Prospect watch: Five players to keep an eye on in the area round of the 2016 playoffs

Jason ShelleyQB, Frisco Lone Star5-11, 160 A three-star talent currently committed to Utah, Shelley burst onto the Texas high school football landscape as a junior when he led Frisco Lone Star to its first state championship game. His combination of athleticism, creativity and deceptive strength make Shelley an impossible task for most prep defenses. His height is a concern for some P5 programs, as is his overall arm strength. Still, Shelley is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the state, regardless of position. He’s a magician when he escapes the pocket and gets space to run. He’s also become more accurate and consistent with his throwing mechanics as a senior. Malik JacksonWR, Taylor6-2, 205 The Ducks from Taylor knocked off Burnet in the first round of the Class 4A Division I playoffs. A big reason why was Jackson. His athleticism is tough for corners to deal with in 1-on-1 situations. Jackson is a big-bodied wide receiver, giving him an advantage on jump balls. He does a good job of using that body to shield away defenders, while he also has the top-end speed to get over defenses to become a vertical threat. Jackson comes from storied bloodlines in the Taylor area. His older brother, Mark, was a three-time state champion in the triple jump, even winning a Big 12 Indoor title as a freshman at Texas. He’s a Tulsa commit. Brayden JohnsonWR, Arlington Bowie6-1, 185 Colleges search for speed at the wide receiver position. There are still a few monsters lurking on the edge, but smaller, faster receivers are in more demand as offenses throw short, quick designs more often than in decades past. That’s why Johnson is racking up offers from P5 programs and is currently committed to Oklahoma State. He’s a blur on the outside. Johnson is capable of playing slot receiver or on the outside. He also has a glowing off-field reputation as a leader and a no-nonsense prospect. As he improves his route-running and adds strength, Johnson is a potential All-Big 12 talent. Owen HoltQB, Houston Lamar6-2, 202 Holt is an enjoyable quarterback to watch, and for my money, criminally underrated in most Texas high school football circles. Start naming the top senior signal-callers in this state and you'll recognize a lot of names early in the conversation. It takes longer for Holt’s name to be mentioned and that’s a shame. He leads one of the best offenses in the state, is extremely accurate and has a strong enough arm to complete most passes in the passing tree. He’s a Harvard commit so football IQ isn’t a concern. Two inches taller and Holt holds offers from nearly every P5 program in the nation. Darren ThomasDT, Converse Judson6-1, 275 Thomas’ size won’t lead him to Big 12 or SEC football, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a monster. Currently committed to Texas State, Thomas spearheads one of the most athletic front-sevens in the state. Thomas is quick for a big man, shooting gaps to disrupt the running game or get after the quarterback. He is shorter than most defensive tackle prospects, yet he almost uses that to his advantage by always winning the battle of pad level. Thomas also uses his hands well for a young player still learning technique. His frame gives him a ceiling in the recruiting world, but it doesn’t seem to stop him from impacting games.