Cole's Corner: Lone Star State prospects shine as regular season ends
Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Cole Patterson highlights some of the best prospects that he saw in action during the final week of regular season play in the Lone Star State, featuring multiple SEC commitments and highly touted recruits.
MORE PATTERSON: Five Mid-South prospects that should have more offers
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The stars were out in a big way during the final regular season week of the Texas high school season. On Thursday, Ohio State commit Payton Pierce delivered a monster performance in a district title-winning effort with 21 tackles, two sacks and a rushing touchdown.
Pierce, who had an injury-plagued junior campaign, looked like the best player on the field in Lovejoy's 28-7 win over Melissa. It was the type of performance that Pierce needed headed into the postseason and reminded everybody that he is still one of the best at his position across the country.
“I really feel like I am the best player in the country at my position," Pierce told Rivals.com after the game.
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DJ Lagway made a loud statement on Friday night. Playing against a team loaded with FBS prospects, the Florida commitment put on a show to the tune of six touchdowns – four passing, two rushing – and no shortage of highlight-reel plays.
Whether it was his arm or legs, Lagway was impactful all night long as Willis scored nearly 50 points versus a defense that features five-star Justin Williams and four-star defensive end Joseph Jonah-Ajonye. Lagway was extending plays with his legs, making throws from the pocket and making smart decisions throughout the four quarters.
Lagway put his best foot forward in showing why he deserves to reach five-star status at the next Rivals rankings update. Based on his season as a whole – an undefeated regular season with video game numbers to match – and his outing in the season finale, Lagway will certainly earn serious consideration.
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Daylan McCutcheon has stepped up in a big way while emerging as a true go-to pass catcher as a junior. With Texas commit Parker Livingstone sidelined with injury, McCutcheon made seven grabs for 110 yards and a 54-yard score on a deep ball where he beat his man off the line.
McCutcheon’s stock is hot heading into the Texas playoffs. He was just at Ohio State, where Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline personally extended an offer. The four-star acknowledged that was big for him, as the Buckeyes have a rich tradition of producing elite talent out wide.
Notre Dame also figures to be a strong early contender. He was in the building for the Fighting Irish's big win over USC earlier this season and has developed a connection with the staff in South Bend. It doesn't hurt that four-star QB Deuce Knight is in his ear, too.
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Jermaine Bishop has an argument to being the most impressive player on the field in a loaded matchup between Willis and Conroe Oak Ridge. The sophomore played all three ways last Friday night, making a sizable impact every time that he could. Bishop grabbed a one-handed touchdown from Lagway, intercepted two passes - including a pick-six - and forced a fumble near the goal line, preventing a scoring opportunity.
The 6-foot, near 150-pound athlete is a do-it-all threat and one of the more impressive players that I have had a chance to see in person this season. Texas A&M is an early contender as the Aggies recently hosted him for a game. Florida is also in the mix, partially due to the Lagway connection.
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Five-star linebacker Justin Williams wasted no time in living up to his lofty status and backing up why he is considered one of the premier prospects, regardless of position, in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Against Lagway and Willis, the future Bulldog made three first half sacks, including getting to the future Gators signal caller twice on the same drive.
But even when he wasn't getting home or adding to his box score, Williams flashed big-time ability. He played a spy role for parts of the game to help neutralize Lagway's legs as much as possible. Williams was also used a blitzer, dropped back in coverage and ran sideline-to-sideline with ease.
There's no overthinking with this one - Williams is a bona fide five-star talent that should find a role very quickly in Athens for KIrby Smart and company.
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Not to be forgotten, the dynamic duo of Georgia commit Joseph Jonah-Ajonye and uncommitted high three-star Favour Awodoyin also made splash plays on Friday night. JJA played the run well as usual and created pressure on Lagway on passing downs. The 6-foot-5 and 260-pounder is just scratching the surface and is a high-ceiling prospect for the next level.
Awodoyin was sidelined before returning to action for last week's showdown. And, like his two aforementioned teammates, showed out. The uncommitted defensive end got to Lagway twice for two sacks and was in the backfield throughout the four quarters of play. Not only does he pass the eye test with ease, but he also let his play do the talking.
Georgia Tech looks to be in best position at this point in Awodoyin's recruitment, hosting him on campus recently. That said, it wouldn't come as much surprise to see more programs jump into the mix before the early signing period.