A couple of five-star notes from the southeast
Inside Texas caught up with a long-term source to get the perspective from outside the market on a couple of elite talents the Texas staff is after.
Evan Stewart
The On3 five-star from Frisco Liberty is the biggest need in the Texas class. Our trusted source based in the southeast would have a hard time seeing Stewart end up anywhere but the University of Florida. This source, with ties to the Gators staff, was confident in UF’s chances even before Dan Mullen landed Flower Mound quarterback Nick Evers in the spring. The addition of Evers has been big for the Gators.
This source also said there are some in Stewart’s camp that prefer the proven head coaching track record of Dan Mullen to Steve Sarkisian, who is more of an unknown. They like Sark the recruiter but Sark the head coach has more questions. With an unmatched track record, this source also said to continue to watch out for Nick Saban and Alabama, which we already knew.
Texas isn’t being discounted but I think UT’s chances are being undersold by the source. However, he does have the pulse of the Florida side.
Jaleel Skinner
The IMG five-star tight end recently took in the Florida vs Alabama game in Gainesville, but this source felt he was there to see Bama more than UF. IT hears Alabama is the most likely destination, but it doesn’t necessarily sound like Bama is in love with Skinner despite his immense gifts. He fancies himself more of a wide receiver, than tight end.
While I’m reminded of Ricky Seals-Jones, Nick Saban is probably getting recent flashbacks of Jahleel Billingsley. Billingsley, is a similarly talented TE. Saban said this a month ago:
“That’s up to him. That’s not up to me,” Saban said Saturday. “He knows what he’s supposed to do in practice. He’s known what he’s supposed to do. This is not a democracy. Everybody doesn’t get to do what they want to do. Everybody doesn’t get to do what they feel like doing. You got to buy in and do what you’re supposed to do to be a part of the team and do the things you need to do in practice every day. Sense of urgency, play fast, execute, do your job.”
From IT’s vantage, the rumor of Florida State backing off of Skinner is true. We’ve heard he didn’t have a great official visit to Tallahassee on September 5th.
Our source in Florida hears Texas is running second to Bama which aligns with what we’ve heard elsewhere.
