A few recruiting notes from my travels
I got to see Allen (TX) 2024 QB Michael Hawkins in person over the weekend at the VTO/Catapult camp in DeSoto, and his throwing ability definitely stood out. He consistently threw the best ball on the day. There were some strong winds and his ball cut through with ease and was well placed. The Aggies have not offered but mutual interest has been shown. He visited Texas A&M in January and he and his family sat down with Jimbo Fisher. Positive impressions were made on both sides, and as we reported in our recent update he is planning to return this spring.I also had the chance to see Lancaster (TX) 2024 CB Corian Gipson. At 6-0, 170, Gipson already holds double digit offers after a strong season at safety, and while Texas A&M has not offered him yet, coach Rushing and the Aggies are watching closely. He is likely to make it to College Station at some point this spring or summer. He is being pursued by at safety and cornerback. He spent most of last fall at safety due to need but he has played corner in the past. His length, change of direction, and cover skills give him the potential to be one of the best CBs in the class.I also got to see another top 2024 CB on Texas A&M's radar in Denton Guyer's Eli Bowen who happens to be the younger brother of Notre Dame commit and Guyer 2023 standout S Peyton Bowen. Both brothers showed they are playmakers and the Aggies have already offered Peyton. Peyton committed to Notre Dame in on New Years Day, but it has not kept recruiters away. Oklahoma is probably the biggest threat to Notre Dame right now with the Sooner staff and Guyer QB Jackson Arnold in his ear. Peyton has been in touch with Texas A&M DB coach TJ Rushing and I would not be surprised to see both brothers visit at some point. Eli checks in at 5-10, 170 and already holds offers from Texas Tech, Ole Miss, LSU, and Colorado.I stopped through Ennis on Wednesday and got my first look at 2025 WR Gracen Harris. He's on the small side at 5-10, 160, but he is a dynamic receiver. As a freshman, he finished just shy of 1200 yards and was one of the top receivers in the state. He has been in communication with Texas A&M and he is planning to visit this spring. Harris currently holds offers from Texas Tech, Pitt, and Kansas. He will run track and play baseball this spring. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16311332/61a67dbda018e407e8ce1457The following guys I could see emerging on Texas A&M's radarDenton Guyer 2024 OL Willie Goodacre is one to watch. He started at LT last year, moving from DL to OL right before the season. Last spring he was a 6-4, 230-pound DL, he started the season at 6-5, 280. He now checks in at 290 and his tape is something to watch. He does not have any scholarship offers yet, but he is on college radars including Texas A&M's radar. I could see him earning an offer after a very strong camp season or even after coaches see him in person this spring. When I saw Denton (TX) Guyer 2024 OT Willie Goodacre last spring he was 230-pound DE full of potential. Now he’s a 6-5, 290 OT with some explosive tape, get at him @goodacrewillie | @DentonGuyer_FB | @coachrodneywebb | @mike_gallegos16 #2outhSi4e pic.twitter.com/67zbLu5KqF— Jason Howell (@Jason_Howell) February 22, 2022
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11814346/61f1ae8cf31d2609200dba97One of the more intriguing 2023 prospects I saw for the first time is Southlake Carroll 2023 OT Drew Perez. He is only 16 so he's a young 2023 prospect and he checks in at 6-7, 320. He moved to Southlake about 4 games into the 2020 season and was a JV TE his first year in the program. He does not have much film from 2021 after serving mostly in a back-up role but coaches feel like he is in for a big spring and summer. The size alone is quick to draw attention but he also bends well and has some nice upper body strength. He'll probably have to camp or show strong on film in 2022 before he's a legitimate high level prospect, but he has some real potential to blow up over the course of the process.Southlake (TX) Carroll 2023 OL Drew Perez. 6-7, 325, just scratching the surface. Flexible, quick feet, strong upper body, and primed for a big spring and summer@DrewPerezTx | @CarrollDragonFB | @coachrdodge | @SLC_Recruiting pic.twitter.com/k8W33faGEu— Jason Howell (@Jason_Howell) February 22, 2022
