Inside Scoop: Latest recruiting trends for Texas in 2024
Inside Texas takes a closer look at some of the top priority targets for the 2024 cycle and where the Horns sit in early August in Monday’s Scoop.
Colin Simmons, EDGE, Duncanville (Texas)
It’s time for the On3 Five-Star Plus+ EDGE to make his decision this week on August 10th. It’s down to three; Texas, LSU, and Miami. Miami is considered to be a hat on the table at this point.
Texas and LSU have been the most consistent programs in this recruitment, and the last two trips Simmons has taken.
Texas held the momentum after his official trip to Austin, but LSU has seemingly swung it back.
Inside Texas decided to reach out to three Power 5 assistant coaches that recruit Duncanville, and have been a part of the Simmons recruitment at some point. The reason for reaching out was simple, where do the three assistant coaches believe Simmons will commit Thursday?
All three picked LSU. Two pretty much without hesitation. One with hesitation, as he knows that Texas came out of June with a big lead (he mentioned a silent commitment and recruiting for Texas on a player this coach’s program was recruiting).
Either way, the program he doesn’t choose on will not stop recruiting the national EDGE prospect.
Kobe Black, CB, Waco (Texas) Connally
Texas held the cards heading into the summer, and by all accounts, are still in a strong position for the On3 Industry Ranking five-star cornerback.
Texas A&M, LSU, and Alabama are still recruiting the Cen-Tex stud, who still plan on visiting Baton Rouge and Tuscaloosa for officials this fall.
Kobe’s family would prefer a decision before the beginning of the season, so that the early enrollee can enjoy the final five months of high school. But Black is still undecided when he’ll announce his choice.
Inside Texas will be in Waco on Tuesday for the latest.
Dominick McKinley, DL, Lafayette (La.) Acadiana
Texas has shown a penchant for going into Louisiana and grabbing some of the best the Pelican State has to offer. After snagging Arch Manning and Derek Williams in 2023, they’re back to big -game hunting in Da Boot.
McKinley wanted to decide before the beginning of his senior campaign, and reports say McKinley will announce his decision on September 1st.
Despite the in-state ties to the Tigers, Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M are pushing the hardest for the On3 Industry Ranking five-star. UT and OU continue to be considered the top two, at this stage.
His connections to Texas DL coach Bo Davis and OU DL coach Todd Bates are strong factors in this recruitment. Sarkisian and Davis talked with McKinley last week and are scheduled to again this week.
Should the Longhorns win out, they will have knocked defensive line recruiting out of the park with Alex January, D’antre Robinson and Melvin Hills already in the boat.
Wardell Mack, CB, Marerro (La.) John Ehret
Another top prospect in Louisiana that Texas has become a lot closer with, the On3 four-star defensive back skipped his trip to LSU to see Florida again.
Texas and Florida have put together tremendous pitches to the promising corner, with LSU hanging around the rim.
His timeline could be anytime. With Terry Joseph and the UT staff, they’ve been huge in connecting with the family and selling the opportunity to play in Austin.
LSU will recruit Mack all the way until December with Frank Wilson leading the charge even if Mack commits to Texas or Florida in the next two or three weeks.
TJ Lindsey, DL, Bryant (Ar.) IMG Academy
Texas continues to battle Auburn for the 6-foot-3.5, 268-pounder. The Tigers are considered the favorite, but the Longhorns aren’t throwing in the towel. The UT staff knows Lindsey values the idea of playing for the University of Texas brand.
Blake Ivy, IOL, League City (Texas) Clear Springs
Texas and Ivy had communication last week. Ivy has not told Texas they are out of it, as of Friday, and hasn’t told UT of an announcement date. A decision is expected prior to the first game of the season, as of today. The feeling remains that Texas A&M is the favorite over LSU and Texas. There is enough family and ties to the Pelican State to worry the Aggies.
DeAndre Carter, IOL, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
The 6-foot-4, 340-pounder remains scheduled to official visit September 30th weekend for the Kansas game. Carter has never wavered with his and his families communication thus far. Like Lindsay, Auburn is likely the top competition right now. He made June OV’s to Auburn and Michigan State.
Gerry Hamilton contributed to this article.
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