In neighborhoods across the state, it has been a long-standing tradition for youngsters to gather, footballs in hand, to determine who might become the next great quarterback, running back or receiver.

The highlights are a-plenty, as these dreamers hone the awe-inspiring throws, moves and receptions we eventually watch on television on fall weekends. In local backyards and on streets bounded by unfortunately parked cars, names known primarily in a household ultimately evolve into household names nationwide — all because they can pass, run and catch “better than the other kids.”

It’s a Texas rite of passage, this yearning to become a football star at one of the celebrated offensive positions.

Yet, somehow, that dream wasn’t even remotely part of the formative routine of Kyson McGee, the young man who might become Hamlin’s most explosive offensive weapon this fall.