ATR ATHLETE 2025-2026 FOOTBALL SZN SPOTLIGHT: BACA X VIERMANN X RIVALE X BIGHAM
- Kam'ron Walker
- Aug 2
- 13 min read
THE CANYON CREW
From the basketball court to the track, Canyon High School has long been known for its dominance in Texas high school athletics, earning 47 state championships across six sports since 1950. Over the next three to four years, a new group of athletes is aiming to add to that legacy—this time with hopes of bringing home Canyon’s first-ever football state championship.
In the Class of 2028, quarterback Reece Baca and wide receiver/defensive back Will Bigham will be competing for spots on the varsity squad this upcoming season. Meanwhile, the Class of 2029 features quarterback Jadon Viermann and defensive back/wide receiver Jaden “JJ” Rivale, who will officially begin their high school football careers on the freshman team this fall.
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BREAKDOWN: REECE BACA
Left-handed quarterbacks are a rare sight across the country, and only a select few—like Michael Vick, Ken Stabler, and Steve Young—have found major success at the collegiate and professional levels. Reece Baca is aiming to add his name to that prestigious list.
Standing at a solid 6'1" and 190 pounds, Baca uses his cannon of an arm to stretch the field, displaying excellent timing with his receivers' breaks. His size allows him to stand tall in the pocket, stay composed under pressure, and shed would-be tacklers while keeping his eyes downfield. In the open field, he's a nightmare in one-on-one situations—unafraid to lower his shoulder and deliver punishing hit to anyone who tries to bring him down.
Reece is no stranger to Friday night lights. He was called up late last season after starting quarterback Boston Bell went down with an injury. Now, after getting a taste of varsity action, he’s ready to compete for the starting role and cement his legacy in Canyon High School football history.
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BREAKDOWN: WILL BIGHAM
After a strong freshman season, Will Bigham is poised to make the leap into Friday night lights. Measuring in at 5'10" and 155 pounds at the end of last season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a boost in those numbers after the nonstop hard work he’s put in this offseason.
Will is quietly athletic with excellent vision. He primarily lines up at safety, where he thrives thanks to his ability to read the entire field and anticipate routes with precision, often breaking up plays before they develop. He’s also incredibly scrappy, often getting into the heads of even the most composed players—leading to costly mistakes by the opposition.
As he looks to break into the lineup this year, don’t be surprised if Bigham starts earning varsity reps early during his sophomore campaign.
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BREAKDOWN: JADON VIERMANN
Jadon has been a true leader for Canyon's Class of 2029, establishing himself as a dominant quarterback since his youth football days. Now, he’s looking to carry that success into the high school level this fall. At 5'7" and 152 pounds, Jadon may not be the biggest player on the field, but he certainly plays like he is. His speed and agility make him a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare—if he escapes the pocket and finds open space, it’s game over.
Jadon is a natural leader who thrives under pressure, consistently guiding his team to victory whether it's through the air or on the ground. He has lost very few games in his young career. He loves dissecting defenses with his passing game, then striking with explosive runs when an opening appears—often before the defense even knows what happened.
You’ll also see Viermann take snaps at other positions, showcasing his versatility. While he could excel anywhere on the field, his leadership, football IQ, and playmaking abilities make quarterback the perfect fit.
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BREAKDOWN: JADEN "JJ" RIVALE
JJ is a player I’ve had the privilege of watching grow both on and off the field over the past four and a half years. Even at a young age, he showed impressive footwork and raw athleticism—skills he’s been developing and refining since the moment he first stepped onto a football field.
Currently measuring 5'8" and 140 pounds, JJ still has room to grow physically, but don’t let his size fool you. He thrives on mismatches and never backs down from a challenge. I’ve seen him go head-to-head with some of the top wide receivers and defensive backs in his class—from the DFW area to other major Texas cities—and time and time again, he’s proven he can compete at a high level.
JJ possesses advanced ball skills and field vision for his age, which makes him a tough matchup for opposing coaches trying to move the ball through the air. He’s able to elevate with taller receivers or DBs and pull-down acrobatic catches when it matters most.
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ATHLETE Q&A: WILL BIGHAM
1. What position do you play, and what are your biggest strengths at that position?
Safety – I excel at stopping both the run and the pass.
2. How would you describe your playing style?
Aggressive.
3. What part of your game are you currently working to improve?
Man coverage.
4. Describe your offseason or in-season training routine.
I work out four times a week and also participate in football-specific workouts.
5. What has been your favorite game or highlight moment so far?
My pass breakup against West Plains.
6. How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game?
I listen to music to get in the right mindset.
7. Are there any college or pro players you model your game after? Who and why?
Caleb Downs – he’s a physical and quick safety, and I try to mirror his intensity and versatility.
8. What are you planning to major in?
Business.
9. How do you balance academics and athletics?
I focus on school first before football.
10. What are you looking for in a college beyond football?
I want to continue playing the game I love while earning my college degree.
11. How important is academic support when considering a program?
Very important.
12. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
As a leader.
13. What does leadership mean to you, and how do you lead on your team?
Leadership means lifting others up. I try to motivate my teammates, especially when things aren't going our way.
