June 15th was the first day that coaches and recruiting staff could reach out directly to recruits in the 2028 class. Here’s a group for UH fans to keep an eye on.
Offered by Houston
QB Tristin “TK” Gaines – Waller
Gaines is a national recruit who is being pursued by top programs, but has already been on the UH campus several times. As I mentioned on the Talk Around Towns recently, he is the top target at the position for the Coogs. He is also a very good baseball player. Rivals has Gaines as a Top 10 QB in the 2028 class nationally.
RB Ian Thomas – Tomball
Like Gaines, Thomas has also been to campus more than once. He is the son of former Texas A&M Aggie and Houston Oiler, Rodney Thomas. Another national recruit, the Coogs will do what they can to keep him home. He is the #1 running back in the 2028 class, according to 247. Thomas tells me running back coach Jordy Joseph is already building a relationship with him.
WR Amarien Hughes – Caney Creek
Hughes, listed at 6’3 185, was offered by Houston in early May. I first noticed him for my day job at Catapult Sports last October. Several others have offered, including TCU and SMU, but I think he is still a bit of a secret relative to his talent. Hughes has a good blend of fluidity running routes, the length to make tough catches, and return ability. I think he ends up being the primary target wherever he plays.
Other offers:
DT RJ Wyms and Jordyn Grant – College Park
LB Khalen Taylor and Brayden Bonik – Ridge Point
DB Dailon Denkins – Hightower
Players to Monitor
To be clear, these are players that I believe will end up on the staff’s radar. Either because of my personal evaluation of them, or they have already been on campus and are likely being monitored as they develop.
QB Corbin Smejkal – Atascocita
I talked a bit about Smejkal recently on the Talk Around Towns podcast. He transferred over from College Park, where he was the backup to Cincinnati commit Camden Hughes. I initially saw him at the Rivals Camp, where he earned an invitation back after impressing on the first day. Houston has not offered him, but I think as he puts together film, he will draw the attention of many programs. He’ll compete for the starting job at Atascocita. He played for new head coach Kyle Coats, who also came over from College Park.
iOL George Perez – CE King
Perez attended Houston’s spring game, but has not yet been offered by the Coogs. He shows versatility, playing every position on the offensive line. Ultimately, I think he settles in at center. Perez had a great weekend at the Rivals Camp. One of the coaches who had worked with the offensive linemen there told me that Perez was the best player at the camp the last two seasons.
LB Nezaree Guy – Willis
Outside his family, I may be this Guy’s number-one fan. He transitioned from WR to LB as he continues to grow, and I think it will prove fruitful for his future. He displays the bend and quickness to rush the passer off the edge, which pairs well with his length. Playing in the middle of the field at linebacker looks comfortable for him as well. If he continues to fill out and build mass, he will ultimately settle on the edge rushing the passer. Either way, he is a player to monitor, and I think he ends up with multiple P4 suitors.
Others to monitor:
QB Donovan Warren – Episcopal (attended spring practice)
WR Tristan Cross – Cy Springs (attended spring game)
TE Cam Bateman – Foster
DT Bruce Warren – Grand Oaks
DB Simon Ayemere – Elsik
DB Carter Francis – Katy Jordan (attended spring practice)
