Three All-Americans, 5 TCU pledges in Tarrant County Terrific 25

By Jarret Johnson

jmjohnson@star-telegram.com

The Tarrant County area has long been an endless stream of football talent funneled to college programs around the country, and the 2013 class is no different. This group features three high school all-Americans and two of the top quarterbacks in the country. Texas and Texas A&M appear to have the inside track with the elite athletes again this year, but five of the prospects on this list have pledged to stay home and attend TCU.

1 A'Shawn Robinson (6-5, 305), DL, Fort Worth Arlington Heights: The Texas commit insists he's still headed to Austin despite a trip to Florida State and planned visits to Alabama and USC in the future. Whoever wins will get one of the most coveted prospects in the nation. Robinson is an athletic marvel of sheer size, strength, dexterity and speed. The U.S. Army All-American also plays with a mean streak that can't be taught.

2 Cody Thomas (6-5, 220), QB, Colleyville Heritage: The classic pocket passer with a rocket arm is headed to Oklahoma. Thomas throws a great deep ball but has shown touch and patience on checkdowns after progressing through his reads. Though he'd prefer to distribute the ball, Thomas possesses above average speed and a willingness to run over smaller defenders when scrambling.

3 Kenny Hill (6-1, 205), QB, Southlake Carroll: Texas A&M gets another Lone Star high school legend at quarterback. Hill is a complete player with no apparent weakness other than borderline height. The offensive MVP of the 2011 Class 5A Division I title game can make every throw, is deceptively fast and is automatic as a power runner in short-yardage situations.

4 Robbie Rhodes (6-2, 190), WR, FW Southwest: Baylor is getting arguably the best all-around athlete on this list. Rhodes is the reigning Class 4A state track champ in the 200 meters and an all-district performer in basketball who once dunked 10 times in a game. The Under Armour All-American garnered national attention in 2011 when he tied a U.S. record with eight touchdown receptions and set the state mark for receiving yards with 394 in a single game.

5 Kyle Hicks (5-11, 200), RB, Arlington Martin: Texas gets another all-around back with elite size, speed and work ethic. Hicks has demonstrated a willingness to block and abilities as a receiver. Though a great runner, Hicks has the body type and talent to move to the secondary and become a top safety or cornerback if the Longhorns' backfield becomes too crowded. The only concern with him is health; he has suffered foot and knee injuries in a calendar year.

6 Joas Aguilar (6-5, 295), OL, Birdville: Aguilar will join Rhodes at the Under Armour All-America Game and Hill at Texas A&M. His power at the point of attack in the run game makes him an obvious choice to play guard, yet possesses the frame and athleticism to not just fill in but possibly thrive if moved outside to tackle. His versatility is a rare and valuable commodity at the collegiate level.

7 Sammy Douglas (6-3, 195), LB, Arlington: The TCU commit was a good linebacker in 2011 but has taken his game to another level as a senior. Douglas has elite speed, height and instincts. TCU offered before this season and may have gotten the steal of the area as Douglas could fill an immediate need, but will have to beef up in a hurry.

T8 Sam Tevi (6-5, 270), DE, Euless Trinity: Another monster athlete from Trinity. Tevi is part of a special defensive line that coach Steve Lineweaver calls the best he's had at the school. Tevi heads to Utah ready to play immediately with the requisite size and three years of varsity experience playing against the best competition the state has to offer.

T8 Gaius Vaenuku (6-5, 265), DE, Euless Trinity: Vaenuku is similar to Tevi in that both have demonstrated the ability to ruin offensive game plans by being equally adept at pass rushing and stopping the run. Vaenuku is still mulling offers from Arizona State, Kansas State, Michigan, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, UCLA and Utah among others.

10 Charlie Reid (6-4, 225), TE, FW All Saints: There was only place Reid wanted to go and that's TCU. Reid saw his production increase every year despite playing for an All Saints team full of top prospects at every position. A good blocker with great speed and hands for his size, Reid could develop into a special player at H-back for the Horned Frogs.

The next 15 (in alphabetical order)

Looking for comments?