|
|
Will Texas A&M's second Junior Day produce similar results to the first? The Texas A&M coaching staff caught many by surprise when they got an early jump on the competition and secured verbal commitments of eight of Texas' top 100 football players during the Aggies' first Junior Day last weekend. Led by the commitments of Nederland LB Dravannti Johnson (ASN #8) and Yates DE Damion Square (ASN #20), the 2008 class exploded out of the box and grabbed everyone's attention, generating the type of momentum usually required in landing highly ranked recruiting classes. When you factor in that the other commitments - Eisenhower DL Rod Davis (ASN #29), Pearland OL Brian Thomas (ASN #35), Roscoe OL Britt Mitchell (ASN #42), Brenham LB Kyle Mangan (ASN #44), Yates OL Leroy Chevalier (ASN #49), and Jacksonville's OL Joe Vilavisencio (ASN #60) - are all positions of need then you can see why Aggieland is buzzing. I wouldn't expect the Ags to duplicate the eight verbals (2 - 4 would be more likely) of a week ago, but there's certainly reason to get excited when you take a look at some of the scheduled attendees: ASN #9 Derrick Hall of Beaumont Central headlines the list. The exciting 5'11" 190 pound athlete is the current teammate of Aggie commit Brandon Williams and will remind many Aggies of Leeland Mcelroy, another former Beaumont (Central) area player. Hall is explosive and his highlight tape is simply lightning in a bottle. He could play any number of positions - DB, RB or WR - and make a difference. The talented Westbrook star has indicated that he'll probably take the Aggies up on their offer if one were to be extended this weekend. Hall won't be the lone top prospect in attendance, either. S Victor Johnson (ASN #17) of Waco and Aldine's massive OT Daniel Campbell (ASN #13) are two other top 20 players who would fit in nicely with the Aggies' future plans. Johnson is the brother of former A&M commitment Torey DeGrate and Campbell, a massive but nimble offensive tackle, has suddenly elevated the Aggies on his potential list of college destinations. Two other long-time A&M leans - DeSoto's Ath Cyrus Gray (ASN #16) and DL Tony Jerod (ASN #18) - have been invited this weekend, but other obligations may interfere with their ability to attend. The top TE in the state - Spring Westfield's Johnathan Gimm (ASN # 48) - should be in attendance with a host of his teammates.....LB Herman Mitchell (ASN #34) is a bit undersized (5'11" 205), but is an explosive, talented and disruptive football player. S Nick Sampson (ASN #103) should join them in Aggieland this Saturday. Gilmer CB Lamar Harris (ASN# 45), Tyler's TE/DE Adren Dorsey (ASN #30), Giddings ATH Brock Fitzhenry (ASN #88), Wichita Falls Rider RB Damian Washington (ASN # 46), along with teammate WR Markelle Martin, are just a few more of the top names in Texas who are expected in town this weekend. I don't think the Ags will produce the total number of commitments they did last weekend, but it's good to see so many top players interested in the program early on. |