Westlake places three football players on national All-America team
The spoils keep coming for the victors.
Westlake, which has won three consecutive state championships in Class 6A, placed three players on MaxPreps’ 2022 high school football preseason All-America team. Florida’s IMG Academy is the only other program in the nation to have three selections to the 54-player squad.
Receiver Jaden Greathouse and offensive lineman T.J. Shanahan both earned first-team nods from MaxPreps while defensive end Colton Vasek was named to the second team. All three are seniors for Westlake.
Greathouse, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound Notre Dame pledge, enters his fourth year as a starter for the Chaps with 182 career catches for 3,134 yards and 43 touchdowns, which are all school records. He had seven catches for a state championship game record 236 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-21 victory over Denton Guyer in the 2021 Class 6A Division II state title game.
More:Our Top 20 for 2022: The Statesman's complete rundown on the best Austin-area football players
Shanahan, who moved to the Westlake area from Florida before last season, is a 6-5, 315-pound blue-chip recruit who can play any position up front. The four-star prospect has yet to pledge to a college but tweeted in July that his list of finalists has Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Georgia and LSU.
Vasek, a 6-5, 250-pound defensive end, recently pledged to Oklahoma after racking up 56 tackles, 10 sacks and 14 quarterback pressures during a breakout 2021 season.
The preseason All-America team also includes Texas quarterback pledge Arch Manning, the New Orleans product who has thrown for more than 6,300 yards in his career with 81 touchdowns.
Texas pledge Derek Williams, a five-star safety from Louisiana who is rated as the second-best player in his state behind Manning, also earned a spot on the squad.
Earlier this summer, Westlake ranked No. 7 in MaxPreps' national preseason poll, the highest spot for any public school in the country.
MaxPreps 2022 preseason All-America high school football team
First-team offense
QB Arch Manning, Newman (New Orleans)
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 215
Status: Committed to Texas | Class: Senior (2023)
The top-rated recruit in the Class of 2023 in 247Sports' composite rankings has thrown for more than 6,300 career yards and 81 touchdowns.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190
Status: Committed to Louisville | Class: Senior (2023)
Named the MaxPreps Junior of the Year after rushing for 2,989 yards and 46 touchdowns.
RB Justice Haynes, Buford (Ga.)
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 200
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
On pace to become the sixth player in Georgia history to rush for at least 7,000 yards.
WR Zachariah Branch, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 175
Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2023)
The 2021 MaxPreps Nevada Player of the Year had more than 1,000 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns while leading the Gaels to their 18th state title in school history.
WR Jaden Greathouse, Westlake (Austin)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215
Status: Committed to Notre Dame | Class: Senior (2023)
Has been a vital piece on all three state title teams and has posted 182 receptions for 3,134 yards and 43 touchdowns during his career.
TE Duce Robinson, Pinnacle (Phoenix)
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 225
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
The top-ranked tight end in the Class of 2023 is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
OL Kadyn Proctor, Southeast Polk (Pleasant Hill, Iowa)
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 330
Status: Committed to Iowa | Class: Senior (2023)
Helped the Rams win their first state title in school history as a junior and was named the best player in Iowa heading into his senior season.
OL Francis Mauigoa, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 330
Status: Committed to Miami | Class: Senior (2023)
Great in both run and pass blocking. The five-star offensive tackle will make a huge impact in the trenches for the fourth-ranked team in the country.
OL T.J. Shanahan, Westlake (Austin)
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 310
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Had a great junior season in his first year at Westlake and will be one of the leaders for the three-time defending state champs in 2022.
OL Samson Okunlola, Thayer Academy (Braintree, Mass.)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 305
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
As talented as any other offensive lineman in high school football and was selected as MaxPreps' best player in Massachusetts.
OL Chase Bisontis, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 290
Status: Committed to Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2023)
Will have the Ironmen back in contention to win their first state title since 2015 after a runner-up finish last season.
