In an area like Dallas-Fort Worth, where dozens of high schools overflow with football talent, numerous athletes that would likely pick up top accolades in other regions of the country — or even of Texas — don’t make The Dallas Morning News All-Area team.
Yes, the football talent pool in North Texas is just that deep. But that doesn’t mean the stellar athletes who didn’t make the all-area team don’t deserve some shine, too.
Here’s a list of honorable mentions for defense.
DL Khyren Haywood, Denton Guyer
Junior, 6-2, 265
Haywood, a three-star prospect with at least 30 offers, helped Guyer to the 6A Division II regional finals with 66 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 24 quarterback pressures, 11 sacks, two pass breakups and an interception.
DL Cameron Hall, Mansfield Summit
Junior, 6-4, 240
The District 3-5AII defensive MVP recorded 46 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 2 quarterback hurries during his junior campaign. He is a four-star edge who lists 21 offers, according to 247Sports.
High School Sports
DL Xavier Fleming, Lewisville
Senior, 6-0, 300
Fleming finished with 76 tackles, 21 pressures, 19 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for 8–3 Lewisville. The three-star Houston signee was a unanimous first-team all-district selection in 2025.
Frisco Wakeland quarterback Jayden Maples (12), found himself in a defenseless position as he faced the intense pressure of blitzing Highland Park defensive lineman Thomas Cook (11) who registered a quarterback sack on the play during first quarter action. The two teams played their Class 5A Division l Region ll semifinal playoff football game at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.
Steve Hamm / Special Contributor
DL Thomas Cook, Highland Park
Senior, 6-3, 220
The Washington and Lee commit was a first-team all-district selection for 12–2 Highland Park, the district 7-5AI champion and a 5A Division I regional finalist. Cook finished with 54 tackles, 27 quarterback pressures, 14 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 7 pass break ups, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
LB Carson Adams, Rockwall-Heath
Junior, 6-0, 215
Adams was a first-team all-district selection in District 10-6A after a 2025 campaign that included 73 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and one interception.
LB Keyon Adkins, Fort Worth All Saints
Senior, 5-11, 180
Adkins, an Army pledge, helped All Saints win back-to-back TAPPS Division II state titles. He totaled 142 tackles (78 solo), 13.5 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 pass break ups, 2 defensive scores, a fumble recovery and an interception. The senior was an all-district and all-state selection.
DB Chayce Davis, Euless Trinity
Junior, 6-0, 173
He was a unanimous first-team all-district selection in District 4-6A. Davis recorded 68 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 3 interceptions and 2 tackles for loss on an 8-3 Trinity team.
DB Drew Gardner, Sunnyvale
Senior, 6-0, 180
Gardner helped state-ranked Sunnyvale reach the 4A Division II regional semifinals. The three-time first-team all-district selection recorded 124 tackles (77 solo), 10 pass deflections, 6 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hurries, 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries for the 11–2 squad.
DB Nathaniel Bruce, Argyle
Senior, 6-0, 200
For the 5A Division II regional finalist, Bruce made 67 tackles at safety with five pass breakups and three interceptions. He also played offensive snaps for 12-2 Argyle, the District 3-5AII champion. Bruce was a first-team all district selection.
UTIL DaQuwan Dunn, Richardson Berkner
Senior, 6-1, 172
Dunn played several positions in 2025, helping Berkner to the second round of the playoffs. On defense, the three-star Arizona State signee recorded 53 tackles (40 solo), four interceptions, four pass breakups, two tackles for loss and a touchdown. He had 594 passing yards and five touchdowns on offense. Dunn was named the District 7-6A utility player of the year.
More 2025 all-area football content
— First and second team offense
— First and second team defense
— Defensive player of the year
— Offensive player of the year
The Dallas Morning News’ 2025 all-area football honorable mentions on offense
See the best offensive players in the Dallas area who just missed the cut for the all-area team.
Rockwall-Heath’s Jett Williams traded to Brewers as part of Mets’ deal for Freddy Peralta
Williams, a state champion and All-Area Offensive Player of the Year at Rockwall-Heath, was the 14th overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft.
Find more high school sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.