The class of 2024 is set to make recruiting decisions official come Wednesday, but the 2025 class is still plenty busy in claiming spots as well.
One of the emerging talents among the junior class is Calhoun (Ga.) High School standout Emaree Winston, who recently trimmed his list to a group of finalists including Ohio State, Texas and UCF. Days later, he is ready for the next step in announcing a commitment.
"I would like to continue my college career at the University of Texas," Winston told Rivals. "I see what they do with their tight ends now. Austin, I only went one time but I loved it. The people in Austin, it just felt like home.
"Hook 'em!"
The junior tight end, who lined up all over the field for CHS in 2023, admits to growing up a Georgia football fan and certainly one who followed the SEC closely. Texas joining the conference played a big part in the Longhorns winning out in his recruitment.
"I always told my mom I wanted to play in the SEC," Winston said. "God gave me the opportunity to play there.
"That helped me make some of the decision."
The newest UT pledge laughed at the thought of going against the Bulldogs at some point, even joking about which team his family would pull for in his home state.
Winston says playing time and the wide open scheme under Steve Sarkisian was also part of the reason to pick Texas. Doing so early on has its positives as well.
"I want to focus on my high school team," he said. "And if you like the school, you like the school. You're focusing on that one team, you're not looking all over the place."
As a junior, Winston worked multiple positions on the football field, including on defense in helping CHS to a half-dozen wins. The projected tight end also shines on the basketball court, already averaging 12 points and 12 rebounds per game early in his varsity campaign this winter.
Winston is just the second verbal commitment for UT in the class of 2025, joining Rivals100 quarterback KJ Lacey on board early on.
