TCU’s recruiting footprint in Central Texas is growing, and Waco University High School has emerged as one of the programs on the Horned Frogs’ radar.
According to Waco University athletic coordinator and head football coach Charles Foster, TCU has already made campus visits and built a strong working relationship with his staff. The Horned Frogs have not been at a University game this season, but Foster said the connection is there.
“TCU has been by our campus, and we’ve built a great relationship with their staff,” Foster said. “They’ve shown genuine interest in our program, and we appreciate them taking the time to get to know our athletes.”
That kind of access matters as college staffs keep combing Texas for talent, especially in Central Texas, where schools can offer another look at players who might grow into college contributors.
At University, the biggest name in the room is Davontrae Kirkland, who is already committed to Baylor. Foster said Kirkland has drawn the most recruiting attention on the roster and singled him out for his athletic ability, academics and leadership.
“He’s a tremendous athlete, an outstanding student, and someone who represents everything we want our program to stand for,” Foster said.
Kirkland and Ro Enriquez, who is committed to Texas Southern, have become the standard-bearers for the program this season. Foster identified both as two of the team’s top performers, and said their approach has helped set the tone for younger players trying to find their footing at the varsity level.
Enriquez, Foster said, has been just as important in terms of work ethic, leadership and a commitment to getting better.
There are more names to watch, too. Foster said Khylen Estelle and LaQuan Hughes are also drawing college attention.
Interest in the program has picked up in a big way over the past few months. Foster said more than 50 colleges came through University during the spring, a sign that recruiters are paying closer attention to the school’s players.
University has also tried to make it easier for those players to get seen. The coaching staff uses its social media recruiting platform, @RecruitTheU on X, to promote athletes and share information about their progress and opportunities.
Foster said several players have already started to generate interest, and the staff is working to make sure every student-athlete gets a fair chance to be evaluated.
When it comes to what college coaches are really looking for, Foster said the checklist goes well beyond size, speed or Friday-night production. He pointed to character, discipline, academics, work ethic and coachability as the traits that matter most.
“College coaches want guys they can trust both on and off the field,” Foster said.
For University, that same standard drives the bigger picture. Foster said the program’s goal is to keep developing athletes who can meet those expectations while building a competitive team.
This season has had its swings, but Foster said the way his players have handled adversity has stood out. He credited the group’s athleticism, toughness and competitiveness, especially when they stay disciplined and connected.
“We’ve had our ups and downs, but I’m proud of how our guys have continued to compete through adversity,” Foster said. “What stands out most is their resilience and willingness to keep fighting regardless of the circumstances.”
He also pointed to the growth of younger players, saying several underclassmen have taken on larger roles and gained confidence as they adjust to varsity football.
That progression, Foster believes, is part of how University can keep building consistency and keep producing college-level talent.
From TCU’s perspective, the relationship gives the Horned Frogs another way to stay connected in a region that keeps turning out prospects. Foster said having a school like TCU nearby is a real benefit for his athletes because it gives them exposure to high-level college football and opens doors they might not otherwise have.
“It’s huge,” Foster said. “Having a program like TCU nearby gives our athletes exposure to high-level college football.”
Even without a TCU game appearance at University this season, the campus visits and coaching staff relationship have created a base for future communication. Whether that turns into more recruiting opportunities remains to be seen.
Foster’s view of the job stretches beyond football, though. As both athletic coordinator and head coach, he wants University’s culture built on accountability, discipline, hard work and doing things the right way.
For him, the mission reaches past wins and losses.
“Winning is important, but the positive impact we make on our student-athletes and preparing them for life beyond sports will always be the ultimate goal,” Foster said.
With Kirkland, Enriquez, Estelle and Hughes all attracting attention, University has become a program worth watching as TCU continues its recruiting work across Texas. Foster believes the foundation is there for more opportunities to come.
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