Tomorrow’s football stars abound when Colleyville Heritage meets Aledo

Colleyville Heritage at Aledo on Friday night is about the present and the future.

The present is the state’s No. 2 team in Class 5A in the Aledo Bearcats facing the the Panthers — who also got votes in the Associated Press poll.

Aledo is looking for a seventh state championship in nine seasons. Colleyville Heritage, which played in the 2016 Division 1 state quarterfinals, wants to break through with its first title. These teams likely will not see each other again in the playoffs. Colleyville Heritage would go Division 1. Aledo likely would go Division 2.

The future is six players in this game who are destined to play on Saturdays. Each program features three Division I players. Several are committed; others are still evaluating.

Aledo

RB Jase McClellan, 5-11, 190, Soph.

Status: Committed to Oklahoma

Notable: McClellan was part of a three-pronged attack for the Bearcats during the 2016 regular season. That changed in the postseason when he emerged as the go-to choice. In the Division 2 state semifinal 38-14 victory over Mesquite Poteet, McClellan had nine carries during a 14-play 96-yard drive in the fourth quarter that put the game out of reach. Williams finished with 1,527 yards. He had busy off-season where he picked up 14 offers including Michigan. He committed to Oklahoma in late July.

WR/DB Jeffery Carter, 6-0, 185, Jr.

Status: Committed to Oklahoma

Notable: Carter is a dynamic athlete who can play both sides of the ball. For the Bearcats, he likely will see equal time in the secondary and at receiver. He is raw but possesses game-breaking speed. That’s why he committed to the Sooners as a wide receiver. He tore his ACL late in the 2016 and was done after the bi-district playoff round against Wichita Falls Rider. When he regained his health, his recruitment took off. Baylor was the first to offer before eight others followed. He committed to Oklahoma in late July.

NT James Williams, 5-11, 290, Sr.

Status: Committed to Montana State

Notable: “Big James” will be a four-year starter for the Bearcats. His strength is probably his best quality. He can handle two blockers without too much difficulty. Williams is also a student of the game. The only reason why he did not have much interest from FBS programs (Air Force and Army offered) was likely because of his height. Montana State, an FCS program, should benefit.

Colleyville Heritage

WR Kam Brown, 6-0, 160, Jr.

Status: Committed to UCLA

Notable: Son of former Dallas Cowboys and TCU star Larry Brown, Kam has developed into one of the top wide receivers in the country. He is rated in just about every national list. Injuries allowed him to shine in 2016. He averaged 16.5 yards per reception and 11 scores. Following the season, his recruiting erupted. Brown collected 22 offers including Michigan and Miami before settling on the Bruins.

WR Ke’Von Ahmad, 6-1, 185, Sr.

Status: Open

Notable: Ahmad battled a deep thigh injury throughout 2016. But when he is right, he’s fast as in 100-meter track speed. He also possesses great hands in that he can catch something even if it’s off line. Ahmad moved to Colleyville from Florida in 2015. While not committed, Ahmad has picked up 11 offers including seven from P5 programs, Louisville, Purdue, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Illinois, Baylor and Kansas. There is no timetable for him to make a commitment decision.

ATH Drew Sanders, 6-5, 212, Soph.

Status: Open

Notable: There’s a reason why the Lake Dallas transfer is listed as an athlete: He can play anywhere. In his freshman season at Lake Dallas, he played quarterback, linebacker and tight end. Sanders accounted for 851 total offensive yards (rushing, receiving and passing). For Colleyville Heritage he should do the same. However, QB will be in the form of special packages. Some Division I schools are looking at him as a QB. Others see him at tight end. And more see him at linebacker. Baylor, Georgia, Houston, Oklahoma, SMU, TCU and Tulsa have offered so far.

This story was originally published August 31, 2017 at 2:02 PM with the headline "Tomorrow’s football stars abound when Colleyville Heritage meets Aledo."