Jacks Bolster '26 Roster with Talented High School Signing Class
1/3/2026 8:26:00 AM | Football
Twenty of twenty-three signees hail from the Lone Star State
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin football has bolstered its 2026 roster with an impressive crop of prep signees announced by the program on Wednesday, February 4. Of the 22 student-athletes that inked with the Lumberjacks during December's signing period, 19 hail from and played high school football in the Lone Star State. Get to know the newest crop of Jacks below.
December Signees
Jacob Janecek | QB | Lovejoy HS (Lucas, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17763218/Jacob-Janecek
Follow Jacob on X: @jj_janecek
2024 District 4-5A Offensive MVP... All-Conference quarterback...Threw for over 5,000 passing yards in prep career... Letterwinner on the Lovejoy track & field team...
OC Jared May on Janecek: "A productive and winning QB who has played on some of the biggest stages at the high school level. Jacob is a team oriented player who will help keep the culture strong for years to come."
Caleb Crenshaw | RB | Anderson HS (Austin, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17984491/Caleb-Crenshaw
Follow Caleb on X: @calebcrenshawc1
Rushed for more than 5,500 yards in high school career... Named District MVP behind 2200 rushing yards as a senior... Earned first-team All-District honors following both sophomore and junior seasons... Named Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a freshman...
RB Coach Nelson Gunnell on Crenshaw: "Explosive play-making running back who had over 5,000 rushing yards in high school. His production should translate to the college level and we expect to see a lot of Caleb moving forward."
Jathen Johnson | WR | Edgewood HS (Terrell, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17801931/Jathen-Johnson
Follow Jathen on X: @JathenTJohnson
District Utility Player of the Year...
WR Coach Josh Atkinson on Johnson: "Swiss Army knife-type player with great speed. He's going to make a difference in the vertical pass game and on special teams."
Caleb Gaddis | WR | Blue Ridge HS (Blue Ridge, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16883504/Caleb-Gaddis/about
Follow Caleb on X: @CalebGaddis_11
First team all-district... District Newcomer of the Year... Co-District MVP... As a senior: Hauled in 85 catches for 1,670 yards (3rd TX, 10th USA)... 19 receiving touchdowns... 2 punt return touchdowns... two interceptions...
WR Coach Josh Atkinson on Gaddis: "Another very productive player. Finished 3rd in the state for receiving yards. 19 Receiving Touchdowns. Even had two punt return touchdowns. His reliability, speed and acceleration make him a perfect fit for the Lumberjack offense."
Sean Carter | WR | Clear Springs HS (League City, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17937036/Sean-Carter
Follow Sean on X: @SeanCarter08
Named first team Academic All-State in 2025... First team All-District... Offensive MVP... As a senior: Caught 40 passes for 850 yards... Totaled 1,297 all-purpose yards... 12 total touchdowns...
WR Coach Josh Atkinson on Carter: "A physically gifted outside wide receiver. He has a great chance of making an early impact for this team."
Micah Lockett | WR | Nacogdoches HS (Nacogdoches, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21506571/Micah-Lockett
Follow Micah on X: @micahjlockett2
Offensive MVP... Competed in the high jump...
WR Coach Josh Atkinson on Lockett: "A talented athlete who will be competing for the Lumberjacks in both football and in high jump. This East Texas Tough recruit is staying home in Nacogdoches!"
Jordan Ervin | TE | Henderson HS (Henderson, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18492187/Jordan-Ervin
Follow Jordan on X: @JordanErvinn
TE Coach Tim Bleil on Ervin: "Jordan is a dynamic athlete that will have the ability to excel as both a run blocker and a threat in the pass game. He is from Henderson, Texas so he already understands what it means to be East Texas Tough."
Julius Stephens | OL | Norman HS (Norman, Oklahoma)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18239827/Julius-Stephens
Follow Julius on X: @JuliusMStephens
OL Coach Garrett Graf on Stephens: "At 6'6, 340, Julius is a specimen! There is so much untapped potential in this kid. Out of Norman, Oklahoma, Julius is a heavy-handed guard, that loves the Lumberjacks."
John Como Jr. | OL | Pieper HS (San Antonio, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17958622/John-Como
Follow John on X: @JohnComo12
Team Captain... 2x All-District selection...
