Lumberjacks Star Receiver Da’Marion McMillan Earns Texas Football Preseason All-State Honors Ahead of His Highly Anticipated Senior Year
Recognition came early and emphatically for Da’Marion McMillan, the standout wide receiver from the Diboll Lumberjacks. Ahead of the 2025 high school football season, McMillan was selected as a preseason all-state player by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, one of the most respected publications in Texas high school football coverage. For McMillan, it’s not just a personal accolade—it’s a statement about his journey, his team, and the goals still ahead as he prepares for one final run under the Friday night lights.
McMillan’s selection didn’t come as a surprise to those familiar with East Texas football. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior has been a nightmare for defensive backs across Class 3A, and his junior season numbers—over 1,100 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, and countless game-breaking plays—speak for themselves. His speed, hands, and football IQ have made him one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the state, and now, the rest of Texas is officially taking notice.
The preseason All-State recognition from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football isn’t just ceremonial—it holds weight in the Texas high school football ecosystem. It puts McMillan among the elite talents in a state that produces more Division I prospects than nearly any other in the country. Being chosen means evaluators, coaches, and scouts across Texas believe McMillan isn’t just talented—he’s among the very best.
What makes McMillan’s rise even more impressive is how he’s carried the hopes of a Diboll program hungry for respect. The Lumberjacks are a proud team with a gritty tradition, but they don’t always get the spotlight compared to larger programs in urban centers. McMillan’s emergence has changed that. Now, scouts and media are paying close attention not just to him, but to Diboll as a whole. Every snap he plays draws more attention to the program, and his leadership has turned the team into legitimate contenders.
Those close to the team speak highly of McMillan’s work ethic and humility. Head coach Blake Morrison called him a “game-changer on the field and a tone-setter off it.” Morrison emphasized that McMillan is often the first one in and the last one out, constantly refining his route running, improving his strength, and helping younger players learn the ropes. That dedication is part of why this preseason honor feels so well-earned—it’s the result of relentless preparation, not just raw talent.
Over the past year, McMillan’s recruitment has also started to intensify. He’s received interest from FBS and FCS schools across the country, and the offers are expected to ramp up as senior tape starts rolling in this fall. College coaches are drawn to his blend of size, speed, and versatility. He’s more than just a deep-ball threat—he’s capable of lining up in the slot, stretching the field, or taking bubble screens and turning them into touchdowns. His physicality after the catch sets him apart from many of his peers.
But ask McMillan about his individual accolades, and he’ll quickly redirect the conversation back to his team. “It’s an honor, for sure,” he said of the All-State recognition. “But I’m focused on our goals as a team. We’ve got unfinished business.” That mindset has rubbed off on his teammates, many of whom credit McMillan with raising the program’s standards. There’s a sense of belief in Diboll now that wasn’t always there—and McMillan is a big reason why.
The upcoming season carries high expectations for the Lumberjacks. They return several key starters, and with McMillan leading the receiving corps, the offense is expected to be one of the most explosive in the district. Quarterback Kaleb Ortiz has developed strong chemistry with McMillan, and the duo has torched defenses during 7-on-7 tournaments throughout the summer. If their timing continues to click, it’s not hard to imagine McMillan topping his impressive junior-year stats.
Defensive coordinators will no doubt scheme to slow him down, but doing so has proven difficult. McMillan has the rare ability to beat double coverage, and his precise footwork allows him to gain separation even against top-tier defenders. Add in strong hands and the ability to win contested catches, and it becomes clear why he’s not just a preseason pick—he’s a problem for every defense he faces.
Yet, while McMillan shines on the field, his impact in the Diboll community extends beyond football. He’s active in community service projects and serves as a mentor for youth football players in the area. His humility and positive presence have made him a role model, and many young athletes in Diboll now dream of becoming the next Da’Marion McMillan. The recognition from Texas Football only reinforces that he’s someone to look up to—not just as a player, but as a person.
This honor also reflects the rising profile of East Texas football as a whole. Too often overlooked in favor of powerhouse programs in Dallas, Houston, and Austin, the region has quietly developed several standout players in recent years. McMillan’s emergence is part of that trend, and his success could open doors for other athletes from the area to earn more exposure and opportunities.
For now, McMillan is keeping his focus on the present. The Lumberjacks have a rigorous schedule, and every game will bring increased attention. But with that spotlight comes an opportunity—to lead, to inspire, and to deliver. If McMillan continues on his current trajectory, the postseason accolades will likely follow. All-State today could easily become All-American tomorrow.
One interesting wrinkle to watch this season is how opposing teams adjust to McMillan’s presence. Some will play off coverage to avoid getting beat deep; others may throw bracket coverage his way or try to jam him at the line. But McMillan’s understanding of leverage, timing, and angles makes him extremely difficult to stop for four quarters. He also creates opportunities for his teammates. When defenses key in on him, other receivers, running backs, and tight ends get favorable matchups—and the Lumberjacks have the depth to take advantage.
In an era where flashy highlights often outshine substance, McMillan offers both. His highlight reel is filled with toe-tap catches, stiff arms, and breakaway runs, but his consistency on third downs and clutch moments is what truly sets him apart. He’s the kind of player coaches trust when the game is on the line.
As the season draws closer, more eyes will be on Diboll than ever before. Media outlets, recruiting analysts, and college coaches will be tracking McMillan’s every move. But the most important eyes will be those of his teammates—many of whom see him as a captain, motivator, and brother. In the locker room, his voice carries weight not because of what he’s accomplished, but because of how he carries himself.
When Dave Campbell’s Texas Football releases its annual All-State list, it doesn’t just recognize talent—it sets a tone for the season. McMillan’s inclusion is a signal that his name belongs among the elite. But more than that, it serves as a reminder that even in smaller towns like Diboll, greatness is being cultivated daily—through early morning workouts, summer practices, late-night film study, and unwavering belief.
Da’Marion McMillan has already etched his name into Diboll football history. This fall, he’ll look to take the next step—leading his team to a deep playoff run and showing the rest of Texas that the hype isn’t just real—it’s just the beginning. The All-State honor is a milestone, but for McMillan, it’s just another reason to keep pushing forward.
With his senior season on the horizon, all signs point to a special year ahead. And if the past is any indication, Da’Marion McMillan won’t just meet expectations—he’ll exceed them.
