High school football: Star-Telegram 100 best players in the greater Fort Worth-area

The Texas high school football season starts this week, and teams around the Fort Worth-area are preparing for week one.

Which players stand out as the best in the greater Fort Worth-area? Here are my top-100 player rankings for the 2024 season:

1) Dakorien Moore, Sr., WR, Duncanville - Moore, an Oregon commit, is the undisputed No. 1 receiver in Texas and arguably the best pass catcher in the nation. Surely, he’ll put on a show with Duncanville, the defending Class 6A D1 champions. He tallied 1,303 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior.

2) Michael Turner, Sr., RB, Richland - The expectations for Turner are high for a good reason. The Baylor commit stands out as the No. 1 senior running back recruit in Texas. He rushed for 1,625 yards and 22 touchdowns last year.

3) Jonathan Cunningham, Sr., LB, North Crowley - Cunningham, a Texas commit, will be a staple of the North Crowley defense. He has a fantastic case to be the best defensive player in the entire Fort Worth-area.

4) Raycine Guillory Jr., Jr., RB, Aledo - It’s the Aledo Bearcats. Of course, they’re a state championship favorite in Class 5A D1. Raycine Guillory, an elite recruit, will lead the charge and could potentially have a 25 touchdown year. He has offers from the nation’s best including Baylor, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon and more. He was commtited to Texas but decommit in June.

5) Chris Jimerson Jr., Sr., QB, North Crowley - Chris Jimerson Jr., a UNT commit, may not be a four or five-star recruit. He’s a great reminder that stars don’t actually mean anything. With Jimerson, you’ll have to see the magic to believe it. The 2023 Star-Telegram player of the year will lead a Panther squad with an abundance of depth. The sky is the limit.

6) John Turntine III, Jr., OT, North Crowley - North Crowley’s offensive line is absurdly talented. Turntine is a huge reason why. He is drawing interest from elite college football programs like Texas, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State and more.

7) Davis Penn, Jr., RB, Southlake Carroll - Penn, a Baylor commit, was named the 2023 Star-Telegram Newcomer of the Year after a stellar sophomore campaign. He will serve as a captain for Southlake Carroll. He’ll share carries in a talented running back room, but don’t be surprised if he still scores 30 or more touchdowns in an electric Dragon offense.

8) Jack Van Dorselaer, Sr., TE, Southlake Carroll - Van Dorselaer is a winner in every aspect of the game. The Tennessee commit can catch, block and run with the best, and he has a 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame.

9) Kevin Ford Jr., Jr., DE, Duncanville - You’d think Duncanville might struggle at defensive end with the great Colin Simmons graduating. The Panthers always have a hungry player ready to step into the spotlight. Ford is arguably the best pass rusher recruit in Texas.

10) Riley Wormley, Sr., RB, Southlake Carroll - Wormley is an electric running back and will excel as one of Southlake Carroll’s best seniors. The USC commit has a 4.45 second 40-yard dash and has a knack for the big play.

11) Deondrae Riden Jr., Sr., RB, DeSoto - Riden Jr. is already an established superstar. At the same time, he is in position to have a breakout season. Behind a terrific offensive line, Riden Jr. will lead what is arguably Texas’ best ground attack.

12) Zion Robinson, Jr., WR, Mansfield - Robinson has offers from some of the premier programs in the country including Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and more. He has a 6-foot-4 frame, and is the Class 6A state champion in high jump. It’s safe to say he has the tools to catch some footballs.

13) Daylon Singleton, Sr., WR, DeSoto - DeSoto’s receiver room is extremely talented. Singleton, an SMU commit, is a speedy, versatile threat. Don’t be shocked if he scores 25 touchdowns as a key contributor to DeSoto’s offense.

14) Leo Almanza, CB, Byron Nelson - Byron Nelson will be a top team in District 4-6A, and Almanza, a Baylor commit, is an elite contributor on both sides of the ball.

15) Keelon Russell, Sr., QB, Duncanville - Russell, an Alabama commit, will operate a Duncanville offense with a ridiculous amount of depth and talent. He is aiming to win a third state championship as the Panthers’ primary quarterback. He has one of the best Texas football resumes in history.

16) Kaydon Finley, Jr., WR, Aledo - Finley’s progression as a sophomore was fascinating, and he is still rising. He’ll have a key role in the Bearcats’ offense.

