The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Football National Signing Day Central
12.21.2022 | Football
Keep up with the Longhorns' 2023 signees as they become official.
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Football program will officially welcome the first wave of its 2023 signing class on Wednesday, the first day that prospective student-athletes are allowed to sign their National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. Signings will be announced here as they become official, as well as on Texas Football's social media channels. Fans can get the latest information by following @TexasFootball on Twitter and Instagram.
2023 Football Season Ticket Deposits Are Moving Fast!
For those looking to join us at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium next season, season ticket deposits are now on sale! For $199 per seat, fans with deposits will get to select seats during the official seat selection process in loyalty rank order. If you've ever wanted to lock in your spot, now is the time to do so.
Welcome to the family @AkanaTausili 🤘 #AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/8ULkVWwIFY
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Tausili Akana
(tau-SIH-lee ah-KHAN-ah)
EDGE
6-4 • 220 • Fr.-HS
Laie, Hawaii (Skyridge [Utah])
HS Coach: Jon Lehman
An All-America and all-league honoree and member of a state championship team … selected to participate in the 2023 All-American Bowl … chosen to the roster of the 2023 Polynesian Bowl … ranked No. 34 nationally, No. 4 among edge players and No. 1 overall in the state of Utah by 247Sports … rated No. 113 nationally, No. 9 among outside linebackers and No. 1 overall in the state of Utah by ESPN … ranked No. 121 nationally, No. 6 among outside linebackers and No. 1 overall in the state of Utah by Rivals … rated No. 286 nationally, No. 30 among edge players and No. 2 overall in the state of Utah by On3 … chosen the 6A Player of the Year, first-team all-state and first-team All-Region 4-6A by the Deseret News in 2022 … recorded 70 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 22 pressures and one forced fumble as a senior … notched five or more tackles and multiple tackles for loss in eight games … part of a defense that allowed just 10.0 points per game, including four shutouts and nine games of seven points or fewer … collected two sacks and three tackles for loss as part of six tackles, including five solo, with one pressure against Herriman … registered seven tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack with a pressure against Timpview … set season highs with 11 tackles and five pressures, along with 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks against American Fork … gathered 3.5 tackles for loss in the state title game against Corner Canyon … helped Skyridge to a 13-1 overall record, a 4-1 region mark, and the 6A state championship in 2022 … named first-team 6A All-State and first-team All-Region 4-6A by the Deseret News in 2021 … posted 78 tackles, including 54 solo, 35 tackles for loss and 15 sacks, with 26 pressures and one forced fumble as a junior … collected seven or more tackles in six games and two or more tackles for loss in eight games … part of a defense that allowed just 10. 5 points per game and opened the season with three straight shutouts on the way to four total for the season, along with one game with a safety being the only score … began the season with 12 tackles, including four tackles for loss and two sacks against Fremont … generated a season-high 13 tackles with eight solo, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and three pressures against Herriman … accumulated nine solo tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks and five pressures against Westlake … matched the five pressures against Pleasant Grove … secured four tackles for loss and three sacks along with forcing a fumble against Farmington … helped Skyridge to an 11-2 overall record, a 4-1 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A state semifinals in 2021 … attended Wasatch High School in Utah as a sophomore … spent time at linebacker and running back … recorded 29 tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, two pressures, two fumble recoveries and three blocked kicks as a sophomore … helped Wasatch to an 8-3 overall record, including a 4-1 region mark and title, and an appearance in the 5A state quarterfinals in 2020.
CJ Baxter is officially a Longhorn! @c4era_ 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/w3IAf0WFiG
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Cedric Baxter Jr.
RUNNING BACK
6-1 • 211 • Fr.-HS
Orlando, Fla. (Edgewater)
HS Coach: Cameron Duke
An All-America and all-state honoree … selected to participate in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game … rated No. 24 nationally, No. 1 among running backs and No. 5 overall in the state of Florida by On3 … ranked No. 26 nationally, No. 2 among running backs and No. 6 overall in the state of Florida by 247Sports … rated No. 32 nationally, No. 2 among running backs and No. 10 overall in the state of Florida by Rivals … ranked No. 40 nationally, No. 3 among running backs and No. 11 overall in the state of Florida by ESPN … named the No. 47 recruit nationally and to the Top 150 Dream Team by Prepstar … rushed for 3,826 yards and 57 touchdowns on 495 carries (7.7 ypc), while catching 17 passes for 246 yards (14.5 ypr) and one touchdown and compiling over 4,000 all-purpose yards during 39 career games …played in 10 games as a senior, rushing for 1,375 yards and 15 touchdowns on 174 carries (7.9 ypc) despite injury issues in the second half of the season … opened the year with six-straight 100-yard rushing games, including four of 200-plus … posted 232 rushing yards and one touchdown on 22 carries (10.5 ypc) against Bishop Moore … accumulated a season-high 272 rushing yards with two touchdowns on 26 carries (10.5 ypc) against Don Bosco … tallied 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns against West Orange … collected 245 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries (8.8 ypc) against Jones … logged a season-high three rushing touchdowns with 201 rushing yards on 20 carries (10.1 ypc) against Apopka … carried 11 times for 118 yards (10.7 ypc) and one touchdown against Timber Creek … scored the game-winning touchdown against in a playoff game against Tampa Bay Tech … helped Edgewater to a 12-1 overall record, including a 3-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the FHSAA 3M regional finals in 2022 … Edgewater's undefeated regular season was its first since 1973 … tabbed as the lone running back on the 2022 preseason all-state team by The Palm Beach Post … named first-team 7A All-State by the Florida Athletics Coaches Association in 2021 … tabbed Orlando Offensive Player of the Year and All-Area by the Orlando Sentinel … played in 11 games as a junior, rushing for 1,651 yards and 22 touchdowns on 199 carries (8.3 ypc), while catching seven passes for 102 yards (14.6 ypr) and one touchdown … generated seven 100-yard rushing efforts, including three of 200-plus yards and one of over 300 yards … raced for an 89-yard touchdown run as part of 176 yards and two touchdowns on four carries (44.0 ypc) against Bishop Moore … carried the ball 40 times for 246 yards and a career-high four touchdowns against Jones … compiled career highs of 308 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries (11.0 ypc) against Winter Park … rushed for 255 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries (8.0 ypc) against Boone … matched his career high with four rushing touchdowns as part of 126 yards on 15 carries (8.4 ypc) against Bartow … helped Edgeater to a 10-2 overall record, including a 4-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 7A regional semifinals in 2021 … played in nine games as sophomore, rushing for 426 yards and two touchdowns on 85 carries, while catching seven passes for a 114 yards (16.3 ypr) and recording 20 tackles during time at defensive back and linebacker on defense … notched three games of 90-plus rushing yards … registered two rushing touchdowns and 99 yards on 13 carries (7.6 ypc) against Winter Park … tallied 107 rushing yards on 19 carries (5.6 ypc) against Mitchell … helped Edgewater to an 8-3 overall record and an appearance in the 7A state championship game in 2020 … played in nine games as a freshman, rushing for 307 yards and five touchdowns on 34 carries (9.0 ypc) … posted 146 rushing yards and three touchdowns on seven carries (20.9 ypc) against Forest … helped Edgewater to a 13-2 overall record, including a 3-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 7A state championship game in 2019.
Welcome another playmaker to the Forty, @Smaje0 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/YzUpPJL0wm
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
S'Maje Burrell
(suh-MAH-jay bur-EL)
LINEBACKER
6-0 • 220 • Fr.-HS
Fort Worth, Texas (North Crowley)
HS Coach: Ray Gates
A two-time district defensive MVP … rated No. 81 nationally, No. 7 among inside linebackers and No. 39 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 129 nationally, No. 10 among linebackers and No. 25 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … rated No. 12 among inside linebackers nationally and No. 52 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … ranked No. 67 among linebackers nationally and No. 121 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … selected to the All-Southwest Region Team by Prepstar … tabbed the No. 10 player on The Dallas Morning News' top 100 recruits list … selected Defensive MVP of District 3-6A in 2022 … recorded 80 tackles (53 solo), including 10 tackles for loss and two sacks with eight pressures, two passes defended and one forced fumble entering the team's last playoff game as a senior … also rushed for two touchdowns and one two-point conversion … part of a defense that allowed just 19.4 points per game, including nine games of 20 points or fewer … posted at least five tackles in nine games, and at least eight in four games … opened the season with five tackles, one tackle for loss and two pressures against Sam Houston … collected 11 tackles (six solo) and one pass defended, while rushing for a touchdown against Trinity … compiled 15 tackles with one tackle for loss and one pressure against Weatherford … notched three tackles for loss and a sack as part of eight solo tackles with one forced fumble, one pressure and one pass defended against Chisholm Trail … scored both a touchdown and a two-point conversion, while adding three tackles against Crowley collected nine tackles with three tackles for loss against Pebble Hills … helped North Crowley to a 12-1 overall recording, including a 7-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 6A regional playoffs in 2022 … chosen co-Defensive MVP of District 3-6A and first-team all-district in 2021 … accumulated 104 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception as a junior … part of a defense that allowed 24.5 points per game, including four games of 10 points or fewer capped by a shutout of Chisolm Trail … collected 13 tackles, four tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble and one blcoked extra point against Paschal … helped North Crowley to a 7-4 overall record, including a 5-2 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 bi-district playoffs in 2021 … also competed in track and field in the high jump and long jump.
