Re-ranking the most underrated players in Texas' 2024 class
As the Texas coaching staff looks to put the final touches on the 2024 recruiting cycle, we’ll take a look at some of the most underrated players in the signing class.
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Every cycle has its share of underrated players. Look no further than success of former three-stars T’Vondre Sweat and Jaylan Ford this year.
There are many reasons prospects can be underrated, often there are even good reasons for it. But with this group, it’s really hard for me to understand their assigned ratings.
Alex January, DT, Duncanville (Texas)
On3 Industry Ranking: 88.68
I’ve never understood this ranking. January was on the scene early showing good traits as a true freshman at a national powerhouse. As he grew, he continued to move well. He may not be “twitchy” but few people his size are. The fact is he’s big, can move his feet, and bends and moves well. Scarcity makes him even more valuable. Somehow On3 is the only outlet that has him as a Top 300 prospect.
I value this comment from Inside Texas subscriber tcl0035:
Re: Alex January
My father and I went to 6 or so Duncanville games this year. He doesn’t really follow recruiting much so he’s always asking me who to look out for when we go to games, but he was aware of Colin Simmons, it’s impossible to follow HS football in DFW and not know who he is. However, every time we left a Duncanville game he’d make me aware that January is just as good of a signing for Texas as Colin is and by the time they finished their business with North Shore on Saturday afternoon, I was in full agreement. His frame is impressive and his motor never changed from game to game nor from opponent to opponent. Duncanville went up against some decent offensive lines through the course of the season and playoffs and he won his matchup every game; even in their loss to DeSoto, he stood out. He’s likely not going to be a freshman All-American, but in the unlikely event he’s asked to play enough snaps to warrant that type of honor, he is capable of earning that level of recognition.
Here’s January in the state championship against North Shore.
And if you’re still not sold, here’s Ian discussing January’s value-add to the overall scheme.
FIFY: 93.00 (My personal rating)
D’antre Robinson, DT, Orlando (Fla.) Jones
On3 Industry Ranking: 90.50
Of course I think Robinson is underrated. I deemed him the second most important player in the class after Colin Simmons. That doesn’t mean I think he’s the second best, but when factoring for roster need, scarcity, and ability, Robinson was a must-get in my view.
The player who reminds me of T’Vondre Sweat actually beat Sweat to the end zone with a one-handed reception earlier in the year.
Borderline four-star? Get real.
FIFY: 95.00
Christian Clark, RB, Phoenix (Ariz.) Mountain Pointe
On3 Industry Ranking: 90.07
Clark’s name was omitted from the national hype machine due in part to being from Arizona and in part often operating in a timeshare at running back. He was originally considered an athlete rather than running back. Seeing that designation before watching his tape I expected to see a future linebacker, but nothing could have been further from the truth. He has a great combination of vision and lateral agility that help him find space and then good acceleration and long speed to hit from deep. Add a solid dose of power and you have yourself the makings of an elite volume running back.
FIFY: 95.00
Santana Wilson, CB, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Desert Mountain
On3 Industry Ranking: 90.84
A lot of people fawn over a prospect being a ‘coach’s son’ but give me the ‘player’s son’. Genetics matter, and so does individual skills training. They also have to look dad in the eye at the dinner table. If dad played in the NFL then dad is tough. Adrian Wilson was certainly tough. Santana doesn’t have his father’s hulking size for safety, but he’s well built for corner and more importantly moves like a corner. This was a brilliant early take by Terry Joseph.
That frame will effortlessly fill out and he’s going to be the cornerback version of his dad.
FIFY: 93.00 (I like On3’s ranking of him)
Trey Owens, QB, Cypress (Texas) Cy-Fair
On3 Industry Ranking: 89.11
Confidence, poise and size in the pocket, toughness, and potentially elite arm talent are the Cliff’s Notes on Owens. He makes tough throws in big situations agains tight coverage. He’s also not afraid to compete.
Make sure to circle back to Inside Texas today at noon for an in-depth video look at Owens through the eyes of his trainer, J.P. Tillman.
FIFY: 92.50
Jordan Washington, TE, Houston (Texas) Langham Creek
On3 Industry Ranking: 89.41
Two-way tight ends — those who are plus blockers and receivers — are not easy to find, but Washington has the makings of becoming a complete player at the position.
Here’s what a buddy of mine said in September:
I had Washington last night and he’s much better than his film. I think he ends up being a devastating blocker once he’s bigger but he’s fully committed now. Very agile and created separation all night. Just bad QB play from Langham Creek. His initial punch is extremely violent. Reminded me of what I thought of Billy Walton last year. Walton will strike you!!!
I always liked Washington’s film. In addition to his ‘want-to’ as a blocker he is an easy mover as a receiver.
FIFY: 92.50
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Parker Livingstone, WR, Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy
On3 Industry Ranking: 89.96
Here’s what I wrote in May when predicting Livingtsone would commit to Texas:
With a strong, 6-foot-4, 190 pound frame, Livingstone is going to be a physical presence as he eventually plays north of 210 pounds. Physicality is just one of many important traits, but if matched with good ball skills, body control, and hands, it can be a defining trait. However, Livingstone is more than just size, and it’s possible that as he adds strength his speed will increase and the ability he shows to stretch the field in high school will translate to college.
A more complete evaluation of Livingstone would include junior year track times, but alas, he elected to focus on baseball this past Spring. While his ability as a baseball player does highlight his coordination, I would love to see if he could improve upon his very impressive 21.69 200 meter time posted as a sophomore. I’m guessing he would have.
That evaluation was playing out cleanly early in the season before Livingtsone hurt his foot.
Each of Livingstone’s positive traits complements the next. He might not be elite at any one aspect — though he’s a terrific ball-winner — but he’s good at all of them.
FIFY: 92.50
