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Ridge Point's Avery Morcho is that guy
THE TOTAL PACKAGE: Ridge Point's Morcho is built different
Avery Morcho is the total package.
The Ridge Point offensive lineman stands an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 290 pounds. He’s crushing it in the classroom, and his athleticism has made him one of the most coveted prospects in H-Town.
But it all started with a different game.
“Basketball was my first love,” Morcho laughed. “I played until I was a sophomore but had to quit because I was losing too much weight running up and down the court. But having played since I was a kid, it gave me great footwork that I use now as an offensive lineman.”
Coach Rick LaFavers wasted no time putting Morcho to work when he started walking the halls of Fort Bend ISD’s powerhouse program.
“I’ve always been the biggest guy, and they moved me up to varsity as a freshman,” he said. “This might sound crazy, but on my very first play, I had a pancake block. I wasn’t fully developed yet… hadn’t really grown into my body. I was kind of thrown into the fire back then, but it made me who I am today.”
And who he is today? A four-star recruit with dozens of college offers.
“My first offer was from Texas Tech after my sophomore year… that gave me so much confidence,” Morcho said. “As I’ve gotten deeper in the recruiting process, I’m really looking for a great offensive line coach—someone who can get the most out of me. I’m pretty smart and would like to possibly pursue engineering as a career after football.”
For now, though, it’s all about Ridge Point football.
“This senior class is special,” he said. “I grew up going to Ridge Point games when I was in elementary school. I saw how those coaches developed great offensive and defensive linemen who went on to play in college. I knew if I just listened and put in the work, I could do it too.”
Now, it’s his turn to leave a legacy.
“Our time is almost over,” Morcho reflected. “I know the seniors are excited to go play in college, but we’re going to cherish every moment next year. It’s going to be a great season because of the brotherhood we’ve built over the years. We have great chemistry, and I love being one of the vocal leaders.”
Morcho has an official visit locked in with SMU, with more sure to fill up his calendar soon.
But before he got back to grinding, we ran him through the VYPE Combine 411 Feature. Here’s the lowdown:
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VYPE 411 with Avery Morcho
VYPE: When you’re watching football, who do you like to study?
MORCHO: Of course, the Texans. But at my position, I lock in on Trent Williams and Lane Johnson. They’re nasty and great run blockers.
VYPE: What’s your all-time favorite movie?
MORCHO: It has to be Creed.
VYPE: Favorite place to eat?
MORCHO: Wing Stop.
VYPE: Dream car?
MORCHO: A Durango 392.
VYPE: What are you streaming right now?
MORCHO:Stranger Things.
VYPE: Celebrity you’d want to take on a date?
MORCHO: Ruby Rose.
VYPE: Outside of football, what do you love to do?
MORCHO: I like playing pick-up basketball and fishing. I like being outside.
Hugh Smith is all of 6-foot-5, 300-pounds of Ridge Point Panther
STRAIGHT OUT OF CENTRAL CASTING: Ridge Point’s Smith is built for Texas High School Football
If Hollywood needed to cast a Texas high school offensive lineman, they wouldn’t have to look much further than Hugh Smith.
“Yep, I like to hunt, fish, play video games… and a good nap,” the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Ridge Point junior laughed. “Oh, and Whataburger, Raising Cane’s, and Chick-fil-A before a game, too.”
And there you have it.
Smith anchors one of the best returning offensive lines in the state alongside fellow DI prospects Avery Morcho and Jordan Burnett. Together, they form the heart of a Ridge Point squad looking for more in 2025.
“We just make each other better,” Smith said. “If I see something at the line of scrimmage or they do, we’re communicating. The heart of every great team is their offensive line.”
The Panthers have won five-straight district championships under coach Rick LaFavers and made it to the Regional Semis in 2020. But Smith believes there’s something special about this year’s team.
“We’ve got dudes at every position,” he said. “We know we can get to AT&T Stadium this year. There’s just something different about this team.”
While Smith preps for his senior season, his future is also coming into focus. The recruiting game has heated up, and he’s ready.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of playing college football and maybe beyond,” Smith said. “When I got my first offer from the University of Houston, it hit me—it was a moment.
“Since then, I’ve worked hard on my craft. Last year, it was about technique, using my hands, and being aggressive—finishing my blocks. This offseason, it’s about speed, endurance, and strength. I want to beat my man every play, all game.”
Smith has a trio of official visits lined up: Arizona State, Arkansas, and Houston.
“I’m trying to go somewhere that will develop me to get to the pros,” he said. “It’s all about fit, too… the atmosphere, college life, academics, and the fans.
“I don’t mind watching and learning as a freshman. Seeing my teammates compete against the best in the country and picking up the speed of the game isn’t lost on me.”
A 4.2 GPA student, Smith envisions a future in finance. But for now, he’s focused on being a great teammate—with his eyes on Jerry World.
Straight out of Friday Night Lights, with a little Whataburger on the side.