I also like what I have seen from Southlake Carroll 2024 OL Drew Cunningham. He checks in right around 6-2.5-6-3 and weighs in at 265. He played and started at OT and OC as a sophomore and earned first-team all-district honors for his efforts. He is a smart, strong, and athletic presence in the trenches, and he was one of the top OLs at the VTO Camp on Sunday.https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15991864/61f62cf57bd30009943a68c0A fun sleeper to watch is Lancaster (TX) 2022 RB Kyson Brown. He checks in at 5-11, 200 and he had to sit out last fall due to transfer rules. He transferred in from Tupelo (MS) and is nicknamed Sip, and he already holds offers from Incarnate Word, SMU, and Marshall and interest is coming from TCU and Oklahoma State. Has several other top programs inquiring about him. A few more intriguing prospects TE Jack Van Dorselaer, Southlake Carroll (2025) - 6-4, 225 and there's already a lot of buzz about his potential DL Xavier Ukponu, Denton Guyer (2025) - 6-3, 256 and is already making waves at GuyerWR Stanley Okpulor, Allen (2024) - 6-2, 185, holds UTSA offer and man he passes the eyeball testRB Kewan Lacy, Lancaster (2024) - 6-0, 190 transferred in from Nolan CatholicWR Kam Robinson, Lancaster (2024) - 6-0, 175 transferred in from DeSoto, WR MVP at VTO/Catapult campWR Brayden Robinson, Red Oak (2026) - 5-9, 150, clocked a 4.47 electronic 40 and recorded over 22mph on the catapult sensor. That is flat out flying. 21 is considered elite.Top MPH Speeds at the @VTOSPORTS Dallas Camp Yesterday!!! ALL @catapultsports Verified...@braydenro_ - 22.46 MPH@AundreMinnifie1 - 22.36 MPH@_Colton_Clement - 21.88 MPH@Ty_W1LL - 21.79 MPH@Rohanfluellen17 - 21.73 MPH#TheCatapultAdvantage and #TestInTheVest pic.twitter.com/8lm4f5mlFQ— Jeff Martin - Catapult (@Jeff_XOS) February 21, 2022
My Three Things
*Right now, I feel the best about Texas A&M's chances WR Chris Marshall, Missouri City (TX) Fort Bend MarshallWR Kojo Antwi, Suwanee (GA) LambertOL Mark Nabou, Seattle (WA) O'DeaDL Jadon Scarlett, Flower Mound (TX) Coram DeoDT Bear Alexander, Fort Worth (TX) BrewerLB Ish Harris, Pilot Point (TX)CB Deyon Bouie, Bainbridge (GA)S Jarred Kerr, Lexington (TX)QB Eli Holstein, Zachary (LA) - 2023*A few questions answered-Yes, Texas A&M is on commit watch this weekend-Yes, I still like A&M's chances with Bryce Anderson even though he is not on the list above.-Tyler Legacy's Jamarion Miller is the current RB target I think the Aggies have the best chance to sign.-Over/Under commitments for the weekend, I'll go with 2. -OL Kelvin Banks is my most important OV this weekend. Not that the others aren't but Banks is at the top of my priority list this weekend.-DE Ernest Cooper IV is the prospect I think the Aggies have a chance to make the biggest move with this weekend. Coming off his OV to Stanford, the Aggies get their shot.-IMG Academy DE Jihaad Campbell is a visitor I don't think is being talked about enough. He seems to be flying under the radar, but the Aggies are squarely in the mix and have the last visit. His other visits? Just Clemson, Florida, Ohio State, and Georgia.*I love the Texas State 7on7 Championships-Wear lots of sunscreen, bring plenty of water, and be ready to take in some of the state's top talents-Texas A&M commitment Conner Weigman of Bridgeland is the top rated QB on hand this weekend-You will not want to miss QB talents Cade Klubnik (Austin Westlake, Clemson) and Garret Rangel (Frisco Lone Star, Oklahoma State)-Garland's Jordan Hudson is the most dynamic receiver in the field, and he can also be a lock-up defender at CB. Lake Travis WR and Ohio State commit Caleb Burton is also must see.-Austin Westlake is my favorite to win it all. Strong QB and an offense suited for 7on7-Frisco Lone Star is my darkhorse team. See Westlake but a little more under the radar-DeSoto has the best WR corp with Oregon commit Stephon Johnson, 2023s Johntay Cook and Dahlyn Jones, and top 2024 Kam Robinson. If QB clicks into place, and they do have talent there, they are more than capable of a big run. The defense is also pretty stout.-Hebron's Takoda Bridges and Lone Star's Ashton Jeanty are two under recruited prospects with skillsets suited for them to make big waves over the weekend.-Uncommitted Prospect of most interest to Texas A&M fans: Bryce Anderson, Beaumont West Brook-Do yourself a favor and go check out these top underclassmenxQB Jackson Arnold, Denton Guyer (2023)xDB Peyton Bowen, Denton Guyer (2023)xDB Ryan Yaites, Denton Guyer (2023)xQB Bo Edmundson, Lake Travis (2023)xWR Ashton Cozart, Flower Mound Marcus (2023)xRB Elijah Jackson, Archer City (2024)xRB Jaylen Boardley, Texarkana Pleasant Grove (2024)xQB Mabrey Mettauer, The Woodlands (2024)xQB Cole Welliver, Flower Mound Marcus (2024)xCB Mario Buford, DeSoto (2024)xWR Jalen Shelley, Frisco Lone Star (2024)xTE Lance Jackson, Texarkana Pleasant Grove (2025)*Bonus: I listed 2023 QB Eli Holstein in the first list, but he is not the only 2023 I feel like the Aggies are well positioned for at this early point in the process. Here's a few moreOL Harris Sewell, Odessa (TX) PermianDL David Hicks, Allen (TX)DL Will Norman, Camden, NJ/IMG AcademyDL Derrick LeBlanc, Kissimmee (FL) OsceolaDL Jordan Renaud, Lewisville (TX)LB Anthony Hill, Denton (TX) Ryan CB Javien Toviano, Arlington (TX) Martin
