Lufkin 2025 DT Zion Williams (6'3, 295) is going to be one of the most heavily recruited players in the state, and he already has 15+ offers, including Texas, Texas A&M, TCU, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, USC and more.

"Right now, it's for sure, for sure, UT, TCU and A&M," Williams said. "(That's my) unofficial top three." 

TCU has a special connection with Williams powered by a longstanding relationship with Jamarkus McFarland (TCU Defensive Line Coach), who starred at Lufkin before playing at Oklahoma. 

Coach McFarland had the opportunity to watch Williams play when Lufkin faced Lancaster in the 2023 season finale. 

"Coach Jamarkus has known me for a really long time," Williams said. "He's gotten to watch me grow up, and he finally got to watch me play (in person). It felt really good for him to watch me play, even though we had to lose."

Texas Defensive Tackles Coach Bo Davis has also made a strong connection with the DCTF four-star, and he has seen players like Jerrin Thomspon go to Austin from Lufkin and enjoy success. 

"A lot of people from Lufkin that I know of personally have gone to play at Texas and had great careers afterward, Williams said. "If they can take care of them, they can take care of me too. 

"It's Texas. Texas has always been good since I was a little kid. UT is just a tight-knit family, and I like that about them."

Texas A&M interim head coach Elijah Robinson has been running point in Williams's recruitment for the Aggies. 

"They don't give up," Williams said of Texas A&M. "No matter the circumstances, a lot of people can learn from that right now. Coach Eli has gotten the D-line down; Coach Eli is a coach. He's a dawg when it comes to coaching. It's amazing to watch."