4-star safety recruit Leon O’Neal commits to Texas A&M just before National Signing Day

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The Aggies are getting an elite player in O’Neal.

Four-star safety Leon O’Neal committed to Texas A&M on Monday.

Out of Cypress (Texas) Springs High School, O’Neal is one of the top safety recruits in the nation. He chose the Aggies over at least 32 other offers, including Clemson, Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, and more. He had previously committed to Texas A&M in June, but decommitted in early December, after the firing of coach Kevin Sumlin.

O’Neal was so coveted because of his combination of skills. At 6’1 and 195 pounds, O’Neal has excellent size for a safety prospect coming out of high school. It makes him a quality defender in the box against the run. Yet he has the coverage ability that should allow him to remain at the safety position instead of moving to linebacker, like some with his frame might have to do.

Despite physicality being a significant part of his game, O’Neal shows well in the non-contact setting of 7v7 football, covering smaller receivers in open space.

On a cold day in February 2017, O’Neal posted a SPARQ score of 99 at the Houston Nike Opening regional camp.