ORLANDO, Fla. – Carrying a burnt orange Texas windbreaker and throwing in unusually chilly climate even for this time of yr in central Florida, KJ Lacey was having enjoyable Saturday night time on the 24K 7-on-7 exercise.
The 2025 excessive four-star quarterback from Saraland, Ala., dedicated to the Longhorns in June throughout his second go to to Austin and he may very well be the long run signal-caller in Austin for coach Steve Sarkisian who have to be salivating on the methods he might use Lacey in that offense.
Coming off a junior season the place he accomplished practically 70 % of his passes for 3,448 yards with 42 touchdowns and eight picks and ran for 5 extra scores, Lacey was spectacular on the 24K occasion throwing the deep ball precisely, throwing for various arm angles and exhibiting an unbelievable ease on the place.
The ball pops off his hand in a Bryce Young sort of method. Younger had unbelievable timing and appeared to magical anticipation on the sector so whereas Lacey won’t be there but, it’s fairly shut and that comparability is just not hyperbolic. The distinction is that Lacey is a bit taller and would possibly get the ball out even a bit sooner.
Texas is getting a extremely good one in Lacey, who stated the thought is for the Longhorns to go from Quinn Ewers, to Arch Manning, to him. That’s fairly the trio if issues play out that method as Lacey seems to be locked in together with his dedication.
However others are coming.
Alabama has advised Lacey that it’ll not go down simply and it received’t let an in-state participant of his expertise go away dwelling with no battle. 5-star receiver and Saraland teammate Ryan Williams is dedicated on this class to the Crimson Tide though Auburn and Texas try to flip him.
Lacey can be being closely pursued by Auburn however that looks like an extended shot. Oregon is making a more moderen push for the 2025 four-star quarterback in order that may very well be one thing to observe as effectively amongst others.
For Lacey’s half, he’s saying the a number of journeys to Alabama and Auburn this season had been as a result of he wished to see good video games, be a part of some mates and be a child who solely will get the recruiting course of as soon as.
Can anybody – particularly Alabama – flip him? Appears unlikely proper now however these groups are actually not going to cease making an attempt.
… Tennessee is the group within the lead for Dillon Alfred because the 2025 four-star receiver from Saraland loves the offense below coach Josh Heupel and he additionally has a really robust relationship with place coach Kelsey Pope. The Volunteers have been out in entrance for some time and whereas it’s early that may very well be an excessive amount of to beat. However Missouri ought to undoubtedly be watched right here. Alfred stated the Tigers are undoubtedly shifting up in his recruitment and so they have the most effective shot of unseating Tennessee on the prime particularly after their spectacular season. A go to to Columbia is predicted in January.
… The Auburn sweatshirt was noticeable and it’s no secret the Tigers are thought of one of many early front-runners for Daylyn Upshaw. The 2025 receiver from Phenix Metropolis (Ala.) Central was a teammate of five-star Auburn receiver signee Cam Coleman so reuniting lower than an hour up the highway may very well be one thing to look at. Florida State, West Virginia, Mississippi State, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Cincinnati are others to look at.
… Jaelen Waters has eight presents now however the 2026 cornerback from Seffner (Fla.) Armwood goes to have a complete lot extra. The 6-foot-2 cornerback was glorious in protection in the course of the 1-on-1 session of Saturday’s exercise and it’s clear he could have many high-end SEC applications pulling down his door within the coming years. Penn State place coach Terry Smith has jumped out early making an impression with Waters however there shall be actual competitors right here.