Open Post | Weekend, January 17th – 19th
Posted on: January 17, 2020
Weekend Visitors
– Super K
I suspect we will be adding or adjusting this list but a few noteworthy names that will be in town this weekend are…
***2021 OT, Cullen Montgomery (6’5″ 315 Bellaire, TX) announced he will be visiting Oklahoma this weekend. Holds an OU offer.
***2021 DE, David Abiara (6’4″ 230 Mansfield, TX). I’m heading over to see Abiara later today. He holds a Sooners offer and it sounds like he is highly coveted by Oklahoma. I’ve been told they are hoping for an early decision from him but will be working to see if that could happen.
***Ethan Downs. Sooners commit. (6’4″ 240 Weatherford, OK)
***Have heard that 2021 DB, Dreyden Norwood (6’0″ 175 Fort Smith, AR) will be in town but am still waiting for confirmation from him. Sooners have a good chance in this one as Dreyden is related to Sooners DB, Tre Norwood.
***The Sooners will also host in-state 2021 DB, Jordan Mukes (6’4″ 203 Choctaw). Mukes doesn’t yet hold an offer but on film he certainly appears to have the size and athleticism that Grinch covets.
***In-state 2022 4-star ATH, Gentry Williams (5’10 160 Booker T Washington) tells me that he will be in town, as well. Williams is already a nationally coveted prospect.
***Also, have not confirmed this yet but have heard that Cristian Driver (6’1″ 180) son of former NFL WR, Donald Driver) out of Argyle, TX may be in town for a visit, as well. Cristian holds a Sooners offer.
2021 ATH Andrew Mukuba (5’11” 180 Austin, TX) tweeted out he will be in Norman. Mukuba has a handful of offers which include offers from Missouri, Arizona and Arkansas.
Early Look | 2020 Linebackers
– Charlie S
Last week we took an early look at the Sooners offensive line, defensive line, and wide receivers for the 2020 season. Today, we will take an early look at the linebacking corps.
Alex Grinch’s scheme calls for two inside linebackers (MIKE and WILL) and a RUSH backer.
Over the course of the 2019 season the MIKE spot remained pretty static with Kenneth Murray (6’2″ 234) taking the lions share of snaps. The WILL spot was a bit more fluid as DaShaun White (6’0″ 228) split reps over each game with three different backers. When Murray was out of the game, more often than not, it was Bryan Mead (6’2″ 227) who came in for him.
First White shared the WILL with Ryan Jones (6’2″ 231). Then Brian Asamoah (6’1″ 224) got his opportunity. Finally, Caleb Kelly (6’3″ 225) returned from injury and became White’s primary partner at the spot.
At the RUSH position, the season began with Jon Michael Terry (6’3″ 230) winning the spot out of fall camp and he took the majority of reps prior to having a season-ending injury. Following the injury, Nik Bonitto (6’3″ 231) and David Ugwoegbu (6’4″ 231) took over and split the snaps while 2018 starter Mark Jackson (6’1″ 236) was used in a reserve role and redshirted.
Immediately following the season, when you looked at all three positions, the only major contributor thought to be leaving was Murray who was assumed (and later confirmed) to be heading to the NFL. Then Ryan Jones made his way into the NCAA transfer portal.
So that leaves you with White, Kelly, Asamoah, and Mead as returning guys who contributed inside and JMT, Bonitto, and Ugwoegbu as guys who contributed at RUSH.
The Sooners also lost Levi Draper (6’1″ 234) to the transfer portal.
In the 2020 class, OU landed two signatures in Shane Whitter (6’0 222) and Brynden Walker (6’3.5″ 230). Whitter is already on campus and he is a true inside linebacker and will likely find himself thrown right into the 2-deep at MIKE depending on how quickly he adjusts to the college game.
Walker will be getting to Norman in June and his initial role (inside or outside) will likely be determined following summer workouts. I see him likely ending up at the RUSH spot, but we will have to wait and see how things go.
