Texas Recruiting Notes 2025: Duck Around and Find Out

[Hornius Emeritus 12,491]

I wonder if Alex Mastromanno is looking to leave a terrible FSU team.

[Burt Macklin 19,053]

3 minutes ago, Hornius Emeritus said:

I wonder if Alex Mastromanno is looking to leave a terrible FSU team.

Going from FSU to UT as a punter would be like a RB going from Army to a Mike Leach Air Raid offense. Who knows? Maybe he just really hates actually getting to play.

Edited Tuesday at 06:44 PM by Burt Macklin

[Hornmatic 251]

1 hour ago, BurntOrange&White said:

One thing that is kind of odd about Gerry is how he says Georgia doesn't let talent leave the state....but roughly 2/3 of the top 25 talent in the state leaves every year.

He usually says that’s primarily for DL targets and other top priorities. He has also mentioned being okay with non priorities like Wynn going to FSU but not wanting Texas to nab him and establish a foothold instate. 

[BurntOrange&White 40,049]

Gerry Hamilton

 

It's Texas vs. Georgia, Texas A&M & state of Florida down the stretch

The Texas Longhorns are battling against the SEC recruiting power, a hated rival and the Sunshine State with a signing day a week away. 

Steve Sarkisian and staff's ability to sign the No. 1 or 2 class a week from today will come down to a handful of recruitments in the states of Georgia, Florida and Texas. And those are the three states that should be the heavy focus of the Texas program in future years. 

OnTexasFootball provides the latest with December 4 seven days away. 

Georgia vs. Texas for 5-star DL

OnTexasFootball was told by a source Tuesday night that Texas believes Georgia is the competition for 5-star DL Justus Terry (Manchester, Ga./High). As we have said, Kirby Smart does not want Terry to sign with Texas. Georgia doesn't want Texas to start gaining that level of traction in the state. This should be considered an upset win if it goes Texas way December 4. 

OTF hesitates to say Auburn can't win a recruitment in the Peach State for a 5-star DL ... especially when they are motivated. 

Texas vs. Texas A&M, and maybe Michigan in Cocoa

Texas continues to have confidence in the recruitment of 4-star++ EDGE Javion Hilson (Cocoa, Fla./High). With that said, OTF feels like there is one thing that could push Hilson away from Texas late - if he sees a path to playing more snaps early in College Station or Ann Arbor. Hilson is football development focused, and accelerating the development with more game snaps is what is being pitched by Texas' competition. 

Decision day: December 4

Texas vs. Texas A&M and Oklahoma for 5-star

I've been hit on DM with some reports of Texas not being in it for Michael Fasusi, or Texas didn't move the needle. I was told again Tuesday night that Texas helped their chances over the weekend. Kyle Flood's message resonated with Fasusi. With that said, this is a big boy recruiting battle. Texas A&M will continue to take a mighty swing this weekend. OTF is watching which family members make the trip to College Station this weekend. Oklahoma (Brent Venables) told Fasusi that he's not committed if he takes visits ... Fasusi went ahead and took the Texas visit, and will be at A&M this weekend. 

Decision day: December 4

Texas vs. Nebraska in San Antonio

The recruitment of Michael Terry III (San Antonio, Texas/Alamo Heights) remains the same ... Texas leads Nebraska. Not sure how many Texas vs. Nebraska recruitments in San Antonio Texas has ever been engaged in. 

Decision day: Likely December 4

Texas leads in the Sunshine State

OnTexasFootball 4-star linebacker Kellen Wiley (Seffner, Fla./Armwood) continues to be a big lean to the Longhorns. OTF would be surprised if Texas doesn't win out, as of Tuesday night. 

Decision day: December 4

Wild card west of Chicago

The Texas Longhorns getting in very late with Auburn 4-star++ defensive line pledge Nathaniel Marshall (Oak Park, Il./Fenwick) makes this recruitment a total wild card. Auburn remains confident due to relationship with the mom. Michigan also in the mix. NIL a major factor here. 

Texas. vs. Florida 

The Florida Gators will not give up on Texas 4-star++ defensive line commit Myron Charles (Port Charlotte, Fla.). Texas continues to feel good, but understands that Florida will keep making a bigger push in the next week. 

The Gators will also keep after Jaime Ffrench (Jacksonville, Fla./Mandarin). Recruiting has surprised before, but it would be a surprise if Ffrench doesn't ink with Texas. 

[JesusSweatDuck 17,814]

2 hours ago, BurntOrange&White said:

Oklahoma (Brent Venables) told Fasusi that he's not committed if he takes visits ... Fasusi went ahead and took the Texas visit, and will be at A&M this weekend. 

EBOD Venables.