14. Share a moment when you overcame adversity on or off the field.
Beating Randall for the first time during my freshman year was a big moment of overcoming adversity.
15. How do you handle pressure in big-game moments?
I remind myself that I have God behind me.
16. What are you looking for in a college football program?
A chance to continue playing the game I love at a high level.
17. What do you want coaches to know about you that they won’t see on film?
I'm a strong team leader who lifts others up and brings positive energy.
18. What are your personal and athletic goals for the next year?
To earn varsity reps.
19. Are there any programs or schools you're especially interested in?
Texas Tech and UTEP.
20. Who is your biggest inspiration or role model?
Tom Brady.
21. What does football mean to you personally?
It means everything to me.
22. If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?
Playing baseball.
23. What motivates you to keep pushing through tough days?
All the people who are counting on me.
24. How do you want to be remembered as an athlete and a teammate?
As a leader.
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ATHLETE Q&A: REECE BACA
1. What position do you play, and what are your biggest strengths at that position?
Quarterback. Mentally, I’d say my knowledge of the game and leadership are my biggest strengths. Physically, I have strong throw power and athleticism—I truly feel like I can make any throw or play on the field.
2. How would you describe your playing style?
I’m competitive but calm. I want to win and be the best in every aspect of the game, but I stay relaxed and confident when things don’t go our way. I always look to make something happen.
3. What part of your game are you currently working to improve?
Confidence with the older guys. It’s been a challenge moving from playing with just my grade to competing across all four grades on varsity. But I know I belong and can compete at this level.
4. Describe your offseason or in-season training routine.
Offseason: 6:30–8:00 AM workout at school, followed by optional throwing sessions or basketball. Later, I train with Gomez Gainz for about an hour and a half, then often hit the field again for footwork or extra throwing.
In-season: Morning lift and position-specific work during school period. After school, I go back to Gomez Gainz for mobility and strength training, plus a lot of stretching throughout the day to stay loose.
5. What has been your favorite game or highlight moment so far?
My first and only varsity game so far—against Randall. We lost badly, but it lit a fire in me. It made me hungry for more.
6. How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game?
Mentally:I read scripture, pray, and ask God to use my performance for His purpose. I give Him all the glory.
Physically:I stretch, stay loose, hydrate, eat the right foods, and make sure my legs and arm are fully ready.
7. Are there any college or pro players you model your game after? Who and why?
I really like C.J. Stroud—he stays in the pocket and delivers, but can also escape and make plays. I also admire Jalen Hurts for his competitiveness and drive to win.
8. What are you planning to major in?
I'm not sure yet.
9. How do you balance academics and athletics?
This has been a challenge, but I’ve improved a lot. I prioritize my grades and homework first and stay focused in the classroom.
10. What are you looking for in a college beyond football?
Making a difference however I can, building a future, and most importantly, making disciples of Jesus Christ. And yes—earning a great living, too!
11. How important is academic support when considering a program?
It’s huge. If you're not passing, you shouldn’t be playing. Academics always come first.
12. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
A natural leader and a very hard worker.
13. What does leadership mean to you, and how do you lead on your team?
Leadership means everything. A team can be talented, but without a strong leader, it won’t go far. As a younger player, it’s been a challenge, but I’m built for it. I encourage my teammates, hold them accountable, give them a next-play mentality, and always show love. That’s something I think sports need more of.
14. Share a moment when you overcame adversity on or off the field.
The Randall game. I had everything stacked against me—being a freshman, only a week on varsity, cold and wet weather—but I gave it all I had.
15. How do you handle pressure in big-game moments?
By staying relaxed and trusting that my team and God have my back—always.
16. What are you looking for in a college football program?
Strong leadership, a hardworking culture, love, and a commitment to winning.
17. What do you want coaches to know about you that they won’t see on film?
I’m a leader on and off the field, and I’ll outwork anyone—in the weight room or anywhere else.
18. What are your personal and athletic goals for the next year?
Become the starting varsity quarterback, make the playoffs, go deep, and win. I want to build a culture where Canyon is known for outworking everyone.
19. Are there any programs or schools you're especially interested in?
I’d be blessed to receive any offers, but my dream school is the University of Texas.
20. Who is your biggest inspiration or role model?
Jesus Christ—100%.
21. What does football mean to you personally?
It’s more than just a game. It’s a way for me to put Canyon back on the map and take my family to the top.
22. If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?
Something related to my faith—Bible studies, working in the church, serving others.
23. What motivates you to keep pushing through tough days?
The Lord, my family, the town of Canyon, my teammates, and last season’s record.
24. How do you want to be remembered as an athlete and a teammate?
I want to be remembered for my faith, for doing whatever it took to win, and for being the guy everyone loved to be around.
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ATHLETE Q&A: JADEN "JJ" RIVALE
1. What position do you play, and what are your biggest strengths at that position?
Wide receiver. My biggest strengths are my footwork and football IQ.
2. How would you describe your playing style?
Versatile.
3. What part of your game are you currently working to improve?
Route running.
4. Describe your offseason or in-season training routine.
I start with morning lifts, then later in the day I focus on speed and agility training.
