Five Texas A&M targets On3 is higher on than the industry

Every set of rankings has certain prospects that check-in higher relative to others across the industry. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some Texas A&M targets within the 2022 On300 that On3 experts are higher on relative to other ranking sets.

Derion Gullette

On300 Ranking: 54

Next Highest Ranking: 232

Industry Comparison

Marlin (Tex.) High four-star EDGE/linebacker Derion Gullette is one of the Aggies’ top targets in the 2023 cycle. Standing 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, the four-star recorded 125 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles and two intersections on the defensive side of the ball. He added 62 receptions for 1,430 yards and 14 touchdowns offensively.

Here’s what Charles Power, On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings has to say about Gullette.

“One of the more twitchy jumbo athletes nationally in the 2023 cycle. A two-way standout on the small school level, starring as a receiver and linebacker. Shows off the top-end speed at receiver at 6-foot-3.5, 230 pounds. Highly productive, totaling 1,458 yards as a junior. Also shows movement skills and physicality on defense. Undeveloped technically and will need to continue improving his tackling technique in addition to pass rush. Doubles as one of the more electric above-the-rim dunkers in the 2023 cycle. Adds to the strong multi-sport profile with a 45-plus foot shot put throw as a sophomore. Could potentially develop into an EDGE or off-ball linebacker at the next level.”

Peyton Bowen

On300 Ranking: 37

Next Highest Ranking: 49

Industry Comparison

Texas A&M is among a loaded group of schools looking to flip Denton (Tex.) Guyer four-star safety Peyton Bowen away from Notre Dame. In addition to the Aggies, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, Alabama and Oregon are among schools in the mix looking to flip the talented safety. Standing 6-foot, 180 pounds, Bowen recorded 59 tackles, 12 passes broken up and six interceptions as a junior. The Aggies previously hosted the four-star on campus last month and will likely see him return to College Station at least once this offseason. AS things stand, the four-star is firmly committed to the Fighting Irish, but Oklahoma and Texas A&M appear to be the two schools best positioned to potentially flip the Texas native.

Malik Muhammad

On300 Ranking: 26

Next Highest Ranking: 38

Industry Comparison

Texas A&M’s top in-state cornerback target is Dallas (Tex.) South Oak Cliff four-star Malik Muhammad. Teammates with Texas A&M four-star cornerback commit Jayvon Thomas, the Aggies are battling Alabama and Texas for Muhammad’s commitment. Standing 5-foot-11, 172 pounds, the junior recorded 68 tackles, six passes broken up and three interceptions. He’s eying a decision ahead of the fall, and as things stand, Texas A&M leads for the four-star per the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, which states that Aggies have a 86.6% chance to land his commitment.

Here’s what Power has to say about Muhammad.

Long-armed corner who excels in press-man coverage with the ball skills to create turnovers. Shows off his ball skills with the ability to high point the football while playing receiver. Has a 6’3”+ wingspan despite being around 6-feet in height. Ran an electronically-timed 4.61 40-yard dash in 2021, showing good speed relative to other corner prospects. This speed and burst translates to the track as well as he participates in the 400m/800m/1600m relays as well as the high jump, long jump and triple jump. One of the most natural corners in the country that will need to add more mass to his frame in order to hold up with the physicality of the game at the next level. Helped his high school team to a historic state title as a junior.

Damon Wilson

On300 Ranking: 21

Next Highest Ranking: 50

Industry Comparison

Texas A&M recently offered the four-star EDGE out of Venice (Fla.) High and looks to make up ground on schools like Alabama, Ohio State and USC, among other schools involved. As a junior, Wilson recorded 90 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 15 sacks, in addition to an interception and forced fumble. Wilson has yet to visit College Station, but if the Aggies prioritize the four-star and are able to get him on campus, the staff can quickly make up ground on the aforementioned Crimson Tide and Buckeyes, who lead in his recruitment per the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, as things stand.

Disruptive pass rusher with one of the best first steps in the 2023 cycle. Bursts off the snap and is often in the backfield before opposing offensive linemen are out of their stance. Owns a solid build, checking in at nearly 6-foot-4, 230 pounds prior to his junior season with adequate length. Tests as a good athlete in the combine setting but plays quicker than his times indicate. Shows the ability to bend and dip around the edge, in addition to the outstanding first step. Plays for a top high school program in Florida. Has turned in strong production with 15 sacks as a junior. Will need to continue adding strength and developing as a run defender. 

Derek Williams

On300 Ranking: 23

Next Highest Ranking: 44

Industry Comparison

New Iberia (La.) Westgate four-star safety Derek Williams is being pursued by some of the top schools in the country, including Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, Texas and Michigan. The four-star last visited College Station in late March and could look to return at least once this offseason. As things stand, Alabama is the favorite in his recruitment per the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine with an 88.7% chance to land the talented safety.

“Physical safety who plays with a knock-your-head-off mentality. Has tremendous position versatility on the defensive side of the ball as a back seven defender. Shows off his explosiveness and overall athleticism on the basketball court and as a running back on offense. Flies downhill and runs the alley as good as any prospect in the 2023 cycle. Lines up as a corner, center field safety, down in the box as a backer and occasionally off the edge as a pass rusher. High upside player that will need to continue to physically develop into his frame due to being one of the younger defensive backs in his class.”