2025 LB Elijah Barnes talks Johnny Nansen, Texas influence + other Dallas Skyline names to know
It’s always a big deal and means a lot when a head coach comes to visit your school. It means you’re a priority. That’s what happened on Wednesday when Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and tight ends coach Jeff Banks went by Dallas (Texas) Skyline to see linebacker offer Elijah Barnes and other Raider recruits.
[Join Inside Texas and get ONE MONTH of Longhorn intel for just $1!]
IT stopped by Skyline shortly after the Texas delegation made their visit to catch up with the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Barnes and others.
Barnes was at Texas’ junior day and had high praise for new position coach Johnny Nansen.
“He was a cool dude,” Barnes said. “He sounds like he can develop you in the right ways. He can teach and coach the game, what you need to learn about the game to compete at the highest level, which is the NFL. He’s a great guy to be around, a great dude in general. I just love Coach Nansen.”
There’s Longhorn influence at Skyline, with former Texas defenders Christian Scott and Peter Jinkens on the Raider coaching staff.
Scott and Jinkens are helping Barnes be the best player he can be on and off the field.
“They haven’t really said too much to me about going to Texas,” Barnes said. “They just say go where your heart is. Go where is best for you because this decision is about me at the end of the day.”
Barnes stated he’s looking to work on his technique, having clean eyes reading keys and run fits, and improving his footwork.
IT asked what a school would be getting in him as a player and person.
“They’ll get a great player and a hardworking player at that,” Barnes said. “I work hard, and that shows on the field. I’m not slacking. I’m not missing any classes. I’m a great student-athlete. I’m a student first, athlete second. They’re not going to have any problems with me. They’re going to have a great player.”
Barnes is ranked as the No. 85 overall prospect, the No. 13 linebacker, and the No. 16 player in Texas according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
On3 ranks Barnes as the No. 77 overall prospect, the No. 13 linebacker, and the No. 15 player in Texas.
More names to know at Skyline
2025 LB RJ Clarkson: Clarkson makes a formidable duo with Barnes, and is looking to go out and dominate his senior season. His 205 looks like all muscle. One of the hardest workers during workouts this morning, always leading the pack. Hudl profile.
2025 OL King Morgan: A transfer from a prep school, Morgan is looking to be a key piece of the OL at Skyline this upcoming season. Has great size and is just ready to go to work.
2025 WR Stevie Freelon II: Freelon is a speedy receiver that is going to be a dangerous vertical threat this upcoming season. IT was able to see some of the speed in action during conditioning this morning. Hudl profile.
2026 WR Delvin Cook Jr.: Cook is a long rangy WR with good speed and the ability to go up and high point the football. Hudl profile.
2026 DE Nickie Lewis Jr.: Lewis is a rising sophomore, who has the size and athleticism to be a force in the edge this upcoming season. Hudl profile.
[Subscribe to the brand new Inside Texas YouTube channel!]
2026 RB Tramell Minter: Minter has the build of a college running back. Runs with a ton of power behind his pads, has good speed, and can catch out the backfield. Hudl profile.