Big man on campus! Welcome to the Forty, @_Fxmousjayyy_ 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/JqW3aSTtN6
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Jaydon Chatman
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
6-4 • 305 • Fr.-HS
Harker Heights, Texas (Harker Heights)
HS Coach: Jerry Edwards
A two-time all-district honoree … rated No. 98 nationally, No. 7 among interior offensive linemen and No. 21 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … ranked No. 191 nationally, No. 11 among offensive guards and No. 33 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … rated No. 11 among interior offensive linemen nationally and No. 47 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … ranked No. 31 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 60 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … named the No. 231 recruit nationally and to the Top 300 All-American Team by Prepstar … chosen to the 2022 Super Team Second Team, the Texas Hot 100 and as a Top 10 offensive lineman by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … chosen first-team All-District 12-6A in 2022 … part of an offense that averaged 33.5 points per game, including four games of 40 or more points capped by a 63-point performance against Dekaney in the playoffs as a senior … helped the offense average over 410 total yards per game, including approximately 250 rushing yards per game … blocked for 261 rushing yards as part of 423 total yards against Ellison … part of an offense that had back-to-back games of four rushing touchdowns against Cedar Ridge and Permian … paved the way for season highs of 384 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns on the way to 509 total yards against Copperas Cove … part of an offense that produced 266 rushing yards and 249 passing yards for 515 total against Bryan … helped compile 526 total yards with 339 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns against Royce City … blocked for an offense that accumulated a season highs of 567 total yards and 284 passing yards on the way to 63 points against Dekaney … helped Harker Heights to a 12-2 overall record, including a 6-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 6A Division 2 quarterfinals in 2022 … chosen first-team All-District 12-6A in 2021 … part of an offense that averaged 48.9points per game, including six games of 50 or more points and three games of 60 or more as a junior … blocked for an offense that averaged 300 yards per game rushing as part of a 476 total yard average … the offense rushed for 325 yards or more and four rushing touchdowns or more on six occasions … opened the season with 334 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns against Weiss … helped the offense post back-to-back games of 60-plus points against East View and McNeil, including five rushing touchdowns against McNeil … helped block for 544 total yards and 327 rushing yards against Ellison … helped pave the way for 362 rushing yards, 536 total yards, six rushing touchdowns and 57 points against Belton … helped the offense to 371 rushing yards and 544 total yards against Shoemaker … helped register season highs of 458 rushing yards and 554 total yards with five rushing touchdowns against Killeen … helped block for a season-high 272 passing yards with 260 rushing yards on the way to 64 points against Copperas Cove … helped Harker Heights to a 9-2 overall record, including a 6-1 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 bi-district playoffs in 2021 … part of an offense that averaged 35.4 points per game as a sophomore … helped Harker Heights to a 7-4 overall record, including a 5-2 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 bi-district playoffs in 2020 … also competed in track and field in the shot put and won the District 12-6A championship as a junior with a 48-6.5 throw.
Another addition to the trenches! Welcome to the Forty, @andrecojoe 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/4M95HQPiMf
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Andre Cojoe
(COH-joh)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
6-6 • 353 • Fr.-HS
Grand Prairie, Texas (Mansfield Timberview)
HS Coach: James Brown
An All-America and two-time all-district honoree … selected to participate in the 2022 U.S. Army Bowl … ranked No. 50 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 86 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … rated No. 44 among offensive guards nationally and No. 121 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 72 among interior offensive linemen nationally and No. 152 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 105 among interior offensive linemen nationally and No. 194 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … selected to the All-Southwest Region Team by Prepstar… chosen to the 2022 Super Team Second Team, and the Texas Top 300 by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … chosen MVP of District 5-5A Division 1 and first-team all-district in 2022 … part of an offense that averaged 49.4 points per game, including nine games of 50 or more points, six games of 60 or more, and capped by an 80-point game against Sunset as a senior … the offense had a nine game stretch during the season in which it averaged 64.0 points per game starting with its second game against Sam Houston … helped block for an offense that posted 528 total yards, including 275 rushing and 253 receiving with five rushing touchdowns on the way to 70 points against White … helped pave the way for seven rushing touchdowns with 345 rushing yards and 518 total yards in scoring 63 points against Turner … helped the offense set season highs with 632 total yards and 384 rushing yards, while passing for five touchdowns against Newman Smith … blocked for an offense that registered 361 rushing hards and six rushing touchdowns against Birdville … also passed for five touchdowns while compiling 315 rushing yards against Molina … helped the offense score five rushing touchdowns and four passing touchdowns on the way to 80 points against Sunset … helped Mansfield Timberview to a 13-1 overall record, including an 8-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 quarterfinals in 2022 … selected first-team All-District 5-5A Division 2 in 2021 … part of an offense that averaged 42.8 points per game, including five games of 50 or more points and two of 70 or more, capped by 76 points against Waco University … helped block for 542 total yards with 265 rushing and 278 passing against Flower Mound … helped the offense to 534 total yards with 265 rushing and 269 passing against Joshua … part of an offense that scored 76 point against Waco University, including six rushing touchdowns and four passing touchdowns with 318 rushing yards … anchored a line that blocked for 438 rushing yards on the way to 601 total yards with six rushing touchdowns against Cleburne … helped the offense register season highs of 612 total yards, 333 passing yards and seven touchdowns in scoring 72 points against Kimball … helped Mansfield Timberview to an 8-5 overall record, including a 5-2 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 regional playoffs in 2021 … also competed in track and field in shot put and discus in high school.
He's in! ✍️ Welcome to Forty, @_jayythegreat_ 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/f5ILrQPTiY
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Johntay Cook II
WIDE RECEIVER
6-0 • 175 • Fr.-HS
DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto)
HS Coach: Claude Mathis
An All-America and all-state honoree and member of a state championship team … selected to participate in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game … ranked No. 30 nationally, No. 5 among wide receivers and No. 8 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … rated No. 39 nationally, No. 6 among wide receivers and No. 5 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 46 nationally, No. 8 among wide receivers and No. 5 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 71 nationally, No. 11 among wide receivers and No. 14 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … named the No. 42 recruit nationally and to the Top 150 Dream Team by Prepstar … tabbed the No. 4 player on The Dallas Morning News' top 100 recruits list … chosen to the 2022 Super Team First Team, the Texas Hot 100 and as a Top 10 wide receiver by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … compiled 2,965 receiving yards and 50 receiving touchdowns on 165 receptions (18.0 ypr) over his final three seasons at DeSoto … named honorable mention 6A Academic All-State in 2022 … caught 84 passes for 1,469 yards (17.5 ypc) and 22 touchdowns as a senior … posted at least four receptions in 10 games … notched eight catches for 179 yards (22.4 ypc) and two touchdowns against Skyline … collected eight receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown against Mansfield Legacy … pulled in a career-high 230 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 10 receptions (23.0 ypc) in helping the offense score 86 points against Lake Ridge … compiled a career-high 13 receptions for 176 yards and three touchdowns against Mansfield … registered 197 receiving yards on just five catches (39.4 ypc), including an 80-yarder, with two touchdowns against Weiss … tallied 128 receiving yards and two touchdowns on three catches (42.7 ypc), including a 91-yards, against Tomball … opened DeSoto's stat title game with a 42-yard touchdown reception and finished with three catches for 103 yards and a touchdown against Vandegrift … helped DeSoto to a 14-2 overall record, including a 6-1 district mark, and the 6A Division 2 state championship in 2022 … named honorable mention 6A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2021 … selected first-team All-District 11-6A … hauled in 38 receptions for 806 yards (21.2 ypr) and 18 touchdowns as a junior … made a 99-yard touchdown catch against Duncanville … notched four touchdown receptions on five catches against Mansfield … caught two touchdown passes of 52 and 48 yards against Waco … registered 103 receiving yards in each of the last two games against Westfield and Duncanville … helped DeSoto to an 11-3 overall record, including a 6-1 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 quarterfinals in 2021 … chosen District 11-6A Offensive Sophomore of the Year in 2020 … gathered 43 receptions for 690 yards (16.0 ypr) and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore … notched at least four receptions in six games … posted a season-high six receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns against Trinity Leadership … recorded a season-high 137 receiving yards with two touchdowns on five receptions against Lake Ridge … helped DeSoto to a 10-2 overall record, including a 5-1 district mark, and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 quarterfinals in 2020 … also participated in track and field in the long jump, triple jump and 4x200m relay.
