Latest news with #DuncanvilleHighSchool
USA Today
11-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Longhorns trio named to Chuck Bednarik Award watch list
Three Longhorns in the running for prestigious award With the start of the college football season only a few weeks away, the Texas Longhorns are making national headlines. On Monday, the talented trio of Anthony Hill Jr., Colin Simmons, and Michael Taaffe was named to the preseason watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award. The award is given annually to the College Defensive Player of the Year. For many in Austin, the trio's inclusion on the watch list comes as no surprise. Over the last few years, they have made life difficult for offensive coordinators. This marks the second time that Hill is in the running for the Chuck Bednarik Award. In 16 games last season, Hill was one of the best at his position. He led the Longhorns in tackles with 103 and tackles for loss with 16.5. The Texas native also finished third on the team in sacks with eight while adding three double-digit tackling performances to his resume. Due to Hill's play, he earned national praise last October with Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week honors. As Hill was a human highlight reel, he got help from Simmons. In his freshman year, Duncanville High School led the Longhorns in sacks with nine. He also forced three fumbles and recorded 48 total tackles. Simmons proved to be an immediate star and made history. He became the first Longhorns player to win the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year Award. Rounding out the list is Taaffe, who has become a fan favorite. The former walk-on added 78 tackles and two interceptions to his resume last year. He was also the only Longhorns player to record an interception and a forced fumble in the same game. In the postseason, he continued to thrive with a career-high 10 tackles in the Quarterfinal against Arizona State. Regardless of the opponents, Taaffe found a way to make an impact. While the trio's focus will be on helping Texas rack up as many wins as possible, they will also be watching how voting for the award plays out. On November 11th, the semifinalists will be revealed. A few weeks later, the three finalists will be announced before a winner is named on December 11th. The Longhorns are hoping to have a reason to celebrate when a new winner is crowned.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida's DJ Lagway Makes Clear Run at Highly Touted Recruit
Florida's DJ Lagway Makes Clear Run at Highly Touted Recruit originally appeared on Athlon Sports. To be a competitive team within the SEC, you need a talented roster, and throughout the offseason, the Florida Gators have done a good job ensuring they have one for future years. Advertisement Florida's impressive 2026 recruiting class, which includes a total of 16 commits, ranks No. 5 in the SEC and No. 13 in the nation, with several players still up for grabs. One prospect that the Gators have found themselves in the mix for is EDGE KJ Ford, who is deciding among them, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas A&M Aggies. It would be a nice addition for any of these programs, and on Thursday, the Gators' starting quarterback DJ Lagway appealed to Ford, reposting the EDGE's top three reveal on his Instagram story, while writing "Come home fam @kj4ford." Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway's message to recruit KJ It's no surprise to see Lagway putting on a recruiter cap to help land a talent like Ford, as On3 ranks him as a four-star recruit, the No. 18 EDGE, the No. 18 player in Texas and the No. 116 player in the nation. Advertisement In his two seasons at the varsity level for Duncanville High School, he's been effective, accumulating 110 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 33 hurries, 9.5 sacks, three pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds, he already has impressive size for someone who still has one more year of high school. Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier and quarterback DJ Lagway (2) Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Now, it remains to be seen if Lagway's small yet clear gesture toward Ford makes an impact on his interest toward Florida, as he will be making his commitment announcement on July 11. Related: Georgia Commit Under Fire For Texas Comment After Snubbing Longhorns This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox News
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Twin sister of Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell dead at 18, police say
Kierston Russell, the twin sister of University of Alabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, has died just days after the siblings graduated from high school, police confirmed in a statement on Thursday. She was 18. The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed Kierston's passing in a statement, adding that the investigation into her death is "ongoing." "There has been considerable media attention concerning a death investigation that occurred (in Tuscaloosa) on June 4, 2025," Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Unit said in a statement obtained by Tuscaloosa News. "After speaking with the family, and in an attempt to quell media inquiries, they have given permission to confirm the death of Kierston Russell... The investigation is ongoing pursuant to the procedures mentioned above, and at this time appears to be non-criminal in nature. Therefore, at this time no other information will be released." Kierston played basketball at Duncanville High School in Texas. According to ESPN, she was due to join her brother at Alabama in August. The twins graduated last month. Keelon, a five-star recruit who enrolled early and attended Alabama's spring training, shared photos of the two together and shared a prayer to his Instagram Stories on Thursday. "Dear god, Thank You that every good and pleasant gift is from above. You are the source of every blessing in my life-my health, my work, my relationships, and the strength to face each day. Even my ability to work and create comes from You. I acknowledge that all I have is a gift from Your generous hand," he post read. "As James 1:17 says, 'Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.' You are faithful, and I am grateful." Kierston's basketball team also shared a statement on X following the news of her death. "With shattered hearts, we mourn the loss of our sister & teammate, Kierston Russell. A fierce competitor with a heart of gold – her light, love & legacy will live on. We love you, KRuss. Always." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Police confirm death of Alabama QB's twin sister Kierston Russell
Kierston Russell, the twin sister of University of Alabama football quarterback Keelon Russell, has died, the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed June 5. She was 18 years old. "There has been considerable media attention concerning a death investigation that occurred (in Tuscaloosa) on June 4, 2025," Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Unit wrote in a statement. Advertisement "After speaking with the family, and in an attempt to quell media inquiries, they have given permission to confirm the death of Kierston Russell... The investigation is ongoing pursuant to the procedures mentioned above, and at this time appears to be non-criminal in nature. Therefore, at this time no other information will be released." Keelon Russell has posted a string of social media messages on his Instagram account, including photos of him and Kierston while responding to messages, such as "stay strong for mom my thoughts and prayers are with y'all' with emojis of hands into heart shapes. Kierston Russell played basketball at Texas' Duncanville High School, which finished its season in the regional finals. Keelon Russell, who enrolled at Alabama in January, was a five-star quarterback at Duncanville High School. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa police confirm death of Kierston Russell, twin sister of Alabama football QB
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Police confirm death of Alabama QB's twin sister Kierston Russell
Kierston Russell, the twin sister of University of Alabama football quarterback Keelon Russell, has died, the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed June 5. She was 18 years old. "There has been considerable media attention concerning a death investigation that occurred (in Tuscaloosa) on June 4, 2025," Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Unit wrote in a statement. Advertisement "After speaking with the family, and in an attempt to quell media inquiries, they have given permission to confirm the death of Kierston Russell... The investigation is ongoing pursuant to the procedures mentioned above, and at this time appears to be non-criminal in nature. Therefore, at this time no other information will be released." Keelon Russell has posted a string of social media messages on his Instagram account, including photos of him and Kierston while responding to messages, such as "stay strong for mom my thoughts and prayers are with y'all' with emojis of hands into heart shapes. Kierston Russell played basketball at Texas' Duncanville High School, which finished its season in the regional finals. Keelon Russell, who enrolled at Alabama in January, was a five-star quarterback at Duncanville High School. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa police confirm death of Kierston Russell, twin sister of Alabama football QB
