Welcome to the 2020 football season. What a weird offseason it was for everyone. There was not a summer camp circuit for players to go showcase their talents at. In-person recruiting came to a screeching halt and the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected everyone.
But
VYPE has still done what we have always done when it comes to previewing Texas high school football here in Houston. With that said here is Class 5A No. 2 Foster Falcons!
Foster boasts one of the top receivers in the nation and one of the top offensive linemen in the country. Not too shabby. WR
Cody Jackson (1,370 yards, 21 TDs) is headed toward being the program's next CeeDee Lamb. Like Lamb, Jackson is an Oklahoma-commit. Joining him on the national scale is 6-foot-8, 300-pound tackle Reuben Fatheree II (Texas A&M-commit), whose has unique athleticism and quickness to accommodate his size. Offensively, Foster will have to replace a key playmaking leader in quarterback Ryan Stubblefield (East Carolina).
The top returning rusher is senior Xavier Smallwood, who totaled 213 yards and 4.6 yards per carry. Other players to watch on offense are wide receivers DeAndre Chandler and Ethan Newton and offensive lineman Mason Moore. The defense, though, will be enough as the Falcons work out their QB and RB situations. Five starters return on that side of the ball, led by
Tyler Onyedim (65 total tackles, 15 for a loss) and LB Udoka Ezeani (33 tackles, 8 for a loss). DB Justice Ugochuckwu is also someone to keep an eye on.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY-RECRUITED ATHLETES IN THE NATION, SEBASTIAN WILLIAMS-ADAMS HAS NEVER LOST SIGHT OF HIS VALUES.
The leading figure of the St. John’s School program has the skill to back his reputation. But it’s Williams-Adams’ mind that will shape his impending collegiate career.
“It’s definitely a blessing to be in the position that I am,” he said. “Third grade-me, who just started AAU basketball, could never imagine where I’d be at right now, and the things I’ve been able to experience through this game.
“When it comes to a school, I’m looking for a home environment that has a similar mindset to what I’ve been brought up in. Family has always been really important to me, so having some type of ‘home-base’ with a like-minded staff and team is what I’m looking for. I want to be challenged in order to get better, but I want it to come from a good place.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
He’ll have the pick of the litter, considering he recently narrowed down his choices to Auburn, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, and Purdue.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. His mother Kareema Williams was a college hooper herself, playing for both Wichita State and North Carolina in addition to being named a McDonald’s All-American.
Suffice it to say, she’s had a significant impact on her son.
“Obviously, I’ve always been in the gym since she’s been a coach (at St. Agnes) as well,” said Williams- Adams. “As I got a little older, I’d play with the team when I was allowed. Because of that, I’ve always had a ‘basketball- mind’.
“She’s always encouraged me. She would tell me, ‘if you stop playing basketball today, I’ll still love you the same. I’ve played my basketball. It’s time for you to follow your calling’. That frame of mind has made me feel liberated in a way. Even though we may argue at times over certain things, I know that I’ll have someone in my corner.”
Despite what his physical stature and talent may indicate, it hasn’t necessarily been easy for him.
As a role model, the 6-foot- 8 power forward had an insightful message to relay.
“You’re going to get frustrated,” he said. “People around you are going to get better, and it’ll feel like your days are really stacked. I’ve had that experience multiple times. Some people’s growths are step-by-step and others are more explosive.
“I wouldn’t say knock out all outside distractions because they’re going to get in, especially when you’re in high school. Stay the course and have faith in yourself to prove the doubters wrong.”
That mentality will certainly pay dividends as Williams-Adams and his fellow Mavericks pursue an SPC championship this winter.
More so than that, his well- adjusted determination is sure to come into play when he ultimately advances to the next stage.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
