Gerry Hamilton

Tyler, Texas - When Texas offered OnTexasFootball 4-star running back Rickey Stewart at Junior Day January 20, it was truly the dream offer. A week later, head coach Steve Sarkisian and area recruiter Blake Gideon made a stop at Chapel Hill. “He (Sarkisian) was talking about that D (Demetrius Brisbon Jr.) and I are great players, and that he doesn’t come see guys in person that often,” Stewart told OnTexasFootball Wednesday. “He was saying how special we are. Smart kids, competitive. He said he wanted to see Demetrius and I back on campus this spring. We were just talking, and having a good time.” Running backs coach Tashard Choice has also been in constant communication. “We talk once or twice a week," he said. "He sends me workout stuff, and for me stuff to do to get better. He will ask me how the family is doing, and then asks when I’m coming to see him again. The relationship for Coach Choice is more important than football. Bonding with each other.” Stewart's January 20 visit was his first time in Austin. “It was exciting," he said. "It’s a great place to be. I was too happy. It was an experience that I haven’t felt before. "I hadn’t really had the chance to see the campus, meet some of the players and coaches and see Coach Sark’s office. That office is big! That day, we were talking about the basketball game. He told me my film was great, I’m a smart kid and gave me an offer. And said it was committable. We had a great talk in his office.” Stewart, a one-time verbal to SMU, isn’t shy about his feeling towards Texas. “Really, what stands out is the place in general," he said of UT. "The coaches, Coach Choice and everything really. That’s really my dream school. That was the school I was waiting for. I made my momma proud. Everyone at her job was excited.” The East Texas star said Coach Choice told him the Longhorns would take two running backs in the 2025 class. Schools still in pursuit of Stewart despite Texas' instant ascension are Baylor, SMU, Oklahoma State and some communication by Oregon. Stewart currently sports 21 offers. Stewart by the numbers Stewart is part of a junior class at Chapel Hill that has been winners in every sport. He rushed for 2,855 yards on 271 carries (10.5 per tote) with 40 touchdowns, along with 18 receptions for 284 yards and four scores as a junior. That was after a standout sophomore season of 236 carries for 2,262 yards (9.6 per carry) and 20 scores in 2022. Stewart also delivered against the top competition on the schedule: Vs. Gilmer - 19 carries for 278 yards and a TD Vs. Van - 19 carries for 195 yards and 4 TD’s Vs. El Campo (playoffs) - 16 carries for 222 yards and 3 TD’s Vs. Kilgore (playoffs) - 32 carries for 230 yards and a TD Vs. Davenport (playoffs) - 28 carries for 220 yards and 3 TD’s His three year totals are 630 carries for 6,098 yards (9.7 per carry) with 64 touchdowns, and 28 receptions for 400 yards and six scores in 31 games. View full news

The SEC will likely end up with 13 teams in the top 25 of the 2024 class rankings... 1. Georgia 2. Alabama 3. Texas 4. LSU 5. Auburn 6. Oklahoma 7. Florida 8. Tennessee 9. Texas A&M 10. South Carolina 11. Ole Miss 12. Missouri 13. Kentucky Gird up your loins!

lol

100% agree with the Safety pipeline grade! Really believe Texas got two terrific safety prospects ... with different skill sets. The 2024 safeties and 2025 mix very well together, and have upgraded the speed/quickness and overall athleticism at the position in the program.

Not fit. Texas felt like they needed to hit the portal for more experience vs. high school to get ready for SEC battle in 2024. And Texas would rather take one more DL in the deep 2025 class, which will also be Baker's first class at Texas.

Thank you posting!

This is very key, and what we have chatted about a few times ... Johnny Nansen furthers the West Coast connections and recruiting presence. Baker continues the SE Region ties Bo Davis has, but my help getting into the Peach State over time.

Always!

This is true. I watched Ratliff at Atascocita High, and was very impressed with his two-step leg speed and trajectory. https://texassports.com/sports/football/roster/ian-ratliff/12672

He has so much confidence ... if that carries over to fearlessness ... I love where he could go as a WR/punt return man

Alex Foster signs with Baylor

That’s where I come out at Filsaime … if he shows that, high NFL draft pick potential I also like Jordon Johnson-Rubell to play early. He comes in ready mentally and physically from IMG Academy … and he was a leader of that team. Those guys normally perform well and consistently at the P5 level

Love the pipeline grade A+ at RB … Think Texas hit home runs at scheme fit and in the SEC

BTW, Jones made a great decision to come back for a final season

Major post Senior Bowl move for Christian Jones!

