FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE
QB - Bert Emanuel Jr., Sr., Ridge Point Emanuel was a huge threat with his arm and his legs as he guided the Panthers to the District 20-6A title and the third round of the playoffs. The senior passed for 2,655 yards and 31 touchdowns without throwing an interception. He also rushed for 1,030 yards and another 15 scores.
Stats: 157-261 (60.2%), 2,655 yards, 31 TDs, 0 INT; 1,030 rush yards, 15 TDs.
QB - Conner Weigman, Sr., Bridgeland
Bridgeland was undefeated this season when Weigman was healthy, further making his case as perhaps the most valuable player in the Houston area. The five-star recruit and Texas A&M signee accounted for 3,403 total yards and 40 touchdowns over 11 games as the Bears reached the state quarterfinals.
Stats: 191-306 (62.4%), 2,587 yards, 29 TDs, 6 INTs; 754 rush yards, 9 TDs; 2 rec. TDs.
RB - Rueben Owens, Jr., El Campo
Owens is the No. 2 running back for the class of 2023, according to the 247Sports composite ratings The MaxPreps National Junior of the Year showed why with another strong campaign, rushing for 2,989 yards and 46 touchdowns. He averaged more than 12 yards per carry for the Ricebirds, who reached the third round of the Class 4A Division I playoffs.
Stats: 248 carries, 2,989 yards (12.1 avg.), 46 TDs; 15 catches, 252 yards, 2 TDs.
RB - Jacob Brown, Sr., Paetow
Brown only played in 10 of 16 games for the Class 5A Division I state champions, but his gaudy numbers and playoff performances showed the immense value he brought to the table. He rushed for 1,558 yards and 27 touchdowns on just 159 carries and was named the offensive MVP of the state championship after scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Stats: 159 carries, 1,558 yards (9.8 avg.), 27 TDs.
FB - Isaiah Smith, Sr., Katy
Katy rushed for nearly 5,000 yards this season en route to the state semifinals, and Smith was a huge part of that success. He was the lead blocker out of the backfield for a team that averaged 344 yards per game on the ground. Stats: 33 carries, 279 yards (8.5 avg.), 1 TD; 15 catches, 173 yards, 4 TDs.
WR - Chase Sowell, Sr., Atascocita Regardless of who was playing quarterback for the Eagles, Sowell provided big-play ability on the perimeter. The Colorado signee saw his recruiting stock rise throughout the fall as he collected 72 catches for 1,378 yards and 16 scores. He helped Atascocita finish 11-3 and reach the state quarterfinals.
Stats: 72 catches, 1,378 yards (19,.1 avg.), 16 TDs. WR - Noah Thomas, Sr., Clear Springs
With a 6-3 frame and elite athleticism, Thomas was the perfect red zone target for the Chargers. The Texas A&M signee finished the year with 63 grabs for 935 yards and 21 touchdowns. He had seven multi-touchdown games along the way as Clear Springs finished 7-5 and reached the playoffs.
Stats: 63 catches, 935 yards (14.8 avg.), 21 TDs. WR - Chris Marshall, Sr., Marshall
Arguably the top receiver in the Houston area, Marshall saw limited action with the Buffs cruising to blowout victories in all 10 of their regular-season games. But the four-star recruit and Texas A&M signee was dominant and made the most of his 15 catches, averaging 31.1 yards per grab with 11 touchdowns.
Stats: 15 catches, 466 yards (31.1 avg.), 11 TDs; Texas A&M signee.
TE - Donovan Green, Sr., Dickinson
One of the top tight end recruits in the country, Green created a matchup nightmare for defenses on a weekly basis. The Texas A&M signee and District 24-6A MVP finished the year with 33 catches for 734 yards and 11 touchdowns. He helped the Gators post a 9-3 record and reach the second round of the playoffs.
Stats: 33 catches, 734 yards (22.3 average), 11 TDs.
OL - P.J. Williams, Sr., Dickinson
Williams only started playing on the offensive line as a sophomore, but he has quickly developed into one of the top recruits in the country.
The Texas A&M signee helped the Gators average more than 400 offensive yards per game.
Stats: 25 “domination” blocks, 52 knockdowns, 3 cut blocks.
OL - Kam Dewberry, Sr., Atascocita
Dewberry is as durable as they come and has been a standout in the trenches for Atascocita throughout his career. The Texas A&M pledge was at his best as a senior as the Eagles’ offense averaged 456 yards per contest.
Stats: 98 pancakes, 71 knockdowns, 96% grade or higher in all games.
OL - Kelvin Banks Jr., Sr., Summer Creek
Banks was one of the most sought-after offensive tackle recruits in the country for a reason. The Texas signee was the anchor for a Summer Creek team that made history in the playoffs and averaged 455 yards per game.
Stats: 98% grade, 11 pancakes per game, 0 sacks allowed.
OL - Tyler Lee, Sr., Tomball
Lee was a standout at right guard for the Cougars’ run-heavy offense, putting 136 defenders on their backs throughout the course of the season. The Army commit helped clear the way for 279 rushing yards per game.
Stats: 136 pancakes, 91% grade, 0 sacks allowed.
OL - Van Wells, Sr., C.E. King
Wells rose to the occasion each week against some tough District 21-6A defensive fronts. The three-star recruit was a dominant and consistent center for an offense that racked up 299 yards per game on the ground.
Stats: 39 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed, 0 bad snaps.
UTL - Harold Perkins, Sr., Cypress Park
Perkins is the No. 1 linebacker recruit in the country, but he was a contributor on both sides of the ball for the Tigers. The Texas A&M commit piled up 1,352 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on just 80 carries. He added 35 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions on defense. Stats: 80 carries, 1,352 yards (16.9 avg.), 21 TDs; 3 rec. TDs; 35 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 INTs.