Stars from MLB, NBA, NFL, soccer, UFC and WWE have kids shining on prep gridiron.
Over the past few years we have seen the sons of Deion Sanders, Marvin Harrison, Jason Taylor, Antonio Gates and many others create their own legacy with very successful high school football careers.
Now we are getting a new batch of high school football stars who are making a name for themselves on Friday nights.
Some notable names include Dylan Raiola of Chandler (Ariz.), who is the top-rated player in the Class of 2024 on every recruiting site. He committed to Ohio State in May and his father Dominic Raiola played in the NFL for 14 years with Detroit. Troy Bowles of Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.), Caleb Downs of Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.) and Justice Haynes of Buford (Ga.) are a few other players of the 38 featured that are sons of current or former professional athletes.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205
Status: Committed to Clemson | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Jamal Anderson
Anderson is a key contributor for one of the best teams in Georgia. He is the 13th-rated linebacker in the Class of 2023 on 247Sports. The elder Anderson made the "Dirty Bird" famous scoring touchdowns for the Atlanta Falcons.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 175
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: LaVar Arrington
Arrington Jr. is a promising prospect in the Class of 2025. He has great size and a nice frame. His father was a standout linebacker at Penn State and was the second-overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and is currently an assistant coach on Charter Oak's staff.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 175
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)
Father: Vitor Belfort
Reclassified
to the Class of 2024 before the season and is the 20th-rated
quarterback according to 247Sports. The four-star recruit is part of one
of the best duos in the country with 2023 LSU commit
Jalen Brown at wide receiver. Vitor had one of the most successful mixed martial arts careers, most notably in the UFC and PRIDE.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 170
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Freshman (2026)
Father: Raja Bell
Has
already seen varsity snaps as a freshman for a nationally-ranked
Patriots squad. He is one of the best quarterbacks in the Class of 2026
and has a bright future. Raja was one of the best defenders in the NBA
during his 12-year career most notably with the Phoenix Suns.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 185
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: Jerome Bettis
The talented wide receiver from the Class of 2025 is drawing interest from colleges and should get some offers soon over the next couple of years. His father was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1993) and helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win Super Bowl XL. Bettis was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: Rob Bironas
One of the top-rated kickers and punters in the Class of 2025. Bironas is the third-rated kicker and punter according to Kohl's among all sophomores. His late father played for the Tennessee Titans for nine years and was a 2007 Pro Bowl selection.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205
Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Todd Bowles
Helped the Tigers to their first state title since 1968 last season and was named to the
MaxPreps Junior All-America team after racking up 100-plus tackles. The future Bulldog is the third-rated linebacker in the Class of 2023 on 247Sports. His father played in the NFL from 1986-92 and was the starting free safety for the Washington Redskins when they won Super Bowl XXII. He's the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Height: 5-8 | Weight: 140
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: Antonio Cromartie
Plays for one of the best teams in Georgia and is starting to draw interest from some Power 5 programs. His father played in the NFL for 11 years most notably with the San Diego Chargers and New York Jets. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 215
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)
Father: Tim Couch
Talented edge rusher has great size for his position and expect some offers to start coming before his senior year. His father was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns after two strong seasons at the University of Kentucky.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Gary Downs
As good as any high school football player in the country. The five-star safety is the top-rated player in Georgia and makes a huge impact on defense, offense and special teams for the No. 20 team in the MaxPreps Top 25. Gary spent time in the NFL with the New York Giants, Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons. He's the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at East Tennessee State University.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 260
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Eddie George
Starter on the defensive line for one of the best teams in Tennessee. His father was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and rushed for over 10,000 yards during his nine-year NFL career.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Dwight "Doc" Gooden
He does it all from the linebacker position as a very talented edge rusher who can drop into coverage and make plays. Good Counsel is one of the best teams in the DMV area and the four-star recruit makes a huge impact for the Falcons. Doc Gooden was a four-time All-Star selection, 1984 National League Rookie of the Year, 1985 National League Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion (1986, 2000).
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 230
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Jean Harbor
The top-rated athlete in the Class of 2023 checks in as the ninth-rated player overall on 247Sports. The five-star recruit is one of the best remaining uncommitted prospects in high school football and is also a standout performer in track. His father played professional soccer.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 175
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)
Father: Matt Hasselbeck
After spending time at
Lipscomb Academy (Nashville, Tenn.) under head coach Trent Dilfer he transferred back home to Massachusetts for his junior year at his father's alma mater. He is off to a great start this season and in the Hawks 49-19 season-opening win he threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns to go with a rushing score. He is also a standout lacrosse player. His father had an 18-year NFL career most notably with the Seattle Seahawks when he led them to Super Bowl XL. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection. Matt is currently coaching his son at Xaverian Brothers along with Don Hasselbeck, Henry's grandfather.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 200
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Verron Haynes
Will go down as one of the best running backs to ever come from Georgia. He's on pace to rush for 7,000-plus career yards and would become the sixth player in state history. The four-star running back is having a huge senior campaign for the No. 7 team in the MaxPreps Top 25 in his first season at Buford. Verron played in the NFL, most notably with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2002-07, and helped them win Super Bowl XL.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 170
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Freshman (2026)
Father: Chris Henry
One of the top players overall in the Class of 2026. Has already landed multiple offers that includes Miami, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas A&M and West Virginia. His late father played in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 275
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)
Father: Mark Henry
Starter
on the defensive line for one of the premier programs in Texas. Henry
is just starting to reach his potential and expect the FBS offers to
start coming soon. He's also a standout wrestler. His father was a
two-time Olympian, two-time U.S. National Champion power lifter and had a
very successful 25-year WWE career.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 270
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: David Hicks Sr.
The top-rated defensive lineman and No. 1 player in Texas for the Class of 2023 on 247Sports composite rankings. Was a MaxPreps Junior All-American selection last season and was selected as our
No. 1 defensive lineman entering the 2022 season. His dad spent time in the NFL, played in the CFL and is part of the coaching staff at Paetow.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 175
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: T.Y. Hilton
One of the best receivers in the Class of 2025 showed off his talent against Westfield hauling in nine receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown. Through his first five games of the 2022 season he has 25 receptions for 326 yards and five touchdowns. His father just finished his 11th season in the NFL and has been selected to four Pro Bowls.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 245
Status: Committed to LSU | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Willie Howard
The top-rated player in Minnesota checks in as No. 12 edge rusher in the Class of 2023 on 247Sports composite rankings. Howard is one of the best two-way players in the country. Willie had a very successful career at Stanford and was a second-round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2001 NFL Draft. He suffered a career-ending injury during his rookie season and has been the head coach at Robbinsdale Cooper since 2010.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 310
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: Brandon Jacobs
Has already landed offers from Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Penn State, Tennessee and 11 other schools. Has the size and talent to join the long list of great offensive lineman to come from the Peach State. His father had an eight-year NFL career most notably with the New York Giants. He helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLII and XLVI.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 190
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Freshman (2026)
Father: Matt Leinart
Has already played varsity snaps for the second-ranked Monarchs during his freshman season. He's in line to keep the strong quarterback play going as the last three varsity starters for Bruce Rollinson have been
J.T. Daniels,
Bryce Young and
Elijah Brown. Brown is in his junior year and has gone 22-0 to start his career. Matt Leinart was one of the best quarterbacks to come out of Mater Dei, then went on to lead USC to a couple of national titles and was the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner. He was selected 10th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2006 NFL Draft and had a seven-year career playing for the Cardinals, Texans and Raiders.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Tennessee | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Roshaun Matthews
The four-star defensive back checks in as the 15th-rated corner in the Class of 2023 on 247Sports. He's the eighth-rated player in Louisiana and is one of the most complete cornerbacks in high school football. Matthews is also a standout in track and took home a silver medal in the 5A state championship after running a 21.29 in the 200-meter. Roshaun spent time in the NFL and was named the 2001 NFL Europe Defensive MVP after leading the league in sacks while playing for the Amsterdam Admirals. He's the defensive line coach for Woodlawn-B.R.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200
Status: Committed to Cincinnati | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Deland McCullough
Has been selected to the MaxPreps Freshman, Sophomore and Junior All-America team in each of the last three seasons. McCullogh is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the country and can line up anywhere in the secondary. Deland spent time in the NFL and CFL before coming a very successful coach in college and at the pro level. He was the running backs for the Kansas City Chiefs when they won Super Bowl LIV and is now the running backs coach for Notre Dame.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 200
