Payton Kirkland

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.

Texas A&M welcomed in a whole host of top talent from across the country last weekend in both an official and unofficial capacity. I'll have a few interviews upcoming, but I was able to make some phone calls throughout the day and night yesterday and have pulled together a few notes. Here's what I've got…- First of all, I don't think we will see immediate action in terms of someone jumping in the boat. That isn't to say the weekend wasn't a success because based on what you'll read below, it absolutely was. However, while you can't completely rule it out because of the fluid nature of recruiting, I am not anticipating a commitment in the next week or so. - Long time OL target Harris Sewell made the trip down from west Texas for his official visit. We should have some quotes from him about his time in College Station soon, but based on what I'm hearing, this thing is down to a two horse race between the Aggies and Clemson. The Tigers staff has done a fantastic job forming and building a relationship with Sewell, and that is currently the main factor keeping Clemson near the top. Now, that's not to say he's got a bad relationship with A&M at all. In fact, I think Steve Addazio, Jimbo Fisher, and Colton Thomasson have been huge assets for the Aggies up to this point, and their influence will only grow coming off the official visit. Obviously, staying in the state of Texas and playing in the SEC are big feathers in the Aggie hats here. - A Florida source I spoke with today felt really good about A&M's chances to ultimately land standout Ft Lauderdale WR Hykeem Williams, who arrived in College Station last Friday on an unofficial and isn't leaving until Wednesday. To paraphrase my contact, "This thing isn't even a two horse race. It's a one horse race, and that horse is Texas A&M." I don't think Miami and Alabama are going to let this one go that easy, though. I'm hoping to have something from Hykeem himself this week. - Speaking of two horse races, it's starting to shape up as one for talented CB Tony Mitchell out of Alabama. Tony made another trip to College Station this weekend on an unofficial visit, and he had a full itinerary for his weekend in Aggieland. Part of those plans included a trip over to Olsen Field to watch A&M punch their ticket to the College World Series. Any opportunity to get these kids in front of the 12th Man is taken advantage of, and the Aggie staff (some of whom were in attendance, as well) made sure to use that to their benefit. As we sit here in June, it sounds like this one will be a battle between Texas A&M and Florida. Mitchell is originally from Florida and Gators' DB Coach Corey Raymond has been pretty tied in with some folks near the recruitment for a long time. - I've probably heard the most buzz in terms of what A&M did for their chances with Milton (FL) WR and Georgia commit Raymond Cottrell. A late add to the weekend visitor list, Cottrell left College Station speaking very highly about the Aggies according to a pair of sources. Jimbo and company have become a thorn in the side of Kirby Smart in the last couple of recruiting cycles, and they may be becoming a problem for the Bulldogs in the 2023 group, as well. This is one I'm keeping an eye on throughout the summer and into the fall. Don't be surprised if he shows up again on multiple occasions. - One name we probably aren't talking about enough is Miami (FL) Northwestern WR Andy Jean. Jimbo is a big fan of the kid, and according to a source I spoke with last night, the kid is becoming a bigger and bigger fan of Jimbo. I think the idea of adding that kind of game changing speed on the outside is intriguing to the offensive brain trust in the Bright Football Complex, and the Aggies have positioned themselves as good as anyone to make that happen. - Still waiting to see if Pittsburg (CA) QB Jaden Rashada will visit Miami before his scheduled announcement. We haven't heard a ton of A&M buzz since his visit, but I know the Aggies remain in communication. Florida seems to jumped out in front, but that is based more on my read of the situation than actual intel I've gotten on the recruitment in the last few days. - I was told this morning that massive Orlando (FL) OL Payton Kirkland is likely to visit Texas A&M at the end of the month. His current offensive line coach played for Steve Addazio at Florida, and while it's likely that the big man stays in the Sunshine State to play college ball, he does want to get over to College Station to at least check things out. - Working on interviews now with Thomasson and fellow commit Bravion Rogers who was also in town.- The pool party/BBQ visitor list for the end of the summer is starting to take shape, and it's going to be loaded. Lots of top players across the state and country are already making plans to be back in Aggieland.

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.