Around the State: Class of ’23 Sleepers

Chris Hunt

June 29, 2022 @ 11:10 PM

It's pretty easy to come across unheralded sleepers when travelling through the Lone Star State. In this article, we'll take a look at a stellar athlete in La Grange, two sporty outside 'backers in Houston, and two under-the-radar offensive linemen. Four of these five standouts have no offers yet. ATH CJ Davis Jr. – 5'10″ 175 / La Grange HS — @CJtheStar6 A heavily under-recruited athlete, Davis is looking to explode onto the recruiting scene in 2022. Equipped with a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash and sub-4.1 pro agility, he's got the potential to take over a game. When lined up at RB, he combines his speed with excellent vision and cut-back ability, and when he's at CB, he's got oily hips and can run with anyone. Elite ball skills set him apart. Major sleeper heading into 2022. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14954934/6150f9f419a5200f7046a931">CJ Davis Jr. Junior Season - Hudl</a>   G/T Nijel Akpom – 6'5″ 340 / Irving MacArthur HS — @NJakpom75 Akpom has recently camped at Texas, but no offers as of yet. For a 340-pounder, his footwork is exceptional. Looks graceful when he pulls in the run game, and always gets a good push. He doesn't have a ton of film from last season, but all indications are that a nice senior season is in store. Could be a late riser throughout his senior campaign. Would be a steal for a smaller program. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15775304/6191f8f1f31ce60af8857b5c">Nijel Akpom Junior Season - Hudl</a>   OLB Jabari Jackson – 6'4″ 205 / Giddings HS — @JabariJ50814190 Jackson is a play disruptor who lives in the backfield. Looks really impressive in backside pursuit, and has elite sideline-to-sideline speed. He's a little bit 'all over the place' and needs to play with a bit more control, but he's got the chops to become a really good outside 'backer at the college level. Keep an eye on the talented Buffalo this fall. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16192039/61cd7aa2c11b3c08803124fd">Jabari Jackson Junior Season - Hudl</a>   OT Charles Ebo – 6'4″ 250 / Kempner HS — @33chxrles 6-foot-4 with a 6'10" wingspan, Ebo is an offensive tackle prospect that may surprise this season. He has quick feet and the reach to protect the edge from speed rushers. In the ground game, he typically gets the better of opposing linemen by firing off the line and beating them to their gaps. Lastly, he's comfortable enough in space to make an impact at the second level. Would be a great addition to a smaller program's offensive line room.   OLB Cody Pham – 6'3″ 210 / Kempner HS — @CodyPham_ Pham's measurables jump off the page. 40" vertical. 4.31 pro agility. 4.59 in the 40. The first team all-district linebacker a season ago is ready to put up another stellar campaign on the gridiron. A hard-hitting, downhill 'backer that can smoothly drop into coverage, Pham is a must-have on your recruiting board. One thing he does exceptionally well is rush the passer. Routinely defeats cross blocks and gets in the backfield. Group of Five talent. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13208487/618712b119a6a408c800469c">Cody Pham Junior Season - Hudl</a>