Expectations are high for Dallas Covenant in 2026.
The Knights have graduated just seven seniors from the squad that advanced to the state semifinals a year ago.
“We have a ton of experience back and will be a senior-led team,” said Jacob Zinn, Covenant head coach. “And a lot of our key players are back at important positions. That’s going to be huge for us.”
One of Covenant’s non-senior returnees is dual-threat quarterback Ryan Hillner, who battled injuries early in 2025 before settling in down the stretch.
“He was unbelievable for us late in the season,” Zinn said. “He made some big leaps running our offense and he’s had a great offseason for us.”
Covenant is also experienced at running back.
Clive Roland returns and impressed Zinn a year ago as he rose from seventh on the depth chart to a role as a consistent contributor.
Two-way player Caden Kobza also remains on the squad. In addition to duties at running back, Kobza is an impact defender and a Division I recruit as a long-snapper.
At receiver, Covenant will look to the likes of Witman Randle and Sam Fray.
Zinn believes the strength of Covenant will be in the trenches both on offense and defense.
Connor Evans will start on the offensive line and is a Division I recruit on the defensive line described by Zinn as a game-wrecker.
Kobza had three interceptions returned for touchdowns a year ago and was Covenant’s second-leading tackler with more than 100, while Randle and Fray will be fixtures in the secondary in addition to their roles at receiver.
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