AP Makai Lemon, Los Alamitos (Calif.)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2023)
Finished his junior season with 65 receptions for 1,065 yards and 15 touchdowns to go with four interceptions on defense. Also, averaged nearly 30 yards per kick return.
K Peyton Woodring, Ascension Episcopal (Lafayette, La.)
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180
Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
Made 14 of 19 field goals as a junior and broke the school record by connecting from 56 yards.
First-team defense
DL Peter Woods, Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 270
Status: Committed to Clemson | Class: Senior (2023)
Helped the Warriors win their third consecutive 7A state title, racking up 92 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.
DL David Hicks Jr., Paetow (Katy)
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 270
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
During his junior season at Allen he posted 96 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.
DL Rueben Bain, Central (Miami)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 250
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Recorded 29 sacks for one of the premier programs in high school football as a junior.
DL D.J. Samuels, Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 240
Status: Committed to Maryland | Class: Senior (2023)
Broke Brian Cushing's school record for career sacks as a junior and will widen the gap with one season to go.
LB Anthony Hill Jr., Ryan (Denton)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 225
Status: Committed to Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2023)
Listed as MaxPreps' No. 1 linebacker heading into the 2022 season. Finished his junior year with 131 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. Added seven touchdowns on offense.
LB Troy Bowles, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205
Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
Racked up more than 100 tackles and led the Tigers to their first state championship since 1968 last season.
LB Raylen Wilson, Lincoln (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215
Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
Flies around on defense and is one of the best sideline-to-sideline linebackers in the country. Had 139 tackles as a junior.
DB Cormani McClain, Lakeland (Fla.)
Height: 6-1.5 | Weight: 165
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
The top-ranked cornerback has intercepted 15 passes over the past two years.
DB Caleb Downs, Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
Has been playing at a high level since his freshman year and enters his senior campaign with 186 career tackles and 14 interceptions.
DB Tony Mitchell, Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
One of the most versatile defensive backs in the country lines up everywhere on defense and will be a big-time playmaker for the No. 14 team in the MaxPreps Top 25.
DB Peyton Bowen, Guyer (Denton)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Notre Dame | Class: Senior (2023)
Finished his junior season with 67 tackles and seven interceptions. Added four return touchdowns on special teams.
AP Matayo Uiagalelei, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 260
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Will be an impact player on both sides of the ball for the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps Top 25.
P Aidan Flintoft, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.)
Height: 6-1.5 | Weight: 190
Status: Committed to Stanford | Class: Senior (2023)
Averaged better than 40 yards per punt in 2021 and made 13 of 16 field goals.
Second-team offense
QB Malachi Nelson, Los Alamitos (Calif.)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2023)
Threw for nearly 2,700 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior while leading the Griffins to a spot in the toughest postseason bracket in high school football.
QB Dante Moore, King (Detroit)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195
Status: Committed to Oregon | Class: Senior (2023)
Named the MaxPreps Michigan Player of the Year as a junior after throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns for the Division III state champs.
RB Cedric Baxter Jr., Edgewater (Orlando, Fla.)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 215
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Does it all from the running back position after rushing for 1,700-plus yards and 26 touchdowns last season.
RB Richard Young, Lehigh (Lehigh Acres, Fla.)
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 200
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
The recent Alabama pledge rushed for nearly 1,800 yards and 19 scores in 2021.
WR Jurrion Dickey, Valley Christian (San Jose, Calif.)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210
Status: Committed to Oregon | Class: Senior (2023)
Has left Valley Christian but hasn't announced where he's headed. One of the most physically imposing wideouts in the country. Hauled in 78 passes for 1,304 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior.
WR Brandon Inniss, American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2023)
Expect a monster senior campaign from the five-star receiver after playing the majority of his junior season at quarterback because of his team's injuries.
TE Ethan Davis, Collins Hill (Suwanee, Ga.)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220
Status: Committed to Tennessee | Class: Senior (2023)
Had a very productive junior campaign with 61 receptions for 755 yards and eight touchdowns for the 7A state champs.