So with the loss of Murray and Jones, there are a lot of moving pieces. Super K mentioned last week that there is some thought that David Ugwoegbu is likely to get a look inside as the RUSH position is well stocked. Joseph Wete 6’4″ 216 who redshirted last year, is still a possibility to stick there instead of spinning down to being a true defensive end and that is something we will be keeping an eye on.
When thinking about an initial depth chart for 2020, I’m going to work under the idea that Ugwoegbu does not make the full time move (complete speculation obviously at this point) to MIKE but flashes a bit in limited time there.
My depth chart heading into the spring looks like this:
MIKE: Kelly – Mead – Whitter (I believe Whitter will find himself as the backup once fall camp rolls around)
WILL: White – Asamoah – Mead
RUSH: Bonitto – Ugwoegbu – Wete – Walker (JMT likely will not participate in the spring due to injury)
Now, that is the way I see it heading into SPRING.
There is really no way to even form an educated opinion on how things will shake out at the beginning of fall camp as there are a ton of question:
Will Caleb Kelly ‘Get it’ at MIKE or move back to WILL? Will OU have to move DaShaun White to MIKE based on need? Does Ugwoegbu look so intriguing in spring at MIKE that they move him there for fall camp? Does Mark Jackson have any role? How college ready is Whitter? Does Brian Asamoah push White hard which makes it plausible to move DaShaun to MIKE and have Asamoah and Kelly man the WILL?
Sooners linebacker coach Brian Odom has his work cut out for him. Losing Kenneth Murray and his athleticism will be difficult to overcome initially. The Sooners can potentially run out a pretty good 2-Deep if things fall the right way. They could also find themselves searching for answers the entire season if things don’t click for this group.
This is probably the most interesting position group for me heading into the spring. Hopefully, OU will get the answers they are looking for and the unit as a whole makes a jump in their second year in the system!
Quick Hitter | Alfred Collins Note
– Charlie S
Talking with K as he on the road and he wanted to pass along a rather significant note…
*** 2020 defensive line target and the highest priority target left in the class, Alfred Collins tells K that the entire Oklahoma defensive staff will be heading down to see him on Friday for a visit.
*** Friday is the end of the dead period so for the entire staff to go down at the first opportunity pretty much shows Alfred and his family how huge of a priority he is for them.
Night Time Notes | Riley, the Road & More
– Super K
***As Charlie noted, I’ve been Dallas this week seeing some 2021 prospects.
***Earlier today I saw 2021 DL, David Abiara (Mansfield Legacy). He said he will be in Norman this weekend. He’s also going to visit Oklahoma State, this weekend, as well.
I know the Sooners were hoping to get an early commitment out of him. He said he doesn’t have a timeline on a decision. But said this will be the first time his mother will be visiting OU and OSU. He added that if she really feels comfortable with one of the schools then he might consider a commitment but again, he said, it could be soon or he could wait it out.
I do think OU will be a big player in this recruitment either way. He clearly wants to stay close to home and OU has the added advantage of Mansfield Legacy’s head coach being an OU alum.
***Also, went to see Camar Wheaton at Lakeview Centennial. I’ll have some notes from that conversation but I really wanted to mention an offensive linemen at the same school who stood out to me…
I’m really surprised to see this young man without any offers. I believe that is going to change quickly. I’ll defer to coach B but my initial impression is that he’s an OU level center.
And, I suspect, it sure wouldn’t hurt with Camar.
***As Charlie noted, we are expecting some initial staff news very soon. I wouldn’t be surprised to see something in the next day or two.
***I’ve heard the office has been quite intense. Lincoln Riley has been prepping the staff to hit the ground running after the dead period which will end on Friday.
***As we previously noted, the 2020 priority right off the bat is Alfred Collins and per Collins, himself, the defensive staff will visit with Collins tomorrow.
***It also sounds like both Riley and Grinch are dead set on continuing their progress towards a national championship. I don’t want to detail too much but I’ve been very encouraged by things I’ve heard in terms of what the two have been emphasizing and asking of the staff. They continue to raise the standard.
