Takeaways from live evaluations of Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma commits

SCHERTZ, Texas — Football season is in full swing — and action on the recruiting trail is getting red-hot as we dip deeper into the fall.

After another weekend of live evaluations, here is the latest on several blue-chippers in the 2024 and 2025 and 2026 classes from On3 National Recruiting Analyst Sam Spiegelman:

4-star S Dontae Carter – Vanderbilt commit

On3 top-50 safety Dontae Carter is extremely toolsy and passes the eye test. The Vanderbilt commitment has added weight to his frame and is north of 180 pounds as a senior playing safety, lining up over receivers in the slot and also seeing important snaps on the offensive side of the ball. Carter came away with a big 40-plus-yard reception in a win against a stout Converse (Texas) Judson defense. Carter’s primary position was wide receiver until last season when he made the transition over to defensive back.

In Year 2 of playing safety, Carter moves extremely well and puts himself in good positions to make plays. He’s very instinctual in coverage, extremely athletic and agile, with a good feel for the game. We love the fact that Carter makes plays on offense, which often translates well to the safety position. He still has room to grow as a tackler in the open field. He checks in as the No. 3 safety in the On300 for 2024.

4-star S Myles Davis – Texas A&M commit

On300 safety Myles Davis did a little bit of everything for the Judson Rockets seeing full action at safety, playing close the line of scrimmage and back deep, as well as being involved in the return game and seeing snaps out at receiver. The Texas A&M commitment is well-put-together at 6-foot-1.5 and 190-ish pounds.

Davis is a hard hitter and consistently finds himself around the ball. He’s a willing tackler who often puts himself in the line of fire to make plays. He was also superb wrapping up in space. As good as Davis was defending the run, he showed up with several passes defended by the goal line. He can defend back deep and close. He’s well-rounded and thrives in coverage in the middle of the field. The Texas A&M commitment is a stock-up for this analyst after a live evaluation.

2025 WR Jalen Cooper

2025 Cibolo (Texas) Steele WR Jalen Cooper is an eye-catcher and was featured in this contest. A 6-foot-2, 170-pounder with size, speed and strong route-running came away with three touchdowns. He can separate at the top of routes and uses his frame and length to his advantage working downfield. Cooper is a big-play threat over the top and also a crafty receiver capable of working underneath. He fits that classic mold of those Baylor receivers of the past.

2026 4-star RB Jonathan Hatton Jr. – Oklahoma commit

2026 Oklahoma-committed RB Jonathan Hattan Jr. didn’t need a workhorse load to make his presence felt in this one. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder sophomore looks the part of a senior already. He turned 25 carries into 126 yards with touchdown runs of 3 and 44 yards, the latter showcasing his ability to cut on a dime and come downhill with authority. I’m not sure defenders in this district are going to be willing to take down Hatton alone.

Oklahoma’s DeMarco Murray is making a habit out of securing some of Texas’s best running backs — from Taylor Tatum out at Longview to Steele’s Hatton, who is certainly in the conversation as one of the best at his position and his respective recruiting cycle. His play style reminds this analyst a ton of Murray, the coach who happens to be recruiting him to Norman.