie)
H.S. Coach: David Fisher
A consensus first-team prep All-America selection on the offensive line as a senior ... tabbed first-team All-America by Parade Magazine ... tabbed the top lineman on the Parade All-American team ... also earned first-team All-America honors from USA Today ... participated in the 2007 U.S. Army All-America Game ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... a three-year starter on both sides of the ball ... has played left tackle, nose guard and defensive end ... named first-team 5A all-state by The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... also a first-team all-district 7-5A selection ... led South Grand Prairie to a 10-2 record and a 7-5A District Championship ... part of a line that led South Grand Prairie to an average of 379.0 total yards per game and 207.8 rushing yards per game ... helped lead team to a victory over Arlington Bowie in the 5A Division I playoffs ... played on both sides of the ball versus Euless Trinity and recorded six tackles ... as a junior, helped the Warriors average 349.2 total yards per game and 238.5 rushing yards per game en route to a 10-2 record and a bi-District Championship ... also a three-year letterwinner in basketball and played baseball as a freshman ... participates in a mentoring program at area elementary schools ... enjoys listening to music ... full name is Davon A. Allen ... born 9/7/88 in Dallas.
Curtis Brown
Defensive Back
Fr.-HS - 6-1 - 175
Gilmer, Texas (Gilmer)
H.S. Coach: Jeff Traylor
Prep All-American and two-time all-state selection who played wide receiver and cornerback ... played in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... a first-team member of Dave Campbell's Super Team ... finished his career with 119 receptions for 2,183 yards (18.3 ypc) and 25 TDs ... added 1,022 yards rushing on 78 carries (13.1 ypc) and 10 TDs ... averaged 16.3 yards per touch as a prepster ... also recorded 76 tackles, 23 PBU and five INTs while on defense ... started as a receiver as a senior and a junior and at cornerback as a sophomore ... earned first-team 3A all-state honors by The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... made 40 receptions for 970 yards and 14 TDs while recording 16 carries for 168 yards and one TD ... also recorded 15 tackles ... named district 15-3A MVP as a junior ... had 63 receptions for 974 yards and 10 TDs while recording 47 carries for 750 yards and eight TDs ... also recorded 15 tackles and five PBU on defense ... started at cornerback for the 2004 3A State Championship team as a sophomore ... recorded three tackles and three PBU in the championship game ... was named District Newcomer of the Year ... notched 46 tackles, 18 PBU and five INTs to go along with 16 receptions for 239 yards and a TD and 15 carries for 104 yards and a TD ... played four basketball games as a junior and averaged 25 points per game ... ran a 10.6 in the 100m dash as a junior while also competing in the long jump ... helped victims of Hurricane Katrina with his church ... enjoys drawing and rapping ... father, Aundray Taylor, played football as a freshman at Oklahoma State ... uncle, Hosea Taylor, was a defensive end for the Baltimore Colts in 1981 and '83 ... played at the University of Houston from 1977-80 ... full name is Curtis Jamaal Brown ... born 9/24/88 in Longview, Texas.
Russell Carter
Defensive End
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 240
Houston, Texas (Westbury)
H.S. Coach: Scott Joseph
A three-year letterwinner and two-year starter at defensive end ... a two-sport prep letterman who totaled 250 tackles during his final two seasons ... tabbed first-team 5A all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association and second-team 5A all-state by The Associated Press as a senior ... named first-team All-Houston area that year ... also named first-team all-district 20-5A ... recorded 139 tackles, 14 sacks and 23 TFL ... had 11 tackles and three sacks versus Madison ... earned second-team all-district 22-4A as a junior ... helped Westbury to a 6-4 record ... posted 111 tackles while leading the team in sacks and fumble recoveries while playing defensive end and linebacker ... also a three-year letterwinner in track and field ... served as a teacher's aide at Westbury ... his cousin, Jaime Perry Collins, played baseball at Howard University ... full name is Russell O. Carter ... born 11/11/88 in Chicago ... lived in Kansas through elementary school and Tempe, Ariz. until high school ... went to the same high school in Tempe (Corona del Sol) as fellow signee Blaine Irby.
John Chiles
Quarterback
Fr.-HS - 6-2 - 197
Dallas, Texas (Summitt)
H.S. Coach: Kyle Geller
Prep All-American and two-time district 4-5A MVP who was also a four-time honor roll student ... played in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... a first-team member of Dave Campbell's Super Team ... three year starter at both quarterback and wide receiver ... combined for 2,036 yards passing, 694 yards receiving, 1,248 yards rushing and 56 TDs over his final two prep seasons ... tallied 3,978 yards of total offense over that span ... threw for 1,805 yards and 24 TDs while rushing for 757 yards and 14 TDs as a senior ... completed 56% of his passes ... threw for 302 yards, rushed for 85 yards and scored five TDs against Flower Mound Marcus ... threw for 215 yards and a TD, while rushing for 118 yards and three TDs against Weatherford ... earned district 4-5A Offensive MVP honors as a junior ... caught 26 passes for 694 yards and eight TDs, rushed 50 times for 491 yards and nine TDs and threw for 231 yards and a score ... averaged 14.1 yards per play ... lettered three years in basketball and two years in track and field ... averaged 17 points per game in helping Summit to the third round of the playoffs as a junior ... posted a 10.5 in the 100 meters as a sophomore and competed in the regional track meet in the 100m, 4x100m and 4x200m relays and the high jump ... made the National Honor Roll as a senior ... volunteered at a homeless shelter as a part of the Dallas Life Community Service program ... played piano and guitar as a child ... cousin, Vincent Williams, is a sophomore and plays defensive tackle at Texas A&M ... cousin, Jerryann Chiles, attended UT ... enjoys a wide variety of music from Maroon 5 to Lil' Wayne ... full name is John Solomon Chiles ... born 10/9/88 in Dallas, Texas.
