Top 10 Texas HS football players in Class of 2023
HOUSTON (BVM) — There is not more of a spectacle in the country for high school football than the state of Texas.
They say everything is bigger in Texas and outside the multi-million dollar facilities, it may also apply to the talent levels in the state as well.
Here are the top 10 seniors in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) for the Class of 2023:
10. Jaden Greathouse, WR, Westlake
Greathouse was one of the best players on one of the best teams in the country last season. They finished the year with a perfect 16-0 becoming state champions and also being ranked No. 2 in the entire country by MaxPreps. The 6-foot-2, 215–pound Notre Dame recruit caught 66 passes in 2021 with 1,274 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. In 2022, he will look to lead Westlake back to another state title.
New 2023 Notre Dame four-star WR commit Jaden Greathouse will lead Westlake's (Texas) pursuit of a fourth consecutive State Title this fall. pic.twitter.com/R6yKwQUj31
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) July 15, 2022
9. Tyler Turner, S, Brennan
Turner has not only emerged as the best player in the San Antonio area but one of the best players in the state as well. He finished his junior campaign with 133 tackles, four forced fumbles and three interceptions. He was selected to the Texas 29-6A all-district first team. The 6-foot, 180-pound Oregon pledge looks to continue to shoot up rankings in 2022 with Brennan.
sco’ 🦆 pic.twitter.com/lv0tOz6UMf
— Tyler Turner (@theTylerTurner) June 22, 2022
8. Malik Muhammad, CB, South Oak Cliff
Muhammad is one of many in his family to get the chance to play college football. His cousins AJ Green (graduated in 2019) and Jabbar Muhammad (junior) are both Oklahoma State Cowboys, while his other cousin Adule Muhammad, is also a member of the 2023 class and is committed to SMU. Malik himself is committed to the University of Texas where he looks to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball in Austin after South Oak Cliff.
Malik Muhammad got some insane ball skills! pic.twitter.com/TpxTLmN4z8
— Hook'em Headlines (@HookemHeadlines) July 21, 2022
7. Javien Toviano, CB, Martin
Toviano only had three pass breakups and one interception in 2021, but that is because no quarterbacks want to throw his way. He also made an impact for Martin offensively with over 400 rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He was selected to the Texas 8-6A all-district first team. In terms of his collegiate prospect status, there is zero doubt he will be a member of the secondary.
Watch 2023 DB Javien Toviano (@j_toviano8) hit a max speed of 21.5 mph (89%tile) on this chase down. #myRAmaxspeed pic.twitter.com/PYfDaScCZk
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) July 26, 2022
6. Ryan Niblett, WR, Aldine Eisenhower
You will not find many better pure athletes in the state than Ryan Niblett. He only had a total of 18 touches in the 2021 season but is still ranked as the No. 57 player in the country by 247Sports. This is because of the Aldine wideout’s elite speed. As a sophomore, he ran a 10.58 100–meter dash and a 22.14 for the 200-meter dash. He has all the tools to be successful in college where he will attend the University of Texas.
Ryan Niblett wins the area 100m with a time of 10.47 now qualified for regionals in three events. pic.twitter.com/Q3LLalL2rh
— Mike Roach (@MikeRoach247) April 21, 2022
5. Jaquaize Pettaway, WR, Langham Creek
The Houston native finished his junior year with 50 receptions, 794 yards and seven touchdowns, making the Texas District 16-6A first team. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Oklahoma pledge is arguably one of the best wide receivers in the state and should continue his progression throughout the 2022 season for Langham Creek.
Good look at Jaquiaze Pettaway’s ball tracking ability @JAQUAIZE4
Also peep QB1 @MatthewGolden_2 pic.twitter.com/uajFfiqGD1
— Tim Verghese (@TimVerghese) December 21, 2021
4. Johntay Cook II, WR, DeSoto
Cook had 38 catches, 806 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2021, making him one of the most sought-after receivers in the country. He was an easy selection for the District 11-6A first team. Cook committed to Texas in June and will look to impress Steve Sarkisian and the rest of the coaching staff throughout his senior season at DeSoto.
QB Arch Manning with a 70 yard bomb to Johntay Cook II earlier today at Texas 🎯 pic.twitter.com/pvf36L6ajt
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 13, 2021
3. Jackson Arnold, QB, Guyer
Arnold holds the coveted title of the best quarterback in the state of Texas. He threw for 3,921 yards and 34 touchdowns while also rushing for 659 yards and 12 touchdowns. He led Guyer High School all the way to the state title game and looks to do the same in 2022. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound signal-caller is committed to Oklahoma.
100% Committed ⭕️🧬 | #DIMETIME #CHO23N #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/UwEXdFhjZ9
— Jackson Arnold (@_JacksonArnold_) January 24, 2022
2. Reuben Owens, RB, El Campo
Owens’ stats from 2021 are some of the best you will find in the entire country. The El Campo star ran for 2,989 yards with 46 rushing touchdowns. He was the easy selection for the District 12-4A D-I Overall MVP. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back shocked the recruiting world with his commitment to Louisville on June 20.
2023 5 ⭐️ RB Reuben Owens (@ii_rueben) performs a disappearing act for a TD rush. El Campo nows leads Boerne Champion 34-0 in the 2nd quarter.#TXHSFB | @HornSports pic.twitter.com/ZpoOlWSMRR
— Devon Messinger (@devonmessinger) September 25, 2021
1. David Hicks, DL, Paetow
Hicks stands at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds and wreaks havoc on just about every play. As a junior, he had 88 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks, winning the District 5-6A Defensive MVP. The Paetow defensive lineman will be the heavy favorite to take home that award again this season and will continue to be one of the most wanted recruits in the country until he makes his commitment.
David Hicks at Miami's Paradise Camp. https://t.co/qSRp5eH3TY pic.twitter.com/MDk7BMFDGm
— Andrew Ivins (@Andrew_Ivins) June 27, 2021
