Top 50 recruits in Texas - 2017 (article with complete ranking added)

[Mike Roach]

Browning film

 

 

[HornSports Staff]

4.  Jeffrey Okudah: ATH – South Grand Prairie

Film don’t lie:  The SGP star’s film is some of the most fun to watch for this entire class.  Okudah blends great size and physicality with lightning speed and plus instincts.  As a receiver, Okudah has home run ability due to his speed, size, and athleticism.  At safety, those same traits make him a dangerous defender whether against the run or lined up in coverage.  Okudah can do it all and shows the ability to create big plays on both sides of the ball.  He is already a highly sought after prospect, and will continue to field offers from the cream of the crop programs in college football.

Recruiting Radar: Okudah holds 31 offers including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC.

Interest in the Longhorns: South Grand Prairie has been good to the Longhorns in past years, and Texas sits high on the list for Okudah.  They will have to beat out some heavy hitters in this race, but Texas sits in a very solid position at the moment.

 

[Mike Roach]

Have fun with this one

Jeff Okudah film

 

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Okudah's film is impressive. He makes the Jones/Anderson/Monroe recruitment interesting.

How do you think he compares as a sophomore, Mike?

 

[HornSports Staff]

3. Anthony Hines: ILB – Plano East

Film don’t lie: Hines is everywhere on the field racking up tackles and creating turnovers.  His maturity and leadership ability make him an ideal ILB candidate that can captain a defense at the next level.  Hines has superb positioning and instincts to go along with a stout frame.  He can be the big thumper in the middle or turn and run sideline to sideline with the best.  Hines diagnoses plays quickly and stops them with a very sudden impact.

Recruiting Radar: Hines holds an astounding 66 offers including Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC

Interest in the Longhorns: Like Browning, there’s a feeling that the Longhorns are at the top of the group pursuing Hines.  He’s been on campus several times and cited a great relationship with Charlie Strong and Brian Jean-Mary when we talked to him at The Opening Regionals.  Hines will have opportunities from just about any school he desires, so Texas will need to be ready to work to win it.

 

[Mike Roach]

Film on Hines

 

[Mike Roach]

Okudah's film is impressive. He makes the Jones/Anderson/Monroe recruitment interesting.

How do you think he compares as a sophomore, Mike?

I think he might be the best athlete playing football in the state regardless of class.

If he were a 16 kid he'd be in the argument for #1.  That's how stacked this class is at the top.  Reminds me of former WOS S/WR Deionte Thompson who went to Bama and was as good on offense as defense.

 

[HornSports Staff]

2. Marvin Wilson: DT – Bellaire Episcopal

Film don’t lie: Humans this size shouldn’t be able to move like Wilson does. At 6’4, 305 pounds, Wilson has a quick first step and the raw strength to collapse pockets then stop ball carriers.  Wilson is a three technique in the body of a nose guard.  With the size and skill to play three different positions on the defensive line, Wilson has a chance to be the best defensive tackle prospect to come out of the state in this decade. 

Recruiting Radar: Wilson has 21 offers including Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC.

Interest in the Longhorns: While Wilson could catch the SEC bug that seems to permeate the southeast part of Texas, the Longhorns have to like their chances.  Wilson camped at Texas and has had glowing remarks about the Longhorns in recent interviews.  This will be another tough fight for Texas, but one they should feel good about at this stage.

 

[Mike Roach]

Watch Marvin Wilson destroy lives and take people's joy.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

With the size and skill to play three different positions on the defensive line, Wilson has a chance to be the best defensive tackle prospect to come out of the state in this decade. 

If that turns out to be true then he has to be the #1 player in 2017. JMO.

 

[Mike Roach]

If that turns out to be true then he has to be the #1 player in 2017. JMO.

1-4 was a difficult decision.  Any of those guys could be it but I have my reasons for #1

 

[HornSports Staff]

1. Shawn Robinson: QB – Denton Guyer

Film don’t lie: I’ll say it now though I’m usually not prone to hyperbole.  This state has not seen a player at the position like this since Andrew Luck. Robinson’s total package of speed, arm strength, accuracy, and leadership make him the top player in the state. Robinson is a true dual threat who can make plays in the running game and has an advanced understanding of the passing game.  No player is “can’t miss”, but Robinson is the closest thing to one in some time.

Recruiting Radar: Robinson has 20 offers including Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Clemson, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC.

