Around Texas: A round-up of recruiting news in the Lone Star State

The recruiting action never stops in the Lone Star state, and it is time to take a look at the latest news and notes from across the state.

Big Gets

CB Jacoby Davis‍ is a Jayhawk

Headlines

Nebraska hits big in Arlington Martin - New Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule dipped into the Texas high school coaching ranks to hire longtime Arlington Martin head coach Bob Wager, and Wager recently went back to his old stomping grounds for a couple of 2023 additions. WR Ismael Smith-Flores‍ checks in at 6-foot-6, 210 pounds and chose the Huskers over the likes of Iowa and Michigan State, and WR Jeremiah Charles‍ chose Big Red over North Texas.

Michael Hawkins‍ sets decision date - Hawkins has made a name for himself as one of the top QBs in the country as a starter at Allen the last two seasons. Now at Frisco Emerson, he plans to announce his college decision on Jan. 31. Hawkins named a top eight of Virginia Tech, TCU, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, NC State, Michigan and Cincinnati in December. and he recently added an offer from Penn State and took visits to Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Jalen Pope‍ flips from Air Force to Oklahoma State - Aledo 2023 wide receiver Jalen Pope turned plenty of heads with a big 2022 season. His show in the 5A D1 State Championship was particularly impressive. At the time, he was headed to Air Force, but after the New Year, Oklahoma State entered the picture. Now, Pope has opted for the Pokes.

Drew Perez‍ names his top five - Southlake Carroll 2023 OL Drew Perez has been busy making the rounds, and as February Signing Day approaches, Perez has released his top five. Texas State, Tulsa, San Diego State, Tulane and USF have made the cut.

New name to Know

LB Markus Boswell‍, Lake Travis - 2024

Standing at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Boswell prides himself on playing an intense brand of football. He lists Micah Parsons and Ray Lewis among his role models, and his explosiveness quickly leaps off the tape.

A multi-year standout on the field, Boswell recorded 49 tackles, six hurries and three sacks on his way to team MVP honors. In the weight room, he boasts a 285-pound bench press max, and he has a 34-inch vertical. He also has a family history of athleticism. His dad, Mark Boswell, won four NCAA high jump championships at Texas and was a two-time Olympian for his native Canada. Markus’ sister, Reaven Boswell, is a freshman basketball player at Georgia Tech.

College coaches are already hot on his trail. Offers have arrived from UNLV, UTSA, Texas State, Southeast Missouri State and Colorado. He is also receiving interest from Texas, Oregon State, Tulane, Oklahoma State, Cal and SMU. He did not take any visits this fall, but he attended the Texas Junior Day last week, and he will be at Colorado this weekend.

What’s up with the top

Top 5 QBs
DJ Lagway‍, Willis - Florida
Michael Hawkins‍, Frisco Emerson 
Mabrey Mettauer‍, The Woodlands - Wisconsin
Trey Owens‍, Cypress Cy-Fair - Texas
Cole Welliver‍, Argyle Liberty Christian

Top 5 RBs
Taylor Tatum‍, Longview
Derrick McFall‍, Tyler High
Jeremy Payne‍, Missouri City Fort Bend Hightower
Caden Durham‍, Duncanville
Bryan Jackson‍, McKinney