![USATSI_21876461 (1)](https://i0.wp.com/nbcsport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_21876461-1-1.webp?resize=678%2C381&ssl=1)
1. Caden Durham – Running Back, Duncanville High School
Background: Caden Durham is one of the most dynamic running backs in the class of 2025, hailing from the powerhouse football program at Duncanville High School. The 6’0″, 200-pound back has gained widespread attention for his ability to make defenders miss in space, combined with his downhill running style that punishes tacklers. Durham has been an explosive playmaker throughout his high school career, and his high school team’s consistent success has put him in the spotlight as one of the top prospects in the state.
Skills and Playing Style: Durham is known for his vision and ability to hit the hole at top speed, making him a threat both in the open field and between the tackles. His ability to change directions quickly and accelerate allows him to gain chunks of yardage with ease. He has a combination of speed and power that makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his lateral quickness allows him to sidestep defenders without losing much momentum.
Durham also displays excellent hands out of the backfield, providing the potential for Texas to use him in both the running and passing game. His versatility as a pass-catcher makes him an even more dangerous weapon in the offense, especially with the increasing emphasis on running backs who can contribute in the air raid-style offenses that are becoming more common in college football.
Potential Fit at Texas: The Texas Longhorns have shown a strong commitment to establishing a powerful and versatile running game, and Caden Durham could be a major addition to their backfield. With the Longhorns looking to continue their rise as one of the top programs in the country, a player like Durham would be an immediate asset, especially with a run-heavy offense and the need for playmakers in the backfield.
Durham’s style of play complements Texas’ offensive philosophy, which has leaned on a combination of power running and explosive plays in the passing game. He could immediately contribute as a feature back in the rotation, either as the primary option or as a versatile second option who gets a lot of touches in multiple situations.
In addition, Durham could form an exciting duo with Texas’ developing offensive line, which looks to be a strength going forward. His ability to hit the hole with force and his quick burst would help Texas establish a balanced attack and keep defenses off balance.
Recruitment Outlook: Durham has already attracted attention from major programs across the country, but his ties to Texas make the Longhorns one of the favorites in his recruitment. The Longhorns’ solid reputation for developing running backs, paired with Durham’s Texas roots, makes this a very interesting recruitment. Texas is expected to continue making a strong push to land him, especially as they seek to maintain a consistent ground game in the years to come.
2. Mikal Harrison-Pilot – Athlete, Temple High School
Background: Mikal Harrison-Pilot is one of the most exciting and versatile athletes in the state of Texas. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 190 pounds, he has the ability to play multiple positions at the next level. Whether at wide receiver, cornerback, or even quarterback, Harrison-Pilot has demonstrated his talents across various roles for Temple High School. Known for his game-breaking ability, Harrison-Pilot is a player who can make a major impact on either side of the ball.
Skills and Playing Style: Harrison-Pilot is an explosive athlete with tremendous speed, agility, and leaping ability. As a wide receiver, he uses his height and athleticism to create mismatches against defenders. He excels at making contested catches and has the speed to outrun defenders after the catch. His physical tools allow him to stretch the field, and he’s also capable of making plays on the ground in a variety of ways, whether through jet sweeps or direct handoffs.
On defense, Harrison-Pilot has proven to be just as effective, with his combination of length and athleticism allowing him to cover ground quickly. His ability to turn and run with wide receivers, along with his ball-hawking mentality, would make him an asset in the Longhorns’ secondary.
His most significant skill, however, may be his versatility. Harrison-Pilot’s ability to contribute in a variety of ways – as a wide receiver, returner, and cornerback – makes him a player who could have a tremendous impact in multiple facets of the game. His instincts and vision with the ball in his hands are elite, and his confidence on the field shows he can handle any challenge put in front of him.
Potential Fit at Texas: For Texas, a player like Harrison-Pilot could fit into several roles on the team. With the Longhorns’ need for playmakers on both offense and defense, his skill set would give offensive coordinator Brennan Marion the flexibility to get creative with how to use him. At wide receiver, he could be used to stretch the field vertically or as a more traditional possession receiver in critical situations.
In the return game, Harrison-Pilot could be an immediate contributor, offering the Longhorns explosive plays in the special teams phase. On defense, his ability to cover a wide range of routes and his aggressive play style would make him a candidate to compete for a starting role in the secondary.
With Texas continuing to push for national championships, the importance of versatility in an athlete like Harrison-Pilot cannot be overstated. He could also offer depth at multiple positions, especially as the Longhorns aim to maintain a high level of competitiveness across all three phases of the game.
Recruitment Outlook: Harrison-Pilot has drawn interest from a variety of schools, but Texas is considered to be one of the favorites due to the close proximity to his hometown of Temple and the Longhorns’ deep ties to Texas recruits. His recruitment could come down to the school that provides him with the best opportunity to develop into an elite multi-position threat. Texas is in an excellent position to land him, especially if they can continue to sell the program’s vision for his future.
3. Tristen Turner – Defensive Lineman, Dickinson High School
Background: Tristen Turner, a 6’4″, 270-pound defensive lineman from Dickinson High School, has been one of the most dominant defensive forces in Texas over the past few years. Known for his high motor and relentless pursuit of the ball, Turner has the strength to overpower blockers and the speed to disrupt plays in the backfield. As one of the top defensive line prospects in the class of 2025, Turner has generated significant interest from major programs across the country.
Skills and Playing Style: Turner plays with an unmatched level of intensity and ferocity. His strength at the point of attack allows him to shed blockers with ease, and his explosiveness off the ball helps him get into the backfield quickly. Turner is also an impressive pass-rusher, using his quickness and hand placement to disengage from offensive linemen and make plays on the quarterback.
One of Turner’s greatest strengths is his ability to disrupt the run game. His ability to read plays and react accordingly allows him to stop ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage. Whether as a defensive tackle or a defensive end, Turner’s versatility allows him to align across the line and create pressure from any spot.
In addition, Turner is a strong tackler and has shown an ability to close on ball carriers with both speed and power. His relentless pursuit of the ball and high motor make him a menace on every down, and he consistently shows the ability to force turnovers, whether through sacks or forced fumbles.
Potential Fit at Texas: Turner would fit perfectly into the Longhorns’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes aggressive, hard-nosed play in the trenches. Texas has been making strides in recruiting defensive linemen, and adding someone with Turner’s ability would give them a much-needed boost. His skill set as both a run defender and pass rusher would make him an immediate contributor to the Longhorns’ front seven, either as an interior defensive lineman or as a defensive end in their 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.
Turner’s ability to disrupt the pocket and control the line of scrimmage would make him a key asset for the Longhorns’ defense, especially as they aim to compete at a high level in the Big 12 and nationally. His physicality and pass-rushing ability would also complement Texas’ current defensive roster and provide depth to the unit as they continue their pursuit of championships.
Recruitment Outlook: Turner’s recruitment is still very much up in the air, but Texas is among the top schools that have shown interest. His connection to Texas and the Longhorns’ ability to develop high-level defensive linemen could give them a leg up in his recruitment. With Turner’s high ceiling and the Longhorns’ need for depth along the defensive line, he could be a perfect fit in Austin.
Leave a Reply