OL Coach Garrett Graf on Como Jr.: "A massive addition to our unit. Pure size and strength is something John certainly does not lack. John is a future force in the Southland Conference. His best football is in front of him."
Jake Hankins | OL | Brewer HS (Fort Worth, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21740897/Jake-Hankins
Follow Jake on X: @J_Hank_Football
Team Captain... Helped lead Brewer HS to the state playoffs for the first time in four years... Did not allow a sack... Recorded more career wins than penalties...
OL Coach Garrett Graf on Hankins: "Blue collar, hard-nosed, and determined. Jake is everything that SFA stands for. With exceptional length, Jake has the ability to play multiple positions for us. Big get for the Lumberjacks."
Nick Henry | OL | San Marcos HS (San Marcos, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19769744/Nick-Henry
Follow Nick on X: @nickh3nryy
1x Player of the Week...
OL Coach Garrett Graf on Henry: "Elite athleticism, twitch, and size. A true tackle out of San Marcos. Nick held over 10 FBS offers, before choosing the Lumberjacks. We are glad to have him and his family join us!"
Julian Sixtos | OL | Greenville HS (Greenville, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19381550/Julian-Sixtos
Follow Julian on X: @SixtosJuli98209
Played both sides of the football in high school...
OL Coach Garrett Graf on Sixtos: "A hidden gem. Julian is what you look for in a young tackle. Long, lean, athletic, and hungry to become the next great. I cant wait to work with Julian."
Brysen Steele | DL | Marlin HS (Marlin, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17710425/Brysen-Maxwell-Steele
Follow Brysen on X: @SteeleBrysen
3x All-District... District MVP... Offensive Rookie of the Year... 2x Super Centex first team...
DL Coach Jake Chambers on Steele: "From Marlin, Texas, Brysen is a big body defensive lineman with a lot of twitch and play strength. In high school, he also played running back, which was very impressive to us! We competed against multiple FBS schools on Brysen, but after a few gameday visits, he wanted to be a Lumberjack, and we couldn't be more proud."
Robaire Smith Jr. | DL | Ridge Point HS (Missouri City, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17554978/Robaire-Smith-Jr
Follow Robaire on X: @Robaire_jr
2x 1st Team All-District 21-6A... 2x Academic All-District... 3-year varsity player...
DL Coach Jake Chambers on Steele: "Robaire is an extremely strong and powerful defensive tackle coming to us from Fort Bend Ridge Point. He had a really impressive junior season that was followed by a dominating senior year. We're fired up to have Robaire become a Jack, as he makes us better!"
Romaire Smith | DL | Ridge Point HS (Missouri City, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17554981/Romaire-Smith
Follow Romaire on X: @_RomaireSmith
2x 6A First Team All-District 21-6A.... 2x Academic All-District... 36 Consecutive Varsity Starts, never missed a game...
DL Coach Jake Chambers on Steele: "Romaire, twin brother to Robaire, is a long and athletic defensive tackle. Also coming from Fort Bend Ridge Point, Romaire's super power is his athleticism and instincts. Both Robaire and Romaire are great people with supportive parents."
Braden Nwoko | DL | Klein Cain HS (Houston, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/10123625/Braden-Nwoko
Follow Braden on X: @Braden_Nwoko30
First Team All-District 15-6A... Academic All-District...
DL Coach Jake Chambers on Steele: "Braden, from Klein Cain High School, is an instinctual ball player! His senior film is really impressive and we couldn't be more excited to have him and his family in Nacogdoches. Braden has a natural feel for the game and is constantly around the ball. He has shown to take over games in high school, and we expect him to do the same for SFA. We battled Montana State, but in the end, Braden wanted to be a Lumberjack."
Jakalen Sheffield | SAF | Kilgore HS (Kilgore, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18569514/Jakalen-Sheffield
Follow Jakalen on X: @J_Sheffield2026
Named first team All-State as well as a first team all-district selection...
SAF Coach Nik Nelson on Sheffield: "Super quick & versatile playmaker. Instinctual player with great ball skills. Comes from one of the best programs in East Texas where they are coming off back-to-back state championship game appearances."
