Recruiting percentages for Texas’ top defensive targets
If you missed the offensive version on Monday, here you go.
Texas really needs to put together a strong defensive class, particularly up front on the defensive line. The SEC isn’t forgiving for teams who can’t hold their own up front and Texas is set to lose some quality and physically mature defensive linemen over the next two seasons.
With June official visits beginning shortly, let’s take a look at how Inside Texas currently views the percentages for landing the main targets.
Colin Simmons, EDGE, Duncanville (Texas)
Eric: 60%. Why? Because Texas has to win it and I think the holistic selling point of Texas will carry the day. I do have concerns over LSU, especially given my expectation they’ll win the SEC West.
Justin: 51%. If he waits until December. If Texas wins the Big 12. If the defense keeps improving. Lot is ifs, but doable.
Gerry: 50%. LSU or Texas, Texas or LSU. LSU is his personal favorite. Texas has made up ground. Georgia and Florida also likely June OV’s.
Jordan Ross, EDGE, Birmingham (Ala.) Vestavia Hills
Eric: 15%. Let’s see how his official visit goes.
Justin: 15%.
Gerry: 20%. He’s leaving the home state, as of today. Tennessee has some strong hooks unless Georgia says you aren’t getting him. Florida all in.
Zina Umeozulu, EDGE, Allen (Texas)
Eric: 65%. I think it’s a RRS battle and Texas will make more sense from a scheme and playing opportunity standpoint. Jeff Choate getting more involved helps UT.
Justin: 60%. Texas probably leads, but watch Oklahoma and Texas A&M. USC too.
Gerry: 60%. Placing percentages on a Umeozulu recruitment is always interesting.
Dominick McKinley, DL, Lafayette (La.) Acadiana
Eric: 25%. It talking with his father I didn’t get the feeling he’s an LSU lock, but LSU has a good pitch and is right down the street. They’re also being extremely aggressive. Recruit him through the whistle.
Justin: 15%. LSU until it’s not LSU.
Gerry: 25%. Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M are all in this more than many think.
Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, DL, Conroe (Texas) Oak Ridge
Eric: 25%. If we’re going to see a bounce in this recruitment it’ll happen in the coming weeks. Texas needs an unofficial visit that leads to an official visit.
Justin: 25%. Texas is trying to get any sort of traction here.
Gerry: 20%. If Texas doesn’t get the mom on campus in June, next man up. Georgia official visit June 23-25 will likely crush Oklahoma fans hopes.
Nigel Smith, DL, Melissa (Texas)
Eric: 40%. We’ll see if Texas picks up the slack in this recruitment, and by “Texas” I mean Pete Kwiatkowski. If Texas goes all in I think this recruitment can be won.
Justin: 15%. There’s some stuff to unpack and rearrange here. The longer he’s uncommitted, the better Texas could look.
Gerry: 25%. But going up slowly.
Terrence Hibbler, DL, Lexington (Miss.) Holmes County Central
Eric: 40%. One of my favorite iDL prospects Bo Davis is on. I hope Alabama doesn’t like him as much as I do.
Justin: 50%. I strangely feel good here.
Gerry: 45%. Alabama or Texas is the thought now. But Mississippi State won’t go quietly. An Alabama push June 2-4 could make this one tough.
D’antre Robinson, DL, Orlando (Fla.) Jones
Eric: 40%. Maybe the second most talented iDL target after McKinley. That’ll make getting him out of Florida more difficult. I think the staff is going to dial up the heat.
Justin: 50%. The Horns have to hold off the in-state powers.
Gerry: 45%. A motivated Texas can win this one.
TJ Lindsey, DL, Bryant (Ark.)
Eric: 30%. I just talked to him and have no idea where he’s going to end up. There’s a good chance he takes his decision into the season which could help Texas as the coaches gain clarity with others.
Justin: 25%.
Gerry: 30%. Tough read recruitment. Auburn, Texas A&M, Florida State, and Texas could all win out.
Melvin Hills, DL, Lafayette (La.) Lafayette Christian Academy
Eric: 30%. I’m just not sure Bo Davis will have the gas pedal to go all in.
Justin: 35%. This goes way up if they push. He wants out of Louisiana.
Gerry: 45%. Ole Miss is pushing hard. He prefers Texas with the same push. Wanted LSU when the process began, but that’s not likely.
