Future Top Texas Prospects Shine at YAA Jr. Showcase

The YAA Jr. Showcase once again proved why it’s one of the premier stages for emerging football talent. With elite middle school athletes from around the country in attendance, a number of Texas-based Class of 2029 standouts put on a show. From dominant trench play to explosive receivers and versatile two-way stars, these prospects didn’t just hold their own, they thrived against elite competition, including older players.

Several of these future high school stars displayed tools that could translate to immediate varsity playing time this fall. Here’s an in-depth look at the next generation of standout athletes from the Lone Star State:

Rush Williams – WR – Katy Jordan (6’2, 180)

Rush Williams is one of the rare middle school athletes who already looks like a polished varsity-level wide receiver. At 6-foot-2 with long arms, strong hands, and a filled-out frame, Williams was a mismatch all weekend. He earned MVP honors in both the middle school and high school camps, regularly beating high school DBs in 1-on-1 reps.

He possesses an elite get-off, fluid hips, and natural hands, attacking the ball at its highest point. His physicality at the line and crisp route running makes him nearly unguardable. The fact that he already holds an offer from Oregon speaks volumes about his upside. Williams is the kind of talent who could not only start as a freshman but become a national recruit before his sophomore year.

Bubba Moses IV – ATH – Tomas High School (6’0, 185)

There are athletes and then there’s Bubba Moses IV, a three-sport phenom who can impact the game from anywhere on the field. During WR drills and 1v1s, he showed quick-twitch movement, clean footwork, and an ability to gain separation with ease. His versatility is where he truly shines: on tape, he plays RB, WR, and LB, excelling in all three spots.

As a running back, Moses runs with low pad level, power, and outstanding contact balance, breaking tackles with ease and hitting top speed quickly. As a linebacker, he shows natural instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, and physicality at the point of contact. Add in his basketball and baseball backgrounds, and you have a well-rounded athlete with a D1-level ceiling in multiple positions. He’s a name to circle now.

Christopher Phillips II – WR – Austin Area (5’10, 168)

Phillips II is a smooth, shifty, and explosive route technician who stood out from the moment he stepped on the field. His ability to stack DBs, sink his hips, and explode out of breaks makes him one of the most dangerous route runners in his class. During the Fastest WR Challenge, showcasing his straight-line speed to pair with that elite change of direction.

He plays with confidence and superb body control, always in command of the route. Don’t let his current size fool you, his tools and football IQ will translate early. Coming out of the Austin area, Phillips is a name that will be generating buzz under the Friday night lights sooner rather than later.

Treyvon Mabry – WR – Freeman High School

Mabry impressed with his fluidity, agility, and hands throughout the showcase. He’s a “jitterbug” type of slot receiver with instant quickness and the ability to separate with short-area burst. His flexibility and body control stood out during position drills and 1v1 reps. Mabry’s game is built on sharp cuts, quick acceleration, and reliable hands, everything you want in a young receiver.

His movement in and out of breaks is advanced for his age, and his competitive nature was evident every time he lined up. He projects as an impact receiver, with the ability to produce early on short routes, screens, and misdirection plays.

Jelanie Johnson – DL – North Shore High School (6'0, 262)

In the trenches, Jelanie Johnson stood tall, both literally and figuratively. The future North Shore defensive lineman is already made waves with his quickness, strength, and disruptive motor. He showed an ability to move laterally with ease, shedding blocks and winning with hand placement and technique during 1v1s.

North Shore has produced elite defensive linemen in recent years, and Johnson has the tools to be the next one. With his natural strength and movement skills, he’ll be in the rotation early and has the potential to develop into a dominant interior force.

K’Von Fontenot – DL – C.E. King High School (6’0, 290)

Fontenot was a showstopper on the defensive line. At nearly 300 pounds, he carries his weight well and moves with high level agility and bounce. He dominated reps with an explosive first step, quick hands, and a violent punch that knocked offensive linemen off balance.

His performance earned him MVP honors, and rightfully so. Fontenot plays with excellent pad level, bends well for his size, and has a relentless motor. His blend of power and finesse will translate early at C.E. King, and he looks like a future Power Five interior lineman in the making.

Tatum Gold – WR – Lake Travis High School (5'11, 160)

Lake Travis is no stranger to elite skill talent, and Tatum Gold looks like the next name in line. Gold impressed with his explosiveness, quick change-of-direction, and strong hands. He attacked every route with purpose and was crisp at the top of his breaks.

His ability to stop on a dime, change direction and accelerate out of cuts made him extremely tough to cover in 1v1s. He plays with confidence, and his competitive energy made him a standout in a loaded receiver group. Gold has the tools to become a featured weapon at Lake Travis and will be one of the top young receivers in the state soon.

Kaden Williams – RB – Iowa Colony (5’8, 162)

Kaden Williams was one of the most impressive running backs at the showcase, flashing elusiveness, burst, and vision throughout the day. In 1v1s and cat-and-mouse drills, he consistently shook linebackers with quick cuts and smooth footwork. Watching his tape, he adds another layer with powerful runs and game-breaking acceleration. Williams took home MVP honors for his overall performance and is a rising name in Texas’ loaded 2029 class. He has the tools to contribute on varsity early and develop into a true offensive weapon.

Final Take:

The YAA Jr. Showcase gave us a glimpse of what the future holds for Texas high school football and it’s scary good. From dominant linemen to versatile offensive playmakers, the 2029 class is already making noise. Many of these prospects look poised to earn varsity snaps as freshmen, and several are well on their way to becoming national recruits.

Keep these names in your notes, they aren’t just the future, they’re almost here.