Tag: Texas A&M 2023 Recruiting Class

Report: Malachi Nelson’s interest “is real” after his recent Texas A&M visit

Elite QB prospect Malachi Nelson recently visited the Aggies last weekend

Do you know that saying “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire”? Well, in Texas A&M’s case, the smoke came in the form of last Thursday night’s surprising news drop that the elite 2023 quarterback prospect Malachi Nelson, who is also currently committed to USC, had visited the Aggies that day on July 28th in an “unofficial” manner. Nelson’s visit coincidentally led up to the annual Texas A&M recruiting pool party, hosting over 30 plus recruits from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 classes on Saturday, July 30th.

After a full week of intrigue regarding his visit, the firey conclusion finally arrived in the form of 247Sports director of recruiting Steve Wiltfong’s analysis of the visit, noting that Nelson’s interest in Texas A&M “is real”, and while speaking on Wiltfong’s Recruiting Whiparound, He stated,

Talked to some people that spent some time with Malachi. Purely from a Texas A&M angle, I think that people think it’s going to be hard for Texas A&M to flip Malachi Nelson from USC and his ties to Lincoln Riley and his love for that offense and certainly his ties to the area and helping USC build this class. But I think that they believe that the interest in A&M is real, and the thought of playing elsewhere — outside of L.A. — is also real when Malchi Nelson can use Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud as a resource and lend their ear, and those guys talking about what great experiences they had leaving L.A. and thriving at Alabama, thriving at Ohio State,” Wiltfong said. “I think that those comments and those conversations have resonated with him enough to maybe make sure that he has dotted the Is and crossed the Ts on his recruitment.

As Texas A&M has yet to sign a quarterback for the 2023 cycle, landing a blue chip and then some type prospect in Malachi Nelson could change the face of Texas A&M’s offense for years to come. The California native is coming off a superb junior season for Los Alamitos High School, throwing for 2,690 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions on the year.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

[listicle id=3859]

[listicle id=3877]

[listicle id=3511]

2023 Linebacker Derion Gullette announces commitment date

2023 Linebacker Derion Gullette announces commitment date

We are now nearly a week removed from last Saturday when Texas A&M held its annual recruiting pool party, featuring over 30 recruits attending the event from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 recruiting classes, including one of the most versatile defenders in the 2023 cycle, linebacker Derion Gullette.

Recently, Gullette released his commitment date, which is set for Friday, August 5th at 3:00 PM Central, with his final school list including Ohio State, Texas, and Texas A&M.

The Aggies have been on Gullette from a recruiting standpoint going back to last summer, offering him on June 11th, 2021. He has proceeded to visit the Texas A&M’s campus nine times, with his last visit coming last Saturday during the pool party. In relation to his final school list, Gullette has taken visits to Ohio State on June 10th, and Texas on June 24th, and according to recruiting sites 247Sports and On3 is a favorite to land with Texas.

In a scouting report I wrote for Derion Gullette, I described his ability on the field and how it might translate at the collegiate level:

As a prospect, Gullette’s film is just plain fun to watch; catching the ball, intercepting the ball, kicking the ball, and tackling, so yes, the man can literally do it all. As an outside linebacker, he is patient in coverage, shows adequate lateral quickness, and has great ball skills paired with a nice closing burst after reading the route. He is a high-level tackler and an instant threat to outside run concepts due to his speed and athleticism, mostly coming from his snaps at wide receiver. Overall, Derion Gullette has the makeup to become an instant contributor to whatever school he chooses.

We’re finally at the “fingers crossed” stage of Derion Gullette’s recruiting journey, so here’s to trusting that last weekend’s festivities left a lasting impression on one of the most sought-after prospects in the state of Texas.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

[listicle id=3859]

[listicle id=3877]

2023 Wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr. announces commitment date

The priority recruiting target for the Aggies sets his commitment date

The Aggies are coming off of their most important recruiting weekend of the calendar year, as the Aggie recruiting pool party took place Saturday, as recruits for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 recruiting classes showed up to see all that the Texas A&M program has to offer.

