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Texas high school football: Top 10 defensive backs in the Austin area

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Texas high school football: Top 10 defensive backs in the Austin area


As the 2024 Texas high school football season draws near, the American-Statesman is ranking the best players by each position group.

High school reporters Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon will start with offensive linemen and end with quarterbacks this week.

OUR TEAM RANKINGS: The 10 best Austin-area teams heading into 2024 season

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OUR PLAYER RANKINGS: Top 10 OL | Top 10 DL | Top 10 LBs

ANSWERING KEY QUESTIONS: Which are high school is most likely to win state? Which nonplayoff team from 2023 will get in this year?

Top 10 defensive backs in the Austin area

(Players listed in alphabetical order)

Cam’Ren-Chance Brooks, Lake Travis safety

Helped the Cavs go 11-3 and reach the regional final while earning second-team all-Central Texas honors. A Stephen F. Austin pledge, he also has an offer from Colorado State.

[ Why Lake Travis comes in as the No. 2 team in our preseason area countdown ]

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Kaden Cook, Stony Point cornerback

The Cal commit was a unanimous all-district pick last fall and leads an underrated Tigers defense. 

Jorian Guinn, Weiss safety

The district defensive newcomer of the year and a second-team all-Central Texas pick recorded 73 tackles and 11 passes defended a year ago. The junior is part of a loaded Wolves secondary. 

Aidan Jones, Vandegrift cornerback

Recorded 44 tackles, three interceptions and blocked three punts for the district champion Vipers last year. Voted third-team all-Central Texas as a junior.

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No. 5 Vandegrift will rely on defense while revamped offense makes its mark this fall

Eyan Jones, Liberty Hill cornerback

A first-team all-district pick for Glenn, the senior transfer gives the Panthers a lockdown corner who is getting Division I looks.  

Payton Luther, Westlake safety

A first-team all-district pick last fall, he returns to help lead a loaded Chaps defense. 

Coleman Patmon, Del Valle cornerback

The unanimous first-team all-district pick and third-team all-Central Texas selection paces the Cardinals’ playoff hopes. Patmon, a senior, is committed to Arizona. 

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Yaheim Reilly, LBJ safety 

The district co-defensive MVP was also a third-team all-Central Texas pick. Just a junior, he already has offers from Baylor, Houston and Texas Tech. 

3 KEY QUESTIONS: LBJ, No. 6 in our preseason countdown, may be state contender after realignment

Jason Stokes, Weiss cornerback

A lockdown defender, the Utah commit takes away half the field for the Wolves. Combines with Guinn to make up half of the best secondary in the area. 

[ The best WR-CB battle in the state doesn’t wait for Fridays. It happens every day on a Weiss practice field ]

Aiden Walker, Round Rock cornerback/safety

A very physical player who is underrated, he was voted first-team all-district and helped the Dragons to the playoffs.  

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Keep an eye on: CJ Anderson, Connally; Judson Mann, Rouse; Jordan Davis, Travis; KJ Houston, LBJ; Jayden Riley, Bastrop; Jaheim Dowd, Georgetown; Timothy Boyd, Johnson





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Austin, TX

Texas Tech lands K-State LB Austin Romaine out of transfer portal

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Texas Tech lands K-State LB Austin Romaine out of transfer portal


The Texas Tech football team landed its first commitment out of the transfer portal on Sunday.

Kansas State transfer linebacker Austin Romaine announced his commitment on social media. A second-team all-Big 12 selection this season, Romaine joins Texas Tech with one year of eligibility plus a redshirt year available.

The 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker has been a fixture in the middle of the Kansas State defense since his true freshman season of 2023 — when he earned five starts and was named Big 12 defensive freshman of the year, an award he shared with his new teammate Ben Roberts. He started all 12 games in 2024 and had 66 tackles, six quarterback hurries, an interception and a fumble recovery in 2025.

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What Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine brings to Texas Tech football

Romaine will likely be seen as Jacob Rodriguez’s replacement as the other starting linebacker next to Roberts next season. It would also indicate John Curry will remain at the STAR (the hybrid linebacker-safety position) in which he excelled this season.

For his career, Romaine has three forced fumbles (all in 2024) and had his first career fumble recovery and interception in 2025.



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Austin, TX

Top 10 Gyms In Austin TX (2026) – Fitness For Every Goal

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Top 10 Gyms In Austin TX (2026) – Fitness For Every Goal


Updated: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Jump To: Full-Service | Affordable | Group 

As the new year approaches, many Austinites are setting fresh fitness goals and rethinking their workout routines. Austin’s gym scene continues to evolve in 2026, offering everything from luxury athletic clubs to no-frills strength gyms and high-energy group fitness studios.

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Whether you’re training for performance, looking for community, or simply trying to stay consistent, these gyms in Austin stand out for their programming, facilities, and overall value.