Welcome to the Forty, @GoosbyTrevor 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/LjVG8Rg1Gr
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Trevor Goosby
(GOOZ-bee)
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
6-7 • 280 • Fr.-HS
Melissa, Texas (Melissa)
HS Coach: Matt Nally
An All-America and two-time all-district honoree and district offensive lineman of the year … selected to participate in the 2022 U.S. Army Bowl … rated No. 268 nationally, No. 19 among offensive tackles and No. 46 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … ranked No. 38 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 71 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … rated No. 40 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 88 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … ranked No. 73 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 141 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … selected to the All-Southwest Region Team by Prepstar … tabbed the No. 44 player on The Dallas Morning News' top 100 recruits list… chosen to the 2022 Super Team Second Team, the Texas Hot 100 and as a Top 10 offensive lineman by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … named second-team 5A Academic All-State in 2022 … tabbed Offensive Lineman of the Year and first-team all-district of District 7-5A … part of an offense that averaged 466.6 total yards, including 259.4 passing and 207.2 rushing, as a senior … helped Melissa average 43.4 points per game, including five games of 50 or more points with two 57-point performances … helped block for back-to-back games of 600-plus total yards … part of a line that paved the way for a season-high 628 total yards, including 371 passing yards and five passing touchdowns against Crandall … anchored an offense that blocked for 610 total yards with a season-high 446 passing yards and eight passing touchdowns against Terrell … helped to block for 260 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns against Mesquite Poteet … helped compile 534 total yards with a balanced 292 yards passing and 242 yards rushing against Denison … helped pave the way for a season-high 275 rushing yards with four rushing touchdowns against Greenville … helped generate 542 total yards with 340 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns against Princeton … helped the offense accumulate 509 total yards with 263 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns against Ennis … helped Melissa to an 11-3 overall record that included an 11-game winning streak, a 7-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 quarterfinals in 2022 … selected first-team All-District 7-4A Division 1 in 2021 … part of an offense that average 438.5 yards per game, including a balanced 219.5 yards passing and 219 yards rushing, as a junior … helped the offense average 41.6 points per game, including five games of 50 or more points and two of 70 or more, capped by 73 points against North Dallas … helped block for 582 total yards with 301 rushing yards and 281 passing yards and six passing touchdowns against Carter … helped the offense compile season highs of 610 total yards and 390 passing yards with four passing touchdowns against Midlothian Heritage … anchor of a line that blocked for 599 total yards, 344 passing yards and five passing touchdowns against Anna … helped the offense score six passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns on the way to 70 points against Ranchview … paved the way for 367 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns as part of 536 total yards and 73 points against North Dallas … helped Melissa to an 11-3 overall record that included an 11-game winning streak, a 6-0 district mark and title and an appearance in the 4A Division 1 quarterfinals in 2021.
Let's get to work @DerionGullette 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/lSaOpuWwoJ
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Derion Gullette
(dair-EE-on guh-LET)
LINEBACKER
6-3 • 225 • Fr.-HS
Marlin, Texas (Teague)
HS Coach: Zachary Linscomb
An all-state honoree … missed his senior season at Teague due to injury … attended Marlin High School in Texas prior to his senior year … rated No. 61 nationally, No. 9 among edge players and No. 10 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … ranked No. 123 nationally, No. 7 among outside linebackers and No. 22 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … rated No. 149 nationally, No. 14 among outside linebackers and No. 26 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 33 among edge players nationally and No. 56 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … selected to the All-Southwest Region Team by Prepstar … chosen to the 2022 Super Team First Team, the Texas Hot 100 and as a Top 10 linebacker by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … named first-team 3A All-State as both a wide receiver and a punter by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2021 … chosen Co-MVP of District 8-2A Division 1 and first-team all-district … selected to the MaxPreps Small Town All-America Team … tabbed to the Waco Tribune Super Centex First Team as a wide receiver … recorded 125 tackles (63 solo), five tackles for loss, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and four passes defended, while catching 64 passes for 1,458 yards and (22.8 ypr) and 14 touchdowns, and rushing 13 times for 74 yards (5.7 ypc) and four touchdowns as a junior … also punted 30 times for 1,343 yards for an average of 44.8 ypp with a long of 62, and 13 downed inside the 20, while kicking off eight times for 300 yards (37.5 ypk) and returning one punt for 54 yards … recorded at least nine tackles in 11 games, while pulling in at least five catches and 100 receiving yards in eight games … totaled 10 tackles with one tackle for loss, one interception, one pass defended on defense, while catching eight passes for 261 yards (32.6 ypc) and three touchdowns on offense, along with scoring a two-point conversion and punting twice for 86 yards (43.0 ypp) on special teams against Pieper … notched a season-high 11 tackles with two tackles for loss and three passes defended on defense, while punting four times for 156 yards with two downed inside the 20 against Valley Mills … collected 10 tackles on defense, caught three passes for 177 yards (59.0 ypc) and two touchdowns on offense and punted six times for 284 yards (47.3 ypp) with a long of 61 and two inside the 20 against Italy … hauled in six receptions for 122 yards (20.3 ypc) and one touchdown, and rushed five times for 37 yards (7.4 ypc) and two touchdowns, along with booting a 61 yard punt against Kerens … caught three touchdown passes and made seven tackles against Axtell … generated 12 tackles with an 82-yard fumble recovery return touchdown, scored two two-point conversions, caught four passes for 108 yards and one touchdown, and punted once for 45 yards against Lindsay … compiled eight receptions for 147 yards (18.4 ypr) and one touchdown, five rushes for 23 yards and another touchdown, a two-point conversion, three punts for 133 yards (44.3 ypp) and four tackles against Tolar … helped Marlin to an 11-4 overall record, including a 4-1 district mark, and an appearance in the 2A Division 1 semifinals in 2021 … played at quarterback as a sophomore at Marlin … also participated in basketball and track and field in the shot put in high school.
Signed & Sealed! ✍️ @thegoatanthony1 is a Longhorn 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/I9DyfE0Pf4
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Anthony Hill Jr.
LINEBACKER
6-3 • 230 • Fr.-HS
Denton, Texas (Ryan)
HS Coach: Dave Henigan
An All-America and all-state honoree and member of a state championship team … selected to participate in the 2023 All-American Bowl … recorded 303 tackles, 13 sacks and nine forced fumbles, while also rushing for 378 yards and 13 touchdowns over three years at Ryan … ranked No. 15 nationally, No. 1 among inside linebackers and No. 4 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … rated No. 18 nationally, No. 2 among outside linebackers and No. 4 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 22 nationally, No. 1 among linebackers and No. 4 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 62 nationally, No. 3 among linebackers and No. 11 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … named the No. 16 recruit nationally and to the Top 150 Dream Team by Prepstar … tabbed the No. 1 player on The Dallas Morning News' top 100 recruits list … chosen to the 2022 Super Team First Team, the Texas Hot 100 and as a Top 10 linebacker by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … despite being limited to six games as a senior due to injury, still totaled 67 tackles, two sacks and five forced fumbles … part of a defense that allowed 19.3 points per game in his six games, including a shutout against Saginaw … opened the season with 13 tackles, including 10 solo stops with a sack, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, while rushing for a 71-yard touchdown against New Braunfels … notched 10 tackles with six solo stops, two tackles for loss and one forced fumble against Azle … rushed for a 51-yard touchdown with three tackles, two pressures and a pass defended against Saginaw … tallied seven tackles with five solo stops, one tackle for loss, one sack and one forced fumble against The Colony … compiled 16 tackles with 12 solo stops, one tackle for loss and one pass defended against Centennial … accumulated 18 tackles with 13 solo tackles, one pressure and one forced fumble against Aledo … helped Ryan to a 6-4 overall record, including a 6-2 district mark, and an appearance in the bi-district playoffs in 2022 … selected first-team 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2021 … tabbed first-team MaxPreps Junior All-American … named unanimous MVP of District 5-5A Division 1 and first-team all-district … chosen All-Area Defensive Player of the Year by the Denton Record-Chronicle … registered 131 total tackles, including 93 solo, 18 tackles for loss and sacks, along with two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles, while rushing for 176 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior … posted double figures in tackles in seven games, including the last five … part of a defense that allowed just 13.7 points per game, including six games of seven points or fewer … opened the season with 12 total tackles, including four tackles for loss and one sack, five pressures and one fumble recovery, while rushing for 62 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries against Longview … collected three tackles for loss and one sack against Guyer … registered an interception and one rushing touchdown against Reedy … gathered 13 tackles, with 10 solo, three tackles for loss and one sack against Wakeland … secured three sacks against Centennial … hauled in an interception against Independence … compiled 18 tackles with 14 solo stops and a forced fumble against Lone Star … totaled 15 tackles with 10 solo and two tackles for loss, and a rushing touchdown against Magnolia West … notched 12 tackles with nine solo, two tackles for loss and two sacks with a forced fumble and a rushing touchdown against College Station … helped Ryan to a 12-2 overall record, including an 8-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 quarterfinals in 2021 … tabbed honorable mention 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2020 … named first-team MaxPreps Sophomore All-American … chosen Defensive Newcomer of the Year of District 5-5A Division 1 and first-team all-district … selected All-Area Co-Newcomer of the Year by the Denton Record-Chronicle … tallied 105 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles as a sophomore … part of a defense that allowed just 15.8 points per game, including six games of 10 points or fewer … had 22 tackles with 17 of those being solo against Guyer … helped Ryan to a 15-0 overall record, including a 7-0 district mark and title, and the 5A Division 1 state championship in 2020 … also participated in track and field in high school in the 4x400m relay on a team that finished second in the 5A state meet.
