Prospects in the News
-Maurice Williams Jr., LB, Pearland, TX (Shadow Creek HS), #137 nationally, #8 LB, and #20 in TX
Four-star linebacker Maurice Williams Jr. opted to stay home, announcing his pledge to the Houston Cougars Friday evening just one hour after he tweeted he was de-committing from the LSU Tigers. This flip is massive considering the newly-minted safety (his non-primary position upon flipping to the Cougars) had been set on joining the Tigers’ roster for over a year, but ultimately, the Cougars benefit. This is the Cougars’ fourth pledge in the 2024 class and he joins the program as the eighth-best linebacker in his age group, according to 247 Sports.
Houston wasn’t the only program interested in the multi-sport Shadow Creek product, as there were several Power Five teams in the running. These included Arizona State, Arkansas, and Auburn. Williams Jr. is listed at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, and secured 50 tackles during his sophomore season, as the Sharks finished 11-1 and made a deep run in the 6A postseason.
https://twitter.com/luhmo3_/status/1672417382566854657
-Rob Booker, TE, Waunakee, Wis. (Waunakee HS), #467 nationally, #26 TE, and #5 in Wis.
In another surprising flip, three-star tight end Rob Booker is leaving his native Wisconsin and taking his talents to Chip Kelly and the UCLA Bruins next season, announcing his pledge Thursday afternoon. Booker had been set on joining the Wisconsin Badgers since late January, but Booker’s visit Tuesday, and his relationship with newly-minted four-star offensive tackle pledge Mark Schroller, changed his tune.
Booker said Schroller’s guidance was a big help in maintaining a connection with the UCLA staff after the initial communication was handled by tight ends coach Jeff Faris.
The bond between the pair grew shortly afterward, which led to his arrival in Westwood.
Booker also clarified Wisconsin’s role in what transpired.
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Booker will add depth to the Bruins’ offensive attack, as the team lost quarterback Dorian-Thompson-Robinson to the NFL. Booker has also impressed with his big-time playmaking ability, as his 2022 season at Waunakee saw him catch six touchdowns and nearly eclipse 500 receiving yards in the process. With those numbers, Booker and company went 11-1.
The Bruins’ latest commitment makes Booker the fifth out-of-state player they have pursued in the 2024 class, as UCLA has risen to No. 48 in recruiting during the offseason.
Booker’s 6-foot-6, 215-pound frame could be a problem for opposing defenses in the years to come, with UCLA transitioning to the Big Ten in 2024.
https://twitter.com/robertbookerr/status/1671926160895229969
-Darien Mayo, EDGE, Olney, MD. (Good Counsel HS), #467 nationally, #22 DL, and #9 in Md.
Four-star edge rusher Darien Mayo will look to add a boost to Clemson’s defensive line in 2024, committing to the Tigers Thursday night, marking the Tigers’ 12th pledge thus far, according to USA Today.
Mayo, by way of York, Pa., has a 6-foot-7, 255-pound frame and beat out some of college football’s most prominent teams, which included Ohio State and USC. Mayo is one of the best players at his position and has made a name for himself as a quarterback hustler with his lightning-quick speed, agility, and awareness of the football.
https://twitter.com/clemsonrt/status/1672060552607088640
The Tigers finished 11-3 last season and are now poised to make a national title run with an FBS fifth-best defense, according to ESPN and confirmed by Sports Illustrated.
Mayo will look to fit right into Dabo Swiney’s system with his attributes and keep his trajectory moving in a positive direction. His Good Counsel team will look to cap off another playoff appearance with Mayo earning more on-field accolades in the process.
https://twitter.com/thedcmayo/status/1672000869359919106
Nonetheless, the recruiting trail continues to remain busy as July inches closer, which only means it’s one day closer to the beginning of the regular season.
