Top 10 linebackers in West Texas high school football

By Chuck Cox

Photo of Lubbock Coronado's John Curry courtesy of his Twitter page

It's a new high school football season in West Texas, and we are taking a look at the Top 10 players returning at each position. 

This time, it's the linebackers, which are among the strongest of those groups with big-time playmakers scattered all across the region.

See if you agree with our choices for the cream-of-the-crop outside and middle linebackers across the plains.

John Curry, 6-4, 200, Sr., Lubbock Coronado

The top linebacker recruit in the West Texas region, Curry brings a lot to the table for the Mustangs on defense with his talent and versatility.

As a junior in 2021, he led Coronado to a 7-5 record that included a bi-district victory over El Paso Bel Air. Curry's big performance helped him earn a spot on the All-District 2-5A Division I first-team.

A three-star recruit, Curry committed to stay home and play for Texas Tech. He also drew interest from Northwestern.

Jimmy Vasquez, 5-8, 180, Sr., Midland Greenwood

One of the top returning Class 4A middle linebackers in the state, Vasquez put up monster statistics as a junior starting last season. He broke the program's single-season tackling record with 191, including 14 for loss, a sack and a pick to lead the Rangers to a 5-5 season and a playoff berth.

Vasquez was named District 1-4A Division II Co-Defensive Most Valuable Player in 2021.

With that kind of a nose for the football, Vasquez should attract some recruiting attention this year. He is a difference-maker for the Rangers.

Jesus Carrillo, 5-11, 210, Sr., Canutillo

Carrillo is a big reason why the Eagles made a deep postseason run to the regional semifinals in 2021.

As a junior, he made 112 tackles and picked off two passes to lead Canutillo to an 11-2 record and playoff wins over El Paso Jefferson and Canyon Randall.

Carrillo, last year's District 1-5A Division II Defensive Player of the Year, is one of 13 starters returning for the Eagles, so expect them to still be playing when the calendar switches over to December again in a few months.

Luis Cervantes, 6-0, 215, Sr., Andrews

Entering his fourth season as a starter for the Mustangs, Cervantes managed to raise the bar even higher for himself last year.

As a junior, he made 114 tackles, including 18 for loss, and recovered a fumble to help Andrews finish 5-7 and notch a bi-district win over Fabens.

For his efforts, Cervantes earned honorable mention on the Texas Sports Writers Association's Class 4A All-State Team. He was also the District 2-4A Division I Most Valuable Player.

Cervantes also starts at running back.

Dominic Calderon, 5-10, 185, Sr., El Paso Del Valle

Calderon was a tackling machine as a junior last season. He finished with a whopping 110 tackles, including four sacks, and an interception to help the Conquistadores finish 7-4 and earn a playoff spot.

Those impressive numbers also led to Calderon earning District 1-5A Division I Defensive Player of the Year honors.

One of the defensive leaders for Del Valle, Calderon aims to help his team return to the playoffs after a tough 45-21 loss to Amarillo in bi-district a year ago.

Jake Chenausky, 5-10, 190, Sr., El Paso Eastwood

A two-way starter at linebacker and running back, Chenausky made 72 tackles, including six for loss, and rushed for 368 yards and four touchdowns as a junior last season.

He helped the Troopers finish 8-5 and earn playoff victories over Abilene and Saginaw Boswell before falling to Prosper in the Class 6A regional semifinals.

Chenausky makes things happen on both sides of the ball most any time he is on the field for the Troopers.

Shay Smith, 6-3, 190, Jr., El Paso Franklin

Last season, Smith made the most of his opportunities with 77 tackles and three sacks to earn District 1-6A Defensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore.

The Cougars won the district title with a 7-0 record and finished 8-3 overall. Smith will continue to give opposing offenses nightmares, but he is also expected to start at quarterback for Franklin this season.

Smith is already drawing interest from Texas, Texas Tech and UTEP as a linebacker.

Turner Squire, 5-10, 185, Jr., Midland

Although the Bulldogs had a tough 2-8 season in 2021, Squire emerged as a leader on defense with a big sophomore year in which he earned District 2-6A Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors and was also a first-team pick.

He tallied 44 tackles and had three sacks in 10 games at middle linebacker. That experience will likely lead to bigger things for Squire this season.

Squire looks to be laying the groundwork to continue his playing career at the next level.

Robert Deal Jr., 6-0, 185, Sr., El Paso Pebble Hills

Deal Jr. had a big junior season, registering 70 tackles, including three for loss, and two interceptions to help lead the Spartans to a 6-5 record and a postseason berth. That performance helped him earn District 1-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year accolades.

Deal Jr., who is also a baseball standout for Pebble Hills, is receiving some football recruiting love from New Mexico State.

He should be one of the most impactful players in Sun City in 2022.

Hector Hinojos, 6-1, 195, Sr., El Paso Eastlake

No. 17 was everywhere for the Falcons as they soared to a 10-2 record and a playoff victory over San Angelo Central last season.

Hinojos racked up an impressive 176 tackles as a junior. He also earned honorable mention on the Texas Sports Writers Class 6A All-State Team. Hinojos was a first-team All-District 1-6A selection in a district that includes four of our Top 10 linebacker selections.

He is drawing some interest from New Mexico State.