The Latest | JJ Hester Decision Coming?

– CJ Vogel

Oklahoma WR Javian Hester was on campus once again for a visit. And this time, with his mother.

“She loved it, especially the academic part.” said Hester following the Stars at Night camp. “She’s real big on my grades.”

Texas is in a great spot with the 6-foot, 3-inch WR from Booker T. Washington HS in Oklahoma, and Hester made it clear just where the Horns currently stand in his recruitment.

“Texas is still at the top.” He expanded by saying Texas was at the very top, but that Baylor is constantly in his ear.

Newly committed DL Vernon Broughton is putting in work on the recruiting trail with Hester. “Vernon, he just hit me up. He’s trying to get me to come to Austin,” said Hester. “He just texted me and said ‘Come to Texas, baby that’s it!’”

WR Coach Drew Mehringer has been tasked with the recruitment of Hester and thus far has done a phenomenal job of creating a relationship. “He’s a real cool guy, he really cares about you,” said Hester. “He’s a real funny guy and cool to be around.”

Hester said he will definitely be down for a game this fall, but has yet to make a decision on which game that may be.

*** So when will a decision come? Hester targeted anywhere from the end of August to the middle of the season as a timeframe for him to go public with his commitment.

Quick-Hitters | Ringo & Wilson

– Super K

***I’m sure most of you noticed that Kelee Ringo made yet another visit out to UGA this past weekend.

I have heard from sources in the Georgia area that UGA is very confident that they are the leader. I’d say that is likely.

However, as one Texas source said, he’s not committing anytime soon and the season changes a lot of things. He still has his official visit to Texas.

***Spoke with a source regarding Johnny Wilson. As I mentioned, this Oregon commitment was surprising as sources around Wilson say Texas was the clear leader as recently as last week.

However, I was told he still plans on taking an official visit to Texas.

‘Thompson Twins’ | Commitment Dates and Such

– Super K

***2020 DB, Chris Thompson who was scheduled to make his decision announcement on August 1st has moved things back.

***On the Chris Thompson front, I reached out to his father and he confirmed that the delay is due to a delay in the taping of the commitment video.

***On Jerrin Thompson, I’m told that Jerrin is working on a commitment video, as well. Was told that he will announce, “as soon as this weekend and no later than next week”.

And for you youngsters that don’t understand the title reference…

Commitment Analysis | 2021 ATH Billy Bowman

– Darius Terrell

Texas is off to an amazing start in the class of 2021. On Wednesday afternoon, they added one of the most dynamic two-way talents in the country when Denton Ryan (Denton, TX) ATH Billy Bowman, Jr. gave the Longhorns a pledge. The #DallasToAustin movement continues to hold true to form, despite the loss of Assistant WR Coach Ra’Shaad Samples to SMU recently.

What is Texas getting in Bowman, Jr.?

Ranking: #88 Nationally, #6 ATH (Rivals), #90 Nationally, #10 ATH (247), #117 Nationally, #22 WR (ESPN), #22 Overall (TX Top 25)

Top Offers: Alabama, Notre Dame, Florida, Oregon, Florida St., Arkansas

Size: 5’10 175lbs

Projected College Position: Cornerback/Slot Receiver/Return Man

Player Comparison: CB Darnay Holmes (UCLA 2017-)

Analysis: This is a big one.

Bowman, Jr. is one of the most electrifying playmakers not just in Texas, but in the entire United States. He has “football instincts” that can’t be taught and pairs it with some big-time athleticism. He is one of the rare skill players that could legitimately be a standout on either side of the ball at the next level.

On Offense, Bowman is utilized as a Slot WR and occasionally out of the backfield for his loaded Ryan HS team which features some of the top prospects in the country (Drew Sanders, Jatavion Sanders). Bowman eats up ground on Defensive Backs with his top-notch acceleration and he gets up to full speed in a hurry. He is a weapon taking shorts passes or bubbles and picking up YAC, as well as being used on hand-offs/reverses. Bowman is an explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands.

On Defense, Bowman is an ultra-aggressive Cornerback who is always looking for the takeaway. Bowman was a 1st-Team All-State selection as a Sophomore after picking off 5 passes and returning 3 for touchdowns last season. Bowman has the ability to play both Outside and the Nickel Cornerback positions, which adds to his already substantial value. His highest upside lies on this side of the ball, in my opinion.

On Special Teams, Bowman, Jr. returned both punts and kicks for touchdowns during his sophomore campaign. There truly isn’t any phase of the game that he doesn’t have the ability to make an impact.

Bowman debuted at #22 overall on my initial Top 25 for the class of 2021.

Instant Impact Rating: 7.5

Highlights:

Team Note | Sourced | Washington

– Super K

We’ve mentioned Jake Smith multiple times over the summer as a guy who has stood out.

But before the players broke for their pre-fall camp rest, I had been hearing more and more about freshman wide receiver Marcus Washington.

***What told that Washington gets to his top speed in a hurry. He can put DBs on their heals.

***He hasn’t filled out yet but Yancy is taking care of that. He has a great frame.

***Was told he tracks the ball very well. Was told that before the break in 7v7 he was basically destroying everyone. Was unguardable by the end of the summer even by the upper-class defensive backs.

***Am told to expect him to play this year. He has guys like Collin and Malcolm in front of him so his time could be limited. But I was told, “he’s going to open some eyes at some point this season”.

***Was told it may be at the end of a game when the game is out of a reach for the other team but “he’s a dude” and there are some pretty high hopes for him early on.

***A side note, am told the offense is very confident in general in the weapons they have. One source said, “We are loaded and nobody really knows it”.

Quick Hitter | Good News on the Horizon

– Will Baizer

Just a very quick note. It doesn’t look like the 2021 train is slowing down. Expect more good news soon that will make an already strong position stronger! Jalen Milroe and Conner Hayden making themselves known in this cycle.