Around Texas: A round-up of recruiting news in the Lone Star State
As September reaches its midpoint, the recruiting action continues across the state of Texas. Decisions are being made, new offers are being extended, and big recruiting weekends are taking place. It is time to take a look at the latest news, notes and headlines from the Lone Star recruiting trails.
Big Gets
OL Bryce Gilmore commits to Texas Tech
ATH Lakeyleon Graves pledges to Texas State
Headlines
Big Games – Every weekend, top Texas recruits will be drawn to top games across the region and country, and there is no shortage over the next few weeks. The action starts early this Saturday in the DFW area with TCU hosting SMU for an 11 a.m. kickoff. Just north of the Red River, Oklahoma’s 2:30 p.m. match-up with Auburn should also be a top draw. Baylor hosts Arizona State in a key Big 12 matchup. The Texas Longhorns are also at home, with Sam Houston coming to Austin. The Aggies come off the bye week next Saturday to headline the weekend slate with a home SEC matchup with Auburn. Arkansas has a high-profile game of its own with Notre Dame coming to town for an 11 a.m. kickoff. Baylor at Oklahoma State also sets up to be a top draw for Texas prospects.
Making moves – Gilmore and Graves certainly turned heads with their recent decisions, but they were not the only ones to make waves in the recruiting pool. Denton Ryan DL Uzziah Warmate announced his commitment to Sam Houston over Georgia State, UTSA and Sacramento State, while Texas State dipped into Oklahoma for two-sport standout QB Easton Webb, who chose the Bobcats over the likes of Georgia Tech and Iowa State. On a different note, Austin LBJ safety Antione Baker decommitted from Old Dominion. He has welcomed recent offers from Houston, USC, Vanderbilt and UTEP.
New Name to Know
ATH Neree Castleberry, Winnsboro – 2027
A versatile standout, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Castleberry prides himself on being a student of the game and a difference maker on the field, regardless of the position.
With lift maxes of 315 pounds on the bench press and 445 on the squat, he plays an explosive and powerful brand of ball. His football role models reflect it with the likes of Harold Perkins, Fred Warner and Derrick Henry all on his film study list.
As a junior in 2026, his power is on full display as he punishes defenses with a physical brand, but he also shows the speed to break away for the big play. Through three games, he is averaging over 10 yards per carry with 606 yards and seven touchdowns on 58 carries. He has topped 200 yards twice this fall and has scored multiple touchdowns in all three games.
College coaches are taking notice. Texas Tech offered in June, and Purdue is coming on strong. He camped at Baylor, Texas Tech and TCU this summer, and he has already visited Baylor this fall. He also plans to visit Purdue and Houston.
In addition to football, Castleberry competes in the triple jump, and he has a personal best of 42 feet. He also has athleticism and football in his blood. His father, Gerome Castleberry, was a standout running back at East Central Oklahoma before a pro career in the NFL and the German Football League.
Neree was actually born in Germany, has family in Germany and speaks German.
What’s up with the top
Top five LBs
1. Tank King, Port Arthur Memorial – Texas A&M
2. DaQuives Beck, Carthage – Texas A&M
3. Kosi Okpala, Katy Mayde Creek – Texas
4. Calvin Thomas, Cy Ranch – North Carolina
5. Jamarion Phillips, Dallas South Oak Cliff - Baylor
Top five ATHs
1. Jermaine Bishop, Willis – Texas
2. Davian Groce, Frisco Lone Star – Florida
3. Legend Bey, North Forney – Tennessee
4. Kaeden Johnson, Fort Bend Marshall – Texas A&M
5. Paris Melvin Jr, Cy Springs - Houston