***While a lot of staffs around the country have been taking a little time off during the dead period, that has not been the case with Riley and company. As much as that loss to LSU bothered the fans, it’s clear it bothered Riley and Grinch even more and they have been hard at work in the offices for the past week.
***Again, I just get the sense that there is renewed desire to win number eight for the Sooners and finally get over the playoff hump. But it’s not just lip service. The message moving forward is, everyone has to raise themselves to the championship standard if they want to be part of this journey.
Gazing Into The Portal
– Charlie S
The Sooners continued to contribute to the NCAA Transfer Portal population this week as DL Troy James, LB Ryan Jones, and LB Levi Draper all made the move.
Since the conclusion of the 2018 season, the Sooners have lost 18 players, off the top of my head, to the portal.
Austin Kendall QB
Logan Roberson OL
Tramonda Moore OL
Prentice McKinney DB
Jaylon Robinson WR
Derek Green DT
Ron Tatum DE
K’Jackyre Daley LB
Starrland Baldwin DB
Jonathan Perkins LB
Miguel Edwards DB
Jaquaylyn Crawford WR/DB
Michael Thompson OL
Mykel Jones WR
Ty DeArman DB
Troy James DL
Ryan Jones LB
Levi Draper LB
OU has taken 3 out of the portal…
Jalen Hurts QB
Theo Howard WR
RJ Proctor OL
Looking at the numbers, there was a net loss of 15 players.
Looking at reality, the Sooners look like they will have gained more from the three players they added than they will have missed out on the 18 they lost.
Jalen Hurts came in, and whether you like him or not, he led the Sooners to another conference championship and playoff appearance.
If Theo Howard catches just 20 passes next year, he will easily surpass the WR production from the three WRs that left OU.
Looking at that list of players who left…only Robinson, Greene (who waivered on joining the military upon leaving), DeArman, and Kendall have landed at a D1 school to my knowledge at this point with only Greene and Kendall landing at P5 schools.
The Sooners currently have 83 or their allotted 85 (very rough count by me) scholarships filled heading into 2020 season which would afford them the opportunity to add two more players by way of high school recruitment or transfer (Grad transfer most likely).
The majority of the players who chose to leave OU were on the defensive side of the ball. This was to be expected. You had a new defensive staff come in who were seeking to install a new scheme and culture.
I would still anticipate a few more guys to hit the portal before the start of the 2020 season but I certainly would not be sweating about any of the names who have (or will be) left/leaving.
Look at the list above…which of those guys would have made an impact for OU? Maybe Miguel Edwards if he had stuck? The rest…both parties are probably better off with them seeking a new place to finish their education and athletic eligibility.
The fact that so many defenders have left should even give you a warm feeling as it appears that Grinch isn’t about having guys just riding in the back of the bus who are along for the ride.
DT’s Texas 2021 Top 25 (2021)
– Darius Terrell
Hey folks,
It’s was time to retouch the top 25 in Texas for 2021 after the conclusion of their Junior seasons.
A few quick thoughts:
*** This remains the deepest class that I’ve seen since I’ve been really paying attention to recruiting, which began back in 2007.
*** I would rate the top five players in the state as 5-star prospects right now. There is the potential for there to more that could join that status (Adeyele, D. Jackson, L. Jackson). Again, this is truly a banner year for the state of Texas.
*** Welcome to the top 25 for the first time Rockdale RB Cam’Ron Valdez, North Shore QB Dematrius Davis, and Wichita Falls Rider DL E’Maurion Banks. I can’t deny Davis anymore after he was dominant again this year as a Junior. I don’t care what his measurables are. Valdez is an explosive guy whose tape I really enjoyed watching. Banks is yet another big-bodied youngster in this class that moves very, very well and he started to put it together during his Junior season.
