BREAKING: Rivals250 DE James Sylvester commits to TCU
THE SITUATION
TCU has been red-hot on the recruiting trail over the past 24, adding a trio of commitments. That momentum carried into Monday evening as well.
Coach Gary Patterson secured the biggest commitment to date in the form of Rivals250 defensive end James Sylvester, who picked the Horned Frogs over Texas A&M, LSU, Oklahoma State, Georgia and Oregon.
Sylvester is the second four-star to join TCU's 2020 class, which is now up to seven verbal commitments and quickly ascending on the Rivals national team rankings.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
"TCU is amazing. They're amazing people. They treat me like I'm one of their own like I already played there. On the visit, it felt like I was back at Newton. It was great."
"LSU, TCU, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State were coming at me hardest. Some of them act certain ways more than others (schools). I'm closest with Coach (Zarnell) Fitch, Coach (Jeremy) Modkins and Coach P (Gary Patterson)."
"I was looking for a good atmosphere. They have got to have a great atmosphere, good facilities for me to get my education."
"The biggest thing for me is how the coaches are with the players. I want the team to be aggressive. You can tell when you look and see how they act on the field. If they're good, that's where I'd lean toward more."
RIVALS REACTION
TCU landed the highly sought-after Newton (Texas) defensive end, its second prospect from the state championship-winning program in as many recruiting cycles. Of course, the Horned Frogs were able to hold onto four-star tailback Darwin Barlow last year. A second consecutive Newton product gives TCU as much recruiting momentum in the country for a program not named Clemson.
Sylvester is one of the elite pass-rushers in the state and the country. He's 6-foot-5 and now up to 240 pounds, playing weak-side end for his high school but will shift all over the defensive line. Last season, Sylvester tallied 8.0 sacks and at a lighter weight was able to out-muscle opposing offensive tackles. He sheds blockers with ease with his quick hands. He also possesses fantastic lateral quickness for a prospect of his size.
The four-star generates consistent pressure with a nonstop motor. He is insanely quick off the edge and even when he doesn't reach the quarterback, he affects the play with his long arms and ability to knock down passes. Sylvester takes great angles in pursuit of the quarterback and, at times, appears unblockable.
This is a colossal get for Coach Patterson and co., who staved off a strong recent push from Texas A&M, which got the Rivals250 prospect on campus in April. TCU hosted Sylvester over the weekend for an official visit and has been trending since. The staff checked off several of his main boxes, including their coaching style, the atmosphere on campus and education.
Sylvester was previously scheduled to take an official visit to LSU on June 20, for what it's worth. He was also in the process of booking an official visit to Oklahoma State for July.
