The Heights Bulldogs, currently sitting atop the 6A Region III District 18 alongside Houston Lamar and Bellaire High School, are poised for a strong push for the district championship this season. With standout wide receiver Zaylen Cormier leading the charge, the Bulldogs feel they have what it takes to secure their first district title since 2020.
Cormier, a senior and one of the top athletes in 6A Region III District 18, has been a key factor in the Bulldogs’ success during the 2024 season. His explosive playmaking ability and versatility as a two-way threat—excelling at both wide receiver and safety—are vital to the Bulldogs’ program.
“Zaylen is a great kid,” said Heights football head coach Stephen Dixon. “He’s always had that athleticism and great hands, but he’s improved his speed and ability to break away from defenders.”
During his junior season, Cormier racked up impressive stats, including 34 receptions for 763 yards and 12 touchdowns, alongside 27 tackles and two interceptions. His prowess on the field did not go unnoticed as he was one of only three athletes from the Houston Independent School District (HISD) nominated to the Touchdown Club of Houston All-Greater Houston Preseason Team.
“Making the Touchdown Club of Houston All-Greater Houston Preseason Team let me know all my hard work wasn’t going unnoticed and it motivated me to keep pushing to have an outstanding senior year, so I can attend again in December,” said Cormier.
Having played at the varsity level for three consecutive years, Cormier’s journey has seen him excel in various positions. After starting as a wide receiver and safety in his freshman year, he focused more on safety during his sophomore year. Since transferring to Heights, he has primarily shined at wide receiver, leveraging his dual experience to outsmart opponents on the field.
“By having experience playing defense I know what defenders are doing based on how they are lined up against me,” said Cormier. “I can tell what type of defense they’re in by the corners’ alignment. If he’s tilted, I know they’re most likely in cover two, so I would go back and let my coach or quarterback know,” said Cormier.
Cormier’s talent for shutting down opponents in coverage and creating turnovers arises from his thorough understanding of the game, which enables him to read quarterbacks and wide receivers effectively. His elusive playing style and knack for gaining yards after the catch have been sharpened through offseason training that focused on sprints, plyometrics, and weightlifting.
“In the off-season, I worked with my team, and when we didn’t have team workouts, I worked alone, focusing on improving my game,” said Cormier.
On the field, Cormier studies the play of standout receivers like CeeDee Lamb, Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson, taking inspiration from their playing styles.
“They’re all really good athletes who use speed and explosiveness to get open. They are also really crafty in running their routes,” said Cormier.
Inspired by the chance to play in the Big 12 conference under Coach Willie Fritz and the desire to stay close to his family—especially his younger brother—Cormier made the decision to commit to the University of Houston in June and hasn’t looked back since.
“The University of Houston was close to home so being close to my little brother, Dylan, meant a lot,” said Cormier. “Coach Fritz is not only a great coach but a great person, and I believe with the coaching staff he has brought in and the talent he has coming, he is building a championship program I want to be a part of.”
As the Bulldogs gear up for their crucial games ahead, Cormier’s leadership and skill will be pivotal. With a district championship within reach and a bright future at the University of Houston on the horizon, Zaylen Cormier is a name to watch in Texas high school football and beyond. He is set to graduate in December and is eager to transition to collegiate football as he prepares for spring ball at UH.
About Zaylen Cormier
Class: 2025
IG: @zay5cormier
Twitter: @CormierZaylen
Position: Wide receiver, safety
Height & weight: 6-feet-0, 180 pounds
Favorite artist: Frank Ocean
Status: Committed to the University of Houston
Favorite subject: Math
Shout-outs: Kiera Levine and Coach Stephen Dixon
