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Texas Recruiting Notes 2023: Strippers, Monkeys, and 5-Stars


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IT recruiting stuff (including some Arch info that isn't really info)
 

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DJ Hicks, DL, Katy (Paetow) Texas:

The top player in Texas for 2023 continues to see Oklahoma and Texas A&M favorably, but he's not down on the Longhorns. In fact, he's keeping an open mind, continually building a strong relationship with Bo Davis, and staying grounded with a father that played professionally and understands the rigors of the recruiting process.

Hicks will see the process through, with upcoming official stops at Michigan State and Miami. But a strong season coupled with an impressive showing against Alabama in September, a game he’ll attend, would be a power move in the Hicks' eyes.

With all that said, a family member is pushing Texas to stay the course and get Hicks on campus in September for an unofficial and December for an official visit. This is a ‘recruit through the whistle’ prospect for the Longhorns.

Markis Deal, DL/IOL, Garland (Texas) Naaman Forest

The 6-foot-4, 280-pounder has June visits lined up to Georgia, USC (OV June 17-19) and Arkansas (OV June 24-26), and already made a May OV to TCU. Auburn is another potential unofficial visit. So the main question is where does this leave the Longhorns? The Deal family had/has interest in a June 2-4 or 9-11 OV to Texas, but the Longhorns weren’t targeting those weekends with Deal. When a visit happens is in question right now. The Longhorns have slipped in this recruitment, but are not out of it. At the end of the day, there will be a push to stay close to home by a family that doesn’t have the schedule to travel long distances on weekends to watch Markis play.

Johntay Cook, WR, DeSoto (Texas)

A source locked into Cook’s recruitment told Inside Texas Wednesday that the Longhorns remain in a very strong position. The source would be surprised if Texas wasn’t the choice at the end of the day. Cook visits Ole Miss this weekend, and is scheduled to see Michigan June 20-22.

IT believes there’s a good chance Cook will visit Texas the same weekend as Arch Manning.

Jalen Hale, WR, Longview (Texas)

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is looking like a June 24-26 visitor, but it all depends on if his Longview 7 on 7 advance to state next weekend. If they don't, he'll likely be in Austin that last weekend, sources tell IT.

Visiting USC and Alabama remain priorities for the state champion receiver, who took unofficials to Ohio State and Georgia last month and remains in contact with both of those programs as well. Hale would like to decide before his senior year, but carrying it into the fall season wouldn't surprise us either.

Zalance Heard, OT, Neville (Monroe, LA)

It’s not officially set in stone, but IT expects the On3 five-star tackle to make an official visit the weekend of June 24-26. That would have Heard on campus with fellow OL priorities like Jaydon Chatman, Ian Reed, Connor Stroh, and Andre Cojoe.
 

Arch Manning to Georgia…

…for his official visit this weekend.

In making our routine weekly sweeps, IT feels as good as ever about UT’s chances as Manning gets set to see the National Champion Bulldogs. While it certainly sounds and feels like this recruitment is nearing its resolution, there still does not appear to be a firm decision timeline, and there are still some murmurs it could draw out into the season.

We don’t think that’s what will happen, but it’s still within the realm of possibility. At this point, it may even behoove Georgia for Manning to wait in hopes UT fails to deliver on the field. Of course, if Arch waits, it’s essentially confirmation that UT controls its own destiny.

Again, we think a Summer decision is more likely, and even a June decision is possible. Nobody knows the position Georgia currently finds itself better than Kirby Smart and Todd Monken. Expect them to pull out all the stops in what could amount to the last time he visits Athens.

 

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11 minutes ago, Hookem2147 said:

IT recruiting stuff (including some Arch info that isn't really info)
 

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DJ Hicks, DL, Katy (Paetow) Texas:

The top player in Texas for 2023 continues to see Oklahoma and Texas A&M favorably, but he's not down on the Longhorns. In fact, he's keeping an open mind, continually building a strong relationship with Bo Davis, and staying grounded with a father that played professionally and understands the rigors of the recruiting process.

Hicks will see the process through, with upcoming official stops at Michigan State and Miami. But a strong season coupled with an impressive showing against Alabama in September, a game he’ll attend, would be a power move in the Hicks' eyes.

With all that said, a family member is pushing Texas to stay the course and get Hicks on campus in September for an unofficial and December for an official visit. This is a ‘recruit through the whistle’ prospect for the Longhorns.

Markis Deal, DL/IOL, Garland (Texas) Naaman Forest

The 6-foot-4, 280-pounder has June visits lined up to Georgia, USC (OV June 17-19) and Arkansas (OV June 24-26), and already made a May OV to TCU. Auburn is another potential unofficial visit. So the main question is where does this leave the Longhorns? The Deal family had/has interest in a June 2-4 or 9-11 OV to Texas, but the Longhorns weren’t targeting those weekends with Deal. When a visit happens is in question right now. The Longhorns have slipped in this recruitment, but are not out of it. At the end of the day, there will be a push to stay close to home by a family that doesn’t have the schedule to travel long distances on weekends to watch Markis play.

