The Spring Evaluation Period gets underway on April 15, which means college coaches will get back on the road getting a closer look at the Class of 2020 prospects that have already landed early offers or could be on the verge of earning ones. Here are five soon-to-be senior prospects from Texas who may be a bit under the radar now, but should see their offer sheets balloon in the coming weeks.
RELATED: Five Midwest prospects that should emerge | Southeast | Mid-Atlantic
| West
Anderson commanded the spotlight at Rivals Camp Series presented by adidas event in Dallas last month. The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder has ideal height and outstanding athleticism. He shined at right tackle and inside at guard during one-on-ones in Dallas, and his tape highlights an offensive lineman that loves to make contact, can reach the second level of defenses and aggressively put players in the dirt. USC, Oklahoma State and Utah recently offered, but Anderson should warrant even more attention from schools once they get a look at him this spring.
Hayes already has 20 offers to his name, but is quietly a sleeper in Texas due to the wealth of four- and five-star offensive linemen that are usually in the headlines. Haynes has flown under the radar, but don’t expect that trend to continue into the spring. When coaches stop by Athens High School, they’ll notice a bulldozer playing tackle. Hayes is arguably the best run-blocking offensive tackle in the state and deserves national attention. Coaches are anxious to see if he can pass block as well. He’s high on several SEC teams’ boards.
Johnston boasts some impressive early offers from Texas, TCU, Texas Tech and Virginia Tech, but is squarely in the mix as one of the elite wide receivers from the Lone Star State. He measures up at 6-foot-4 and 182 pounds, and plays that big, too. In addition to being a huge target in the passing game, Johnston possesses great speed and routinely picks up more yardage after the catch. He’s a catch-and-run specialist that can make plays by the boundary or over the middle. Expect his offer sheet to swell up after major Power 5 schools get a glimpse of the tall speedster later this month.
Schools may see Washington’s size (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) and move down their recruiting boards for bigger wide receivers. That is a mistake that’s sure to haunt them down the road. The three-star is one of the most dangerous pass-catchers I’ve seen in person so far this spring with the ability to make plays outside and in the slot and carve up defenses with his outstanding hands, body control and footwork. He’s a crisp route-runner and thrives in red-zone situations. He’s more than a talented slot receiver; Washington is a dynamic wide receiver.
White has picked up a handful of notable offers from Alabama, Auburn, Texas and LSU in recent months, but expect even more schools to throw their hats in the race once they stop by Cy Creek High School later this month. The three-star middle linebacker is an instinctual playmaker that controls the tempo of the game on defense. At 6-foot-1 and 200-plus pounds, White’s an athlete enforcer at middle backer with elite sideline-to-sideline speed and a nose for the football. He can quickly diagnose plays and explodes to the ball-carrier to make stops. He’s a force rushing the passer and has a knack for forcing turnovers.
