AJ Abbott

Spent yesterday afternoon in north Houston at the Texas Air Assault camp put on by Mike West, and it was a good chance to get my eyes on some really quality players from greater Houston and beyond. Here are a few kids that stood out to me over the course of the day. - I'll start with Texas A&M TE commit Fernando Garza who concluded the workout with his second camp MVP award this calendar year. Every time I see Garza, he's moving better and better. He told me he didn't want people to think he's just some big, blocking tight end, and he's been working hard on his mobility. It was evident to everyone in attendance yesterday that the extra work was paying off. I'll post some clips below.https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1277335268534738944?s=21https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1277341593452843008?s=21- Spring DeKaney TE Var'Keyes Gumms opened a lot of eyes with his physical presence. While not quite as tall and long as your prototypical TE, Gumms hasn't been missing any lifts. He's actually built like a rush outside linebacker, and even though he's spent the entirety of his career on offense, I'd like to see what he could do on the other side of the ball. He told me he's checking in at just over 6-3 and weighs in at 235 pounds. Well put together young man. - Two names stood out to me at QB: Stratford's AJ Abbott and 2022 Spring Westfield standout Cardell Williams. Abbott comes from a family of Aggies, and he said he's had talks with Darrell Dickey about being a preferred walk-on at A&M. He said he's wanted to play for the Maroon & White since he was a little kid, but he does have heavy Ivy League interest, as well. Williams is a smooth operator, and I'd bet he'll add some nice offers once his junior tape starts making the rounds. He's got a clean, repeatable delivery with plus arm strength. It was fun to watch him throw the ball around. - SMU commit Dylan Goffney of Bridgeland and Shadow Creek's Carlton Guidry battled all afternoon for that WR MVP award with Guidry coming out on top at the end. SMU got a steal in Goffney. That kid had an outstanding junior year, and he'll likely put up video game numbers as a senior. He's such a well rounded receiver. The name of the game for Guidry is speed. He's a track kid that repeatedly uses his burst and straight line speed to get separation. https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1277342132802662400?s=21https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1277335822191284224?s=21- Keep on eye on 2022 Spring CB Dorian Friend. This kid can really cover and has exceptional speed that will 1) allow him to take some risks and 2) get him out of trouble if he's caught overplaying. He's a little undersized so I'd project him as a nickel/slot corner type, but he's been outstanding both times I've seen him this offseason. He won the DB MVP award yesterday, and I think he's a Power 5 player because of that speed and the growing importance of being able to cover inside receivers down the field in the college game. https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1277333681686929414?s=21- 2023 El Campo RB Rueben Owens already has a stake on the number 1 player in Texas in that class, and he showed why he's already so highly coveted again yesterday. He checks a whole lot of boxes for a young running back, and he's receiving national attention in terms of offers and media coverage. He told me speaks with the A&M staff once or twice a week, and the Aggies remain one of the key competitors for him early on. You can expect to hear his name for a long time to come as it sounds like he won't make a decision until his senior year for the Ricebirds. https://twitter.com/r_brauninger/status/1277336692563771393?s=21- Staying in 2023, here are a few names to keep an eye on. Ft Bend Marshall ATH Kevon Misher - showed up wearing A&M shorts and looked up to Devon Achane. Katy Taylor WR/TE Dylan Spencer - 6-5, 235. Moved to Katy Taylor from West Orange-StarkVeteran's Memorial CB Haeven Watson - fluid coverman with projectable frame.