Cade Wallace | SAF | South Grand Prairie HS (Grand Prairie, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17989727/Cade-Wallace
Follow Cade on X: @CadeWallace2026
2025 Dallas Morning News Week 5 POTW... Named district Utility Player of the Year as a senior... 3x all-conference selection...
SAF Coach Nik Nelson on Sheffield: "Unbelievable natural athlete who made a big impact on offense, defense and special teams during his high school career, including one game this fall with four interceptions at the Texas 6A level. Has deep family ties to East Texas. Very smart kid, who maintained a 4.0 GPA in high school."
Deuce Williams | SAF | Joe T. Robinson HS (Little Rock, Arkansas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17386413/Kevin-Deuce-Williams
Follow Deuce on X: @Deuce2will
2x 5A All-State selection in Arkansas... Twice named all-conference...
SAF Coach Nik Nelson on Sheffield: "Gifted athlete that possesses incredible athletic ability. Dynamic 2-way player for 2025 State Champion Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Incredible family of athletes, mom was a D1 basketball player and dad is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
Ja'Keon Jackson | CB | Wharton HS (Wharton, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18495515/JaKeon-Jackson
Follow Ja'Keon on X: @Chill_Uno1
District MVP...
SAF Coach Nik Nelson on Sheffield: "Extremely athletic high school QB who will transition to DB. Possesses a very long frame that will hold up on the edge vs tall receivers. Really caught our eye at our Elite Camp in Nacogdoches this past June."
Tank Reese | LB | Joe T. Robinson HS (Little Rock, Arkansas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15165953/Isiah-Reese
Follow Tank on X: @TankIsiah
3x All-State performer... 2x All-Conference performer...
LB Coach Cameron Rogers on Reese: "Explosive athlete with tremendous instincts. All-State player. Production will translate to the college level."
Emmanuel Harris | J | Mount Pleasant HS (Mansfield, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23012246/Emmanuel-Harris
Follow Emmanuel on X: @emanharris_
All-District First Teamer at both Defensive End and Tight End...
J Coach Shaun Whittinghill on Harris: "Emmanuel is an East Texas kid who brings great length, explosiveness, and effort to the edge. He's been very productive, affects the quarterback, and plays with the toughness you want setting the edge in the run game. He understands how to play physical, team defense and fits exactly what we want up front."
December Signees
Jacob Janecek | QB | Lovejoy HS (Lucas, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17763218/Jacob-Janecek
Follow Jacob on X: @jj_janecek
2024 District 4-5A Offensive MVP... All-Conference quarterback...Threw for over 5,000 passing yards in prep career... Letterwinner on the Lovejoy track & field team...
OC Jared May on Janecek: "A productive and winning QB who has played on some of the biggest stages at the high school level. Jacob is a team oriented player who will help keep the culture strong for years to come."
Caleb Crenshaw | RB | Anderson HS (Austin, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17984491/Caleb-Crenshaw
Follow Caleb on X: @calebcrenshawc1
Rushed for more than 5,500 yards in high school career... Named District MVP behind 2200 rushing yards as a senior... Earned first-team All-District honors following both sophomore and junior seasons... Named Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a freshman...
RB Coach Nelson Gunnell on Crenshaw: "Explosive play-making running back who had over 5,000 rushing yards in high school. His production should translate to the college level and we expect to see a lot of Caleb moving forward."
Jathen Johnson | WR | Edgewood HS (Terrell, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17801931/Jathen-Johnson
Follow Jathen on X: @JathenTJohnson
District Utility Player of the Year...
WR Coach Josh Atkinson on Johnson: "Swiss Army knife-type player with great speed. He's going to make a difference in the vertical pass game and on special teams."
Caleb Gaddis | WR | Blue Ridge HS (Blue Ridge, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16883504/Caleb-Gaddis/about
Follow Caleb on X: @CalebGaddis_11
First team all-district... District Newcomer of the Year... Co-District MVP... As a senior: Hauled in 85 catches for 1,670 yards (3rd TX, 10th USA)... 19 receiving touchdowns... 2 punt return touchdowns... two interceptions...
