News Summary

As the Fourth of July celebrations unfolded, Texas high school football stars made headlines with their college commitments. Among them, Felix Ojo surprised fans by choosing Texas Tech with a groundbreaking NIL deal, while Kaydon Finley committed to Notre Dame despite a legacy with Texas. John Turntine III opted for Texas, and the King brothers made in-state commitments to Texas A&M and TCU. These decisions underline a shifting landscape in college football recruiting, particularly for Texas programs eager to build competitive teams.

Exciting College Commitments by Texas High School Football Stars!

Texas was buzzing on the Fourth of July, but not just because of the fireworks lighting up the sky. Several talented high school football players made headlines by announcing their college commitments right before the holiday festivities kicked off. Among them, Felix Ojo emerged as a particularly intriguing story.

Felix Ojo Shocks Fans with Texas Tech Commitment

Felix Ojo, widely regarded as the highest-ranked recruit in Texas, dropped a bombshell when he declared his commitment to Texas Tech. This decision came as a surprise to many, especially after he had been considering some powerhouse schools like Ohio State, Michigan, Texas, and Florida during a much-publicized ceremony. At the event, Ojo sported hats representing each of the schools. The crowd gasped when he initially picked up the Texas hat but then exchanged it for the Texas Tech cap with a little encouragement from his mom.

What makes Ojo’s decision especially remarkable is the groundbreaking three-year, fully guaranteed contract worth a staggering $5.1 million in NIL money. This deal ranks among the most significant guaranteed contracts ever in college football history, raising eyebrows and excitement alike.

Aledo’s Kaydon Finley Heads to Notre Dame

In another exciting twist, Kaydon Finley from Aledo made his own commitment to Notre Dame. Finley was in a unique position, given his family history with the Texas Longhorns, as his dad, Jermichael, donned the burnt orange colors in his own playing days. Despite being a legacy player, Kaydon decided to chart his own path. He stands as the No. 18 wide receiver and the No. 124 overall recruit in the nation, boasting impressive last-season stats that include 81 catches, 1,432 yards, and 21 touchdowns.

North Crowley’s John Turntine III Joins Texas

Next up, John Turntine III, an offensive lineman from North Crowley, took his talents to Texas. He’s recognized as a four-star prospect after helping his squad average a jaw-dropping 54 points per game. His decision to commit to Texas came over other heavyweight offers from schools like Michigan, Stanford, and Texas A&M, making it a big win for the Longhorns.

In-State Commitments from the Kings

Teammates Tank King and Brock King from Port Arthur Memorial also threw their hats into the ring with in-state commitments—Tank to Texas A&M and Brock to TCU. Tank, whose full name is Tai Yion, is a linebacker ranked as the No. 90 recruit in Texas, with a standout record that includes 141 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. On the other hand, Brock has received district honors twice and is ranked as the No. 87 cornerback in the country.

Texas Tech’s Rising Status in Recruiting

The ripple effect of Ojo’s commitment can already be seen, as it has elevated Texas Tech’s recruiting class ranking from No. 36 to No. 23 nationwide. This impressive jump is essential for the program as they focus on building a competitive football roster. Ojo’s pledge signifies Texas Tech’s aspirations to enhance its football program through savvy NIL strategies, making history as potentially the first five-star recruit to sign with them straight from high school.

Interestingly, Texas hasn’t landed a five-star offensive lineman since the illustrious 2022 class that included Kelvin Banks Jr. and DJ Campbell. With Ojo now committed, it leaves fewer than three top offensive line prospects still uncommitted. The future looks bright as these young stars prepare for the next level.

With all these exciting commitments, recruiting experts are keenly analyzing what lies ahead for these talents as they transition into the college football scene. Keep an eye on Texas football, as these standouts are just getting started!

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