Overview of 2021 recruiting: Offense
QB
Preston Stone - Stone seemed to be the top target early but it appears some things occured behind the scenes that led Texas to move on a bit. Stone has since committed to SMU.
Here is my initial take on his talent- "His film makes him look like a Johnny Manziel starter pack. He is very quick and elusive in the backfield, often buying extra time and then rifling a pass downfield. While he is a very effective runner, he doesn't rely on his legs. Once pressured, he eludes rushers but keeps his eyes downfield, always looking to make the pass instead of taking off on the run. In the pocket or on the move he drops absolute dimes on the deep ball and puts the ball in the perfect spot on timing routes."
- It will be interested to watch his career play out at SMU if he sticks with that commitment. He could be an all time great for them.
Jalen Milroe (Commit) - Jalen will compete all cycle with Stone for the top QB in state and possibly in the nation honors.
Jalen's junior year highlight film is fun to watch. Jalen is very elusive in the backfield but keeps his eyes downfield and is able to find the open WR and put it on him. He shows good pocket presence and hits WR in stride across the middle and deep down the field. When he takes off to run, he has elite speed and ability to make tacklers miss. He will be a great fit in Tom Herman's offense.
Texas may opt to take two QBs, a plan that Milroe is apparently on board with as well. Garrett Nussmeier was offered recently.
RB
Camar Wheaton - the top RB in the nation and the only 5 star RB currently. Texas has to land players like this when they pop up in their own backyard. There is certainly mutual interest but this is going to be a dog fight.
LJ Johnson - The 4th best RB in the nation and certainly a close 2nd to Wheaton in state. Texas would love to have him in addition to or to partner with Wheaton.
Brandon Campbell - a 4 star RB in state but I believe he left Texas out of his "top 5" or so a while back. There still seems to be interest so hopefully Texas can stay in play if things don't pan out with Wheaton or Johnson.
WR
Cody Jackson - Made an early commitment to OU. Texas has offered and will probably keep communication open but this one seems to have been decided early.
Quaydarius Davis - Davis committed and then decommitted to Texas already. That said, it seems as though Texas has recovered and is once again considered the front runner here. Davis is the #13 WR and #76 Overall player so he would be a great get. He has good height and crazy athleticism.
JoJo Earle - Texas doesn't have a lot of high profile WRs this class but JoJo represents another high end player who seems to be the top pick for Texas in the slot. This one is in favor of Texas currently and would be a great complement to Davis.
Theodore Knox - Texas has done a good job of getting more involved in this commitment recently and Knox has reciprocated the interest. He would be a good get as the #28 WR and #143 player overall.
Other names to know, Bryson and Blaine Green, Latrell Neville. All 3 are top 50 WRs with early Texas offers.
TE
Texas currently has commitments from Lake McRee and Juan Davis. As mentioned previously, McRee may be looking elsewhere at this point after suffering a severe knee injury. Davis plays QB currently and is listed as a QB. I think Texas would like to get one more TE.
Dametrious Crownover is a 4 star TE from and number 5 in the nation who hails from Texas. Texas very recently offered him so hopefully they can move to the forefront of his recruitment.
Other names to know Elijah Arroyo, Var'Keyes Gumms, Landen King.
OL
Tommy Brockermeyer is the top OT in the nation and number 3 player overall. A true stud and Texas legacy. A feel less optimistic now than over the summer as Tommy and his brother seem to be looking around at all the national powerhouses. Texas has the inside edge with his dad and brother both playing for the horns but Tommy and James have the talent to blaze their own trail. I really hope in the end the home state school wins out.
James Brockermeyer is now ranked as a 4 star center (3rd highest center). He is a take regardless of his brother and a true experienced center prospect is always needed.James was slower to get the nationwide attention of his brother but that has changed this winter as many of the big time programs have offered James.
Savion Byrd is the other 5 star OT in the state and the number 12 player in the nation. He has good size and great athleticism. Landing Byrd would certainly help ease the loss of the Brockermeyers if that does indeed occur. Things look good between Byrd and Texas currently
Hayden Conner - Hayden jumped on board early and is a solid first piece of the OL class. He is very smart and large at almost 6'6 and 315 pounds. He could slot inside as a guard but does have the potential to remain at tackle.
Bryce Foster - Conner's current teammate is the second highest ranked guard in the nation and those two in combination dominate upfront for Katy Taylor. Foster is an aggy legacy so they are felt to be the favorite but Texas has made good progress recently. The quartet of Conner, Foster, Jalen Milroe and Tunmise Adoyele are very close and landing all 4 would be an incredible coup.
Donovan Jackson things seem to be getting more favorable for Texas for the player previously felt to be an aggy lean. However, we recently committed to tOSU.
Rueben Fatheree and Jaeden Roberts are important targets to keep in mind as well. Both are ranked in the top 150 currently and could serve as really stellar back up options at Tackle and Guard respectively. That is how crazy deep this years OL class is in Texas.