2027 4-star safety Davontrae Kirkland commits to Baylor

Waco (Texas) University four-star safety Davontrae Kirkland is staying home.

On Saturday, the incoming junior announced his commitment to Dave Aranda and the Baylor Bears, choosing the local program over Houston, Texas A&M, TCU, Texas Tech and Oklahoma.

Kirkland is the No. 251 overall prospect and No. 26 safety in the 2027 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 37 junior in Texas.

The Big 12 program got in the mix for Kirkland early, extending an offer in January of 2024. He’s since logged myriad visits and is now locked in with Aranda and Co. He is the first 2027 commitment for Baylor.

Back in February, he spoke highly of the program when updating his process with On3’s Chad Simmons:

“Baylor stood out at Junior Day and really opened my eyes on how bad they want me to come play for them,” Kirkland said. “They treated me and my family like we were a first priority to them.

“Baylor has been following up with me weekly and always has kept me and my family like a top priority. They were my first P4 offer. The coaches have built a great relationship over the past few years. On every visit, I have taken and been on campus. They have shown me how I will fit in their system and how they develop their players and get them to the next level. I have built a great relationship with a few of the coaches.”

As a sophomore for Waco University, Kirkland notched 83 total tackles and an interception, per MaxPreps. He has more than 110 tackles to his name across his first two high school seasons.