Unoffered names to keep an eye on
As we get ready to undertake a full slate of Texas HS football this week, I thought it'd be a good refresher to list all the names we are monitoring in terms of A&M involvement as the season unfolds. Now, we are not saying all these kids are in-line for offers. Rather, these are kids that with a few weeks of strong tape could put themselves on the Aggie radar. I'll predominantly take care of the greater Houston area guys and leave Dallas up to Howell. Jason, if I miss anyone, feel free to add them. 2021RBAlton McCaskill - Conroe Oak RidgeOLRemington Strickland - Ft Bend ChristianCole Carson - Bogota Rivercrest (Arkansas)Kamron Scott - Converse Judson (UTSA)Canon Boone - Dickinson (Virginia Tech)Gabe Blair - Denton GuyerEzra Oyetade - Garland Lakeview Centennial (Arizona State)Jack Leyrer - Dallas Highland Park (Stanford)Jack Tucker - Argyle (Texas Tech)Tate Williams - Wall (Baylor)TEMason Tharp - Klein (Texas Tech)WRJohn Paul Richardson - Ft Bend Ridge Point (Oklahoma State)Nehemiah Noel - Galveston BallJerand Bradley - DeSoto (Texas Tech)DTByron Murphy II - DeSoto (Baylor)DEJe'lin Samuels - Pasadena Sam RayburnLandyn Watson - Hutto (TCU)LBKeith Cooper - Dickinson SCaleb Ellis - Frisco Independence (Stanford)2022QBCade Klubnik - Austin WestlakeConner Weigman - BridgelandNick Evers - Flower MoundRBJamarion Miller - Tyler LegacyHymond Drinkard - George RanchDamien Brown - LeonardOLCory Hendrix - College StationJihad Lateef - Lubbock EstacadoEthan Sanders - San Antonio ChristianNeto Umeozulu - AllenSheridan Wilson - ArgyleCaden Kitler - Plano John Paul IIErik Gray - AmarilloTETrent McGaughey - Shadow CreekHouston Thomas - College StationCody Mladenka - The Woodlands College ParkOmari Murdock - AllenWRRandy Masters - Shadow CreekJeremy Patton - TenahaKeith Wheeler II - AtascocitaAnthony Black - CoppellDTTre Emory - Mt PleasantKris Ross - North ShoreDETai Leonard - CyFallsDeMone Green - Houston HeightsCurlee Thomas - Fort Worth Nolan CatholicLBTy Kana - KatyJustin Medlock - ManvelOwen Pewee - CyParkNic Caraway - BryanBralon Jones - SpringJordan Crook - DuncanvilleTrevell Johnson - Arlington MartinTyrell Johnson - Arlington MartinCB Eric Hemphill III - BrenhamChandler Rivers - Beaumont UnitedDorian Friend - SpringJalon Peoples - Cedar HillSJacobe Chester - Ft Bend MarshallJaidan Scott - Shadow CreekDylan Dixson - PearlandSherrod Covil Jr. - North ShoreCollin Wright - ManvelKCarter Brown - Pearland Dawson
Around Texas: A round-up of recruiting news in the Lone Star State
Around the state of Texas, decisions are being made, visits are being taken, and offers are being extended as recruiting never stops in this great state. It is time to take a look at the latest happenings on the Lone Star state recruiting front.