Brandon Collins
Defensive Back
Fr.-HS - 6-0 - 174
Brenham, Texas (Brenham)
H.S. Coach: Glen West
An all-state selection who played at both wide receiver and safety ... versatile three-sport letterman who was named second-team 4A all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association at wide receiver as a senior ... an honorable mention 4A all-state selection by The Associated Press ... a three-year letterman who finished his career with 99 receptions for 1,893 yards and 29 TDs ... averaged 19.1 yards per reception and a TD every 3.4 catches for his career ... also posted 14 interceptions (four returned for TDs) on defense during his career ... earned first- team all-district 18-4A on offense, defense and special teams ... also earned first- team All-Greater Houston on offense and defense ... made 60 receptions for 1,073 yards and 15 TDs on offense as a senior ... averaged 17.9 yards per reception ... was the first receiver in school history to reach 1,000 yards receiving in a season ... recorded 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a TD), six pass break ups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries on defense ... led Brenham to a 11-2 finish and a No. 17 ranking in Texas Football's Top 25 ... helped lead team to an area championship in the 4A playoffs ... earned all-district honors 18-4A at wide receiver and defensive back as a junior ... also tabbed second-team All-Greater Houston ... had 39 receptions for 820 yards and 12 TDs on offense ... also posted five INTs including three returned for TDs ... returned two punts for TDs ... earned all-district honors at cornerback as a sophomore ... posted 50 tackles, 20 PBU and five INTs ... tabbed all-district as a point guard in basketball ... was a regional qualifier in the 110 hurdles, the 300 hurdles and the long jump ... has been named to the honor roll since his sophomore year ... involved with Future Cubs, mentoring to elementary children ... has been a speaker at local junior high and elementary schools ... mother, Kim, is an assistant coach with the girl's basketball and track and field teams at Brenham H.S. ... father, Darrell, his the head boy's basketball coach at Fort Bend George Bush H.S. ... cousin, Shaud Williams, played running back at Texas Tech (1999-2000) and Alabama (2002-03) and is currently playing for the Buffalo Bills ... enjoys riding horses, hunting and fishing ... full name is Brandon Jerard Collins ... born 4/21/89 in Austin, Texas ... moved immediately to San Angelo ... moved to Bryan when he was eight and then moved to Brenham in the fifth grade.
Ian Harris
Tight End
Fr.-HS - 6-4 - 230
San Antonio, Texas (Churchill)
H.S. Coach: Carl Gustafson
Prep All-American and all-state performer ... a two-sport letterman who was an all-district basketball player as well ... was named a captain by the coaching staff at the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... a three-year letterman at tight end who tallied 67 receptions for 793 yards and 16 TDs during his career ... averaged one TD catch in every 4.2 receptions during his career ... named first team all-district 26-5A and first-team all-area as a senior ... notched 15 receptions for 106 yards and three TDs ... named first team all-district 26-5A as a junior ... had 24 receptions for 298 yards and five TDs ... earned all-district 25-5A as a sophomore ... had 28 receptions for 389 yards and eight TDs ... averaged a career- best 13.9 yards per reception that year ... also lettered for three years as a power forward on the basketball team ... averaged 10 points and eight rebounds a game ... earned second-team all-district honors as a junior ... was named to the honor roll as a senior ... volunteers as the coach of a fifth grade YMCA basketball team ... is involved with his church youth group ... enjoys playing video games, pool and basketball ... brother, Gilbert Harris, Jr., played fullback at the University of Arizona from 2003-05 and is currently playing football in Europe ... born 11/17/88 in San Antonio, Texas.
Tyrell Higgins
Defensive Tackle
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 255
Schertz, Texas (Clemens)
H.S. Coach: Greg Ferrara
A three-year starter and letterwinner at defensive tackle and defensive end ... also saw action at tight end ... versatile two-sport letterman who recorded 205 tackles and 12 sacks during his final two prep seasons ... helped his team to a 24-3 record during that span ... tabbed second-team 4A all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association and honorable mention 4A all-state by The Associated Press as a senior ... also named first-team all-district 26-4A and first-team all- area ... recorded 108 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries ... helped Clemens to a 13-2 record in advancing to the 4A state semifinals ... sprained his ankle in the first quarter of that game, but went on to record 10 tackles and two TFL in the 27-14 loss to La Marque ... named first- team all-district 26-4A as a junior ... notched 97 tackles, six sacks, eight PBD, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery ... helped Clemens to an 11-1 record in advancing to the 4A area finals ... also a two-year letterwinner in track and field participating in shot put and discus ... a two-time qualifier for regionals in the shot put ... a prep honor roll student ... participates in PALS (Peer Assistance and Leadership), mentoring at a local elementary school ... enjoys exercising and playing the piano ... full name is Tyrell Louis Higgins ... born 11/14/88 in Landsguhl, Germany ... has also lived in Universal City, Texas and Clarksville, Tenn.