*** Guys that fell off from the previous list: Katy (Taylor) OL Hayden Conner, Port Arthur (Memorial) DE Jordon Thomas, and Pearland (Shadow Creek) OL Caleb Leonard. I’m starting to develop some concerns about how well Conner will move as he gets older. I think he suffers a bit from being on the same line as Bryce Foster, who is outstanding. Jordon Thomas suffered a season-ending lower body injury after the first game of this season. I still love Caleb Leonard, he simply moved out as a result of me having to move a few guys up.
*** LBJ CB Latrell McCutchin and Duncanville LB Kendrick Blackshire would have likely been included on this list, but they lost their Junior seasons to ACL tears.
*** I want to see more of North Shore OL Jaeden Roberts. He’s a massive kid, I’m just waiting for some footage of him from this season to come available.
*These thoughts represent my opinion only*
Feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions below!
DT’s Texas 2021 Top 25 (2021)
1. Tommy Brockermeyer OT 6’6 275 Fort Worth (All Saints)
Analysis: Stanford Offensive Tackle Walker Little was the best Tackle prospect that I had ever seen in person prior to getting my eyes on Brockermeyer at The Opening in Dallas last spring. Despite a shoulder injury that caused him to miss his entire Junior season, Brockermeyer may be my #1 prospect in Texas regardless of class when he is healthy
Recruitment Status: Brockermeyer has a final five grouping of Texas, Alabama, LSU, Clemson, and Auburn. This one is not a slam-dunk for the Longhorns by any means.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2AT8yd (Sophomore Film) Private Film
2. Camar Wheaton RB 6’0 190 Garland (Lakeview Centennial)
Analysis: Wheaton is the top back in the 2021 class. He can do it all as a ball carrier and as a receiver out of the backfield. He has jackhammer feet and once he finds a crease he has breakaway track speed to finish long runs. If he has a true weakness as a player, I’ve yet to spot it. He reminds me of former Texas great Jamaal Charles when I watch him play.
Recruitment Status: Wheaton has offers from everyone and visited both Alabama and Texas unofficially last spring. He figures to take his time with the process, but Wheaton is a tough guy to read and doesn’t do many interviews. Oklahoma could be the team to watch here.
Highlights: (vs. Garland)
3. Ja’Tavion Sanders ATH 6’4 225 Denton (Ryan)
Analysis: Sanders has elite potential on both sides of the ball. I saw him live at a playoff game as a Sophomore where he had over 100 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns on offense, while also adding 2 sacks from his Defensive End position. He dominates regularly at the 5A level and he is a very fluid athlete for his size with the ability to flip his hips and bend. I view Sanders as a 5-Star talent and he’s the current bell-cow of the Texas class.
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas
Highlights: (Sophomore Film)
4. Savion Byrd OT 6’5 265 Duncanville (Duncanville)
Analysis: Savion Byrd is the best athlete and has the best feet among all of the OL prospects in the class, which should speak volumes about what type of talent he is. He does a tremendous job of staying under control as a puller and finding work. He’s currently light at a listed 265lbs, but the length is there and the frame should easily hold added weight in the future. Byrd plays with a nasty disposition and is not satisfied until a few counts after he hears a whistle. Despite spending his entire Junior season playing Defensive Tackle for his team, I still view his highest upside as a pure Offensive Tackle prospect.
Recruitment Status: Byrd has received offers from the likes of Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, Nebraska, Florida St., and Arkansas. Byrd is originally from Georgia, so the Bulldogs could be a team to watch. Right now it would appear that Texas has a bit of an edge as he has been to Austin numerous times now and Texas having Ja’Quinden Jackson on campus can’t hurt either. Long way to go on this one though.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2B32m9 (Sophomore Film)
5. Bryce Foster OL 6’4 315 Katy (Taylor)
Analysis: Foster is a powerful interior prospect that pairs his functional play strength with a terrific mean streak, and good feet. He’s a knee-bender, that does a very good job of keeping his shoulders square while he zone-steps and repeatedly puts his hat and hands in good position to execute his assignment. Foster is a standout in the Discus and Shot Put and will be an asset for the Track and Field program at whatever college he attends as well. 5-star talent.
