Around the SEC: Recruiting News and Trends
It's time to take a look around at the biggest pick-ups on the recruiting front as well as some of the top recruiting news and notes from around the SEC. Jason Howell details that and more in this week's Around the SEC.
Around the SEC: Recruiting news and trends
It's time to take a look around at the biggest pick-ups on the recruiting front as well as some of the top recruiting news and notes from around the SEC. Jason Howell details that and more in this week's Around the SEC.
Around the SEC: Recruiting news and trends
It's time to take a look around at the biggest pick-ups on the recruiting front as well as some of the top recruiting news and notes from around the SEC. Jason Howell details that and more in this week's Around the SEC.
Notes from Pylon 7on7
Spent most of the day Saturday watching a lot of greater Houston's (and some of DFW's) top prospects compete at the Pylon 7on7 tournament at CE King HS. Our recruiting intern Walker Lott shot something like 1,000 pictures throughout the day so I'm thinking we may have a photo gallery coming soon, as well. Here are some of my key takeaways...A&M commitsDickinson TE Donovan Green and Clear Springs WR Noah Thomas were the only two current commits playing this weekend. Their South Texas Elite squad brought home their 2nd title so far this off-season in the 18u Seniors Allowed division. Both Green and Thomas had just come off the basketball court for good prior to competing this weekend. Thomas looks like he's grown even since we shot his commitment video a few weeks back. Green has added weight but still moved around very fluidly and had a really impressive grab on Sunday. The two talked a lot about adding more of their Houston area buddies to the A&M class.https://twitter.com/donovangreen23/status/1366089633914712066?s=21https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1365735573374271495?s=21Katy DE Malick Sylla was out there watching the action on Saturday. We chatted for a short bit before he had to go, but he said he's currently checking in at 6-6, 220 pounds and would like to get north of 240 before arriving in College Station. His teammate and fellow A&M commit Bobby Taylor is nursing a knee issue so he didn't play on the weekend, but he did show up to do some recruiting for A&M on Sunday. A&M targetsI'll do these quick hitter style...- Clear Lake CB Julian Humphrey confirmed with me that his April 1st decision date isn't some kind of April Fool's joke. He told he's been talking with TJ Rushing almost daily and is impressed with how the Aggie corners performed in 2020. He plays on the same team as Green and Thomas. - Port Arthur Memorial CB and Texas pledge Jaylon Guilbeau told me he had just spoke with Coach Rushing prior to arriving at the tournament. That's the second time he's told me that he's still talking with A&M in the last month or so. However, it doesn't sound like a flip or decommitment is imminent in any way. - By now, most of you have heard my interview with Beaumont West Brook S Bryce Anderson. Mike Elko has gotten much more involved in the day to day aspect of his recruitment, as has Jimbo Fisher. The Longhorns and their media are extremely confident in landing Bryce, but it sounds like Texas A&M is going to have every opportunity to land the kid. LSU is still making a hard push, as well. Bryce wants to take all 5 of his official visits and is on record of saying he's going to take his time with the decision. https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1365834938222858243?s=21- I've never spoken with Garland S Chace Biddle until this weekend, but it sounds like Mike Elko has certainly made a big impression. I don't know why, but I was kind of surprised how positive/upbeat he was when talking about the Aggies. He was wearing an Alabama hoodie at the event, and some sources there mentioned how close he is with Jay Valai who is now in Tuscaloosa. Oklahoma also remains a legitimate option while his WR teammate Jordan Hudson (who was really stinking good on the weekend) remains committed to the Sooners. However, there was quite a lot of buzz around the event that Texas was pushing hard for a flip of Hudson. We'll see how much that would affect