17) Ty Haywood, OT, Denton Ryan - Denton Ryan’s offensive line makes the Raiders one of the most formidable teams in Class 5A. Haywood, an Alabama commit with a 6-foot-5, 285-pound frame, is the unit’s best player.

18) Michael Fasusi, OT, Lewisville - Fasusi, an Oklahoma commit with a 6-foot-5, 295-pound frame, is a top offensive tackle in Dallas-Fort Worth.

19) Jesse Ford, Jr., DL/TE, Arlington Martin - Ford is an all-around stud for the Warriors and might be the best defensive end they’ve had since Myles Garrett.

20) Xavier Johnson, Sr., WR, Richland - Richland’s offense is spectacular. Johnson, a Memphis commit, will be one of the focal points.

21) Brock Boyd, WR, Southlake Carroll - The Dragons lost a lot of talent over the summer. Boyd, a TCU commit, is a rising star and should see plenty of opportunities.

22) Tristan Gentry, Sr., WR, Stephenville - Gentry is a top pass catcher for Stephenville, a state title contender in Class 4A D1. The Texas Tech commit could score 20 touchdowns this year.

23) Kevin Sperry, QB, Denton Guyer - Sperry, an Oklahoma commit, transferred in from an Oklahoma high school. Look out for him to do big things with Guyer. They’ll have a big test against Aledo in week one.

24) Travis Buhake, Sr., DL, Mansfield Summit - Buhake, a Houston commit, has a 6-foot-2, 255-pound frame. He stands out as Mansfield Summit’s star player. He is a top 10 shot put thrower in the nation.

25) Caleb Williams, Sr., QB, Crowley - Williams runs a Crowley offense that is searching for more consistency. At times, there is nothing more electric. Williams is a magician on the gridiron with the ability to extend plays, make throws on the move and move the chains. He scored 43 total touchdowns last season.

25) Henry Fenuku, Sr., IOL, North Crowley - Fenuku, with a 6-foot-4, 295-pound frame, is an absolute force for the Panthers. The Missouri commit will be a main contributor to what should be an extremely effective offensive line.

27) Felix Ojo, Jr., OT, Mansfield Lake Ridge - Ojo, at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, has offers from the best college football programs in the nation. He is Lake Ridge’s recruit to watch.

28) Braden Blueitt, WR, Colleyville Heritage - Blueitt, a Northwestern commit, will be a top receiver in District 3-5A D2. He doesn’t get the same recruiting attention as some other top receivers, but watch him in person and you’ll soon realize how he impacts the game. He had 20 touchdowns last year and could top the performance as a senior.

29) Carterrious Brown, Sr., WR, Arlington Seguin - The wide receiver talent is great in Arlington ISD. Brown, an SMU commit, has all the tools to be one of the best in the area. He had 411 yards and four touchdowns as a junior.

30) Kilian Registe, Sr., OT, Keller - If you’re looking for a TCU commit to watch in the Fort Worth-area, Registe is the one to watch. With a 6-foot-6, 300-pound frame, he is an absolute monster for the Keller Indians.

31) Antayvious Ellis, Soph., WR, Crowley - Ellis has a rare type of talent that could skyrocket him to the very top of recruiting leader boards. He already has offers from some of the nation’s best programs including Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and more.

32) Zachery Turner, Jr., TE, Duncanville - Turner has offers from top college football programs such as LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas. With a 6-foot-3, 215 pound frame, he’ll be a versatile piece of the Panther offense.

33) Ayson Theus, Jr., WR, Duncanville - Theus has offers from Utah, Baylor, Nebraska and more. He had two touchdowns as a sophomore. He could have an improved role as a junior in an ultra talented receiver room.

34) Daniel Bray, Sr., RB, North Crowley - Bray is transferring into North Crowley after a 1,359 yard season with Abilene Cooper. He could revolutionize an already strong Panther run game with elite speed.

35) Preztynn Harrison, Sr., TE, Mineral Wells - When it comes to Class 4A football, Harrison is the recruit to watch. The Texas Tech commit has a 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame and had 10 total touchdowns as a junior.

36) Isaiah Robertson, Sr., WR, Arlington - Robertson, an SMU commit, will lead the Colts’ playoff charge this season. He had seven touchdowns last season, and is poised for an even bigger.

37) Draden Fullbright, Sr., CB, North Crowley - Fullbright, a transfer from Georgia, could be a game changer to the North Crowley defense. He is committed to Tulsa.

