Sports Update
Close to home: Texada verbally commits to TCU
BY CHRIS O'DELL, codell@starlocalnews.com
FRISCO -- Just five months ago, Frisco Centennial cornerback Ranthony Texada had no idea where his football career might take him after high school. That's because the 5-foot-9 defensive back had no offers to choose from.
How quickly things have changed for Texada, as the lightning-fast cover corner and return specialist chose TCU over 19 other schools at a ceremony Monday afternoon at the Centennial Field House.
"It was real tough for me," Texada said. "I built good relationships with all the coaches."
After weighing the pros and cons from other schools such as SMU, Baylor and Iowa State, the choice came down to one simple thing.
"[TCU] is just a family atmosphere," Texada said. "That's what I love about it."
Texada, who is ranked as a three-star recruit by ESPN, became the Horned Frogs' 12th commitment and second cornerback of the school's 2013 class. Centennial head coach Mark Howard said Texada's off-the-field accomplishments are a key measure of his potential value to TCU.
"What really makes [Texada] stand out is his character," he said. "That will carry you in life further than anything else will."
Texada helped lead Centennial to a 12-1 season last year and became a vital part of one of the area's most dominant defensive units. The senior cornerback also racked up all-district and all-county selections for his abilities in the return game.
"From day one when I saw Ranthony, I knew he had the skill set," said Terry Grayson, Centennial assistant coach.
However, Texada wasn't exactly a player primed for a breakout high school career. The speedster fought his way up from the eighth grade B team to where he is today after hard work that culminated in Monday's ceremony.
"It doesn't matter where you start," Howard said. "What counts is where you end up."
When Texada joins the Horned Frogs in 2013, TCU will have just completed its first season in the new-look Big 12 Conference. The Titan will likely play under long-time head coach Gary Patterson for the Horned Frogs.
"[TCU] showed me a lot of love on all the visits I went to," Texada said.
As for the Centennial cornerback's upside at the collegiate level, Grayson, who coaches cornerbacks and special teams for the Titans, said the sky is the limit for Texada.
"[Texada] has unlimited potential," he said. "His hard work and dedication is second to none."
Texada will first complete his final year at Centennial, looking to build off last season's success that saw the Titans win their first 12 games before a 52-31 loss to Corsicana spelled the end of their season.
"It's the journey that makes the destination worthwhile," Howard said.
Centennial will open the 2012 season Aug. 31 with a 7:30 p.m. road game against Denison.
How quickly things have changed for Texada, as the lightning-fast cover corner and return specialist chose TCU over 19 other schools at a ceremony Monday afternoon at the Centennial Field House.
"It was real tough for me," Texada said. "I built good relationships with all the coaches."
After weighing the pros and cons from other schools such as SMU, Baylor and Iowa State, the choice came down to one simple thing.
"[TCU] is just a family atmosphere," Texada said. "That's what I love about it."
Texada, who is ranked as a three-star recruit by ESPN, became the Horned Frogs' 12th commitment and second cornerback of the school's 2013 class. Centennial head coach Mark Howard said Texada's off-the-field accomplishments are a key measure of his potential value to TCU.
"What really makes [Texada] stand out is his character," he said. "That will carry you in life further than anything else will."
Texada helped lead Centennial to a 12-1 season last year and became a vital part of one of the area's most dominant defensive units. The senior cornerback also racked up all-district and all-county selections for his abilities in the return game.
"From day one when I saw Ranthony, I knew he had the skill set," said Terry Grayson, Centennial assistant coach.
However, Texada wasn't exactly a player primed for a breakout high school career. The speedster fought his way up from the eighth grade B team to where he is today after hard work that culminated in Monday's ceremony.
"It doesn't matter where you start," Howard said. "What counts is where you end up."
When Texada joins the Horned Frogs in 2013, TCU will have just completed its first season in the new-look Big 12 Conference. The Titan will likely play under long-time head coach Gary Patterson for the Horned Frogs.
"[TCU] showed me a lot of love on all the visits I went to," Texada said.
As for the Centennial cornerback's upside at the collegiate level, Grayson, who coaches cornerbacks and special teams for the Titans, said the sky is the limit for Texada.
"[Texada] has unlimited potential," he said. "His hard work and dedication is second to none."
Texada will first complete his final year at Centennial, looking to build off last season's success that saw the Titans win their first 12 games before a 52-31 loss to Corsicana spelled the end of their season.
"It's the journey that makes the destination worthwhile," Howard said.
Centennial will open the 2012 season Aug. 31 with a 7:30 p.m. road game against Denison.
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