James Simon, a running back for Shreveport, Louisiana’s Cavalry Baptist, stated on Wednesday that he has committed to the Texas Longhorns over the Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Texas A&M Aggies while in Nashville for the On3 Elite Series.
Simon stated that upon his return from visiting Austin for the Orange-White game in April, he made a secret commitment to head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns.
“I would say that I was aware of it a good month or two ago, having gone down there repeatedly and realizing that it always felt like home. However, all they did was consistently show me their love and value and that I was their first priority. Thus, I could tell it was time,” Simon remarked.
After receiving an offer from Texas in March of last year, Simon quickly rose to the top of Choice’s recruiting board. Jordon Davison of Santa Ana, California’s Mater Dei is no longer a target, and Simon plans to make an official visit to Austin on June 21.
There wasn’t much drama surrounding Simon’s announcement because this is the only official visit he has scheduled. The Longhorns were regarded as the front-runner with the last six 247Sports Crystal Ball projections since the home-state Tigers signed fellow Louisiana product TJ Lindsey last month.
Simon, a four-star prospect by most accounts, is ranked No. 200 overall and No. 13 among running backs in the 247Sports Composite.
With a 1,000-yard season and 22 running touchdowns as a sophomore, Simon made waves in the recruiting field. In 2023, he accumulated 1,600 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns.
As the Longhorns continue to amass talent in the offensive backfield, Simon joins Tyler Chapel Hill’s Rickey Stewart as the second running back pledge for position coach Tashard Choice in the 2025 cycle. Texas currently has 10 commitments in the class, which is ranked 13th in the US.
