5 key Texas football recruits impressed by the July BBQ

Payton Pierce, LB

The first of the highly touted 2024 defensive targets for co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Jeff Choate and the Longhorns that we’re zoning in on here is the four-star Lovejoy linebacker Payton Pierce. Among the fastest-rising in-state blue-chip recruits for the 2024 cycle, Pierce is really seeing his recruitment heat up this summer.

Yet, Texas appears to be doing a great job early on in establishing a good connection with Pierce and his camp. And that was apparent during his visit to Austin for the July BBQ this week. Pierce was active on social media this week, namely in the midst of the July BBQ visit, and had positive feedback to give after it concluded.

This was the third time for Pierce visiting Texas unofficially since last fall. It was also his second time visiting Austin since spring ball.

It seems like Pierce and his family continue to enjoy their visits to Austin more and more with each trip. Texas continued to make a positive impact on him and his camp this week before he reportedly takes a trip to see head coach Dave Aranda and the Baylor Bears in the near future.

But don’t think that it’s just schools in and around the state of Texas that are in the running among the top group for Pierce early on. Pierce has a number of suitors after him entering the fall, which also includes the Tennesee Volunteers, Oklahoma Sooners, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Arkansas Razorbacks, among others.

Texas needs to continue to build momentum with Pierce heading into the fall as he starts to narrow his focus on his top schools.