The annual Brazos Valley High School Football Media Day once again served as a unique platform for uncovering the perspectives of the region’s top student athletes. A comprehensive questionnaire administered by The Eagle sports team gathered insights from a remarkable 90 players representing 27 different high school football programs. This extensive survey aimed to capture the diverse interests and pressing concerns of these young talents, providing a revealing snapshot of their world beyond the gridiron and highlighting the depth of the Brazos Valley sports landscape.
Among the most anticipated revelations was the players’ allegiances to college football powerhouses. Unsurprisingly, proximity played a significant role, with Texas A&M emerging as the overwhelming favorite, garnering 37 votes. Its in-state rival, the University of Texas, secured a respectable second place with 21 votes. Other prominent programs like Alabama and LSU also received notable support, while several athletes, including Lexington quarterback Kase Evans, proudly declared their commitments to out-of-state schools like Oklahoma State, further diversifying the poll results for college football fans.
Shifting to the virtual gridiron, players shared their ideal matchups for the highly anticipated EA Sports College Football 26 game. The iconic Lone Star Showdown between Texas and Texas A&M dominated this category, capturing 44 votes and underscoring the enduring rivalry. Beyond this perennial classic, players envisioned intriguing contests involving teams like Alabama and Penn State. Some responses were notably unique, with Anderson-Shiro’s Logan Jackson expressing excitement for Delaware versus Missouri State, and Iola’s Tyler Elliot offering a distinctive choice of BYU against South Carolina, showcasing the breadth of their football interests.
The survey also explored the players’ favorite NFL teams, revealing a strong regional preference for the Dallas Cowboys, who led comfortably with 35 votes. The Houston Texans followed with 17 votes, underscoring local loyalties. Other notable mentions included the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. These preferences often carried local connections, such as Bryan running back Jevalen Wade’s affinity for the Carolina Panthers, a team that recently drafted former local standout Nic Scourton, linking the current high school talent to the professional ranks of American football.
Beyond team allegiances, the questionnaire ventured into identifying today’s greatest athlete. Despite his lengthy career, basketball icon LeBron James was overwhelmingly chosen by 21 players, reaffirming his enduring cultural impact. NFL stars like Saquon Barkley and Lamar Jackson also received significant recognition. More unconventional choices emerged as well, with Brazos Christian’s Hudson Jacobus naming two-time NBA champion Alex Caruso, and Lexington’s Jordan Muhl surprisingly selecting competitive eater Joey Chestnut, adding a humorous and unexpected element to the student athlete survey responses.
When questioned about their ultimate career aspirations, a clear majority of more than 25 players expressed the dream of becoming a professional athlete. This ambition highlights the dedication and talent fostered within the Brazos Valley sports community, which has historically produced its share of professional players. The presence of former media day attendee Nic Scourton, now in the NFL, serves as a powerful testament to these achievable dreams for the next generation of Texas football stars.
The survey also delved into more serious topics, asking players about the biggest problems facing high school students today. Common themes included challenges with communication and socializing, the pervasive issues of drugs and vaping, and the complexities surrounding phones and new school-wide bans. Intriguingly, St. Joseph’s Colt Bundick cited artificial intelligence as a significant concern, reflecting a contemporary awareness of emerging societal challenges among the youth.
Concluding on an uplifting note, players were asked what made them smile. Rudder’s Shon Godoy offered a profound and simple response: “I’m alive and healthy.” This poignant sentiment, alongside the upcoming commencement of fall practice for high school football teams across Texas on August 29th, sets an optimistic tone for the exciting season ahead, reinforcing the spirit of Brazos Valley sports and the resilience of its young athletes.