[kevwun 15,936]

It's a good thing Venables picked up all of Dabo's weaknesses.

[tokamak 6,443]

I was gonna pile on Venables for that little blurb, but after thinking about it, I honestly don't know what is the best way for coaches to handle that. "Sure kid, have fun!" doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

[BurntOrange&White 40,049]

2 minutes ago, tokamak said:

I was gonna pile on Venables for that little blurb, but after thinking about it, I honestly don't know what is the best way for coaches to handle that. "Sure kid, have fun!" doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Don't have a dumbass hardline policy and reinforce it out loud at your press conference. Because are they really going to take away a 5 star OT offer, no. It's just incredibly stupid.

Edited yesterday at 03:48 PM by BurntOrange&White

[texifornia 57,176]

1 minute ago, tokamak said:

I was gonna pile on Venables for that little blurb, but after thinking about it, I honestly don't know what is the best way for coaches to handle that. "Sure kid, have fun!" doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

We've had a few of our recruits (the Florida kids, Jackson, Hicks, Sharma) take visits the coaches knew about while committed. It's not ideal, but as long as they're upfront ahead of time it's just part of recruiting.

[kevwun 15,936]

Especially when you can't afford to to be.  They are desperate for good linemen and are in no position to take that stance.  Venables is a hardass though and can't adjust.  It's also why they have so many injuries.  That goes back to the Stoops influence. You're not hurt, get back out there.  Oh, now it's worse?  Who could have foreseen that?

Edited yesterday at 03:51 PM by kevwun

[texifornia 57,176]

 

[Chuckie Finster 22,756]

We've had a few of our recruits (the Florida kids, Jackson, Hicks, Sharma) take visits the coaches knew about while committed. It's not ideal, but as long as they're upfront ahead of time it's just part of recruiting.

I think not considering a player committed if they’re taking secret trips is a reasonable conclusion, given the definition of the word. But if you can build a relationship with a player where they let you know about trips before they happen, I think that’s about as good as you can hope for in this era of college football.

[Serak The Preparer 3,434]

4 hours ago, BurntOrange&White said:

Gerry Hamilton

Georgia vs. Texas for 5-star DL

OnTexasFootball was told by a source Tuesday night that Texas believes Georgia is the competition for 5-star DL Justus Terry (Manchester, Ga./High). As we have said, Kirby Smart does not want Terry to sign with Texas. Georgia doesn't want Texas to start gaining that level of traction in the state. This should be considered an upset win if it goes Texas way December 4. 

 

 

This is how the 9.95'ers earn their money. Top secret sources that reveal tidbits like Texas believes Georgia is who we have to beat for Terry. 

[texifornia 57,176]

Talk about a great sales pitch

 

[SydneyCarton 48,212]

2 minutes ago, texifornia said:

Talk about a great sales pitch

 

BuT tHe kIdS oNLy CArE aBoUT nIL! So SAd!

 

-LeanderMan, certainly 

[TXRed 3,294]

4 hours ago, BurntOrange&White said:

Texas vs. Texas A&M, and maybe Michigan in Cocoa

Texas continues to have confidence in the recruitment of 4-star++ EDGE Javion Hilson (Cocoa, Fla./High). With that said, OTF feels like there is one thing that could push Hilson away from Texas late - if he sees a path to playing more snaps early in College Station or Ann Arbor. Hilson is football development focused, and accelerating the development with more game snaps is what is being pitched by Texas' competition. 

 

Looking at our EDGE room, it doesn’t look like his path to playing time would be that difficult here either, if he puts in the work. Especially if he’s a better pass rushing version of Sorrell like Gerry says. 

[kevwun 15,936]

Simmons has one 1 spot locked up for 2 more years and we have pretty good depth.  Jackson can also play end right now and will until/unless he grows in to a tackle.  He would definitely gets early snaps if he earns them with home much we rotate on the line, but unless he's other worldly, he's probably not starting for awhile.

Edited yesterday at 05:27 PM by kevwun

[Atticus 3,995]

Starting doesn’t even matter as much as putting out good tape. You don’t wanna be the only guy they gotta worry about on the edge. 

[Getafix 28,827]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tex Pete 20,534]

55 minutes ago, texifornia said:

Talk about a great sales pitch

 

That is buy-in! Says a lot about Baxter’s character. And Whittington, Bijan, Brooks. The Texas Football culture.

It’s why signing a #1 class with a lot of money bags can’t buy wins. 

[Getafix 28,827]

 

Football recruiting's 11 most important 2025 prospects with one week until Signing Day
247Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Loy breaks down the 11 most important prospects with college football's Dec. 4 Signing Day just a week away.
Tom Loy (247 Sports)

 

A few of interest to us:

- Justus Terry:  GA has been the heavy favorite;  but watch Hugh Freeze.  Tex/Ala long shots.)

