Around Texas: A round-up of recruiting news in the Lone Star State
Recruiting continues to move at full speed on the recruiting trails of Texas, and it’s once again time to take a look at the latest happenings across the state of Texas.
Big Gets
Blake Frazier chooses Michigan
Brandon Booker is a Baylor Bear
Ryan Hughes commits to TCU
2025 RB Kiandrea Barker pledges to Penn State
Headlines
Texarkana Pleasant Grove duo headed to Oklahoma State – Mike Gundy and the Pokes from Oklahoma State struck big in one of the state’s top high school programs as RB Jaylen Boardley and OL Caleb Hackleman announced their decision to join Oklahoma State. Boardley received his first offer in the spring of his freshman year and chose Oklahoma State over the likes of Duke, Auburn, Baylor and Texas Tech. Hackleman checks in at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds and chose the Cowboys over Baylor, Memphis and Texas Tech.
Freddie Dubose top 10 – The Smithson Valley receiver has been busy lately. He visited Texas A&M for the spring game, he announced his plans to take an June official visit to Texas. Dubose also named his top eight. Texas A&M and Texas both made the cut along with TCU, Houston, UTSA, Kansas, Penn State and Tennessee.
Makai Saina top 10 – Arlington Martin standout offensive lineman Makai Saina has also had a busy few weeks. He named a top 10, visited USC for the Trojans' spring game and announced his plans to visit Nebraska for the Huskers’ spring game this coming weekend. As for his top 10, Texas A&M made the cut along with TCU, Penn State, Nebraska, USC, LSU, Michigan, Oregon, Georgia and Texas.
New Name to Know
DE Jesse Ford, Arlington Martin – 2026
At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Ford has plenty of length and a frame with plenty of room for growth. He has worked at both tight end and defensive end over the years, and he plays a physical brand of ball. He describes his style as fierce because on every down — whether he is sacking a QB, shedding a block, or extending to haul in a pass — he strives to attack and compete to his fullest.
He already boasts a 275-pound bench max and is also a student of the game. It should come as no surprise he keeps a close eye on the playing style of former Martin Warrior, Texas A&M Aggie, No. 1 NFL Draft pick and All-Pro Myles Garrett.
His varsity experience is limited, but he did make the move up during Martin’s playoff run last fall. Ford also received his first offer from Nebraska, where former Martin head coach Bob Wager is currently the tight ends coach. In addition to the Cornhuskers, he has also received interest from the likes of TCU and Texas.
What’s up with the top
Top 5 ATHs
1. Drelon Miller, Silsbee
2. Terry Bussey, Timpson
3. Derrick McFall, Tyler High
4. Jamyri Cauley, Dallas South Oak Cliff – SMU
5. Damien McDaniel, Hitchcock