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, check out our articles on the Healthy Food Cedar Park, Healthy Food Round Rock, and Healthy Food in Austin!


Full-Service Gyms

Life Time 

fitness centers in Austin - Life Time Austin North

Image credit: Life Time Austin North

Life Time is ideal for those who want a premium, all-in-one fitness experience. Members have access to expansive workout floors, boutique-style classes, pools, recovery amenities, and family-friendly programming.

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Where: 1301 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | Monday – Friday 4:00 am – 11:00 pm


Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym remains a staple for strength training and general fitness in Austin. With multiple locations, members benefit from large free-weight areas, machines, group classes, and personal training options.

Where: 13435 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm


Hyde Park Gym

Hyde Park Gym is a longtime favorite among serious lifters in Austin. Known for its old-school atmosphere, it prioritizes heavy lifting, strength equipment, and a focused training environment.

Where: 4125 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751
Operating Hours: Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

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Affordable & Budget-Friendly Gyms

Korrect Fitness

best gyms in Austin TX - Korrect Fitnessbest gyms in Austin TX - Korrect Fitness

Image credit: Korrect Fitness

Korrect Fitness is a premier 10,000-square-foot training facility in South Austin that specializes in functional performance through small group conditioning, unconventional equipment like steel maces and kettlebells, and elite recovery amenities including cold plunges and saunas.

Where: 4401 Freidrich Ln, Unit 301, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm


Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is best for beginners or anyone looking for a low-pressure, affordable gym membership. The gym focuses on cardio equipment, circuit training, and a welcoming environment.

Where: 1807 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Operating Hours: 24/7

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Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour access and smaller gym footprints, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. It’s a solid choice for members who value consistency and flexibility.

Where: 8516 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78729
Operating Hours: 24/7


FeV Iron Vault Gym

gyms in Austin - FeV - Iron Vault Gymgyms in Austin - FeV - Iron Vault Gym

Image credit: FeV – Iron Vault Gym

Iron Vault Gym caters to powerlifters, bodybuilders, and experienced strength athletes. The gym emphasizes high-quality equipment and a no-frills approach to training.

Where: 2101 W. Ben White BLVD #105, Back of building facing Redd St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Monday = Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

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Group Fitness & Specialty Studios

Orangetheory

Orangetheory delivers coach-led group workouts combining cardio, rowing, and strength intervals. The structured format appeals to members who want accountability and efficient, results-driven sessions.

Where: 401 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 5:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm


F45 Training

F45 focuses on fast-paced functional training in a group setting. Daily workout variations keep classes engaging, making it popular with members who enjoy high-energy, team-based fitness.

Where: 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sunday 9:30 am – 11:15 am | Monday – Thursday 5:30 am – 7:15 pm | Friday 5:30 am – 6:15 pm


Big Tex Gym

gyms in Austin - Big Tex Gymgyms in Austin - Big Tex Gym

Image credit: Big Tex Gym

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Big Tex Gym is a veteran-owned, old-school strength sanctuary in North Austin that provides 24/7 access to specialized equipment for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strongman training within a supportive community atmosphere.

Where: 1921 Cedar Bend Dr A 130, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: 24/7


Many gyms offer free trials or seasonal promotions at the start of the year, making January an ideal time to explore. And once you’ve locked in your workouts, you can also check out our weekend guide of activities and events!

Lacey MorrisLacey Morris
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Austin, TX

Minor arrested in double-fatal shooting in Williamson County

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Minor arrested in double-fatal shooting in Williamson County


Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. via Getty Images

A juvenile has been arrested Saturday after an early morning double-homicide near Round Rock. 

The situation ended after officials successfully negotiated a barricade situation with the minor, they say. 

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Williamson County double-homicide

What we know:

Williamson County authorities got the shooting call around 2 a.m. from the 8900 block of Brushy Gate Cove, outside the Round Rock city limits. 

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Williamson County sheriff’s deputies found two men dead of gunshot wounds at the scene. The suspect was barricaded inside a bedroom in the home. 

Williamson County SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, and the suspect peacefully surrendered around 6:30 a.m.

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Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public. 

Williamson County officials comment

What they’re saying:

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“On our arrival, we found two deceased people from the residence, adult males,” said Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. 

“Anytime you have a barricaded subject inside of a home where we believe two people are deceased, you know, we’re going to take all precautionary measures that we can to ensure our safety and the safety of the neighbors as well,” said Foster. 

Investigators say everyone involved resided in the house and that this was an isolated incident. 

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“Information is going to be very limited, because this is a juvenile investigation, and certain laws protect certain information regarding juveniles,” said Foster. 

What we don’t know:

The identity of the minor suspect has not been released. 

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The victims were not identified. 

The motive behind the shooting has not been commented on. 

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The Source: Information in this article came from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. 

Williamson CountyCrime and Public Safety



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