Welcome to the Forty! @GAVINH0LMES 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/0BfsDV9oQm
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Gavin Holmes
CORNERBACK
5-11 • 175 • Jr.-TR
New Orleans, La. (Archbishop Rummel/Wake Forest)
HS Coach: Nick Monica
A transfer cornerback from Wake Forest … spent three seasons with the Demon Deacons, including redshirting in 2020 … has played in 28 career games with 14 starts … played in 11 games, starting seven in 2022 … recorded 23 tackles, including 16 solo stops, and nine pass breakups … posted a pass breakup against Vanderbilt … logged four tackles and one pass breakup against Clemson … registered two pass breakups with three tackles against Florida State … broke up a pass and notched a tackle against Louisville … generated four tackles and one pass breakup against NC State … tallied two tackles and one pass breakup against Syracuse … collected a season-high five tackles, all solo, with two pass breakups … helped Wake Forest to a 7-5 record and a bowl appearance in 2022 … played in 14 games six starts in 2021 … finished the season with 19 total tackles, including 17 solo tackles and three tackles for loss, along with four pass breakups one interception and one forced fumble … tallied one tackle for loss each against Old Dominion and Florida State … posted two solo tackles and one pass breakup against Louisville … set a season high with four tackles and forced a fumble against Duke … collected three tackles with one tackle for loss against North Carolina … registered a pass breakup in three straight games against Clemson, Boston College and Pittsburgh … intercepted a pass in the Gator Bowl win over Rutgers … helped Wake Forest to an 11-3 overall record, including a 7-1 conference record for an ACC Atlantic Division title, an appearance in the ACC Championship Game and a Gator Bowl title … appeared in three games in his first collegiate season in 2020, making one start at Syracuse, before redshirting … picked off his first career pass against the Orange, returning it 32 yards for first career touchdown ... recorded his first career tackle against Virginia … attended high school at Archbishop Rummel in Metairie, La. … tallied a combined 27 pass break-ups over his last two seasons … named first-team All-District 9-5A in 2019 … recorded 25 tackles and 13 pass break-ups as a senior … part of a defense that allowed just 8.9 points per game including five shutouts … the defense allowed a total of six points in the first six games … helped Archbishop Rummel to a 13-0 overall record, including a 6-0 district mark and title, and the 5A state championship in 2019 … notched eight interceptions, 14 pass break-ups and 21 tackles as a junior … helped Archbishop Rummel to a 9-3 overall record, including a 5-1 district mark, and an appearance in the semifinals of the Division 1 playoffs in 2018.
Payton Kirkland is officially a Longhorn @gbpkay 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/N3hYBtlImW
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Payton Kirkland
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
6-6 • 370 • Fr.-HS
Orlando, Fla. (Dr. Phillips)
HS Coach: Rodney Wells
An All-America and all-metro honoree … selected to participate in the 2023 All-American Bowl … ranked No. 25 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 59 overall in the state of Florida by 247Sports … rated No. 26 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 69 overall in the state of Florida by ESPN … ranked No. 35 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 78 overall in the state of Florida by Rivals … rated No. 70 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 144 overall in the state of Florida by On3 … named the No. 209 recruit nationally and to the Top 300 All-American Team by Prepstar … chosen All-Metro Orlando in 2022 … played all five positions on the offensive line during his senior season, but was primarily at tackle … helped Dr. Phillips to 369 total yards, including 173 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns against Timber Creek … part of three consecutive wins against Windermere, Boone and Lake Nona … blocked for four passing touchdowns against Windermere … helped the offense rush for five rushing touchdowns and 246 passing yards against Boone … paved the way for a season-high 247 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns against Lake Nona … helped clear the way for a season-high 274 passing yards and three passing touchdowns against Ocoee … chosen to the MaxPreps Junior All-American Second Team in 2021 … worked primarily at left tackle … part of a 49-0 shutout against Celebration … anchored an offense that scored 62 points against Windermere … helped Dr. Phillips to a 3-2 district record in 2021 … selected to the MaxPreps Sophomore All-America Team First Team in 2020 … part of an offense that scored 35 or more points four times, capped by a 50-point performance against Windermere … helped the offense score five passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns, along with 243 rushing yards against Windermere … helped Dr. Phillips to a 5-3 overall record and made the 8A state playoffs in a shortened 2020 season … part of an offense that scored 35 or more points in five consecutive games as a freshman … blocked for an offense that scored 47 points against East Ridge, and 42 against Windermere and Oak Ridge … helped Dr. Phillips to a 9-3 overall record, including a 2-0 district mark, and an appearance in the 8A regional semifinals in 2019 … uncle, Perry Harrington, was a running back who played at Jackson State and was selected in the second round of 1980 NFL Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles.
All the way from The Aloha State, please welcome @LefauLiona to the family 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/cCR5nFdyY5
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Liona Lefau
(lee-ONG-gah leh-FAU)
LINEBACKER
6-1 • 220 • Fr.-HS
Laie, Hawaii (Kahuku)
HS Coach: Sterling Carvalho
An all-state defensive player of the year and two-time member of a state championship team … selected to participate in the 2023 Polynesian Bowl … named the 2022 MaxPreps Hawaii Player of the Year … won the 2022 Marcus Mariota Award … ranked No. 27 among linebackers nationally and No. 1 overall in the state of Hawaii by 247Sports … ranked No. 27 among outside linebackers nationally and No. 2 overall in the state of Hawaii by Rivals … rated No. 28 among outside linebackers nationally and No. 2 overall in the state of Hawaii by ESPN … rated No. 52 among linebackers nationally and No. 2 overall in the state of Hawaii by On3 … named the No. 280 recruit nationally and to the Top 300 All-American Team by Prepstar … posted 50 tackles as a senior … part of a defense that allowed just 10.0 points per game, including three shutouts and seven games of seven points or fewer … collected nine tackles in a playoff semifinals win over Campbell … helped Kahuku to a 12-2 overall record, including a 7-0 league mark and title, and a Division I Open State Championship in 2022 … led the Kahuku defense to a shutout over Punahou in the state title game … Kahuku's only losses came to national powers St. John Bosco of California, and St. Frances Academy of Maryland … chosen Hawaii All-State Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-State First Team Defense by the Honolulu Star-Adviser … selected first-team OIA … recorded three interceptions on defense along with 13 receptions for 225 yards and six touchdowns as a junior … part of a defense that allowed just 9.8 points per game, including six games of seven points or fewer and two shutouts … helped Kahuku to a 10-0 overall record, including a 7-0 league mark and title, and a Division I Open State Championship in 2021 … collected a blocked punt return for a 19-yard touchdown, an interception and five tackles on defense, while catching two passes for 36 yards on offense against St. Louis in the title game … played at Sammamish High School in Bellevue, Wash., as a sophomore after high school football was canceled in Hawaii due to the pandemic … caught 10 passes for 296 yards (29.6 ypc) and two touchdowns with a long of 89 yards during his season at Sammamish in 2020 … played in California as a freshman … also participated in track and field in the 100m and 4x100m relay.
Welcome Home, @ArchManning 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/kHwJQSX59h
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Arch Manning
QUARTERBACK
6-4 • 220 • Fr.-HS
New Orleans, La. (Isidore Newman)
HS Coach: Nelson Stewart
An All-America and four-time all-state honoree … selected to participate in the 2022 U.S. Army Bowl … named 2022 Bobby Dodd National Back of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Atlanta … rated No. 1 nationally by 247Sports, On3 and Rivals … ranked No. 2 nationally, No. 1 among quarterbacks and No. 1 overall in the state of Louisiana by ESPN … named the top recruit nationally and to the Top 150 Dream Team by Prepstar … started all four years during his career, posting a 34-9 record as a starter … compiled 8,599 career passing yards and 115 touchdowns to just 20 interceptions on 637-of-994 attempts (.641) with another 1,155 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 153 attempts (7.5 ypc) for school records of 9,754 total yards and 140 total touchdowns … broke the school record for passing yards and passing touchdowns held by uncles Eli (7,268) and Peyton (93), respectively … passed for almost 2,300 yards with 34 touchdowns and just two interceptions, while rushing for six more touchdowns as a senior … connected on 19-of-23 passes (.826) for 268 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for another against Riverside … threw for 317 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another against Benton … compiled 356 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns against Pearl River … completed 16-of-20 passes (.750) for 258 yards and four touchdowns while breaking the Newman passing yards and passing touchdowns records against Metairie Park Country Day … tossed for 321 yards and four touchdowns on 16-of-23 completions (.696) against King Charter … helped Isidore Newman to an 8-3 overall record, including a 2-1 district mark, and an appearance in the Division III Select quarterfinals in 2022 … named first-team 2A All-State by the Louisiana Football Coaches Association and honorable mention by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 2021 … passed for over 1,800 yards with 26 touchdowns with just four interceptions, while rushing for over 350 yards with seven touchdowns as a junior … threw for multiple touchdowns in seven games … completed 20-of-28 passes (.714) for 234 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing nine times for 58 yards (6.4 ypc) and one touchdown against Metairie Park Country Day … connected on 25-of-33 attempts (.758) for 295 yards and five touchdowns, while rushing four times for 38 yards (9.5 ypc) in leading the offense to 59 points against Pearl River … guided the team to a season-high 70 points against Fisher by completing all 11 passing attempts for 179 yards and four touchdowns, along with rushing for one touchdown … connected on all nine passing attempts for 153 yards and five touchdowns against Cohen … helped Isidore Newman to a 7-3 overall record, including a 3-1 district mark, and an appearance in the Division III semifinals in 2021 … selected first-team 2A All-State by the Louisiana Football Coaches Association and honorable mention by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 2020 … tabbed to the MaxPreps Sophomore All-American Team … passed for over 1,900 yards with 21 passing touchdowns and only seven interceptions, while rushing for over 250 yards with eight touchdown as a sophomore … opened the season with five passing touchdowns and 260 passing yards on 13-of-17 completions (.765), along with a rushing touchdown against East Jefferson … distributed four touchdown passes on 12-of-16 attempts (.750) against St. Thomas Aquinas … rushed for three touchdowns against Riverside … tallied five touchdowns on nine completions in helping the team to 76 points against Cohen … helped Isidore Newman to a 9-1 overall record, including a 3-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the Division III semifinals in 2020 … tabbed a first-team Freshman All-American by MaxPreps in 2019 … chosen first-team 2A All-State by the Louisiana Football Coaches Association and honorable mention by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association … passed for over 2,500 yards with 34 touchdowns to just six interceptions, while rushing for four touchdowns as a freshman … passed for multiple touchdowns in all but one game … accounted for five total touchdowns against Bonabel … notched five passing touchdowns against both East Jefferson and Riverside … passed for 303 yards and three touchdowns with one rushing touchdown against St. Charles Catholic … accumulated a season-high six touchdown passes with 279 passing yards on 21-of-27 attempts (.778) against South Plaquemines helped Isidore Newman to a 9-2 overall record, including a 2-1 district mark, and an appearance in the Division III quarterfinals in 2019 … also played basketball in high school.