5. What has been your favorite game or highlight moment so far?
My favorite game was against West Plains.
6. How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game?
I listen to music to get in the right mindset.
7. Are there any college or pro players you model your game after? Who and why?
Justin Jefferson. He’s my favorite player, and I admire his route running and overall game.
8. What are you planning to major in?
Human anatomy.
9. How do you balance academics and athletics?
I make time for both and stay organized.
10. What are you looking for in a college beyond football?
Earning a degree and setting myself up for life after football.
11. How important is academic support when considering a program?
Very important.
12. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
Coachable and a fast learner.
13. What does leadership mean to you, and how do you lead on your team?
Leadership means always giving your best and staying positive—no negativity, ever.
14. Share a moment when you overcame adversity on or off the field.
Accepting God into my life was a major turning point for me.
15. How do you handle pressure in big-game moments?
I handle it well. I stay focused and composed.
16. What are you looking for in a college football program?
A strong, well-rounded program with good coaching and culture.
17. What do you want coaches to know about you that they won’t see on film?
I’m a great person off the field and someone who genuinely cares about others.
18. What are your personal and athletic goals for the next year?
Make the varsity team and maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout the year.
19. Are there any programs or schools you're especially interested in?
Oregon.
20. Who is your biggest inspiration or role model?
My dad.
21. What does football mean to you personally?
It’s a lifestyle—it’s what I love to do.
22. If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?
I’d be running track or playing baseball.
23. What motivates you to keep pushing through tough days?
God.
24. How do you want to be remembered as an athlete and a teammate?
As a really good guy—someone people respect on and off the field.
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ATHLETE Q&A: JADON VIERMANN
1. What position do you play, and what are your biggest strengths at that position?
Quarterback. My biggest strengths are leadership and being a true dual-threat quarterback.
2. How would you describe your playing style?
I’d compare my style to Lamar Jackson’s—dual-threat, mobile, and capable of making plays outside the pocket or picking up yards on the ground when needed.
3. What part of your game are you currently working to improve?
My pocket presence.
4. Describe your offseason or in-season training routine.
Training I focus on building strength, improving footwork, and maintaining flexibility and endurance. I also spend time studying film and working on timing and chemistry with my receivers.
5. What has been your favorite game or highlight moment so far?
Throwing my first ever touchdown pass to my best friend.
6. How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game?
Mentally, I prepare through prayer and meditation. Staying locked in with God helps me stay calm under pressure—it’s like being the calm in the storm. Physically, I make sure I’m fully recovered, stretched, and ready to go.
7. Are there any college or pro players you model your game after? Who and why?
Lamar Jackson. I admire his dual-threat ability and how he creates plays in any situation.
8. What are you planning to major in?
Endocrinology.
9. How do you balance academics and athletics?
Academics come first. I make sure my grades are where they need to be before stepping on the field. School always takes priority.
10. What are you looking for in a college beyond football?
A strong graduate program, a solid medical background, and a place I can truly call home.
11. How important is academic support when considering a program?
Extremely important. Academics are the top priority for me. How a school presents itself academically matters a lot.
12. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
A leader. Someone who’s fun to be around but knows when to lock in and get serious come game time.
13. What does leadership mean to you, and how do you lead on your team?
Leadership means everything. Without it, a team lacks direction and drive. I lead by example—on the field, in the classroom, and in the way I support my teammates. I help others reach their full potential and always try to do the right thing.
14. Share a moment when you overcame adversity on or off the field.
Every day I overcome adversity as a Type 1 diabetic. I don’t let that define who I am. I work twice as hard to prove that nothing can stop me.
15. How do you handle pressure in big-game moments?
I stay calm and trust in my preparation. I rely on my teammates to make plays and lean on my faith in God to give me wisdom and strength to lead.
16. What are you looking for in a college football program?
A brotherhood—a family that’s willing to go through the hard times together to achieve success.
17. What do you want coaches to know about you that they won’t see on film?
What you see on film is who I truly am—my leadership, my faith, and my character show up every snap. I lead with integrity both on and off the field.
18. Have you taken any college visits yet? Which schools stood out and why?
Yes. I’ve visited UTSA and Trinity. Trinity stood out the most because of how much pride they take in their academic programs.
19. What are your personal and athletic goals for the next year?
To grow in my relationship with God, push myself to become the best version of me, and build up my teammates so we can achieve greatness together.
20. Are there any programs or schools you're especially interested in?
The University of Texas, because of their strong academic and athletic reputation.
21. Who is your biggest inspiration or role model?
My grandpa—Pops.
22. What does football mean to you personally?
Football is a huge part of my life. My family and I grew up around the game—it’s in our blood. It’s more than just a sport—it’s a place where I can be myself and not be judged.
23. If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?
It’s hard to imagine not playing football, but I’d be focused on the classroom and working toward a strong future and career.
24. What motivates you to keep pushing through tough days?
God, my teammates, and my family. Just being surrounded by people who support me keeps me going. That sense of community drives me every day.
25. How do you want to be remembered as an athlete and a teammate?
As a true leader—someone who was elite, dependable, and willing to go to war for his brothers on and off the field.
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