Texas making a major move with uncommitted On300 RB James Simon
Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist four-star running back James Simon has become one of the nation’s most sought-after uncommitted prospects in recent months.
LSU, Texas, Texas A&M and Notre Dame have all been in major pursuit of Simon, who visited the Aggies earlier this month, is currently on campus in South Bend and will head to Austin this coming weekend. Earlier this spring, the in-state Tigers were thought to be the major threat to land him.
But with five-star Harlem Berry already in the fold and a recent commitment from four-star JT Lindsey, they look to be done at the running back spot.
And the Longhorns are hoping to take full advantage of that fact. Despite the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine still favoring the Tigers, it just might be Steve Sarkisian and Co. trending for Simon.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Texas closes it out this weekend,” InsideTexas.com’s Justin Wells said Wednesday during On3’s Inside Scoop recruiting show. “I’m not saying it’s commit watch, but I’ll tell you that I think Texas — over the past 72 hours — has taken the lead in the James Simon sweepstakes. … Talking to sources close to the program, they love Simon. There’s some things he does better than some of these other running back targets. And there’s a reason Tashard Choice has maintained a relationship with this kid for well over a year. They love his upside.”
Simon returning to Austin for visit, has an OV already set
Simon was at Texas on January 20 amid a strong push from Choice, who already has a commitment from four-star Rickey Stewart.
That visit back to Austin has solidified the Longhorns a spot at the table for the Longhorns.
“I love Texas a lot, with what Sark has going on and what they have prepared for the future — in my class in particular,” Simon previously told On3. “I like what they have up there, the way they’re set up and the way they treat you very well.”
“They’ve always been in consideration, I have a lot of interest in them, and that visit showed I should have interest in them,” he continued. “Coach Choice is an amazing guy on and off the field.”
Currently, Simon only has one official visit locked in — a trip to Texas the weekend of June 21-23.
As a junior, he ran for 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns on 8.3 yards per carry, helping Calvary Baptist to the Louisiana Division III Select state championship and a 14-0 record. Also caught 20 passes for 214 yards and 3 TDs.