**Texas Longhorns Secure Commitment from Elite RB James Simon**
The Texas Longhorns have successfully landed four-star running back James Simon from Shreveport, Louisiana. Ranked as the No. 10 running back in the 2025 class by 247Sports, Simon’s commitment marks a significant achievement for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns.
Simon’s commitment is particularly noteworthy given that LSU, one of his top contenders, was initially favored to secure his pledge. Other finalists included Notre Dame, Texas A&M, and Alabama. However, Simon chose Texas, expressing strong belief in Sarkisian’s program in Austin.
“I definitely think they’re going to be one of the best programs in the nation,” Simon told On3. He highlighted Texas’ appearance in the College Football Playoff last year and their consistent contention for national championships as key factors in his decision.
Building strong relationships played a crucial role in Simon’s choice. Sarkisian and running backs coach Tashard Choice invested considerable effort in connecting with him, convincing him of his potential success at Texas. Simon was particularly impressed by the coaching staff’s vision for his role in the offense.
“The way coach Sarkisian talked to me about how he’s going to use me and how he sees me fitting in the offense, it was something I couldn’t say no to,” Simon said.
As a junior at Calvary Baptist Academy, Simon showcased his talent by rushing for 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 8.3 yards per carry. He also contributed 20 receptions for 214 yards and three touchdowns. His performance and potential make him a valuable addition to the Longhorns, who have previously developed NFL-ready backs like Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks.
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