- Michael Fasusi:  Might come down to signing day.

- Michael Terry:  Smart money on Texas.  Watch Neb.

- Lamont Rogers:  Aggie.

- Jahkeem Stewart:  Loy/Roach just put in CBs for USC.

 

Spoiler

 

Football recruiting's 11 most important 2025 prospects with one week until Signing Day
247Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Loy breaks down the 11 most important prospects with college football's Dec. 4 Signing Day just a week away.
Tom Loy (247 Sports)
 

Next Wednesday, Dec. 4, the majority of recruits in the 2025 class will put pen to paper in some form or fashion and make their intentions clear regarding where they are headed to play college football. This is a special yet stressful moment for these teenagers, as they are likely making the biggest decisions of their lives to this point.

Despite the fact that the majority of prospects have already announced their commitments, nothing is set in stone at this time.

In fact, we're in "silly season," as we call it, and the amount of prospects still on flip watch is higher than ever before at this time in a cycle.

Get the latest football and recruiting scoop on your favorite college team today.

Let's take a look at the 11 most important recruits worth tracking just one week from Signing Day.

 

DAVID SANDERS JR., FIVE-STAR OT (TENNESSEE COMMIT)

Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day School five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. is not someone we were tracking until the past week or so. The 6-foot-6, 290-pounder had been locked in with his commitment to Tennessee, a pledge that he made in August.

However, last weekend, he showed up in Columbus for an unofficial visit to Ohio State. The trip went extremely well. Buckeyes fans were fired up, while Volunteers fans were sick to their stomachs.

All that said, despite the big push down the stretch by everyone associated with the Ohio State football program — in some ways led behind the scenes by five-star quarterback and future Buckeye Tavien St. Clair — our best sources believe that he'll eventually put pen to paper with the Volunteers.

Sanders isn't one to go out of his way to mislead, and we have it on good authority that he's still telling people who matter that he wants to be in Knoxville.

 

JUSTUS TERRY, FIVE-STAR DL

Manchester (Ga.) High five-star defensive tackle Justus Terry continues to weigh his options. The 6-foot-5, 275-pounder is strongly considering Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Texas a week out from Signing Day.

At this point, the majority of connected sources believe that the Crimson Tide and Longhorns should currently be considered long shots. What's intriguing, just a week out, is that the Tigers and Bulldogs are confident about landing him.

Georgia has long been considered the heavy, heavy favorite. But Terry was at Auburn for last weekend's four-overtime win over ranked Texas A&M and loved everything about that visit.

Do not rule out Hugh Freeze pulling off and upset here. As we've said for years, though — when Kirby Smart sinks his teeth into an elite in-state talent, the Bulldogs are tough to beat.

 

NA'EEM OFFORD, FIVE-STAR CB (OHIO STATE COMMIT)

Birmingham (Ala.) Parker five-star cornerback Na'eem Offord remains committed to Ohio State, as has been the case since February. However, depending on whom you speak with, the majority expect him to flip.

Will it be Oregon or Auburn that is the benefactor come Signing Day? In August, I entered a 247Sports Crystal Ball for Auburn. I felt great about it then and feel even better about that prediction just one week prior to Signing Day.

The Buckeyes are doing all that they can to keep him committed, and the Ducks are prepared to make one last push, but I — like the Tigers' staff — feel great about keeping him at home.

 

MICHAEL FASUSI, FIVE-STAR OT (OKLAHOMA COMMIT)

Lewisville (Texas) High five-star offensive tackle Michael Fasusi has been locked in and committed to Oklahoma since August. However, over the past few weeks, there has been a whole lot of chatter about him looking around and potentially flipping.

The key for the Sooners is that there isn't a coach in the country who has a better relationship with him than offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh. Will that be enough for Oklahoma? It remains to be seen.

If not, Texas and Texas A&M are lurking and ready to pounce at the last second. They have been working on flipping Fasusi, but nothing has changed regarding his decision quite yet.

Oh, and it should be noted that Fasusi will be in College Station this weekend to watch the Aggies take on the Longhorns. That won't sit well with Oklahoma.

Fasusi's got plenty of thinking to do in the coming week. This one might come down to Signing Day.

 

DJ PICKETT, FIVE-STAR CB (LSU COMMIT)

Zephyrhills (Fla.) five-star cornerback DJ Pickett committed to LSU in July. At the time, there was a lot of uncertainty about where he was headed. Some felt the elite athlete was headed to the Bayou, while some thought he was going to Oregon, and others believed he was staying home to play at Miami.

