Texas recruiting storylines heading into a very big visit day in Austin
If you follow Texas Football you know Saturday is a big day for the program. Not only will the team hold its first real scrimmage of the Spring, there’s also more than enough prospect star power on the way to Austin for it to be considered a Junior Day.
[Subscribe to the brand new Inside Texas YouTube channel!]
This is a golden opportunity for Steve Sarkisian to not only measure where his team is at this stage of the offseason, but also to show off one of the top football programs in America in hopes some of these recruits want to join the program. Expect the energy to be through the roof Saturday morning.
There are countless angles to consider ahead of the arrival of so many talented players but here are five storylines that jump immediately to mind.
KJ Lacey visits Austin again, again
The quarterback commit from Saraland (Ala.) is no stranger to Austin, having visited numerous times since he committed last June. He’ll also return for the Spring game on April 20. Despite his recent visit to Auburn, sources feel good about where Texas stands with the four-star signal-caller. This visit isn’t about firming up his commitment, it’s about having him around to help recruit, especially with top receivers on their way to town.
Texas attempts to rebut Ohio State for top running back
If you didn’t hear, earlier this week On3 added Steve Wiltfong to its national recruiting desk. One of his first pieces of business was to put in an RPM for Ohio State to land Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei running back Jordon Davison.
Texas running back coach, Tashard Choice, one of the best recruiters in the country, will certainly relish the challenge Ohio State provides.
It’s been a while since Davison has been on campus but he has a longstanding relationship with Choice.
Zion Williams and DJ Sanders to meet Kenny Baker in person
Defensive tackle is unquestionably the biggest need in the class. Fortunately for Texas and new coach Kenny Baker, it’s an uncommonly talented instate group. Two of the best are Zion Williams from Lufkin and DJ Sanders from Bellville.
Williams has been keen on LSU since Bo Davis returned to his alma mater. Sanders, who was visited by Sarkisian at school after Davis departed, is fielding interest from all over. From my vantage, Texas and Texas A&M seem to have as good of a chance as anyone to land the jumbo athlete.
These are two of the better defensive tackles the state has produced in quite some time, with Williams in particular being criminally underrated.
Texas takes a big swing at two-sport star Jonah Williams
The Galveston (Texas) Ball star is both tremendously athletic and naturally coordinated for whatever sport he wants to play. He excels equally on the gridiron and diamond and each factor into his collegiate future — assuming he doesn’t go the professional baseball route like his older brother Nick Williams.
It’s been our opinion Texas has done well to make up ground on Williams’ recruitment after focusing his future position on safety rather than linebacker. Williams can play a handful of positions, including receiver, but safety is where schools are recruiting him.
Blake Gideon has a pretty good analog to show Williams in sophomore safety Jelani McDonald, who, like Williams, possesses a bigger build for safety..
Texas goes four-wide with four-star receiver visitors
It’s big news anytime five-star Duncanville (Texas) receiver Dakorien Moore makes it to Austin but I suspect the LSU commit’s process will take more time to play out.
I’m just as interested in how things go with Kaliq Lockett (Sachse, Texas) Jaime Ffrench (Mandarin, Fla.), and Kelshaun Johnson (Hitchcock, Texas).
Texas receivers coach Chris Jackson has been patiently recruiting the best of the best at his position. Moore, Lockett, and Ffrench represent three of the top 22 players in the country based on current rankings. Johnson has been a player Texas has recruited for a while with coaches making multiple stops by his school. He possesses coveted sprinter’s speed and is an all-around athlete.
The 2024 receiver class could take multiple shapes but it’s safe to say one, or perhaps more likely two of these receivers will end up in the class.
[Sign up for Inside Texas and get ONE MONTH for $1 using our March Madness special!]
There are so many more interesting storylines as the Texas coaches look to solidify their standing with a number of priority targets. Make sure and sign up for Inside Texas so you don’t miss a beat on the recruiting trail or within the program.