Recruitment Status: Foster has visited Texas A&M, Texas, and Oklahoma on numerous occasions. He has also visited Arkansas and Oregon, his childhood favorite, last summer. I believe that Foster will wind up at one of the OU/UT/A&M trio with all three schools having close to equal odds and I think he will have a decision in the not-too-distant future.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Cc77Y
6. Tunmise Adeleye DL 6’3 265 Katy (Thompkins)
Analysis: A Maxpreps All-American, Adeleye already has offers from all of the P5 big boys. His functional play strength really stands out on tape as he repeatedly jolts opposing blockers on initial contact. Adeleye does a good job with his hands and plays the run like a grown man. He is athletic and versatile, which means that he will likely be able to play multiple spots along the defensive line.
Recruitment Status: Adeleye is high on LSU, Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and Texas. I’m confident that his choice will come from one of these six.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CVysN
7. Donovan Jackson OL 6’3 300 Houston (Episcopal)
Analysis: I was a little bit skeptical on Jackson in the beginning, but he has converted me into a believer now. He left no doubt during his Junior season and took no prisoners on the football field. Jackson is position and scheme versatile, with a tremendous wingspan and footwork that will allow him to play Tackle if necessary. Jackson is also a standout in the classroom.
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/10015742/5dcf04b5066242058cc5c25b
8. Landon Jackson DE/LB 6’5 245 Texarkana (Pleasant Grove)
Analysis: Jackson, more than anyone else, has the potential to move up this list. He is every bit of 6’5-6’6 with a condor-like wingspan. He is a very good athlete with impressive closing speed to the football and a relentless motor, despite coming off of a pretty serious knee injury. He was instrumental in his high school repeating as state champions as a Junior.
Recruitment Status: While Jackson has offers from all of the big boys, I’m fairly certain that his recruitment will center around six schools: Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and LSU. Right now, the in-state schools have the inside track in my opinion.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CVEPE (vs. Sunnyvale)
9. Billy Bowman Jr. ATH 5’10 180 Denton (Ryan)
Analysis: Bowman was a 5A All-State selection as a Sophomore after recording 5 interceptions (3 of which he returned for TD), while also adding touchdowns rushing, returning kicks, and returning punts. He did more of the same as a Junior and has established himself as one of the best playmakers in the country. Bowman will have his choice of playing Offense or Defense at the next level.
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Cbu7a
10. Shemar Turner DE 6’4 265 DeSoto (DeSoto)
Analysis: Turner is a beast. On his Sophomore tape he can be seen dropping into coverage and making plays in space. As a Junior, he spent all of his time with his hand in the dirt and he was one of the most disruptive presences among the LOS in the entire state. It’s not often that you find kids his size that move as if they’re 40-50lbs lighter. He has a chance to be a game-changer at the next level.
Recruitment Status: Turner holds offers from everyone, but told me earlier last spring that he grew up cheering for Texas, North Carolina, and Baylor. He has taken visits in the past to Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., and Texas Tech. I don’t think that he will be straying too far from home.
Highlights:
11. LJ Johnson RB 5’10 205 Houston (Cy Fair)
Analysis: I was shocked to learn that Johnson put down an electronic-verified 4.42 40-yard dash last spring at The Opening Regional last spring in addition to a 4.26 short shuttle. Those are extremely elite numbers for a 15/16-year-old. He didn’t show that type of explosiveness on tape as a Sophomore in my opinion, however, that wasn’t the case watching him as a Junior. Johnson is undoubtedly among the top backs in the state and will be a national recruit.
Recruitment Status: Johnson has offers from many of the nation’s elite programs. He has yet to narrow things down, but when he does, you can expect for Ohio State, OU, LSU, Texas, Texas A&M, and Arkansas to be the major players.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CeL5G (vs. Spring Woods)
12. JoJo Earle WR 5’9 170 Aledo (Aledo)
Analysis: Earle plays everywhere for his Aledo squad but projects as a Slot WR at the next level. He is electric with the ball in his hands and has a keen ability to set guys up for juke moves without losing any acceleration or speed. Earle had over 1600 yards receiving and 26 total touchdowns this past season for the 5A state champs.
