A number of Texans will take the field in the College Football Playoff national championship
Though the Texas Longhorns won’t be competing for the national championship in Houston on Monday night, the state of Texas will be represented on the NRG Stadium field when the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines take on the No. 2 Washington Huskies for the College Football Playoff National Championship.
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Six Huskies and six Wolverines are products of Texas high school football. Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk is the headliner of the dozen.
Here is a look at the 12 Texans taking the field in their home state tonight.
WASHINGTON
Jaivion Green, CB, No. 0, Houston Lamar
An On3 Industry Ranking three-star who was the No. 230 prospect in Texas in the 2022 class, Green has 12 tackles and one pass defended in 2023.
Jabbar Muhammad, CB, No. 1, DeSoto
The Oklahoma State transfer found a home in the Washington secondary after three seasons with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Muhammad started every game and earned second-team All-Pac 12 honors. He tallied 44 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 15 passes defended, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, No. 2, Lufkin
Along with Rome Odnuze and Jalen McMillan, Polk makes up the most feared receiver trio in college football. Operating all over the field, Polk (who transferred to Washington from Texas Tech) has 65 catches for 1122 yards during the 2023 season. He added a rushing touchdown as well for 10 total scores.
Will Nixon, RB, No. 8, Waco Midway
A Nebraska transfer who plays a hybrid role for the Huskies, Nixon has 31 carries for 194 yards and a score this season along with 10 catches for 77 yards. He could see more action on Monday in light of the injury to Dillon Johnson.
Diesel Gordon, DB, No. 26, Arlington Seguin
Gordon has not seen any game action in 2023.
Anthony James, EDGE, No. 47, Wylie East
Once a Texas A&M commit during his recruitment, James chose the Huskies over Auburn and Utah. He has yet to see any game action.
MICHIGAN
Alex Orji, QB, No. 3, Sachse
Orji is somewhere on the quarterback depth chart behind JJ McCarthy alongside Jack Tuttle, but he’s been utilized as a Wildcat rusher at times during the Wolverines’ season. He has 13 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown.
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Tavierre Dunlap, RB, No. 22, Del Valle
Dunlap has rarely seen action on offense for the Wolverines. He has just five carries for 21 yards. Dunlap was ranked as the No. 407 overall prospect, the No. 29 running back, and the No. 58 player in Texas in the 2021 On3 Industry Ranking.
German Green, DB, No. 33, DeSoto
Both teams will have a DeSoto defensive back on their side tonight. Green, who with his twin brother Gemon were both members of Michigan’s 2018 class, is in his sixth season of eligibility. Green has three tackles this season.
LaDarius Henderson, OL, No. 73, Waxahachie
Henderson transferred from Arizona State to Michigan ahead of the 2023 season and earned first-team All-Big 10 accolades from the league’s coaches as the Wolverines’ starting left tackle.
Ike Iwunnah, DL, No. 92, Garland Lakeview Centennial
Iwunnah has not recorded any stats during his career in Ann Arboer. Iwunnah was ranked as an On3 Industry Ranking three-star in the 2021 class.
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Enow Etta, EDGE, No. 96, Keller Covenant Christian Academy
Etta is in his first season with the Wolverines and has made a handful of appearances with his lone 2023 tackle coming versus UNLV.
