Five to watch for 2018: Texas
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Texas will certainly live up to its reputation as a top talent-producing state with its 2018 crop. Many in the class have already collected a number of national offers and, of course, the big in-state programs will all compete with each other for the homegrown talent as well.
Here is a look at five who could be vying for five-stars in the future.
Recruiting wrap: Foster recently has picked up offers from Tennessee and North Carolina after collecting Baylor, Houston, TCU and Texas A&M offers early on in his recruitment.
Why we should watch: Foster has the potential to finish as the top defensive back in the class as a safety with elite cover skills. He is also a head-turner as a running back for Angleton. Most of Foster’s offers have come as a defensive back and that’s the position he wants to play. He’s as deliberate of a hitter as he is opportunistic at picking off passes and has the speed to be a disruption anywhere on defense.
Who he’s up against: Tyreke Johnson and Derrik Allen, most notably. Despite his prowess on offense, Foster is committed to being the best defensive back he can be, but Johnson opens the 2018 rankings as a five-star at the safety position. Both Johnson and Allen have exceptional cover skills for the position as well, so Foster immediately finds himself in pretty good company.
Recent recruit comparison: Quin Blanding, 2014
Recruiting wrap: Muhammad has offers Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas and many others.
Why we should watch: Muhammad fits the ideal mold of a prototypical elite pass-catching tight end. He has the athleticism and ability to line up out wide as a receiver and has a tremendous catch radius. He is continuing to fill out his 6-5 frame but when he’s on the field, it will be to move chains and score touchdowns rather than block defenders in the run game. He impressed at the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour in New Orleans by making a variety of catches despite some very good coverage at times.
Who he’s up against: Malcolm Epps, Zack Kuntz and Brevin Jordan are all top options at tight end in the Rivals100. Epps and Kuntz compare most similarly to Muhammad as dangerous, tall receiving threats at the position. Epps has been committed to Alabama, but Muhammad could very well end up playing against him for another SEC team. Epps is a bonafide jump-ball winner, but Muhammad looks like he could finish as the most athletic of the group.
Recent recruit comparison: O.J. Howard, 2013
Recruiting wrap: Cook’s recruitment has blown up as of late; he’s recently added offers from Georgia, LSU and Texas A&M to a group that already included Oklahoma, Nebraska, TCU and others.
Why we should watch: Cook is a cornerback that makes receivers miserable in press and man coverage. He has a good sense of when to get his head around in coverage and make a play on the ball and doesn’t try pick off a pass when his best play is to bat the pass away. While on the camp circuit this spring, he has shown over and over his ability to match receivers step-for-step and always drives on a receiver’s hands at the critical moment.
Who he’s up against: In Texas, Verone McKinley III is his top competition at the position. Elsewhere, Brendan Radley-Hiles, Kelvin Joseph and Kalon Gervin will all challenge with Cook in a deep and talented cornerback group. Cook has a lean build on a long frame but isn’t afraid to challenge physically. He could potentially end up as the best combination of size and ability as he continues to fill out, but the 2018 defensive back group could be its most elite position.
Recent recruit comparison: Jalen Tabor, 2014
Recruiting wrap: Avery has been picking up more offers recently with Baylor, Colorado and Nebraska adding to his offer list. Illinois, Rice and Texas-San Antonio are also early offers for the Dallas-area defensive tackle.
Why we should watch: Avery is already a dominant defensive tackle playing alongside 2017 recruit Damion Daniels, who has an extraordinary offer list of his own. The most impressive thing about Avery is the quickness he plays with at his size. Despite playing playing for a small school against like competition, Avery routinely makes plays in the backfield before they have a chance to get off the ground.
Who he’s up against: D'Andre Litaker, Trevor Trout, Taron Vincent and a few others match the size and profile of Avery. He should continue to look good on a high school team that does well to develop top-level talent, but should hold his own against other prospects if he continues to build on the aspects of his athleticism that make him an intriguing prospect right now. Several other in-state recruits like Keondre Coburn could also challenge him for position in future ranking cycles.
Recent recruit comparison: Daylon Mack, 2015
Recruiting wrap: Preston has an impressive list of national offers including LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and many more.
Why we should watch: Preston is an interesting prospect as a wide receiver. He is still improving his timing while catching passes and should continue to work on polishing up his route-running, but has already managed to construct a significant offer list with his physical potential. Preston does well to position his body in the best place to make a catch and as he continues to shore up his hands, will be a nuisance for defensive backs to try and cover.
Who he’s up against: Brian Hightower, Joseph Scates, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahan Dotson and others. If Preston is to find himself among the top perimeter wide receivers in 2018, he is going to have to continue to improve in the areas mentioned. However, if he can catch those skills up with where he is headed physically, he can challenge as the top receiver in the class.
Recent recruit comparison: George Campbell, 2015