TexasHSFootball.com - Preview Guide 2008: Odessa Permian Panthers

2-5A	ODESSA PERMIAN PANTHERS

By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor

The resurgence of the Permian Panthers in 2007 was virtually a success as they found their way through a deep playoff run that was ended by the eventual state champion Euless Trinity Trojans. The 2007 Permian Panthers season will be forever known as the year the MOJO came back to life. Now it is the 2008 season and not only are expectations high at Permian, but the landscape of the district has added competition. The Panthers will likely be getting a challenge from a darkhorse Duncanville team in Week Zero before they get thrown into the district fire the very next week.

Just as the landscape of the district has changed, so has the player taking the snaps under center. Last year's back up Trevor Adams will be the likely successor to Taylor Byrd. Alan Castellejos, another back up from last year, may give Adams a little competition. In the back up role last season, Adam through for 180 yards on 13 of 18 passing attempts. If Castellejos doesn't win the starting job as QB1, look for him to play the key role as the Panther running back, where he will be sharing the duties with Sherard Ray. As a junior, Ray compiled 58 rushes for 408 yards and five touchdowns. For Castellejos, the action doesn't stop at the Panthers passing and running games. He is also projected to be the team's kicker and punter in 2008.

Aside from Ray, the Panthers will be looking to another key starter to bring them some solid production as they did in 2007. Ryan Rumbaugh, at the wide out slot, is expected to produced similar or even better number than what he had in his junior season. Rumbaugh in 2007, connected with 44 receptions on 710 yards and four touchdoowns. Other key skill players to watch for on the offensive side of the ball includes Shai Biggerstaff at tight end and senior receivers Andrew Bell and Brian Nunez.

In the offensive trenches, the Panthers lay claim to one of the state's top linemen in Garrett Porter. Porter, who stands in at six feet-six inches tall and 300 pounds, is a very athletic and hungry Division I prospect who made his verbal commitment to the Texas Longhorns on February 10. He will be joined on the lines by Zach Smith and Sam Brown. Both of whch have very good size to keep the line stablized in the 2008 season.

On the defensive side, the Permian Panthers will not be quite as strong as they were in the 2007 season, but they will still be a team that is very dangerous and very motivated. Samson McClane returns on the line with fellow senior and newcomer Tyler McCann. If the Panthers can find their way through the inexperience factor, they could have that X factor that made the squad successful in 2007.

If you are searching for the key leader for Permian on defense, look no further than linebacker Jerome Leija. Leija, who stands at six feet, 190 pounds, is a high octane and impact player that will change the course in more ways than one. While not on the radar of many recruiting services, Leija could become that key "Diamond In The Rough" that almost any Division I program is looking for whether it is the FCS or FBS. The senior linebacker is Permian's leading tackler with 101 total tackles to his credit in 2007. Not to mention, he also has five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries to his credit. The 2008 season will be Leija's shining moment as he become the center piece of a very good defense.

Other key contributors on defense for Permian includes safety Joey Mendez, Anthony McDowell, Brennan Welch and "Mr. Versatility" himself Alan Castilllejos. Mendez, Welch and Castillejos should fit rather smoothly in the Permian backfield.

Four Downs, Four Keys
1st Down >> Returning to 2007 form may be reach but possibility?
2nd Down >> Leija and Castillejos showing key leadership and production
3rd Down >> Early district start, key to developing younger players?
4th Down >> Youth, depth key in repeating as district champion in 2008

Team Information
2007 Records
Varsity	12-1
Junior Varsity	8-1
JV White	6-3-1
Freshman A	NA
Freshman B	NA
Offensive Information
Brandon Faircloth
Two Back Gun
Defensive Information
David Jones
4-3
By The Numbers
Returning Starters
Offense	4
Defense	3
Lettermen
Returning	23
Lost	30

TOP PROSPECTS

Pos	Name	HT	WT	40	YR	School
QB	Trevor Adams	6'1	180	4.8	Sr	----
QB/HB	Alan Castillejos	6'1	180	4.89	Sr	----
RB	Sherrard Ray	5'10	175	4.5	Sr	----
WR	Ryan Rumbaugh	5'10	175	4.5	Sr	----
WR	Andrew Bell	6'1	170	4.62	Sr	----
WR	Brian Nunez	5'10	167	4.6	Sr	----
TE	Shai Biggerstaff	6'0	220	4.9	Sr	----
OL	Garrett Porter	6'6	300	5.2	Sr	----
OL	Sam Brown	6'2	335	5.6	Sr	----
OL	Zach Smith	6'2	250	5.0	Sr	----
DL	Samson McClane	5'10	220	4.8	Sr	----
DL	Tyler McCann	6'0	230	4.9	Sr	----
LB	Jerome Leija	6'0	190	4.7	Sr	----
S	Joey Mendez	6'0	170	4.6	Sr	----