A&M In Preston's "Top 12"

Manvel 2018 Rivals100 wide receiver Jalen Preston confirmed in March that two teams, LSU and Texas A&M, would be likely to fall in his list of top schools. On Sunday he made it official and announced a ‘top 12.’ Joining A&M and LSU in the top 12 are TCU, Oklahoma, Baylor, Michigan, Utah, Ole Miss, Louisville, Oregon, Texas and Florida.

“My dad I spoke about it and agreed that it was about time to start narrowing it down,” said the four-star prospect. “We did some research on all of the schools; like how much they pass, and basically how much passing yards they had. That’s how we narrowed it down..What offense they ran, good teams and good programs is what went behind the decision.”

Preston has just been focusing on narrowing his list down and working out hard in the weight-room at Manvel. He has been on some visits this spring to College Station and checking in with the Aggies.

“I went to Friday Night Lights, and then they reached out when they saw they were in the top 12,” said Preston. “They felt pretty good about it and I said ‘you guys knew you would be on there.' They were pumped.”

As far as FNL and recent visits Preston had positive feedback.

“It was great at Friday Night Lights to see the offense pass all around, and seeing Jhamon Ausbon out there starting early and making an impact was encouraging,” said Preston. “I thought, 'Man, that could be me.' Early playing will definitely play a part ... Basically all of these schools that made the list are good programs, on offense they pass the ball and they make me feel like family, like I’m home.”

After another recent visit to Aggieland Head Coach Kevin Sumlin assured Preston that they would treat him like family at A&M.

“This time they took me to the dorms that the players stay in the first year,” he said. “I went walking around the coaches offices too and those were pretty nice. I had a talk with Coach Sumlin and he was just telling me they’d really treat me like family up there…I’ve still been talking to Coach (Aaron) Moorehead more than anybody [on the Aggies staff],” he said. “He hasn’t been to one of my basketball games in a while but he said he’ll see me soon when he comes back down to Manvel.”

From here on out Preston said he would still need to figure out how he would take that next step of narrowing his list even further.

“I want take a look around and this spring and summer I want to get my officials visits set up,” said Preston. “In July I have the Opening, and then I just want figure out officials. That’s really it.”

Preston recorded 33 catches for 664 yards and 10 touchdowns in his 2016 junior season.