Johntay Cook, WR, DeSoto (Texas)

A source locked into Cook’s recruitment told Inside Texas Wednesday that the Longhorns remain in a very strong position. The source would be surprised if Texas wasn’t the choice at the end of the day. Cook visits Ole Miss this weekend, and is scheduled to see Michigan June 20-22.

IT believes there’s a good chance Cook will visit Texas the same weekend as Arch Manning.

Jalen Hale, WR, Longview (Texas)

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is looking like a June 24-26 visitor, but it all depends on if his Longview 7 on 7 advance to state next weekend. If they don't, he'll likely be in Austin that last weekend, sources tell IT.

Visiting USC and Alabama remain priorities for the state champion receiver, who took unofficials to Ohio State and Georgia last month and remains in contact with both of those programs as well. Hale would like to decide before his senior year, but carrying it into the fall season wouldn't surprise us either.

Zalance Heard, OT, Neville (Monroe, LA)

It’s not officially set in stone, but IT expects the On3 five-star tackle to make an official visit the weekend of June 24-26. That would have Heard on campus with fellow OL priorities like Jaydon Chatman, Ian Reed, Connor Stroh, and Andre Cojoe.
 

Arch Manning to Georgia…

…for his official visit this weekend.

In making our routine weekly sweeps, IT feels as good as ever about UT’s chances as Manning gets set to see the National Champion Bulldogs. While it certainly sounds and feels like this recruitment is nearing its resolution, there still does not appear to be a firm decision timeline, and there are still some murmurs it could draw out into the season.

We don’t think that’s what will happen, but it’s still within the realm of possibility. At this point, it may even behoove Georgia for Manning to wait in hopes UT fails to deliver on the field. Of course, if Arch waits, it’s essentially confirmation that UT controls its own destiny.

Again, we think a Summer decision is more likely, and even a June decision is possible. Nobody knows the position Georgia currently finds itself better than Kirby Smart and Todd Monken. Expect them to pull out all the stops in what could amount to the last time he visits Athens.

 

I am not feeling it with Hale, Hicks, or Heard. I hope I am wrong, but I don't think I am. 

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Gerry Hamilton: Texas Longhorns' ten most important June visits

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The Texas Longhorns have the opportunity to grab a lot of momentum on the recruiting trail this summer. If Steve Sarkisian and staff are to accomplish that, the June visits will be paramount. And the same can be said for Chris Beard on the hardwood. This weekend begins the run of June official visits for top Texas targets. Inside Texas takes a mighty swing at the ten most important visits in June.

1. Arch Manning

Nope, I’m not talking about Manning’s June 17 official visit to Texas. The most important visit is this weekend in Athens. Texas is the favorite for Manning entering this weekend. The ball is in the court of Kirby Smart and Todd Monken. The Georgia staff and people close to the program will be playing up stability, and the great SEC college town of Athens. Georgia knows that Texas leads headed into the weekend. If the chatter coming out of the weekend is no change, the Longhorns will be gaining even more confidence.

2. Derion Gullette

The June 24-26 official visit for Derion Gullette will be huge for the Longhorns. Texas has to win out for top linebacker and EDGE prospects in the cycle, and Gullette is talented at both. This is a cream of the crop recruitment with Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama and Ohio State the other four in serious contention. This would be a statement recruiting win at a position of great need.

3. Anthony Hill

The On3 Consensus 5-star will make an official visit to Texas June 24-26. With this recruitment very likely to come down to Texas A&M vs. Texas, it’s has perception implications. Texas has to bring in a bumper crop of linebackers and EDGE prospects with the move to the SEC getting closer and closer. No way around it. And that in many ways makes Hill a “must get” recruit for Texas in the 2023 cycle.

4. Zalance Heard

The No. 16-ranked prospect in the On300 is very likely to make an official visit to Texas June 24-26. This will be a very important visit for the Longhorns with Heard now leaning to playing left tackle at the next level. Bo Davis will tag team with Kyle Flood on this recruitment moving forward. LSU is recruiting Heard at right tackle due to former Neville High teammate Will Campbell playing left tackle at LSU this spring. That should help Texas cause.

5. Cedric Baxter Jr.

The feeling Texas gets from On300 No. 1-ranked running back Cedric Baxter Jr. on his June 10-12 official visit will be paramount for the Longhorns running back recruiting in the 2023 cycle. The Florida Gators are considered the favorite by those around the Edgewater program. Miami, Texas, Texas A&M and now Alabama are the top 5. Texas believes they have a legit chance due to a long standing relationship with Tashard Choice. If this recruitment plays out until December, the Longhorns will face an uphill battle.

