Tag: 2022 class

Former Oklahoma commit, four-star WR Jordan Hudson expected to visit Texas

After decommitting from OU, Texas and SMU were seen as the favorites to land Jordan Hudson. Reports state the WR is expected to visit both.

Rarely does Lincoln Riley ever lose out on offensive talent. Especially wide receivers from the state of Texas. For once, the Oklahoma head coach seems to have missed on an elite offensive prospect.

Four-star Jordan Hudson had been committed to the Sooners for nearly a whole year. He decided to decommit on Monday afternoon, reopening his recruitment to the rest of the country.

Texas and SMU were immediately seen as the favorites to land Hudson. With visits now allowed, both schools have been pushing to get the wide receiver on campus.

Being from Garland, the Mustangs could have an easier time convincing Hudson to make a short drive to University Park. Steve Sarkisian and Andre Coleman have had to do some convincing.

It seems as if Hudson is listening and will be making his way down to Austin soon. According to multiple reports, the wide receiver will head to the Forty Acres to listen to what the Longhorns have to offer.

Hudson even tweeted out himself the possibility of a visit.

Wide receiver is a major priority for Texas in the 2022 class and Hudson should be near the top of their board. Armani Winfield is already on board, while Evan Stewart and Brenen Thompson’s speed separate them as must-get prospects. But, Hudson has been likened with current Dallas Cowboy CeeDee Lamb.

If you remember anything about the 2019 Red River Shootout, having a CeeDee Lamb type player in a Sarkisian offense would not exactly be the worst thing in the world.

Two crystal balls have already been inserted for the Ponies. When Texas ends up hosting Hudson, they will be playing catch up.

On the 247Sports composite, Hudson is the No. 14 wide receiver and the No. 114 player in the country. Within the state of Texas, he sneaks inside the top 25 at No. 23.

Three-star running back DeAnthony Gatson announces commitment date

After making three official visits, DeAnthony Gatson is going to make a decision. He announced he will be committing on Tuesday, June 22.

Recruiting momentum is at an all-time high early on during the Steve Sarkisian era. Top players from across the country pilgrimaged to Austin, headlined by the first junior day since 2019.

Last Saturday began the festivities, with a decent amount of ’22 prospects made their first official visits. Three-star DeAnthony Gatson was one of them, spending two days around the Texas football program.

The Newton native headed out west to Los Angeles this weekend, to see USC while Colorado is still on the calendar. The three schools are a part of Gatson’s top five, with Iowa State and Minnesota looking from the outside in.

After making three official visits, Gatson is going to make a decision. He announced he will be committing on Tuesday, June 22.

Colorado, Texas, and USC seem to be the leaders here. For the Longhorns, Gatson is expected to play running back. Despite still having a commitment from Jaydon Blue, Stan Drayton has focused on getting another back for the class.

Considering Iowa State will not receive a visit prior to the commitment, Matt Campbell could be out. As for Minnesota, the Gophers took another running back from Texas in Zach Evans this past week.

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WATCH: Anthony Jones shares the moment he commits to Texas

Few moments are bigger in a young man’s life than deciding where to attend college. Watch new commit Anthony James’ big announcement here.

Very few moments are bigger in a young man’s life than deciding where to attend college. When you’re a top football recruit, the moment is that much bigger.

Texas had an extravagant weekend for some 2022 prospects and a ton of 2023 guys. Arch Manning may have been the headline visitor, but Anthony James may have stolen the show by announcing his commitment late Saturday night.

Jones was out at dinner when he decided to tell everyone of his decision. He stood in the middle of the room, with a big smile eager to make his announcement.

“I just want to say thank you to Coach Sark, Coach PK (Pete Kwiatkowski)… for giving me a chance and believing in me. With that being said, I would like to announce my commitment to the University of Texas.”

Jones was quickly congratulated by coaches, friends, and family to celebrate the moment.

