2016 Recruiting Thread

[JeffHCross]

With 42 prospects listing Texas A&M as their top school choice entering the 2016 season, the Aggies staff knew that this year would be a key year for them. It started with a bang.

Wendell Larsen
#5 MLB | #40 OVR

Brenham, TX
6'2" 244 lbs
Balanced
A life long Aggie fan, Larsen made up his mind early in his recruiting process, and the scholarship offer from A&M simply sealed the deal. Larsen will look to have a potential instant impact with the Aggies limited linebacker depth in their 3-4 scheme. He may even see the field early in 2016.

Courtney Robbins
#13 DE | #141 OVR

Alvin, TX
6'5" 251 lbs
Run Stopper
Robbins was another instant commitment for the Aggies, though he was thought to have significant interest in TCU and Texas as well. With three seniors departing from the defensive line, Robbins is expected to be inserted in the rotation in 2016.

Matt Darby
#10 T | #145 OVR

Del City, OK
6'3" 270 lbs
Pass Block
The Aggies are losing their bookend Left Tackle this season, so they were on the search for a possible replacement, as early as next season. Darby heard the call, and committed quickly to Coach JeffHCross. He was thought to be also interested in Miami and Boise State. With Darby's pass blocking skills a premium need for the Aggies line, he is expected to at least compete for the starting job next season.

Parker Meyer
#18 T | #245 OVR

Laplace, LA
6'4" 277 lbs
Balanced
One offensive line commitment from an out-of-state prospect is surprising enough for the Aggies. Two in the same week is a straight shocker. But the Aggies coaches will gladly welcome Parker Meyer to the fold as well. Meyer is playing right tackle in high school, and may stay there at the next level. However, it's more likely that the Aggies will look for him to replace right guard Doug Stone, who's graduating. Meyer's acceleration gives him the ability to get around the corner on trap plays, and his road-grading blocking style will be welcome in the middle of the offensive line.

[psuexv]

Andre Charles
MLB #1
6'0"
231lbs
Rancho Cucamong, CA

Speed B
Tackle B-
Man Coverage C+
Zone Coverage D
Pursuit C+

Andre comes in as a highly regarded recruit and the #1 MLB prospect. Andre has good speed and wraps up well and loves to hit. There has been talk about moving him to DE at the next level but the 6'0" frame doesn't seem like they will make that move. Ultimately it will depend on how his zone coverage skills develop.

Nick Jackson
C #1
6'1"
271lbs
Cottonwood, AZ

Strength B-
Pass Block C+
Run Block C+
Impact Block C+
Speed C
Acceleration



Nick was a welcome verbal to the Trojan nation on the first day of recruiting as he committed right after #1 MLB prospect Andre Charles. Nick looks to add nice depth to the Center position and will likely take advantage of a redshirt year. The Trojans have had a nice rotation of high profile centers rotating every 2 years.

Grant Stokes
DE #4
6'4"
254lbs
Lompoo, CA

Speed C+
Strength B-
Tackle C+
Power Moves B-
Finesse Moves B+
Block Shedding A-

USC is thrilled to have signed Grant. Most feel you could have been higher in the rankings but the Trojans do not care as they landed him. The coaching staff feel his speed is holding his ratings back but he makes up for it with his moves and ability to get off of blocks. Grant is looking to enroll early and could make a move at the 2 deep in his freshman year.

[psusnoop]

#10 ATH (#91 OVR) Phil McDonald

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 183 lbs
Hometown: Wheaton-Glenmont, MD
Tendency: Athlete

Phil is projecting out to fit well in the secondary for PSU.

#9 (#76) HB Brock Clayton

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 196 lbs
Hometown: Rocky River, OH
Tendency: Balanced

In a position of need PSU is quickly making up for the couple of lack luster years they had recruiting HB's. Brock should be a good fit in this program.

