Five Texas targets, commits that could benefit by enrolling early
College football may be right in the thick of the craziest month in the history of the sport.
With players now being able to profit off their NIL, the rapid news of a major conference realignment, and now current Ohio State commit Quinn Ewers potentially enrolling early to benefit off of NIL has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape.
Ewers is not the first person to do this as people reclassify all the time, for example, J.T. Daniels skipped his senior year at Mater Dei to enroll early at USC.
However, the reason for Daniels and Ewers wanting to enroll early is quite different. Daniels as a person is a lot different than most, especially his maturity level. The Athletic stated how Daniels was extremely mature for his age as result of reading sports psychology and human biology books that had very dense topics for a high schooler. It was a good indication that Daniels was ready for new challenges mentally and athletically.
On the flip side, Ewers very well could be just as ready from a maturity standpoint, but there are reports that NIL is a very major factor into his decision to forgo his senior season at Southlake Carrol.
Yahoo Sports stated that Ewers’ situation was delved into, and there is reportedly a kings ransom available for the bleach blonde mullet sporting quarterback if he leaves high school. In the state of Texas, high school athletes are not allowed to profit off their NIL. The article explained just how much money is within Ewers’ reach if he enrolls in college:
Ewers has emerged as such a precocious and recognizable star that he has the potential to earn nearly a million dollars in the next year by profiting off his Name Image and Likeness. A local company called Holy Kombucha is among those offering a deal to Ewers, and it includes cash and equity in the company. There are several other offers, including national brands.
His parents are worried about him missing out on his senior year, and the repercussions this type of decision could have. Although numerous players have reclassified before, none of them had the following or the legitimate potential to be a millionaire before even practicing with his college team. The article did include Ewers’ current mindset, which is:
“I don’t really know, I don’t have a final decision made quite yet,” Ewers said in a phone interview on Wednesday. “I’m leaning toward leaving and going up to Ohio, just so I don’t have to deal with UIL stuff and can get comfortable with Ohio and Columbus and start to learn.”
Whether Ewers decides to skip high school or not, it sparks the topic of which Texas recruits could benefit by enrolling early, both to make an immediate impact for the team as well as cash in on NIL.
Here are five Texas targets and commits who I feel could benefit by reclassifying from their respective class.
Devon Campbell, IOL, 2022
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What program would not benefit from having a five-star offensive lineman who is built for the college game? Campbell, who is rated as the No. 11 player according to 247Sports composite rankings, could easily come in and contend for a spot, using his athleticism and strength. He is dominant in the trenches and defies gravity on the court, as when he is not shutting down defensive lineman he is throwing down dunks for the basketball team. The offensive line is a unit that is experiencing a lot of turnover, Campbell would be someone who might be able to slide in and start if he were to reclassify.
Denver Harris, Defensive Back, 2022
AP Photo/Eric Gay
Harris, who is ranked as N0. 10 player according to 247Sports' composite rankings, has a larger frame for a corner and is viewed as having the potential to be an elite college corner who can parlay his success into an NFL career. Defensive back is actually one of the more experienced positions on the roster with D'Shawn Jamison, Josh Thompson, and grad transfer Darrion Dunn, but in a explosive league like the Big 12, having as many shut down corners as possible would be a great problem to have.
Evan Stewart, Wide Receiver, 2022
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Stewart is regarded as the best wide receiver prospects in the 2022 class, and although the Longhorns have high expectations for their wide receiver corps in 2021, it is a very inexperienced group that has little to show for college production. Joshua Moore and Jordan Whittington, both of which are expected to start, are the only two players that have extended meaningful in-game experience. Troy Omeire and Xavier Worthy are also expected to be productive, but Stewart's film has shown a lot of potential to be an instant playmaker. He is the ideal wide receiver in a Steve Sarkisian offense, that can be moved all over the field, and make plays after the catch in space. Dare we mention his speed? Adding more youth to the already young group may seem like an oxymoron, but Stewart has No. 1 potential. Something the Longhorns need badly.
Cole Hutson, IOL, 2022
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The current Texas commit and four-star lineman is built as a college lineman already. Just like Campbell could, Hutson would be able to help anchor an offensive line that could be very strong on one side, and weaker on the other. Protecting a brand new quarterback is the top priority, and having a big athletic, three-sport athlete like Hutson would only help the offensive line group.
Arch Manning, Quarterback, 2023
AP Photo/Ted Jackson
Manning is viewed by many experts as the best quarterback regardless of class. Even better than the quarterback who inspired this article. In his first two high school seasons, he has led his team to the second round and semifinal in the playoffs. Gabe Brooks of 247Sports spoke highly of Manning:
"One-of-a-kind quarterback pedigree that manifests in advanced feel for the game and awareness. Elite QB prospect among the nation's top recruits in the 2023 class."
The Longhorns do not know who the starter at quarterback will be, but what they do know is that the team needs someone to fill huge shoes after Sam Ehlinger's departure. Ehlinger revived the program, and has it on the doorstep of potential greatness. Having a quarterback like Manning, who has a great feel and understanding of the game along with all the physical tools, could boost the program to new heights. At the end of Manning's college career wherever he may end up, he is expected to be one of the best to ever do it. Although Ehlinger was great for Texas, Manning can be elite.
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