Hit the fast-forward button to months later and he we are still talking about those three programs. Georgia has also thrown its hat into the ring and made a move. Florida is another working hard to keep him in the Sunshine State. Even Michigan is trying to make a last-ditch effort to get him to reconsider his initial decision.

All that said, you've got to be worried if you're an LSU fan at this point. There is far too much smoke taking place. Once the Tigers lost five-star quarterback and No. 1 recruit Bryce Underwood to Michigan, the floodgates opened and schools started pushing even harder to poach coach Brian Kelly's top commits.

If you're asking for a gut feeling, I'm keeping a very close eye on the Hurricanes right now. They have a very real shot of flipping Pickett, but we likely won't know anything official until Signing Day.

 

MICHAEL TERRY III, FIVE-STAR ATHLETE

San Antonio Alamo Heights five-star athlete Michael Terry III is someone who many felt would be committed at this point. However, we're a week away from Signing Day and he remains among the top uncommitted recruits in America.

There are two programs worth tracking closely down the stretch. Texas and Nebraska are battling it out.

The Huskers could send some shockwaves with a huge win with the versatile offensive weapon. But it should be made clear that the smart money is on the Longhorns, and coach Steve Sarkisian is not one you want to bet against.

 

LAMONT ROGERS, FIVE-STAR OT (MISSOURI COMMIT)

Mesquite (Texas) Horn five-star offensive lineman Lamont Rogers committed to Missouri in July. It was a massive win for head coach Eliah Drinkwitz and the Tigers.

However, just a week out from Signing Day, and both myself and fellow 247Sports national recruiting analyst Mike Roach firmly have our Crystal Ball predictions cemented on Texas A&M. We don't see the Aggies losing out on the coveted tackle prospect.

No, Missouri hasn't done anything wrong during Rogers' recruitment. But Texas A&M, coach Mike Elko and the Aggies as a whole have something cooking right now, and we believe that Rogers has bought into what they are building in College Station.

 

LINKON CURE, FIVE-STAR TE (KANSAS STATE COMMIT)

Goodland (Kan.) High five-star tight end Linkon Cure has been committed to Kansas State since July. The elite pass catcher decided to stay home and play in front of his friends and family in the Sunflower State.

However, the one threat in this recruitment has always been Oregon. In fact, right before he initially committed to the Wildcats, Cure was leaning toward the Ducks.

Well, Kansas State fans, don't get too comfortable quite yet. Cure will be in Eugene this weekend to watch Oregon take on Washington. The Wildcats will be sweating this one out as the Ducks make one more push to flip the coveted prospect.

 

ISAIAH CAMPBELL, FOUR-STAR DL

Durham (N.C.) Southern Top100 defensive end Isaiah Campbell was a longtime Clemson commit, but coach Dabo Swinney and his staff aren't under consideration down the stretch. Campbell decommited Sept. 21 and all eyes were on two schools at that point.

Tennessee and North Carolina are the finalists for Campbell, who's very close to making a final decision. He visited Tennessee in October and returned in November and loved everything about both trips.

Campbell then made his way to Chapel Hill for a late-season official visit and that trip to see North Carolina may have been a game changer. The one-time Volunteer lean quickly became torn between both programs.

Sources maintain that distance could play a factor here and work in the Tar Heels' favor. But with UNC firing coach Mack Brown, could Campbell actually sign with a program without a coach? We'll know much more in the coming days.

 

DEREK MEADOWS, FOUR-STAR WR (LSU COMMIT)

Las Vegas Bishop Gorman Top100 receiver Derek Meadows is another longtime LSU commit who is looking to be flipped at the last second by multiple schools. When he committed to the Tigers in July, 247Sports made it clear that this recruitment was far from over.

In fact, we considered LSU the favorite in most cases, but nobody felt like this commitment was extremely solid or as if Meadows' process was over. Notre Dame, the early favorite for Meadows, has been pushing to try and land his commitment.

However, they are having little to no success on that front. Michigan is the perceived favorite by the majority of the public. 247Sports Crystal Ball picks and predictions are in favor of the Wolverines, especially after Underwood flipped from LSU to Michigan.

But one more suitor is still very much in play — Alabama. Coach Kalen DeBoer, offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard have been relentless over the past few weeks in an attempt to get Meadows in Alabama's class, and he has been receptive.

We'll know soon where he's headed, but this Michigan-Alabama battle is one to keep a very close eye on.

 

JAHKEEM STEWART, FOUR-STAR DL

New Orleans Edna Karr Top100 defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is closing in on a final decision. The heavy hitters in play include USC, LSU, Oregon and Ohio State.

Early on, many pegged him to land on the West Coast with the Trojans. There were a lot of signs pointing toward coach Lincoln Riley eventually securing his commitment.

