Football
The Dotted Line: Texas targets shine during The Opening regional in Houston
Posted February 26th, 2018
Stay updated on latest Texas Longhorns recruiting news brought to you by Longhorns recruiting beat writer Mike Craven of Hookem.com. The Dotted Line will publish M-F at 10 a.m. each morning to provide Texas fans with an in-depth look at the latest for the Longhorns on the recruiting trail.
The driving rain during The Opening regional at Legacy Stadium in Katy on Sunday helped the defenders more than the offensive players. These showcases don’t spotlight defensive tackles or linebackers as much as athletic defensive ends and defensive backs. The Longhorns are in the mix for a few of the top performers at the camp:
Marcus Stripling, defensive end, Katy Mayde Creek
FYI: 6-3/265; 4 stars; No. 13 on the Fabulous 55
Stripling dominated most of his 1-on-1 reps during the event. He’s not quite a defensive end and not quite a defensive tackle, but he’s a football player who brings a competitive streak even to camp settings. Striping is quick off the football and uses his hands well. He recently visited Texas and Texas A&M. He holds offers from most of the elite programs.
Peter Mpagi, defensive end, Richmond George Ranch
FYI: 6-3/220; 3 stars; No. 58-ranked weak side defensive end
Mpagi is an athletic defensive end who could play outside linebacker in some schemes. He’s a pass-rushing specialist built in the mold of Joseph Ossai, who signed with Texas in 2018. Mpagi showed athleticism and a big frame in Houston, winning most of his 1-on-1 battles. Texas is in contact with Mpagi, who holds 11 offers.
Alex Hogan, cornerback, Houston Lamar
FYI: 5-11/165; 3 stars; No. 79-ranked cornerback
Houston Lamar is known as DB High for a reason. The school produces cornerbacks and Hogan proved at The Opening regional he’s next. Hogan loomed in the shadows of UT signees Anthony Cook and D’Shawn Jamison. He announced his arrival onto the recruiting scene with a defensive back MVP performance in Houston.
Marcus Banks, cornerback, Spring Dekaney
FYI: 6-0/170; 4 stars; No. 12 on the Fabulous 55
Banks is a technician and he reminds me of 2018 Texas signee Anthony Cook because he isn’t the biggest, fastest or longest cornerback on the field, but might be the most effective. He rarely takes a bad step and possesses the makeup speed needed against elite competition. Banks moved his commitment date back to take more time and Texas is squarely in the mix for the top-rated cover corner in the state.
Jamal Morris, safety, Fort Bend Bush
FYI: 6-2/185; 4 stars; No. 34 on the Fabulous 55
Morris is a big, long safety with coverage skills. The physical part of the game isn’t spotlighted at camps like The Opening and Morris prides himself on helping against the run. He did show good quickness in coverage and the strength to jam receivers and tight ends. Texas is one of Morris’ 19 offers and he visited Austin for junior day.
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