DeSoto High School is a 6A classification by the University Interscholastic League. The school is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area. The school is a very prestige program that contends for a state championship every year. The Eagles are coming off a State Championship in 2022 beating Austin Vandegrift 42-17. The football team has produced some great football talent that has ended up playing in the NFL including names like Von Miller, James Proche, Ed Ingram and Jalen Mills. The team is focused on moving past the state title game and moving forward to this upcoming season. “As a team, we have to be on point this year”- Coach Mathis. The team looks to defend their state title and make a far playoff run this upcoming season with their great roster.
Coach Claude Mathis started making multiple coaching stops around the state of Texas before most recently making the change from Marshall back to DeSoto for his second term. He has tons of experience on the High School level and also the college level coaching for SMU. “I think all the coaches on the staff are valuable”- Coach Mathis. The coach explains how important everyone on the staff is for the team’s success. A state championship doesn’t happen without each person on the staff.
Here are some of the returners for the DeSoto Eagles this upcoming season.
DJ Bailey is a 5’11 175 pound Quarterback who is coming off leading the Eagles to a state championship. A great leader, who almost passed for 4,000 yards this past season. He also provided 45 touchdowns through the air and another 5 on the ground, while only throwing 3 interceptions. A strong arm underrated “baller”- Coach Mathis.
Jason Douglas is a 6’3 260 pound athlete that plays on the defensive front for the Eagles. A big and strong kid that is coming off a great state championship game. He was named 6A Division II State Championship Defensive MVP. Currently holds offers from Texas State, Jackson State, Lamar, and others.
Keylan “Keke” Abrams is a 6’0 200 pound defensive end that has a bright future for the DeSoto program. He can play multiple positions and is really hard to block one on one. A opposing offensive nightmare that is only in the class of 2025.
Deondrae ‘Tiger’ Riden is a 6’0 190 pound running back coming off the 6A Division II State Championship Offensive MVP. “He should be the best running back in the state of Texas in his class.”- Coach Mathis. Riden is a do it all running back being able to block, catch out of the backfield, and have the ability to make you miss in open field. Currently holds offers from Texas, USC, Michigan, and others.
Daylon Singleton is a 5’11 164 pound wide receiver that “is really gonna have to step up this year for us”- Coach Mathis. The multi-sport athlete has great hands and runs great routes. Currently holds offers from Miami, Oregon, SMU, and others.
Mario Buford is a 6’0 165 pound defensive back that is one of the great kids returning to the defense. He is a long and fast corner with a bright future. Currently holds offers from Penn State, Arkansas, Colorado, and others.
Brandon Booker is a 6’2 205 pound linebacker that is one of the leaders for the defensive side of the ball. A “freak of nature”- Coach Mathis. A vocal leader that is fast and strong. A kid that can do it all for the defense. A very athletic linebacker that can play in space with his sideline to sideline speed. Currently holds offers from Texas A&M, Arkansas, Florida State, and others.