38) Cornelius Warren, RB, North Crowley - Warren, a UNLV commit, will share snaps this year, but he will still have a role in North Crowley’s stellar offense. He had 10 rushing touchdowns last season while overcoming an injury.

39) Javion Holiday, Sr., CB, Duncanville - Holiday, an SMU commit, is the defensive back to watch for Duncanville. He’ll match up with some of Texas’ best receivers in District 11-6A.

40) Marcus Garcia, OT, Denton Ryan - Garcia, a Texas A&M commit with a 6-foot-5, 270-pound frame, is another reason why Denton Ryan has one of the best offensive lines in Texas.

41) Dilan Battle, Sr., DL, Mansfield Timberview - Battle, an LSU commit, has a 6-foot-2, 315-pound frame. Timberview is a top team in District 3-5A D2. Expect Battle to be a top player for the Wolves.

42) Ian Mayes, Sr., IOL, Arlington Bowie - Mayes has a 6-foot-3, 270-pound frame and will be a great player for Bowie this year. He is a Tulsa commit

43) Braylon Edwards, Jr., S, Duncanville - Edwards has offers from elite programs such as SMU, Ohio State and Clemson. As a top safety at Duncanville, he could draw even more FBS interest.

44) Keylan Abrams, Sr., LB, DeSoto - Abrams is committed to TCU and will be a problem within DeSoto’s dominant defense. He made 87 tackles last year and also had 20 sacks.

45) Josh Bell, Sr., RB, Euless Trinity - Trinity’s offensive line is a strength, and Bell, a UTEP commit, will be a focal point in a run heavy offense. He had 1,936 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. The competition will be tough in District 4-6A. Still, Bell has the potential for a 2,000 yard season with the Trojans.

46) Kelden Ryan, Sr., QB, DeSoto - Ryan, a Virginia Tech commit, was an absolute beast with Fort Worth All-Saints last season, scoring 31 total touchdowns. He transferred to DeSoto and is competiting for the starting job. If he wins the role, he’ll inherit the best offense in Texas. He could easily have a 40 touchdown year.

47) Nathan Tilmon, Sr., S, Mansfield Timberview - Tilmon had offers from some of the best programs in the nation and ended up committing to Utah. He made 34 tackles for the Wolves and should be a top defender this year.

48) Sael Reyes, Sr., S, DeSoto - The Eagles’ secondary is stacked, and Reyes will be a key contributor. The SMU commit made 60 tackles as a junior.

49) Quinn Murphy, Jr., QB, Liberty Christian - The Warriors are coming off a TAPPS state title, and Murphy is the next in line to be the starting quarterback. He is a Baylor commit and one of the most promising quarterbacks in the junior class.

50) Ethan Feaster, Soph., WR, DeSoto - Feaster is the No. 1 receiver in the sophomore class. With DeSoto’s offense, his potential is off the charts. He had nine touchdowns as a freshman. He’ll compete for touches with his terrific teammates, but don’t be surprised if he has a 15 touchdown year.

51) Dilon Tallie, Sr., WR, Arlington Bowie - Tallie, a Bowling Green commit, will be the Volunteers top receiver this year.

52) Desean Bryant, Sr., OT, Duncanville - Bryant, an ASU commit, has a 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame. He is entering his third year on varsity.

53) Ben McElree, Sr., RB/LB, Aledo - McElree is a returning All-District caliber talent for the Bearcats. He had 62 tackles last season and will have a bigger spotlight as a senior.

54) Ameer Ross, Sr., IOL, Duncanville - Ross has serious size at 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds, but can still move well. He is a matchup nightmare for most defensive lineman.

55) Quinton Brown, Sr., WR, Argyle Liberty Christian - Brown is a bit undersized at 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds but makes up for it with elite speed.

56) Trent Wilson, Sr., IOL, Southlake Carroll - Wilson, a JMU commit, will serve as one of Southlake Carroll’s team captains. He’ll be an anchor of an offensive line that will pave the way for Wormley and Penn.

57) Byron Washington, Sr., OT, DeSoto - Washington made headlines last year with a monstrous 6-foot-8, 380-pound frame. He is committed to Syracuse.

58) Raylon Carter, Sr., DE/RB, FW Southwest - Carter stands out as a top defensive prospect in District 5-4A D1 and also has experience at running back.