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Sights & Sounds: 2021 Jimbo Fisher Football Camp, Part 3
Some of the best high school prospects from across the nation participated in the Jimbo Fisher Football Camp in College Station this week. TexAgs presents highlights of the workouts including Conner Weigman, Jalen Hale and more.
Notes and Thoughts from my High School visits
The offers-Arlington Bowie OL Devon Campbell is regarded as one of the top players in Texas and the country for good reason. He is big, he is athletic, and he is physical, mean, and nasty in the trenches. On the recruiting front he does not really tip his hand much. He has his top 8 of Alabama, Florida State, Houston, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC, and he has said he plans to take visits to each. He already has official visits scheduled to Oklahoma and USC this summer and he took an unofficial to Texas this spring. In talking to a few different sources there continues to be a Texas feel to his recruitment, but the good news for everyone else is he plans to wait until the Under Armour Game to announce/make his college decision. My personal feel is I think he visits A&M at some point and I will feel better about A&M's chances once that happens, especially if it's of the official variety. Right now, I like the Longhorns' chances the best.Arlington Bowie OL Devon Campbell (@d1campbell_) making it look easy @coachjsam @bowievolfb pic.twitter.com/ujJVtQS8QI— Jason Howell (@Jason_Howell) May 10, 2021
-Pilot Point ATH Ish Harris checks in at 6-4, 198 right now and he has a great frame and some very intriguing overall athleticism. He has his top five of Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M and he plans to visit all five in June. Miami will get the first official visit, Texas A&M is scheduled for June 11, Oklahoma is June 18, and Texas is set for June 25. He does not have Michigan scheduled but look for him to take a mid-week visit to Ann Arbor. In July he plans to make his commitment and he plans to graduate in December. I tend to think this is really an Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M battle and the more I hear the more I think Texas A&M and Oklahoma have the edge. As I said in My Three Things today I like A&M's chances and it is mainly due to the education, the coaches, and the SEC factor. -DeSoto 2023 WR Johntay Cook is one of the smoothest route runners you will find. I have said it before, but he is at the top of my 2023 WR list. He is explosive, he can line up in the slot or outside. He plays big, he can be physical, and he has great hands and body control. He was one of Texas A&M's first 2023 offers and he keeps in weekly communication with receivers coach Dameyune Craig. He was in Austin for the Longhorns spring game and if I were to give someone an early edge, it would probably be the Horns. That said, he will be in College Station this summer and the Aggies seem to be making some headway. Shemar Turner has also been in his ear about the Aggies. He is already a national recruit so I expect several schools to be involved and there is a lot of time before he signs. Right now he is planning to visit College Station on June 15.Another quick recruiting note-2022 Oregon commit Stephon Johnson has moved from Lancaster to DeSoto and he has been in communication with coach Craig as well. He does not have an offer from the Aggies right now, but he may join Cook on the trip to College Station on June 15. They already have an official to Oregon scheduled for June 4 and he plans to visit USC as well. Honestly, he is pretty locked into Oregon and in constant communication with the coaches over there, but it is always something to watch.Next offer?This one is tough, but the 2024s at DeSoto and McKinney are definitely worth watching. Let's start with McKinney. Wide Receiver Xavier Filsaime and running back/athlete