Welcome to the family @jelani_mcd24!
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 7, 2023
🤘 #AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/OeL7CGrNm1
Jelani McDonald
ATHLETE
6-2 • 205 • Fr.-HS
Waco, Texas (Connally)
HS Coach: Terry Gerik
An All-American and two-time all-district honoree … selected to participate in the 2023 All-American Bowl … ranked No. 97 nationally, No. 5 among athletes and No. 20 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … ranked No. 82 nationally, No. 5 among linebackers and No. 19 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … rated No. 204 nationally, No. 6 among athletes and No. 35 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … rated No. 237 nationally, No. 20 among athletes and No. 37 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … listed No. 3 on the Centex 25 by the Waco Tribune for the top Central Texas football recruits … named Offensive MVP of District 11-4A Division 2 and first-team all-district in 2022 … rushed 77 times for 852 yards (11.1 ypc) with nine touchdowns, while completing 33 passes for 707 yards and 13 touchdowns, along with registering 25 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and one interception as a senior … registered four 100-yard rushing games … passed for two touchdowns on offense, while securing an interception and two tackles for loss on defense against Mexia … logged a season-high 184 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 21 carries (8.8 ypc) along with one passing touchdown on offense, and five tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack against La Vega … averaged 19.6 yards per carry on eight attempts with a long of 94 in rushing for 157 yards and one touchdown against C.H. Yoe … passed for two touchdowns and rushed for one touchdown, while making six tackles with two tackles for loss against Gatesville … completed 8-of-12 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 100 yards and one touchdown on nine carries (11.1 ypc), and collecting six tackles and two tackles for loss against Madisonville … rushed for 25.1 yards per attempt on seven carries on the way to 176 yards and two touchdowns against Robinson … delivered four touchdown passes and 200 passing yards against Hamshire-Fannett … helped Connally to a 9-3 overall record, including a 4-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 4A Division 2 area playoffs in 2022 … selected first-team All-District 9-4A Division 2 as a quarterback in 2021 … completed 52-of-107 passes for 865 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing for 576 yards on 76 attempts (7.6 ypc) as a junior … recorded 119 rushing yards and three touchdowns on seven carries (17.0 ypc) against Life Waxahachie … helped Connally to a 3-2 district mark and an appearance in the 4A Division 2 bi-district playoffs in 2021 … also competed in basketball and track and field in high school … won the state 4A triple jump title in 2022 (48-2) … earned silver medals in both the high jump and triple jump in 2021.
The first one is in! Welcome to the Forty, @JrSydir 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/XZ4tz2oTVU
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Sydir Mitchell
(sih-DEER)
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
6-6 • 352 • Fr.-HS
Paterson, N.J. (Bergen Catholic)
HS Coach: Vito Campanile
A two-time all-division honoree and two-time member of a state championship team … selected to participate in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game … rated No. 207 nationally, No. 26 among defensive linemen and No. 4 overall in the state of New Jersey by On3 … ranked No. 49 among defensive linemen nationally and No. 5 overall in the state of New Jersey by 247Sports … rated No. 72 nationally, No. 6 among defensive tackles and No. 2 overall in the state of New Jersey by ESPN … ranked No. 17 among defensive tackles nationally and No. 4 overall in the state of New Jersey by Rivals … named the No. 210 recruit nationally and to the Top 300 All-American Team by Prepstar … selected to the first-team Super Football Conference United Red All-Division team in 2022 … tallied 45 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, along with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three passes defended as a senior … also caught a touchdown pass … part of a defense that allowed just 13.4 points per game, including seven games of seven points or fewer and a shutout in the state title game … had a 25-yard scoop and score, along with two tackles for loss and two sacks against Cardinal Gibbons … registered 2.5 tackles for loss as part of five tackles and a forced fumble against Saguaro … collected two tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery against DePaul Catholic … recorded a season-high 12 tackles against St. Peter's Prep … helped Bergen Catholic to an 11-1 overall record, including a 3-1 league mark, and the New Jersey Non-Public A Championship in 2022 … chosen to the first-team Super Football Conference United Red All-Division team in 2021 … recorded 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 12 games as a junior … part of a defense that allowed just 7.8 points per game, including four shutouts with three of those coming consecutively, and eight games of seven points or fewer … posted at least five tackles in four games, including seven in two contests … recovered a fumble against Archbishop Hoban … notched seven tackles against Delbarton … matched the seven tackles along with an interception against St. Peter's Prep … collected five tackles, one tackle for loss and a fumble recovery against St. Joseph Regional … helped Bergen Catholic to a 12-0 overall record, including a 4-0 league mark and title, and the New Jersey Non-Public A Championship in 2021 … named to the first-team Super Football Conference United Red All-Division team in 2020 … played in six games during a season shortened by the pandemic in 2020 … recorded 32 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks as a sophomore … part of a defense that allowed just 12.3 points per game … produced six tackles and three tackles for loss against Pope John XXIII … compiled 10 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks against Don Bosco Prep … helped Bergen Catholic to a 5-1overall record, including a 3-1 in 2020 … tabbed a first-team Freshman All-American as an offensive lineman by MaxPreps in 2019 … also played defense, recording five tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks … part of an offense that rushed for over 200 yards four times, including back-to-back games of 292 and 290 against Pope John XXIII and Paramus Catholic … also played basketball in high school.
We've got another playmaker heading to the 512!@DeandreMooreJr is officially a Longhorn 🤘 #AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/cMZc2tkrBQ
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 23, 2022
DeAndre Moore Jr.
WIDE RECEIVER
6-0 • 190 • Fr.-HS
Anaheim, Calif. (St. John Bosco)
HS Coach: Jason Negro
An All-America and all-league honoree … selected to participate in the 2023 All-American Bowl … chosen to the roster of the 2023 Polynesian Bowl … member of a St. John Bosco team that was named national champions by MaxPreps in 2022 … also spent time at defensive back in his prep career … rated No. 77 nationally, No. 14 among wide receivers and No. 7 overall in the state of California by ESPN … ranked No. 106 nationally, No. 16 among wide receivers and No. 8 overall in the state of California by 247Sports … rated No. 114 nationally, No. 18 among wide receivers and No. 11 overall in the state of California by Rivals … ranked No. 196 nationally, No. 30 among wide receivers and No. 11 overall in the state of California by On3 … chosen a nominee for CIF Southern Section All-State honors by CalHiSports in 2022 … missed part of his senior season due to injury … part of an offense that averaged 42.3 points per game and scored at least 40 points in 10 games, topped by 65 against Central Catholic … caught three passes for 125 yards (41.7 ypr) and two touchdowns with a long of 70 against Central Catholic … followed with three receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns with a long of 58 against Servite … pulled in a 45-yard touchdown reception in the state title game against Serra … helped St. John Bosco to a 13-1 overall record, including a 4-1 league mark, and the Open Division state championship, while then being named national championships by MaxPreps in 2022 … selected to the 2022 Preseason MaxPreps California All-State Team … attended Los Alamitos High School his junior year … named the Sunset League's All-Purpose Player of the Year in 2021 … logged 33 receptions for 479 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing 23 times for 152 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games as a junior … helped Los Alamitos to a 9-2 overall record, including a 5-0 league mark and title, and an appearance in the Southern Section Division 1 playoffs in 2021, falling to St. John Bosco … attended Las Vegas Desert Pines High School as a freshman and sophomore … did not have a sophomore season at Desert Pines due to the pandemic … helped Desert Pines to an 11-1 overall record, including a 5-0 league mark and title, and an appearance in the 4A state semifinals in 2019 … has a twin sister, Denae.
