Gladewater Sophomore Daylon Mack Names Early Leader, But is “Considering Everywhere”

GLADEWATER -- Ask football coaches, on any level, how hard it is to find impact defensive linemen, especially inside. That's exactly what Daylon Mack is.

The Gladewater sophomore had a huge 2012 season with 62 tackles, 16 for loss, six sacks, and six fumble recoveries. His production and potential -- thanks to his 6-foot-2, 297-pound frame -- have resulted in him already receiving four offers: Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and TCU.

He told ETSN.fm on Wednesday afternoon that SMU, Texas, and TCU visited Gladewater last week. Gladewater coach Jerrod Baugh added that Aggie head coach Kevin Sumlin visited Tuesday. Mack is keeping his options open, but he likes the Aggies.

"I'm really enjoying (the recruiting process). I'm loving all the attention and stuff like that. For (the four schools) to offer this early, that was a huge deal," Mack said. "I'm considering everywhere. Right now, A&M's my top choice."

Under Sumlin, Texas A&M has appeared to increase its recruiting efforts in East Texas, where the Aggies signed no players in 2007 and 2009 and only four in the five years prior to Sumlin's arrival.

About a month and a half after getting the A&M job last winter, Sumlin and the Aggies got Carthage's Edward Pope to switch commitments from TCU to Texas A&M, which has already received commitments from 2014 East Texas prospects Jamal Jeffery of Lufkin (receiver) and Josh Walker of Gilmer (linebacker). Other 2014 East Texans who have received interest from A&M include Newton's Kevin Shorter (athlete) and Whitehouse's Patrick Mahomes (quarterback). Shorter said A&M has offered him, while the Aggies have invited Mahomes to Sunday's junior day.

When asked if there was anywhere he'd like to hear from that he hasn't yet, Mack said the other Brazos Valley school to produce a Heisman Trophy winner in the last two seasons.

"Baylor. I haven't heard anything from Baylor," Mack said. "I was wondering about that."

Baugh, who just completed his third season as the Bears' head coach, came to Gladewater from Longview, where he served as offensive coordinator. At Longview, he coached offensive tackle Trent Williams (Oklahoma/Washington Redskins), receiver Malcolm Kelly (Oklahoma), and running back Vondrell McGee (Texas).

Baugh said none of his Longview players received as much recruiting interest as early as Mack has. He also said that Mack is near the top of his class academically.

The soft-spoken sophomore defender said academics will play a big role in where he eventually decides to go. While a lot of people are already giving him their input on where he should wind up, he said it's ultimately his decision.

"I'm listening, but I know in the end I'm gonna have the real say-so of where to go."