On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Texas A&M trending for T.J. Shanahan
Texas A&M has long been one of the biggest contenders for four-star offensive lineman T.J. Shanahan.
The Orlando (Fla.) native, who has played his final few high school seasons at Austin (Texas) Westlake, hasn’t hid his interest in the Aggies. Over the summer, they were one of his three official visits, and Jimbo Fisher and Co. have been trending for some time in the On3 Recruiting Prediction (RPM).
On Wednesday, though, their odds jumped even higher, with two expert predictions going in from On3 national recruiting analyst Gerry Hamilton and LSU insider Billy Embody in favor of the Aggies. The RPM now gives A&M a 94.3 percent chance of securing his commitment, which could come at any time. Shanahan is officially down to five schools in his recruitment: Georgia, LSU, Texas, Texas A&M and USC.
The 6-foot-4, 325-pounder has built a particularly strong relationship with Texas A&M first-year offensive line coach Steve Addazio.
“I mean Coach Addazio, he’s that guy,” Shanahan told AggieScoop’s Tim Verghese. “I really like him a lot. Kind of just the way he talks and the way he coaches, the way he just kind of gets on everyone, I really like that. I kind of just want a fire lit up under my ass to just keep going, keep going. I really like that about him. So, he’s a great guy, and even better coach.”
T.J. Shanahan Recruiting Profile
Shanahan is the No. 117 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 7 offensive lineman and the No. 21 recruit in the state of Texas.
Below is On3’s Scouting Summary of him as a prospect:
“Interior offensive line prospect that is the definition of a road grader at the next level. Helped lead Austin Westlake (TX) to a state championship during his junior season. Run blocking machine that blows defenders off the ball with ease. Lacks ideal arm length and foot speed to play tackle. Measures in at just a shade under 6-foot-4, 325 pounds with a 6-foot-7 wingspan.
… Consistently low pad level that allows him to win the leverage battle. Strong punch and solid striker. Threw 43-foot-8 in the shot put as a sophomore. Has the potential to push for a starting job in year one as long as he can control his weight. Transferred from Timber Creek (FL) to Austin Westlake following his sophomore season. One of the older offensive line prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle.