They're proof of the quality of talent that can be found at smaller schools.
Argyle Liberty Christian offensive lineman Ben Habern (6-foot-3, 270 pounds), Dallas St. Mark's linebacker Emmanuel Acho (6-2, 215) and Colleyville Covenant offensive lineman Jeffrey Hyde (6-7, 280) have committed to Big 12 schools.
Habern (Oklahoma), Acho (Texas) and Hyde (Texas A&M) have plenty in common. Habern and Acho were first-team selections on Dave Campbell's Texas Football Super Teams (Hyde was a third-team selection). All three were also named to Bobby Burton's Texas Top 100.
"It's definitely unusual to see a nice concentration of star players," said Jeremy Crabtree, national recruiting editor of Rivals.com. "It just shows that if you look hard enough you can find good players."
Last year, Dallas Episcopal quarterback Brock Mansion chose Cal, and in 2004, Grace Prep wide receiver Lance Leggett picked Miami while his teammate, running back Justin Forsett, went with Cal.
For Habern, Acho and Hyde, the recruiting process required some marketing. Acho chose quickly, when he committed during a Longhorns Junior Day this year. Habern and Hyde, though, sent out highlight videos. Habern went to summer camps, including Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Texas Tech.
"There were some cases where they'd see where I'm from, but then I'd run the 40 and have a good time, and I saw a coach just looking at me," Habern said. "That coach came up and started talking to me real suddenly. I could tell he was real interested. There's maybe a little pressure, cause the others there are from 5A, 4A big-time high schools, and they're known for being big-time high schools and producing college athletes. And I'm from a private school."
It's one thing to excel at a camp, but then comes game time. Acho, whose older brother Samuel signed with the Longhorns in 2007, said he's motivated to work harder during the summer because he knows coaches will make sure he gets blocked by sending numerous players at him.
Arlington Grace Prep coach David Reese's team has faced Habern, and he calls him "the real deal." He saw how well Habern moved for his size, and how he played both sides of the ball. Defenders, he explained, were never asked to be in one-on-one coverage. Zone blitzes and shooting gaps are key.
"You've got to keep him guessing where he's not sure who's coming," Reese said. "But I guarantee if he knows who he's blocking, he'll win 99 percent of the time."
Do that, Crabtree said, and any college coach will notice.
The consensus among coaches and players is that colleges can find talent if they're willing to do the homework. And being a private school player shouldn't add any extra pressure to perform, in Acho's opinion.
"You just perform to your ability," he said. "If you're as good as they say you are, you don't have... to worry."
