Reaction: Texas Offers Eighth-Grader Dylan Moses

(Nola.com)

Last week, Texas offered a scholarship to an eighth-grader, the first middle school offer in program history.  Dylan Moses, a 6'1/215 eight-grader, now has offers from some of top programs in the country; LSU, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss, etc.  Right now, he's by far the most coveted prospect in the class of 2017.  An eighth-grader receiving all these offers from championship caliber programs has become a bit of a national story with ESPN mentioning him several times this week on different programs.  I'm not really sure what to make of this, but below are just a few random thoughts regarding to recruitment of Dylan Moses.

Some people, from comments I've read, don't think he's talented enough to be offered before playing a down of varsity football.  "Wait until the others catch up to him" is a popular phrase I've read.  Let me remind you, he's 6'1/215 and runs around a 4.5 40-yard dash.  Even if he doesn't improve his strength, skills, and speed, which is highly unlikely, the measurables alone are worth extending an offer to.  To me, there doesn't seem like any way he isn't still a highly sought-after prospect while he's a senior, barring injuries or off the field issues.  He's definitely worthy, talent wise, of a scholarship offer to a top tier program.

Take a guess which one he is.

I'm a little surprise that Texas, a program that doesn't offer many underclassman, offered Moses this early in the process.  Getting to build a relationship earlier is definitely an advantage, but remember, several other programs have already offered Moses too.  There doesn't seem to be that big of an advantage, from a Texas standpoint, to offer Moses now than wait a few more years.  And unless Texas or another program reels of a few championships, he seems destined to end up in the SEC West anyway.  

Does Texas, a great program and university, really want to become "one of those programs" that offers middle schoolers?  The recruiting landscape is rapidly changing, but is it really necessary to offer these prospects at such a young age?  Besides, think of the extra effort you now will put into recruiting him.  Is it worth it considering the low chances of him signing with you in four years?

Lastly, I have some sympathy for Moses, whose each move will be under the spotlight for the next four years.  He'll have to deal with all of the coaches trying to sell him their program, crazy/creepy fans and alumni, along with other off-the-field distractions.  In the end, I wish Moses the best and hope he can make it through these four years with as little drama as possible.