It’s great discussion. In the last couple of years I have moved more to the opinion of a guy the talent level of a Ryan Williams being a strong positive to get out of HS a year early. NIL obviously a driving force in the change, but also he’s going to dominate another year of HS for 1,700 yards receiving without truly being pushed at that level. If a player is mature enough to handle the move, then the along advantage of NIL while developing in a college S&C program while probably making bigger strides in on field development is a win for the player and college staff.

Like that Tier 1!

Will post any news of note here … Former Washington S signee Josh Lair inks with Baylor

Texas wanted more of bigger body and experienced player vs guy to develop

Texas is definitely on more guys in the Houston Area in 2025 ... some of that is because it's a better/deeper cycle in the Houston area. DFW has been way ahead talent wise in recent cycles IMO.

I'm not so sure on the starters. Ideally, Sydir Mitchell will take a big step. Starting Mitchell and Collins is SEC size. Savea next man, Broughton, Bryant to anchor against run. Bledsoe is the wild card Texas will add at least one more "SEC body/talent" in the portal after the spring IMO.

The Texas Longhorns will end the February signing period with a third straight top 6 ranked class in the recruiting industry. The Longhorns inked the No. 5 ranked class in 2022, No. 3 in 2023 and No. 6 in the 2024 cycle. Texas fans have seen plenty of changes on the recruiting trail under Steve Sarkisian and staff ahead of the move to the SEC. There has been a concerted effort to recruit nationally, with a focus on the Southeast Region and the West Coast. OnTexasFootball breaks down the trio of top 6 classes by the states, regions of Texas and positions. Prospects Signed (75) 2022 Class - 28 2023 Class - 25 2024 Class - 22 Prospects from in state - 47 (62.7%) Prospects from out of state - 28 (37.3%) In state breakdown by region DFW - 26 (55.3%) CenTexas - 9 (19.1%) Greater Houston - 7 (14.9%) Golden Triangle/SE - 2 East Texas - 1 San Antonio/South Texas - 1 West Texas/Panhandle - 1 States Texas has signed a prospect the last three classes Texas - 47 California - 6 (signed two prospects in each of last three classes) Louisiana - 6 (signed a prospect in all three classes) Florida - 5 Arizona - 4 Alabama - 1 Hawaii - 1 Mississippi - 1 Missouri - 1 New Jersey - 1 Utah - 1 Washington - 1 High schools with two or more signed in last three classes Duncanville and Austin Westlake - 3 Mater Dei (Calif.), IMG Academy (Fla.), South Oak Cliff, DeSoto, Denton Ryan, Waco Connally, Allen, Isadore Newman (La.) - 2 The 75 signees have come from 63 high schools, all told. DFW High Schools Texas has signed a prospect (20) Duncanville DeSoto South Oak Cliff Red Oak Arlington Bowie Arlington Martin Arlington Seguin Grand Prairie Mansfield Timberview North Crowley Richland High Aledo Allen McKinney High Little Elm Denton Ryan Lovejoy Melissa Frisco High Frisco Wakeland Prospects signed by position the last three classes Quarterback - 3 (one each class) Running back - 5 Wide receiver - 8 Tight end - 3 Offensive line - 15 Defensive line - 7 EDGE - 8 Linebacker - 7 Defensive back - 14 Athlete - 2 Kicker - 1 Punter - 1 Long snapper - 1 Number of prospects that have hit the portal 2022 class - 8 View full news

Think we have seen some start to the growth process for Dillon, but just me. He has improved at the FT line and in the mid-range ... but his best basketball has always been way out in front of him. The major issue for Texas and Mitchell is he's not a college wing, and Texas doesn't have one this year. Texas struggles at home continue to baffle. A night where Max Abmas just couldn't buy an open look, which happens about three nights over a 35 game season.

For sure Ray. He's a funny kid. Has an interest in theatre too. He's a well rounded human at a young age.