Lone Star Recruiting News and Notes 7-18-23

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Football recruiting is a facet of the game that will always be busy for parents, players, and coaches. Recruiting headlines much like the preparations the players are making for the upcoming season are starting to heat up. We are going to shine a spotlight on some prospects that have made recruiting headlines over the past week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='743322' first='Selman' last='Bridges']-Defensive Back-Lake Belton-6'4” 170-Pounds-2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743322' first='Selman' last='Bridges'] has excellent size at 6'4” for the cornerback or safety positions. Bridges is a physical defensive back that can separate the ball from the ball carrier with very little difficulty. He does a great job of making plays on the ball while it is in the air. Over the years, having taller defensive backs to contend with bigger wide receivers has been effective at all levels. Last week, Bridges placed his verbal commitment with the Arkansas Razorbacks. He has the opportunity to earn some playing time at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ashton Coker-Defensive Line-Katy Taylor-6'2” 290-Pounds-2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past few years, Ashton Coker's versatility has opened plenty of eyes. Coker can play the edge rush and the tackle positions with impressive effectiveness. He has the ability to push opposing offensive linemen back into the running back and clog up the rushing lanes. Coker is quick enough to rush the passer and cause plenty of problems for the opposing passing game. Over the weekend, Coker placed his commitment with Louisiana Tech. Coker is a defensive lineman with the ability to play on Saturdays in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason McWilliams-Defensive Back-Benbrook-6'1” 173-Pounds-2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McWilliams is an impressive defensive back. He does a tremendous job of playing the ball while it is in the air. McWilliams has the speed to give opposing wide receivers problems. He is physical enough to jam wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. The Benbrook defensive back had the opportunity to visit Hendrix College over the weekend. McWilliams has set the stage for a strong 2023 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='147457' first='Harry' last='Stewart III']-Running Back-Centennial-5'10” 200-Pounds-2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Centennial running back is extremely patient when it comes to allowing a rushing lane to develop. He has no problem exploding through the hole once his blockers have cleared a path. Stewart III will not be brought down on initial contact. He can cut the run to the outside and take off down the sidelines. Earlier in the summer, Stewart III placed his commitment with the Kansas Jayhawks. He has the potential to do some big things at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390755' first='Jelani' last='Watkins']-Wide Receiver-Klein Forest-5'9” 158-Pounds-2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='390755' first='Jelani' last='Watkins'] has excellent speed and that is a trait that is tough to defend against. Watkins has the speed to stretch the field vertically. However, that takes nothing away from the impressive route running that the young man has. Watkins has taken the summer to help narrow his list of schools down to four. Watkins has set a final four of LSU, Texas A&amp;M, Texas, and Arkansas. Watkins has the potential to have a strong season and I expect some big plays from him this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->