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Freshman (2026)
Father: Darren McFadden
Has the size and talent to be one of the top recruits in Illinois from the Class of 2026. His father was a two-time Doak Walker Award winner and also a two-time SEC Offensive Player of the Year selection during his great college career at Arkansas. He was selected fourth overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders and had a 10-year NFL career.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)
Father: Willis McGahee
The four-star recruit is the 12th-rated edge rusher in the Class of 2024 on 247Sports. The Panthers have had some legit players come from their program recently and McGahee is next up. His father rushed for 1,700-plus yards and 28 touchdowns before suffering a knee injury in the 2002 BCS National Championship against Ohio State. He was selected with the 23rd overall pick by Buffalo and had a very successful NFL career with the Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2007, 2011) and rushed for 8,474 career yards and 65 touchdowns.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225
Status: Committed to LSU | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Arnold Mickens
The top-rated player in Indiana for the Class of 2023 on 247Sports showed why he's one of the best edge rushers in the country as a junior. He racked up 78 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. His late father was the NCAA's leading rusher in 1994 with Butler, rushing for 2,255 yards, and spent time in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 220
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: Frank Mir
The Las Vegas area and the sons of UFC brass or professional fighters have included UFC President Dana White's son, Dana White III who played at Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas), and former UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta. His son Nicco Fertitta was a three-star safety for Bishop Gorman. Now you can add former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir's son to the list. Kage is currently on the Gaels football team and is also a standout wrestler. He won first place in the 4A state tournament in the 195-pound division as a freshman.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Junior (2024)
Father: Dominic Raiola
Dylan is the top-rated player in the Class of 2024 and has the Wolves clicking on all cylinders during his first season in Arizona. They are No. 9 in the MaxPreps Top 25 and have outscored the opposition 148-7 through three games. His father started on the offensive line for the Detroit Lions for 14 seasons.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 225
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: Tony Sacca
Plays a big role for one of the best high school football teams in the country. The four-star safety was selected on the 2022 MaxPreps Freshman All-American team. Tony was a second round selection in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Phoenix Cardinals after a standout senior season at Penn State.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 200
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: Akili Smith
Has thrown for 1,040 yards and 13 touchdowns while leading the Broncos to a 4-0 start. Smith Jr. hasn't throw an interception and is completing nearly 74-percent of his passes. His father was drafted third overall in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals after throwing for 3,700 yards and 32 touchdowns during his senior year at Oregon.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 185
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Onterrio Smith
The three-star recruit is one of the most versatile players in Northern California. The Bulldogs are one of the top teams in the state and Smith Jr. has helped them to a 3-1 start. He has landed five FBS offers according to 247Sports that includes the likes of BYU, Oregon State and Utah. His father was a star two-way player at Grant (Sacramento) before a great college career at Oregon. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 195
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Junior Spivey
One of the best wide receiver on the West Coast is coming off his best game of his senior season posting seven receptions for 156 yards and a touchdown in the Huskies 52-24 win over Mountain Ridge (Glendale). The three-star wideout has landed nearly 20 offers. His father played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals during his five-year MLB career.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 170
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: Ike Taylor
Talented defensive back is one of the top-rated prospects in Florida in the Class of 2025. The four-star safety has already reached double-digit offers. Ike had a 12-year NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and helped them win two Super Bowls.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 230
Status: Committed to West Virginia | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Jeremiah Trotter
Plays for one of the premier programs in the country and was selected to the MaxPreps Sophomore and Junior All-America teams in 2020 and 2021. He checks in as the seventh-rated player overall in Pennsylvania for the Class of 2023 on 247Sports. Jeremiah played in the NFL from 1998 until 2009 and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2016.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 180
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)
Father: Brian Urlacher
Starts at safety for the ninth-ranked Wolves and has posted 12 tackles to go with an interception. Urlacher and the Arizona power have one of the best defenses in the country. They've not allowed a point in 10 consecutive quarters and have only allowed seven points on the season. His father was one of the best linebackers in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 200
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Sophomore (2025)
Father: Moe Williams
One of the best defensive players in Florida regardless of class. The four-star edge rusher has already landed nearly 20 FBS offers. Moe had a standout career as a running back at Kentucky before being a third round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1996 NFL Draft.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215
Status: Committed to Georgia | Class: Senior (2023)
Father: Robert Wilson
The four-star senior is the second-rated linebacker in the Class of 2023 on 247Sports composite rankings. He was a first team selection on the 2021 MaxPreps Junior All-America squad after racking up 139 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and five sacks. His late father spent five years in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints.