WR Coach Josh Atkinson on Gaddis: "Another very productive player. Finished 3rd in the state for receiving yards. 19 Receiving Touchdowns. Even had two punt return touchdowns. His reliability, speed and acceleration make him a perfect fit for the Lumberjack offense."
Sean Carter | WR | Clear Springs HS (League City, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17937036/Sean-Carter
Follow Sean on X: @SeanCarter08
Named first team Academic All-State in 2025... First team All-District... Offensive MVP... As a senior: Caught 40 passes for 850 yards... Totaled 1,297 all-purpose yards... 12 total touchdowns...
WR Coach Josh Atkinson on Carter: "A physically gifted outside wide receiver. He has a great chance of making an early impact for this team."
Micah Lockett | WR | Nacogdoches HS (Nacogdoches, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21506571/Micah-Lockett
Follow Micah on X: @micahjlockett2
Offensive MVP... Competed in the high jump...
WR Coach Josh Atkinson on Lockett: "A talented athlete who will be competing for the Lumberjacks in both football and in high jump. This East Texas Tough recruit is staying home in Nacogdoches!"
Jordan Ervin | TE | Henderson HS (Henderson, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18492187/Jordan-Ervin
Follow Jordan on X: @JordanErvinn
TE Coach Tim Bleil on Ervin: "Jordan is a dynamic athlete that will have the ability to excel as both a run blocker and a threat in the pass game. He is from Henderson, Texas so he already understands what it means to be East Texas Tough."
Julius Stephens | OL | Norman HS (Norman, Oklahoma)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18239827/Julius-Stephens
Follow Julius on X: @JuliusMStephens
OL Coach Garrett Graf on Stephens: "At 6'6, 340, Julius is a specimen! There is so much untapped potential in this kid. Out of Norman, Oklahoma, Julius is a heavy-handed guard, that loves the Lumberjacks."
John Como Jr. | OL | Pieper HS (San Antonio, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17958622/John-Como
Follow John on X: @JohnComo12
Team Captain... 2x All-District selection...
OL Coach Garrett Graf on Como Jr.: "A massive addition to our unit. Pure size and strength is something John certainly does not lack. John is a future force in the Southland Conference. His best football is in front of him."
Jake Hankins | OL | Brewer HS (Fort Worth, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21740897/Jake-Hankins
Follow Jake on X: @J_Hank_Football
Team Captain... Helped lead Brewer HS to the state playoffs for the first time in four years... Did not allow a sack... Recorded more career wins than penalties...
OL Coach Garrett Graf on Hankins: "Blue collar, hard-nosed, and determined. Jake is everything that SFA stands for. With exceptional length, Jake has the ability to play multiple positions for us. Big get for the Lumberjacks."
Nick Henry | OL | San Marcos HS (San Marcos, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19769744/Nick-Henry
Follow Nick on X: @nickh3nryy
1x Player of the Week...
OL Coach Garrett Graf on Henry: "Elite athleticism, twitch, and size. A true tackle out of San Marcos. Nick held over 10 FBS offers, before choosing the Lumberjacks. We are glad to have him and his family join us!"
Julian Sixtos | OL | Greenville HS (Greenville, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19381550/Julian-Sixtos
Follow Julian on X: @SixtosJuli98209
Played both sides of the football in high school...
OL Coach Garrett Graf on Sixtos: "A hidden gem. Julian is what you look for in a young tackle. Long, lean, athletic, and hungry to become the next great. I cant wait to work with Julian."
Brysen Steele | DL | Marlin HS (Marlin, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17710425/Brysen-Maxwell-Steele
Follow Brysen on X: @SteeleBrysen
3x All-District... District MVP... Offensive Rookie of the Year... 2x Super Centex first team...
DL Coach Jake Chambers on Steele: "From Marlin, Texas, Brysen is a big body defensive lineman with a lot of twitch and play strength. In high school, he also played running back, which was very impressive to us! We competed against multiple FBS schools on Brysen, but after a few gameday visits, he wanted to be a Lumberjack, and we couldn't be more proud."
Robaire Smith Jr. | DL | Ridge Point HS (Missouri City, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17554978/Robaire-Smith-Jr
Follow Robaire on X: @Robaire_jr
2x 1st Team All-District 21-6A... 2x Academic All-District... 3-year varsity player...
