Which Fort Worth area high school football recruits are committed to Big 12 schools?

Charles Baggarly
·3 min read
2

In two weeks, class of 2023 recruits will commence the next chapter of their athletic careers with the start of college football fall camps.

What about the class of 2024 players? Texas high school football summer workouts are underway, and senior recruits are preparing to write the final chapters of their high school stories.

Five Big 12 Conference schools have a Fort Worth area recruit verbally committed to their program: TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Texas and Oklahoma. It’s worth noting, however, that once the recruits reach the collegiate level, Texas and Oklahoma will be in the SEC.

Of course, more commitments will occur down the line, but here’s a look at the Big 12 Conference recruits and where you can watch them play under the high school lights in 2023.

TCU

TCU has four commitments from Fort Worth area class of 2024 recruits, which is the most of any Big 12 School. Given the Horned Frogs’ location, this one isn’t a shocker.

  • Hauss Hejny, quarterback, Aledo: Hejny, 247Sports’ No. 35 recruit in Texas, tallied 2094 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2022, winning a class 5A D2 State Championship in the process. The Bearcat QB was also a threat on the ground, rushing for 1276 yards and 15 touchdowns.

  • Julian Knox, athlete, North Crowley: In 2022, Knox played backup quarterback for the Panthers. His teammate, defensive lineman Sterlin Brooks, said he’s expected to play wide receiver and cornerback in 2023.

  • Nathaniel Palmer, running back, Decatur: Palmer’s game shined in Class 4A last season; he rushed for 2250 yards and 25 touchdowns and added 308 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. Palmer powered the Eagles to an 11-4 record and a state semifinal appearance.

  • Kyle Lemmermann, kicker, Southlake Carroll: Last season, Lemmermann was a backup for Tyler White, a class of 2023 punter and kicker currently enrolled at Texas A&M. White was rated as a four star by 247Sports. This upcoming season will give Lemmermann, kicking expert Chris Sailer’s No. 1 kicker, some more spotlight.

Baylor

The Baylor Bears have two recruits from the Fort Worth area and both are defensive players that have the ability to make an impact.

  • Kyland Reed, linebacker, Mansfield Summit: The Jaguars made the playoffs in 2022, where they lost 12-7 to the Class 5A D2 state champion, the South Oak Cliff Bears. Reed, who was injured last season, is set to return. In 2021, Reed tallied 48 total tackles as a sophomore.

  • Kris Wokomah, safety, Arlington Bowie: The 6-foot-1, 190 pound safety recorded 67 total tackles and two interceptions in 2022, leading the Volunteers to the playoffs in Class 6A. Wokomah is 247Sports’ No. 155 recruit in Texas.

Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State may not be in Texas, but the Cowboys still have a handle on Fort Worth area recruiting. OSU has the second most commits from the Fort Worth area.

  • Landyn Cleveland, defensive back, Mansfield Legacy: Cleveland recorded 100 tackles and four interceptions in 2022 in the competitive District 11-6A. The 6-foot-1, 190 pound defensive back is 247Sports’ No. 88 recruit in texas.

  • Tre Griffiths, wide receiver, Keller: In 2022, Griffiths had 836 yards and 30 catches, averaging a whopping 27.9 yards per reception. He had seven total touchdowns.

  • David Kabongo, safety, Byron Nelson: Kabongo had 64 tackles and two interceptions in his junior season with the Bobcats.

Texas

  • Daniel Cruz, interior offensive lineman, Richland: Cruz chose the Longhorns over Ohio State, Texas A&M and Oklahoma, which were schools in his top four. The 6-foot-4, 297 pound lineman is 247Sports’ No. 61 recruit in Texas. In 2022, he was the foundation of a dominant offensive line and led the Royals to the Class 5A D1 playoffs.

Oklahoma

  • Dozie Ezukanma, wide receiver, Fort Worth All Saints: Ezukanma is set to debut at Fort Worth All Saints in August. In 2022, he tallied 607 yards and five touchdowns at Keller Timber Creek High School.

Are we missing anyone? Do you know of a local high school athlete planning to commit to major university? Reach out to high school editor Charles Baggarly at cbaggarly@star-telegram.com and share the news.