Coppell quarterback Carter Zingelmann motions to the bench during the second half of a Class 6A Division I Region I semifinal high school football playoff game against North Crowley on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Midlothian.
Smiley N. Pool/Staff Photographer
Rising juniors on the gridiron have the most to gain in this weekend’s 7-on-7 showdown.
The Texas state 7-on-7 high school tournament is a long-standing hub for recruitment, as scouts from across the nation travel to College Station each summer to see the Lone Star State’s most exciting varsity players.
Soon-to-be upperclassmen could enhance their upcoming recruitment journeys. Here are some Dallas-area Class of 2028 players to watch for this weekend.
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QB Carter Zingelmann, Coppell
Zingelmann produced over 2,600 total yards in his sophomore season, throwing for 1,875 and 16 touchdowns in addition to 728 yards rushing, while tacking on another 14 touchdowns on the ground. He’s already received 25 offers, with 22 of those coming from major conference programs.
Current measurements list him at approximately 6-foot-5 and 220-pounds. Using his size and mobility, Zingelmann led Coppell to a 10-2 record and a regional semifinal berth.
READ MORE: 2026 Texas high school 7-on-7 tournament preview: Five wide receivers to watch
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CB Isaiah Taylor, Keller Central
Taylor is a versatile defensive back with track-star speed and a 6-foot-3 frame, making him a nightmare matchup for receivers. His unique athleticism and talent earned him the starting quarterback spot at Keller Central. He threw for 1,295 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
He’s received 15 Division I offers as a defensive back, and his 4.4 GPA certainly aids his recruitment.
ATH Brayden Arnold, Duncanville
Duncanville running back Brayden Arnold (21) hurdles Waxahachie defensive back Braylon Davis (6) to score a touchdown during the first half of a District 11-6A high school football game, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Waxahachie.
Elías Valverde II/Staff Photographer
Arnold was a critical two-way player in Duncanville’s 2025 run to the 6A Division I state title game, playing both running back and defensive back last year.
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He ran for 401 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, while making 22 tackles and one interception on the defensive end. Arnold has 16 Division I offers, primarily for his skill set in the secondary.
LB Israel Samuel, Lake Highlands
Lake Highlands has a premier defense last season, allowing just 21.25 points per game, in large part due to its explosive linebacker. Samuel’s 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame makes him an excellent tackler outside the numbers with great ball tracking and zone coverage upside.
He has offers from 20 Division I programs, including Texas, Oregon, and Alabama.
READ MORE: Texas 7-on-7 football tournament: What to know, Dallas-area schools involved, more
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CB Dominic Butler, Allen
Duncanville wide receiver Zach Turner (1) gets past Allen defensive back Dominic Butler (9) on a 25 yard touchdown reception during the second half of a Class 6A Division I state semifinal.high school football playoff game on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Mesquite.
Smiley N. Pool/Staff Photographer
Butler carved out a large role for Dallas’ largest high school last season. The 6-foot boundary corner is fearless in the open field, wrapping up ball carriers in space. Butler is a three-star recruit with 23 offers from programs across the nation.