Kyle Hix
Offensive Line
Fr.-HS - 6-7 - 300
Aledo, Texas (Aledo)
H.S. Coach: Tim Buchanan
Versatile three-sport all-district honoree and honor student ... named a first- team all-state selection as a senior by The Associated Press and Texas Sports Writers Association ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... tallied 185 knockdown blocks during his career ... named the district offensive MVP as a senior ... earned academic all-district honors ... did not allow any sacks his senior year and graded out at 95% as a senior with 91 knockdowns ... helped his team average 372 yards of total offense (282p/90r) and 39 points a game ... helped team to the state semi-finals and a 13-1 record ... earned first team all- district honors as a junior ... recorded 56 knockdowns and helped the team average 324 yards of total offense (210p/104r) ... helped the team average 339 total yards per game (227p/112r) as a sophomore while recording 38 knockdowns ... also played center in basketball and threw the shot put and discus in track and field ... was named to the all-district team as a junior in basketball ... went to the regional track meet for both shot put and discus as a junior ... volunteers at the Special Olympics ... enjoys video games and playing the guitar in his spare time ... cousin, John Hix, played running back at New Mexico State ... born 9/23/88 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Ahmard Howard
Tight End
Fr.-HS - 6-4 - 220
Brenham, Texas (Brenham)
H.S. Coach: Glen West
Prep All-American and all-district performer at tight end and defensive end ... versatile three-sport letterman that played in the 2007 East Meets West All- American game as a defensive end ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... started at tight end as a sophomore, junior and senior in addition to starting at defensive end as a senior ... led his team to a 25-3 record over his final two seasons and two District Championships ... posted 17 receptions for 325 yards and seven TDs at tight end over his final two seasons ... averaged a TD every 2.4 receptions ... earned first-team all-district 18-4A at defensive end and second- team all-district 18-4A at tight end as a senior ... helped his team to an 11-2 record and a berth in the regional semifinals ... finished the season ranked 17th in the Texas Football Top 25 ... posted 46 tackles, three sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 42 pressures, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery ... caught 13 passes for 223 yards and four TDs ... tabbed first-team all-district 18-4A as a junior ... helped the Cubs reach the 4A Division II state semifinals and a 14-1 record ... caught four passes for 102 yards and three TDs ... also was a three-year letterwinner in basketball and lettered in track and field as a sophomore ... has devoted time to the Young Life program ... a member of his church's youth group ... enjoys listening to music and playing video games ... brother, Antoine, was an indoor All-American in the triple jump at Arkansas in 1997 ... father, Andre, played running back at Fort Glenn Junior College ... born 1/31/89 in Houston.
Michael Huey
Offensive Line
Fr.-HS - 6-5 - 320
Kilgore, Texas (Kilgore)
H.S. Coach: Mike Vallery
Prep All-American and all-state performer ... started in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... a first-team member of Dave Campbell's Super Team ... posted 164 knockdowns as a two-year starter ... named first-team 4A all-state by The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... also earned all-district (12-4A) and all-region ... named the district 12-4A Lineman of the Year ... registered 86 knockdowns ... led the Bulldogs to an 11-2 record and a berth in the Division II regional semifinals as a junior ... earned district 12-4A honors ... posted 78 knockdowns ... was a member of the 2004 Texas 4A State Championship team ... also threw the shot put as a junior ... two-time honor roll student ... volunteered as a tee ball coach ... painted kids faces at church fundraisers ... served as one of the speakers at the 2006 Kilgore football banquet ... enjoys bowling, golfing, fishing and hunting ... full name is Michael Austin Huey ... born 9/28/88 in Longview, Texas.