6. Ja’Kobe Walter and Baylor

The top basketball target on the board in the 2023 cycle is On3 Consensus 4-star shooting guard Ja’Kobe Walter. The 6-foot-5 sharpshooting scorer will make an official visit to Baylor June 13-15. Baylor lead Texas and Auburn headed into the spring. Chris Beard and Rodney Terry have cut into that lead quite a bit. With a decision expected in late July or early August, the Baylor visit will be huge for both programs.

7. Jaydon Chatman

With On3 Consensus 4-star IOL Harris Sewell having moved on from the Longhorns, the recruitment of Chatman takes on even more importance. Texas was Chatman’s first offer, and have had him and his family on campus more than anyone else. Texas doesn’t need to swing and miss on both of the top prospects on the line in the state. Especially with the possibility that both could end up at the same school. Chatman will visit Oklahoma this weekend and Texas A&M June 10-12 prior to the Texas official visit to conclude June.

8. Braylan Shelby

Texas and USC are engaging in some key battles in the portal and the high school ranks. Both programs need to win out for EDGE prospects, and Braylan Shelby is just that. Shelby continues to glow about his unofficial visit to USC and Los Angeles. The first ever trip to the West Coast was an eye opener for the 6-foot-5, 235-pounder. The parents prefer close to home, but aren’t going to stand in his way if he chooses USC due to being a private school. A parent liked the idea of Baylor for that very reason. Texas checks a lot of boxes for Shelby.

9. Jaquaize Pettaway

The On3 Consensus 4-star receiver has been a favorite of Brennan Marion since he began the relationship building process. There are a lot of similarities the two share growing up, and the bond is real. Texas has to win key battles in Houston in the 2023 cycle after a rough 2022 cycle. And this one is key. Not only because Pettaway has high-end speed and playmaking, but because Oklahoma would be the likely winner if not Texas.

10. Austin Westlake and Texas

The Longhorns have to win at home. And that means more than just in state. Texas has a pair of top targets at Austin Westlake in Jaden Greathouse and Colton Vasek. Texas doesn’t need to go 0 for 2 on the On3 Consensus 4-stars. Greathouse is considered a Notre Dame lean headed into June OV’s. Vasek is more of a wildcard with Clemson and Oklahoma in strong positions headed into OVs.

 

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3 minutes ago, Ricky's one-hitter said:

Lethargic takes coming in hot this afternoon. I’ll assume he forgot to take a picture of the first 2

 

Covering the SMU camp and not the Texas one is peak Roach. One has coaches from all over America. One has every Metroplex HSFB corch. Easy pick.

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32 minutes ago, Mr. Mojo Risin' said:

Pretty sure that's a beer cap on the table between his 3rd and 4th bagel sammich... At 915am

No, no. Mike is on the clock, so that’s clearly a full sugar Mexican Coke playing the part of “coffee”. One does not simply eclipse 3 bills on accident. He’s maximizing opportunity for caloric consumption. Pro move. 

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On 6/3/2022 at 2:29 PM, satyanash said:

Gerry Hamilton: Texas Longhorns' ten most important June visits

8. Braylan Shelby

The parents prefer close to home, but aren’t going to stand in his way if he chooses USC due to being a private school. A parent liked the idea of Baylor for that very reason.

Two private schools that share a lot in common, USC an Baylor.

The only things I can think of is strong Greek life and recent scandals that got their top administration fired.

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1 hour ago, quigley said:

Two private schools that share a lot in common, USC an Baylor.

The only things I can think of is strong Greek life and recent scandals that got their top administration fired.

Los Angles & Waco are Sister Cities. 
 

LA had Charles Manson & Waco had David Koresh. The similarities are endless. 

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17 minutes ago, Napoleon said:

Los Angles & Waco are Sister Cities. 
 

LA had Charles Manson & Waco had David Koresh. The similarities are endless. 

LA had the Rodney King riots, Waco had the Biker gang shootout at Twin Peaks. It’s uncanny

LA has Hollywood hills, Waco has the Magnolia grain Silos. Star power is equivalent.

Edited by Vertigo
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24 minutes ago, Vertigo said:

LA had the Rodney King riots, Waco had the Biker gang shootout at Twin Peaks. It’s uncanny

LA has Hollywood hills, Waco has the Magnolia grain Silos. Star power is equivalent.

LA has the Big Mac. Waco has the Big Mick…see, no sesame seeds.

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12 hours ago, Vito Andolini said:

I don’t think of Baylor as being especially Greek, as the school forbids Fraternity and Sorority houses. Way different than most campuses.

https://www.baylor.edu/studentactivities/index.php?id=943397

If Baylor didn't have a Greek scene, it would strengthen my point.

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Arch can become a legendary figure in the sport if he has success at Texas. If instead he has success at Georgia, he will just be another name on the wall. That’s because Texas is a bigger brand than Georgia in the grand scheme of the sport.  Sorry Georgia. That’s just the way it is. Arch, your move. 

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