As time went on, others started gaining traction with the coveted prospect. LSU has plenty of reasons for optimism, and the Tigers are a clear threat to keep him at home.

However, most sources I speak with have him leaving the state. That leave USC, Oregon and Ohio State. Despite being known for a late splash every cycle, connected sources don't believe that Oregon is going to go all in on securing Stewart's commitment.

That leaves the Buckeyes and Trojans. USC made a big, big move earlier this month during his visit to Los Angeles, and all of the early hype between both sides took off once again.

All that remains is a trip to Columbus this coming weekend. If Stewart takes the trip and Ohio State does everything possible to land his commitment, look out.

However, the smart money at this point is on USC. They have made it extremely clear how badly he's wanted out West, and signs point toward the Trojans getting that one done as of today.

(Editor's note: Loy and Roach have since logged Crystal Balls for Stewart to USC.)

 

 

 

[HuttNuts 77]

4 hours ago, kevwun said:

Especially when you can't afford to to be.  They are desperate for good linemen and are in no position to take that stance.  Venables is a hardass though and can't adjust.  It's also why they have so many injuries.  That goes back to the Stoops influence. You're not hurt, get back out there.  Oh, now it's worse?  Who could have foreseen that?

Not to mention, Venables fired his OC and the OL coach is in limbo. We don't know what offense or who is going to coach it, but don't you dare take other visits. Genius level policy

[billfromlaketravis 11,542]

7 hours ago, Getafix said:

 

Football recruiting's 11 most important 2025 prospects with one week until Signing Day
247Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Loy breaks down the 11 most important prospects with college football's Dec. 4 Signing Day just a week away.
Tom Loy (247 Sports)

 

A few of interest to us:

- Justus Terry:  GA has been the heavy favorite;  but watch Hugh Freeze.  Tex/Ala long shots.)

- Michael Fasusi:  Might come down to signing day.

- Michael Terry:  Smart money on Texas.  Watch Neb.

- Lamont Rogers:  Aggie.

- Jahkeem Stewart:  Loy/Roach just put in CBs for USC.

 

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Football recruiting's 11 most important 2025 prospects with one week until Signing Day
247Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Loy breaks down the 11 most important prospects with college football's Dec. 4 Signing Day just a week away.
Tom Loy (247 Sports)
 

Next Wednesday, Dec. 4, the majority of recruits in the 2025 class will put pen to paper in some form or fashion and make their intentions clear regarding where they are headed to play college football. This is a special yet stressful moment for these teenagers, as they are likely making the biggest decisions of their lives to this point.

Despite the fact that the majority of prospects have already announced their commitments, nothing is set in stone at this time.

In fact, we're in "silly season," as we call it, and the amount of prospects still on flip watch is higher than ever before at this time in a cycle.

Get the latest football and recruiting scoop on your favorite college team today.

Let's take a look at the 11 most important recruits worth tracking just one week from Signing Day.

 

DAVID SANDERS JR., FIVE-STAR OT (TENNESSEE COMMIT)

Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day School five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. is not someone we were tracking until the past week or so. The 6-foot-6, 290-pounder had been locked in with his commitment to Tennessee, a pledge that he made in August.

However, last weekend, he showed up in Columbus for an unofficial visit to Ohio State. The trip went extremely well. Buckeyes fans were fired up, while Volunteers fans were sick to their stomachs.

All that said, despite the big push down the stretch by everyone associated with the Ohio State football program — in some ways led behind the scenes by five-star quarterback and future Buckeye Tavien St. Clair — our best sources believe that he'll eventually put pen to paper with the Volunteers.

Sanders isn't one to go out of his way to mislead, and we have it on good authority that he's still telling people who matter that he wants to be in Knoxville.

 

JUSTUS TERRY, FIVE-STAR DL

Manchester (Ga.) High five-star defensive tackle Justus Terry continues to weigh his options. The 6-foot-5, 275-pounder is strongly considering Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Texas a week out from Signing Day.

At this point, the majority of connected sources believe that the Crimson Tide and Longhorns should currently be considered long shots. What's intriguing, just a week out, is that the Tigers and Bulldogs are confident about landing him.

Georgia has long been considered the heavy, heavy favorite. But Terry was at Auburn for last weekend's four-overtime win over ranked Texas A&M and loved everything about that visit.

Do not rule out Hugh Freeze pulling off and upset here. As we've said for years, though — when Kirby Smart sinks his teeth into an elite in-state talent, the Bulldogs are tough to beat.

 

NA'EEM OFFORD, FIVE-STAR CB (OHIO STATE COMMIT)

Birmingham (Ala.) Parker five-star cornerback Na'eem Offord remains committed to Ohio State, as has been the case since February. However, depending on whom you speak with, the majority expect him to flip.

