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

The recruiting action across the state rarely slows and never stops, so it is time once again to take a look at the latest news, notes and headlines from across the Lone Star recruiting trails.

Big Gets

OL Jonte Newman‍ is headed to Aggieland

Headlines

Kiotti Armstrong‍ names a top 10 – The Jasper (TX) standout has narrowed his college search, and he recently named his top 10 schools. Baylor, Texas and Texas A&M are the in-state programs making the cut. He also has an eye on SEC programs Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss and Mississippi State as well as ACC programs Florida State and Miami.

Xavier Ukponu‍ lists his top nine – The Denton Guyer standout DL has his eye on nine, and Texas A&M is the only in-state program to make the cut. Ukponu also has his eye on Arkansas, Florida and LSU from the SEC as well as Oregon, USC and Washington in the Big Ten and Cal in the ACC.

Keylan Abrams‍ eyes two - The DeSoto defender has his eyes on two - TCU and Purdue. He was previously committed to the Boilermakers but re-opened his recruitment earlier this spring. TCU has been in hot pursuit for the twitchy edge defender. 

Courtland Guillory‍ names top four, sets decision date - The Houston-area playmaker named a top four of Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and UCF, but he plans to narrow his list to one very soon. He will announce his college commitment Sunday, April 28.

New Name to Know

OL DeMarrion Johnson‍, Tyler Legacy – 2027

Checking in at 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds, Johnson’s nimble footwork and physical style quickly grabs attention. The crazy thing is he is just scratching the surface as he continues to get nastier and stronger.

Johnson prides himself on his aggressive style of play, and he made his presence felt at left tackle for the Raiders on his way to second-team all-district and Tyler Morning Telegraph offensive newcomer of the year honors. This offseason, he is studying hard to improve his technique as he prepares for his sophomore season.

College coaches have already taken notice with offers arriving from Houston, North Texas, SFA, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Tulsa and UTSA already in hand. Oklahoma has also expressed an interest. Tennessee is currently coming on the strongest, and he hopes to visit Knoxville soon.

What’s up with the top

Top 2025 LBs
1. Riley Pettijohn‍, McKinney 
2. Bo Barnes‍, Dallas Skyline – Texas
3. Kelvion Riggins‍, Forney – Texas A&M
4. Jayden Shelton‍, Dallas South Oak Cliff – Arkansas
5. Kaleb Burns‍, Cypress Falls
6. Anthony Williams‍, Pearland Shadow Creek
7. Javar Thomas‍, Houston Aldine Nimitz
8. Dillon Arkansas‍, Denton Ryan
9. Richmond Ugochukwu‍, Richardson Berkne