Out of the visitors from the 2023 class, top-ranked wide receiver prospect Shelton Sampson Jr. is one of the program’s priority recruits and recently announced commitment day the Sunday after the pool party, which is set for Saturday, August 6th at 3:06 PM Central. Sampson Jr.’s final four schools include LSU, Alabama, Florida State, and Texas A&M, as the Aggies feel good in their current standing with the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native while making their final impression a week before he is set to announce.

Sampson Jr. has been on the move during his recruiting process, taking visits to Florida State on June 10th, Alabama on June 17th, and saving what is to be his final visit before his commitment to Texas A&M on July 30th. From a scouting perspective, and how he will fit in the offense he chooses to join at the collegiate level, On3 wrote a brief scouting report evaluating Sampson Jr.’s ability on the field:

Big-play wide receiver with one of the best combinations of vertical speed and catch radius in the 2023 cycle. Clocked a sub 4.4-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 prior to his junior season. Uses that speed to create separation on downfield routes with regularity. Pairs the long speed with advanced ball skills. Shows the ability to leap over defenders to high-point the ball in contested situations. Comes down with some fantastic one-handed and diving grabs. A younger prospect for the cycle who continues to show improvement over time.

Whatever happens on August 6th, the Texas A&M staff has done all they can in recruiting the young talent, and it’s all up to how he sees his future playing out on Saturday afternoon, so good luck to you, Shelton Sampson Jr., and as always, Gig ‘Em.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

[listicle id=3859]

Austin Novosad chooses Baylor

Aggies miss out on Austin Novosad who will stick with Baylor.

The Aggies 2023 recruiting class is picking up big time momentum, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but so far they’ve been unable to secure a player at the most important position on the field, quarterback.

After getting an early commitment from Eli Holstein last summer, they effectively shut down their pursuits of signal callers for the class. But when Holstein decommitted in March, it left A&M in a lurch. They want to add a high level quarterback, but haven’t been in the game for long.

One player which this conundrum likely cost them as a recruit, was Dripping Springs HS quarterback Austin Novosad, a fast rising passer who has been a Baylor commit since early in the cycle.  Novosad is an A&M legacy (both his parents attended A&M), and the Aggies gave their pursuit of the 4-star prospect their best efforts, all the way up to a day long visit on Friday as Novosad made his final trips.

But ultimately, Austin made the choice to stay locked in with the Bears and will spend his career in Waco.

Best of luck in Waco, Austin. Hopefully we’ll meet you in the College Football Playoff in a few years.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk727 player_id=none image=https://aggieswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Joey on Twitter: @JoeyIckes

[listicle id=3859]

[listicle id=3383]

2023 Defensive Tackle Samu Taumanuepepe commits to Texas A&M

A BIG human being will be joining an already loaded defensive line in the near future

The Aggies 2023 recruiting cycle has shifted into lightspeed over the last few days. On the back of Anthony Hill and Dalton Brooks committing over the weekend, the Aggies have added another BIG prospect to the 2023 class. As Samu Taumanupepe, an enormous 3-Star defensive tackle prospect from Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas, announced his commitment to A&M. He joins Hill and Brooks as the latest members of the 2023 class, while defensive lineman Dealyn Evans got the Aggies 2024 class off to a hot start Sunday evening.

With Taumanupepe’s commitment, the Aggies continue their steady climb up the recruiting rankings, currently sitting 34th in the country, according to 247Sports.

Taumanuepepe epitomizes the term defensive line term “space eater” standing at 6-3, and a listed weight of 380lbs. But he moves well at his size showing surprisingly quick feet paired with brute strength during his pass rush. In the midst of his recruiting process, he received offers from Oregon and Texas, before taking a visit to College Station on Saturday to attend the recruiting pool party. The Aggies proceeded to offer him that day, and it didn’t take long for the big man to know where he wanted to be.