Will it be Oregon or Auburn that is the benefactor come Signing Day? In August, I entered a 247Sports Crystal Ball for Auburn. I felt great about it then and feel even better about that prediction just one week prior to Signing Day.

The Buckeyes are doing all that they can to keep him committed, and the Ducks are prepared to make one last push, but I — like the Tigers' staff — feel great about keeping him at home.

 

MICHAEL FASUSI, FIVE-STAR OT (OKLAHOMA COMMIT)

Lewisville (Texas) High five-star offensive tackle Michael Fasusi has been locked in and committed to Oklahoma since August. However, over the past few weeks, there has been a whole lot of chatter about him looking around and potentially flipping.

The key for the Sooners is that there isn't a coach in the country who has a better relationship with him than offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh. Will that be enough for Oklahoma? It remains to be seen.

If not, Texas and Texas A&M are lurking and ready to pounce at the last second. They have been working on flipping Fasusi, but nothing has changed regarding his decision quite yet.

Oh, and it should be noted that Fasusi will be in College Station this weekend to watch the Aggies take on the Longhorns. That won't sit well with Oklahoma.

Fasusi's got plenty of thinking to do in the coming week. This one might come down to Signing Day.

 

DJ PICKETT, FIVE-STAR CB (LSU COMMIT)

Zephyrhills (Fla.) five-star cornerback DJ Pickett committed to LSU in July. At the time, there was a lot of uncertainty about where he was headed. Some felt the elite athlete was headed to the Bayou, while some thought he was going to Oregon, and others believed he was staying home to play at Miami.

Hit the fast-forward button to months later and he we are still talking about those three programs. Georgia has also thrown its hat into the ring and made a move. Florida is another working hard to keep him in the Sunshine State. Even Michigan is trying to make a last-ditch effort to get him to reconsider his initial decision.

All that said, you've got to be worried if you're an LSU fan at this point. There is far too much smoke taking place. Once the Tigers lost five-star quarterback and No. 1 recruit Bryce Underwood to Michigan, the floodgates opened and schools started pushing even harder to poach coach Brian Kelly's top commits.

If you're asking for a gut feeling, I'm keeping a very close eye on the Hurricanes right now. They have a very real shot of flipping Pickett, but we likely won't know anything official until Signing Day.

 

MICHAEL TERRY III, FIVE-STAR ATHLETE

San Antonio Alamo Heights five-star athlete Michael Terry III is someone who many felt would be committed at this point. However, we're a week away from Signing Day and he remains among the top uncommitted recruits in America.

There are two programs worth tracking closely down the stretch. Texas and Nebraska are battling it out.

The Huskers could send some shockwaves with a huge win with the versatile offensive weapon. But it should be made clear that the smart money is on the Longhorns, and coach Steve Sarkisian is not one you want to bet against.

 

LAMONT ROGERS, FIVE-STAR OT (MISSOURI COMMIT)

Mesquite (Texas) Horn five-star offensive lineman Lamont Rogers committed to Missouri in July. It was a massive win for head coach Eliah Drinkwitz and the Tigers.

However, just a week out from Signing Day, and both myself and fellow 247Sports national recruiting analyst Mike Roach firmly have our Crystal Ball predictions cemented on Texas A&M. We don't see the Aggies losing out on the coveted tackle prospect.

No, Missouri hasn't done anything wrong during Rogers' recruitment. But Texas A&M, coach Mike Elko and the Aggies as a whole have something cooking right now, and we believe that Rogers has bought into what they are building in College Station.

 

LINKON CURE, FIVE-STAR TE (KANSAS STATE COMMIT)

Goodland (Kan.) High five-star tight end Linkon Cure has been committed to Kansas State since July. The elite pass catcher decided to stay home and play in front of his friends and family in the Sunflower State.

However, the one threat in this recruitment has always been Oregon. In fact, right before he initially committed to the Wildcats, Cure was leaning toward the Ducks.

Well, Kansas State fans, don't get too comfortable quite yet. Cure will be in Eugene this weekend to watch Oregon take on Washington. The Wildcats will be sweating this one out as the Ducks make one more push to flip the coveted prospect.

 

ISAIAH CAMPBELL, FOUR-STAR DL

Durham (N.C.) Southern Top100 defensive end Isaiah Campbell was a longtime Clemson commit, but coach Dabo Swinney and his staff aren't under consideration down the stretch. Campbell decommited Sept. 21 and all eyes were on two schools at that point.

Tennessee and North Carolina are the finalists for Campbell, who's very close to making a final decision. He visited Tennessee in October and returned in November and loved everything about both trips.

