One of the staples of Inside Texas is the “Recruiting Notebook” where staff members break down priority targets and how they will specifically fit in the Texas Longhorn system.
I use a similar format to break down some of my favorite Texas high school football players who may not be household names to more casual followers of recruiting, but merit evaluation.
Get a detailed look at up and coming prospects2024 New Braunfels Canyon QB Deuce Adams,2024 Lake Belton WR Micah Hudson,2023 Dallas South Oak Cliff EDGE Billy Walton, and2023 Katy Paetow ILB Alex Kilgore.
Deuce Adams, QB, NB Canyon 6-foot-2, 175 (2024)
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Outlook-Deuce is the son of former Texas Longhorn wide receiver Mike Adams and plays for his dad at NB Canyon. Adams took over halfway through the season for the Cougars and put together impressive film in a short amount of time. Adams was unanimously selected as the 18-5A 1st team all-district shortstop as a freshman where he fielded .960% and hit .415 in district play.
How he fits at the next level-Adams should be able to fit most systems but would excel in a modern spread passing attack.
Strengths-Quick release, great arm talent, ball placement is on point at all three levels, and has the ability to improvise with legs to set up the pass or grab first downs on the ground. His middle infield baseball background is clear in the screen/quick game.
Areas for Improvement / Concern-Limited game tape and would like to see more wins next season. Could be a high-round MLB draft pick and potentially skip college.
Comparison-Shades of A&M signeeConner Weigman
Micah Hudson, WR, Lake Belton 6-foot-0, 185 (2024)
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Outlook-Hudson is the No. 47 prospect in the 2024 class according to the On3 Consensus, and is the 9th rated player in Texas and the 9th rated WR in the country. The Lake Belton standout has already picked up offers from TCU, Texas Tech, and Baylor among others. The No. 1 WR in-state for the 2024 cycle that could compete for the top WR nationally.
How he fits at the next level-Do it all wideout that can be moved outside or inside to hunt matchups.
Strengths-Plucks the ball out of the air with strong hands, some of the best body control I’ve seen from in-state WRs, strong ability to make plays after the catch with agility or pure speed. Tremendous ball skills that show on “easy” plays or highlight-reel grabs, Hudson has about 11 plays on his sophom*ore hudl that could be the first play on senior P5 WR tape. Shows the ability on tape to win before and after the catch at all three levels.
Areas for Improvement / Concern-Hard to find much to critique at this point for the super sophom*ore. This upcoming 7-on-7 season should allow Hudson to show off his route running skills.
Comparison-Ohio State WR and former Lake Travis standoutGarrett Wilson. It’s a lofty comparison, but Hudson’s tape backs up the claim.
Billy Walton, EDGE, South Oak Cliff 6-foot-3, 220 (2023)
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Outlook-Athletic EDGE prospect that helped bring Dallas SOC their first state title in school history. TCU, Louisville, and Georgia Tech are some of the more notable offers, new Texas RB coach Tashard Choice offered Walton for GT after seeing him in early December against Lucas Lovejoy in a regional final. Walton visited Texas earlier this season andtalked with IT previously about his strong relationship with Texas director of HS relations Chris Gilbert.
How he fits at the next level-Clear EDGE projection. Likely a strongside end in an even front.
Strengths-Walton does not have verified testing numbers but looks to possess great arm length and foot speed on tape and in person. Frame suggests a ton of potential for positive weight gain The most underrated aspect of Walton’s game is how well he moves in space, SOC would line him up 10 yards off the ball at times and trusted him to cover backs in open space.
Areas for Improvement / Concern-Walton can improve his get-off speed and at times plays too high defending the run. Like most HS EDGE’s Walton needs to add tools to his pass-rushing arsenal.
Comparison-Former Newton HS EDGEJames Sylvester
Alex Kilgore, ILB, Katy Paetow 6-foot-2, 200 (2023)
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Outlook-Kilgore helped lead Katy Paetow to a 5AD1 state title in the school’s 4th year as a football program. The 6-foot-2 junior recorded 10 tackles and a fumble recovery in the Panthers’ title win over College Station. Kilgore visited Texas for the Texas Tech game in late September and picked up his first offer from Arkansas State after the 5AD1 state championship.
How he fits at the next level-Off-ball linebacker that excels reading the triangle and playing downhill.
Strengths-Shows off just about every trait needed for a modern mike linebacker with the ability to quickly diagnose being chief among them. In addition to Kilgore’s brain, the Paetow standout is a sure tackler, consistently forces turnovers, and does a good job covering backs and getting sideline to sideline in pursuit. Elite production, 106 tackles, 23 TFL, 10 sacks, 5 forced turnovers.
Areas for Improvement / Concern-I would like to see testing numbers to confirm this, but Kilgore looks more functionally athletic than an athletic freak. At times he can look a bit stiff in pass coverage.
Comparison-Stanford LBJacob Mangum-Farrar
