One underrated player to watch in each 4A region this season

[caption id="attachment_24330" align="alignright" width="219"]Mexia_vs_Shepherd-058 Mexia's Jaylen Gipson (Photo by Artie Guerrero)[/caption] A few special players will float under the radar with 1,400+ high schools in Texas playing football. This is true at the biggest and smallest classifications around the state. In this series, we take a look at a player in each region of each classification who deserves a little more attention. Previously:Class 6A / Class 5AClass 4ARegion I – Nick Gerber District 1-4A DI is loaded with underrated talent, especially at the wide receiver position. Levelland’s Jeffrey Elliott and Pampa’s Jayson Thomas are two of the top three returning receivers in Class 4A. However, it is quarterback Nick Gerber of Levelland who has the inside track to a District MVP. The three-year starter passed for 4,010 yards and 43 touchdowns as a junior. The Lobos finished the year 7-5-1 and reached the regional semifinals. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound gunslinger is overshadowed by all of the talent in District 3 and 4 in Division I, but is in line for another stellar season. Region II – Elijah McQueen This region is home of the best two-way players in Class 4A. Terrell outside linebacker and running back Elijah McQueen committed to SMU and is ranked as a two-star prospect at Rivals.com. He’s undersized for a defender at 5-foot-9 and 173 pounds, but he plays with a high football IQ and an unmatched motor. As a junior, McQueen recorded 87 tackles and 400 yards rushing. The Tigers hope to defend their district title against contenders like Kaufman and Van. McQueen’s college position might be in the air, but he’s positioned perfectly to be a two-way standout for Terrell in 2016. Region III – Jaylen Gipson Did you know one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in Texas plays in a town your friends likely can’t pronounce? Outside of Waco, Mexia quarterback Jaylen Gipson is picking up steam in the recruiting process leading into his senior year. A three-star on Rivals, Gipson holds offers from Texas Tech, Texas State and Colorado State. He accounted for 2,500 total yards as a junior. His frame, athleticism and arm strength make him a unique talent at the Class 4A Division II level. Region IV – Jake Wright One of the most productive linebackers in the state plays at Geronimo Navarro in District 13-4A DII. A three-year starter and two-time defensive MVP of his district, Wright racked up 172 tackles and two sacks as a junior. Another year like that could mean Wright finishes his prep career with over 500 tackles and three district MVP awards. Wright, who doesn’t have an FBS offer, is one of the most impactful players in the state and should find a place to continue his playing career after high school if he chooses.

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