Adrian Cortes
Having rushed for a combined 2,478 yards and 49 touchdowns last year, Davis Penn (3) and Riley Wormley (1) are the most prolific rushing tandem in Dragon Football history.
After falling just a hair short at the goal line in a heartbreaking 45-38 loss to the eventual state champion DeSoto Eagles, the Dragons finished the 2024 season as the state’s No. 3-ranked team and the 39th best team in the nation, according to Max Preps.
Despite having just graduated its starting quarterback and three of its top four receivers from a team that averaged 53 points per game, the Dragons have plenty of firepower heading into the 2024 season. The Dragons returns not one, but two of the country’s top running backs in USC commit Riley Wormley and Baylor commit Davis Penn.
Together, this all-star tandem couldn’t be stopped, accounting for 2,478 yards and 49 touchdowns a year ago. In addition to some monster stats, head coach Riley Dodge is excited to feature the most prolific running tandem the Dragons have ever seen.
“I'm somewhat of a historian of this place and playing here, and I don't think we’ve ever seen a running back room like we have right now in the one-two punch that we have,” says Riley. “The thing that's so special is that those guys are two of the hardest workers in our building.”
That’s high praise coming off the heels of Owen Allen, who committed to the U.S. Air Force Academy after setting Carroll’s school record rushing for 7,600 yards over his Dragon tenure.
Adrian Cortes
Angelo Renda steps into the quarterback role as a junior and is a true dual threat for opposing defenses.
Joining this high-powered backfield will be quarterback Angelo Renda. The 6-foot, 180-pound junior gained some much-needed exposure in a backup role last year, throwing for 547 yards and adding 429 yards on the ground. An accurate passer who completed 75% of attempts, Renda’s skill set is reminiscent of that of his head coach during his National Player of the Year seasons.
“Kind of reminds me of myself a little bit,” says Riley. “He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but can do damage on the ground when things break down. [Renda is] an accurate kid, so that's going to bring a different aspect, too. Our quarterback can hurt people on the ground, which is always scary for defensive coordinators.”
After recent big-name pocket passers like Quinn Ewers, now at the University of Texas, and Graham Knowles at Georgia Tech, having a more mobile, dual-threat quarterback will undoubtedly add to the team’s rushing totals.
It all begs the question, could this be the year the Dragons actually gain more yards on the ground than through the air?
Even Riley can attest to the viability of that question, but then opposing defenses will also have to turn their attention to two of the team’s top notch receivers in Brock Boyd and Jack Van Dorselaer.
Heading into the season Boyd will be the team’s No. 1 receiver while JVD, a University of Tennessee commit, is expected to elevate his pass catching stats in his final season.
“Obviously, with so many new faces, we've got to utilize [Jack] in the passing game,” says Riley. “People ask me that a lot, and it's a fair question based on where he's going to play [college football]. He's got to be more versatile for us in the passing game and he's got the skills to do that. He's too good of a football player for us not to get him touches. And I'm excited to see what he does. I'm excited to see what we're able to do with him this upcoming year.”
Let’s look at some of the key returning players as we head into the season, which opens on August 30th at Dragon Stadium:
#1 RB Riley Wormley
Preseason decisions made by the UIL only delayed the inevitable: Riley Wormley is a star. In fact, he’s earned four of them. After rushing for 901 yards (10.6 yds/att) and 19 TDs in just the second half of his junior season, all eyes are watching to see what this USC commit will do in his final season.
#3 Davis Penn
When the call came, this “DMN Newcomer of the Year” was ready to the tune of 1,577 yards (9.9 yds/att) and 30 TDs. Now this Baylor commit comes back for his junior season as one of the leading returning 6A backs in DFW.
#2 QB Angelo Renda
The 6-foot, 180-pound, junior may not be as tall as quarterbacks in recent years but his talents more than make up for any size difference. Having completed 76 percent of his passes, including 8 TDs, while rushing for 429 yards in late game action, his blend of speed, mobility and accuracy are a throwback to Riley Dodge’s playing days.
#11 WR Brock Boyd
If it wasn’t for the exploits of fellow underclassman Davis Penn, Brock’s 58 receptions for 825 yards and seven TDs may have earned him “Newcomer of the Year” status. Standing tall at 6-foot-2, and filling out to 180 pounds, he’s the team’s leading returning receiver. He’s also atop the state’s highest rated 2026 recruits, who holds 20-plus offers from the likes of Oklahoma, Oregon and Baylor before verbally committing to TCU in early August.
#10 WR Brody Knowles
The younger brother of former QB Graham, Brody is quickly becoming a standout receiver. Hitting several notable camps in the offseason, the 6-foot-6, 180-pound basketball player and wide-out is showing that his length and good hands offer a lot of potential to start his sophomore year.
#4 WR Luc Jacquemard
After some standout moments during summer 7-on-7 play, Luc and his 5-foot-11, 160-pound frame has the potential to see action in the all-important slot receiver role. An impressive route-runner, the junior flashed a glimpse of the future catching five balls for 102 yards and a score last season.
#88 TE Jack Van Dorselaer
The elder statesman of the offense, JVD comes back for his senior season as the team’s second leading pass catcher from a year ago. The four-star Tennessee commit will continue to fortify the run game with his 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame, while he looks to build upon last year’s 15 receptions and 6 TDs. Having averaged 21.1 yards/rec a year ago, JVD is a threat no matter what play is called.
#68 OL Trent Wilson
The team’s lone returning lineman from a year ago is listed at 6-foot-4, 275 pounds. Trent also stacks up large in the weightroom. The three-star James Madison University commit impresses in the gym with a team-leading 380-pound bench press to go along with his 565-pound squat – both considerable improvements from his junior season.
#51 OL Carey Clayton
Listed at 6-foot-3, 255-pounds, “LC” is the son of former Dragon and NFL lineman Carey Clayton Sr., so he has the lineage and IQ to be a bigtime addition to this year’s interior line.