Westlake Chaparrals: A Legacy of Football Excellence and NFL Talent
The Westlake Chaparrals football program has a storied history of producing exceptional athletes who have gone on to achieve significant success at both the collegiate and professional levels. The program's consistent excellence, marked by multiple state championships, is a testament to the dedication and talent that has graced the Westlake High School campus over the decades. This article delves into the impressive lineage of Westlake Chaparrals alumni, highlighting some of the most impactful players to have worn the Chaparrals' colors and tracing their journeys to national recognition.
The Foundation of Success: State Championships and Early Stars
The Westlake Chaparrals have celebrated numerous state championships, a testament to their sustained program strength. The journey to these victories is often paved by the exceptional talent that emerges from the school's football program. Among the earliest and most prominent figures in this legacy is quarterback Drew Brees (1995-96). Brees's tenure at Westlake was nothing short of spectacular, marked by an undefeated record of 28-0-1 as a starter. His leadership guided the Chaparrals to their first state title in 1996, earning him MVP honors in the Class 5A Division II state championship game.
Brees's collegiate career at Purdue saw him shatter records, setting two NCAA records, 13 Big Ten records, and 19 Purdue records. His transition to the NFL was equally impactful. Over a distinguished 20-year career with the Chargers and Saints, Brees led the league in passing yards an astonishing seven times. His career culminated in a Super Bowl XLIV MVP award, leading the Saints to victory over the Colts. Even today, Brees holds numerous NFL and Saints passing records, a remarkable achievement for a player who began his journey in West Austin. His success underscores the program's ability to develop talent that can excel on the highest stages.
Another pivotal figure in Westlake's championship history is Seth McKinney (1995-96). As a key member of Westlake's first state title team in 1996, McKinney's contributions on the offensive line were crucial. A two-time all-state selection, his exceptional play earned him a spot on UIL's state all-century team. His collegiate career at Texas A&M was equally impressive, where he was a four-year starter and garnered all-Big 12 and all-American honors. McKinney was a second-round NFL draft pick by Miami in 2002 and went on to have an eight-year professional career with the Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills, solidifying his status as one of Westlake's foundational offensive talents.
The Quarterback Pipeline: A Tradition of Elite Signal Callers
Westlake High School has developed a remarkable reputation for producing elite quarterbacks, a tradition that continues to shape the program's success. Beyond Drew Brees, the Chaparrals have seen several other highly talented signal-callers make their mark. Sam Ehlinger (2014-16) is a prime example of this enduring legacy. Voted the state's player of the year by the Associated Press Sports Editors in 2015, Ehlinger was a three-year starter for Westlake, amassing an impressive 7,491 passing yards and 89 touchdowns, complemented by 36 rushing touchdowns.
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His impact extended to the collegiate level, where he became a standout starter for the Texas Longhorns. Ehlinger's 27 career wins rank fourth in Longhorns history, placing him among legendary figures like Colt McCoy, Vince Young, and Major Applewhite. His journey continued into the NFL, as he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, where he is currently in his fourth season.
Adding to this esteemed group is Nick Foles (2004-06), another quarterback whose name is synonymous with Super Bowl heroics. While his collegiate career saw him play for Michigan State and Arizona, Foles is best known for his remarkable performance in Super Bowl LII. He was named the MVP of that game after leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a stunning 41-33 victory over Tom Brady's New England Patriots. Foles's ability to perform under immense pressure on the biggest stage is a testament to the caliber of talent that Westlake cultivates.
More recently, Cade Klubnik (2019-2021) has continued the tradition of excellence. Klubnik was a key figure in Westlake's 2020 and 2021 state championship victories, leading the Chaparrals to an undefeated record of 27-0 as a starter during his junior and senior years. He threw for 7,390 yards and 86 touchdowns in his prep career and was recognized as the Statesman's all-Central Texas Player of the Year in 2021. A highly-touted five-star recruit, Klubnik has gone on to play for Clemson, where he has earned ACC championship game MVP honors twice in three years and led the Tigers to the College Football Playoff. His presence on this list further solidifies Westlake's reputation as a quarterback factory.
Beyond the Quarterback: Defensive Powerhouses and Offensive Linemen
The Westlake Chaparrals' success is not solely attributed to their quarterbacks; the program has consistently produced formidable defensive players and dominant offensive linemen. Braden Cassity (2015-17) stands out as a defensive force. In 2017, he was named the Class 6A Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press, recording 106 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks during the regular season. His contributions were instrumental in leading the Chaparrals to the fourth round of the playoffs. Cassity went on to play college football at Oklahoma State and spent time with the San Diego Chargers after signing as an undrafted free agent.
Bryce Hager (2007-09) was another impactful linebacker who played a crucial role in Westlake's success. He helped lead the Chaparrals to an appearance in the 2009 Class 5A Division I state championship game. His collegiate career at Baylor was marked by three selections to the second-team All-Big 12. Hager's talent translated to the NFL, where he played six seasons for the St. Louis Rams, Los Angeles Rams, and New York Jets, even participating in Super Bowl LIII with the Los Angeles Rams.
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On the offensive line, Matt Nader (2003-06) was a dominant presence for four years. Despite a heart condition that ended his playing career, Nader's talent was undeniable, earning him a scholarship offer from Texas. He has since become a passionate advocate for free heart screenings and the sale of defibrillators, even saving a life last year after a game, demonstrating his enduring impact off the field.
Versatile Playmakers and Special Teams Excellence
Westlake's talent pool extends to versatile playmakers who excel in various positions. Jaden Greathouse (2019-2022) emerged as the top-producing wide receiver in school history. During his four years as a starter, he amassed 232 catches for 4,035 yards and 53 touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in three consecutive state titles from 2019-2021. Greathouse was named the MVP of the 2021 state championship game, setting a state record for receiving yards with 236 in that contest. He is currently playing for Notre Dame, contributing to their College Football Playoff aspirations.
The program has also seen success in the running back position, with Ryan Nunez (1995) being a notable example. In 1995, Nunez rushed for over 2,000 yards, following a strong 1,400-yard performance in 1994. He went on to play college football for both Colorado and Texas.
While not a traditional offensive or defensive player, Michael Taaffe (2019-2020) carved out a unique legacy as a crucial special teams player and a big-game performer. Taaffe was instrumental in Westlake's two state championships, earning defensive player of the game honors in both Class 6A title games. His clutch performances included a 24-0 shutout win over Denton Guyer in 2019 and a 52-34 victory against Southlake Carroll in 2020. Taaffe's impact was felt beyond high school, as he went on to have a memorable college career with the Texas Longhorns, famously kicking a last-second field goal to defeat Texas A&M in their final game against each other in 2011. As a professional, Taaffe is considered one of the greatest NFL kickers of all time, holding the NFL record for the longest field goal (66 yards) and earning six Pro Bowl selections.
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