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One of the reasons that Baltimore (Mary.) Gilman quarterback Kai Locksley was willing to take his commitment public on Monday instead of waiting until Wednesday to do so is the opportunity that it provides him to do some recruiting to help finish out the 2015 class.
On Tuesday evening, Locksley let Texas fans who that he's busy doing exactly that:
Man I'm really pulling some strings recruiting.. I feel like pops right now. But we are in the midst of a legendary class #LetsRide15
— Kai Locksley (@LOCKSnLOADED_3) February 4, 2015
His initial efforts after pledging probably won't be successful:
Kai Locksley says he’ll start recruiting now: "Gotta get Big Mack and Mr. Jamabo, Mr. ITT Tech."
— Max Olson (@max_olson) February 3, 2015
Since both of those prospects look headed elsewhere, it may be too little, too late with them.
One of his other targets is Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga athlete Marcus Lewis. An alum of The Opening, Lewis has said that he's considering Texas, along with Florida State and one-time finalists Kentucky and Miami. There was some hope on Monday evening that he would put off his decision until after National Signing Day in order to allow him time to take an official visit to Austin.
However, it seems that won't happen, as he's expected to announce on Wednesday morning.
Still, Locksley hasn't given up:
#LongHorn nation show my broski @THE_NUMERO_UNO love we need big time players in this class! #DCtoATX #LetsRide15
— Kai Locksley (@LOCKSnLOADED_3) February 4, 2015
He also sent out the following to Oregon safety commit PJ Locke, who looks poised to sign with Texas in a ceremony at his high school on Wednesday morning after a report came out Tuesday evening that he'd already made the decision:
— Kai Locksley (@LOCKSnLOADED_3) February 3, 2015
Though Locksley probably won't be successful in his efforts to bring Lewis with him to Austin and likely didn't have much influence on Locke's pending decision, it's never bad to see that type of leadership from a quarterback.
And it's a reminder of just how close Texas came to giving Matthew Merrick a full scholarship this cycle.