One of nation’s top recruits helps power optimism for Euless Trinity football

A rainy day earlier this spring in the Metroplex provided an eye-opening experience for one Power Four football coach.

Inclement weather forced the Euless Trinity Trojans to their indoor facility for drills. That is when junior-to-be John Meredith III was able to put on a show with his speed.

Trinity coach Aaron Lineweaver recalls looking over and seeing that unnamed coach’s jaw drop at what he saw.

Meredith possesses speed and is one of the best players not only in Texas, but the country. Last year, he was the District 4-6A defensive newcomer of the year.

“Honestly, he’s as talented a kid as I’ve ever been around,” Lineweaver said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s intelligent, and he has the ability to grasp football to go along with his physical tools. He’s gotten taller, and he’s doing a good job in the weight room.”

In addition to football workouts this spring, he was also on the track and field team. At the District 4-6A meet, he took third in the 200 meters (21.74) and seventh in the triple jump (41 feet, 11 1/2 inches).

247Sports lists him as a five-star recruit with a composite score of 99.86 out of a possible 100. He’s the No. 4 recruit nationally in the class of 2027 — the No. 1 cornerback recruit and the No. 2 overall recruit in Texas behind Kennedy Brown, an offensive tackle from Humble Kingwood.

“He’s a great kid and obviously super talented, but around here, he’s just John,” Lineweaver said. “He’s just like everybody else. He works hard, and he will be a leader for us. We got great kids and John has a lot of little ones that look up to him, and he was at camp (in late July) with the youth kids.”

Meredith has 42 college offers and will have a chance to go just about anywhere he wants.

In Week 1, Meredith and Trinity will travel to Houston to face Strake Jesuit on Friday. The Trojans, ranked No. 14 in Class 6A by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, were 11-2 last year and made the Class 6A Division I regional semifinals before a 22-21 loss to Allen.

Trinity returns 14 starters — seven on both sides of the ball — including Meredith and junior Toa Katoa, who was the District 4-6A offensive lineman of the year.

Graduation claimed 13 all-district players, but inside linebacker Gordon Mohetau, running back Juntavious “JT” Harris and offensive tackle Leyonte Chandler join Meredith and Katoa as returning honorees.

Harris ran for 1,428 yards and 17 touchdowns while also returning three kickoffs for scores.

“He’s so physical, and there’s a good chance if he makes somebody miss, the [school] fight song is going to play,” Lineweaver said.

Junior Mack Lineweaver will take over at quarterback behind an offensive line with Katoa, Chandler, Israel Hola-Niutei and new center Cadyn Stanley.

Skill names to learn this fall include running backs Alex Idaho and Keondre Dixon; receivers Jaylon Donaldson and Tayshaun Eafon; and tight ends Brendon Cary, Graven Mohetau and Kohen Fiefia.

“We aren’t a spread team, per se, but you wouldn’t know when we do 7-on-7,” Aaron Lineweaver said. “We know we will get a heavy box [to stop the run]. We will take shots, hit people over the top. We are tough to stop.”

Gordon Mohetau is the team’s returning tackler from last year, while Meredith and Caleb Adom are back in the secondary. Adom won the Class 6A triple jump state title in May (49-11) and has also cleared 6-8 in the high jump.

The defensive front will feature brothers Misi and Simi Naupoto, with Misi at defensive tackle and Simi at defensive end.

Sir Mimms will be a name to watch at linebacker, while Dontrell Johnson and Chayce Davis will help in the secondary.

The pieces are in place for a long playoff run.

“This place is unique. Not many places are like Euless Trinity because of growth,” Aaron Lineweaver said. “We have older fans who still come to the game because it means so much to them. They still live here, and these kids’ uncles and dads played here. It means a lot to them. It is different having good players who play for each other. This group will have a chance to be really good.”