re: Taylor Hamm & Billy Liucci make SWEET LOVE in 2019 + Football Recruiting Thread

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I’ll begin with the big news from the Houston Opening and transition into the junior day...

When the media circus surrounded North Forest OL Javonne Shepard yesterday, it was clear that in the context he was referring to Texas A&M (using words like ‘we’) that Jimbo Fisher and his staff have cemented themselves as the leader for the four-star prospect’s services. However, he never went fully on record with it until he did his interview with me later in the day. The OL MVP on the day made it clear that his current No. 1 school is the in-state SEC program. He talked about making a summer decision but there’s a chance he does something sooner than his current plan.

It’s also been made clear that Shepard and 5-star Kenyon Green, who is also not shy that A&M is way out in front for his services, want to play together at the next level. At this point, the Aggies would really have to drop the ball to see either elite lineman end up anywhere but College Station.

Sticking with the lineman theme, keep an eye on Hallsville tackle Blake Trainor. The 6-7, 280-pounder visited for the junior day and is currently flying way under-the-radar at the moment. His film is very impressive. He currently holds just a handful of offers but his name will hit the scene soon and he’ll see many teams come forward with offers during the spring. Don’t be surprised to see him pick up an offer soon and become a top target at tackle.

Not a whole lot else from the Houston Opening in terms of “scoop” because I updated everyone on Marcus Stripling following his visit on Saturday. We broke the news he was there and the fact he’s publicly naming A&M his top school.

There are a ton of names Terry Price likes at defensive end but getting off to a hot start with the Katy Mayde Creek edge rusher potentially over the next few weeks (Stripling plans on shooting a video soon) would be another top defensive prospect in the state of Texas to fall A&M’s way this spring.

Katy Seven Lakes DE David Ugwoegbu is moving up Price’s big board. The 6-5, 217-pounder attended the Aggies’ junior day and are now among his top schools. He’ll be a prospect that Alabama, Texas, among others, pursue so this could turn into one of the more high profile battles down the road.

At defensive back, Bobby Wolfe and Marcus Banks really stood out and that’s why they are headed to Oregon for The Opening. One play who I did not like that much is Jamal Morris. He lacked closing speed and was stiff but was also a bit under the weather. Anyways, Banks is clearly torn between A&M and Texas. He was going to make a decision in March but decided to take more time. With that said, he is still planning a spring commitment. Sneaking back into College Station this past weekend meant two things. He is very high on the Ags and the staff is clearly interested in his talents.

Players who A&M made a big move for this weekend are Crandall OL Branson Bragg, Brock TE Baylor Cupp and Tascosa RB King Doerue and Georgia OL Riley Simonds. All four playmakers are seeing their stock explode but hold the Ags in high regard and will likely have the maroon and white in the top two until they are ready to decide.

Quickly, as a side note, Tim Brewster is really working Austin Stogner over. They were invited down but didn’t want to attend such a big event that would take away from quality time with the staff so you will see them sneak into Aggieland later this spring. They are very interested in A&M.

Moving onto the receiver position, there are some key battles with top prospects who are approaching decisions. Jordan Whittington, who is garnering a lot of Texas buzz, had a big time visit to UCLA this weekend and still has visits to Texas and Texas A&M on the docket. Let me make this clear. He has not made a decision. He’s begun shooting his commitment video but without giving away the concept, there’s no “two endings,” but the beginning of it could either tie into where he’s going or it could go the opposite way. That portion has not been shot. He won’t do that until he gets through with these final visits.

Same goes for Arjei Henderson, who is slightly leaning towards OU, but has gone back and forth between the Sooners and Aggies almost daily. He’s going to take these three official visits. Get everything out on the table and sit down with his family and make the call. His father is a veteran in the recruiting game and extremely knowledgeable about the process. Not to mention, he wants his son to stay in-state and has a very tight relationship with Jimbo Fisher. I think A&M ultimately wins this battle with Theo Wease and Trejon Bridges headed to Norman.

Dylan Wright is a player A&M is still very interested in so I would expect to hear his name a lot more over the coming months should A&M strike out on both.

A&M is absolutely in love with 2020 super freak Demond Demas. This kid is going to be a certified 5-star in short order. He along with North Shore RB Zach Evans, who is probably pound for pound the best back in the state right now regardless of classification, are going to be prioritized by this staff over the next few years. Add Reuben Fatheree to the underclassmen list of certified badasses who are “must gets” down the line that was also in town on Saturday.

Marquez Beason has set his official visits and it’s clear with LSU getting this last shot that A&M will have to really hit a homerun if they want to fend off the Tigers for his commitment. Ed O is selling he’ll be the face of the 2019 class and that has resonated with the Dallas Bishop Dunne product.

Also, keep a close eye on RJ Orebo, the freakish 6-7 OLB/DE from Dayton. An offer is pretty close and we has personally asked to visit again this past weekend.

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