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football Edit

Texas small school churning out talent

Like most athletes at smaller classification schools, Class 2A Hitchcock, Texas prospects play both ways and many times out of position.
Over the past five seasons, the Bulldogs have produced at least one Division I prospect. The next three years, Hitchcock will keep their prospect streak in tact. Junior athlete Anthony McClain (6-2, 192 pounds) plays all over the field from running back, receiver, safety and linebacker with success.
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He also stars on the state regional qualifying basketball team and the Hitchcock track team.
"I'm getting some letters and some schools have stopped by to see me," McClain said. "LSU assistant Bradley Dale Peveto stopped by a couple of weeks ago and Oklahoma State has also been by. Houston and Texas A&M coaches are checking me out too.
"I've always liked LSU growing up. I really want to go off to school out of state."
The first-team, all-district selection projects as a safety or receiver at the college level with track speed and athleticism.
"He's a great athlete and has overcome some stuff with great character," Hitchcock assistant coach Jason Zimmerman said. "He's a Division I kid."
Sophomore Michael Sam (6-3, 225 pounds) is the next big thing at the coastal high school. Sam will be playing on the defensive line next season, which is out of position. He will project as a defensive end or linebacker in college, and combines size, speed and academics that translates to the Division I level.
"He's got an incredible first step," Zimmerman said. "He should get looks from everyone when it is his time."
Sam is getting letters from the likes of Baylor, Texas Tech, Houston and Texas A&M among others. He also ranks fourth in the region in power lifting.
"I'd really like to stay in Texas but I'm pretty open," he said. "I know it's very early."
Receiving the most reviews from coaches and teammates is freshman running back Darius Dotson. At 6-0, 195-pounds, Dotson is physically well beyond his years.
"This guy is special and we won't keep him off the field at all next year," Zimmerman said. "He can run, catch, squat 480-pounds – he's a freak."
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