Texas 'in the driver's seat' for 5-star LB Anthony Hill after weekend visit

Five-star Denton (Texas) Ryan linebacker Anthony Hill shocked just about everyone last week when he announced his decommitment from Texas A&M.

The Aggies won out over Texas for him this summer, but the program’s struggles under Jimbo Fisher made him reconsider things. The Longhorns quickly became the odds-on favorite to secure his next commitment, with multiple picks going in their favor in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). It currently gives Texas an 87.5 percent chance of landing Hill.

On3 national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman echoed that sentiment on Monday after Hill made an unofficial visit to Austin over the weekend.

“I think that Texas is in the driver’s seat with Anthony Hill at this point,” Spiegelman said during On3’s Inside Scoop recruiting show. “He wasted no time getting to Austin, and they’ve been in his ear ever since he committed to Texas A&M. That was a close call between two in-state programs. A&M got the edge, but Texas never took its feet off the gas. He spent a lot of time with (head coach) Steve Sarkisian leading into the game, and I think that always say a lot when a head coach pays attention to not only you, but your mom and dad and little brother.

…All the reviews coming out this weekend were very encouraging for Texas. There is some buzz that he might go up to Ohio State for the Michigan game. Texas A&M, according to people I’ve spoken with, believes they will still have a fighting shot when he makes his decision during the Early Signing Period. But from what I’ve gathered, it feels like Texas is the team to beat.”

Anthony Hill Scouting Summary

“Downhill linebacker with good size and straight-line speed. Has starred for one of the top defenses in Texas high school football since his sophomore season. Combines his speed with a high effort level, resulting in a highly productive player at the high school level. At his best when he can use his closing speed as a blitzer or in pursuit sideline-to-sideline. Shows some physicality as a striker. Has one of the longer wing-spans of top linebackers in the 2023 cycle. Provides added value as a pass rusher and may eventually grow into an EDGE prospect down the line. Has a penchant for forcing turnovers and looks to strip the football often. Will need to continue improving his skills playing in space and in coverage.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings