Gerry Hamilton
Thursday AM recruiting notes
Thursday morning recruiting notes with things moving by the hour, if not minutes.
Dre Quinn, EDGE (Buford, Ga./High) - Clemson is telling Quinn and circle that they see him as an impact player in year one. Texas told Quinn and circle they see him developing for a year, then becoming an impact player. That has made Clemson much more attractive to the circle. He will announce his decision today.
Vodney Cleveland, DL (Birmingham, Ala./Parker) - Texas remains the favorite as of Wednesday over Florida, North Carolina and Georgia with a Saturday decision closing in.
5-star Trenton Henderson, EDGE (Pensacola, Fla./Catholic) - Make no mistake, Texas has Henderson as high on the board as any in the 2026 cycle.
5-stars Tyler Atkinson, LB (Loganville, Ga./Grayson) and Xavier Griffin, LB (Gainesville, Ga./High) - OTF would be pretty surprised if they attend the same college. Atkinson visiting Texas helps Bama's fight against the Horns for Griffin.
Luke Wafle, EDGE (Princeton, N.J./The Hun School) - Texas has stayed in the fight, but as we reported yesterday we weren't believing making the OV was a lock. USC made a big run last weekend, but that quieted down. Ohio State is trying their best to shut this down prior to the Texas OV. One person in the family still wants him to visit Texas.
James Johnson, DL (Miami/Northwestern via North Fort Myers) - While many expect Miami here, one source told OTF Wednesday that Georgia and Texas are the top two headed into the Longhorns OV.
Kaydon Finley, WR (Aledo, Texas/High) - OTF believes Texas remains in a good spot over Notre dame headed into the OV this weekend.
Kendall Guervil, DL (Fort Myers, Fla./High) - OTF believes Texas remains in the best position headed into the OV this weekend.
Ezavier Crowell, RB (Jackson, Ala./High) - Those in Austin believe Texas is truly in the fight with Alabama ahead of the Bama OV and June 26 decision. Auburn and Georgia haven't backed off.
Damari Simeon, DL (Richland, N.J./St. Augustine) - Texas is doing well in this recruitment headed into Ohio State OV. Michigan still battling. Penn State would be a bit of surprise.
Samari Matthews, CB (Cornelius, N.C./Hough) - Texas remains confident ahead of South Carolina OV this weekend. Miami swinging. August decision remains scheduled.
Malakai Lee, OT (Honolulu, Hi./Kamehameha) - Confidence in this one remains in Austin ahead of Michigan OV this weekend. Georgia picked up a fourth OL commit Wednesday, a left tackle prospect. Lee announces his decision June 27.