You can watch the full video below from Jones’ Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQCtpdxnHGl/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Jones and Kwiatkowski have gone way back, as the three-star prospect was once committed to Washington. Texas offered in early April, locking Jones into the class in under two months.

Another outstanding defensive pickup for the Longhorns.

On the 247Sports composite, Jones is the No. 567 overall prospect and No. 11 player in the state of Nevada. Listed as an athlete, he is at No. 48 in the country. Tight end is where other schools seem to have been recruiting Jones, making the “athlete” tag necessary.

If Kwiatkowski has convinced a potential jack/x-backer to commit to him twice, the talent is there. Add Derrick Brown to the 2022 class and Texas is going to be cooking with fire on the edge going forward.

Four-star OT Kam Dewberry checks in for Texas unofficial vist

Kam Dewberry decided to travel to Austin this weekend, checking in late Friday night. The four-star OT will be on an unofficial visit.

It’s no secret that the offensive line is one of, if not the biggest need for Texas in the 2022 recruiting class. Forget how bad of a job Herb Hand did last cycle, simply put: there is too much in-state talent for the Longhorns to not prioritize the position group.

Kelvin Banks and Devon Campbell have been the two biggest targets. Both are ranked five-star prospects and Kyle Flood has positioned himself to be able to land both. Cole Hutson, Conner Robertson, and Cam Williams have also been getting a ton of attention.

In all of the hype, one elite offensive tackle has flown under the radar. Four-star Kam Dewberry still is a top target for Texas, despite not a ton of recent news about the two sides.

Dewberry decided to make a visit to Austin this weekend, checking in late Friday night. He will be on an unofficial visit, possibly saving his official one for football season.

On Saturday morning, Inside Texas was able to catch up with the four-star offensive tackle, confirming he was in Austin.

Dewberry currently sports a top five of Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M. LSU could also be in the mix, receiving an official visit on June 4.

Trips to College Station and Columbus are on the docket for upcoming weeks. From there, two more official visits will be up for grabs. Texas will have to fight off the Red River rivals and Nick Saban. No easy task.

On the 247Sports composite, Dewberry ranks as the No. 10 offensive tackle in the country. The Atascoocia native is No. 19 within the state of Texas and No. 102 in the country.

Even if there has not been a ton of flirting between Dewberry and Texas, he remains an important offensive line target.

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Five-star LB Harold Perkins shows off hotel room for Texas visit, elated over gummy bears

Harold Perkins put a video up on his IG story, showing the entrance to his Austin hotel room. You can watch his hilarious reaction here.

Taking official visits has to be the best experience as a top-level recruit. Traveling to a college you most likely have never seen, the red carpet is rolled out. Especially when the school covets you as one of their top priorities.

At the beginning of the weekend, a surprise prospect decided to take an official visit to Texas. Five-star linebacker Harold Perkins, who has been seen as a Texas A&M lean, made his way to Austin. A big visitor for Steve Sarkisian and Pete Kwiatkowski to say the least.

First impressions are everything, especially for a new coaching staff. Texas football and Perkins could not have gotten off to a better start before even coming face to face.

The Cypress native put a video up on his Instagram story, showing the entrance to his Austin hotel room. A ton of gear and personalized memorabilia is laid out, but Perkins notices a Longhorn-themed cake first.

Soon thereafter, Perkins notices a big bag of Haribo gummy bears sitting next to his official pass and a gift bag. To say he was elated would be an understatement.

You can watch the hilarious moment below:

Even looking back on it, Perkins thought the moment was hilarious himself, reacting to the video on Twitter.

Moving back to the football field, Perkins is one of the best defensive players in the 2022 class. On the 247Sports composite, he ranks as the No. 14 overall player and No. 1 linebacker in the country.

Within the state of Texas, he is the No. 4 player. Only Quinn Ewers, Denver Harris, and Devon Campbell rank higher.

