National Signing Day is just three days away.
Colleges around the country are putting in their last efforts to land the nation’s top uncommitted recruits. Here are the top three recruits that are up for grabs in Texas:
1. Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Bellaire Episcopal
National Ranking: 51
State Ranking: 6
Jaylen Waddle is the city of Houston’s prized possession, and after a stellar senior season, he has quickly emerged as one of the nation’s most prized possessions. In 2017, Waddle accounted for 35 touchdowns (26 receiving, 4 rushing, 3 kick return, 2 punt return) and over 1600 total yards to lead Bellaire Episcopal to a 6-3 record. Despite his size deficiency at 5’9″, Waddle was able to jump up with any defensive back to pull down receptions. He may be a lethal slot receiver option for whatever lands the nation’s number seven receiver.
As his recruiting nears its latter stages, big names are jumping out at the prized wide out. His top six schools include TCU, Texas, Oregon, Alabama, Florida State, and Texas A&M.Tom Herman, Nick Saban, and Jimbo Fisher have all already made in-home visits with Waddle. Crystal ball predictions give Texas A&M the edge at 56%.
2. Leon O’Neal, Safety, Cy Springs
National Ranking: 79
State Ranking: 8
Over the past two seasons, the hard-hitting Leon O’Neal has come on as a defensive gem out of the northern Houston area. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl participant amassed 78 tackles in 2017 along with 5 pass breakups and 1 kick return touchdown. One of his more scary stats, however, is his 5 forced fumbles in just 9 games. His hit-stick ability is unmatched at the safety position as his size and physicality will become a hot commodity for colleges around the country.
O’Neal’s recruiting process has featured the typical big name power five schools, but only recently has he been a free agent on the market. In June, he committed to Texas A&M, but ultimately fell back from that decision after the firing of Kevin Sumlin in December. His final four has been trimmed down to Oklahoma, Clemson, Texas A&M, and Georgia with Texas A&M currently holding the crystal ball predictions edge at 80%.
Joseph Ossai, Defensive End, Conroe Oak Ridge
National Ranking: 182
State Ranking: 19
Joseph Ossai, the highest-rated defensive end in Texas, has wreaked havoc on 6A competition in his two years at the varsity level. He followed up his stellar junior season at Conroe Oak Ridge with a senior campaign that featured 58 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in 10 games. At the college level, he could be a dangerous edge defender or outside linebacker with his highly touted speed-rush.
Ossai has been down to three schools since July with Notre Dame, Texas, and Texas A&M being the trio of possibilities for the four-star. After an in-home visit with Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M is the favorite to land Ossai with the crystal ball predictions giving the Aggies a 61% chance.
Descriptions from The Old Coach’s Nick Harris.
