Texas Four-Cast: Updates on region's top recruits
Official visit schedules and experiences are starting to clear up questions about some of the most sought-after recruits in Texas. Even some committed prospects are reconsidering some of their options heading into the second half of the college football season. Here is an update on four of the state's biggest names.
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The situation: Browning is looking to commit on Nov. 29, just days after his final scheduled official visit to Ohio State for the Buckeyes’ game against Michigan. He took his first official to Ann Arbor on the first weekend of October. Browning also has visits scheduled to Alabama, Florida State and UCLA.
The favorite: Ohio State
Browning will be in Columbus alongside fellow Rivals100 top-10 players Marvin Wilson and Jeffrey Okudah. Wilson and Okudah were both in Norman for the Buckeyes' win over Oklahoma in mid-September. No doubt the three of them will be considering a potential future together while they’re there, but Browning has made no secret of his interest in Ohio State for months now.
The other option: Michigan
Michigan has been making a concerted effort to win Browning’s affection and his recruiting contact, and defensive line coach Greg Mattison is expected to be at his game this week. With the resurgence of the program under Jim Harbaugh and one of the country’s top defenses this season, the Wolverines have some good momentum at the moment.
But don’t count out: TCU
TCU isn’t due for an official visit, primarily because of Browning’s familiarity with and proximity to campus. The Horned Frogs still appear to be the favored in-state option for him, but the buzz hasn’t been as obvious with TCU after having been in the picture for so long.
The situation: Calloway is committed to Iowa, but has been looking around recently as he’s taken visits to Nebraska and Arkansas. The Hawkeyes are still due for an official, but he’s tentatively considering rounding out his visit schedule with trips to Ole Miss and Texas.
The favorite: Iowa
Despite losing some ground recently with him, he’s still committed to the Hawkeyes. It would be one thing if there weren’t so many other Iowa commitments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area around to work on him to stay committed, in which case Calloway would likely be even less of a lock. However, it seems the distance that has occurred between the two parties could be thanks to too much reliance on those fellow commits.
The other option: Nebraska
The Huskers seem like a strong contender as a second option because of head coach Mike Riley. Personal relationships seem to be a heavy factor in Calloway’s considerations, and what he’s learned about Riley from current and former players is something that he appreciates.
But don’t count out: Ole Miss
Hugh Freeze has a similar bargaining chip when it comes to the player-coach relationship element. Calloway cites Freeze’s faith as something that resonates with him personally and if the Rebels can steer clear of significant consequences from investigations into recruiting violations, perhaps the program pushes into even better standing with the four-star corner.
The situation: Chaisson has been a name on the top of Oklahoma fans’ collective wish list, particularly after he named the Sooners the top team in his top-10 in June. Houston and LSU were the next two in line, but after the Sooners received commitments from Addison Gumbs and Kenneth Murray, he expressed concern over his place in the class. Meanwhile, he has yet to make known any plans for official visits.
The favorite: Houston
If Tom Herman stays at Houston, the Cougars figure to have the best shot at Chaisson. Oklahoma would have likely had him in attendance for its game against Ohio State if there was still strong potential to get him, and the longer he puts off taking official visits, the better things shape up for his hometown option.
The other option: LSU
Similar to Houston, if Ed Orgeron remains as head coach at LSU and there are no further significant staff changes, the Tigers could be option 1B. Chaisson is a similar player to Arden Key, but stronger and faster at this point of his career. With Orgeron having been the defensive line coach prior to his head coaching duties, he has a strong sales pitch.
But don’t count out: Texas
Texas, like the other teams mentioned, has questions surrounding its staff, but still has a chance as a darkhorse to come in and make a late move. The longer Chaisson waits to make visits indicating how far he’s willing to move away from the state to play, the more it points to him wanting to stay local. The Longhorns have two DE’s committed already, but Chaisson is athletic enough to be a big linebacker in that defense.
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The situation: Daniels beefed up his offer list over the spring and is one of the more coveted interior defensive linemen in the state in this class. He has begun taking official visits, but his shortlist of finalists is similarly representative of the diversity of his total offer list.
The favorite: Colorado
Colorado has been aggressive in the state of Texas and recruits all have had positive things to say about the program regardless if they commit to the Buffaloes or not. Daniels likes the variety of roles he could play in Colorado’s defense and has taken several visits to Boulder.
The other option: Nebraska
Daniels’ interest in Nebraska is partly what influenced Calloway to give the Huskers a look. The success of the team and the atmosphere in Lincoln has proven an attractive combination at the moment. The Huskers rolled out the red carpet for Daniels during his visit last month and set a high bar for his subsequent official trips.
But don’t count out: Texas-San Antonio
Texas-San Antonio isn’t often a name heard from athletes that are otherwise nationally recruited, but Daniels was impressed with the Roadrunners near-victory over Arizona State and the team’s recent victory over Southern Miss. UTSA is also helped by being an in-state option.