#4 T (#47 OVR) Travis Castillo

Height: 6'6"
Weight: 292 lbs
Hometown: Avon Lake, OH
Tendency: Balanced



#1 CB Fred Smith

Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lbs
Hometown: Woodlyn, PA
Tendency: Hard Hitter

Man Coverage A
Zone Coverage B-
Agility B
Acceleration B+
Play Recognition B
Speed A

[JeffHCross]

#10 ATH (#91 OVR) Phil McDonald

I shake my fist at you, sir.

[Papa LoneStar]

5* WR Scott Hobbs
6'0" 160
West Jordan, UT
#4 overall, #2 WR
B+: Speed, Acceleration
B: Stamina
B-: Agility, Catching, Jumping, Injury
C+: Release, Carrying, Break Tackle
Other Offers: Penn State, Alabama

4* C Matt Ferwerda
6'2" 270
South Houston, TX
#62 overall, #2 C
B+: Acceleration
B: Pass Block Footwork/Strength
B-: Pass/Run Block, Impact Blocking, Strength, Run Block Strength
C+: Run Block Footwork, Stamina
Other Offers: TCU, Michigan

4* QB Joseph Jacobs
6'1" 210
Prien, LA
#100 overall, #5 QB
B: Throwing Power, Injury
B-: Speed, Acceleration, Stamina
C+: Agility
Other Offers: Oklahoma

4* G Derrick Parks
6'5" 288
Rockwall, TX
#231 overall, #13 G
A: Acceleration
B: Injury
B-: Pass Block Footwork/Strength
C+: Strength, Run Block Strength
Other Offers: n/a

[JeffHCross]

Cory Tolbert
#4 TE | #82 OVR

Schertz, TX
6'5" 257 lbs
Blocking
With the recent focus in College Station on the tight end, the Aggie coaches are constantly on the look for talent at the position. While Tolbert didn't blow away the scouts and analysts during the summer camp season, he entered his senior year of high school with a reputation as a dependable passing target who could also get the job done blocking. His performance thus far during his senior year has only served to confirm that reputation, earning him a scholarship offer to A&M. Tolbert accepted after visiting Kyle Field for the Saturday demolishing of Oklahoma State. Tolbert chose A&M over Virginia Tech.

Kaplan
#8 DT | #96 OVR

White Settlement, TX
6'6" 286 lbs
Pass Rusher
An impressive physical recruit, Kaplan's skills in the trenches were immediately noticed by A&M and TCU. Kaplan committed to A&M after watching the Oklahoma State game from the sidelines. Aggie coaches are expected to at least contemplate moving Kaplan to the 5-technique in their 3-4 scheme.

Skip Green
#10 DE | #101 OVR

The Colony, TX
6'4" 223 lbs
Balanced
While Green plays defensive end in high school, he is expected to get a trial at the pass rush OLB position in the Aggies 3-4 scheme. Green has impressed high school coaches all across Texas with his ability to get upfield to chase the ball carrier, as well as to maneuver off blocks. Since Coach JeffHCross took over in College Station, the Aggie defense has lacked the pass rush threat at OLB that would take their defense to the next level. Green may give them just that. Surprisingly, despite showing interest in 8 Powerhouse schools, Green did not receive any other offers.

[JeffHCross]

First Top 25 Classes of 2016:
#1 Texas A&M (this won't last long)
#3 Texas
#4 Penn State
#5 USC
#6 Miami
#11 Michigan
#12 Virginia Tech
#15 Florida State

[psuexv]

Mark Brooks
DT
6'4"
278lbs
Los Angeles, CA

Speed C-
Strength C+
Tackle B-
Power Moves B-
Finesse Moves B-
Block Shedding C

Lawrence Burnett
WR
6'3"
196lbs
Escondido, CA

Speed B
Catching C-
Route Running C

[JeffHCross]

Joe Mann
#2 DT | #27 OVR

Grand Prairie, TX
6'5" 273 lbs
Balanced
Only the second commitment for Coach JeffHCross's career, and it likely comes on the final year of recruiting for Powerhouse 2010. Joe Mann will get his chances in the Aggies' DT rotation in 2017, though he'll have competition for playing time. Picked the Aggies over Miami and Notre Dame.

