You only had to watch him once to know that Groesbeck’s Ameer Lee was one of the best kick returners in the state.
All-state voters got the message. Lee was named as a first-team return specialist on the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State Team on Wednesday.
Most of the times teams simply kicked away from him, yet Lee still managed to rack up four kickoff returns for 172 yards (a 43-yard average) and a 92-yard touchdown. He also had 17 punt returns for 474 yards and five TDs, averaging better than 27 yards per runback.
Newton running back Darwin Barlow and defensive lineman James Sylvester were named the 3A offensive and defensive players of the year.
Whitney’s Kolby Tanner made second-team all-state at receiver, as did Troy’s Zach Hrbacek at running back. Central Texas players earning third-team recognition included Clifton offensive guard Santos Murillo, Cameron Yoe wide receiver Kadrian Hammond, Clifton defensive lineman Edgar Rodriguez, Troy linebacker Ricky Guardiolla, Yoe defensive back Ka’Zirrius Holt and Clifton utility back Riley Perry.
— WACOTRIB