Sunday Recruiting Intel: 2024 targets
There were a number of top Texas targets on the board in the 2024 cycle making visits to future SEC foes this weekend.
Steve Sarkisian and staff have remained in communication throughout the weekend with prospects and families as a number of targets are moving up timelines, and getting close to announcing decisions.
Inside Texas provides the latest on a number of targets with unofficial visits having wrapped up, or in the process of wrapping up.
Colin Simmons, EDGE, Duncanville (Texas) High
The No. 1 ranked EDGE was back in Baton Rouge over the weekend. He’s scheduled to return home this afternoon. The Tigers made a push to get the 5-star back on campus knowing his timeline is in the process of moving up from December.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder brought the entire family to Baton Rouge this weekend. LSU ace recruiter Frank Wilson has taken on a bigger role in this recruitment of late. This was also a first opportunity for Simmons to spend a lot of time with defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey. Former Tigers defensive line coach Jamar Cain leaving for the NFL slowed the Tigers momentum for a while.
On the Texas side, confidence remains. The Longhorns understand this is a true battle with the early favorite LSU. Texas knocked the June 23-25 official visit out of the park, as LSU did this weekend with the unofficial visit.
The big question with the Simmons recruitment is when will he announce. People in his circle are pushing for a decision prior to his senior season. As of Friday, Duncanville High had not set a date for their media day. Ideally, they hope Simmons announces a decision prior. But we shall see how it plays out.
Wardell Mack, CB, Marrero (La.) John Ehret
On3 Industry Ranking 4-star cornerback Mack was back in Gainesville this weekend for a two day visit. The 6-foot-0.5, 175-pound cover corner openly talked about how much he likes Florida when Inside Texas visit John Ehret recently. There was some chatter questioning how much the Gators wanted Mack, but IT can say that Florida head coach Billy Napier is all in. The Gators side believes Texas is the main competition. Florida also believes Florida State still has an outside shot too. And they wouldn’t completely rule out LSU yet either — but that may be more in the fall.
Inside Texas believes the decision is more likely to come down to Florida vs. Texas. Terry Joseph and Steve Sarkisian have put the Longhorns in a good position. They have done a very good job with the Mack family. The family has been consistent in saying that the decision is Wardell’s to make.
IT believes Mack will announce his decision in August.
Ryan Wingo, WR, St. Louis (Mo.) University
The 6-foot-1.5, 205-pound wide receiver was on campus at Tennessee, Missouri and Texas A&M this week with a decision date still in December currently. Intel continues to trend more to a Texas vs. Tennessee and Missouri decision as of today. The Longhorns continue to have a level of confidence in this recruitment.
Wingo and family continue to be in consistent communication with Steve Sarkisian and Chris Jackson. Arch Manning and Wingo are also in contact. That has not changed in the least.
Brandon Baker, OT, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
The 5-star right tackle still doesn’t have a firm timeline for a decision. With that said, an August or early September decisions by the 6-foot-4.5, 305-pounder wouldn’t come as a surprise. Once source continues to lean to Texas vs. Ohio State. Another source believes Oregon remains in the hunt.
Nebraska is all in on this one, but there hasn’t been behind the scenes chatter that the Cornhuskers could win out. Same with Tennessee.
There is a feeling that some inside the Baker circle like the idea of Texas headed into August.
T.J. Lindsey, DL, Bryant (Ar.) IMG Academy
Inside Texas has reported that Auburn is going to make it difficult for the 6-foot-3.5, 268-pounder to say no. IT can also report that Texas remains in contact, and remains in the fight for the On3 Industry Ranking 4-star. Texas has been in communication with Lindsey throughout the weekend. This continues to be a Auburn vs. Texas decision.
Lindsey hasn’t set a date to commit as of Saturday. He is currently planning to release a top 5 in the coming days.
More 2024 Notes
Even if San Marcos (Texas) High left tackle prospect Ory Williams commits to LSU today, the Longhorns will likely remain in contact. The same goes for Texas A&M 4-star tackle commitment Weston Davis.
Texas will also continue to watch Texas Tech verbal Jacob Ponton closely this season.
The Longhorns would like to sign two tackles in the 2024 class, but aren’t going to reach.
And one 2025 note
If I were to put in an On3 RPM for another prospect in the 2025 cycle right now, it could possibly be Jackson Christian.
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound interior offensive line prospect was back on campus in Austin Thursday, and the feeling coming out of the visit was the Longhorns are in good shape early on. The Texas staff is very high on Christian, to say the least.
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