Biddle. - 2023 El Campo RB Rueben Owens showed up a little late on Saturday after being stuck in traffic, but he did compete a bit for Texas Stars. Fresh off his verbal commitment to Texas, he told me he's been on the phone with the A&M staff in the last couple of days, specifically mentioning conversations with Tommie Robinson and Jimbo Fisher. - I've always felt good about A&M's chances with Ft Bend Marshall WR Chris Marshall, and nothing I saw/heard this weekend changed that at all. I was told Dameyune Craig has been a key cog for the Aggies. Chris is also very close with Devon Achane. The more Marshall plays, the better he's getting. He looked more comfortable and explosive than I've ever seen him on Saturday. He's ultra competitive and a monster in 50/50 balls. https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1365772738686812171?s=21https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1365765119381303300?s=21- I don't think we've talked enough about Lexington S Jarred Kerr when discussing A&M's outlook at safety in this class. He was playing with Juice 7on7 out of Austin, and he more than held his own against some of the best in Houston. Kerr was on a virtual visit with A&M last week, and he spoke about the appeal of playing in the SEC close to home. Kerr is heady, smart, and has a ton of quality leadership traits. The kid knows just knows where to be, and what makes it even more impressive is that he spent much of his HS season at positions other than safety - much like Bryce Anderson. https://twitter.com/bamperformance/status/1366062495132221443?s=21- 2023 North Shore CB Jacoby Davis was his usual sticky self on Saturday night. He's incredibly good in terms of staying tight to receivers due to his willingness to be physical at the line of scrimmage and his elite change of direction skills. Texas A&M was one of his first offers, and he likes what the Aggies have done in the secondary. https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1365835830053502978?s=21Other 2022 names/notes- Pearland LB Dylan Dixson won defensive MVP. A source there told me he's been in contact with area recruiter Darrell Dickey and LB coach Tyler Santucci recently. He's committed to Colorado, but he's starting to get the attention of a lot of the big boys in the region. - WR Kevin Coleman out of St Louis and 5 star DB Travis Hunter were there with Fast Houston. From what I've heard, Ohio State may have the inside track with Coleman, and Hunter remains solid in his pledge to Florida State. - Ft Bend Marshall WR Jaydon Johnson was the best overall player I saw on Saturday. He's 6-2, 200 pounds and can absolutely go get the football. He transferred to the Buffalos this off-season from nearby Stafford. The offers have started to come in, but don't be surprised if he explodes with a lot more here soon. He was that good on Saturday night. Underclass names to watch- 2024 Manvel WR Andre Thompson - extremely twitchy. Ole Miss has already offered. - 2023 CyRanch DL Ashton Porter - wasn't playing but was impressive just walking around out there. 6-4, 235 pounds. - 2024 Clear Lake CB Hunter Moddon - kid is built like a senior already. Will be a highly offered DB prospect in short order. Has Pitt offer in hand.- 2023 Dripping Springs QB Austin Novosad - still a bit skinny but spun the football real well on Saturday. - 2023 Klein Oak ATH Kaleb Black - do-it-all playmaker for Jason Glenn. Big time explosive traits. Power 5 player. - 2023 Beaumont West Brook WR Javon Sorrell - wiry but explosive. Showed next level play making ability down the field. Lots of upside/room for growth.- 2023 Clear Falls LB Corey Kelly - 6-4, 215 pounder that projects as a OLB/WDE. Showed impressive athletic traits while playing receiver all weekend. - 2023 Shadow Creek LB Scott Koumado - very impressive kid on the hoof. He just needs some varsity film, and he'll explode with offers. - 2023 Ft Bend Ridge Point WR Braylon Gardoni - difficult cover in the slot. Shifty, quick, tough kid who looks like he'll slide right into John Paul Richardson's spot next season. - 2024 Klein Cain OL Gibson Pyle - already checks in at 6-4, 240 and played varsity ball as a freshman. Great frame for a young offensive lineman.