Blaine Irby
Tight End
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 230
Camarillo, Calif. (St. Bonaventure)
H.S. Coach: Jon Mack
Prep All-American and all-state selection who played both tight end and linebacker as a prepster ... played in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl as a linebacker ... helped St. Bonaventure to a 24-2 record over his final two seasons ... led team to a 10-2 record as a senior ... earned all-state, All-California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Division, Channel League Defensive Player of the Year and was named one of the CIF's Linebackers of the Year ... tallied 82 tackles, a sack, two interceptions and a fumble recovery while at LB and scored two TDs in limited action on offense ... helped St. Bonaventure to a No. 1 state ranking, a CIF Southern Division Championship and an undefeated 14-0 record as a junior ... earned all-region and all-district honors ... finished with 43 receptions for 658 yards and seven TDs ... added 157 yards and three TDs on 17 carries ... notched five receptions for 120 yards and two TDs in a second-round playoff victory over Newbury Park ... played his sophomore season at Corona del Sol H.S. in Tempe, Ariz. ... started at both WR and safety and helped the team to a 9-3 record ... caught seven passes for 113 yards and a TD ... earned first-team all-region as a WR and honorable mention all-region as a safety ... also earned three letters in track and field and one letter in basketball ... ran the 400 meters his first three years and plans to run the 100m and 200m as a senior ... has maintained a 3.5 GPA or better during high school ... earned one of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl's scholar-athlete awards ... named Academic All-CIF as a junior ... traveled to Washington D.C. to take part in the National Young Leaders Conference in the summer of 2006 ... was a member of the YMCA Leadership Council that helped rebuild houses and area schools ... worked as a volunteer at a golf tournament for the families of fallen police officers ... volunteered as a counselor for his high school's football camp ... his father, Pat, played linebacker at Cal Western until 1967 ... his brother, Ryan, played wide receiver at Mesa Community College in 2002 ... full name is Blaine Richard Irby ... born 7/7/88 in Fresno, Calif. ... lived in Tempe, Ariz. from 1990 to 2005 before moving to Camarillo, Calif. ... went to the same school in Tempe (Corona del Sol) as fellow signee Russell Carter.
Cody Johnson
Running Back
Fr.-HS - 5-11 - 230
Waller, Texas (Waller)
H.S. Coach: Jim Phillips
An all-state and three-time all-district selection ... three year letterman and starter who was a versatile athlete, earning nine letters in three sports ... played running back, linebacker and defensive end ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... rushed 343 times for 3,294 yard and 40 TDs over his final two seasons ... averaged 9.6 yards per carry during that span ... named second- team all-state by The Associated Press and The Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... also garnered first-team all-district 18-4A honors ... rushed 187 times for 1,743 yards and 21 TDs ... averaged 9.3 yards per carry ... had a long TD rush of 75 yards ... rushed 25 times for 363 yards and five TDs in a 41-38 win over Nederland ... named first-team all-district 18-4A as a junior ... also named second-team all-area ... rushed 156 times for 1,551 yards and 19 TDs ... averaged 9.9 yards per carry ... had a long TD rush of 84 yards ... started at defensive end and linebacker as a sophomore ... named a second-team all-district 18-4A performer at linebacker ... also lettered in basketball and track and field ... was a three-year starter at power forward in basketball ... was a three-year letterman in track and field ... competed in the 100m, 200m and sprint relays ... member of Student Council and PRIDE mentor program in high school ... named to "Top Teens of America" ... brother, Sidney Johnson, plays defensive tackle at Texas Lutheran University ... full name is Colton R. Johnson ... born 3/16/1989 in Washington County, Texas.
Dre Jones
Defensive Tackle
Fr.-HS - 6-5 - 295
El Paso, Texas (Andress)
H.S. Coach: Allan Sepkowitz
Prep All-American and three-time all-state selection ... versatile two-sport starter who earned seven prep letters and was a three-time El Paso Times all-city selection ... tabbed first-team All-America by Parade Magazine ... became just the third player in El Paso history to earn that honor ... also named to the USA Today All-USA second team ... is the first player in El Paso history to be named to that team ... played in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... first player from El Paso to be selected for the All-American Bowl ... tabbed the Texas 4A Defensive Player of the Year by the Texas Sports Writers Association ... a first-team member of Dave Campbell's Super Team ... named the preseason Outstanding Defensive Player by Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine ... tallied 304 tackles, 18 sacks and five forced fumbles as Andress' only four-year starter in school history ... earned first-team 4A all-state from The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... named district 2-4A MVP ... led Andress to an 8-2 record and the second round of the state playoffs ... tallied 68 tackles and two sacks ... earned honorable mention all-state from The Associated Press as a junior ... was also an all-district (2-4A) and all-city selection ... notched 87 tackles and seven sacks ... named honorable mention 4A all-state by The Associated Press as a sophomore ... also earned all-district (2-4A) and all-city ... posted 91 tackles and four sacks ... tabbed all-district 2-4A as a freshman ... tallied 58 tackles and five sacks ... also lettered for three years in basketball ... earned a place on the honor roll as a senior ... spent time reading at various elementary schools in El Paso ... enjoys helping others ... born 8/3/89 in Racine, Wis. ... immediately moved to Indianapolis, Ind. ... lived in Indianapolis until 2002, when he moved to Edinburg, Texas ... then moved to El Paso for high school.