As one of the more underrated prospects in the class, he is currently ranked as the 176th ranked player in Texas and 109th defensive lineman in the country.

On an interesting note, Taumanupepe hails from the same high school, Atascocita, as former Aggie great and current Houston Texan Kenyon Green, as well as current freshman offensive lineman and member of the historic 2022 recruiting class for Texas A&M, Kam Dewberry.

Samu Taumanuepepe will now look to have his best season yet as he enters his senior year at Atascocita, and we all can’t wait to see him suit up in the maroon and white in the very near future.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

[listicle id=3307]

Texas A&M Football Recruiting Round-Up: Aggie Pool Party edition

The Aggie Pool Party hosted a whole lot of talent!

Texas A&M is coming off its busiest recruiting weekend of this year as the annual recruiting pool party began on Saturday, as a large number of 2023, 2024, and 2025 recruits made their way to College Station, Texas to soak in the culture, visit the facilities, and meet with the coaching staff to discuss their impending football future.

Before the weekend even started, two big time surprise visitors were announced, as 5-Star Quarterback and USC commit Malachi Nelson landed in College Station for an official visit on Friday, and current Alabama commit 5-Star Safety Tony Mitchell arrived on Saturday.

Saturday started off with a bang when the No.1 Linebacker, and 15th ranked prospect in the 2023 class Anthony Hill announced his commitment to the Aggies as the clock struck noon, choosing Texas A&M over rival Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, and USC. Hill is going into this senior season at Ryan High School in Denton, Texas.

Later that night, the Aggies struck recruiting gold once again, this time receiving the news that Shiner, Texas, Running back Dalton Brooks announced his commitment to Texas A&M, ranked as the 67th player in the 2023 class, and choosing the Aggies over Texas and Alabama. He is presumed to be converted to Safety at the collegiate level.

Then Sunday A&M added their first commitment in the class of 2024 with defensive lineman Daelynn Evans announcing his pledge to the Aggies.

As the Aggies have seemed to finally find their recruiting momentum, more commitments are potentially on the horizon, and we’ll be here to report all of it! Now, here is the list of the visitors this weekend from 2023 class.

2023 Safety prospect Kylin Jackson announces commitment date

2023 Safety prospect Kylin Jackson to announce his commitment August 8th

Texas A&M is coming off by far its most important recruiting weekend, as the annual recruiting pool party took place Saturday afternoon. Out of the over 20 prospects in the 2023 class attending the party, was one of the top safety prospects in the class, Zachary, Louisiana native Kylin Jackson. Jackson recently announced he plans to announce his on August 8th, with his final 4 school list including Michigan, Oregon, LSU, and Texas A&M.

As the 11th-ranked safety prospect in the class and a current favorite to land with LSU according to On3, Jackson has taken visits to Baton Rouge and College Station including his time with the Aggies over the weekend.

In a scouting report conducted by On3, Jackson’s skills on the field are examined:

State champion defensive back as a junior for undefeated Zachary (LA) who can plant and drive downhill as well as cover tight ends and running backs in the slot. Stands over 6-foot-2, 195 pounds with room to grow and fill out naturally. Striker as a tackler who looks to make plays in the backfield. Comfortable in coverage but not necessarily his strong suit. Needs to quicken his feet and loosen his hips in order to excel in coverage against more dynamic slot options. Has the size and frame to excel working in the box and covering jumbo slots at the next level. If he can become more dynamic and explosive in college then he could see his name appear on more draft boards once the time comes.

Kylin Jackson would help solidify the back end of the defense in the 2023 class, joining current defensive back commits Bravion Rogers and Jayvon Thomas. Here’s to hoping the recruiting pool party works its magic!

[listicle id=3374]

Top 2023 Linebacker Anthony Hill commits to Texas A&M!

