Introducing 2017 stars: Texas
Here is a look at the top 10 uncommitted prospects in the Lone Star State and where their recruitments stand as the offseason continues.
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Scouting report: Wilson is the No. 1 player in the nation and plays like a force of nature as much as anything else. He has great timing when holding the point and reading what’s happening in the backfield. He plays nose tackle for his high school but has the ideal build and athleticism to play as a pass-rushing defensive tackle on a four-man line. Wilson’s ability to shake blockers not only helps him as a disruptor behind the line of scrimmage, but compliments his motor as an active defender.
Recruiting breakdown: Texas, LSU, Texas A&M, Baylor, USC, Alabama, FSU and Michigan are all in pursuit. Texas and LSU seem to be the front-runners. The Tigers would seem to be the more conventional choice for an elite defensive lineman and Wilson has the skills to play as a 3-4 defensive end at the college level.
Prediction: LSU
Scouting report: Okudah is the top-rated safety in the Rivals rankings with good reason. He has the cover skills and instinct of a corner, but attacks ball-carriers like a heat-seeking missile. He's a threat from anywhere on the field on both sides of the ball and can single-handedly turn a game on its head with an impact play. Okudah is usually around the ball at the end of a play, even if he has to sprint the length of the field to do so.
Recruiting breakdown: Okudah has a long list of national offers, but Ohio State has been in the driver's seat for months. Texas has been creeping up in his recruitment as of late, but before recently, the longhorns weren't even factoring in to his Top 10. Alabama, Baylor, LSU and Stanford can't be counted out, either.
Prediction: Ohio State
Scouting report: In the run game, Deculus will always win the battle when he gets the jump and is able to make first contact. He doesn’t always extend his arms when delivering a block because at 6-6, 310 pounds, he rarely is at a size or strength disadvantage. As a pass-blocker, he could stand to improve technically with his footwork, but his athleticism and anticipation helps him stay in front of pass-rushers consistently.
Recruiting breakdown: LSU, Alabama, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Michigan have all been recruiting Deculus hard, but he has been spotted in Baton Rouge most frequently. Despite joining a crowded offensive line group should he commit, it seems as though LSU is the front-runner. Deculus has announced he’ll make his commitment known on May 20.
Prediction: LSU
Scouting report: At 6-4, 230 pounds, Browning is bigger than most other players at his position, yet he’s also athletic enough to play safety for his school as well. It’s clear that his future is at linebacker, and appropriately so, as he is a decisive and explosive tackler. Browning’s sense of timing both as a pass-rusher and in coverage make him a weapon anywhere on defense. He’s rarely seen over-running plays and has superb natural instincts and vision to take the best course to the ball.
Recruiting breakdown: After backing off a commitment to Baylor, other schools have become more present in Browning’s recruitment, and he has since added another five offers. With a list of schools to choose from as long as anyone else’s in the country, it could come down to where he chooses to take his official visits. Texas has been making a push after a strong showing at its most recent Junior Day, and his father played at TCU.
Prediction: Texas
Scouting report: Calloway is a sure tackler that naturally seems to get his head on the ball to create turnovers. In pass coverage, he makes good decisions and always works to get a hand in to break up passes. He’s a very physical press-corner that wins battles with receivers by knocking them off their routes at the line of scrimmage. He does his homework and knows when to jump passes, and works hard to get back to the ball when it’s elsewhere on the field.
Recruiting breakdown: Baylor has been the most visible school in Calloway’s recruitment and he has offers from all the major in-state schools. Calloway’s commitment seems to be Baylor’s to lose, but there also appears to be some room for out-of-state schools to make a push. Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame and Oklahoma all could emerge as Calloway plays through his senior season.
Prediction: Baylor
Scouting report: Little is the total package in an offensive lineman; a violent road-grader in the run game and an imposing road block in the pass game. At 6-7, 300 pounds, he has the prototypical size for the position. Little has the athleticism to pull and level defenders on sweeps and toss plays, and routinely has his way with defenders at the second level. He keeps a solid base in pass protection and finishes his blocks well.
Recruiting breakdown: One can never discount the in-state schools in the mix for Little and Texas could be the front-runner of the group for now. Alabama and Ole Miss were early SEC schools to offer him, but since December, other conference programs have thrown their names into the hat. Little seems best-suited for a more traditional offensive system and is interested in high-level academic programs, which could keep Stanford as a contender until the end.
Prediction: Ole Miss
Scouting report: Hines is a sudden, angry tackler that rarely goes for a ride when meeting the ball-carrier. He’s able to generate a lot of power in his hits without needing a ton of momentum. He’s slippery when blitzing and sheds blocks from linemen hoping to hold him up at the second level. He also is a comfortable tackler in space. Hines’ ability to diagnose plays coupled with his quick reactions make him an elite run-stopper.
Recruiting breakdown: Every school in the country seemingly thinks it has a shot with Hines, as he is still collecting offers from the likes of Colorado State, Cincinnati and Tulane despite already holding offers from numerous championship-level programs. Meanwhile, Hines has taken recent junior day visits to Oklahoma and Texas – the two schools that appear to be leading in his recruitment.
Prediction: Oklahoma
Scouting report: Tucker could potentially grow out of the safety position he currently plays for his high school, but if he does, he could still play as a nickel safety at the next level. He has a nose for the ball and likes lighting opponents up with big hits, however, he sometimes looks more to deliver the boom than to wrap guys up. This year, he could be effective at any position behind the defensive line, but in college, he might take a season to truly latch onto a specific position.
Recruiting breakdown: Tucker recently announced a top five that included Houston, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas and UCLA, with Texas thought to be the front-runner. Since then, Alabama has offered, but it remains to be seen how the Crimson Tide could shake up that list. He’s still waiting on an LSU offer, but seems willing to let the recruitment process play out during his senior season.
Prediction: Alabama
Scouting report: Manning often did twice the work he needed to as a vertical threat last season, first beating his defender off the line, then beating said defender again by having to come back to catch underthrown deep balls. Manning is more than just a one-trick pony; he does a masterful job of adjusting to the ball in the air, he catches passes well with defenders on his back and he meets the ball to catch it with his hands. Physically, he’s solidly built, and he has good instincts as a ball-carrier.
Recruiting breakdown: A recent Alabama offer has triggered a recent wave of offers for Manning, who soon after landed more from Auburn, Notre Dame, Texas, Tennessee and Oregon. Prior to the influx of top-level offers, nearby TCU had been looked to as Manning’s top contender. Manning will almost certainly take some time to sort through the sudden outpouring of attention and a close eye should be kept on which visits he’ll choose to take.
Prediction: TCU
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