OL B.J. Tolo, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 310
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Has been starting on the offensive line for the Monarchs since his freshman season and has made a huge impact for the most successful program over the past few years.
OL Cayden Green, Lee's Summit North (Lee's Summit, Mo.)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 315
Status: Committed to Oklahoma | Class: Senior (2023)
Dominates in both run and pass blocking while being able to play multiple positions on the offensive line.
OL Bo Hughley, Langston Hughes (Fairburn, Ga.)
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 290
Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
The four-star offensive lineman will play a major role for last year's 6A state runner-up during his senior season.
OL Alex Birchmeier, Broad Run (Ashburn, Va.)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 285
Status: Committed to Penn State | Class: Senior (2023)
Selected as the best player in Virginia heading into the 2022 season.
OL Luke Montgomery, Findlay (Ohio)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 280
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2023)
Just like Birchmeier, Montgomery was named the best player in his highly respected state.
OL Knijeah Harris, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 335
Status: Committed to Florida | Class: Senior (2023)
Will play a major role on the offensive line for the No. 4 team in the MaxPreps Top 25.
AP Dalton Brooks, Shiner
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2023)
Rushed for 2,600-plus yards and 39 touchdowns for the 2A Division 1 state champs.
K Blake Craig, Liberty North (Liberty, Mo.)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Status: Committed to Missouri | Class: Senior (2023)
Made 13 of 17 field goals and was a first-team selection on the all-state squad as a junior.
Second-team defense
DL Keon Keeley, Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Fla.)
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 245
Status: Committed to Notre Dame | Class: Senior (2023)
The five-star edge rusher racked up 34 tackles for loss and 16½ sacks in 2021.
DL Nyckoles Harbor, Archbishop Carroll (Washington, D.C.)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 230
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Finished his junior season with 31 tackles for loss and 17 sacks.
DL Jayden Wayne, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245
Status: Committed to Miami | Class: Senior (2023)
Was selected as the best player in Washington before announcing his transfer to play for the Ascenders.
DL Colton Vasek, Westlake (Austin)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225
Status: Committed to Oklahoma | Class: Senior (2023)
Played a major role for the No. 2 team in the country last season and should make an even bigger impact in 2022.
LB Malik Bryant, Jones (Orlando, Fla.)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 235
Status: Committed to Miami | Class: Senior (2023)
Had two tremendous seasons at IMG Academy and will finish his career back at Jones.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220
Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2023)
Lines up everywhere on defense and finished his junior season with 100-plus tackles, 12½ tackles for loss and one interception.
LB Drayk Bowen, Andrean (Merrillville, Ind.)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 225
Status: Committed to Notre Dame | Class: Senior (2023)
The two-way standout led the Fighting 59ers to their first state title since 2013, racking up 105 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks and three interceptions. The four-star linebacker accounted for more than 1,000 total yards and 20 touchdowns on offense.
DB AJ Harris, Central (Phenix City, Ala.)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 180
Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
The former Glenwood standout is one of the best lockdown corners in the country.
DB Derek Williams, Westgate (New Iberia, La.)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Texas | Class: Senior (2023)
The five-star safety is the second-rated player in Louisiana and is as good as any other defensive back in the game.
DB Kayin Lee, Cedar Grove (Ellenwood, Ga.)
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2023)
Intercepted seven passes as a junior for the 3A state champs.
DB Jahlil Hurley, Florence (Ala.)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 170
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
The five-star cornerback was one of two nonseniors to be selected to the Alabama Sports Writers Association all-state 7A first team as a defensive back in 2021.
AP C.J. Allen, Lamar County (Barnesville, Ga.)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 220
Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
Finished his junior season with 91 tackles and three interceptions on defense while rushing for 1,000-plus yards and 16 touchdowns on offense.
P Tyler White, Carroll (Southlake)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 200
Status: Committed to Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2023)
Averaged better than 42 yards per punt for one of the best programs in Texas. Also made 10 of 12 field goals.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Westlake places three football players on national all-American team
