Football

The Dotted Line: Predicting the destinations of the top uncommitted prospects in Texas

Posted March 5th, 2020

Mike Craven Hookem.com staff

mcraven@hookem.com

Six of the top 10 players on the initial 2021 Fabulous 55 are already committed to college programs, including Houston Bellaire Episcopal offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, the state’s top prospect who’s pledged to Ohio State. Texas owns commitments from Denton Ryan athletes Ja’Tavion Sanders and Billy Bowman, who rank third and sixth on the list, as well as Katy Tompkins quarterback Jalen Milore, who checks in at 10th. 

SMU holds the commitment of quarterback Preston Stone (8), while Galena Park North Shore wide receiver Shadrach Banks ranks ninth and is pledged to Texas A&M. That leaves four uncommitted prospects remaining in the top 10 of the Fab 55.

Here are our early guesses at which college earns their commitment. 

 

Tommy Brockermeyer, OT, Fort Worth All Saints

FYI: 6-6/283; 5 stars; No. 2 on the Fab 55

Top schools: Texas, Alabama, LSU, Clemson, Auburn

Prediction: Texas

The easy answer is to project Brockermeyer, and his twin brother James, to Texas considering the family ties. Their father, Blake, played at Texas, and their brother Luke is currently a linebacker for the Longhorns. Yet, if the cycle ended today, the Brockermeyers would likely be signing with Alabama or Clemson. Tommy and James, a four-star center prospect, are already setting up visits. They’ll be at Texas in June after visiting Alabama, LSU and Auburn. 

The good news for Texas is that the cycle is not over. The Longhorns need to work harder to land the legacies than most casual observers would assume. Elite prospects want to play for championships and Texas must prove to the twins that a career in Austin can be as illustrious as one in the SEC. 

It’s in no way a lock, but it is hard to imagine the family ties don’t eventually win the day for Texas. Tommy would immediately be in line to compete for the left tackle spot when Samuel Cosmi leaves for the NFL. 

Landon Jackson, defensive end, Texarkana Pleasant Grove

FYI: 6-6/240; 4 stars; No. 4 on the Fab 55

Top schools: LSU, Texas A&M, Texas, Alabama, Ohio State

Prediction: Texas A&M

Jackson is the best defensive lineman in the state for the 2021 cycle. Elite pass rushers with his size and athleticism are hard to find. The border-line five-star holds offers from nearly every major program in the country and he’ll begin taking his official visits in April with a trip to Texas A&M, the current leader. He’s also set up an official to LSU in May. 

Jackson is a two-time state champion and a multiple-time all-district performer. He’s recorded more than 50 tackles for loss and 30 sacks in his three-year varsity career. Texas is in it due to the switch back to a four-man front and Jackson says he’ll take an official visit to Austin. 

Bryce Foster, guard, Katy Taylor

FYI: 6-4/318; 4 stars; No. 4 on the Fab 55

Top schools: Texas, Texas A&M

Prediction: Texas A&M

Like the Brockermeyers with Texas, Foster has family ties in College Station. His mother went to A&M, and the Aggies have made him a top priority along their offensive line for the 2021 class. Foster is the state’s best interior lineman and is also a potential All-American in track and field as well, in the discus. The Longhorns are still in it because Foster’s teammate, offensive tackle Hayden Conner, is already pledged to Texas.

Savion Byrd, offensive tackle, Duncanville

FYI: 6-5/265; 4 stars; No. 7 on the Fab 55

Top schools: LSU, Texas, SMU, Oklahoma 

Prediction: LSU

Byrd has remained relatively quiet on the recruiting trail, so predicting his college destination is harder than some of the other elite prospects. Texas’ advantage is his relationship with 2020 signee Ja’Quinden Jackson, who was Byrd’s quarterback at Duncanville. Byrd considers Jackson a mentor, and Texas was among the first schools to offer the four-star tackle. 

LSU is the team to beat, however, as the defending national champions have made Byrd a priority. The allure of Baton Rouge and the potential to play for a program with so much momentum will be hard for the Longhorns to overcome.