Campbell then made his way to Chapel Hill for a late-season official visit and that trip to see North Carolina may have been a game changer. The one-time Volunteer lean quickly became torn between both programs.

Sources maintain that distance could play a factor here and work in the Tar Heels' favor. But with UNC firing coach Mack Brown, could Campbell actually sign with a program without a coach? We'll know much more in the coming days.

 

DEREK MEADOWS, FOUR-STAR WR (LSU COMMIT)

Las Vegas Bishop Gorman Top100 receiver Derek Meadows is another longtime LSU commit who is looking to be flipped at the last second by multiple schools. When he committed to the Tigers in July, 247Sports made it clear that this recruitment was far from over.

In fact, we considered LSU the favorite in most cases, but nobody felt like this commitment was extremely solid or as if Meadows' process was over. Notre Dame, the early favorite for Meadows, has been pushing to try and land his commitment.

However, they are having little to no success on that front. Michigan is the perceived favorite by the majority of the public. 247Sports Crystal Ball picks and predictions are in favor of the Wolverines, especially after Underwood flipped from LSU to Michigan.

But one more suitor is still very much in play — Alabama. Coach Kalen DeBoer, offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard have been relentless over the past few weeks in an attempt to get Meadows in Alabama's class, and he has been receptive.

We'll know soon where he's headed, but this Michigan-Alabama battle is one to keep a very close eye on.

 

JAHKEEM STEWART, FOUR-STAR DL

New Orleans Edna Karr Top100 defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is closing in on a final decision. The heavy hitters in play include USC, LSU, Oregon and Ohio State.

Early on, many pegged him to land on the West Coast with the Trojans. There were a lot of signs pointing toward coach Lincoln Riley eventually securing his commitment.

As time went on, others started gaining traction with the coveted prospect. LSU has plenty of reasons for optimism, and the Tigers are a clear threat to keep him at home.

However, most sources I speak with have him leaving the state. That leave USC, Oregon and Ohio State. Despite being known for a late splash every cycle, connected sources don't believe that Oregon is going to go all in on securing Stewart's commitment.

That leaves the Buckeyes and Trojans. USC made a big, big move earlier this month during his visit to Los Angeles, and all of the early hype between both sides took off once again.

All that remains is a trip to Columbus this coming weekend. If Stewart takes the trip and Ohio State does everything possible to land his commitment, look out.

However, the smart money at this point is on USC. They have made it extremely clear how badly he's wanted out West, and signs point toward the Trojans getting that one done as of today.

(Editor's note: Loy and Roach have since logged Crystal Balls for Stewart to USC.)

 

 

 

What’s the hold up on Terry? The kid has the opportunity to play RB, WR, and TE in a real offense in the SEC. Nostradamus couldn’t tell you Nebraska’s OC or offensive scheme next year. 

[texifornia 57,176]

8 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

What’s the hold up on Terry? The kid has the opportunity to play RB, WR, and TE in a real offense in the SEC. Nostradamus couldn’t tell you Nebraska’s OC or offensive scheme next year. 

He's said NSD from the jump. Might just like the suspense (see: his UT/NU birthday cake)

[Napoleon 8,703]

10 hours ago, HuttNuts said:

Not to mention, Venables fired his OC and the OL coach is in limbo. We don't know what offense or who is going to coach it, but don't you dare take other visits. Genius level policy

WHAT?!?!?!

When did this happen???

Has anyone told the recruit? This could make a big difference, but not until...

...the end of the day.

[Ghost of Shag 2,618]

Need to get Fasusi. Aggie can’t get both him and Rogers.

[Mother mopar 3,325]

15 minutes ago, Ghost of Shag said:

Need to get Fasusi. Aggie can’t get both him and Rogers.

Do we? We've got guys in the cue developing. Not to mention, it's not like we're putting Tristan Nickelson out there  if we don't sign him. 

[BurntOrange&White 40,049]

31 minutes ago, Mother mopar said:

Do we? We've got guys in the cue developing. Not to mention, it's not like we're putting Tristan Nickelson out there  if we don't sign him. 

Personally I’d rather him stay at OU but if he were to flip I’d prefer it to be to us over Aggie. They don’t need to high caliber OL like that. 

[SydneyCarton 48,212]

37 minutes ago, Mother mopar said:

Do we? We've got guys in the cue developing. Not to mention, it's not like we're putting Tristan Nickelson out there  if we don't sign him. 

Read the second half of his post, dude. 

the pancake factory nailed Kelvin Banks and Cam Williams. How’s that working for us right now? And you don’t think it’s a big deal if aTm signs two five star tackles in the same class? 