DL Coach Jake Chambers on Steele: "Robaire is an extremely strong and powerful defensive tackle coming to us from Fort Bend Ridge Point. He had a really impressive junior season that was followed by a dominating senior year. We're fired up to have Robaire become a Jack, as he makes us better!"
Romaire Smith | DL | Ridge Point HS (Missouri City, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17554981/Romaire-Smith
Follow Romaire on X: @_RomaireSmith
2x 6A First Team All-District 21-6A.... 2x Academic All-District... 36 Consecutive Varsity Starts, never missed a game...
DL Coach Jake Chambers on Steele: "Romaire, twin brother to Robaire, is a long and athletic defensive tackle. Also coming from Fort Bend Ridge Point, Romaire's super power is his athleticism and instincts. Both Robaire and Romaire are great people with supportive parents."
Braden Nwoko | DL | Klein Cain HS (Houston, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/10123625/Braden-Nwoko
Follow Braden on X: @Braden_Nwoko30
First Team All-District 15-6A... Academic All-District...
DL Coach Jake Chambers on Steele: "Braden, from Klein Cain High School, is an instinctual ball player! His senior film is really impressive and we couldn't be more excited to have him and his family in Nacogdoches. Braden has a natural feel for the game and is constantly around the ball. He has shown to take over games in high school, and we expect him to do the same for SFA. We battled Montana State, but in the end, Braden wanted to be a Lumberjack."
Jakalen Sheffield | SAF | Kilgore HS (Kilgore, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18569514/Jakalen-Sheffield
Follow Jakalen on X: @J_Sheffield2026
Named first team All-State as well as a first team all-district selection...
SAF Coach Nik Nelson on Sheffield: "Super quick & versatile playmaker. Instinctual player with great ball skills. Comes from one of the best programs in East Texas where they are coming off back-to-back state championship game appearances."
Cade Wallace | SAF | South Grand Prairie HS (Grand Prairie, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17989727/Cade-Wallace
Follow Cade on X: @CadeWallace2026
2025 Dallas Morning News Week 5 POTW... Named district Utility Player of the Year as a senior... 3x all-conference selection...
SAF Coach Nik Nelson on Sheffield: "Unbelievable natural athlete who made a big impact on offense, defense and special teams during his high school career, including one game this fall with four interceptions at the Texas 6A level. Has deep family ties to East Texas. Very smart kid, who maintained a 4.0 GPA in high school."
Deuce Williams | SAF | Joe T. Robinson HS (Little Rock, Arkansas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17386413/Kevin-Deuce-Williams
Follow Deuce on X: @Deuce2will
2x 5A All-State selection in Arkansas... Twice named all-conference...
SAF Coach Nik Nelson on Sheffield: "Gifted athlete that possesses incredible athletic ability. Dynamic 2-way player for 2025 State Champion Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Incredible family of athletes, mom was a D1 basketball player and dad is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
Ja'Keon Jackson | CB | Wharton HS (Wharton, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18495515/JaKeon-Jackson
Follow Ja'Keon on X: @Chill_Uno1
District MVP...
SAF Coach Nik Nelson on Sheffield: "Extremely athletic high school QB who will transition to DB. Possesses a very long frame that will hold up on the edge vs tall receivers. Really caught our eye at our Elite Camp in Nacogdoches this past June."
Tank Reese | LB | Joe T. Robinson HS (Little Rock, Arkansas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15165953/Isiah-Reese
Follow Tank on X: @TankIsiah
3x All-State performer... 2x All-Conference performer...
LB Coach Cameron Rogers on Reese: "Explosive athlete with tremendous instincts. All-State player. Production will translate to the college level."
Emmanuel Harris | J | Mount Pleasant HS (Mansfield, Texas)
HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23012246/Emmanuel-Harris
Follow Emmanuel on X: @emanharris_
All-District First Teamer at both Defensive End and Tight End...
J Coach Shaun Whittinghill on Harris: "Emmanuel is an East Texas kid who brings great length, explosiveness, and effort to the edge. He's been very productive, affects the quarterback, and plays with the toughness you want setting the edge in the run game. He understands how to play physical, team defense and fits exactly what we want up front."
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