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THE PLAYMAKERS: Recruiting Season Edition powered by UTMB Health
In this edition, we'll be detailing some of the notable developments that are taking place during each individual's respective off-season.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Month, as the Winter season heats up.
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Coach Corby Meekins, Lutheran South Academy Football
Photo provided by Coach Corby Meekins (Twitter: @corbymeekins)
The Pioneers recently made an expert hire by bringing in a household name in Texas coaching like Corby Meekins.
LSA's newest head football coach has built up quite the resume over the years, most recently serving as the assistant head coach for the University of Houston.
Prior to the four years he spent with UH, Meekins' considerable career was bolstered with experience at the University of Texas. Most notably, Meekins served as the head coach for Westfield between 2004 and 2014, where he would guide the team to 10 playoff appearances, including a trip to the state championship game in 2004.
Given this new change in leadership, all eyes will certainly be on Lutheran South once they suit up next Fall.
Chase Bruton, Hitchcock Football
Photo by Jackson DiPasquale (VYPE)
Chase Bruton's stellar performance in the 2023 season was one of many Hitchcock players that led the Class 3A power to yet another district championship and ensuing trip to the postseason.
The star DB/WR naturally earned himself first-team all-district honors with his efforts, and given his considerable speed and 5-foot-10 frame, it was only a matter of time before the junior Bulldog received his first official offer to play collegiate ball.
Just this past week, Bruton got the call from the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP), which will undoubtedly be the first of many if the results he has shown thus far are any indication.
Kyden Barker, Galveston Ball Football
Photo provided by Kyden Barker
QB Kyden Barker put up some impressive numbers from behind center this past Fall.
In just his sophomore year, the Galveston Ball phenom threw for over 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, with another score on the ground to boot.
Given the productivity he's displayed, despite his young age, it comes as no surprise that Barker already has an offer from UNLV, and recently visited the University of Texas following a note-worthy invite.
With additional visits to Texas A&M and the University of Houston coming soon, the future is certainly bright for this rising star.
Tyler Thomas, Dickinson Football
Photo provided by Tyler Thomas (Twitter: @TThomas06x)
As one of the top offensive linemen in the state, Class of 2025's Tyler Thomas has been raising eyebrows from recruiters nationwide.
The three-star Dickinson product already holds offers from several top collegiate programs -- namely Tennessee, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Texas, Ole Miss, and LSU -- with plenty more pouring in.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, complemented by quick feet and an explosive energy, Thomas has become a force to be reckoned with in the trenches.
It will interesting to see where he ultimately decides to call home following his upcoming senior year.
Jaylen Stewart, Pearland Football
Photo provided by Jaylen Stewart
Jaylen Stewart was a welcome surprise to Pearland's already-stingy defense in 2023.
In just his sophomore year, he racked up a team-high 6 sacks, along with 52 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Unsurprisingly, Stewart earned first-team all-district honors, with the additional recognition of being named the district's Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
While he currently only holds one offer (Baylor), there's no doubt that will change by the time he takes to the field again for his junior season.
If this was his introduction, we can't to see what more is in store for this Pearland game-wrecker.
Willowridge head football coach Ramon Chinyoung has taken a coaching position with the NFL's Denver Broncos.
Willowridge coach Chinyoung takes job with NFL’s Broncos
It wasn’t long ago when R.J. used to confuse the logo of Westfield High School, Chinyoung’s alma mater and previous coaching stop, with that of the Broncos.
“I always told people my daddy coaches for an NFL team,” R.J. told his father on Thursday. “And now, today, now you do coach the Denver Broncos.”
“That, for me, is when it sunk in,” Chinyoung said.
Chinyoung, 33, will serve as quality control coach for the Broncos, specifically assisting offensive line coach Butch Berry. Some of Chinyoung’s responsibilities will include drawing run cards, running the scout team, and building relationships with young players to help them learn the systems of new head coach Nathaniel Hackett as easily and quickly as possible.
“Texas high school football teaches you to have a high expectation of success and standard,” said Chinyoung, who spent 2012-2019 coaching the offensive line and later being assistant head coach at Westfield before taking over Willowridge prior to the 2020 season. “Because of that, I walked into that (Broncos interview) with confidence. The level of competition out here is so strenuous and to another level to where it was another day at the office, as far as competing on the white board, competing to get your point across, competing to say that I feel I have the best idea and plan for kids to be successful. These kids now just so happen to be grown men. That’s the only difference.”
Broncos offensive coordinator Justin Outten, who worked with Chinyoung from 2012-2016 at Westfield when Outten was the offensive line coach and Chinyoung was the assistant, initially extended the opportunity for Chinyoung to interview with the Broncos 12 days ago.
“It has nothing to do with Denver and everything to do with relationships that were built prior,” Chinyoung said. “In life, you’re privy to work with people who are able to advance in their careers, and if you build quality relationships and do right by people, if you’re doing the best to be the best you can be, if the opportunity ever presents itself, then they’ll try their best to bring you along.”
Ramon Chinyoung.Randall Clark Photography
Chinyoung said the move was a no-brainer. But what he accomplished at Willowridge was admirable. He had helped install a culture of winning and success during his short time with the Eagles, going 11-8 and making the playoffs in 2020.
“My wife (Morgan) is a head volleyball coach (at Klein Oak),” Chinyoung said. “Her father was a coach of Texas high school football for 39 years. Her grandfather was a coach of Texas high school football and at Prairie View for 40 years. Coaching in my family is an expectation. There’s nothing higher in football than the National Football League, so of course I’m going to jump on that opportunity.”
Chinyoung will report to Denver on Monday morning. Morgan and their two kids will finish the school year in Houston before heading to Denver around the beginning of June.
Willowridge associate head coach Javid Milton will be the interim head coach for the Eagles.
“I’m so grateful, so thankful, so appreciative,” Chinyoung said. “Grateful for guys like Corby Meekins (tight ends coach at the University of Houston), who was my high school head football coach and gave me my first job in coaching. Appreciative of guys like Coach Javid Milton, who I’ve worked so closely with my entire coaching career. That’s my guy, and I wish him the best and I hope I’ve provided him with everything he needs to be successful as a Texas high school football coach.”