A few Wednesday notes and thoughts
*It's not over til it's over attitude - This is not a unique attitude to Jimbo Fisher and his staff, but it is an attitude the Aggies have on the recruiting front. It is also why I always emphasize the fact there is a long way to go when a guy Texas A&M has prioritized seems to start leaning elsewhere. It does not mean it always works out in A&M's favor, but it does mean they don't quit even when things look bleak. There have also been several instances it has played out well. Here's a few from the last few years-When DL Bobby Brown was all but done with A&M and fully committed to Alabama with less than a month before signing day in 2018-When LB Antonio Doyle committed to Mizzou ahead of the 2019 season-When Donell Harris looked like he was all but headed to LSU and then to Florida in the 2020 class-When Akinola Ogunbiyi was committed to Georgia -McKinnley Jackson, Derick Hunter, and several others* LJ Johnson Jr - Does Texas have some momentum? Yes. But, let's not freak out over a few crystal balls. I look for the Aggies to continue to work and remain in the fight for a long time. Coach Fisher and RB coach Tommie Robinson have established a good bond there. You guys know I see Johnson as one of the top priorities for the Aggies in the 2021 cycle, and.losing out on him would be not be ideal. But like I said, there are still plenty of reasons I could see the Aggies being able to swing the momentum back in their favor.*A few guys I could see being offered - I don't have many guys in the 2021 class. I could see OL Cole Carson being a guy to watch though. He has had coach Henson's eye since before the offers started to roll in and before he committed to Arkansas. I've also mentioned Denton Guyer OL Gabe Blair before too. Blair is one of my personal favorites - smart, nasty, strong - but he's on the short side and projects inside as opposed to the OT he's played the last few years at Guyer. If the Aggies look for an interior spot, I could see these guys getting a hard look. In 2022 Brauny has talked about QBs Cade Klubnik and Conner Weigman and LB Justin Medlock. Those would probably be my next in-state 2022s. *A few guys I would like to see offered - I'm beating the drum for DeSoto DT Byron Murphy II (Baylor commit), Austin LBJ S Andrew Mukuba, and Dallas Kimball RB Brandon Epton (SMU commit). Murphy is a wrecking ball in the middle. Mukuba is a smart, rangy, aggressive player on the backend. Epton has a good size, a solid build, and he can be an every down back and contribute on special teams.*A few standouts I've seen recently - I was at the Trench Warfare camp on Saturday and here's a few guys who stood out to me.-OL Lajuan Owens, Keller Fossil Ridge (2023) His feet jumped out to me. He was dancing out there during 1-on-1s and he has some long arms and a nasty streak. He tossed a few guys to the ground with ease.-OL Zavier Leonard, Arlington Sam Houston (2021) at 6-4, 293, Leonard has a flat belly, he's athletic, and he's raw. This is a guy with high P5 potential if he can put the right kind of tape down in 2020.-OL Hunter Erb, Haslet Eaton (2022) big framed, long arms, bends well, light on his feet. I'm quickly becoming a fan. His time will come.-OL Jackson Newville, Allen (2022) mean and nasty and he plays through the echo of the whistle. He trains with former Texas A&M standout Patrick Lewis.-OL Noah Ponce, Fort Worth Nolan Catholic (2023) he's a bit undersized at 6-1, but he is smart and plays with great technique. He's one to watch in that 2023 class.-DE Caleb Mitchell, DeSoto (2024) I know I have mentioned him before, but he is twitchy off the edge and he has people buzzing down in DeSoto.-DL Kaleb James, Fort Worth Nolan Catholic (2023) strong, lean, big framed, I could see him developing into a DT as he continues to grow. -DL Aaron Austin, North Crowley (2022) 6-3, 250 and he has the look of one of those hybrid DLs we have grown to love. He is quick off the ball, he has long arms, already has a stout build, and he showed well on Saturday.
A few Wednesday afternoon recruiting notes
This morning I was able to get out to Denton Guyer to check in on Texas A&M commits Eli Stowers and Deuce Harmon. Both looked great going through drills and the new coaches were singing their praise. Stowers continues his road to recovery and he is making great progress as he makes his way back to 100-percent. Today, he did all the drill work, and he is even doing weighted squats now. He has also added some great weight. He typically moved from football straight into basketball and then to track, so he was always on the go. The rehab workouts have allowed him to add some nice bulk to his lean frame, and he currently checks in right around the 220-pound mark. https://twitter.com/Jason_Howell/status/1275835221758410754?s=20Harmon has also added some weight to his frame. He is now up to 200 pounds and the important thing is he remains as fast, quick, and fluid as ever. He has always been noted for his work ethic and I'm pretty