There’s an old adage that boasts everything is bigger in Texas. Perhaps instead Texans just seek out the biggest of everything. One thing is certain, in the Lone Star State, biggest is synonymous with best. The best high school football teams find their way to the state championship in December. Today, the state title is the ultimate prize. That hasn’t always been the case.
From 1935 until 2014 the very best athletes were selected to play in an annual all-star game. The teams, North and South, were composed of the best-of-the-best football players from all around the state. The game was played during the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) annual convention, but was discontinued so that Division I college coaches could attend the conference without violating NCAA regulations.
Thursday night, however, will bring with it not just a high school all-star game, but also a Super Bowl rematch. When the Broncos and Panthers take the field in the Denver, ten of the very best Texas high school athletes will be present. Although no longer high school teenagers, the competition is steeper than ever with both teams chasing the ultimate prize at the highest level of pigskin play.
Take a look at the Texas high school athletes on Denver’s roster.
Von Miller
The Outside linebacker, represents the Desoto Eagles. During his senior year in 2007, he made 76 tackles and six sacks. It is no surprise that he was honored as District MVP. Miller was heavily recruited, but chose to spend his collegiate career with the Texas A&M Aggies where he was awarded the Butkus Award; an award presented to the best linebacker in the nation. Miller was the number two overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft and has spent the entirety of his professional career with the Broncos. Already, he is incredibly decorated in the League. He’s been named to the Pro Bowl four times as well as Super Bowl MVP in 2016 after the Broncos defeated Carolina. Currently, he holds a cumulative of 260 tackles and 60 sacks in the NFL.
Corey Nelson
The Inside linebacker, hails from Dallas Skyline. During his high school career, he racked up 133 tackles and nine sacks. He was named 5A Player of the Year, AP 5A Defensive Player of the Year, and Under Armour All-American among many other awards. Upon graduation in 2010, Nelson joined the Oklahoma Sooners where he played all 14 games as a true freshman. He remains number two in single-season sacks for the Sooners. Nelson was drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 draft. He currently carries 22 tackles and 1 sack in the NFL.
Russell Okung
The offensive tackle, is a 2006 graduate of Richmond-Bush High School in Fort Bend. During his high school career, he was named First-Team All-Greater Houston as well as First-Team All-District. Okung proceeded to Oklahoma State where was named Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the year and All-American. During his collegiate career, he started 47 consecutive games. Okung was drafted number six in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He earned his first Super Bowl ring with Seahawks in 2013. This will be Okung’s first season with the Broncos.
Emmanuel Sanders
Hails from Bellville High School. During his high school career, he was the epitome of trifecta being named First-Team All-District running back, wide receiver and safety. During his senior year, he rushed for a total of 499 yards, six touchdowns and 24 catches for 414 yards. He was the team’s MVP and was awarded Tri-County Offensive Player of the Year. Sanders attended Southern Methodist University where he was named All-Conference. He was drafted by the Steelers in round three of the 2010 draft and went on to sign with Broncos in 2014.
Aqib Talib
The cornerback, comes from Richardson-Berkner High School in Richardson. As a high school athlete, he was named First-Team All-District, First-Team All-City and Berkner High School Defensive Back of the Year. Talib spent his collegiate career with the Kansas Jayhawks. During his time at KU, he was named All-American as well as MVP of the 2008 Orange Bowl. Talib was the 20th pick in the first round of the 2008 draft. He spent time with the Buccaneers and the Patriots prior to joining the Broncos in 2014. He currently holds 352 tackles, 30 interceptions, and eight defensive touchdowns in the NFL.
Jordan Taylor
A wide receiver now, spent his high school career playing quarterback for Denison High. While there, he passed for 3,766 yards, 40 touchdowns and ran 2,500 yards for 39 touchdowns. His impressive performance earned him All-State and a trip to the 4A Division 2 semifinals. Taylor went on to play wide receiver for the Rice Owls. While at Rice, he was named Second-Team All Conference USA. He joined the Broncos in 2015.
The Broncos alone have enough Texas talent to satisfy high school football fans. Whether you’re looking for a Super Bowl rematch or good taste of the old All Star Game tradition, Thursday night’s matchup between Carolina and Denver is sure to showcase Texas’ top!
