Around Texas: A round-up of recruiting news in the Lone Star State

Signing Day is just around the corner, and the recruiting action is moving at a furious pace. Decisions are being made across the state as top prospects narrow their lists, re-open their options and announce their college decisions. It’s time to take a look at the latest news, notes and headlines across the Lone Star recruiting trails.

Big Gets

A‍TH Derrick McFall‍ selects SMU

Headlines

Kobe Black‍ set to announce – Waco Connally standout CB Kobe Black had plans to announce his decision at the end of November, but he bumped things back. Now he is ready to decide and will announce his college choice on Dec. 13 at 4:20 p.m., which can be watched live at texasfootball.com. His finalists include Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Ohio State.

Tyler Thomas‍ names his top schools – Dickinson 2025 offensive lineman Tyler Thomas announced his top eight. Teams that made the cut are Oklahoma, Tennessee, Penn State, Houston, Texas, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and LSU. The Aggies offered the summer following a strong summer camp performance.

Back on the market – As the coaching carousel turns, prospects are re-evaluating their options. Lake Travis WR Heath McRee‍ recently decommited from Houston, Lake Dallas WR Keonde Henry‍ decided to decommit from Purdue, and McKinney ATH Makhi Frazier‍ opted to depart from Oregon State.

New Name to know

S Jordan Deck‍, Frisco Lone Star – 2026

At 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, Deck is a former receiver who made the move to defense following his first game this fall. Those receiver skills were immediately put on display with 10 pass breakups and five interceptions as a ball-hawking safety on the back end of Frisco Lone Star’s defense. The size also makes him an imposing figure. He was highly productive with 71 tackles, which included four tackles for loss. Then there is his explosiveness, which shows up on film as well as in the weight room, where he has a 32-inch vertical.

Athleticism runs in his family, he is the youngest of three, and his two older sisters both play basketball at the college level. His oldest sister, Mia, spent two seasons at New Orleans and currently plays basketball at Texas A&M-Commerce, while his other sister, Kyla, plays basketball at Stephen F. Austin.

Football is Jordan’s sport. He just loves the game, the lessons it teaches and the opportunities it provides. He is down to play anytime, anywhere, against anyone, and he enjoys studying the game. Ravens’ safety and former Notre Dame standout Kyle Hamilton is a guy he watches closely. They are similarly built and tasked with many of the same responsibilities.

College coaches are quickly taking notice. Offers have arrived from SMU, Baylor, Houston, UNT, UTSA and Temple, and he has also received interest from Kansas, TCU and Arkansas. He did not attend any camps this summer, but he has his eyes on a future visit to SMU.

What’s up with the top

Top 2024 ATHs
1. Drelon Miller‍, Silsbee
2. Terry Bussey‍, Timpson – Texas A&M
3. Derrick McFall‍, Tyler High – SMU
4. Hunter Andrews‍, Magnolia – Utah
5. Ernest Campbell‍, Refugio – Texas A&M
6. Jamyri Cauley‍, Dallas South Oak Cliff – SMU
7. Oliver Miles III‍, El Campo – Texas Tech
8. Mason Dossett‍, Missouri City Fort Bend Ridge Point – Baylor

Top 5 2025 ATHs
1. Jonah Williams‍, Galveston Ball
2. Kiotti Armstrong‍, Jasper
3. Bobby Ross‍, Lubbock Estacado
4. Quanell X Farrakhan Jr‍, The Woodlands
5. Deion DeBlanc‍, Galena Park North Shore