certain he has not missed a training session even while he quarantined this spring. https://twitter.com/Jason_Howell/status/1275833089940430848?s=20Guyer is going to be loaded with talent and in the 2021 class the Wildcats also have LB Jordan Eubanks (Florida State) and DE Cooper Lanz (Baylor) headed to Power 5 programs. A guy I have brought up before is OL Gabe Blair. He has been a starter for Guyer at tackle the last few years but due to his size he projects to the interior. Blair is a gritty, strong, stout, smart, powerful ball player in the trenches and if he was just two inches taller he would have everyone in the country on him. As it is he holds a P5 offer from Virginia Tech as well as Group of 5 offers from Tulsa, Tulane, Arkansas State, ULM, UNLV, and North Texas. We have mentioned him before as a potential OC/OG prospect for Texas A&M.CB Darious Goodloe, OL Knox Boyd, and S Jaden Fugett are also drawing plenty of college attention in Guyer's 2021 class.In the 2022 class BJ Phillips and Jace Wilson are a couple to watch. Wilson just picked up an offer from Kansas. He is the younger brother of Kansas basketball player Jalen Wilson who was a top national basketball recruit out of Guyer in 2019. Jace stands in at 6-5, 195, and he is one lean, fluid athlete. I expect him to end up being a big target for Stowers this fall. Phillips is a stout back who brings plenty of power to the field at 5-11, 220. His uncle is NFL CB Adrian Phillips who starred at Garland before heading to Texas and the pros. Another name to tuck away is WR Jason Carter. The 6-4, 185 receiver transferred in last fall and adds some nice size to the Guyer receiving corp.In the 2023 class I give you Jackson Arnold, Si Stovall, and Jacob Fritz. Arnold is the next in line at QB, and is most remembered for having to step into the State Championship game after Stowers went down with his knee injury. He checks in at 6-1, 190 and he can flat out spin it. Today he showed a big arm and also has the accuracy to go with it. Stovall is a TE/H-back who currently checks in at 6-2, 230. He is a versatile weapon capable of lining up in the backfield, on the wing, in-line, or in the slot. He is the son of Guyer OC/OL coach Mitch Stovall. Fritz is a raw 6-4, 270, but he has some tools to work with and it sounds like he is not done growing. He moves well for a big man and he is a guy I will have my eye on as he continues to grow and add strength. ************Philadelphia (PA) Northeast CB Tyreek Chappell tweeted out his top nine as he approaches his July 4 commitment decision.https://twitter.com/chappell_tyreek/status/1275583619994718215?s=20After talking to several sources, the Aggies have put themselves in a great position thanks in large part to the efforts of Elijah Robinson, TJ Rushing, and Mike Elko. In early May he released a top five of Texas A&M, Tennessee, Michigan, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh, and in talking to a few different sources Tennessee and Michigan seem like the main competition. I have also been told he is intrigued with the idea of playing in the SEC. Sticking with the cornerback position, Fort Smith (AR) Northside CB Dreyden Norwood continues to keep in close contact with the A&M coaching staff and I am told by a few sources Texas A&M is one of the top contenders right now with Coach Rushing is leading the Aggies' efforts. In addition to the Aggies, Arkansas and Georgia are also schools generating a buzz in Norwood's recruiting process.
DFW Notes on a Tuesday
Texas A&M has been very active recently in the DFW-area. Several new offers have gone out and today the Aggies were extremely active with offers going out to receivers in the 2021 and 2023 class.The 2021 DFW guys I think the Aggies have the best shot to land1. CB Deuce Harmon, Denton Guyer - The Aggies have been at the top of his list since February but Texas and Oregon continue to make a push. He is narrowing in on a decision.2. ATH Dametrious Crownover, Grandview - The Aggies have been high on his list and his brother Earnest already committed only helps matters.3. DE Shemar Turner, DeSoto - A trimmed top schools list is expected before the end of May, and the Aggies have positioned themselves well in this one. He is not expected to make a college decision in the near future but I wouldn't be surprised if something happens preseason.4. LB Kendrick Blackshire, Duncanville - I have long thought Blackshire would take his talents to the SEC, and Alabama, LSU, and A&M are schools I would say lead the way right now.Just because I didn't put WR Ketron Jackson (Royse City), CB Ishmael Ibraheem (Dallas Kimball), and OL Savion Byrd (Duncanville) in the list don't assume that means things are done. I just like the way things are trending with the others bit better. If you're looking for a super sleeper, Aledo WR JoJo Earle is one to watch. Flipping him from LSU is going to take a lot of things happening, but before he decided the Aggies were closing the gap and among his top schools. If the Aggies can produce on the field and get him to visit College Station, I would say there's a legitimate shot.A few 2022 DFW guys I like the Aggies' chances with early. They are listed in alphabetical order-DT Keithian Alexander, Dallas Skyline - Elijah Robinson is leading the Aggies efforts and the Aggies were one of the first to offer.