All-Spiegelman Team: Top performers in Texas, Louisiana
The 2022 recruiting cycle is nearing its finish as the second signing window rapidly approaches after an eventful end to 2021 during championship season and then All-American games to open the new year.
Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Sam Spiegelman was on hand for 50-plus high schools game across Texas and Louisiana since August. Here is the All-Spiegelman Team for the past season:
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FACT OR FICTION: Texas A&M will land Jacoby Mathews
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State | JUCO
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
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OFFENSE
Quarterback
After capping his prep career with a third state championship, Klubnik was named the Gatorade Player of the Year and worthy of MVP honors in the All-American Bowl. Klubnik passed for 2,500 yards with 34 touchdowns and heads to Death Valley as one of Texas' most decorated high school quarterbacks of all time. Undoubtedly, Klubnik is a gamer with an elite skill-set and even more intangibles. Expect the freshman to compete for playing time immediately at Clemson.
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Running Back
Built in the same mold as Colts bruiser Jonathan Taylor, Jackson piled up 2,000 yards on 138 carries and found the end zone 33 total times. He's a swelled-up downhill runner with fantastic speed, track background and ability to push the pile forward.
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The big-play threat from North Louisiana amassed 2,800 yards rushing with 34 touchdowns, including a 265-yard, two-touchdown effort in the Class 3A title game. Holly is dynamic with straight-ahead speed and a threat-to-catch passes out of the backfield -- a big play waiting to happen.
Wide Receiver
One of the most consistent pass-catchers in the country, Preston made plays for Vacherie (La.) St. James on both sides of the ball and showed undeniable toughness and playmaking ability since his freshman season. Preston has a well-rounded skill-set that'll only shine with improved quarterback play at Alabama.
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It's an absolutely loaded group of pass-catchers in Texas for the 2023 class and Greathouse is separating himself at the top. He was an impact freshman for powerhouse Austin Westlake and had a stellar game in AT&T Stadium against elite competition with his blend of speed, athleticism and his basketball prowess showing on 50-50 balls. In the 6A championship, Greathouse turned seven receptions into 236 yards and three scores -- both of which are UIL records.
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Just scratching the surface on the football field, Marshall -- a bona fide basketball recruit as well -- has been stellar stretching the field and consistently dominating 1-on-1 matchups on the perimeter. Texas A&M is in need of impact pass-catchers and Marshall's rapid development is a promising sign.
Offensive Line
After dominating the offseason, Banks was terrific mid-season with knockdown blocks and elevating to the second level of defenses. He has a strong track of being quick-footed and agile in pass protection. Despite a down week in Orlando, Banks has a high floor in Austin.
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A lineman whose game is founded on physicality, Campbell has established himself as the best lineman in the country regardless of position. The Dallas native packs a nasty initial punch and has a basketball background which shows his ability to dominate in-space and reach multiple layers of the defense. Oklahoma or Texas will sign this cycle's top lineman.
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Another versatile piece upfront capable of playing tackle or guard, Jones' basketball background is also glaring when considering how well the 300-plus pounder moves. The LSU signee is physical and a state champion powerlifter, which will help the Tigers re-establish the line of scrimmage.
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Shahanan was a brick wall bookending Texas' best offensive line. The Florida transplant is mean-spirited and good for multiple pancakes in a game. He's powerful enough to move defenders off the ball and has flashed in pass-pro. Texas A&M, Miami and LSU are all programs to watch.
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The Texas A&M signee battled through injuries as a senior and continued to pave the way for one of the state's most potent rushing attacks. In Orlando, Dewberry reminded us of his football IQ and ability to hold up strong in pass protection.
Slot Receiver
The top slot receiver in the nation is the best player I've seen suit up for New Orleans powerhouse Edna Karr in the past decade. An impact player since his freshman year, Anderson has continued to improve his route-running, ability to bring down contested catches and brings speed and twitch to the passing game and the return game.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Hicks is position versatile and a forceful piece upfront that elevated his game to a new level after transferring from Katy Morton Ranch to Allen. Texas' top defensive lineman is explosive off the line and able to generate a pass rush inside or off the edge and plays with a rare motor.
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Wiggins has developed at an incredible rate over the past two seasons, his first since giving football a shot after a promising basketball career at Baton Rouge Madison Prep. The 6-foot-7, 285-pounder blends massive length with an array of different pass-rush moves and innate power to go toe-to-toe with multiple offensive linemen. Wiggins opened the playoffs with a multi-sack performance and was among the top performers in San Antonio. As a senior, he registered 13 sacks, 56 tackles, 26 TFL, four pass deflections and three forced fumbles.
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A big of a late-bloomer, Burke -- who was also a sought-after lacrosse recruit -- is another edge-rusher with a vast wingspan and a knack for wrecking plays behind the line of scrimmage. Burke, who flipped from Michigan to Texas during the Early Signing Period, racked up two sacks and three TFL to lift Austin Westlake to another title.
Linebacker
One of the most dynamic athletes in the country, Perkins is the perfect solution on defense as a hybrid safety/outside linebacker that can cover with speed to roam sideline to sideline and also has enough juice to pressure the quarterback. Perkins made a major impact for Cy-Park on both sides of the ball the past two seasons and is just scratching the surface. The Aggies are hopeful to fend off Florida and LSU late.
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Another impact defender out of Dallas powerhouse Denton Ryan, Hill has been a force from the linebacker position the past three seasons and also contributed on offense this past season. The five-star packs size, speed and the ability to close off from the second level with a physical style of football. Hill is a top priority for both the Longhorns and Aggies.
Defensive Back
Injury delayed the start of Harris' season, but the five-star wasted little time regaining his rhythm. He's sound in coverage and an absolute force against the run. The Aggies inked the state's top corner and a true ballhawk that came up huge in Galena Park North Shore's championship run.
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Humphrey is the equivalent of a five-tool prospect that blends size, speed, instincts, physicality and work ethic. A decorated sprinter, Humphrey has continues to take strides as a cover corner. He was terrific throughout the week in San Antonio and while there's room for improvement, Humphrey could thrive at Georgia just like fellow speedster Kelee Ringo did.
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The lone sophomore to crack this list, Foster is one of the top defensive backs in Louisiana regardless of class. Foster has fantastic instincts and plays with confidence in his talent. He's been able to shadow some of the best receivers in the state and come up with massive interceptions on big stages quite a bit early in his prep career.
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It's hard to draw up a more well-rounded safety than Bowen, who pledged to Notre Dame on New Year's Day as one of the cornerstone pieces in Marcus Freeman's 2023 class. Bowen flies to the ball and is dynamic in defending the run as well as patrolling the back end. He also shined in spot duty on offense in the 6A championship game and is an impact returner, too.
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Over the course of the season, Mathews saw snaps at quarterback, receiver, safety and as a returner. He totaled 51 tackles, 14 pass breakups, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns also with two more via punt returns. Texas A&M, Florida, LSU and Alabama are all trying to close with the five-star in February.
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An enforcer for 4A state champion New Iberia (La.) Westgate, Williams also shined with key roles on offense and special teams. Williams, nicknamed "The Raptor," piled up 127 tackles as a junior with 10 TFL and two sacks. He forced three fumbles, recovered three and broke up seven passes. Michigan, Alabama, Texas and LSU are contenders.
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Jackson, a rangy safety that piled up more than 100 tackles and has a wide range of skill-sets was a difference-maker on undefeated Zachary (La.) High's march toward a 5A championship. In the title game he blocked two kicks, broke up a pass and recorded nine more tackles. LSU, Georgia, Alabama and Texas A&M all covet Jackson, and Michigan recently offered.