Alex January, DL, Duncanville (Texas)
Eric: 85%. This should be easy. Big kid who can move his feet. Take and develop.
Justin: 80%. The only way this isn’t Texas is if January takes his time and other guys want in.
Gerry: 90%. Truly Texas’ to lose.
Jayden Jackson, DL, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy
Eric: 50%. Texas made up a lot of ground on his recent visit. Another visit like that could put Texas in the pole position.
Justin: 45%. Ohio State is the team to beat.
Gerry: 48%. Ohio State and Texas top two beginning June visits. Miami is contending third.
Isaia Faga, DL, Phenix City (Ala.) Central – Utah commit
Eric: 30%. Love the kids tape but I’m not sure he has the size they’re wanting in the class even if he does de-commit.
Justin: 35%. If he de-commits from Utah, Texas looks great. Big if.
Gerry: 75% if he de-commits. College coaches have been waiting on that for three months. Family ties are strong with the Utes.
Justin Williams, LB, Conroe (Texas) Oak Ridge
Eric: 20%. Play the long game even if he commits elsewhere.
Justin: 25%. If they get him on campus, call me.
Gerry: 20%. Georgia or Oregon. Everyone else chasing from a few car lengths behind with clunky transmssions.
Tyanthony Smith, LB, Jasper (Texas)
Eric: 75%. The combination of Choate and the linebacker room recruiting Smith will be enough to get the commitment, imo.
Justin: 65%. Texas has been the consistent program since Day 1.
Gerry: 66%. Just to have one percentage higher than Wells.
Montay Weeden, LB, Silver Spring (MD) St. John’s
Eric: 20%.
Justin: 33%.
Gerry: 25%. Would have to see a true push here. If that happens, Texas’ to lose.
Kobe Black, CB, Waco (Texas) Connally
Eric: 75%. Texas is laser focused here and will be able to sell early playing time regardless of how the room appears.
Justin: 70%. He’s been the priority at corner since February.
Gerry: 75%. Texas’ 5-star to lose.
Selman Bridges, CB, Temple (Texas) Lake Belton
Eric: 65%. He seems to profile to Texas and also fits their recruiting template for defensive backs.
Justin: 65%. Texas could really separate here with a fantastic OV.
Gerry: 60%. So much in defensive back recruiting comes down to Gipson’s decision, and how the numbers could affect others.
Wardell Mack, CB, Marrero (La.) John Ehret
Eric: 40%. I think Texas is headed for bridesmaid status.
Justin: 20%.
Gerry: 35%. Texas over Florida to get to the finale vs. LSU.
Eli Bowen, CB, Denton (Texas) Guyer
Eric: 40%.
Justin: 45%. This is a recruitment we’re watching closely. Moving parts, etc.
Gerry: 35%. Very good player, but doesn’t fit the ideal size Texas is looking for. We shall see if they truly push in June.
Corian Gipson, CB/DB, Lancaster (Texas)
Eric: 40%. I expect Texas to stay on him regardless of what he decides. If he picks Clemson will he truly follow through? I know some would be skeptical of that. Here’s to a great birthday party on his official visit.
Justin: 40%. Clemson gets the other 60%.
Gerry: 40%. Texas is slipping to the dream school. Big question now is does Gipson follow through on the June official visit schedule.
Jordon Johnson-Rubell, S, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy
Eric: 75%. I have an RPM pick in for him. Key was understanding if he’s a priority and he certainly is.
Justin: 75%. Texas has prioritized the Fort Worth native.
Gerry: 70%. Alabama not being on OV list is key. Texas’ to lose.
Myles Davis, S, Converse (Texas) Judson
Eric: 30%. They like him for sure, but they don’t like loading up on safety-only players.
Justin: 40%. Texas A&M and USC look good here as his UT official visit approaches in June.
Gerry: 33%. See who Texas prioritizes beginning the weekend of June 16.
Joshua Lair, S, Missouri City (Texas) Fort Bend Marshall
Eric: 25%.
Justin: 30%. All depends if Texas pushes this summer.
Gerry: 33%. See above.
Braylon Conley, S, Humble (Texas) Atascocita
Eric: 25%. Numbers make this one hard to predict. Texas does like him quite a bit.
Justin: 25%. If Texas pushes, this number increases.
Gerry: 20%. Texas was by in May. We shall see if Texas tries to push.
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