2027 Cypress Ranch High School defensive lineman Amari Vickerson picked up an offer from SMU on January 9. He also has offers from Missouri, Kent State, Miami (OH), Texas, UTEP, Nebraska, North Texas, Houston, Alabama, Texas A&M, UTSA, LSU, Central Michigan, Penn State, and TCU.

The Hilltopics caught up with the 6-foot-3, 260-pound defensive tackle who helped lead the Mustangs to the second round of the playoffs and was named a 16-6A 2nd Team All-District selection.

"The season was very solid for me, and in my first year on varsity, I've done pretty well stat-wise and in my development. Our team overall has been so much more improved from the other years because of the coaching staff and the bond we have with one another. We treat each other like a family and never downplay each other, and that is what has made the team such a force."

Vickerson's recruitment has picked up recently as he has added offers from some big-name programs.

"My recruiting process has skyrocketed over the last 6-9 months because I'm showing all my recruiting coaches that I can play at a high level and be successful at my position."

SMU is one of the programs that he has wanted to receive an offer from due to the way they develop their players.

"SMU has been a school I wanted to receive an offer from because they develop defensive linemen well. Defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux offered me, and I felt pretty good about myself receiving the offer because my film, size, and work are now starting to show off so much more."

Vickerson told me that he has been hearing from some other programs lately, including Michigan State, Penn State, Florida State, and Ohio State. He was also recently at the Texas A&M Junior Day.