Perkins’ official visit is just getting underway. A full weekend of interacting with Sarkisian and Kwiatkowski is hopefully going to leave a good impression of the five-star. Whether or not Texas can become a serious contender in the recruitment is yet to be seen.

Four-star edge Derrick Brown receives crystal ball in favor of Texas

The crystal ball predictions for Derrick Brown have begun to shift towards Texas. Mike Roach inserted one with a confidence level of seven.

Official visits got off to a hot start for Texas last weekend, hosting some of their top priorities. Texarkana native Derrick Brown was one of them. The four-star edge rusher walked away impressed, saying Austin “felt like home” and reiterated that he would be back.

Brown’s ability on the outside makes him one of the most vital defensive recruits in front of Pete Kwiatwkoski. His Jack/X-back positions are going to be running thin past this season. A player with Brown’s ability would be a major addition for the future.

Oklahoma and Texas A&M have seemed to be the big competitors for Brown. The Sooners have former teammate Clayton Smith from the 2021 class, while Jimbo Fisher has done a great job bringing top in-state to College Station.

Early 247Sports crystal ball predictions came in favor of Oklahoma. Now, Texas has begun to take over. Mike Roach of Horns247 gave a confidence level of 7 for Brown ending up in Austin.

Brown is the No. 302 overall player and No. 15 edge on the national level. Within the state of Texas, the four-star is ranked No. 46.

His junior season was dominant, mixing it up between outside linebacker and rushing the quarterback. Brown finished with 67 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception.

Landing Brown would instantly boost Texas’ pass rush moving forward. If Ja’Tavion Sanders ends up on the defensive side of the ball, he and Brown could create a dangerous duo.

LOOK: Texas targets post pictures from official and unofficial visits

Recruiting has picked up and UT is beginning one of its most important weekends of the summer. Check out photos prospects have posted here.

Recruiting has picked up and Texas is beginning one of its most important weekends of the summer. A loaded list of prospects is expected to be on campus over the next two days, headlined by five-star quarterback Arch Manning.

Recruits began to filter into Austin on Thursday night, attending local camps as well. Steve Sarkisian and A.J. Milwee have been seen posing for pictures for some of the Longhorns’ top targets. Current players have also gotten involved.

As the weekend progresses, more photos will be released and hopefully, videos from any camps Texas is putting on. Seeing Rueben Owens in an icy white jersey again will be nice, while key 2022 targets such as Cole Hutson, Jacob Sexton and Harold Perkins will be on their official visits.

Take a look at some pictures from prospects on official and unofficial visits this weekend on the next slide.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Priority target, four-star edge Derrick Brown puts Texas in top eight

Derrick Brown is one of the most important prospects on Texas’ board heading into the summer. He released his top eight schools Wednesday.

Outside of quarterback, edge rushers are the most important position in football. Steve Sarkisian had to bring a few names in to help Texas get to the quarterback this season, but those temporary patches could be gone come 2022.

That’s why Derrick Brown is one of the most important prospects on Texas’ board heading into the summer. The four-star edge out of Texarkana is one of the best pass rushers in the state.

Early Wednesday morning, Brown released his top eight schools. Texas was joined by Arizona State, Baylor, Florida State, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, TCU and Texas Tech.

Brown was on campus over the weekend for an official visit. He said Austin “felt like home” and will “definitely be back.” Texas Tech and Baylor are next on his visit list this summer, while Oklahoma is expected to host him the weekend of its Nebraska matchup.