Another ballhawk is headed to the Forty! @Returnof7 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/YBRPVDwgDY
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Malik Muhammad
DEFENSIVE BACK
6-0 • 175 • Fr.-HS
DeSoto, Texas (South Oak Cliff)
HS Coach: Clifton Todd
An All-America and all-state honoree and two-time member of a state championship team … selected to participate in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game … helped South Oak Cliff to back-to-back state championships in 2021-22 … ranked No. 34 nationally, No. 5 among cornerbacks and No. 9 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … rated No. 38 nationally, No. 4 among cornerbacks and No. 7 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … rated No. 49 nationally, No. 6 among cornerbacks and No. 10 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 84 nationally, No. 8 among cornerbacks and No. 14 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … named the No. 45 recruit nationally and to the Top 150 Dream Team by Prepstar … tabbed the No. 6 player on The Dallas Morning News' top 100 recruits list … chosen to the 2022 Super Team First Team, the Texas Hot 100 and as a Top 10 defensive back by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … tallied 60 tackles, including 44 solo stops with two interceptions and 14 passes defended as a senior … part of a defense that has allowed just 15.1 points per game, including a string of five straight shutouts against Adamson, Spruce, Kimball, Samuell and Seagoville … registered three passes defended against DeSoto … accumulated 12 solo tackles against Parish Episcopal … generated four tackles and two passes defended against Kimball … hauled in an interception against Seagoville … notched five solo tackles and two passes defended against Midlothian Heritage … collected seven tackles, including five solo, and three passes defended against Argyle … returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown in the state title game against Port Neches-Groves … helped South Oak Cliff to a 13-3 overall record, a 6-0 district mark and title, and the 5A Division 2 state championship in 2022 … South Oak Cliff lost its first three games before going on a 13-game winning streak … named honorable mention 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2021 … selected first-team All-District 6-5A Division 2 … recorded 68 tackles with 45 solo stops, three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, nine passes defended, along with five receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns as a junior … posted four or more tackles in eight games … part of a defense that allowed just 13.1 points per game, not including one game won by forfeit … the defense produced seven games of seven points or fewer with four shutouts … collected 13 tackles combined in the first two games against Duncanville and Hillcrest, while also catching a nine-yard touchdown against Hillcrest … returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown against Conrad … registered five tackles and an interception against Everman … followed with a season-high eight tackles, including five solo, and a 30-yard touchdown reception against Frisco … matched those eight tackles with six of them being solo against Cooper … also had six solo tackles on his way to seven total against Liberty Hill in the state title game … helped South Oak Cliff to a 15-1 overall record, an 8-0 district mark and title, and the 5A Division 2 state championship in 2021… South Oak Cliff lost its first game before winning 15 straight on the way to its title … debuted on varsity as a sophomore and played in seven games … posted 23 tackles with 14 solo stops and six passes defended … registered at least three tackles in all but one game … notched five tackles and three passes defended against Spruce … helped South Oak Cliff to a 9-3 overall record, including an 8-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 area playoffs in 2020 … also participated in basketball and track and field in high school.
Longhorn Nation, welcome @ryan_niblett to the family 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/cLXH0Lf5Iz
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Ryan Niblett
WIDE RECEIVER
5-10 • 165 • Fr.-HS
Houston, Texas (Eisenhower)
HS Coach: Eric Jackson
An All-America, all-state, two-time all-district and district offensive MVP honoree … selected to participate in the 2023 All-American Bowl … ranked No. 70 nationally, No. 11 among wide receivers and No. 11 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 77 nationally, No. 12 among wide receivers and No. 16 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … ranked No. 95 nationally, No. 16 among wide receivers and No. 20 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … rated No. 97 nationally, No. 5 among athletes and No. 17 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … named the No. 66 recruit nationally and to the Top 150 Dream Team by Prepstar… chosen to the 2022 Super Team Second Team, the Texas Hot 100 and as a Top 10 athlete by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … tabbed Offensive MVP of District 14-6A and first-team all-district in 2022 … hauled in 55 passes for 1,088 yards (19.8 ypr) and scored 10 touchdowns … averaged 108.8 receiving yards per game … scored on a 66-yard touchdown reception on the first play from scrimmage of the season and later added a 10-yard touchdown catch against Morton Ranch … corralled 10 catches for 258 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 56 yards and another touchdown against Davis … helped Eisenhower to a 5-5 regular season record, including wins in five of their last six games, a 5-2 district mark and an appearance in the 6A Division 2 bi-district playoffs in 2022 … named honorable mention 5A All-State as an all-purpose player in 2021 … chosen co-All-Purpose Player of the Year of District 14-6A and first-team all-district … caught 42 passes for 759 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing for 469 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior … scored a touchdown as a receiver, returner, defensive back and quarterback … played quarterback as a sophomore … passed for 1,137 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushed for 367 yards and three touchdowns … played wide receiver as a freshman … also competed in track and field in high school in the 100m, 200m and long jump.
NOLA ➡️ ATX, welcome @WillRandle87 to the Forty 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/neCXCXNAEU
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Will Randle
TIGHT END
6-4 • 225 • Fr.-HS
New Orleans, La. (Isidore Newman)
HS Coach: Nelson Stewart
A two-time all-state and all-district honoree … rated No. 20 among tight ends nationally and No. 30 overall in the state of Louisiana by ESPN … rated No. 65 among tight ends nationally and No. 58 overall in the state of Louisiana by On3 … ranked No. 73 among tight ends nationally and No. 49 overall in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports … ranked No. 28 among tight ends nationally by Rivals … selected to the All-Southwest Region Team by Prepstar … listed the No. 10 recruit in Metro New Orleans by Crescent City Sports … recorded 97 receptions for 1,027 yards (10.6 ypr) and 18 touchdowns, along with rushing for one touchdown on offense, while registering 50 tackles, six sacks, 13 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during his four-year career … as a senior, was injured in a game on Sept. 16 and missed rest of season … returned an interception for a touchdown, forced and recovered a fumble that set up another, and caught two passes for 37 yards, including a 28-yard that set up an additional touchdown against Hahnville … hauled in one touchdown against Riverside Academy … caught seven passes for 67 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another against Benton … helped Isidore Newman to a 3-0 record in those games in which the offense averaged 43.7 points per game … the team went on to an appearance in the Division III Select quarterfinals in 2022 … named first-team 2A All-State by the Louisiana Football Coaches Assocation and the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 2021 … played primarily as a flex tight end and H-back as a junior and led the team with 42 receptions for 464 yards and 10 touchdowns … helped Isidore Newman to a 7-3 overall record, including a 3-1 district mark, and an appearance in the Division III semifinals in 2021 … selected first-team 2A All-State by the Louisiana Football Coaches Assocation and honorable mention by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 2020 … played as both a tight end and defensive end as a sophomore … hauled in 19 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns on offense with 28 tackles, including nine for a loss and three sacks on defense … helped Isidore Newman to a 9-1 overall record, including a 3-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the Division III semifinals in 2020 … helped Isidore Newman to a 9-2 overall record, including a 2-1 district mark, and an appearance in the Division III quarterfinals in 2019 … also participated in baseball and basketball in high school.
