It's hard to get more American than getting a commitment from a Philadelphia football player on the Fourth of July. And that's just what happened for Texas A&M.
Philadelphia Northeast CB Tyreek Chappell committed to the Aggies Saturday, becoming the 11th member, and second corner, of the 2021 recruiting class. The Aggies topped the likes of West Virginia, Tennessee, Michigan and Ole Miss in landing the 3-star recruit.
Chappell continues A&M's hot streak on the Eastern Seaboard, largely due to the recruiting prowess of defensive tackles coach Elijah Robinson. After landing two players from New Jersey (Isaiah Raikes and Fadil Diggs) and one from Maryland (Josh Moten) in the 2020 class, the Aggies now have verbal commitments from Philadelphia and Brooklyn (DE Jahzion Harris).
Analysis of A&M's newest commit
I have to think not having spring practice hurt Chappell's ranking, because his highlights are nothing short of outstanding. For the second year in a row, A&M has gone east and gotten an excellent cover corner.
First, let's get the big stat out of the way: zero catches allowed in 2019. None. Nada. Zip. That's pretty amazing. But his play may have had, oh, just a lot to do with that.
For one thing, Chappell can fly. He blows by opponents on offense in a ridiculous fashion. But it's his work as a corner that really impresses. He's in the receiver's hip pocket from the first step and stays there. His lateral movement is great, but his speed is next level.
Chappell has a list positive traits you want in a corner. Good size? Check. He's 6 foot at the moment. Finds the ball in flight? Yes, and positions himself to make a play on it. Physical? Check. He seems to enjoy playing press man coverage.
A&M has gone national in its corner hunt the past two years and it's paying off. After adding in-state 5-star Jaylon Jones and Moten last year, the Aggies have Deuce Harmon from North Texas and Chappell from Philly. They all look like solid building blocks for a cornerback group that is getting progressively stronger.
