Inside Scoop: Intel on five-star targets, decision dates upcoming for Texas recruiting targets
Are more fireworks upcoming for Texas Longhorns football recruiting? The Inside Scoop looks into the latest in the Longhorns’ pursuit of top targets and when they could announce their decisions.
Kobe Black, CB, Waco (Texas) Connally
Texas continues to set the pace for the On3 Industry Ranking five-star.
Black worked out with former Connally teammate and Texas linebacker Jelani McDonald on Sunday. The duo are close as McDonald hosted Black during his official visit to Texas.
There’s talk Black might visit Texas A&M at the end of July, but that trip has yet to be confirmed.
Black’s timeline remains unknown. He’s mentioned taking it the distance, but those close believe he could make the decision earlier.
Corian Gipson, DB, Lancaster (Texas)
Watching his childhood friend Jordon Johnson-Rubell give Texas a verbal pledge on Saturday sent Gipson down memory lane.
“We grew up together,” Gipson told Inside Texas after posting photos of the duo as kids. “We’ve been boys forever.”
Gipson thoroughly enjoyed his official trip to Texas and now is positioned to make a decision, which Inside Texas thinks could happen in the next week or so.
Texas is thought to be leading Clemson with Ohio State and TCU on the peripheral for the On3 four-star’s services.
Selman Bridges, CB, Temple (Texas) Lake Belton
The 6-foot-4, 180-pound On3 four-star enjoyed his recent official visits to Texas and Arkansas, two schools which appear to be separating from the pack.
Texas offers proximity, positional versatility in the secondary, and a building culture.
Arkansas’ staff has really connected with Bridges, and he believes he can play early in Fayetteville.
Bridges wants to wait until late in the season for a decision. Like a lot of other prospects, he is also contemplating a summer decision.
Brandon Baker, OT, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
Texas and the five-star and family have engaged in multiple conversations in the last 7-10 days. There continues to be confidence on the Texas side, and that confidence has grown in the last week.
With that said, Ohio State is making a strong run. The Buckeyes already have four offensive line commits, including two four-star tackles.
Oregon remains in the mix as well. The Ducks also have four offensive line commits, including two tackles and a swing OT/IOL prospect.
Baker is a possibility to make a decision this month, or he could announce closer to his senior season. The timeline has been a moving goal post for the last few weeks. NIL is a key factor in the recruitment.
Blake Ivy, IOL, League City (Texas) Clear Springs
Texas has told the 6-foot-3, 280-pounder with an 81-inch wingspan he will play guard for the Longhorns if he decides to head to Austin. Ivy’s parents really like the academic and athletic components at Texas. The same goes for Texas A&M, the perceived leader in mid-June over LSU. The family has a number of family members that live in the Pelican State. Both Texas A&M and LSU haven’t ruled out Ivy beginning his career at tackle. But make no mistake, he will be an interior player if he has a career beyond college. A decision this month, or before the season, is expected.
July decisions coming up:
July 4 – Langham Creek tight end Jordan Washington remains a big Texas lean over Texas A&M.
July 8 – Defensive lineman Malik Blocton will announce out of Texas and Auburn July 8. Not out of the question the Longhorns win this one.
July 12 – Defensive lineman Melvin Hills remains a Texas lean over Ole Miss.
Around July 20 – Four-star defensive lineman TJ Lindsey is expected to announce before the end of July with Texas and Auburn considered the favorites over Texas A&M and Miami. Lindsey really likes Jason Taylor at Miami, but they aren’t in the SEC and that is not a choice of the parents.
July 21 – D’antre Robinson will announce his school choice. More details here.
Gerry Hamilton co-authored this article
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