Texas A&M inked one of the state’s premier pass-catchers in Jalen Preston.
The four-star prospect committed to the Aggies back on Saturday, July 29 and never wavered. He’s the third wide receiver in Texas A&M’s 2018 recruiting class joining December signees Caleb Chapman and Montel Parker.
Jalen Preston
Ranked as the ninth-best player in the state of Texas by 247Sports, Preston chose the Aggies over Oklahoma, LSU, and Ole Miss among others.
“I thought about waiting until signing day, but it just felt like home and the coaches made it feel like home and it’s just great up there,” Preston told Scout.com.
The Manvel, Texas native caught 42 passes for 876 yards and 10 touchdowns last season at Manvel High School. He also rushed for 261 yards on 36 carries with six touchdowns. And returned the ball 24 times for 512 yards.
His excellent play helped the Mavericks go 14-1 and reach the UIL 5A D1 State Championship. In the title game, Preston set two UIL state records: most receiving yards (220) and longest touchdown reception (95 yards).
“Jalen had a great year,” Manvel head coach Kirk Martin said to the Houston Chronicle. “He always performed the best versus the toughest competition. [Jalen] is a great competitor, probably the most competitive kid I’ve ever coached. He took his God-given talent and combined it with a great work ethic, unbelievable toughness and extreme competitiveness. The result was a complete athlete.”
Following the season, he was named the Houston Chronicle’s Offensive Player of the Year and an Under Armour All-American.
Preston becomes Texas A&M’s sixth four-star recruit in the class and their second at wide receiver.
With Christian Kirk leaving early for the NFL, the 6-foot-2, 212-pound wideout has a chance to make an early impact.
He’ll compete with rising sophomores Jhamon Ausbon, Camron Buckley, Hezekiah Jones, and Roshauud Paul, along with the incoming Chapman and Parker, in the fall for playing time.
As Jimbo Fisher looks to take Texas A&M to the next level, adding a player of Preston’s caliber will help the Aggies return to the top of college football.