Welcome to the Forty, @RSanbornKicks 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/cn4wGmwEhM
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Ryan Sanborn
PUNTER
6-3 • 210 • Sr.-TR
San Diego, Calif. (Parker School/Stanford)
HS Coach: Stephen Cooper
A graduate transfer punter from Stanford who was a two-time captain for the Cardinal … a two-time All-Pac-12 honorable mention selection as a punter in 2020 and 2022 … played in 42 career games in four seasons at Stanford, punting 192 times for 7,980 yards (41.6 ypp) with a long 68 yards, 37 of 50-plus yards, and 64 downed inside the 20 … also made 8-of-10 field goals with a long of 48 yards and kicked off 30 times for 1,889 yards with 17 touchbacks … honorable mention All-Pac-12 and a Ray Guy Award watch list member in 2022 … punted 57 times for 2,376 yards (41.7 ypp) as a senior with a long of 59 yards, nine of 50-plus yards and 18 downed inside the 20 as a senior … named Stanford Special Teams Player of the Game against Arizona State with two downed inside the 20 and one of 51 yards … punted six times, averaging 41.3 ypp, with a long of 51 yards and three downed inside the 20-yard at UCLA, while allowing just three returns for a total of eight yards … punted eight times with a 43.9 average with four inside the 20 with a season-long 59-yarder at Cal …named CoSIDA Academic All-District and to the Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll in 2021 … set career highs of 60 punts, 2,600 punting yards, a 43.4 average, 16 punts of 50-plus yards, and 19 downed inside the 20 as a junior … also kicked a 32-yard field goal and kicked off three times with three touchbacks … averaged 49.4 yards per punt on seven attempts with two inside the 20 against No. 24 UCLA … served as the place kicker, kickoff specialist and punter at No. 22 Arizona State … was 1-of-1 on field goals (32 yards) and didn't allow a punt return, pinning the Sun Devils inside the 20 on all three of his punts … honorable mention All-Pac-12, CoSIDA Academic All-District and a Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll selection in 2020 … punted 23 times for an average of 39.0 yards with a long of 53 yards, three of 50-plus yards and nine downed inside the 20 … punted five times for 231 yards (46.2 per punt), including a long of 52, against Colorado … presented with the Phil Moffatt Award, given to the Most Outstanding Special Teams player on the team, in 2019 … only true freshman specialist in country to handle punting duties full-time, kickoff at least 20 times (27) and make seven or more field goals … punted 52 times for 2,106 yards (40.5 ypp) with 18 inside the 20, kicked off 27 times for 1,694 yards (62.7 ypp) with 14 touchbacks, and made 7-of-9 field goals with a long of 48 yards … punted six times for 256 yards (42.7 ypp), including a 57-yarder, against Oregon … punted three times for 151 yards (50.3 ypp), including a career-best 68-yard punt in the fourth quarter, at Oregon State … handled all three phases of kicking game against Arizona, going 2-for-2 on field goals (33, 21), including his first career field goal attempt … connected on a career-best 48-yard field goal and also made a 44-yarder against Cal … a high school All-American who was selected to participate in the 2019 All-American Bowl … participated in the 2018 Spanos All-Star Classic Bowl, Makasi All-Star Bowl, and USA-American Football Worldwide Elite U19 team … rated the nation's second-best kicker by PrepStar, third by Rivals, third by 247Sports, eighth by ESPN in 2018 … ranked the nation's third-best punter by 247Sports … tabbed California's 100th-best recruit by ESPN … set 14 single-season and nine single-game school records … named All-USA California first team in 2018 … tabbed CIF San Diego Section Kicker of the Year … chosen League Offensive Player of the Year and Kicker of the Year … completed 117-of-198 passes (59.1%) for 2,055 yards and 27 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, while rushing 104 times for 609 yards (5.9 ypc) and 13 touchdowns as a quarterback on offense, while registering 82 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a defensive back on defense, along with punting 18 times for 757 yards (42.1 ypp) with a long of 53 and 10 inside the 20, and kicking off 75 times for 4,933 yards (65.8 ypk) with 66 touchbacks on special teams as a senior … helped Parker to an 11-2 overall record, including a 3-1 league mark, and an appearance in the CIF San Diego Section Division V title game in 2018 … 2017 MaxPreps Preseason First-Team All-American punter … selected 2017 all-league first-team quarterback, all-league kicker and punter of the year … named all-state second-team small school punter … also competed in baseball and lacrosse in high school.
Longhorn Nation, welcome @Spencer1722 to the Forty 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/QfzFKpy17q
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Spencer Shannon
TIGHT END
6-7 • 237 • Fr.-HS
San Clemente, Calif. (Mater Dei)
HS Coach: Bruce Rollinson
Member of a state championship team that was named national champions by MaxPreps in 2021 … rated No. 14 among Y tight ends nationally and No. 48 overall in the state of California by ESPN … ranked No. 43 among tight ends nationally and No. 55 overall in the state of California by Rivals … rated No. 33 among tight ends nationally and No. 73 overall in the state of California by 247Sports … ranked No. 59 among tight ends nationally and No. 99 overall in the state of Califonia by On3 … selected to the All-Western Region Team by PrepStar … caught three passes for 55 yards as a senior … part of an offense that averaged 38.5 points per game, including eight games of 40-plus points and three of 50-plus … helped the offense average 421.4 yards per game, including 227.5 passing and 193.9 rushing … helped protect for 459 total yards, including 315 passing yards and five passing touchdowns, against West … helped the offense to 450 total yards, including 298 passing against Centennial … blocked for a season-high 338 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on the way to 532 total yards against Mililani caught a 39-yard pass as part of a scoring drive in a 17-7 win over top-ranked St. John Bosco … protected for a season-high 337 passing yards as part of 525 total yards, along with four rushing touchdowns against Santa Margarita … helped pave the way for three straight games of over 240 rushing yards against Servite (263), JSerra Catholic (278) and Los Alamitos (241) … also helped produce six rushing touchdowns against JSerra Catholic … helped Mater Dei to a 12-1 overall record, including a 5-0 league mark and title, and an appearance in the Division I state championship game in 2022 … played in all 12 games as a junior and finished with three receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown, after being primarily used as a blocker … caught two passes for 67 yards and one touchdown against Santa Margarita … part of an offense that averaged 42.2 points per game, including five games of 50-plus points capped by 58 against La Mirada … helped the offense average 401.3 yards per game, including 221.1 passing and 180.3 rushing … helped pave the way for season highs of 355 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns as part of 474 total yards against La Mirada … helped protect for 353 passing yards, five passing touchdowns and 500 total yards against Santa Margarita … helped block for 447 total yards with 247 yards passing and 200 yards rushing and five rushing touchdowns against Servite … helped the offense record 225 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns and 408 total yards against JSerra Catholic … protected for season highs of 369 passing yards, six passing touchdowns and 557 total yards against Norco … helped Mater Dei to a 12-0 overall record, including a 5-0 league mark and title, and the Open Division state championship in 2021 … caught two passes and one touchdown as a sophomore in a five-game season shortened by the pandemic … helped the offense average 41.6 points per game, including three of 49-plus points … part of an offense that averaged 403.8 total yards per game, including 215.4 passing yards and 188.4 rushing yards … helped block for season highs of 547 total yards and 289 rushing yards with three rushing touchdowns and three passing touchdowns against JSerra Catholic … protected for a season-high 297 passing yards and four passing touchdowns with 456 total yards against Santa Margarita … helped Mater Dei to a 5-0 overall record, including a 5-0 league mark, in 2020 … attended Santa Margarita High School as a freshman … also played baseball … was born in Texas and moved to California when he was two years old.
Another big man is in! Welcome to the Forty, @stroh_connor 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/ZR9VojesIV
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Connor Stroh
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
6-7 • 355 • Fr.-HS
Frisco, Texas (Wakeland)
HS Coach: Chan Isom
A two-time all-district and academic all-state honoree … ranked No. 62 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 125 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 28 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 54 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 24 among offensive guards nationally and No. 93 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … rated No. 59 among interior offensive linemen nationally and No. 151 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … selected to the All-Southwest Region Team by Prepstar … tabbed the No. 31 player on The Dallas Morning News' top 100 recruits list… chosen to the 2022 Super Team Second Team, the Texas Hot 100 and as a Top 10 offensive lineman by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … named second-team 5A Academic All-State in 2022 … unanimous first-team All-District 6-5A Division 1 … part of an offense that averaged 408.9 yards per game of total offense, including 299.1 yards passing and 190.8 yards rushing, and 35.9 points per game as a senior … blocked for an offense that passed for 341 yards as part of 455 total yards against Grapevine … protected as the offense passed for 418 yards against Reedy … helped the offense record a season-high 59 points against Liberty … blocked for 501 total yards, including 332 passing yards and 169 rushing yards, while scoring 42 points against Centennial … helped complete a four-game winning streak by blocking for 444 total yards and 310 passing yards against Lebanon Trail … helped pave the way for a season-high 174 rushing yards against Frisco … protected for 338 passing yards and 42 points against Birdville … helped the offense to season highs of 527 total yards and 482 passing yards against Port Arthur Memorial … helped Wakeland to a 7-5 overall record, including a 5-3 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 area playoffs in 2022 … selected first-team All-District 5-5A Division 1 in 2021 … part of an offense that averaged 426.0 total yards per game, including 244.3 rushing yards, and 38.6 points per game … the offense posted six games of 45 points or more … blocked for an offense that rushed for 344 yards on the way to 507 total yards and 55 points against Pearce … helped the offense score 56 points against Centennial … part of a line that paved the way for 427 rushing yards, 669 total yards and 55 points against Heritage … part of an offense that scored 56 points against Denton … helped Wakeland to a 9-3 overall record, including a 6-2 district mark, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 regional playoffs in 2021 … also competed in track and field in shot put and discus, along with powerlifting.
