Anthony Hill Jr. Commits, Sam Leavitt Flips, and Other Names in the News

–5-star LB Anthony Hill Jr. Ryan High School, Denton, Texas (#19 nationally, #1 linebacker, and #4 in TX.)

Five-star Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. committed to the Texas Longhorns on Thursday night, choosing them over the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas A&M Aggies. He had committed to the Aggies in June, choosing them over the Longhorns, before backing off his pledge on November seventh. Hill said he decided on the Longhorns because of the culture and the defense, saying, 

"The culture change they had in just a year really stood out to me. The development of the defense as well." 

By adding Hill, the Longhorn's already outstanding class now jumps to No. 3 overall, trailing only the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs.

–4-star QB Sam Leavitt, West Linn High School, West Linn, Oregon (#373 nationally, #23 quarterback, and #1 in OR.)

Four-star Oregon quarterback Sam Leavitt committed to the Michigan State Spartans on Thursday, one day after decommitting from the Washington State Cougars. He had been committed to the Cougars since July second before backing off his pledge on Wednesday. Leavitt was in East Lansing last weekend for an official visit and was offered then. He said he chose the Spartans because 

"I fell in love with the staff and culture and environment on my visit. I feel like it's going to be a great fit for me, and it'll be the best place for me to reach my full potential." 

The Spartans now have the No. 28 overall class and fifth in the Big Ten.

–4-star ATH Jelani McDonald, Connally High School, Waco, Texas (#130, #6 athlete, and #26 in TX.)

Four-star linebacker Jelani McDonald will make his commitment on January 7, when he competes in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. The Longhorns, Oklahoma State Cowboys, and TCU Horned Frogs are the teams in the running for him. McDonald had committed to the Cowboys in July before backing off his pledge on October 25. However, he was in Fort Worth last weekend for an official visit with the TCU Horned Frogs. Regarding his visit, he said, 

"It was good, I liked it, and they're definitely one of the top schools that I would go to." 

The Longhorns are the overwhelming favorite to land him, according to the On3 RPM, with a 97.3%. I agree and like the Longhorns too.

–4-star 2024 QB Jake Merklinger, Calvary Day School, Savannah, Georgia (#81 nationally, #7 quarterback, and #16 in GA.)

The North Carolina Tar Heels offered four-star 2024 Georgia quarterback Jake Merklinger on Thursday night. He has 22 total offers, and according to the On3 RPM, the Florida Gators are the early favorites to land him with a 31.2% chance, followed by the Michigan State Spartans at 27.3% and the Tennessee Volunteers at 17.7%. Speaking of the Volunteers, on Monday, December 12, quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle visited him at his high school. Merklinger is a top target for the Volunteers and has visited them three times since March. However, keep an eye on the Tar Heels here.