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On April 27 two of Texas’ highest-profile high school football prospects made their college choices public, reshaping recruiting narratives for two Power Five programs. The commitments — a dynamic running back to Texas Tech and a top-ranked center to Florida — carry immediate implications for depth charts and recruiting pipelines heading into the fall.
Lubbock-bound: DeSoto’s SaRod Baker picks Texas Tech
A standout from DeSoto, SaRod Baker announced he will play for Texas Tech, choosing the Red Raiders over numerous in-state and national suitors. The junior drew heavy attention after a highlight-packed season and official visits to several programs this spring.
Baker’s 2025 campaign was prolific: he finished the year with an eye-popping 3,206 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns. His most memorable performance came in the semifinals, when he rushed for 402 yards and seven scores — including a 99-yard touchdown on the game’s final play.
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The running back drew offers from more than 30 schools and had scheduled visits to Texas A&M and Texas before committing. A March campus trip to Lubbock appears to have been decisive.
- Position: Running back (DeSoto)
- Destination: Texas Tech
- 2025 stats: 3,206 rushing yards, 43 TDs; 402 yards and 7 TDs in the semifinal
- Recruiting rank: Top-10 running back nationally in several services (On3, 247Sports)
- Offers/visits: 30+ offers; official visits to multiple Power Five programs
Texas Tech’s recent rise in the Big 12 and appearance in last season’s playoff picture helped the school close the deal. Baker joins a group of in-state recruits already committed to Lubbock, strengthening the Red Raiders’ local pipeline at a position where they did not bring in a transfer this cycle.
Coaches and roster watchers will be watching whether Baker follows the path of other high school stars who made early impacts at the Power Five level. With no transfer running back currently blocking immediate opportunities, he could compete for snaps sooner than many freshmen.
Gainesville pickup: Anna center Peyton Miller chooses Florida
From the northern Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs, offensive lineman Peyton Miller declared for the University of Florida in a live announcement at his high school. The 6-foot-5, 295-pound center is widely regarded as the top player at his position in the Class of 2027.
Miller drew interest from dozens of programs — including Texas Tech, Clemson and SMU — and reportedly had 34 scholarship offers. Recruiting services place him among the nation’s top prospects for his class: high marks as the No. 1 center and strong overall rankings across national boards.
He cited Florida’s track record of developing NFL-level talent and the vision of new coach Jon Sumrall as key factors in his decision. His future position coach, Phil Trautwein, played on two national championship Gator teams, an experience Miller said resonated with him.
- Position: Center (Anna High School)
- Destination: Florida
- Size: 6’5”, 295 lbs
- Recruiting notes: Ranked No. 1 center nationally for 2027; top-100 listings on major recruiting platforms
- Multi-sport background: Competed in wrestling (placed fourth in 5A at 285 lbs) and track & field
Florida’s current spring depth chart lists a junior, Harrison Moore, as the starting center and a redshirt sophomore as the primary backup. That said, Miller’s physical profile and the shifting roster landscape driven by the transfer portal mean early playing time cannot be ruled out for the four-star recruit.
What these commits mean now
Both announcements matter beyond the individual players. For Texas Tech, securing a high-end, home-state running back helps preserve local recruiting momentum and gives the coaching staff a potential playmaker who fits the roster’s needs without relying on the transfer market.
For Florida, landing the nation’s top center prospect strengthens the offensive line pipeline at a position where continuity and NFL upside are prized. It also signals that Sumrall’s staff can attract elite talent amid a crowded transfer landscape.
- Immediate impact: Possible early competition for starting roles at both programs, depending on roster movement and development.
- Recruiting ripple effects: Each commitment strengthens in-state ties and can influence undecided prospects weighing nearby Power Five options.
- Program narratives: Texas Tech continues to emphasize building through local talent; Florida leans on player development and SEC exposure.
As summer camps and official visits continue, these two commitments will be watched closely — both for how they affect fall depth charts and for what they say about each program’s recruiting momentum heading into the next cycle.