G.J. Kinne (kin-ee)
Quarterback
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 215
Gilmer, Texas (Gilmer)
H.S. Coach: Jeff Traylor
Prep All-American and two-time 3A Offensive Player of the Year ... played in the 2007 East Meets West All-American game ... connected with fellow UT signee Malcolm Williams for a 60-yard TD ... four-year starter at QB ... also started as a free safety his first three years ... played three seasons at Canton before transferring to Gilmer as a senior ... accounted for TDs in six different ways (pass, rush, reception, kick return, punt return and INT return) ... threw for 11,695 yards and 130 TDs, while rushing for 3,327 yards and 48 TDs in four seasons ... his 11,695 yards rank third and his 130 TD passes rank second in Texas high school football history ... led his teams to a 38-9 record during that span ... earned 3A Offensive Player of the Year honors from The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... also named the district 15-3A MVP ... led Gilmer to a 10-1 record and a No. 11 ranking in the Texas Football Top 25 ... threw for 3,216 yards and 47 TDs with only one INT, while rushing for 400 yards and 11 TDs ... threw at least four TD passes in eight of 11 games ... earned 3A Offensive Player of the Year honors (AP, TSWA) as a junior ... also earned 15-3A MVP honors ... led Canton to a 12-2 record and a berth in the quarterfinals of the 3A state playoffs ... threw for 4,200 yards and 42 TDs, while rushing for 1,012 yards and 15 TDs ... recorded a career-best 5,212 yards of total offense and 65 total TDs that year ... also led his team with seven interceptions while playing free safety ... threw for 400 yards and four TDs, rushed for two TDs, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble in a 61-58 victory over Gilmer ... earned second-team 3A all-state honors (AP) as a sophomore ... also was tabbed the district 15-3A MVP and the all-County MVP ... helped Canton go 8-2 on the season ... passed for 2,629 yards and 29 TDs, while rushing for 1,300 yards and 15 TDs ... earned East Texas Newcomer of the Year and all-County Newcomer of the Year as a freshman ... led Canton to an 8-4 record ... tallied 1,650 yards and 12 TDs passing, while rushing for 615 yards and seven TDs ... connected on a 99-yard TD pass in a game against Sabine ... also competed in basketball, baseball and track and field ... earned all- district honors in basketball as a junior ... was named all-state in baseball as a sophomore at centerfield and all-district as a freshman and junior ... also played pitcher and catcher ... holds personal bests of 39.0 seconds in the 300 hurdles and 23-1 in the long jump ... was a four-year honor roll student who maintained a 3.6 GPA ... was a four-year member of the FCA ... was a three-year member of the Spanish Club ... volunteered to read to students at local elementary schools ... served as the coach of a YMCA flag football team ... enjoys sports video games and fishing ... dad, Gary, was a LB and captain at Baylor and is currently the Bears' linebackers coach ... uncle, Buddy Owens, played football at Michigan State from 1963-65 ... full name is Gary Joe Kinne ... born 12/1/88 in Mesquite, Texas ... lived in Mesquite until the eighth grade ... moved to Canton until 11th grade ... transferred to Gilmer for his senior season.
James Kirkendoll
Wide Receiver
Fr.-HS - 5-11 - 175
Round Rock, Texas (Round Rock)
H.S. Coach: Laney Wilson
Prep All-American and three-time all-district performer ... played in the 2007 East Meets West All-American game ... a third-team member of Dave Campbell's Super Team ... totaled 133 receptions for 2,033 yards and 10 TDs over his final three seasons ... averaged 15.3 yards per reception ... scored TDs via rush, reception and return during his career ... was a standout at wide receiver, cornerback and kick returner ... helped Round Rock to a 9-3 record and an area and bi-district championship as a senior... earned all-district 14-5A honors at both wide receiver and returner ... also tabbed first-team All-Centex ... caught 49 passes for 923 yards (18.8 ypc) and eight TDs ... carried the ball 37 times for 600 yards and nine TDs ... returned eight punts for 325 yards (40.6 ypr) and seven kickoffs for 460 yards (65.7 ypr) ... recorded 2,308 all-purpose yards and averaged 22.9 yards per touch ... also posted 56 tackles and four interceptions on defense ... tabbed all-region and first-team all-district 15-5A as a junior ... notched 50 receptions for 595 yards and two TDs ... earned first-team all-district 15-5A as a sophomore ... caught 34 passes for 515 yards ... also returned a kickoff 97 yards for a TD ... also was a three-year letterman in basketball and competed in track and field as a sophomore and freshman ... earned preseason all-state honors in basketball as a senior ... tabbed the Williamson County Basketball Player of the Year, first-team all-district 14-5A and second-team All-Centex as a junior ... voted Basketball Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore ... ran the 100 meters in 10.8 as a sophomore ... maintained a 'B' average and was a member of the honor roll ... was a member of the Greater Central Texas Youth Association ... participated in the GCTYA Toy Drive ... volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Coats for Tots and Blue Santa ... was involved in the Mount Zion Baptist Church Youth Ministry ... full name is James Perry Kirkendoll ... born 8/14/89 in Norfolk, VA ... lived in Norfolk for two years before moving to Terre Haute, Ind. ... moved from Terre Haute to Round Rock as an eight year old.
