Waco Connally has been good to Texas, and more Cadets could become Longhorns

The talent pipeline from Waco Connally has become a cornerstone for Texas football, with standout former Cadets making an impact, especially in the recent Vanderbilt game. Here’s a closer, detailed look at the contributions and unique skill sets of these Central Texas stars:

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Jelani McDonald, S

Stats vs. Vanderbilt: Seven tackles, 1.0 TFL

Known for his versatility and hard-hitting ability, McDonald has quickly established himself as a defensive force. He showcased his tackling prowess both in open space and in downhill pursuit during his first career start at safety, making a memorable solo tackle in the flats, stopping the ball carrier without any support. His relentless pursuit was evident as he chased Vanderbilt’s quarterback from the left hash all the way to the right sideline and prevented a potential big gain. This level of commitment, paired with his spatial awareness and agility in covering receivers, highlights his adaptability in both run and pass defense. McDonald’s dedication and coachable nature have earned him deep respect from both teammates and coaches.

Kobe Black, CB

Stats vs. Vanderbilt: One tackle, one PBU

Black’s blend of size, speed, and instinct has made him a promising shutdown corner for Texas, showing why coaches had high expectations for him out of high school. Against Vanderbilt, he displayed his ability to read the quarterback and anticipate plays, intercepting a tipped pass and which would has been a pick-six before a penalty cut it short. His quick reaction on a third-down slant breakup was crucial in halting a Vanderbilt drive and showcased his reaction time and mental toughness under pressure. Black also demonstrated his physicality by containing the edge and supporting the run defense, proving himself as a well-rounded, versatile defensive asset for Texas. His multifaceted skills have coaches trusting him more each week.

Quintrevion Wisner, RB

Stats vs. Vanderbilt: 17 carries, 79 yards, five catches, 39 yards

Although he finished high school at DeSoto, Wisner’s impact on Texas’ offense has been undeniable. Known for his elusiveness and ability to make defenders miss, Wisner is an asset on every carry. Since his breakout game against Oklahoma, his confidence has continued to grow and allowed him to approach each play with a patient, calculated mindset. Against Vanderbilt, he demonstrated his maturity in the fourth quarter on an outside zone run by waiting for a crease to develop rather than forcing a cutback, maximizing yardage and avoiding a negative play. His knack for slipping tackles with subtle jukes and bouncing off defenders shows a rare combination of patience and aggression, making him a dual-threat in both running and passing scenarios.

Collective Impact on the Game

Together, McDonald, Black, and Wisner exemplify Texas’ core values of athleticism, discipline, and versatility. Each player brought individual strengths that bolstered Texas’ performance on both offense and defense, proving essential in the SEC’s challenging landscape. McDonald’s defensive range, Black’s coverage skills, and Wisner’s vision and patience highlighted Texas’ depth and adaptability.

Another Cadet that could join the ranks?

Texas is closely watching another Connally standout, Jamarion Vincent, a rising star who sees McDonald, Black, and Wisner as role models. Vincent’s admiration for these players, paired with his dedication to skill development, positions him as a potential future Texas standout. His raw talent and disciplined work ethic make him a promising recruit, further solidifying the strength of the Waco Connally pipeline and promising a steady stream of elite Central Texas talent for the Longhorns.

Vincent is ranked as the No. 285 overall prospect, the No. 21 cornerback, and the No. 36 player in Texas in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking. On3 ranks Vincent as the No. 290 overall prospect, the No. 23 cornerback, and the No. 38 player in Texas.

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These standout players from Connally are raising the bar for Texas football. Their contributions are not only pivotal to Texas’ immediate success but also lay the groundwork for future Connally talents to follow in their footsteps and make an impact on the Longhorns’ program.