Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger! That is the creed of the extended family who ever walked the halls of Jonesboro-Hodge High School. Now is the time to put your belief to work. 

This is a call to all Tiger fans to show support for one of the best football players who ever donned a JHHS jersey –  albeit for only a short time. 

Currently a vote is being held by the publication Dave Campbell’s Texas Football asking to name Mr. Texas Football Player of the Year. The choice is made from a list of ten candidates, which includes former JHHS gridder Xavier Atkins. 

When the door shut on Atkins prep career at JHHS, another one opened at Summer Creek in Humble, TX. Atkins not only went through it, he knocked it down, showing the Houston metro area and the state of Texas what locals and many across the state of Louisiana already knew. When it comes to playing linebacker you would be hard pressed to find anyone who does it better. 

The 4-Star LSU commit who led the entire nation with 180 solo tackles and the state of Louisiana with 219 tackles was named first team Class 2A All-State in both 2021 and 2022 while at Jonesboro-Hodge. 

Listed as one of the ten best in the state, Atkins is a cinch to be named to a third straight All-State team this year, the difference being he will be a member of the Class 6A All-State team in Texas.

Atkins has compiled sterling stats while leading Summer Creek to a 13-1 record. a #29 national ranking and #7 in the state of Texas and a spot in the Class 6A state semifinals. The 6’1″ 200 pounder leads his team with 63 solo tackles and 88 total tackles from his middle linebacker position. He also has 16 tackles for a loss, caused three forced fumbles and made two interceptions. 

His 2023 stats and his contribution to the Summer Creek football program qualifies him for the nomination as Mr. Texas Football Player of the Year. 

How can you help? It is simple. 

Click here !

You can vote as often as you want. 

Atkins may be playing for another team but he is still a JHHS Tiger. 

Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!