Aundre McGaskey
Offensive Line
Fr.-HS - 6-5 - 272
La Marque, Texas (La Marque)
H.S. Coach: Bryan Erwin
Prep All-American and two-time all-district 23-4A selection ... versatile athlete who competed in five different sports while in high school ... played in the 2007 East Meets West All-American game ... helped La Marque to a 54-5 record and two 4A Division II State Championships during his four-year career ... played left guard and right tackle on the 2006 Texas 4A Division II State Championship team (15-1) as a senior ... earned second-team 4A all-state honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association ... named first-team all-district 23-4A, first-team All- Greater Houston and was named to the Houston Touchdown Club's team ... was a preseason member of Dave Campbell's Super Team ... tallied 48 pancakes while helping La Marque score 31.1 points per game, rush for 205 yards per game and total 356 yards per game ... helped La Marque to a 12-1 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals as a junior ... named all-district (23-4A) ... blocked for 33.5 points per game, 241 yards per game rushing and 360 total yards per game ... led La Marque to a state quarterfinals berth and an 11-3 record as a sophomore ... earned two letters in track and field and a letter for powerlifting ... also was a member of the basketball and wrestling teams ... notched personal bests of 51-0 in the shot put and 145-0 in the discus ... set a personal best by lifting a combined weight of 1,100 lbs. in the bench, squat and dead lift as a powerlifter ... was a member of the National Honor Roll ... part of the Who's Who of American High School Students ... spent time reading to children at the local library ... enjoys drawing and painting ... cousin, J.B. Flowers, played football at Oklahoma State until 1999 ... full name is Aundre Símon McGaskey ... born 11/10/87 in Galveston, Texas ... has lived in La Marque his entire life.
Matt Nader
Offensive Line
Fr.-HS - 6-6 - 295
Austin, Texas (Westlake)
H.S. Coach: Derek Long
Will receive a scholarship but it will not count against Texas' numbers ... granted an NCAA exception for a prospect who becomes injured or ill ... is expected to serve as a student assistant coach at UT ... helped Westlake to a 29-8-1 record in his three seasons, while twice earning academic all-district honors ... a three-year starter as a prepster before suffering a heart arrhythmia during the third game of his senior year that forced him to give up football ... spent the remainder of the 2006 season as a student coach, helping Westlake to a 12-3-1 record and a berth in the 5A State Championship game ... earned academic all-district honors that year ... led team to the bi-district finals with a 9-2 record as a junior ... earned second-team 5A all-state honors from The Associated Press ... also named first-team all-district 25-5A, academic all-district and All-CENTEX ... tabbed second-team all-district 16-5A as a sophomore ... helped the Chaparrals go 8-3 and reach the bi-district finals ... also competed in the shot put and discus for the track and field team ... won the district title in the discus as a sophomore ... a four-year member of the honor roll ... enjoys playing video games and is interested in becoming a sports broadcaster ... uncle, Sam Nader, played quarterback at Auburn from 1963-67 and now serves as the Assistant AD for Football Administration at LSU ... sister, Wallis, is currently a sophomore at UT ... full name is Matthew Stephen Nader ... born 4/5/89 in Austin.
Keenan Robinson
Linebacker
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 210
Plano, Texas (Plano East)
H.S. Coach: Johnny Ringo
Prep All-American who was a three-year starter, primarily at LB as a junior and senior ... tabbed first-team All-America by Parade Magazine ... also earned first-team All-America honors from USA Today ... versatile athlete who also played DE as a sophomore and saw action at WR ... participated in the Offense- Defense All-America Bowl ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... a two-time first-team all-district 9-5A and all-county selection ... recorded 273 career tackles with nine tackles for loss, five sacks, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, six PBU, one interception and one blocked punt ... earned honorable mention 5A all-state honors as a senior ... tabbed first-team all-district 9-5A and first-team all-county ... helped Plano East to a 10-3 record in advancing to the regional semifinals ... finished the year ranked 19th in the Texas Football Top 25 ... notched 118 tackles, four TFL, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a TD ... also had seven receptions for 62 yards and four TDs ... scored a TD on both offense and defense, along with recording 20 tackles, in Plano East's 21-14 win over Richardson Berkner ... named first-team all-district 9-5A and first-team all-county as a junior ... recorded 111 tackles, two sacks, one INT, two PBU, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries ... tabbed second-team all-district 8-5A as a sophomore ... registered 44 tackles, three sacks, three TFL, three PBU, one forced fumble and one blocked punt ... also a two-time letterwinner in track and field ... won the district triple jump championship as a junior ... earned academic all-district honors as a senior ... also a member of the A/B Honor Roll and National Honor Society ... served as a mentor at local middle schools in the Brothers and Brothers program ... active member at church functions ... brother, Aubrey Smith, plays cornerback at NAIA Missouri Valley College ... enjoys video games and cooking ... full name is Keenan LeEdward Robinson ... born 7/7/89 in Omaha, Neb. ... lived in Omaha until he was six.
