Four-star RB James Simon commits to Texas

The Longhorns land another blue-chip prospect from The Boot.

James Simon, a running back for the Shreveport (La.) Cavalry Baptist, disclosed his commitment to the Texas Longhorns on Wednesday while attending the On3 Elite Series in Nashville. The Longhorns will face the Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Texas A&M Aggies.

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.

Daniel Seahorn’s analysis:

Simon, who is 5’11 and 200 pounds, is a powerful, little runner with good size for the position. originates from a Calvary Baptist offense that largely relies on various running back draws and delays, which is something I haven’t seen many running backs do throughout the years. Over the previous two seasons, Simon has amassed over 2,600 yards of total ground yardage and 49 touchdowns (six receptions, 43 rushing). The strength Simon exhibits in his lower body to accelerate through contact, his balance through contact, and his lateral speed to produce missed tackles in confined spaces are his strongest attributes as shown on film.

The attacking strategy centered on the draw gives him multiple chances to demonstrate such qualities because he occasionally has to BYOB (be your own blocker) when defenders break free into the backfield and when he reaches the second level of the defense. has a superb jump cut that accentuates his lateral agility, good vision, and patience when running. demonstrates strong competitive tenacity as a runner by actively seeking out contact with opponents.

He will attempt to pass guys and is not afraid to sink his shoulder into them. possesses video proof that, when called upon by the offense, he is a reliable pass catcher. has run some shallow routes and lined up wide in the slot. demonstrates some ability to catch the ball away from his body, but his route running is lacking. comes from a strong athletic background; his father was running back at Louisiana Tech in the late 1990s and early 2000s before taking a brief stint in the NFL with the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans.

At Grambling State, John Sr. is currently the offensive coordinator. John, the older brother of Simon, was a three-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting class who chose to enroll with Louisiana Tech, following in his father’s footsteps. The Power 4 programs who have chased Simon show that he has the ability to be the greatest of the bunch, and he is now ready to start his own legacy at the highest level in Austin.