-OL Cole Hutson, Frisco - he hit it off with coach Henson and the Aggies are in on this one early. Look for his stock to take off.-RB Emeka Megwa, Fort Worth Nolan Catholic - Big back who has been on A&M's radar for years. -WR Armani Winfield, Lewisville - Dameyune Craig has made a strong connection with Winfield and his family.New offersMcKinney North 2021 WR JJ Henry has received several offers over the last few months, and he's a guy I brought up as a guy to watch in early March. At 5-foot-10, he is a slot known for his speed and quickness. North has a wide open offense and he absolutely lit it up this fall. He recorded 71 receptions for 1,419 yards and 16 TDs on his way to district co-Offensive MVP honors. He is keeping an open mind to the process, but in talking to some sources Florida State and Arkansas are a couple of schools to watch. His relationship is in the early stages with coach Craig, but he was excited to receive the offer. "I will always have a good reaction when it comes to receiving an offer, but this one was good too!" Henry said via Twitter. "Just to know that I have another option close to home."https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6878628/5de41bc03df4a60cf8e555e4DeSoto 2023 WR johntay Cook picked up an offer from the Aggies today as well. The 6-foot, 170-pound standout has received offers from Nebraska, Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, and Tulsa since the start of 2020. https://twitter.com/johntay04/status/1262841214115684352?s=20"I was extremely excited when I heard the news," Cook said. "The hard work is starting to pay off, but I still have a lot to prove!" "The first thing that comes to mind when hearing Texas A&M is the tradition, how good the program is, and also they have a great coach in Coach Jimbo Fisher."It does not take long talking to people in DeSoto to find out this guy has some real juice. He is a playmaker with the ball in his hands. Dontre Wilson is a good comparison. He is explosive, quick, and he has some top end speed. He also could play defense, but it is really hard to take the ball out of his hands.https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13212276/5dc5e8cad21b9e0ebc56d66eI hear at least one more DFW standout could receive an offer today or in the very near future, so keep an eye out.Other Recent DFW offersATH Caleb Johnson, Greenville (2021) - things are still very early in his recruiting process (https://texags.com/forums/25/topics/3110245)WR Phaizon Wilson, Lancaster (2022) https://texags.com/forums/25/topics/3112135/replies/56555656WR Evan Stewart, Frisco Liberty (2022)https://texags.com/forums/25/topics/3112895OL Cole Hutson, Frisco (2022)https://texags.com/s/36189/2022-frisco-ol-cole-hutson-eager-for-a-chance-to-visit-aggielandPotential offersIf you're looking for who could be the next to receive an offer from the Aggies there are a few intriguing possibilities, and I am hearing a few more could have some offers soon.Frisco Independence S Caleb Ellis is a guy Liucci has mentioned a few times and he appears to be firmly on A&M's radar. On the offensive line we have touched on Highland Park OT Jack Leyrer, but there are a few guys I like on the interior. In talking to some DFW sources Denton Guyer OL Gabe Blair and Garland Lakeview Centennial OL Ezra Oyetade are a couple of guys who could be sleeper candidates on the interior. Blair has been a starting tackle for Guyer since his sophomore year and while he is not a prototypical tackle at 6-3, 300, he is mean, nasty, strong, and smart. Oyetade is another who projects as a center/guard type prospect, and he shares many of the same traits as Blair. Both of these guys are vicious in the trenches.https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9563353/5e30e87c578eaf1288045c7dhttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/11064633/5d7aaa92a676b3181036c3d9In the 2022 class Plano (TX) John Paul II CB/DB Terrance Brooks is a guy to watch. He has received offers from FIU, Texas, and LSU in the last two days, and his father is Texas A&M Hall of Famer and NFL safety Chet Brooks. The Garland duo of WR Jordan Hudson and S Chace Biddle are two more to keep an eye on and we have mentioned them before. At 6-1, 190 Biddle is a physical player with range and speed on the back end, while Hudson is a physical 6-foot, 180 who has strong hands, attacks the ball, and has some speed to go with it. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11336637/5df2e41c6899960b04002d36https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11568704/5de1ddcff55fe20c60d8876dhttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/11568745/5e73cd86dfd9da1a9cb4f498
