After the slow start that Texas had to the 2019 class, Tom Herman knew it was imperative to get a jump on a key number of prospects in 2020. With that, Elite Day was born. Texas did an excellent job of getting a number of key 2020 prospects into Austin before its annual Junior Day in February. Herman and Co. did a great job with a number of recruits and put themselves in a great position moving forward. Here are some various visitors and our confidence levels:
Chad Lindberg – OL, Clear Creek (High)
Texas has really separated themselves as of now for Lindberg’s services. He loves Austin and has a brother that attends Texas, which doesn’t hurt. If Lindberg sticks to his timeline of taking spring officials and making a summer decision, we like Texas’ chances. Of course, Texas is going to have to stave off other schools like Stanford, and Lindberg has expressed interest in playing with Zach Evans at the next level. For now, Texas is in a great position.
Vernon Broughton – DL, Cy Ridge (Med-High)
Broughton is a must-get in this class, and Texas is prioritizing him as such. You probably saw the picture of Broughton and his dad in Texas uniform on Twitter. Broughton’s dad is a mammoth, so it’s not hard to see where Broughton gets his size from. This one is probably a little trickier because Alabama wants him and other schools are going to prioritize him as well. He hasn’t set a timeline to my knowledge, but this one could have some twists and turns. For now, Texas is in a good spot.
Zach Evans – RB, North Shore (Low-Med)
I put the level as such because I don’t even think it’s worth mentioning Evans at this point. This recruitment is going to be a roller coaster, but it is worth mentioning because Evans found the time to come to Austin even when his brother could not take him. Texas remains in a good spot, but other schools like LSU, Clemson, and of course A&M are going to continue to push.
Jase McClellan – RB, Aledo (Low-Med)
There have been rumors that McClellan is looking around a bit, and the visit to Texas will only increase the magnitude of those rumors. McClellan has been a Sooner since 2017, which was a very early commitment for a 2020 prospect. Texas was obviously not pushing for 2020 prospects that early, so there really wasn’t much competition with the Sooners. Tom Herman is turning up the heat now, and McClellan seemed to enjoy the visit to Austin. Texas is in the picture now. Look for the staff to keep pushing.
Jake Majors – OL, Prosper (High)
Majors has become a priority for the Texas staff, and if you’ve seen his film, you know why. The Prosper OL is extremely technically sound and projects well at the next level. His composite three-star rating is nowhere near where he is as a prospect, and that will probably be fixed once the 2020 rankings are updated. Texas is going to keep pushing for Majors, and have put themselves in a really good position.
Bryson Washington – C.E. King, Safety (Medium)
Washington reminds me a lot of Texas signee Tyler Owens. He’s got a good frame, and carries elite speed/athleticism. Texas will be selective on who it takes at safety in this class due to the depth they already have, but Washington is a prime candidate. He likes Texas early, but other schools like Oklahoma, Alabama and Clemson are going to keep pushing. Texas positioned themselves nicely after this weekend.
Jaylen Garth – OL, Port Neches-Groves (High)
The former protector of Roschon Johnson made it into Austin this weekend alongside his former quarterback. Garth notched an LSU offer whilst on his visit to Texas, but waited until his visit was over to post the offer on social media. Garth immensely respects the Texas staff, and I think that little tidbit means something. Texas is going to continue pushing Garth, who could decide to pull the trigger early. He may decide to slow it down a bit if other schools like LSU come knocking. For now, Texas is in a prime position.
Prince Dorbah – DL, Highland Park (Medium)
Texas did some solid work getting Dorbah back on campus, but Oklahoma remains the main competitior. This one is still shaping up to be a Texas-Oklahoma battle, and it doesn’t look like Dorbah is going to make a decision anytime soon. Texas will continue to work on Dorbah, and I would cautiously say they are the leader as of now. The staff needs to continue pushing, however. Right now Dorbah feels like a priority, and it will remain that way.
Jaylon Jones – DB, Cibolo Steele (Med-High)
You probably also noticed Jones this weekend after he posted a “DBU” edit on Twitter featuring the burnt orange. Elite Day had a really positive impact on Jones. Jones got to spend a ton of time with former Cibolo Steele DB Caden Sterns, which only helped the Longhorns’ cause. Texas is looking good early, but other schools like Florida and A&M are going to combat the visit high. Texas is in a good position right now.
Damieon George – OL, North Shore (Low-Med)
George and Evans have consistently expressed the desire to play with each other in college, and that appears to be genuine. George doesn’t say much about his recruitment, but it’s definitely easy to assume the visit went well. George has a legitimate interest in leaving the state, and likes the appeal of the SEC early on. Alabama, LSU, and A&M are all schools in the Southeastern Conference that stand out to George, and Texas has some work to do to wear off the shine of the conference. The visit to Austin this weekend was a solid start.
Kelvontay Dixon – ATH, Carthage (High)
Keaontay’s little brother took to Twitter to highlight his visit to Austin. Texas continues to solidify itself as the clear leader in this recruitment. Dixon is not a product of being Keaontay’s little brother, either. Dixon is a legitimate prospect that carries some very intriguing qualities in an ATH take. Texas just needs to stay the course here.