Texas State Signs 18 on the First Day of the Early Signing Period

Around the country, programs are getting an early jump on recruitment with a December signing period that for G5 teams like Texas State are a huge advantage, especially with the chance to snatch up quality talent while competing against P5 programs.

Head coach Everett Withers and staff have pulled a signing class that 24/7 Sports has currently ranked number two in the Sun Belt. This comes off the heels of a signing class that ranked number one last year.

The coaching staff have been on the road visiting and recruiting since the season finale and plan to hit the road to fill the remaining spots. Coach Withers has also stated that it may take two or three cycles of signees to complete the rebuild.

So here are the 18 future Bobcats that signed on this first day of the signing period:

Jacoby Hopkins (3*) WR, KR 6’0" 191 Lbs Heights (Houston)

Offers: Louisville, Oregon State, among others

So far the highest-rated signee to come to San Marcos, Hopkins actually verbally committed to Louisville before withdrawing his offer to bring his talents to the Hill Country. A dual-threat receiver able to catch the long ball, he will serve as a key piece in replacing the holes left by Elijah King and Thurman Morbley in the receiving corp and could see some action early.

Tyler Vitt (3*) Pro QB 6’1" 202 Lbs Macarthur (San Antonio)

Offers: Dartmouth, Davidson

In last year’s recruiting class, State pulled four quarterback recruits as graduations, transfers and turning pro decimated the qb depth chart. With graduate senior Damian Williams gone, sophomore Willie Jones III has been pegged as the early favorite to start next fall, but will Vitt give WJIII some serious competition?

In his three years as a starter Vitt proved to be a prolific passer, but added a new dimension during his senior year as he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. Working in a spread option offense and primarily operating out of the shotgun, Vitt has a good arm and the ability to exploit defenses with his arm or his wheels.

Jake Lynch (3*) OLB 6’5" 211 Lbs Fort Bend Travis (Richmond, TX)

Offers: Air Force

A well rounded ball-hawk who sheds blocks to play the run and has the speed to roll out into coverage to break up the crossing routes. Lynch is a big pickup, especially after the departure of Texas State linebacking great Gabe Loyd.

Ladarius Anthony (3*) S 6’1” 170 Lbs Cy Creek (Houston, TX)

Offers: Iowa State

A shifty and elusive kick returner with speed and juke moves straight out of a video game. Anthony is also an aggressive hitter who will come up and meet the runner head on. His abilities would bring life to a secondary who were victimized on a weekly basis.

TJ Graham (3*) WR 6’1” 177 Lbs Lake Ridge (Mansfield, TX)

Offers: Southern Illinois

After a high school career where he averaged 21.3 yards a catch and 20 touchdowns, this future Bobcat’s nose for the deep ball is a tremendous acquisition for next year’s offense.

Pierce Withers (3*) S 5’11” 180 Lbs Bowie (Austin)

Offers: Air Force, Army, Houston Baptist, Liberty, UMass, Navy, New Mexico State, Stephen F. Austin, Toledo

This talented safety played some linebacker as well in high school and it shows in how he plays against the run and short pass plays. There is plenty of opportunity for this young man to shine in the secondary and his son-of-a-coach’s abilities drew offers from 10 schools.

Blake Aragon (3*) WR 6’4” 185 Lbs Stephenville (Stephenville, TX)

Offers: Abilene Christian

All-around pass catcher with the size to go over the middle to challenge for those hard-earned yards and the ability to out leap the defenders in the red zone. As a senior, he gained 923 yards and 11 touchdowns on only 52 receptions.

Jarron Morris (3*) CB 5’8” 150 Lbs West Orange-Stark (Orange, TX)

Offers: SMU, Army, Lamar, McNeese State, Rice, Southern Miss, Southern

Originally committed to SMU, this shutdown corner’s talents have helped his high school reach the championship game.

Best of the Rest- 2 *’s

Seth Caillouet DE 6’3” 225 Lbs Archbishop Hannan (Covington, LA)
Jah’Marae Sheread WR 5’7” 160 Lbs Cy Springs (Cypress, TX)
Morgan Moore OT 6’5” 280 Lbs Midwest City (Oklahoma City)
CJ Johnson III S 5’11” 152 Lbs Allen (Allen, TX)
Chris Kessler K 5’10” 160 Lbs Longview (Longview, TX)
Miles Macadory OT 6’6” 280 Lbs Sachse (Sachse, TX)
Kylar Cooks OT 6’5” 255 Lbs Liberty-Eylau (Texarkana, TX)
Jalen Momerelle OT 6’5” 298 Lbs Manvel (Manvel, TX)
Jackson Lanam TE 6’4” 215 Lbs Calallen (Corpus Christi, TX)
Dotson Schaefer DE 6’4” 230 Lbs Fayetteville (Fayetteville, AR)

Day two of this early signing period starts today and with five prospects still on the table, Texas State can still make a few moves before the signing window ends on Thursday.