Bryan Jackson are probably the biggest names and both already have FBS scholarship offers. These are two guys I see being national prospects. Filsaime checks in at 6-foot, 170 and he runs some crisp routes and he tracks the ball very well. He also passes the eyeball test so I expect him to turn heads on the camp circuit this summer. Jackson checks in around 6-1, 215 and played running back and linebacker last year. He may out grow the running back position but he is a big, fluid athlete with big time potential. In DeSoto, DE Caleb Mitchell and CB Mario Buford headline the 2024 class. Mitchell started on varsity for much of 2020 and already holds offers from TCU and Mississippi State. He showed some speed off the edge and has added some weight to his frame. He currently checks in around 6-2, 240. Buford is the younger brother of Nebraska's Marques Buford and holds offers from Mississippi State, Oregon, and Nebraska. He has played WR and CB in the past but he is focused on DB right now.There are a few other underclassmen to watch. McKinney 2024 WR Messiah Washington caught my attention at 6-1, 175 and ATH Makhi Frazier is a defensive playmaker at 5-11, 195. Jackson moved in from Allen and he has as much upside or more as Filsaime. Frazier lined up at linebacker when I saw him last week and he has a solid build and great lateral quickness. He spent last season on the JV where he recorded 11 INTs from his S spot. He also returns kicks and I would put him down as a S/LB hybrid right now.DeSoto 2024 QB DJ Bailey has a big arm and can spin it with ease. DeSoto 2024 WR Kam Robinson worked at WR and has many buzzing about him being the next big time target. DeSoto 2023 CB Caimon Mathis is the son of head coach Claude Mathis and he has made giant strides. He has bulked up and added some nice size to his lengthy frame, and he has been lockdown in spring and on the 7-on-7 circuit. Another guy to watch is Hebron 2023 Edge Carson Dean. At 6-4, 230 he has a burst off the edge and also works at tight end. SleepersMy favorite out of this group has to be Noah McKinney. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound standout is in his first year on the football field. He is the younger brother of Michigan State Darius Snow and the son of NBA standout Eric Snow. His uncle is Percy Snow claimed the Butkus and Lombardi awards before becoming a first round draft pick. He comes to the football field from the basketball court and he already holds an offer from Texas Southern. He passes the eyeball test with flying colors with very little fat on his frame, and he is just scratching the surface when it comes to football.2022 OL Noah McKinney (@N_McKinney1) with the pass protection. Already has an offer from Texas Southern@14Jhill @FootballHebron pic.twitter.com/edoCWFIwuU— Jason Howell (@Jason_Howell) May 10, 2021
Wide Receiver Takoda Bridges is another one of my favorites. His size has hurt his recruiting. He is not the biggest at 5-foot-9, but he does it all on the field. He plays receiver and cornerback. He returns kicks. He has a high football IQ and a great work ethic. He is the younger brother of former Hebron standout Trejan Bridges. 2022 WR Koda Bridges (@TakodaBridges) making it look smooth and effortless@14Jhill @FootballHebron pic.twitter.com/lBXZTTqIV8— Jason Howell (@Jason_Howell) May 10, 2021
DeSoto S Devyn Bobby is one of my favorites in the underrated category. He has a great nose for the ball and plays above his size. RB Chris Henley is a bruiser of a back who can also be a receiving threat out of the backfield. McKinney had a couple of super sleepers who deserve some recognition after big springs. DE Eli Saintjuste added 15-pounds in the offseason and now checks in at 6-2, 230. He has also played h-back in the past and coaches raved about his spring. They also liked what they saw from 6-foot, 170-pound CB Mekah Ryder. Ryder was on JV last fall, but he has seen things click into place as he got more and more reps this spring. Ryder has also been clocked at 4.52 in the 40 and ran a 51 400m during track season.Keep an eye on #2, that’s Mekah Ryder (@RyderMekah) and he’s a 6-0, 170-pound 2022 CB@McKinneyHS_FB @Coach_Shavers @coachjordan03 #WAWG pic.twitter.com/fGNt29yhtw— Jason Howell (@Jason_Howell) May 11, 2021
Stopped through DeSoto and Dallas South Oak Cliff
