Kosi Okpala

I've picked up more than a couple recruiting notes over the past week, and I figured I'd consolidate them all under one post with as many quick hitters as possible to end the week. - I can say with much confidence that this coaching and recruiting staff are absolutely combing through the state of Texas to find players. Their diligence in scouting within the friendly confines is uncovering some new names that have resulted in either offers, heavy interest, or names to follow. It's an exercise that the TexAgs Recruiting team has been talking about, and it's definitely being put into action. - One of the new offers that has come from that aforementioned scouting was to James Scott out of Conroe Oak Ridge. His current size and stature are attention grabbers, but it's his upside and projection that got the Aggies to make their move. Subsequently, more programs have followed as Scott begins to make waves now more as a Flex TE rather than an outside receiver. He's closing in on 6-5, 220 pounds and has an impressive wing span which results in a massive catch radius. - In that same vein, if you're looking for another in-state name that could project better at a different position than his currently playing, keep an eye on Ft Bend Marshall's Kaeden Johnson. He's 6-6, 220 pounds with verified measurables that have college coaches doing extra examinations about where his upside could lie at the next level and has been the quarterback for the Buffalos for the last two seasons. He also stars on the basketball team and can do a standing backflip at his size. Johnson currently holds two P4 offers from Colorado and Illinois, but I could see that list growing if schools start making moves on him as more of an athlete than a quarterback. - Last cycle, Texas A&M got burnt late in the quarterback department. There's no need to rehash all that, but I can say it sounds like they've learned their lesson and are taking the necessary steps to make sure they don't have a replay in this cycle. Let me preface this by saying that the staff is completely comfortable with Helaman Casuga and the status of his commitment. He was their guy at the onset of this cycle, and they've stuck by that. They've also made Helaman aware that they have to cover all their bases so it sounds like all the bases have been covered in terms of communication and transparency. That said, here are a few names I'm keeping an eye on in case a need should arrive.QB Matt Ponatoski - Cincinnati (OH) Archbishop Moeller: A fantastic baseball prospect that is already getting the full steam ahead push by Mike Earley and Caleb Longley, he's also gaining steam as an elite prep signal caller. Both the football and baseball staffs are working in conjunction here. His younger sister is also a primetime softball prospect so I'm sure Trisha Ford wouldn't mind this working out in the Aggies favor, either. QB Keisean Henderson - Houston Legacy: About 18 months ago, people thought this kid was only an athlete. Now, because of massive improvements in mechanics and overall quarterback aesthetic, he's one of the top vaulted himself into the top tier quarterback conversation nationally. His performance at the Navy All American Bowl where he took home Offensive MVP was a major eye opener.QB Jack Daulton - The Woodlands: This kid is a little bit of a late bloomer, but the tape and athletic profile is very intriguing. He recently committed to TCU which I think was a great eval and get by the Horned Frog staff because they might have had a lot tougher time getting him in the boat had they waited. Daulton has a chance to surge up the rankings with strong performances on the combine and camp circuit this offseason. QB Bowe Bentley - Celina: A&M is way behind the pack in terms of an offer, and there were rumors during state championship week that he had eyes for Oklahoma. As always, I'll defer to Howell to any kid from that part of the state, but I did want to mention his name. - Finally, these are a handful of other greater Houston area names that I'm watching to see how they're pursued by Texas A&M and others throughout the spring and summer.ATH Paris Melvin Jr - Cy SpringsOL Avery Morcho - Ft Bend Ridge PointRB Cardae Mack - AtascocitaLB Calvin Thomas - Cy RanchLB Kosi Okpala - Katy Mayde CreekCB Xavier Harmon - ConroeS Chace Calicut - North ShoreS Carter Stewart - Shadow Creek