| Coast-to-Coast: Texas defense
In the past few classes, Texas has produced some of the nation's premium front-seven defensive talent. In 2008, the trend continues as Texas boasts four top-five positional prospects, including ESPN's top two edge rushers.
R.J. Washington (Keller, Texas/Fossil Ridge) and Chancey Aghayere (Garland, Texas) impressively sit one and two atop our defensive end board and two and three, respectively, among the top overall prospects in the state of Texas. Washington, a long-time Oklahoma commit, and Aghayere, currently undecided, possess almost identical frames and similar explosive play on the line of scrimmage.
Top Recruit
R.J. Washington, Defensive end
Keller, Texas
Verbal committment: Oklahoma
Washington possesses all the physical tools needed to develop into a dominant college defensive lineman. The No. 13-rated overall prospect in 2008 is the complete package at defensive end with his striking blend of size, speed and power.
A balanced defender, he displays the strength to anchor the run and the explosiveness to blow past or through offensive tackles as a pass rusher. As impressive as he is now, Washington still possesses great upside and should flourish at the next level as his technique and skills are refined.
We feel his elite physical intangibles will allow him to challenge for playing time right away at Oklahoma, but the mental transition often dictates playing time for a true freshman.
"The coaches told me I have the ability to come in and start as a freshman, but my playing time will depend on how fast I learn the defense," Washington said.
Look for Washington's rare talent to potentially mask the early acclimation process in Norman next fall.
Under the Radar Recruit
Kenji Jackson, Safety
Mansfield, Texas
Considering: Wisconsin, Nebraska, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico
In early spring, Jackson sat on only a few scholarship offers when we stated he was an underrated safety prospect with all the tools to succeed at the next level in his evaluation. Six months later, the scholarships have increased, but we still feel the No. 11-rated safety in 2008 is slipping under the national radar.
While Jackson's current size could be deterring national exposure, his rangy, muscle-toned frame still has room for physical development. Even at his current 5-11, and 175-pounds -- we feel he can cover, close and hit with the best of them.
Jackson possesses all the physical tools you look for in an elite safety prospect; he flashes great range, closing speed and coverage skills. However, it is his innate abilities that get you excited as a future college defensive back; he plays with great instincts and a nose for the football as a pass supporter. Jackson consistently makes the sound read, jumps the correct route and either separates the ball from the receiver -- or just plain separates the receiver with a punishing hit.
"He is continuing to get better as a football player; he had good run support skills last year but has really focused this season on improving his pass defense. Kenji is a high-quality, classy kid which only makes him a better prospect," said Mansfield head coach Kirk Thor.
On the Trail (BCS)
TCU, 4 commits
While TCU does not boast perennial top-25 recruiting classes to match its on-field success, Gary Patterson continues to bring in prospects that fit his offensive and defensive systems. It's a small class thus far, but Yogi Gallegos (Irving, Texas) possesses the quarterback intangibles needed to move the chains for the Horned Frogs.
North Texas, 11 commits
Former Southlake Carroll head coach Todd Dodge was hired in December to turn around a struggling Mean Green program, and he wasted no time hitting the Texas recruiting trail. Talented quarterback Riley Dodge (Southlake Texas/Carroll) decommitted from Texas to join his father in the rebuilding effort.
Houston, 16 commits
Houston has early numbers but continues to pick up second-tier talent in Texas. Michael Goodnight (Houston, Texas/Westside) shows some upside at quarterback, and the Cougars landed two defensive commits from Dodge City Community College.
Rice, 7 commits
Smaller class with an early emphasis on offense. We project offense tackle Eric Ball (Katy, Texas) will slide inside to guard or center at the next level and become a solid lineman for the Owls.
UTEP, 10 commits
Adequate depth for the Miners thus far but the quality is lacking. Quarterback Tim Curry (Elysian/Texas) does possess the physical size and tools to polish up at the next level.
SMU, 8 commits
Eight commits at this point for SMU but worthy talent is lacking. Ralston Dews (Galena Park, Texas/North Shore), the No. 22-rated center prospect, moves deceptively well for his great girth and could develop into a fine offensive lineman for the Mustangs.
Christopher Lawlor's Game of the Week
Arlington Bowie (3-0) at No. 18 Cedar Hill (3-0), Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Arlington Bowie rode the arm of QB Christian Matthews, who threw for 222 yards and two TDs, in a hard fought 17-7 victory over Skyline (Dallas). Roddy Maginot, Carlton Cannon and Trae Hawkins are among his favorite targets. The nationally ranked Longhorns, who are Texas' reigning Class 5A, Division II champions, are well rested after a bye week. Two weeks ago, Cedar Hill thumped North Crowley (Fort Worth), 52-7, for its 19th consecutive win. -- Lawlor
Billy Tucker is a recruiting coordinator for Scouts Inc. and has close to a decade of coaching experience at the college and high school level. Tucker has served as a recruiting coordinator for two nationally ranked Division II colleges. Most recently, he was the associate head coach and defensive coordinator for Merrimack College, which advanced to the Sweet 16 in the 2006 NCAA Division II playoffs.
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