At the On3 Elite Series in Nashville, Shreveport (La.) Cavalry Baptist running back James Simon announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns on Wednesday, choosing them over the Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Texas A&M Aggies.
Simon revealed that he had given head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns a silent commitment after his visit to Austin for the Orange-White game in April.
“I knew about a good month or two ago,” Simon said. “Continuously visiting there, it always felt like home. They showed me consistent love and made it clear I was a top priority for them. So I knew it was time.”
Texas offered Simon last March, and he quickly became a top target for the Longhorns, especially after Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei’s Jordon Davison was no longer in their sights. Simon plans to take an official visit to Austin on June 21, his only scheduled visit, solidifying Texas as the favorite. The Longhorns were already considered the leader by the last six 247Sports Crystal Ball projections since LSU secured a commitment from fellow Louisiana recruit TJ Lindsey last month.
Simon, a consensus four-star prospect, is ranked as the No. 200 player nationally and the No. 13 running back in the 247Sports Composite rankings. He gained attention as a sophomore with a 1,000-yard season and 22 rushing touchdowns, and followed that with 1,600 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in 2023.
Simon is the second running back commitment for position coach Tashard Choice in the 2025 cycle, joining Tyler Chapel Hill’s Rickey Stewart. Texas now has 10 commitments in the class, ranking No. 13 nationally.
Analysis by Daniel Seahorn:
Simon is a strong, compact runner at 5’11” and 200 pounds, playing in an offense at Calvary Baptist that uses various running back delays and draws. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated over 2,600 yards and 49 touchdowns (43 rushing, six receiving). His best traits include his lower body power to accelerate through contact, balance, and lateral quickness to avoid tackles in tight spaces. The offensive style he plays in allows him to showcase these skills, often requiring him to create his own blocking. He demonstrates good vision, patience, and a competitive toughness, seeking out contact and attempting to overpower defenders. Simon also shows potential as a pass catcher, though he is still developing as a route runner. He has a strong athletic pedigree, with his father playing running back for Louisiana Tech and having a brief NFL career. His older brother, John, was a three-star recruit who signed with Louisiana Tech. Simon appears poised to be the best of his family, evidenced by the top programs pursuing him, and now aims to establish his legacy at Texas.