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HOUSTON, Texas — Highly-touted 2019 Texas Longhorns wide receiver Theo Wease was on hand for Houston’s Nike The Opening Regional for a very specific reason — to prove he’s worth his national ranking and the increasingly impressive list of offers.
“Just any confusion from anybody that thinks I’m boosted or that I shouldn’t be getting these offers; I just want to clear up any confusion about that,” Wease told Burnt Orange Nation of what he wanted to accomplish at the star-studded camp. “I know Houston’s deep with the DBs and I want to get some good work from all of them.”
Still a sophomore, Wease has already picked up 16 offers from programs including Texas, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, TCU, Georgia and Washington State, despite not starting last season and hauling in just 35 receptions for 421 yards and eight touchdowns.
The offers largely stem from his potential to grow into an elite prospect, which Wease is already well on his way to becoming. The proof is in the precise route running and ability to make catches many receivers cannot, which were on full display at Saturday’s camp.
Really good group of '19 WR's in Houston. These 3 stood out
— Ronny Torres (@RonnyTorresSS) February 7, 2017
• @king_hendi
• @weasejr_
• @J_Whitt3 pic.twitter.com/vavCanTCB7
(Wease is the third receiver in the video above)
2019 Allen WR Theo Wease pic.twitter.com/ltzsgdQkqN
— EJ Holland (@EJHolland247) February 4, 2017
Despite still being fairly early in his recruitment, Wease said it’s already “been crazy,” making note of a two-day period in which he picked up offers from Texas, Baylor, Mississippi State, TCU, Iowa State and UTSA late last month.
“I’ve been getting a lot of offers — like in two days I got six offers. It’s crazy but I try not to let it get to my head, I just try to keep balling.”
For the most part, Wease said the entire process has been enjoyable, aside from constantly being asked by his high school peers which school he’ll take his talents to because, well, Wease doesn't even know the answer to that just yet.
Wease does, though, have an idea of where he could envision himself playing following his two remaining seasons at Allen.
“I’d say Oklahoma,” Wease said when asked which schools are prioritizing him. “They’ve shown a lot of interest in me when I went to the Junior Day (Jan. 28).”
The Sooners long lineage of standout receivers that ultimately land in the NFL has been a point on emphasis from the staff, as Oklahoma believes he can continue that trend, along with 2017 signees Charleston Rambo and CeeDee Lamb.
“I noticed it actually with Sterlin Shephard that’s out here [at The Opening] today,” Wease said. “He brought my attention to OU and I see that they always have a good quarterback that can throw that ball.”
While it was clear that Wease’s interest in Oklahoma is extremely high, he said he’s been in contact with Texas and offensive line coach Derek Warehime and has high interest in the ‘Horns, as well.
“They’ll be in the top for sure,” Wease said when asked where the Longhorns stand with him.
He will be in attendance for Texas Junior Day later this month.
List cuts and and commitment dates are still some significant time away for the junior-to-be.
“As of right now, I’m going to enjoy it. I don’t really feed into it [the attention]. As time goes on, I’ll probably shut it down pretty early.
For now, though, Wease’s focus is on the next step in his development as a player, both on the field and in the locker room.
“I really just want to make this offense better,” Wease said of his goals for next season. “I want to be one of the leaders of the offense because last year, I was a sophomore, an underclassman, and didn’t start, but I still tried to be vocal. This year, I’m going to start and I’m going to try to pump up the receiver group, pump up the quarterbacks, running backs. I’m trying to have a deep playoff run and try to win state.”