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WATCH: Texas signees make game-changing plays in UA All-America Game

Joe Cookby:Joe Cook•01/03/23•

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Derek Williams (Sam Spiegelman/On3)

2023 Texas signee and On3 Consensus five-star running back Cedric Baxter Jr. was one of four captains for Team Phantom in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game. He and his fellow captains selected Johntay Cook, Malik Muhammad, Derek Williams, and Sydir Mitchell, every other Texas commit in attendance, to join them on Team Phantom.

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Not only were Baxter’s picks rewarded, he made the choice to lead from the front.

Baxter scored the game’s first touchdown from just over 10 yards out in the early part of the second quarter to give Team Phantom a 7-0 lead.

On3’s director of scouting and rankings Charles Power called Baxter the top running back in the contest.

Then, while hanging onto a 14-7 lead, Team Phantom was on defense midway through the third quarter. Team Speed, with Oklahoma signee Jackson Arnold at quarterback, looked to tie the game up.

Arnold dropped back and threw a pass that was tipped into the hands of Williams, which Texas fans hope will be a sign of things to come in the future.

It wasn’t just a two-man show. Muhammad showed skills both tackling and in coverage in the all-star contest, including on one of the last throws from Arnold in the game.

Thanks in large part to the Texas commits, Team Phantom held on to win 14-7.

Texas signees on Team Phantom

Cedric Baxter Jr., RB, Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater – signee

The nation’s No. 1 ranked running back signed with the Longhorns over Florida State, Florida, Miami, Texas A&M. Baxter will be among the most talented all-around prospects in the game, and will be looking to cement 5-star status. These games aren’t made for running backs to truly shine, but Baxter is sure to have his moments.

Johntay Cook II, WR, DeSoto (Texas) High – signee

The No. 45 ranked prospect in the On3 Consensus and No. 8 ranked wide receiver headed to Orlando with a 5-star purpose. That’s the goal, and Cook has been solid all week in practice. His magnetic personality is also tailor made for this type of event with TV cameras all around. Cook is one of three wide receiver signees in the 2023 class ranking in the top 20 receivers in the cycle.

Malik Muhammad, CB, Dallas (Texas) South Oak Cliff – signee

The back-to-back 5A state champion will face his biggest challenge yet as a high school player. The 6-foot cover corner has been challenged by Power 5 wide receivers on every rep and play in Orlando, and more than held his own. Muhammad signed with Texas over Alabama.

Derek Williams, S, New Iberia (La.) Westgate – signee

Williams hasn’t been seen in this type of setting before. That means the No. 40 ranked prospect in the On3 Consensus is one of the prospects with the chance to move back up into 5-star status with an excellent week. Williams moved like a cornerback in drills at times this week. Williams signed with Texas over Miami, LSU, Alabama and Texas A&M.

Sydir Mitchell, DL, Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic – signee

The No. 223 ranked prospect in the cycle has the ability to shoot up the rankings with an impressive week. The daily 1v1’s in practice will be key for Mitchell in that regard, as well as the game. Mitchell heads to college as a first and second down run stuffer, with his pass rush the key in maximizing his ceiling long term. Mitchell signed with Texas over Georgia, Texas A&M and Miami.

Texas targets on Team Speed

Duce Robinson, TE, Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle

The lone Texas target in the game remaining to make a decision is the On3 Consensus 5-star and No. 1 ranked tight end in the cycle. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound two-sport star has Georgia, Texas and USC as the three schools under serious consideration with a decision set for the first Wednesday in February.

Gerry Hamilton contributed to this story

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