Heart of a Champion: Texas 2027 Small Forward Edition

The heart of a champion often reveals itself long before the rankings and offers fully catch up. In the Texas Class of 2027, the Small Forward position is loaded with competitors who impact winning in a variety of ways. This group brings positional size, defensive versatility, and three-level scoring that translates beyond the high school level. Whether it's anchoring playoff pushes or elevating nationally ranked programs, each of these prospects has shown a willingness to embrace big moments. Here's a closer look at five Texas 2027 Small Forwards whose heart and production continue to separate them.    Urune-Williams has been a major factor in stabilizing Allen after significant graduation turnover. He plays with a consistent motor on both ends, impacting possessions with weak-side rebounds, timely low-man rotations, and the ability to switch across lineups. Offensively, he operates within the flow—attacking closeouts with long strides, finishing through contact, and showing comfort spacing the floor when defenses collapse. His versatility stands out most; he effectively plays the 1 through 3 for Allen, handling secondary creation duties while also defending wings and smaller guards. Long term, his skill set and feel project him as a true Combo Guard at the next level, where his two-way reliability and positional flexibility will translate.   ✅ Two-way versatility ✅ Weak-side rebounding instincts ✅ Physical downhill scoring     Santos continues to trend upward as one of the more complete wing prospects in the 2027 class. He thrives as a multi-positional piece, toggling between perimeter creation and interior rebounding responsibilities. His three-level scoring package stands out—comfortable shooting off the catch, pulling up off two dribbles, or finishing in traffic. He rebounds outside his area and pushes tempo, turning defensive stops into transition opportunities. For a nationally ranked Seven Lakes squad, his production and physical presence on the wing have been tone-setting.   ✅ Three-level scoring ✅ Positional rebounding ✅ Transition playmaking     Francis brings a blue-collar edge that translates on film. Though at times undersized in certain matchups, he compensates with anticipation, toughness, and a willingness to mix it up on the glass. He functions as a true connector—cutting decisively, making the extra pass, and defending with discipline at the nail and along the baseline. His versatility allows him to guard up a position and still compete physically. Long term, his positional flexibility and competitive motor make him an appealing projection for programs valuing two-way wings.   ✅ Competitive motor ✅ Defensive versatility ✅ Off-ball impact     Jones checks several boxes evaluators prioritize at the wing spot. Standing around 6'7”, he offers positional size that immediately translates, particularly in switching defensive schemes. His perimeter shooting continues to trend upward, and he shows comfort operating as a secondary scorer within structure. The athletic tools are improving, especially when attacking off one or two dribbles into space. As recruitment activity increases in the spring, his blend of size, skill, and toughness makes him a prospect to monitor closely.   ✅ Positional size ✅ Perimeter shot-making ✅ Switchable defensive profile     Kizzee's long-term upside is evident in the way his skill set continues to evolve. He shows fluidity attacking off the bounce and flashes shot-making ability that projects well with added strength. What separates him, however, is his grit—he competes on 50/50 balls, embraces physical matchups, and doesn't shy away from late-game responsibility. As he adds college-level strength and conditioning in the coming years, his frame and natural feel suggest significant growth potential. Heading into the postseason, he will be a key factor in Carter's ability to extend possessions and generate half-court offense.   ✅ Shot-making upside ✅ Competitive toughness ✅ Long-term physical projection

The heart of a champion often reveals itself long before the rankings and offers fully catch up. In the Texas Class of 2027, the Small Forward position is loaded with competitors who impact winning in a variety of ways. This group brings positional size, defensive versatility, and three-level scoring that translates beyond the high school level. Whether it's anchoring playoff pushes or elevating nationally ranked programs, each of these prospects has shown a willingness to embrace big moments. Here's a closer look at five Texas 2027 Small Forwards whose heart and production continue to separate them.