THE SITUATION
Thursday represented another benchmark date in the build of Texas A&M's star-studded 2022 class.
Rivals250 tight end Donovan Green gave a commitment to the Aggies alongside Dickinson (Texas) High teammate Patrick Williams (more on that here). They joined Rivals100 defensive end Malick Sylla -- who pledged to Texas A&M on Sunday -- as the inaugural pieces of the Aggies 2022 recruiting haul.
Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Southern Cal and Ole Miss were other finalists for the four-star prospect, who is currently tabbed as the No. 169 player in the country and No. 2 tight end overall.
Green, who has been a star tight end for Dickinson, follows fellow Gator Jalen Wydermyer to College Station.
Certainly, it's clear Jimbo Fisher and his coaching staff have put an emphasis on the elite Houston talent in next year's cycle. The Aggies have already ascended to the No. 14-ranked class in 2022 nationally on Rivals with its first three members.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
"We (Green and Williams) always said we wanted to keep playing together. We both got a lot of the same schools to offer. That's why I would throw hints about a package to schools that he didn't have. But I texted him and said I think I'm going to commit and he said if it's A&M I'm in ... and it was set."
"We can have the No. 1 class in the nation with players from Texas. Our class is loaded, so why leave the state? It's all ready for us."
"The coaching change at one school made it easier for me, but A&M has been on upward track and it's close to home. Coach (James) Coley and Coach (Jimbo) Fisher mainly (were why). We are about to blow up."
RIVALS REACTION
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Green has been an All-District 24-6A each of the past two seasons. As a junior, he reeled in 15 catches for 271 yards and a touchdown, a year removed from his breakout sophomore campaign in which he turned 34 grabs into 615 yards and five touchdowns. Green was a MaxPreps All-American in 2019.
Green boasts a background in basketball and track and his ability to run downfield with speed is uncanny for the position. He's a long-strider capable of separating from defenders and can stretch the field vertically. His athleticism is glaring and he's very sure-handed.
Green makes the majority of his catches away from his body and can hold on to make receptions in traffic. He excels at making plays after the fact and doesn't shy away from attacking the seams, outside the numbers or making catches in the middle of the field.
There is no doubt that Green is one of the most gifted pass-catching tight ends in the country. He has also put a large emphasis on improving as a blocker, too. He lines up as a flex tight end and as an in-line blocker. He's a willing blocker that uses his length to drive defenders out of the picture and has knockdown potential. He's a plus-blocker that'll continue to make strides with added strength as he fills out his frame.