Four-star DT Markis Deal entering final stages of recruitment

GARLAND, Texas — With a little more than two months to Early Signing Day, Garland (Texas) Naaman Forest four-star defensive tackle Markis Deal is the fourth-highest ranked recruit from the state of Texas that remains uncommitted, as the versatile lineman continues to hammer out steps in his recruiting process.

Georgia, TCU and Texas are among the programs that have remained in contention towards the end of his process as each have hosted him for visits this season and remain in heavy communication.

"I try to focus on d-line play, how they're playing and whose d-line is playing together as a unit," Deal said about what he's looking at late in his process. "Trying to see which one I'd fit in better."

His most recent campus visit was to TCU for the Horned Frogs' win over Oklahoma where the speed was on display at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

"TCU's run game was crazy, they're quick," he said. "I saw a report that they had six people over 20 miles-per-hour. They put in a lot of work and they're close to home so I've seen a lot of practices. Just seeing the work that they put in and the outcome they got was awesome."

At Georgia, defensive line coach Tray Scott has been a big reason why the Bulldogs will have a shot at the end due to his consistent communication.

"I talk to Coach Scott probably twice a week and then texting every once in a while, checking on me and telling me good luck," he said. "Our communication has always been really good, but he gives me my privacy at the same time. That's what I really like about Coach Scott."

At Texas, improvements up front have been something that Deal has taken notice of, especially during his visit for the game against Alabama.

"Their d-line, they use their hands really well and get off the ball really quick," he said. "The Alabama game really stood out to me, the d-line probably had the best game I've seen in a while. They stopped the run and got some sacks getting after the quarterback."

As for a decision timeline, Deal is pondering where he will take his last official visit. After that visit is taken, he will be heading into decision mode.

"Probably after the season after I take my last official if I know where I want to go then I'll commit then," he said.

At 6-foot-6, 290 pounds, Deal is the No. 226 ranked recruit in the country for the class of 2023, according to Rivals. He is the No. 10 ranked defensive tackle in the country and the No. 41 ranked recruit from the state of Texas.