On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: New school trending for TE Walker Lyons

Folsom (Calif.) four-star tight end Walker Lyons decommitted from Stanford in late November, and now a new school is trending to land him early in the new year.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), Georgia is now considered the favorite to land Lyons. The change comes after an expert pick in favor of the Bulldogs from USC insider Scott Schrader, which joins an earlier pick from On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons.

Lyons took an official visit to Athens on November 5, and he told On3’s Jeremy Johnson at the All-American Bowl that he was primarily focused on two schools in his recruitment: Georgia and Utah. The Bulldogs have made him one of their top remaining targets in the 2023 cycle, with Lyons expected to announce his commitment between now and the beginning of the second signing period on February 1.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder is the No. 128 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Lyons also ranks as the nation’s No. 7 tight end and the No. 10 senior recruit in California.

Georgia already has a pair of tight ends signed in this class with four-stars Pearce Spurlin and Lawson Luckie, and they’re also considered one of the favorites for five-star Duce Robinson. Lyons, meanwhile, is expected to serve an LDS mission before enrolling at the school of his choice.

Walker Lyons Scouting Summary

“One of the more polished pass catchers at the tight end position in the 2023 recruiting cycle. Lines up with his hand in the dirt as a true in-line Y, splits out wide and lines up in the slot as a flex option. Excellent body control and ability to contort his frame to be in the best position to catch the football. Measured in at 6-foot-5, just under 230 pounds. Had 44 receptions for 746 yards and 9 touchdowns as a junior.

… Helped lead NorCal powerhouse Folsom High to a state championship final as a junior. Twitchy off the line of scrimmage and has tremendous wiggle for his size as a route runner. Shows some explosiveness as a hooper on the hardwood. Needs to be more violent in the run game as a blocker but does have willingness. May not have the length or pure catch radius of some other top tight end prospects. Expected to take a two-year LDS mission.”