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THE RICH JUST GOT RICHER: Highlanders Offense Adds Star Move In RB
The Woodlands Highlanders reached the third round of the postseason in 2022, falling to eventual State Champ Duncanville in the playoffs.
The Highlanders return a talented offensive line, a nationally-ranked QB and WR, and a solid defense. Enter Kiandrea Barker – the No. 1 prospect in the state of Arkansas for the Class of 2025, who had 1,225 all-purpose yards and 10 scores at Beebe High School.
“I’m excited to show that I can compete in the state of Texas, where there are a bunch of big-time players,” Barker said. “I want to show that I can play against that caliber of player.”
So, what was the first day like at the Houston power school?
“It was pretty chill,” he laughed. “I went straight to offseason football and got a good workout. I love everything about the program here.”
The Woodlands has a lineage of great RBs dating back to Patrick Carr and Samson Taylor. Barker wants to make his own name.
“My style is like Saquon Barkley,” he said. “When he was at Penn State, he was a true human joystick. I want to do big things on the field and be that type of big-time playmaker. But my real goal is to be a great teammate, build great chemistry with the talented teammates here and go try and win a State Championship.”
The move sent shockwaves throughout the Texas high school landscape and recruiting circles. Barker has already been a big-time target in Arkansas and that should translate to Texas as college coaches follow his progression.
“I've been talking with TCU and USC right now,” he said of recruiting. “They are starting to build real relationships with me as of right now.”
Stay tuned.
VYPE Football 2020 Preview: Class 6A - No. 18 The Woodlands Highlanders presented by CertaPro Painters
Welcome to the 2020 football season. What a weird offseason it was for everyone. There was not a summer camp circuit for player 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 are the No. 18 The Woodlands Highlanders!
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Coach Jim Rapp has his work cut out for him. The second-year head coach led the Highlanders to the third-round of the postseason with an 8-5 record in 2019, but nearly 60 seniors graduated. Rapp, an old OL coach, will draw to his strength of a massive front. Titan Tucker, M.J. Ruhman, Concordia Lutheran move-in Kaden Sieracki and sophomore Cross Tucker will anchor the offense. The Tucker and Ruhman connection dates back to Texas A&M, when their fathers Rex and Chris played on the same line for the Aggies. WR Teddy Knox (Mississippi State-commit) should be the showcased weapon on offense along with Jack Calhoun and RB JoBarre Reed. Junior WR Ben Ferguson will also get in the mix. Connor Deshiro should emerge as the starting QB. Defensively, junior LB Martrell Harris gets to make his Highlander debut after playing JV due to a transfer rule. Harris could be a stud, patrolling the middle of the field. Logan Ecuyer and Bradley Warren will anchor the DL, while the secondary has some significant turnover.
This content is sponsored by CertaPro Painters.