Recruitment Status: Earle recently released a Top 5 that consisted of LSU, Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and TCU. TCU is the perceived leader from what I’ve been hearing.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/8690008/5b974de33deaa508885f1899
13. Preston Stone 6’1 180 Dallas (Parish Episcopal)
Analysis: While I am slightly skeptical about his listed size and he doesn’t face the stiffest competition, it is impossible to deny the arm talent that Stone displays on tape. He shows impressive pocket awareness for a teenager and the athleticism to escape the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield to deliver strikes to his receivers. He is the biggest recruit for SMU in over three decades.
Recruitment Status: Committed to SMU
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CRUbz
14. Shadrach Banks WR 6’0 190 Houston (North Shore)
Analysis: Compared to other Receivers in the class, Banks isn’t the biggest, fastest, strongest, or prettiest route runner. So how is he the top receiver in the class one might ask? All he does is produce. He becomes a running back after the catch, which can’t be taught. He has tremendous football instincts and he always seems to be just fast enough compared to whoever is chasing him. This guy is big-time and has the ability to play both inside and outside, further enhancing his value.
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Cc9yz (vs. Channelview)
15. Jalen Milroe QB 6’2 195 Katy (Tompkins)
Analysis: Milroe is an athletic dual-threat QB with impressive arm strength and zip on his passes. Milroe has the top-end speed of a WR and has the ability to make guys miss in space. He’s got some leadership qualities to him and if he has time to develop at Texas, he has a chance to really turn into something. All of the tools are there.
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Cdcvt
16. Marcus Burris DL 6’4 265 Texarkana (Pleasant Grove)
Analysis: Burris teams with Landon Jackson to form arguably the best DL combo in Texas high school football. He differs from Jackson because he profiles as more of an interior prospect that will likely play at over 300lbs in college. Big-time talent.
Recruitment Status: Texas A&M, Alabama, and Arkansas are standing out early for Burris.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CXFQD (vs. Gilmer)
17. Clayton Smith LB/ATH 6’4 205 Texarkana (Texas High)
Analysis: Smith is an East Texas special. Long, fast, tenacious, and was under the radar prior to last summer. He appears to have a frame that will add and hold weight easily. Due to his athleticism, Smith is being recruited by some as a Tight End, but I believe that his greatest potential lies on the defensive side of the ball.
Recruitment Status: Smith is hitting a bit of a reset on his recruitment. Arkansas was all over him for about a year until the staff got fired. He recently told me that he hasn’t talked to anyone from Texas for a while due to the staff turnover. LSU and Texas A&M are the other schools that he mentions consistently and I’d bet one of the four in this paragraph are where he ultimately ends up.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CWedB
18. J.D. Coffey S 6’0 180 Kennedale (Kennedale)
Analysis: Coffey is one of the best all-around DBs that I’ve studied in the class so far. He’s got good size, production, and has NFL bloodlines. Coffey has terrific ball skills and is one of the most reliable tacklers I have seen in the class from his Safety position.
Recruitment Status: Coffey visited Texas last spring and also visited Texas A&M and Utah. Utah was his first offer. He reports offers from Colorado, Oklahoma St., Florida, Georgia Tech, and Texas Tech.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CTybW
19. Derrick Harris Jr. LB 6’2 210 New Caney (New Caney)
Analysis: Harris is a stud that displays some impressive ability to bend the edge as a pass rusher. He has the athletic versatility to play Inside or Outside linebacker in college, but he’s a guy you’ll likely want on the outside due to his ability to get after the QB. Harris is long and has a frame that should be able to easily hold 235+ without losing much, if any, quickness. One of the better LB prospects not just in Texas, but nationally.
