Explosive WR Jaylen Waddle includes Texas among Top 12

One of the nation’s premier pass-catchers began cutting the fat in his recruitment on Wednesday night and the Texas Longhorns remain in the mix after Bellaire Episcopal wide receiver Jaylen Waddle released his top 12.

Along with Texas, Waddle listed TCU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama, Oregon, Georgia, LSU, Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss and Miami as the programs he’s still considering at this point in his recruitment.

With 24 offers to date, programs including Auburn, Baylor, Arkansas, Houston, Kansas State, Notre Dame and Oklahoma State missed the cut, among others.

Easily one of the nation’s most explosive and dynamic prospects, Waddle has visited the Forty Acres a couple times this spring for the Longhorns’ junior day, as well as April’s Orange-White spring game. While Texas is certainly in a good position with Waddle and would have likely even made a top five, the ‘Horns will have their work cut out for them in hope of ultimately securing his commitment.

Waddle certainly has all of the makings of a star at the next level and although Texas already has a commitment from four-star Florida native Justin Watkins and remains in excellent standing with guys like Brennan Eagles and Al’vonte Woodard, Waddle is a guy Texas will surely benefit from if they can earn his pledge.

As a junior, the 5’9.5, 175-pound Waddle hauled 48 receptions for 1,382 yards and 26 touchdowns, along with 277 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Waddle also returned two punt returns and three kick returns for scores.