Pool Party Magic? LET’S RIDE

Texas A&M has just received the news that priority 2023 defensive prospect, 5-Star Linebacker Anthony Hill has committed to Texas A&M! In late June, Hill released his Final Two school list, which included Texas A&M and Texas, as the in-state rivals knew that battling for the ultra-talented prospect would not be easy, as both have been in close contention within the last month. With Hill attending the annual recruiting pool party today, it didn’t take too long for the future superstar to ultimately make his final decision, choosing the Aggies early this afternoon.

Anthony Hill is heading into his senior season at Ryan High School in Denton, Texas, and is coming off of a 2021 season where he accumulated 131 tackles, 8 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 3 pass breakups, Hill isn’t slowing down one bit. Now commited, Hill can narrow his focus on having his best season yet, and solidifying himself as not only the most dominant linebacker in the 2023 class, but perhaps the best overall player in the country.

In a scouting summary provided by On3, Hill’s unique skill set displayed during his high school playing career is described in detail:

Downhill linebacker with good size and straight-line speed. Has starred for one of the top defenses in Texas high school football since his sophomore season. Combines his speed with a high effort level, resulting in a highly productive player at the high school level. At his best when he can use his closing speed as a blitzer or in pursuit sideline-to-sideline. Shows some physicality as a striker. Has one of the longer wing-spans of top linebackers in the 2023 cycle. Provides added value as a pass rusher and may eventually grow into an EDGE prospect down the line. Has a penchant for forcing turnovers and looks to strip the football often. Will need to continue improving his skills playing in space and in coverage.

Texas A&M has begun to finally heat up on the recruiting trail, and the commitment of Anthony Hill could just be the start of one of the most monumental recruiting weekends we’ve witnessed in Texas A&M history.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

[listicle id=3374]

2023 4-Star Safety Rahmir Stewart sets commitment date

The Aggies are in a great position to add one of the top defensive back prospects in the 2023 class

The Aggies struck recruiting gold on Sunday afternoon after signing one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2023 class, New Jersey’s Chase Bisontis. On the same day, 4-Star safety and priority Aggies target Rahmir Stewart announced on social media, “BIG announcement coming 7/27!!”

As we’ve witnessed in years past, once a big-name recruit like Bisontis announces their commitment, prospects who have either been on the fence or just waiting to see if a specific team adds favorable players to their class, will often follow suit.

Rahmir Stewart attends Imhotep Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is currently ranked as the 6th prospect in Pennsylvania, and the 32nd ranked safety prospect in the country. Stewart has taken unofficial visits to Texas A&M on June 8th, 2021, Penn State on September 18th and October 2nd, and Oregon on June 25th. According to 247Sports Crystal Ball, Stewart is predicted 100% to the Aggies.

In a scouting report written by National Recruiting Analyst for 247Sports, Brian Dohn, Dohn described Stewart’s ability at the safety position:

Not biggest frame but mentality offsets concerns about size. Compact, strong build with some room for frame growth. Athletic, two-way player who is punishing running back. Saw play multiple times during the 2021 season and also watched practice. Smart, intelligent player with maturity beyond years. Determined, tough competitor who excels in pressure situations. Has free safety skills but mentality and skill set best suited as in-the-box safety. Plays downhill in the running game, fills gaps and is a physical, sure tackler. Possesses excellent body control and plays with low center of gravity. Willing to take on blocks, and can shed to make plays in run game. Able to shift through traffic to locate ball carrier. Has speed to cover to outside of the numbers in passing game. Has to continue to work on coverage skills. Increasing hip flexibility will aid in change of direction when in backpedal. Has to work on technique, particularly ability in man coverage if asked to line up against slot. All-conference ability at Power 5 level. Mid-round NFL draft pick potential.

Jimbo Fisher has been quite the recruiter in the Philadelphia area, most recently signing two Philly-based recruits in the 2021 class in defensive end Elijah Jeudy, and cornerback Tyreek Chappell, a standout defensive back for the Aggies last season. In the 2022 class, Texas A&M signed defensive end Enai White, a former teammate of Stewarts at Imhotep Institute, which could have a lot to do with his decision-making on Wednesday during his presumed signing day.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

[listicle id=3374]