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LATE TO THE PARTY: Mayde Creek’s Haastrup new to recruiting scene
Every year there always seems to be one prospect in the city of Houston who bursts onto the recruiting scene, late to the party.
This year, look no further than Mayde Creek’s Tobi Haastrup -- a 2025 DE who has picked up 21 offers in the past month -- and went from unknown to a 4-Star national recruit overnight.
How did he get here?
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Haastrup’s journey to football is more unique than most, starting with living ‘across the pond’ in London.
“I lived in London for nine years and the main sports over their were futbol and and track, so that’s what I played when I moved over to the US," he said. "I really was trying to get a track scholarship originally, but realized if you’re not running a 10.1 or 10.2, there aren’t many schools offering you for track.”
After some convincing from some coaches, Haastrup traded in his spikes for cleats.
“The football coaches came up to me over the offseason and convinced me to give football a shot," he said. "They told me I had the size and the speed, so I decided to give it a shot for my senior year.
“I went to SAC (speed and strength) camp all summer and trained non-stop. I really knew nothing about what I was doing other than getting off the ball, because it was similar to getting a good start out of the blocks in track.”
Many people who have only been playing football for three months might struggle or have a slow start, but Haastrup introduced himself to Texas High School football was a bang.
In his first game playing the sport, Haastrup finished the game with four sacks, seven tackles and two QB pressures, a stat line that even many high-level 5-star prospects might not eclipse in their high school careers.
“Before the first game I really was just leaving it up to God, praying for the confidence in myself to go out there and apply what I had learned so far,” he said.
After that first game stat line, Haastrup got his first taste of the recruiting process picking up 21 offers from some big-time Power 4 programs overnight.
“I always thought that I would get a scholarship to run track, so whenever they started to come in for football I just had to thank God. None of this would be possible without him.”
Haastrup will have a big decision coming around signing day and will be visiting LSU, Boston College, Missouri, Ole Miss and Florida State in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned.
VYPE 411: Angel Sonnier of Mayde Creek presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors
Angel Sonnier recently won the VYPE Houston Public School Preseason Boys Basketball Player of the Year Fall Poll! VYPE caught up with Sonnier for the 411 on the star from Mayde Creek.
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VYPE: How long have you been playing basketball and how did you get your start?
Sonnier: I’ve been playing basketball for three and a half years. I started playing my 8th grade summer.
VYPE: Who's your favorite athlete and why?
Sonnier: Stephen Curry is my favorite player because of the way he moves around the court on and off the ball and there’s no doubt that he always impacts the game.
VYPE: What's your pre-game meal? Routine?
Sonnier: Before a game I eat one banana and drink my Pedialyte. I like to keep my stomach light on game days. I also do a lot of stretching and breathing exercises to get my mind and body ready for the game.
VYPE: Off the court, what is your favorite thing to do?
Sonnier: I like spending time with family and friends and making sure I make time to focus on myself.
VYPE: What's your favorite subject in school?
Sonnier: I don’t really have a favorite subject. I enjoy every subject and what I’m being taught.
VYPE: What is the one memory from the game you'll never forget playing basketball?
Sonnier: My first in-game dunk. The crowd and the energy in the gym was unforgettable.
"I’m excited about my junior year and being Selected for Steph Curry Underrated Camp. I’m honored to be nominated for Houston’s Preseason Public School POY and looking forward to continuing to impact the game."
For all the ways you love to play, Academy Sports and Outdoors makes it easier than ever to gear up and have fun out there! Get free shipping on your favorite brands at academy.com or get free curbside or in-store pick-up at your Academy store. Gear up this Spring at Academy Sports and Outdoors.