Monday I had the chance to swing by a couple of DFW powers - Dallas South Oak Cliff and DeSoto - and check in with some of the top talents. Let's start off at the top. DeSoto WR Johntay Cook is the only Texas A&M offer of the group. The 2023 receiver was one of Texas A&M's earliest offers of the 2023 cycle and he is one of the most dynamic playmakers in Texas regardless of class. He continues to take his time with the recruiting process. Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas look to be Texas A&M's biggest competition right now. He is currently ranked No. 9 in the TexAgs rankings but he is moving up my list after seeing him recently. He has added some weight and strength while maintaining his speed, quickness, and fluid athleticism. He may be the only offer from the two programs right now but there are several guys I could see emerging over the next few years. The guy I would put down as the next offer is a guy I've been talking about for the last few weeks. Dallas South Oak Cliff 2023 CB Jayvon Thomas is the guy I would put on offer watch. He just moved to South Oak Cliff from Corsicana where he was a standout on offense and defense. He has quickly established himself at SOC as one of their best athletes and a top flight cornerback. His offer list has also exploded in the last few months with scholarships arrived from Oklahoma, USC, Texas, Notre Dame and others. He also has strong bloodlines. His father Joe Thomas was a linebacker at Notre Dame during the 90s. Texas A&M has not offered but they have expressed an early interest. DeSoto's 2024 class has a couple of guys already on the Aggies' radar as well. CB Mario Buford has established himself as one of the top prospects in the class. He is the younger brother of Nebraska's Marques Buford and he is big time player. He has been a standout on both sides of the ball over the years and now standing in at 5-11, 165 he has lockdown potential at cornerback. Great feet and length and he is a cold blooded competitor. Oregon was the first to offer and Mississippi State and Nebraska are also on the board. Defensive lineman Caleb Mitchell also has emerged on Texas A&M's radar. I did not get a chance to see the d-end yesterday, but he is going to be a headliner, national recruit type of player. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound standout started on varsity as a freshman. He has been a standout at several OL/DL showcases. His quickness off the ball is elite and he is not afraid to push himself against older competition. He already holds offers from Illinois State and Mississippi State and he has the attention of just about anyone who recruits DeSoto. Even Shemar Turner said he was the next Shemar Turner-type standout. There are a few 2022 sleepers worthy of bigger radars at both schools as well. DeSoto S Devyn Bobby has been knocked for his size over the years but he has always been a smart, physical presence on the backend of the Eagle defense. Now he checks in at a solid 5-11, 175 and he track has improved his speed. He is the younger brother of former DeSoto and TCU standout Desmon White and he is a two-year starter and all-district performer for the Eagles. Colorado State, Liberty, Marshall, Illinois State, and Northern Arizona have offered, but this guy is a P5 player and I bet he finds a P5 home by Signing Day. Dallas South Oak Cliff CB Kyron Chambers is another DB flying a bit under the radar. He is nicknamed Tank and is a former running back who moved to CB as a sophomore. As a junior he was a standout. He does have a stout build and plays a physical brand of football which leads some to project him to S, but the 5-11, 190-pound standout has the feet and flexibility to stick with corner. His offer list has exploded since the end of the season with Arizona State, Cal, South Carolina, Texas Tech, SMU, and Houston among those on his offer list. Other Prospects to put on your radarDE/OLB Billy Walton, Dallas South Oak Cliff (2023) - 6-3, 210, first team all district, 11 sacks in 2020OL Narado Stoker, Dallas South Oak Cliff (2023) - 6-5, 250, long arms, flat bellied, nicknamed "Big Mike" S Jaden Milliner-Jones, DeSoto (2023) - physical S with sideline-to-sideline range on the back endCB Caimon Mathis, DeSoto (2023) - 6-0, 170 and a high football IQ, coach Claude Mathis' son.DE Jamyri Cauley, Dallas South Oak Cliff (2024) - 6-3, 205, explosive off the edge at DE and will see time at WR.S Kam Robinson, DeSoto (2024) - physical DB, coach's son, and stands in at 6-foot, 165RB Jaden Trawick, DeSoto (2024) - explosive back already generating big time buzz from DeSoto coachesATH Daylon Singleton, DeSoto (2025) - offensive playmaker who already checks in at 5-foot-11 and has speed to burn.
