Around the SEC: Recruiting News & Trends
The recruiting action continues to move at a rapid pace as top prospects narrow their focus and make decisions, so without any further delay, it is time to dive into the latest news, notes and headlines from the SEC recruiting trails.
Big Gets
QB Husan Longstreet commits to Texas A&M
http://instagr.am/p/C5wbL7Ry1T-
OL Marcus Garcia is an Aggie
QB Ryan Montgomery is a Georgia Bulldog
http://instagr.am/p/C536cbJRmEZ
LB Bo Barnes picks Texas
http://instagr.am/p/C5rL2cqyp0v
Headliners
SEC programs hit big with out-of-state standouts – Quarterbacks Husan Longstreet (Texas A&M) and Ryan Montgomery (Georgia) were not the only prospects to pick out-of-state SEC programs as their future college homes. Alabama welcomed two out-of-state standouts as LB Jaedon Harmon of Rome (GA) and WR Lotzeir Brooks of Millville (NJ) chose the Tide. Arkansas reached into Texas to secure the talents of Dallas (TX) South Oak Cliff LB Jayden Shelton, while Oklahoma dipped into Arkansas for the talents of Bauxite S Marcus Wimberly. The Sooners also welcomed Upper Marlboro (MD) DL Trent Wilson, and Georgia also tapped into the Northeast for the talents of edge defender Darren Ikinnagbon of Hillside (NJ). Then there is Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss, who brought WR Dillon Alfred back to Mississippi. Alfred burst on the scene as a sophomore in Gautier (MS) before transferring to Saraland (AL) for his junior year.
Keeping the big boys at home – Texas A&M and Texas both added big in-state additions as Denton Ryan OL Marcus Garcia pledged to the Aggies, and Dallas Skyline LB Bo Barnes chose the Horns. Several other top SEC area prospects also decided to stay home and play in the SEC, with LSU adding Alexandria RB JT Lindsey, Auburn securing the talents of Mobile Williamson OL Carde Smith, and South Carolina reeled in Sumter edge defender Anthony Addison Anthony Addison.
SEC Area standouts leave the footprint – Some top prospects did decide to leave the SEC footprint, and both opted for the Big Ten. Elba (AL) RB Alvin Henderson chose Penn State over Auburn, Miami and Penn State, while Washington (OK) TE Nate Roberts chose Ohio State over Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Oregon and Penn State.
New Name to Know
ATH Kamauri Austin, Bryant (AR) – 2026
At 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, Austin is equipped with a 36-inch vertical and a 4.58 40-yard dash. His length and explosion are quick to draw attention. He describes his game as unstoppable, and he describes himself as a true athlete.
Over the years, he has been a standout at both receiver and defensive back, and Austin prides himself on his ability to track and attack the ball regardless of the side of the ball. He strives to play with a dog mentality, and combined with his size, physicality and overall athleticism, it forms quite the playmaking weapon.
An injury sidelined Austin for the majority of the 2023 season, and he was limited to four receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. However, he has turned plenty of heads this spring on the 7-on-7 circuit, including a seven-game stretch at the DR7 tournament in Tulsa, where he recorded 10 interceptions as a DB.
Marshall and Arkansas Baptist have already offered, and interest has arrived from Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Grambling. As coaches stop by Bryant this spring, expect more to take a good long look.
In addition to football, Austin also competes for the Bryant track squad. He runs the 4x100m and 4x200m and in the long jump, where he has a 22-foot personal best.
What’s up with the top
Top 10 SEC area TEs
Kiotti Armstrong, Jasper (TX)
Ethan Barbour, Alpharetta (GA) – Georgia commit
Logan Brooking, Savannah (GA) Savannah Christian Prep – Clemson commit
John David LaFleur, Sulphur (LA) – LSU commit
Ryan Ghea, Milton (GA) – Auburn commit
Nate Roberts, Washington (OK) – Ohio State commit
Dakotah Terrell, Pacoda (OK)
Jack VanDorselaer, Southlake (TX) Carroll – Tennessee commit
Elyiss Williams, Kingsland (GA) Camden County – Georgia commit
Emaree Winston, Calhoun (GA) – Texas commit
Top 5 SEC TE commits
Ethan Barbour, Alpharetta (GA) – Georgia commit
John David LaFleur, Sulphur (GA) – LSU commit
Jack VanDorselaer, Southlake (TX) Carroll – Tennessee commit
Elyiss Williams, Kingsland (GA) Camden County – Georgia commit
Emaree Winston, Calhoun (GA) – Texas commit