Around the SEC: Recruiting News & Trends

The recruiting action never stops on the SEC recruiting trails, and it is time once again to dive into the latest news, notes and headlines from the SEC recruiting front.

Big Gets

Jonathan Hatton Jr‍ commits to Texas A&M

Headlines

More key additions – The guys above are not the only ones who made decisions. Hemingway (SC) Carvers Bay OL Zyon Guiles‍ chose South Carolina over Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida State and Clemson. Cartersville (GA) WR Brady Marchese‍ opted to stay home at Georgia, while Valdosta (GA) CB Jalon Copeland‍ decided to head to Arkansas. In Montgomery, Ala., Pike Road RB Ja’Michael Jones selected Ole Miss over Auburn and Georgia.

Jared Curtis‍ sets his date – Nashville (TN) Nashville Christian five-star quarterback Jared Curtis has a date, and he has two schools. On May 5, he will announce between Georgia and Oregon. He originally committed to the Bulldogs in March of 2024, but he re-opened his recruitment in October. Since re-evaluating his options, Georgia and Oregon have both caught his eye, and he has taken multiple-day visits to both.

Narrowing the list – Duncanville (TX) standout defensive end KJ Ford‍ named a top 12 of Texas A&M, Oklahoma, LSU, Florida, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss, Missouri, Ohio State, USC and Penn State. Former LSU commit and Tupelo (MS) DE JaReylan McCoy‍ named a top five of LSU, Auburn, Florida, Texas and Ole Miss. Jackson (AL) S Jamarrion Gordon‍ announced a top four of Ole Miss, Florida, Florida State and North Carolina. Former West Virginia commit and Carterville (GA) Cass QB Brodie McWhorter‍ has trimmed his list to Auburn, Mississippi State, Indiana, Wisconsin and Colorado with a May 15 decision date.

New name to know

ATH Calvin Ursin‍, Watson (LA) Live Oak – 2028

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound standout has made a name for himself as a playmaker on both sides of the ball. His size quickly jumps off the tape, and his physicality is right there with it — not to mention an advanced level of overall athleticism, which allows him to quickly adjust and locate the ball as well as quickly change directions.

Ursin prides himself on his versatility and being able to blow open a game whether he is on offense, defense or special teams. His role models include Jeremiah Smith, Justin Jefferson, Derwin James and Suace Gardner, and he is well-known for his character and work ethic.

The recruiting process is already heating up. He visited LSU this fall, and he has received scholarship offers from Florida State, Southern, Texas A&M and Tulane. This spring, he plans to visit Texas A&M, LSU, Tennessee and Texas.

A multi-sport athlete, athleticism runs in the family, and Ursin has grown up around the gym. His older brother, Tae Henyard, played basketball at South Arkansas Junior College, and his stepfather, Kendrick Causey, played linebacker in the CFL. Ursin does not currently play any other varsity sports, but he does plan to also compete in track and basketball.

What’s up with the top

Top 10 SEC Area LBs (alphabetical order)
Tyler Atkinson‍, Loganville (GA) Grayson
DaQuives Beck‍, Carthage (TX)
Jordan Campbell‍, Miami (FL) Carol City – Miami
JaMichael Garrett‍, Auburn (AL) - Auburn
Xavier Griffin‍, Gainesville (GA) – USC
Tank King‍, Port Arthur (TX) Memorial
Malik Morris‍, Lakeland (FL)
Kosi Okpala‍, Katy (TX) Mayde Creek
Brayden Rouse‍, Marietta (GA) Kell
Izayia Williams‍, Leesburg (FL) Tavares - Florida