Biggest gets in 2015: Mid-South
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The Texas Longhorns were putting together a nice recruiting class, but Jefferson took it to another level. His commitment gave Texas a big win over Texas A&M and turned the heads of many top recruits. It was a bit of a surprise, considering many thought Texas A&M had been leader for much of Jefferson's recruiting process. After Jefferson committed, he immediately started recruiting for Texas, which prompted many top recruits to at least give the Longhorns a second look.
Jefferson's addition was also huge considering the Longhorns saw both Steve Edmonds and Jordan Hicks graduate. The five-star linebacker enrolled early at Texas and will go through spring ball with the Longhorns. He will not be given a starting spot, but he will have an opportunity to be a big contributor during his first season in Austin. His attitude, work ethic, and playmaking ability should help him become an early leader for a Texas defense looking for a few fresh faces to step forward.
3
DQB
Stephenville (Texas)
Art Briles and the Baylor Bears said goodbye to All-American Bryce Petty but Jarrett Stidham will definitely lessen the blow. The Under Armour All-American is the highest ranked quarterback recruit Briles has signed since arriving in Waco. Plus, Stidham is an early enrollee, so he will go through spring practice with the Bears.
Stidham was a longtime Texas Tech commitment before having a change of heart in December. He has all the tools to compete for the starting job as a true freshman. Baylor does have Seth Russell, who has been the backup to Petty the last few years, but even if Stidham does not grab the starting job to start the 2015 season, look for him to see action early. If Stidham does grab the starting position, history tells us big numbers are in his immediate future.
4
WR
New Orleans (La.) Warren Easton
For the longest time, it appeared Tyron Johnson just might be headed out of state. LSU was there from the beginning but Texas Tech was at the top of his list for much of the recruiting process and Auburn also made a strong push. Ultimately, however, Johnson gave the Tigers another explosive offensive weapon, the state's No. 1 overall prospect, and a big win over SEC counterparts, when he chose LSU.
The Tigers have some big weapons returning on offense, but Johnson is the kind of player who can thrive once he arrives in Baton Rouge. He has a strong work ethic and is unafraid. He likes to get physical and he runs great routes. He will make a strong push to see the field as a true freshman as the Tigers and Cam Cameron look to open up the offense. He can also have a big impact as a return man on special teams.
5
DT
Gladewater (Texas)
Mack was one of the first commitments of Texas A&M's 2015 recruiting class and he was one of the biggest recruiters for the Aggies. The standout East Texas defender was one of the more influential recruits in the state of Texas and he played a key role in securing commitments from several top prospects. He was also the top defensive tackle in the region and one of the best in the country. He did decommit from Texas A&M late in the process before recommitting to Texas A&M over TCU and Texas on National Signing Day.
In addition to being one of the most highly regarded prospects in the region, Mack also helps solidify a need in the trenches for Texas A&M. Look for Mack to find a spot in the defensive line rotation as a true freshman. Texas A&M returns Alonzo Williams at the quick tackle position, but Mack is expected to make a strong push for time right away.
Jason Howell
Mid-South Recruiting Analyst
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