Ridge Point senior wide receiver John Rangel (1) secures a pass before turning upfield for additional yards. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender

John Rangel spent his offseason sharpening his game, working with several wide receiver trainers before finally getting the chance to learn from Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Parker Washington. 

The experience gave the Ridge Point senior a new perspective on the position, and five games into his final high school season, those lessons are already evident on the field.

“Parker Washington taught me a lot about getting to my spots and using different stems to create separation in routes,” said Rangel. “He showed me how important details are and how changing your tempo and route stems can make a big difference.”

Through Ridge Point’s 5-0 start, the 6-foot, 185-pound receiver has 30 receptions for 550 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 18.3 yards per catch.

“I’ve applied the lessons I’ve learned to every game,” said Rangel. “Going into every game with confidence and trusting my preparation, I know I’m smart, know what I can do, and focus on winning every rep against the person in front of me. That confidence and attention to detail have helped me play faster and make more plays this season.”

Ridge Point head football coach Rick LaFavers has noticed the same level of confidence in Rangel this season.

“He is locked in,” said LaFavers. “Not that he wasn’t last year. I just see that he has turned everything up a notch or two.”

Ridge Point has produced several talented groups of wide receivers. During his junior season, Rangel shared the field with some of them while he waited for his opportunity.

“He was part of a group last year that had three wide receivers who are now starting at the Division 1 level as freshmen,” said LaFavers. “It is his turn now. He has earned it and worked extremely hard for it.”

Rangel’s physical development is another facet of his emergence during his senior season. His involvement in baseball has also meant he has never had a traditional football offseason at Ridge Point.

“He is an elite baseball player as well and has not had an off-season with us throughout his high school career,” said LaFavers. “He doesn’t have any track times, but he is one of the strongest pound-for-pound in our program and one of the fastest. He is extremely physical, a tremendous athlete and competitor, and arguably the best athlete on our campus.”

Ridge Point High School wide receivers coach Charles McWilliams has seen that same athleticism translate into Rangel’s development as a receiver.

“John is arguably the best athlete in the program, and he has always checked all the boxes for what you look for in a receiver,” said McWilliams. “This year, John added about 10 pounds of muscle; add that with the tools he already has, and his high football IQ, he can play anywhere on the field.”

Rangel’s development has also reshaped his view of his role on the team. He now sees leadership and accountability as important parts of becoming a complete player. But his growth isn’t limited to what happens on the field. Rangel also remains focused on proving he can compete at the next level.

With ten Division I offers from schools including Texas State, the University of New Mexico, and Sam Houston, Rangel still wants to prove he can compete at the Power Four level.

“I want to continue showing that I can compete against top competition and help my team win,” said Rangel. “The three biggest things I’m looking for in a program are strong relationships with coaches, a family-based culture, and a place where I know I can continue to develop as both a player and a person.”

Rangel’s goals extend beyond finding the right program, as he is also focused on becoming a stronger leader and teammate.

“One of the biggest things I want to keep improving on is leadership and accountability,” said Rangel. “I want to make sure I’m holding myself and my teammates accountable every day and helping keep everyone focused and confident. I also want to continue learning how to move on from mistakes quickly, stay coachable, and be the best teammate and player I can be.”

The lessons Rangel learned from Washington have given him more than new techniques to use on the field. They have given him a deeper understanding of the receiver position and a clearer idea of the player and leader he wants to become.

I’m originally from Kansas. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in communication studies. Shortly after moving to Houston in 2007, I began doing photography. I covered cy fair sports...