Rating

Stars Overall Position State
247 3 – 19 65
Rivals 3 – 37 56
ESPN 4 180 21 35
247 Composite 4 298 15 46

Vitals

Hometown Texarkana, Texas
Projected Position Jack/X
Height 6-4
Weight 210

Recruitment

  • Offered on Feb. 25, 2021
  • Official visit on June 4, 2021

Top Eight

  • Arizona State
  • Baylor
  • Florida State
  • Ole Miss
  • Oklahoma
  • Texas
  • Texas Tech
  • TCU

Crystal Ball

Film

Twitter

Quinn Ewers explains why top prospects keep leaving the state of Texas

Five-star QB Quinn Ewers was asked why all the high-rated prospects out of the state of Texas were leaving. You can see his answer here:

Texas has had a five-star recruit problem over the past few seasons. Since landing Caden Sterns and B.J. Foster in the 2018 class, the Longhorns have gone two for 26 on in-state five stars (with the class of 2022 pending).

Thank the Lord for Ja’Tavion Sanders and Jordan Whittington.

Quinn Ewers has the potential to be the biggest miss out of them all. The once Texas commit is now loyal to Ohio State. Rated a perfect 1.000 on the 247sports composite, no quarterback has achieved the ranking since Vince Young. A generational quarterback the Longhorns are going to miss out on again.

In a recent interview with 247Sports, Ewers was asked why all the high-rated prospects out of the state of Texas were leaving. Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma are all programs that have benefitted greatly from the state. Ewers’ answer was candid and understanding.

Probably because a Texas team hasn’t been in the running for a national championship in a little while. And I don’t know about other guys, but like me I just, I just want to compete at the highest, highest level. Obviously, one day they will get back there and it’ll be great. But right now, it’s just, I’m just tired seeing that happen.

2009 was the last time Texas was in the national championship. Nick Saban hoisted the crystal football, beginning his dynasty run. Since then, 2014 was the last time an in-state team sniffed a shot at a national championship.

Some argue TCU or Baylor deserved to be in the College Football Playoff, but Ohio State got in. Neither Texas nor Texas A&M has come close over the past decade.

For Ewers, going to Columbus will instantly give him the opportunity to compete for national championships. Ohio State has run the Big Ten over the past few years and been a borderline lock for the College Football Playoff.

Until Texas can prove they are contenders with Steve Sarkisian, nothing will change. Elite-level programs are going to come into the state and take the top prospects. Winning on the field will change everything.

Five-star SF Emoni Bates talks relationship with Chris Beard

Every program in the country is going to want Emoni Bates. Recently, he discussed his relationship with Texas and head coach Chris Beard.

Every program in the country is going to want Emoni Bates. The class of 2022 small forward is the No. 1 player in the country and rated a perfect 1.000 on the 247Sports composite.

To compare, only six basketball recruits have been rated a perfect 1.000 since the composite’s inception in 2003. Those names are LeBron James (2003), Dwight Howard (2004), Greg Oden (2006), Andrew Wiggins (2013), R.J. Barrett (2018), and Chet Holmgren (2021).

If you need a football comparison, Vince Young is one of five players on the gridiron to reach the same level.

For Texas, landing Bates would be the biggest thing since Kevin Durant arrived on campus. Shaka Smart had the ability to bring in highly-rated recruits but were all big men in a day and age where elite guard play is going to win you championships.

Bates may be classified as a small forward but has more than enough capability to take over games. He has been compared to Durant and even more recently Paul George.

The five-star prospect caught up with 247Sports to discuss his newly open recruitment. Chris Beard and the Longhorns were the first program to reach out to Bates after he decommitted from Michigan State in early May.

“Our relationship is really good, they were the first school to offer me after I decommitted from Michigan State,” said Bates. “They just called, talked to me and reached out to my family. With them I haven’t really gotten to watch them yet. I watched videos of (Kevin Durant) when he was there but not their game recently.”

According to the article, Memphis and Tennessee remain squarely in the competition, while turning professional is still an option. Former Texas head coach Rick Barnes, who was Durant’s college coach, is leading the charge for the Volunteers.

With Beard only signing one member in the 2021 class, Texas will be taking a few players in the ’22 cycle. Five-star shooting guard Keyonte George recently released a top-five list, as did four-star point guard Arterio Morris.

Bates could headline a historic recruiting class for Texas basketball.