Texas Football Recruiting Issue Has Nnodim and Cleveland as Two of Texas' Best
STILLWATER – The 2024 signing class, at least the early signees are done, and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football just released their annual recruiting guide. I get it. The 2024 class material at this stage is more review than anything else, but I really respect the folks at Texas Football and you know I have a lot of experience and respect for their managing editor Greg Tepper, a real know-it-all when it comes to Texas high school football and their director of recruiting Greg Powers, who I have worked with many times. Powers is a fair and methodical evaluator of prospective college talent.
In this recent 2024 class, Oklahoma State found some sleepers in the state of Texas, but most of those sleepers they found were also spotted by Powers and pressed up for honors in their recruiting guide.
I was a little disappointed that only a pair of the Cowboys made the 2024 Texas Top 100 for the guide, but all of their Texas prospects list and the comments were not just fly by night, there were strong comments coming from Powers.
Landyn Cleveland, who was ranked higher in the preseason, but fell off some due to an injury-riddled senior season was No. 41 on the Hot 100. The 6-0, 190-pound Manfield Legacy High School safety was described this way:
“Cleveland has vast experience playing safety and cornerback, and his versatility as a pass-coverage specialist and a hard-hitting tackler make him one of the most coveted safety prospects in the country. His impressive downhill speed and aggression stand out.”
Cleveland was also recognized as a member of the Texas Football Whataburger Super Team.
The other Cowboys signee making the Hot 100 was a favorite of mine and of Powers in Mesquite Horn defensive end Armstrong Nnodim. Powers is from Jenks, Oklahoma and he values the wrestling quotient and ranked the 6-2, 257-pound Nnodim, a past Texas state champion in wrestling at No. 76.
“Known as ‘Strong,’ he truly lives up to the name with jaw-dropping strength. he hold records at Mesquite Horn including a 455-pound bench press and a 675-pound squat. His power translates to on-field dominance as he overpowers offensive linemen, amasing amzing statistics.”
Nnodim was also listed in the magazine as a member of the Texas Football Whataburger Super Team.
Tre’ Griffiths was listed among the top receiver prospects and the 6-3, 200-pound Keller High School standout had another strong season statistically.
“Griffiths is a versatile passing game weapon who presents unique mismatch opportunities. Griffiths is equally effective as a outside threat as he is in the slot. His vision and power contribute to his yards-after-catch productivity.”
I’ve really liked Caleb Hackleman from the first time I saw him on video and then in-person on his official visit. He is big and very athletic looking. He helped Pleasant Grove enjoy a very successful season this fall and dominate in running the football and controlling games. I thought Powers assessment was interesting.
”Hackleman impresses with his footwork, particularly excelling at pulling. He operates as a tackle in a run-fucused offense, effectively sealing the edge with the ability to engage at the second level.”
Luke Webb is the true inside defensive lineman in the class. The early enrollee, as are all of the Texas prep signees for Oklahoma State except for linebacker Jonathan Agumadu, is big, physical and tough. He was one of the best line of scrimmage defensive players in the Houston-area for unbeaten regular season playoff team Deer Park.
“Webb showcased his ability to take over games and dominate. He is a powerful defensive tackle who can get penetration and cause massive disruption using violent hands to bat away blocks effortlessly.”
Speaking of Agumadu, Powers nailed the description here because Agumadu is so physically dominant looking that he could easily compete as a body builder. However, his upper body powers and six-pack abs are geared to putting ball carriers into the turf.
“You won’t find a more impressive physical specimen. Agumadu settled in as an outside linebacker at McKinney, where he falshed the ability to apply pressure on blitzes and make heavy tackles.”
Temerrick Johnson was good enough that he was selected to play in the U.S. Army Bowl All-Star Game at The Star in Frisco a few weeks ago. Johnson had a huge senior season and the 6-3, 210-pounder is equally athletic and physical. When you get compared by Mike Gundy to Collin Oliver then that is huge.
“Exhibits versatility as both a hand-in-dirt and stand-up edge player.Long arms and promising athleticism and untapped frame potential. The hybrid talent was the LB MVP at the Next Level Athlete Texas Top 100 Showcase in Dallas.”
I know for a fact that Melissa linebacker Gunnar Wilson, who has doubled as a tight end and even has some quarterback in his background, is a favorite of Greg Powers. The 6-3, 210-pound Wilson was a semi-fiinalist this fall for Mr. Texas Football.
“Wilson’s agility and rapid closing speed set him apart. With a nose for the football and an nyielding high motor, he consistently makes an impact versus the run and the pass.”
David Kabongo was playing later than any player that Oklahoma State signed in Texas. He was one of the eight of 10 players in Texas that signed with OSU that finished their high school career in the playoffs and the Texas signees as a whole had an 87-31 record as seniors this fall.
Kabongo was on a 13-1 team at Trophy Club Byron Nelson. The 5-11, 185-pound safety plays like a linebacker.
“Kabongo as been a defensive stalwart for three seasons with one of the DFW’s emerging programs. His remarkable instincts and top-notch technique make his a prennial ball hawk, consistently making impactful plays.”
Willie Nelson is one of the best known Texans in history. The country music legend has a namesake in football from a longtime East Texas power in Longview. The 5-10, 180-pound cornerback prospect was a very early pledge to the Cowboys.
“As a lockdown corner, Nelson showcases solid man-to-,am coverage skills. He is not the biggest player on the field, but physicality, ball-tracking, and timing on passes result in consistent pass breakups and game-changing plays.”