Christian Scott
Defensive Back
Fr.-HS - 6-0 - 185
Dallas, Texas (Skyline)
H.S. Coach: Reginald Samples
Prep All-American, all-state selection and a three-year member of the honor roll ... versatile athlete who lettered in two sports and played six different positions as a prepster (QB, RB, WR, S, CB, LB) ... played in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... a first-team member of Dave Campbell's Super Team ... split time on offense and defense during his final two high school seasons ... tallied 102 tackles and seven interceptions during that span ... posted 882 yards of total offense and scored six TDs ... played in only six games during his senior season due to injury ... still earned second-team 5A all-state from The Associated Press at safety ... also tabbed first-team all-district 11-5A ... helped his team to a 7-4 record and a state playoff berth ... tallied almost 600 yards while playing QB, RB and WR on offense and 48 tackles and three INTs while playing CB and S on defense ... posted a 90- yard INT return for a TD against Arlington Bowie ... scored on a 57-yard TD reception in the final minute against Carter ... named first-team all-district 9-5A at safety as a junior ... helped team go 7-4 and reach the bi-district finals ... notched 54 tackles and four INTs ... also rushed for 162 yards and five TDs on 44 carries and caught eight passes for 120 yards and a TD ... also was a three-year letterman for the track and field team ... competes in the 4x100-meter relay, 4x200, 4x400, high jump and triple jump ... cleared 6-6 as a junior and jumped 44-0 on his first-ever attempt in the triple jump ... served as a teacher's aide during high school ... volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Dallas ... enjoys baking and playing dominoes ... full name is Christian Will Scott ... born 1/9/89 in Dallas.
Earl Thomas
Defensive Back
Fr.-HS - 5-10 - 183
Orange, Texas (Orange Stark)
H.S. Coach: Dan Hooks
An all-state selection and three-year starter at DB, RB and WR ... versatile athlete who was a four-sport letterman and an honor roll student ... recorded 112 career tackles with 11 interceptions, two kickoff return TDs and two punt return TDs ... also had 1,850 rushing yards and 2,140 receiving yards in his career ... helped his team to a 24-2 record over his final two seasons ... tabbed second- team 3A all-state by The Associated Press and third-team all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association at receiver as a senior ... named the district 21-3A MVP ... had 42 tackles and five INTs on defense ... recorded more than 1,200 all- purpose yards and 25 TDs (13 rushing, 12 receiving) on offense ... helped West Orange Stark to an 11-1 record and the 3A regional finals ... tabbed second-team 3A all-state by The Associated Press as a junior ... rushed for almost 900 yards and 12 TDs with over 300 yards receiving and two TDs ... helped West Orange Stark to a 13-1 record in advancing to the 3A state semifinals ... also letters in basketball, baseball and track and field ... reached the playoffs in all four sports as a junior ... a two-time letterman in basketball who averaged 10 ppg ... a two-time letterman in baseball playing centerfield and short stop and hit over .300 ... a three-time letterman in track and field, participating in relays and long jump ... part of a 4x200m relay team that reached the state finals as a junior ... a member of the honor roll ... a very active member of his church in which his grandfather, Earl Thomas, is the pastor ... was part of a rebuilding project following Hurricane Katrina ... involved in school leadership ... plays piano in church and played tenor saxophone in the band when he was younger ... his uncle, Anthony Thomas, was a linebacker at Stephen F. Austin from 1997-99 ... full name is Earl V Thomas III ... born 5/7/89 in Orange, Texas.
Ben Wells
Defensive Back
Fr.-HS - 6-1 - 185
Beaumont, Texas (Ozen)
H.S. Coach: John Clayton, Sr.
Prep All-American and all-state selection who was also a four-year honor roll student ... versatile three-sport standout ... played in the 2007 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl ... earned the title of top defensive back during the O-D All- American game practice week ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... earned a spot on Dave Campbell's Super Team ... started prep career as a wide receiver before switching to defense before his junior season ... made 66 tackles, six interceptions, 21 PBU, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 13 games as a junior and senior ... named first-team 4A all- state by The Associated Press and Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior, despite playing in only three games ... tallied 10 tackles and five PBU to go along with three catches for 75 yards and two TDs ... earned first-team all-district (22-4A) and first-team All-Great Houston as a junior ... helped Ozen to the Division II 4A regional semifinals and a 7-3 record ... posted 56 tackles, five TFL, six INTs, 15 PBU, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery ... made six tackles and broke up five passes while returning an INT 98 yards for a TD against Worthing ... three-year letterman in basketball ... averaged 10 points, eight rebounds and five steals in 10 games as a junior ... also earned one letter in track and field ... volunteered as a day-camp counselor at the Beaumont YMCA ... enjoys rapping, video games, computers, cars and music ... played AAU basketball with current Longhorn basketball player Harrison Smith ... worked out with former Longhorn Kwame Cavil during the summer ... full name is Ben Jamal Wells ... born 1/9/89 in Beaumont, Texas.