 

[hook me 2,109]

27 minutes ago, Mother mopar said:

Do we? We've got guys in the cue developing. Not to mention, it's not like we're putting Tristan Nickelson out there  if we don't sign him. 

Sure hope Sark isn't thinking this way. We're looking at back-to-back playoff appearances not hoping for a Texas Bowl berth. If you find that enjoyable you should want us to get every 5* OL/DL out there. You think  Kirby Smart is thinking "Oh I don't need another 5* OL/DL because I have enough"? Yeah, no. Too many injuries, busts, & transfers to not be trying to get the best of the best every year & since we're possibly losing both of our starting tackles we can't take any chances. Take all of the OL & DL prospects you can get and let them sort it out in camp. 

[Shonen 125]

20 hours ago, Tex Pete said:

That is buy-in! Says a lot about Baxter’s character. And Whittington, Bijan, Brooks. The Texas Football culture.

It’s why signing a #1 class with a lot of money bags can’t buy wins. 

That's why Sark reiterates every off-season that he is building a team and not just assembling talent. You need a cohesive unit of guys bought in to WE before ME to make it through a full season and the CFP. 

[D3zii 3,733]

58 minutes ago, SydneyCarton said:

Read the second half of his post, dude. 

the pancake factory nailed Kelvin Banks and Cam Williams. How’s that working for us right now? And you don’t think it’s a big deal if aTm signs two five star tackles in the same class? 

 

Spot on take. 

[Js1 85,612]

1 hour ago, Mother mopar said:

Do we? We've got guys in the cue developing. Not to mention, it's not like we're putting Tristan Nickelson out there  if we don't sign him. 

Queue 

[Reynolds Woodcock 4,809]

1 hour ago, SydneyCarton said:

Read the second half of his post, dude. 

the pancake factory nailed Kelvin Banks and Cam Williams. How’s that working for us right now? And you don’t think it’s a big deal if aTm signs two five star tackles in the same class? 

 

Exactly. Who knows if these guys will pan out, but we are a prime example of how hitting on an offensive line class can be program changing. And, missing on 3 5 star in state tackles in one class kind of stings, even if we have legit guys already on campus for once.

 

[Keef 784]

1 hour ago, Js1 said:

Queue 

Out here correcting spelling on a football message board on thanksgiving. #respect

[irishtexan 11,525]

4 minutes ago, Keef said:

Out here correcting spelling on a football message board on thanksgiving. #respect

grammar*

[Mother mopar 3,325]

If he comes here, great, I'll pull for him, if not cool. Doesn't matter, much like stars, rankings and spelling erros on message boards. 

[utfan87 409]

I’m confused when fasusi was committed to Oklahoma he doesn’t love football but now that he’s back open we want him? What happened to him not being all in on football?

Edited 1 hour ago by utfan87

[Dbeasy 15,106]

2 minutes ago, utfan87 said:

I’m confused when fasusi was committed to Oklahoma he doesn’t love football but now that he’s back open we want him? What happened to him not being all in on football?

[UDontKnow 10,450]

19 minutes ago, Mother mopar said:

If he comes here, great, I'll pull for him, if not cool. Doesn't matter, much like stars, rankings and spelling erros on message boards. 

*errors

[Hookem10 763]

Why would I be scared of fasusi going to aggy. They can have the 85 bears over there and I would still expect to beat them because it’s in their dna. I think he’s gonna go to aggy and we’re gonna fuck him up anyway. 

[Sgt. Slaughter 2,841]

1 hour ago, Reynolds Woodcock said:

Exactly. Who knows if these guys will pan out.

You can stop here. 

[texifornia 57,176]

33 minutes ago, Sgt. Slaughter said:

You can stop here. 

Even with OL being more of a crapshoot than most positions, highly ranked recruits pan out more often than 3-stars.

[FCB 37]

56 minutes ago, utfan87 said:

I’m confused when fasusi was committed to Oklahoma he doesn’t love football but now that he’s back open we want him? What happened to him not being all in on football?

Denial of resources. Optics on this class. 

And if/when he nopes out in a year or so, no big loss, cus we got other guys since. 

[closetojumping 62,891]

1 hour ago, utfan87 said:

I’m confused when fasusi was committed to Oklahoma he doesn’t love football but now that he’s back open we want him? What happened to him not being all in on football?

For my part, I’ve always said you take him because he’s got 5 star talent, even if he doesn’t love football. If you can fix that, you’ve got a star. If he goes elsewhere, good luck to them making it happen and not the end of the world for Texas. 

I don’t really see why things like this are so hard for people to grasp. That’s not inconsistent thinking or being homers. This isn’t a board that does that. Still, every time something like this kind of opportunity comes around, we see these kinds of lazy “gotcha” drive-by posts.