Mid-week Commit:
David Battle
#5 CB | #114 OVR

Clute, TX
5'11" 160 lbs
Balanced
Battle surprised Aggie coaches by committing to Texas A&M this week. In recent weeks, recruiting services such as ESPN.com's Scouts Inc had been reporting that Stanford and West Virginia were both closing in on A&M in the race for Battle. Battle was even said to be waffling on his verbal commitment that he made just last week. But he went one step further today, committing to Coach JeffHCross as soon as he picked up the phone. Battle will bring badly needed talent to the A&M defensive backfield and should start early.

[Papa LoneStar]

4* SS Jeff Henley
6'0" 201
Poteau, OK
#36 overall, #3 SS
B+: Speed
B: Acceleration, Tackle
B-: Agility, Man/Zone Coverage, Stamina, Injury
C+: Play Rcognition, Strength, Press Coverage, Jumping
Other Offers: Oklahoma, Michigan

4* G Brian Brooks
6'2" 286
Live Oak, TX
#39 overall, #2 G
A: Acceleration
B: Strength
B-: Pass/Run Block, Run Block Footwork/Strength
C+: Agility, Impact Blocking, Injury
Other Offers: N/A

3* FB John Manning
5'9" 208
Humble, TX
#833 overall, #1 FB
B: Break Tackle, Trucking, Run Block Footwork
B-: Acceleration, Carrying, Run Block Strength, Stamina
C+: Agility
Other Offers: n/a

----

I have five 5* on soft commits....they are making me nervous

[Papa LoneStar]

5* RB Matt Greer
6'2" 211
Seguin, TX
#5 RB
B+: Speed
B: Elusiveness, Juke Move, Stamina, Injury
B-: Acceleration, Agility, Break Tackle, Carrying, Spin Move
Other Offers: TCU, Alabama

5* SS Matt Gates
6'0" 205
Highland Village, TX
#1 SS
B: Speed, Acceleration, Zone Coverage, Jumping, Injury
B-: Tackle, Man/Press Coverage, Stamina
C+: Agility, Hit Power, Strength
Other Offers: TCU

5* DT Marc Levine
6'5" 291
Corpus Christi, TX
#1 DT
B: Power Moves, Pursuit, Injury
B-: Strength, Tackle, Finesse Moves, Block Shedding, Hit Power
C+: Acceleration, Jumping
Other Offers: TCU, Florida State

5* DE Jason Levine
6'3" 237
El Reno, OK
#2 DE
B: Finesse Moves, Injury
B-: Strength, Tackle, Power Moves, Pursuit, Hit Power, Stamina
C+: Acceleration, Block Shedding
Other Offers: TCU, Alabama

4* C Jeff Williams
6'1" 293
Pasadena, TX
#5 C
B+: Acceleration,
B: Injury
B-: Pass/Run Block
C+: Strength, RB Footwork, PB Strength
Other Offers: Navy, Stanford (what a SOLID young man)

JUCO Sophomore 4* DE David Bailey
6'3" 241
#9 DE
B+: Acceleration, Finesse Moves, Pursuit
B: Speed, Hit Power, Stamina
B-: Tackle, Power Moves, Block Shedding, Injury
C+: Strength
Other Offers: N/A

[JeffHCross]

Die.

[JeffHCross]

First Top 25 Classes of 2016:
#1 Texas A&M (this won't last long)
#3 Texas
#4 Penn State
#5 USC
#6 Miami
#11 Michigan
#12 Virginia Tech
#15 Florida State

Papa takes the lead (shock).

Week 8 Top 25 Classes:
#1 Texas
#2 Miami
#3 Penn State
#4 Texas A&M
#5 USC
#7 Florida State
#14 Virginia Tech
#23 Oklahoma

[Papa LoneStar]

5* WR Ricky Madsen
5'11" 166
Sioux Center, IA
#7 overall, #3 WR
A+: Acceleration
A-: Speed
B: Stamina, Injury
B-: Jumping, Release
C+: Agility, Carrying, Break Tackle
Other Offers: Clemson, Alabama, Auburn

The Longhorns have secured 8 of the top 50 recruits in the country.