Interest in the Longhorns: Texas was in on Robinson early in the process and hosted him on campus last summer for their elite passing camp.  Shawn Watson has set up camp in Denton trying to lure the talented signal caller to Austin, but this recruitment is taking on a very national feel.  While Texas has an ace up their sleeve with Jerrod Heard on campus, things could go poorly if Heard doesn’t perform well in the Texas offense.  The Longhorns have some work to do, but could show Robinson that everything he needs is in Austin when his time comes around.  Look out for Ole Miss, Alabama, USC, and Ohio State in this one.

 

[HornSports Staff]

submitted Today, 05:45 PM in Recruiting By Mike Roach
 
Recruiting is a business that is constantly evolving. College programs are focused on recruiting prospects from several different classes more than ever before. Since colleges are contacting recruits earlier, recruiting sites are covering underclassmen in addition to current high school seniors.

While most fans are still getting acquainted with the class of 2016, it’s time to introduce the next batch of names fans will learn over the next year and a half. After months of film work HornSports leads the way with the Top 50 recruits in Texas for 2017.

Upon initial review, it’s clear that the 2017 class is loaded with talent. Leading the charge is the quarterback position, headlined by the number one player in the state Shawn Robinson of Denton Guyer. Eight signal callers are included in this first edition and each brings a different skillset to the table.

While Robinson was an easy choice for the #1 spot on the Top 50, there are at least five other players that received consideration for number one. Robinson has a firm hold on the spot for now, but there will be a battle to retain his position over the next two seasons.

On the defensive side of the ball, the strength is at linebacker and safety. Three linebackers are included in the top twenty players including two in the top five. The safety position also features a bevy of size and athleticism that is becoming more popular.

A glance at the HornSports 2017 Top 50 indicates a sub-par year for the offensive linemen in the state. Ennis lineman Trindon Rolen and Frisco star Jack Anderson have the ability to shoot up the list.

The true strength of the 2017 class appears to be the elite collection of big play threats at the skill positions. Explosive players like Hezekiah Jones, JK Dobbins, Toneil Carter, and Jaylon Jackson have the ability to score from any place on the field. With the Texas Longhorns changing to a higher tempo offense, this group offers a multitude of choices to add potency to Shawn Watson’s group.

As usual, Houston and DFW lead the pack, but Cen- Tex isn’t too far behind. East Texas trails all three areas at this point, but those players typically emerge later in the process.

While fans’ eyes might be turned to the immediate help of the 2016 class, the 2017 HornSports Top 50 will provide them with a guide of names to watch out for on Friday nights this fall. Remember, it is early in the process and many names will rise and fall, but this collection of 50 athletes have done enough to stand out from the pack.

 

[Mike Roach]

His name is Shawn Robinson...He scores when he wants

 

[Mike Roach]

Let me guess who's #1 - Shawn Robinson, Dual-Threat QB, Denton Guyer

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4635053/shawn-robinson

Well I didn't want to make the big reveal that early but you nailed it. I guess I haven't kept my appreciation for Robinson lowkey

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

Well I didn't want to make the big reveal that early but you nailed it. I guess I haven't kept my appreciation for Robinson lowkey

No, you're good.

I officiated one of Robinson's games last year. Only a blind man can't see that he's special. Tall, strong arm, fluid, surprisingly elusive - we've seen these traits before, but it's been awhile.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

 

[doc longhorn]

6. Toneil Carter: RB – Langham Creek

Film don’t lie: Carter is without a doubt the top running back in the state in the 2017 class. He represents the total package and is built into a 6’1, 200 pound frame.  Carter is a classic one cut runner who plays with great vision, speed, and elusiveness.  He even flashes some power to break tackles and move the pile.  He is a threat receiving the ball and also appears to be the best player on his team’s kick coverage unit.  Carter has the look of a guy who could play a significant role from day one on a college campus.

Recruiting Radar: Carter holds an impressive offer list of 20 schools, including big name schools such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, TCU, Texas, and Texas A&M. 

Interest in Texas: An offer from Texas definitely got Carter’s attention, but the SEC looms large in his recruitment. Texas will be in the fight, but they are going to have to slug it out to win this battle.

Just pay him more than Bama.  What's the use of making all of that money if we can't use it to our advantage?

 

[Mike Roach]

Doc - they will probably need to top LSU to win carter's signature

 

[Etex Horn]

This is a very informative, well constructed thread. Thanks to all who contributed. 

Glad to be a member here.