College Football’s Final Four Features Louisiana Prep Alumni
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
Jaiden Ausberry – University Lab – Notre Dame
A consensus four-star recruit, this standout linebacker was highly rated by major recruiting services, including ESPN (58th overall, 4th linebacker, 5th in-state), On3 (193rd overall, 17th linebacker, 7th in-state), Rivals (205th overall, 14th linebacker, 15th in-state), and 247Sports (243rd overall, 19th linebacker, 11th in-state). University Lab’s all-time leading tackler with over 380 career stops, he was a 2022 Butkus Award finalist and an Under Armour All-American, playing under head coach Andy Martin.
Dylan Devezin – St. Augustine – Notre Dame
Notre Dame running back Dylan Devezin, a former St. Augustine standout, competed in four games during his collegiate debut season, serving as the holder for extra points and field goals. He made his debut against Navy in Dublin, Ireland, and appeared in victories over Tennessee State (56-3) and North Carolina State (45-24). Devezin also held for kicks in the matchup against Central Michigan in 2023.
Jordan Clark – University Lab – Notre Dame
Notre Dame cornerback Jordan Clark, a consensus four-star prospect, was selected to the Under Armour All-American Game and competed with Team Overdrive at The Opening Finals, a showcase for the nation’s top high school talent. Ranked as the No. 38 cornerback and No. 358 overall prospect in 24/7 Sports’ Composite rankings, Rivals listed him as the No. 30 cornerback nationally and No. 14 in Louisiana, while ESPN ranked him as the No. 23 cornerback in the ESPN300. The son of NFL safety Ryan Clark, Jordan began his collegiate career at Arizona State before transferring to Notre Dame.
Gavin Holmes – Archbishop Rummel – Texas
University of Texas cornerback Gavin Holmes, a standout from Archbishop Rummel in Metairie, excelled in high school with 27 pass breakups over his final two seasons. A first-team All-District 9-5A selection in 2019, he recorded 25 tackles and 13 pass breakups as a senior while anchoring a defense that allowed just 8.9 points per game, including five shutouts. That season, Holmes helped lead Rummel to a perfect 13-0 record and the Division I state championship. As a junior, he tallied eight interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and 21 tackles, contributing to a 9-3 record and a semifinal appearance in the Division I playoffs.
Melvin Hills III – Lafayette Christian Academy – Texas
Lafayette Christian Academy defensive lineman Melvin Hills III is a two-time all-state honoree and one of Louisiana’s top prospects, ranked by On3 (No. 62 DL, No. 17 in Louisiana), Rivals (No. 38 DL, No. 15 in Louisiana), 247Sports (No. 92 DL, No. 26 in Louisiana), and ESPN (No. 37 DL, No. 15 in Louisiana). Named to the All-Southeast team by PrepStar, Hills earned first-team 4A All-State honors in 2023 after tallying 80 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 41 pressures. He helped lead LCA to an 11-3 record and a Division II Select championship appearance. As a junior, he recorded 90 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks, contributing to a 10-4 season and another championship game appearance. A three-year impact player, Hills also excels in track and field, competing in the shot put.
Wardell Mack – John Ehret – Texas
Wardell Mack, a standout two-way player for John Ehret, excelled at receiver, cornerback, and special teams. Ranked among the nation’s top defensive backs by On3, Rivals, ESPN, and 247Sports, he was also named to PrepStar’s Top 150 Dream Team. In 2023, Mack helped lead a defense allowing just 17.9 points per game, including four shutouts, guiding John Ehret to a 7-5 record and a second-round playoff appearance. Over his career, he totaled more than 1,000 yards of offense and recorded 55 tackles with four interceptions as a sophomore.
Arch Manning, a four-time all-state honoree from Isidore Newman, was the nation’s top-ranked player in 2022 by 247Sports, On3, and Rivals. Over his career, he set school records with 8,599 passing yards and 115 touchdowns, surpassing uncles Eli and Peyton Manning. Manning totaled 9,754 yards and 140 touchdowns, leading Newman to a 34-9 record as a starter. As a senior, he threw for nearly 2,300 yards and 34 touchdowns, earning Bobby Dodd National Back of the Year honors. Manning guided Newman to multiple playoff runs, earning All-American recognition from MaxPreps as both a freshman and sophomore.
Christian Rizzi – Country Day – Texas
Christian Rizzi, a former offensive lineman at Louisiana, transitioned to deep snapper during his sophomore year at Texas. He made his debut in 2021 against Rice. Rizzi was honored with a spot on the 2021-22 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team and made the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll three times (fall 2021, fall 2022, spring 2023).
Barryn Sorrell – Holy Cross – Texas
Barryn Sorrell, a Holy Cross alum, was an all-state and academic all-state honoree, earning all-district recognition during his high school career. Ranked as the No. 37 strongside defensive end and No. 17 overall in Louisiana by Rivals, he also made the Louisiana MaxPreps All-State second team. Sorrell recorded 44 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble as a junior, and helped Holy Cross to multiple Division 1 playoff appearances. He was a standout in both defensive end and tight end roles and holds a 4.6 GPA.
Derek Williams Jr. – Westgate – Texas
Derek Williams Jr. from Westgate was an All-America and all-state honoree, selected for the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game. He was ranked among the top safeties and overall recruits in the nation and Louisiana by On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals. As a senior, he helped Westgate to a 10-4 record and a Division I Non-Select semifinal appearance. Williams was a key player in a defense that allowed only 16.2 points per game. He earned first-team 4A All-State honors and was the LSWA Outstanding Defensive Player in 2021, accumulating 127 tackles and multiple turnovers. He also played a crucial role in Westgate’s 2021 Class 4A state championship win.
William Randle – Newman – Texas
Will Randle, a two-time all-state and all-district honoree, was a standout tight end for Isidore Newman. He was ranked No. 20 nationally among tight ends by ESPN and No. 30 overall in Louisiana. Over his four-year career, Randle totaled 97 receptions for 1,027 yards and 18 touchdowns, with one rushing touchdown. He also contributed 50 tackles, 6 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. In 2022, despite an injury, he recorded notable performances, including an interception return for a touchdown and forced fumble. Randle played a key role in leading Newman to multiple playoff appearances, including a Division III Select quarterfinals appearance in 2022. He was also recognized as a first-team 2A All-State selection in 2021 and 2020.