Foswhitt Whittaker
Running Back
Fr.-HS - 5-10 - 188
Houston, Texas (Pearland)
H.S. Coach: Tony Heath
Prep All-American and all-state selection who was a three-year first-team academic all-district performer ... played in the 2007 East Meets West All- American game ... led all rushers with 127 yards and 19 carries in that game ... a third-team member of Dave Campbell's Super Team ... finished his high school career as the sixth all-time rusher in Texas 5A history with 5,717 to go along with 51 career TDs in three seasons ... rushed for at least 1,000 yards all three years ... earned first-team 5A all-state from the Texas Sports Writers Association and honorable mention 5A all-state from The Associated Press ... also tabbed district 24-5A MVP, Houston Chronicle MVP, Houston Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Year and Brazoria County MVP as a senior ... led the Oilers to a 12-3 record and a berth in the Division I 5A state semifinals ... Pearland finished fourth in the Texas Football Top 25 poll ... rushed for 2,774 yards and 24 TDs ... three-time Texas 5A Region 3 Player of the Week ... notched 415 yards and four TDs on 35 carries (11.9 ypc) in a victory over Clear Creek ... posted 361 yards and five TDs on 29 carries (12.4 ypc) in a bi-district victory over Sugar Land Dulles ... rushed for 236 yards and two TDs on 25 carries (9.4 ypc) in a regional semifinal victory over Katy Cinco Ranch ... earned district 24-5A Offensive Player of the Year honors as a junior ... rushed for 1,608 yards and 18 TDs on 193 carries (8.3 ypc) ... named first-team all-district (24-5A) and the Brazoria County Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore ... posted 1,335 yard and nine TDs on 175 carries (7.6 ypc) ... also lettered for two years in track and field ... volunteered to help feed the homeless and pick up trash along the highways ... enjoys listening to music and summer track ... cousin, Jerry Hatter, played football at Grambling State ... full name is Foswhitt Jerald Whittaker ... Foswhitt comes from a combination of his dad's first name, Foster, and the first half of his last name, Whittaker ... born 2/2/89 in Houston, Texas.
Michael Wilcoxon
Defensive Tackle
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 285
Willow Park, Texas (Aledo)
H.S. Coach: Tim Buchanan
A three-year starter at DT ... also spent time at DE ... versatile two-sport standout who was a district champion in the shot put ... recorded 217 career tackles with 10 sacks, 25 TFL, 44 pressures, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception during his career ... helped team to a 31-12 record during his three-year career and two appearances in the state semifinals ... named first-team 4A all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... earned second-team 4A all-state honors from The Associated Press ... tabbed district 8-4A defensive MVP ... named defensive player of the year for the Dallas/ Fort Worth area by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram ... notched 89 tackles, five sacks, four TFL, 12 pressures, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery ... helped Aledo to a 12-2 record in advancing to the 4A state semifinals ... Aledo finished the year ranked seventh in Texas Football's 4A Top 25 poll ... tabbed first- team all-district 8-4A as a junior ... registered 73 tackles, two sacks, nine TFL, 19 pressures, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one INT ... helped Aledo to an 8-6 record in advancing to the 4A regional finals ... had 49 tackles, three sacks, 12 TFL and 13 pressures as a sophomore ... part of an Aledo team that finished with an 11-4 record and advanced to the 4A state semifinals ... moved to varsity for the playoffs as a freshman ... also a three-time letterwinner in track and field ... a two-time district champion in the shot put ... a member of the A/B Honor Roll ... assisted in a project to build a home for the homeless ... grandfather, Kenneth Taylor played OT/DT at the University of Houston ... enjoys video games and reading about cars ... full name is Michael Scott Wilcoxon ... born 10/8/88 in Fort Polk, La., where he lived until he was two years old, before moving to Texas.
Malcolm Williams
Wide Receiver
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 215
Garland, Texas (Garland)
H.S. Coach: Jeff Jordan
A versatile athlete who has spent time at RB, WR, CB, S, KR and PR in his career ... versatile athlete who earned all-state honors in football and track and field ... was a member of ESPN's top 150 national prospects ... helped his team to a 22-6 record during his two years as a starter ... scored TDs by reception, rush and return during his career ... named first-team 5A all-state by The Associated Press and third-team all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association at wide receiver as a senior ... also named first-team 5A all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association at defensive back ... tabbed first-team all-district 10-5A and first-team all-area ... recorded 45 tackles and four interceptions, including one for a TD ... had 38 receptions for 550 yards (14.5 ypc) and four TDs, while rushing 30 times for 440 yards (14.7 ypc) and six TDs ... helped Garland to a 12-3 record in advancing to the 5A state semifinals for the seventh time in school history ... finished the season ranked fifth in Texas Football's final Top 25 poll ... became the second Owl team since 1964 to win 12 games and the first since 1963-64 two win playoff games in back-to-back years ... intercepted two passes, returning one for a 27-yard TD and rushed for 115 yards and a TD in a 31-14 playoff win over Klein Oak ... named honorable mention all-district 10-5A as a junior despite missing six games due to injury ... notched 17 tackles, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery on defense ... made 17 receptions for 315 yards and four TDs on offense ... in a game versus DeSoto, had three receptions for 65 yards and a TD, four rushes for 55 yards and a TD and scored a fumble recovery TD ... helped Garland to a 10-3 record in advancing to the 5A regional semifinals ... also a two-year letterman in track and field ... member of relay teams that finished second in the state in the 4x100m and third in the 4x200m as a junior ... also ran the 100m and 200m ... enjoys video games and comedy ... full name is Malcolm Jamaal Williams ... born 12/22/88 in Dallas.
