2023 is a banner year for Central Texas talent

Hopefully no top prospects were omitted and the most controversial aspect of this post is, what boundaries define Central Texas? To answer that question, I intuitively hugged I-35 from Waco to Converse. 

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For a time I lived in and then graduated from Bellville, and we never considered La Grange or Bryan-College Station to be Cen-Tex. La Grange is noteworthy because it’s home to Bravion Rogers and Jaren Woods. Similarly B-CS has a handful of quality players, but I’ll leave that list to the men of TexAgs. Shiner didn’t make the cut, either, which is sure to upset IT favorite WilliamsDavid more than Dalton Brooks.

We’ve seen other strong years in Cen-Tex, but you’d be hard-pressed to find more depth than what we currently find. Of course with the population in the area increasing, this might just be the tip of the iceberg.

From reading the list that follows, you’ll get a good idea of what Dave Aranda is up to in Waco. The widening local talent base should benefit Baylor more than any other school, mainly because the more traditional powers have more ability to cherry-pick from other parts of the state and country.

Braylon James, WR, Del Valle
On3 Consensus: 111

Good size but still demonstrates ability to separate via speed and quickness out of routes. James will visit UT in the coming weeks but he’s also looking nationally for a strong combination of academics and athletics.

Austin Novosad, QB, Dripping Springs (Baylor)
On3 Consensus: 436

Longer, leaner kid with good passing mechanics and decently strong arm. It’s not hard envisioning him develop into an All-Conference caliber player.

Princewill Umanmielen, EDGE, Manor
On3 Consensus: 205

The younger brother of Florida defensive end Princely Umanmielen who is expected to make a big impact this year. Princewill plays the same position as his older brother, but may have a bit more pass rushing upside. 

Quinten Joyner, RB, Manor
On3 Consensus: 232

Manor is producing good prospects. Former TCU defensive end Ochaun Mathis is a household name in the region, there’s the aforementioned Umanmielen brothers, plus Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks. There have been others as well. Joyner is a sub-11.00 second 100m runner with big play ability.

Colton Vasek, EDGE, Austin Westlake
On3 Consensus: 230

Vasek’s father Brian played at Texas in the 90’s and now coaches him at Westlake. Despite being a legacy, he seems open in the process with national elites throwing their hat in the ring of late of late. Vasek should make the short trip to visit UT yet again this spring after visiting in January.

Jaydon Chatman, OT, Killeen Harker Heights
On3 Consensus: 148

Texas was his first offer but since then he’s picked up Alabama, LSU, OU, A&M, etc. He’ll visit Texas this spring and UT should factor into this recruitment until the end.

Micah Gifford, WR, Pflugerville Weiss (Baylor)
On3 Consensus: 445

Gifford is a quality track athlete and a vertical threat on the field. Maybe he’s not quite as fast as some of the Baylor receivers we’ve seen over the last decade, but he can run.

Tre Wisner, RB, Waco Connally
On3 Consensus: 176

Wisner has a slashing vertical style that lends itself to big plays. He released his top eight today. Schools included were Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, USC, Arkansas, and Florida.

Mikal Harrison-Pilot, ATH, Temple
On3 Consensus: 104

Harrison-Pilot is one of the best two-way players in the country, and also one of the best overall athletes. In addition to wide receiver and safety, he plays baseball and runs track at a high level. He’s a priority for Texas, along with many other colleges. He’ll visit UT on March 24.

Jaden Greathouse, WR, Austin Westlake
On3 Consensus: 124

Greathouse is currently playing a major role for Westlake in basketball but his future is on the football field. Given his build and body type, he’s an excellent route runner and fluid mover after the catch. He will visit Texas on March 26.

Derion Gullette, EDGE, Marlin
On3 Consensus: 158

Where he best fits on defense may be in question, but his athleticism is not. Gullette is spring-loaded and that’s a big reason why On3 has him as the No. 56 player in the country. Texas is in the mix but there’s a long way to go.

Cameron Cook, RB, Round Rock Stony Point
On3 Consensus: 324

Cook is a sturdy back with good inside/outside ability as well as hands out of the backfield. One of my favorite types of football players is the pinball running back and Cook has some of those traits. He hopes to see Texas (April 2), Oregon, Penn State, Ole Miss, TCU, and K-State this spring.

Bo Edmundson, QB, Lake Travis (Michigan State)
On3 Consensus: 633

Will he become the next Austin-area quarterback to leave the state and make it big?

Ansel Nedore, DL, Round Rock
On3 Consensus: 331

Nedore has some similarities to current Texas D-lineman Moro Ojomo. He was an early evaluation by the staff and a bit of a surprise offer. But sure enough, roll the tape and he’s a player. On3 rates Nedore as the No. 199 player in the country.

Ian Reed, OL, Austin Vandegrift
On3 Consensus: 295

Hulking O-lineman who looks like an interior player until you see him playing rugby. Yes, rugby. His father played the sport at an international level and Reed plays as well. Texas should get a visit this spring.

TJ Shanahan, IOL, Austin Westlake
On3 Consensus: 108

Sticking with Texas player comparisons, Shanahan reminds of current Texas O-lineman Junior Angilau. The move-in from Florida is a national recruit.

Anthony Evans, WR, Converse Judson (Arkansas)
On3 Consensus: 716

Evans has short-area explosion in any direction, including up. This was a good early ID by Arkansas, who is building a reputation for that sort of thing. The Razorbacks are going to love doors re-opening to the state thanks to UT joining the SEC.

Johnny Bowens, DL, Converse Judson (Texas A&M)
On3 Consensus: 237

Bowens has some bounce and versatility to him. Given A&M’s talent and depth on the D-line, we’ll likely see him emerge long-term as a 3-tech.

Javeon Wilcox, S, Lake Belton (Baylor)
On3 Consensus: 361

Baylor has home field advantage but Arkansas just offered and you can assume other quality schools will do the same. He’s one of the hardest hitters in the state and will likely ply his trade at boundary safety in the college game.

Colton Thomasson, OL, Smithson Valley (Texas A&M)
On3 Consensus: 437

Thomasson has good quickness for being giant (6-foot-8). It’ll be interesting to see how he develops. Guard might seem most likely at this point, but S&C may unlock tackle upside. 

Taurean York, LB, Temple (Baylor)
On3 Consensus: 756

An underrated player in my view. Off-ball linebackers are hard to find. While I do somewhat wonder about York in coverage, he plays the run very well. He knows when to drop the hammer and run all out with good closing speed, and also when to play the run more patiently. He’s physical when he arrives.

If I forgot someone, blame the editor, but also feel free to send us your Hudl.