Vype's Big Men on Campus -- Teams 1-10

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Vype Vitals: Big Men on Campus
Class 5A Top 20 (1-10)

Ahmard Vital
FOX Sports NEXT

In the July 2012 issue of the Houston VYPE Magazine, a Top 20 teams were listed. On each of the teams, there is one guy who is listed as the Big Man on Campus…

1. Katy - Sure the Tiger running game is in good hands with both Adam Taylor and Rodney Anderson, which is a huge part of Katy's attack, but it's defense that drives the bus. That said, it's defensive end Mat Dimon, an Oklahoma pledge, who is the guy who gets the title.

2. Manvel - There are a ton of guys who fuel this machine called the Mavericks, but if one has to be chosen, it's safe to go with the most important position on any level which is the quarterback. So Shane McCarley gets the hardware for the 2012 season. He will need to play big for the team to get back to the big dance.

3. La Porte - It may be junior defender Hoza Scott who grabs most of the headlines, but all-purpose player Keith Whitely will be the guy who leads the way and will play a big factor in determining how deep the Bulldogs go. Whether he is at running back, in the secondary or on special teams, Whitely gets it done.

4. Cy Falls - With Bryce Peters in the backfield and big man Temi Alaka on the edge, the Golden Eagles should do well for this upcoming season. But the big man who walks the halls is the player whom coach Kirk Eaton says could be the best athlete in the history of the school in Jacorey Warrick. Opponents and the Cy Falls coaching staff know that the ball will end up in Warrick's hands plenty and the potential for a big play is likely. Clearly, Texas coach Mack Brown knows this also.

5. Klein Oak - Playmaker Larenzo Stewart should have a great season running the ball after a successful sophomore season gaining over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns. That will be possible because of his offensive line, led by Reid Najvar will handle the dirty work in the trenches. The future Division I lineman could be the pulse of the offense looking to take the district title.

6. The Woodlands - Looking over the past few years, the Highlanders have had (literally) several guys who classify as 'big men.' But for this title in 2012, in a year where Sam Kronshage and John Huckins are both Division I bound to Colorado, it is the versatile Jayme Taylor who is that guy to take the big man label. Taylor, who is headed to Northwestern in 2013, is dangerous with the ball in his hands and you can bet that The Woodlands coaching staff will make sure that happens.

7. Klein Collins - Though we love the versatility of Jordan Thomas, a player who could play on Saturdays on offense or defense, the big man title goes to offensive lineman Tyler Tezano, a player who blew up this past off season. His IQ and footwork, especially when teamed with Chance Allen, should be great for the Tiger offense. Tezano decided on West Virginia this past spring.

8. North Shore - This North Shore defense should be once again salty for 2012, but the nod has to go the offensive route with quarterback Micah Thomas being the guy with the title. Why you ask? He leads the offense well, played through injuries and coach David Aymond mentioned his name in the same sentence with 2004 stud Bobby Reid. Enough said.

9. Westfield - Most of the funk that will be brought by the Mustangs will come from the defensive side of the ball, which is not a huge surprise. So obviously, defensive tackle Hardreck Walker is our Westfield big guy on campus, and for good reason. Walker, a Texas A&M commit, was solid last season, but word from the Mustang camp is that he is much improved. That's good news for the Mustangs, but not so much for their opponents.

10. Cinco Ranch - He burst on the scene, getting some varsity snaps as a freshman. Then, he followed up with a great sophomore season. The running back Jamel James came out as a junior and the results weren't quite on track with where the progression was leading up to. No worries now though as James has a completely new focus going into his final year. Recently he made a commitment to Notre Dame and with that out of the way for the moment, James is back to business. Look for him to go into full beast mode for 2012.