Sunday recruiting thoughts after an eventful Saturday
In many ways it feels like the 2025 recruiting cycle kicked off on Saturday. I say that not just because of the surprising commitment of quarterback K.J. Lacey, but also because of all the 2025 visitors and offer activity.
From a recruiting standpoint I felt alive yesterday. This staff recruits at a high level, but there just hasn’t been a ton of recruiting activity since last Summer. We know things will pick up, but it actually felt like there were some hints of momentum yesterday.
Let’s start with 2024, though. I was with Gerry when he interviewed tight end Ryner Swanson just as he was leaving campus. Swanson and his parents were being ushered into their ride to the airport when I asked if he had a minute to talk about the trip. The Texas staffer escorting the Swanson’s said they were in a hurry to get to the airport but Ryner intervened and said he had time to talk. That’s a good sign in general — he was eager to talk Texas. Gerry’s interview made it clear how much Swanson likes Texas, but it was fun to watch him give the interview. He’s a smart and pretty measured kid, but he’s also very candid. Twice now he’s ‘overshared’ info only to rein it in a minute later.
Swanson’s one of my favorite kids the last few cycles. I think he’s an NFL player (the build really checked out in person) and whoever gets him will be fortunate. Me and Gerry left our interaction with him thinking Texas is the team to beat. I would consider an RPM for him but I’m not quite there yet.
So, K.J. Lacey. We pride ourselves on not being surprised by much, but I got got yesterday. Credit to Sark on this one. We know he was slowing 2025’s down a bit this Spring but he came out guns blazing on Saturday.
A few quarterbacks in recent memory have blown me away on tape. I mean, the first play you’re like ‘YEP!’. Bryce Young had that impact on me, though he was already highly rated. Justin Fields blew me away, too. When I first saw him he was ranked in the 50’s I think. He was a clear five-star to me. A couple of plays Arch’s freshmen year really caught my attention. Quinn Ewers had my attention early on as well. Lacey isn’t quite like that but he’s not far off. The number one thing you’re looking for in a QB who isn’t tall is the ability to find passing windows. A lot of times that requires setting and resetting. That’s how Drew Brees dominated from the pocket. Lacey is a natural in this regard. Paired with a quick release and live arm and you can tell why Sark went all in.
The 2025 class required an elite take at the position. Sark and AJ Milwee can’t afford to wait until 2026 and Julian Lewis, even as special as he might be.
A justifiable question is whether or not Texas can make the commitment stick. There are better ways to burn calories than worrying about Sark and quarterback recruiting. A pretty safe assumption would be Lacey will be in attendance for the Texas vs Alabama game on September 9th. That could be good, that could end up not being good. But, I’m reasonably optimistic about UT’s chances in that game and now there’s a little extra incentive to give Alabama a hell of a game.
Two other positions I can’t be bothered to worry about are wide receiver and running back. Gerry and Justin discussed Dakorien Moore and Harlem Berry respectively, and I just caught up with Berry as well.
Gerry calls Moore the best receiver in the state. I’m not 100% there but I’m certainly open to it. The position is loaded in 2025 and it will be nearly impossible for Texas to not cash in, especially if the receivers have the year we expect of them this season. Texas should be able to sell both track record and opportunity. A common theme we’ve been outlining is the budding Cold War between Texas and LSU. Moore’s recruitment is in line with that theme, just like his teammate Colin Simmons. Texas has to lock down Duncanville.
Texas isn’t just playing defense against LSU. Berry, the Metairie, Louisiana near five-star appears to be rising up UT’s 2025 running back board. Satisfied with all the skulls he’s collected in Florida, Tashard Choice is now zeroing in on Louisiana’s best running back in a while. Berry tells IT he’s developing a strong relationship with Coach Choice and Coach Joseph, and the schools that are standing out right now are “Texas, LSU, Florida, and Oklahoma.” Berry also noted these are the schools he’s visited.
Texas and LSU….wait until these schools start playing. I think it’s going to be the next rivalry we’re talking about.
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