A few Monday notes from my weekend
I got out to Vegas this weekend to see what is typically one of the top 7-on-7 events of the spring and summer schedule. There were a few Texas A&M notes, and several standouts from the weekend.Fort Bend Marshall 2022 WR Chris Marshall was the guy I really wanted to see this weekend and he did not disappoint. He was a physical, big bodied deep threat with plenty of speed and athleticism. He was quick off the line with quick feet, and he smoothly adjusted to the ball. That is not a surprise to anyone but it was my first time seeing it in person and it was good to see all the things Brauny has been talking about. He caught deep ball after deep ball for Fast 7. The Aggies are very involved, Texas is coming on strong, and Marshall plans to take his time. He keeps in close contact with coach Craig, and close friend and former teammate Devon Achane definitely helps the Aggies' cause. https://twitter.com/Jason_Howell/status/1363322939060350978?s=20St Louis (MO) St. Mary's receiver Kevin Coleman is also on the Aggies radar and a member of the Fast 7 squad. He is regarded as one of the nation's best and while he is not a big guy he definitely brings the quickness to the table. He is also great at picking his moments and changing speeds to keep defenders off balance. When it comes to recruiting Texas A&M offered in early February and he is very early in his relationship with the Aggies. He left the Aggies out of his top 8, but he says he is starting to talk with coach Craig almost daily. He brings the speed and quickness A&M is targeting at WR in 2022. Right now the Aggies are definitely better situated with others and Coleman is a bit of a longshot, but I could see the Aggies becoming a player in his recruitment over the long haul if the communication continues. Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman OLB/DE Cyrus Moss was one of the more intriguing prospects, who does have a Texas A&M offer. At 6-5, 220 he played MLB for a team called FSP. He has a long slender build and he can move. He showed great range and he used his length to obstruct throwing lanes. He projects as an edge guy and Terry Price is leading Texas A&M's recruiting efforts. He planned to have a Zoom meeting with A&M last week but weather issues in Texas kept them from being able to get on the same schedule. It is going to take some real work for the Aggies to get in this one. He released a top 11 and Texas A&M missed the cut. However, he does not plan to make a commitment until December right now, and if he is ever able to take a look at the school and he continues to communicate I could see him being someone to watch down the line.https://twitter.com/Jason_Howell/status/1363279570099605505?s=20A few other 2022s who really impressed me this weekendQB Justyn Martin, Inglewood (CA) - Committed to Cal, he is a long lean QB and he throws a great ballQB Maalik Murphy, Gardena (CA) Junipero Serra - I have to give it him, the Texas commit stood out from a physical standpoint and he a lot of tools to work with. He played well throughout the weekend. I was impressed.WR Tobias Merriweather, Camas (WA) Union - He is a wiry 6-4, 185 and he made quick adjustments to the ball and showed great body control and field awarenessWR Darrius Clemons, Portland (OR) Westview - size and speed at 6-3, 205, he made several big receptionsATH Travis Hunter, Suwanee (GA) Collins Hill - The Florida State commit was the most impressive guy I saw at the tournament. He is skinny and light in the seat at 165 but he made big plays on both sides of the ball. Very fluid in his movements, twitchy, explosive, great awareness. He has some special tools.If you are looking for a guy who made my jaw drop the most it definitely has to be 2023 DE/ATH Jayden Wayne of Tacoma (WA) Lincoln. He is a legitimate 6-5, 240 and he just has a different look to him. He is very well put together. Lean, stout, flexible, he showed a lot just warming up. He spent the weekend at TE but if there is a guy who jumped out of the crowd it was definitely him. He has tools you can't coach and he has the look of a top national prospect.https://twitter.com/Jason_Howell/status/1363282586160689156?s=20Is it too early to talk about 2024 QBs, because I do not think I have a choice. Texas has two who are already emerging on college radars. One is Mabrey Mettauer of The Woodlands, another is Cole Welliver who just moved to DFW from the Seattle area. Mettauer is already turning heads at 6-5, 215 and arm talent to go with it. It is very early, but he recently received an offer from Georgia Tech and he is on Texas A&M's radar. He has some strong A&M ties too. His grandfather and three uncles played at A&M so you can bet he is well acquainted with the Aggies. Here's a quick glimpse at what Mettauer brings to the table.https://twitter.com/AFGP_Sports/status/1363546849202741253?s=20Welliver will play at Flower Mound Marcus next fall and at 6-6, 200 with crazy arm talent he is already making waves. I have seen him and mentioned him a few times already and this weekend he put on another show at Pylon. He threw one of the prettier deep balls I saw all weekend and throws with zip and accuracy.