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CXG0R
20. Cody Jackson WR 6’0 175 Richmond (Foster)
Analysis: Jackson is a Ferrari with hands on the football field. He has the ability to play inside as well as outside and excel at either spot. He reminds me a little bit of current Oklahoma WR Cee Dee Lamb and he just so happens to attend the same high school and be committed to the Sooners as well.
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CKTBs
21. Quay Davis WR 6’1 190 Dallas (Skyline)
Analysis: Davis is a talented playmaker that is one of the better route runners in the class. He’s got strong hands and is capable of making tough catches look routine. He checks the Height/Weight/Speed boxes, although he may not have a true standout physical trait.
Recruitment Status: Davis has already made two commitments and then backed out of them (SMU and Texas). While his offer list includes many of the nation’s elite, I have a hard time seeing him go too far from the Dallas-area.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2C9wzY (vs. Richardson)
22. Dematrius Davis QB 5’11 190 Houston (North Shore)
Analysis: Davis is short, but I’m not sure that he can be considered “small” with his build, which looks more like a RB than QB. He’s a two-time 6A State Champion, who is a winner that displays leadership ability and intangibles. He’s got excellent awareness in the pocket and quick feet to get himself out of trouble. He’s a good runner with very good accuracy between the hashmarks and while on the run. Simply a huge pickup for Virginia Tech this early.
Recruitment Status: Committed to Virginia Tech but keep an eye on OU to make potentially make some noise here.
Highlights:
23. Eli Stowers QB 6’4 200 Denton (Guyer)
Analysis: I believe that Eli Stowers has the upside to potentially be the best QB in this class when we look back on it in a few years. He’s a legitimate 6’4 and a state-qualifier level talent on the track. He has all of the tools to be a star and he has started to put it together during his Junior season after a shaky Sophomore campaign. Expect for Stowers to continue to climb this list.
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CA4gi (vs. Keller)
24. Cam’Ron Valdez RB 5’9 180 Rockdale (Rockdale)
Analysis: Valdez isn’t a big guy, but man does he run hard. He has a body type that will add weight in the future, so his current size isn’t a huge concern. He’s got some quick feet with the ability to break tackles with speed and home-run ability. He plays in a smaller classification but he is consistently the most physical player on the field.
Recruitment Status: Michigan, Utah, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Kansas, Houston, SMU, and Georgia Tech have all offered.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6631989/5deec3ad15f5b60d241ee926
25. E’Maurion Banks DL 6’4 250 Wichita Falls (Rider)
Analysis: Banks is a guy that I’ve had my eye on for a while now, but this is his debut inside of the top 25. I wanted to see him take strides from his Sophomore season to his Junior season and he did that. Think of Banks as a puppy with big paws that he’s still growing into. In what is a bit of a trend in this class, I think that he will have positional versatility along the line of scrimmage. He picked up early offers from some of the best programs in the region so early for a reason.
Recruitment Status: Banks has early offers from the entire Big XII, plus Arkansas and Texas A&M. He has been to OU on multiple occasions and they could make an impact here before all is said on done.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CYWmf
Next Guys Up (No Order):
North Shore OG Jaeden Roberts
Royse City WR Ketron Jackson
Austin LBJ CB Latrell McCutchin (Injury)
Shadow Creek OG Caleb Leonard
The Woodlands WR Theodore Knox
PA Memorial DE Jordon Thomas (Injury)
Hutto DE Landyn Watson
Duncanville LB Jadarius Thursby
Duncanville LB Kendrick Blackshire (injury)
North Forney DL Roderick Brown
Pearland RB Brandon Campbell
Allen WR Bryson Green
Katy Taylor OL Hayden Conner
Denton Guyer ATH KJ Liggins
DeSoto DL Byron Murphy II
Mansfield Timberview RB Montaye Dawson
FB Hightower WR Latrelle Neville
FW All Saints OL James Brockermeyer
Del Valle RB Tavierre Dunlap
Everman ATH Juan Davis
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