Recruiting Country, NSD Edition: 2021 Texas A&M class superlatives

During Wednesday's edition of TexAgs Radio, Billy Liucci, Ryan Brauninger and Jason Howell joined to award their class superlatives for the Maroon & White's 2021 signing class on National Signing Day.

Most coveted recruit

Brauny: Bryce Foster‍. With the ties you had to that kid and what he meant in terms of influence in Houston and across the country, I thought he was the most coveted guy.
Jason: Bryce Foster. He brought that "BOOM."
Billy: We're choosing between Bryce Foster, Tunmise Adeleye‍, Shemar Turner‍ and LJ Johnson Jr‍. Those are like the Fantastic Four. I'll go LJ. If A&M can close this out, that is a five-star running back. It has been almost 12 years since they've signed a five-star running back when they signed Christine Michael and Trey Williams. That’s what LJ means in terms of the icing on the cake as a potential top-five class.

Immediate Impact

Brauny: Bryce Foster. They've done such a good job at recruiting across the board, but there are some holes to plug on the offensive line.
Jason: Deuce Harmon‍. I've said it early and during the season: This guy has a chance to be the most college-ready guy that comes in.
Billy: Bryce Foster. I do think some other guys could come in and play immediately because you've seen guys come out of nowhere. There isn't much coming back on the offensive line in terms of experience.

Biggest jump from freshman to sophomore year

Brauny: Reuben Fatheree‍. His physical tools are off the charts. Once he gets a year in a football-only weight training, I think you'll see him make a big jump.
Jason: Shemar Turner. He has a chance to make some noise this fall and get in the rotation, but he has a chance to take a step up as more playing time opens up.
Billy: Tunmise Adeleye. You're going to have some veterans on the D-Line leave after next year, so there will be opportunities for playing time. I think Adeleye is going to be an absolute stud. People need to remember what getting him meant for Texas A&M. He was as coveted in any D-Lineman in the country.

Best Sleeper

Brauny: Matthew Wykoff‍. When you come in at 317 pounds with that frame, that's exciting. I saw him play a lot, and I know the other networks did not see him nearly as much. I told our recruiting group the entire time that he was going to be special. To hear he's turning heads early on, it's a great sign.
Jason: Tyreek Chappell‍. He has been a guy who has been extremely underrated by the networks, but I love what he brings to the table.
Billy: Jahzion Harris‍ & Tyreek Chappell. Harris is a ridiculous physical specimen from Brooklyn, New York. From those in the know, Chappell is already turning heads in the weight room as an athlete. His work ethic and how he'll grind it out has already gotten the attention of his teammates.

Long-term upside

Brauny: Marcus Burris‍
Jason: Reuben Fatheree
Billy: Kendal Daniels‍

Most versatile

Brauny: Shadrach Banks‍. He literally played inside receiver, outside, H-back, quarterback and
punt returner this year.
Jason: Shadrach Banks‍. He could play corner or safety even. That is if you wanted him to.
Billy: Yulkeith Brown‍. The versatility and the play-making ability are similar to Ainias Smith, regardless if he's not built like him or doesn’t run like him.

Most explosive

Brauny: Eli Stowers‍. For him to be that big and that explosive, for what he's able to do in that body size, is impressive. I also like the explosiveness of Elijah Jeudy‍ and Albert Regis‍.
Jason: Yulkeith Brown!!! There is no need for an explanation.
Billy: Remington Strickland‍. This is a curveball because you wouldn't expect an offensive lineman, but the power and pop he plays with is impressive. He's really getting overlooked. He was essentially the fifth addition on the OL, but there was a group of guys he shot past because of that explosive power.

Biggest Hitter

Brauny: Kendal Daniels. This one is easy.
Jason: Kendal Daniels.
Billy: Shemar Turner.

One who got away

Brauny: Donovan Jackson‍ and Ja’tavion Sanders.
Jason: JoJo Earle‍. That stung because it got real hot for a little but went away. They didn't sign a whole lot of receivers, so a guy who could've brought versatility and explosiveness would've been great. Instead, he's headed to Alabama.
Billy: Kendrick Blackshire‍. There haven't been many losses that you're lamenting in this class. It's tough to figure out who it is. Blackshire because they didn't take a linebacker, and A&M hung around in that thing. They would've loved to add a guy with his physical gifts.