59) Dalton Knapp, Sr., DE, FW All Saints - Knapp is committed to play for Kansas State. He has a 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame and the quickness to reach the ball in a hurry.

60) Cooper Witten, Soph., S, Argyle Liberty Christian - Cooper Witten, the son of Cowboys legend Jason Witten, is a top defensive player in the sophomore class. Look out for him to continue rising during his sophomore campaign.

61) Myson Johnson-Cook, Soph., ATH, DeSoto - Johnson-Cook is a rising underclassman star at DeSoto. He’ll compete for opportunities with other talented stars, but remember the name. He has offers from Georgia, Oregon, Texas A&M and more.

62) Derrick Tasby, Sr., WR, Crowley - Tasby tallied 835 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He’ll return with more experience along with the rest of the Eagle offense and could lead the team to newfound heights.

63) Tamondre Bowie, Sr., DB, Crowley - Bowie, in 2023, made 84 tackles and picked off three passes. He is a player to watch on a rising Crowley defense.

64) Kairel Robertson, Sr., WR, Boswell - Robertson is the Pioneer’s greatest offensive threat. He tallied 12 total touchdowns last year. He is a versatile player that can help his team in a variety of ways.

65) Jacob Hayes, Sr., WR, Mansfield - Hayes, a UNT commit, earned First Team District 11-6A honors. That’s saying something, considering he was competing with talent from Duncanville, DeSoto and the rest of Texas’ toughest district.

66) Xander Walker, Sr., TE/LB, Mansfield Legacy - Walker, a 6-foot-4, 230 pound Army commit, made 94 tackles last season. He brings a game changing athleticism for the Broncos on both offense and defense.

67) Brooks Brigance, Sr., ATH, Arlington Martin - Brigance will enter the season with experience as a quarterback. The Warriors are the favorite in District 8-6A, and Brigance is the driving force.

68) DeAnte Gentry, Sr., Ath, Arlington Lamar - Gentry scored 10 touchdowns as a running back last year, and he can also contribute on the defensive end. He has offers from the University of Montana, UNT, SFA and more.

69) Jeremiah Brinson, Sr., LB, Arlington Bowie - Brinson is a tackle machine for the Volunteers. He had 107 last year, which is a ridiculous stat for a junior.

70) AJ Rosen, Sr., K, Hurst L.D. Bell - Rosen is an elite specialist in the Fort Worth-area. A good kicker can make or break a season in Class 6A. Bell will certainly have tons of high pressure kicks to make for the Blue Raiders to succeed in a tough District 4-6A.

Best of the rest

71) Jaden Manning, Sr., LB, Mansfield Legacy

72) Dillon Arkansas, LB, Denton Ryan

73) Canyon Evans, Sr., QB, Glen Rose

74) Tucker James, Sr., RB, Byron Nelson

75) Andrew Jurasaek, Sr., LB, Keller

76) Colton McClure, Sr., WR, Weatherford

77) Alijah Lash, Jr., DE, Haslet Eaton

78) Brock Golwas, LB, Flower Mound Marcus

79) Cardea Collier, Sr., QB, Alvarado

80) Brody Woods, Sr., QB, Brock

81) Demarcus Belton, Jr., RB, Alvarado

82) Jahbori Cooper-Suttice, Sr., QB, Fort Worth Southwest

83) Jacoven Julien, Sr., LB, Byron Nelson

84) Drew kates, Sr., QB, Richland

85) Jonathan Blake, Sr., S., Crowley

86) Okello Okello, Sr., DL, Arlington Bowie

87) Tyren Polley Jr., S, Duncanville

88) Lorenzo Hill, Sr., WR, Denton Ryan

89) Darrion Bowers, Sr., RB, Arlington Bowie

90) Chase Garnett, Sr., RB, Argyle Liberty Christian

91) Colt Matlock, Jr., WR/DB, Brock

92) Will Krzysiak, Sr., WR, Argyle

93) Blake Stovall Jr., Sr., DB, Fort Worth All Saints

94) CJ Witten, Sr., LB, Argyle Liberty Christian

95) Braden Bach, Jr., TE, Argyle

96) Jorvorskie Lane, Jr., ATH, Fort Worth Wyatt

97) Corbin Glasco, Jr., WR, Denton Ryan

98) Angelo Renda, Jr., QB, Southlake Carroll

99) Cardea Collier, Sr., QB, Alvarado

100) Bryson Burgess, Sr., DB, Colleyville Heritage