Hometown hero! @ColtonVasek is staying home 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/7FJyV1gfvF
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Colton Vasek
(VAH-sek)
EDGE
6-5 • 230 • Fr.-HS
Austin, Texas (Westlake)
HS Coach: Caleb Burton
An all-district honoree and two-time member of a state championships team … ranked No. 40 nationally, No. 5 among defensive ends and No. 11 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … rated No. 79 nationally, No. 12 among edge players and No. 17 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … ranked No. 185 nationally, No. 30 among defensive ends and No. 30 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … rated No. 220 nationally, No. 26 among edge players and No. 40 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … named the No. 118 recruit nationally and to the Top 150 Dream Team by Prepstar … chosen to the 2022 Super Team First Team, the Texas Hot 100 and as a Top 10 defensive lineman by Dave Campbell's Texas Football … collected 71 tackles with 53 solo stops, seven tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 19 pressures, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble as a senior … part of a defense that averaged 12.3 points per game, including seven games of 10 points or fewer with two shutouts … gathered at least five tackles in eight games … posted six tackles, two sacks and four pressures against both Ridge Point and Judson to open the season … compiled 10 tackles with nine solo stops, two sacks and one pass defended against Lake Travis … gathered seven tackles, including six solo and two sacks with two pressures against Del Valle … recorded seven tackles with six solo stops, one tackle for loss, one sack, three pressures and one fumble recovery against Dripping Springs … produced five tackles, one sack and one forced fumble against New Braunfels … registered seven tackles, including five solo stops, with one sack and one pressure against Brennan … generated eight tackles, including five solo stops and two tackles for loss, with one pressure against North Shore … helped Westlake to a 14-1 overall record, an 8-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 6A Division 1 semifinals in 2022 … selected first-team All-District 26-6A in 2021 … registered 56 tackles with 35 solo, six tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 14 pressures and two force fumbles as a junior … recorded multiple tackles in every game and at least four tackles in 10 games … collected six tackles with five solo stops, two sacks, three pressures and one forced fumble in a shutout against Bowie … notched five tackles, including four solo, two tackles for loss and one sack against Akins … produced five tackles with one sack and one forced fumble against Katy … tabbed Defensive MVP of the state championship win over Denton Guyer with five tackles, three sacks and three pressures … helped Westlake to a 16-0 overall record, an 8-0 district mark and title, and the 6A Division 2 state championship in 2021 … helped Westlake to a 14-0 overall record, an 6-0 district mark and title, and the 6A Division 1 state championship in 2020 … father, Brian, was a defensive end at Texas from 1991-95 … also competed in track and field in high school in shot put and discus.
Another great one coming to Austin! Welcome to the Forty, @cantstopbill__ 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/6biubU0mIv
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Billy Walton III
EDGE
6-3 • 215 • Fr.-HS
Grand Prairie, Texas (South Oak Cliff)
HS Coach: Clifton Todd
A two-time all-district honoree and two-time member of a state championship team … ranked No. 41 among edge players nationally and No. 65 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 44 among edge players nationally and No. 67 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … ranked No. 67 among defensive ends and No. 80 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … rated No. 36 among weakside defensive ends and No. 100 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … selected to the All-Southwest Region Team by Prepstar … tabbed the No. 25 player on The Dallas Morning News' top 100 recruits list … compiled 102 total tackles, including 69 solo stops, 33 tackles for loss and 18 sacks, along with two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown as a senior … part of a defense that has allowed just 15.1 points per game, including a string of five straight shutouts against Adamson, Spruce, Kimball, Samuell and Seagoville … registered at least one tackle for loss in 13 games and at least two in 11 contests … notched 12 total tackles, with seven solo stops, three tackles for loss and three sacks against DeSoto … posted 11 total tackles with eight solo and three tackles for loss against Parish Episcopal … gathered nine tackles with three tackles for loss and one sack against Spruce … was named the Dallas Morning News Defensive Player of the Week after compiling 12 tackles, all solo, with five tackles for loss, five tackles for loss and an interception return for a touchdown against Kimball … collected six tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and a 43-yard interception return against Wilson … tallied seven tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack against Lovejoy … recorded eight tackles with seven solo, three tackles for loss and three sacks against Melissa … posted two tackles, including a tackle for loss, in the state title game against Port Neches-Groves … helped South Oak Cliff to a 13-3 overall record, a 6-0 district mark and title, and the 5A Division 2 state championship in 2022 … South Oak Cliff lost its first three games before going on a 13-game winning streak … selected second-team All-District 6-5A Division 2 in 2021 … recorded 55 tackles, including 21 tackles for loss and 12 sacks with two passes batted down as a junior … part of a defense that allowed just 13.1 points per game, not including one game won by forfeit … the defense produced seven games of seven points or fewer with four shutouts … delivered two tackles for loss, two sacks and one pass batted down against Hillcrest … posted five tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks against Seagoville … collected a season-high eight tackles against Everman … gathered six tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks against Lovejoy … registered five tackles with tackles for loss against Cooper … helped South Oak Cliff to a 15-1 overall record, an 8-0 district mark and title, and the 5A Division 2 state championship in 2021… South Oak Cliff lost its first game before winning 15 straight on the way to its title … chosen first team All-District 6-5A Division 2 in 2020 … recorded 37 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a sophomore … part of a defense that produced five games of seven points or fewer with three shutouts … posted six tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks against Hillcrest … gathered eight tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack in a shutout of Conrad … collected six tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks against Seagoville … helped South Oak Cliff to a 9-3 overall record, including an 8-0 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 area playoffs in 2020 … also participated in basketball in high school.
Another great one headed to the Forty, @derek2_williams 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/4f3qtpd6Im
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Derek Williams Jr.
DEFENSIVE BACK
6-2 • 190 • Fr.-HS
New Iberia, La. (Westgate)
HS Coach: Ryan Antoine
An All-America and all-state honoree and member of a state championships team … selected to participate in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game … rated No. 32 nationally, No. 3 among safeties and No. 4 overall in the state of Louisiana by On3 … ranked No. 69 nationally, No. 4 among safeties and No. 3 overall in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports … rated No. 55 nationally, No. 6 among safeties and No. 4 overall in the state of Louisiana by ESPN … ranked No. 49 nationally, No. 3 among safeties and No. 3 overall in the state of Louisiana by Rivals … named the No. 58 recruit nationally and to the Top 150 Dream Team by Prepstar … as a senior, part of a defense that allowed just 16.2 points per game, including eight games of 14 points or fewer, four of seven points or fewer and two shutouts … helped Westgate to a 10-4 overall record and an appearance in the Division I Non-Select semifinals in 2022 … named first-team 4A All-State by the Louisiana Football Coaches Assocation and the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 2021, along with being the Outstanding Defensive Player by the LSWA … tabbed All-Metro Defensive MVP … accumulated 127 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries with one returned for a touchdown as a junior … part of a defense that allowed just 16.7 points per game, including seven games of 14 points or fewer and four of eight points or fewer … helped Westgate to a 13-2 overall record, including a 4-0 district mark and title, and the Class 4A state championship in 2021 … chosen honorable mention 4A All-State by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 2020 … played safety, cornerback and running back as a sophomore … part of a defense that allowed 21.6 points per game with five games of nine points or fewer and two shutouts … helped Westgate to a 6-4 overall record, including a 3-2 district mark, and an appearance in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs in 2020 … also participated in track and field in high school.
Big time playmaker! Welcome to the Forty, @1waytreway 🤘#AllGas23 pic.twitter.com/0X3LnKhUfW
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 21, 2022
Tre Wisner
(WHYZ-ner)
RUNNING BACK
6-0 • 188 • Fr.-HS
Glenn Heights, Texas (DeSoto)
HS Coach: Claude Mathis
A two-time all-district selection and member of a state championship team who spent his sophomore and junior years at Waco Connally prior to DeSoto … rated No. 35 among running backs and No. 102 overall in the state of Texas by On3 … ranked No. 28 among running backs nationally and No. 68 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports … rated No. 32 among running backs and No. 62 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 15 among all-purpose backs by Rivals … named the No. 222 recruit nationally and to the Top 300 All-American Team by Prepstar … rushed 124 times for 841 yards (6.8 ypc) and six touchdowns, while catching 35 passes for 502 yards and four touchdowns as senior … opened the season with 60 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown against St. Augustine … rushed for a touchdown and had a 49-yard reception against South Oak Cliff … notched 40 yards both rushing and receiving with a touchdown catch against Skyline … posted a rushing touchdown as part of 56 yards on the ground with two receptions for 30 yards against Waxahachie … carried the ball 10 times for 121 yards (12.1 ypc) and two touchdowns with a long of 44 against Mansfield Legacy … followed with 157 rushing yards and one touchdown on 14 carries (11.2 ypc) with a 24-yard receptions against Lake Ridge … pulled in seven catches for 141 yards (20.1 ypr) and one touchdown with a long of 75 against Harker Heights … caught six passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns, including ones of 10 and 62 yards, while rushing five times for 75 yards in the state title game against Vandegrift … helped DeSoto to a 14-2 overall record, including a 6-1 district mark, and the 6A Division 2 state championship in 2022 … named co-Offensive MVP of District 9-4A Division 2 and first team all-district in 2021 … rushed for 909 yards and 12 touchdowns on 77 carries (11.8 ypc), while catching 18 passes for 241 yards with one touchdown on offense, along with recording 74 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup as a junior … helped Waco Connally to a 3-2 district mark and an appearance in the 4A Division 2 bi-district playoffs in 2021 … tabbed the District 9-4A Division 2 co-Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2020 … carried the ball for 900 yards and 15 touchdowns on 60 attempts (15.0 ypc), while making 13 receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore … had 170 total yards on 11 touches, including a 36-yard touchdown run to send the game into overtime against China Spring … helped Waco Connally to an appearance in the 4A Division 2 bi-district playoffs in 2020 … also competed in track and field in high school.
Players Mentioned
