Xzavier McLeod

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.

Well, I can't let Jason have all the recruiting fun. In between all the baseballing, I was able to get on the horn with some sources across the country to get a feel for how the Aggies did with their official visitors last weekend as well as try to get a grasp of what we were looking at for Jimbo's summer camp which starts tomorrow. Here's what I've been able to pull together…- As you'd expect, the Aggies did a great job with Pittsburg (CA) 5 star QB Jaden Rashada. Sources I spoke with told me the visit went "as good as it could have" and left an impression on Rashada and his inner circle. Obviously, the amount of talent A&M is accumulating is very attractive to Jaden, and I was told the family feels very confident in the direction of the program. That being said, LSU and Florida are still real considerations, and I've even heard he make take an official visit to Miami if he's schedule will allow it. Florida is pushing early playing time from what I understand. Rashada will be in Gainesville this weekend for an OV. Based on my read of the situation as of today, I think this one is still wide open even with an expected decision happening this summer. - Staying at QB, I've heard Dripping Springs QB Austin Novosad remains in touch with the A&M staff and even spoke with Darrell Dickey this week on the phone. Clearly, the Aggies continue to monitor that one as Novosad has started to generate more and more national buzz as we head into the summer. - Still haven't heard anything further on Detroit (MI) signal caller Dante Moore in terms of finalizing that official visit date of June 17th. At my last check, it was labeled as tentative. - An east coast source that Texas A&M left a big impression on Camden (SC) DT Xzavier McLeod on his official visit last weekend but thought the home state Gamecocks had a lead that would be tough to relinquish. We'll see what happens should the Aggies really turn the heat up as we get into the fall. Again, Elijah Robinson and Terry Price will be very picky this cycle. - Texas A&M offered Katy Paetow LB Daymion Sanford earlier this week. In talking to some folks from Houston, the Aggie staff had become more and more intrigued with Sanford after Elijah Robinson made a trip down to the school to watch David Hicks work out. It was during that practice session that Daymion's frame and explosiveness caught the eye of Robinson. Sanford checks a lot of boxes, as well. He came to College Station last week and actually worked out with Tyler Santucci. My source said he knocked it out of the park. First, he measured in at a legit 6-2, 210 pounds. He vertical jumped 39 inches then broad jumped 10'8". He followed all that up by running a 4.6 in the 40. Those are impressive numbers. Sanford will return to campus this week for camp and some more tours/meetings. - With the offer to Sanford, it looks like Tyler Santucci is eyeing a 3 linebacker haul this cycle will likely be comprised of any of the following: Anthony Hill - Denton Ryan Derion Gullette - Marlin Jaquavious Russaw - Montgomery (AL)Justin Jefferson - Pearl River Grayson Howard - Jacksonville (FL)Daymion Sanford - Katy Paetow - Keep an eye on camp this week and next. We know Jimbo and his staff put a lot of value in getting to work with kids one-on-one, and they have been able to get a ton of top talent to come to campus in the past few years. That trend is going to continue starting tomorrow.

Official VisitorsQB Jaden Rashada, Pittsburg (CA)WR Eugene Wilson, Tampa (FL) GaitherOL Chase Bisontis, Ramsey (NJ) Don BoscoOL Miles McVay, East St. Louis (IL)OL Kelton Smith, Columbus (GA) CarverOL Miles Walker, Greenwich (CT) Brunswick SchoolDL Sydir Mitchell Jr., Oradell (NJ) Bergen CatholicRB Jeremiyah Love, St Louis (MO) Christian BrothersUnofficial VisitorsWR Micah Tease, Tulsa (OK) Booker T. WashingtonDL Xzavier McLeod, Camden (SC)DB Jordon Johnson-Rubell, Fort Worth, TX/IMG Academy (2024)Nashville (TN) Ensworth DL Ethan Utley (2025)