It’s not often that you see a freshman playing varsity in 6A Texas high school football.
Klein Oak running back Micah Rhodes came into the 2024 season with aspirations of playing on varsity after picking up offers from Baylor, Oklahoma and Boise State before ever touching the field.
Since starting on varsity, the "Freshman Phenom" has picked up 14 offers from some of the biggest schools in college football.
The expectation were high for Rhodes coming into this fall and he has been nothing short of phenomenal. Though many may let the pressure of high expectations get to them, the young running back has never wavered.
“I didn’t see it as pressure at all,” Rhodes said. “I’ve been training and worked hard all offseason for this. I just want show everyone why I picked up my offers early.”
Micah has rushed for 786 yards on 153 carries and eight touchdowns in only nine games. The early playing time and trust by his team has helped make the transition from junior high football an easy transition.
“It means a lot to me that my team trusts me to go out there and play my game," he said. "I'm just staying composed and keeping the main thing, the main thing. Coach (Brandon) Carpenter’s play calls have made it easier for a smooth transition as well.”
His play on the field has garnered offers from some of the biggest D1 programs in the country like Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Ohio State and Penn State to name a few.
“It has been a great experience,” he said. “My classmates and teammates have showed me a lot of love. I got the Ohio State, Penn State and Ole Miss offer during athletic period and it was crazy after I got the news. Then to top it off, it was it was game day!”
The recruiting process is starting early for Rhodes but it's always been apart of the plan.
"It has been great," Rhodes said. "I have been in contact with all the coaches that offered me and even the ones who haven’t offered me. Building relationships with the coaches has been exciting and interesting at the same time."
Micah Rhodes is becoming one of the hottest names in recruitment already as a freshman. He will be a player to keep an eye over the next three years.
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