[JeffHCross]

Brandon Campbell
#6 FS | #113 OVR

Wylie, TX
6'2" 208 lbs
Hard Hitter
While Campbell's speed is not as stopwatch-quick as recent Aggie defenders, his ability to turn his hips without losing speed will be welcome in pass coverage. His tackling skills are enough to make even the elite of the Aggie linebackers jealous. With a little more bulk, the Aggie coaches would be considering a move to linebacker, but he'll fit in fine in the defensive backfield.

Brian Horton
#7 TE | #122 OVR

Cloverleaf, TX
6'1" 243 lbs
Blocking
Another tight end to compliment the Aggies' frequent use of two TE formations.

That makes 10 recruits for A&M. Thank you, team.

[JeffHCross]

Week 8 Top 25 Classes:
#1 Texas
#2 Miami
#3 Penn State
#4 Texas A&M
#5 USC
#7 Florida State
#14 Virginia Tech
#23 Oklahoma

Not too much change.

Week 10 Top 25 Classes:
#1 Texas
#2 Miami
#3 Texas A&M
#4 Penn State
#5 USC
#11 Florida State
#12 Virginia Tech
#16 Oklahoma

[JeffHCross]

Roger Butler
#12 QB | #199 OVR

Pasedena, TX
6'5" 242 lbs
Balanced
At some point in the history of football, some armchair quarterback has claimed "You can never have too many good quarterbacks." Normally, Texas A&M Coach JeffHCross agrees with that point -- especially when your starter is always just a play away from a season-ending injury. However, with QBs Keith Shuler, Patrick Melton, and Harvey Dent all fighting for playing time, JeffHCross faces the daily fear of a possible transfer. With the injury to Shuler sidelining the young QB for the rest of the season, JeffHCross was reminded of the value of QB depth. Hence, the signing of Roger Butler ...

Chris McGee
#77 ATH

Alamo, TX
6'1" 188 lbs
Athlete
... which made a lot of sense until Chris McGee came to an A&M camp in late fall and blew the coaches away with his arm strength. Because McGee plays a variety of positions for his Alamo High School team, the Aggies have been unable to get an accurate reading on his accuracy or intangibles at the quarterback position. But McGee's arm strength will certainly give competition to all of the other current Aggie quarterbacks.

And with that, the Aggies are done recruiting until the Offseason.

[JeffHCross]

Week 10 Top 25 Classes:
#1 Texas
#2 Miami
#3 Texas A&M
#4 Penn State
#5 USC
#11 Florida State
#12 Virginia Tech
#16 Oklahoma

Week 12 Top 25 Classes:
#1 Texas
#2 Miami
#3 Virginia Tech (#12 to #3 in two weeks -- Impressive!)
#4 Texas A&M
#5 USC
#8 Penn State
#13 Florida State
#19 Oklahoma

[JeffHCross]

Week 12 Top 25 Classes:
#1 Texas
#2 Miami
#3 Virginia Tech (#12 to #3 in two weeks -- Impressive!)
#4 Texas A&M
#5 USC
#8 Penn State
#13 Florida State
#19 Oklahoma

Week 14 Top 25 Classes:
#1 Texas
#2 Miami
#3 Virginia Tech
#4 Penn State
#6 Texas A&M
#9 USC
#17 Florida State
#22 Oklahoma

Final Regular Season (CCG-week) Top 25 Classes:
#1 Texas
#2 Miami
#3 Virginia Tech
#4 Penn State
#7 USC
#8 Texas A&M
#22 Florida State
#26 Oklahoma (close enough)

[JeffHCross]

Final (final, final, final, final of this year's Powerhouse) Top 25 Classes:
#2 Texas
#5 Virginia Tech
#8 Miami
#10 Penn State
#13 USC
#14 Texas A&M
#25 Michigan