Guys/Gals. I can’t keep up. Softball is kicking ass and the Lady Raiders basketball picked up a commit. I’m on vacation starting today, driving to Hamilton, Ohio again for the Under Armour national tournament for Yo and then we are vacationing at the Red River Gorge Geological Area (it is apparently not a national park) since we’ll be so close. You know me, I’ll still try to post every day. Hell or high water. Enjoy your day.
Player: Hunter Haug
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 205
Class: 2027
Position: Safety
High School: Smithson Valley HS | Spring Branch, TX
Stats: Played a key role in all three phases as a junior for Smithson Valley’s 15-1 Texas 5A D-I state championship team. Amassed 2,053 all-purpose yards, including 1,156 receiving yards. Scored 16 total TDs. Also recorded 57 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 INT, 2 FF, and 1 FR (via 24/7 Sports link).
Recruiting Profiles: On3 89.72 4-star | 24/7 Sports 88 3-star | ESPN 79 3-star
Offers: Texas Tech, TCU, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Houston, Iowa State, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Texas, UTSA, Navy, Sam Houston, San Diego State, Texas State, UTEP, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Pennsylvania, Princeton
On3’s Sam Spiegelman on Haug’s commitment to Texas Tech:
“They have been very consistent in communicating. They are coming off a strong year winning the Big 12 and look like they are building something special. They say I fit that,” Haug told Rivals. “I got to meet with Coach (Joey) McGuire and James Blanchard one-on-one, and see the team and envision myself out there. I really enjoyed my time there, and it feels like a good fit.”
Red Raider Sports’ Jarrett Ramirez also spoke with Haug about his commitment.
Player: Zarius Matavao
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 290
Class: 2027
Position: Offensive Line
High School: NFL Academy | Melbourne, Australia
Stats: N/A
Recruiting Profiles: On3 83.67 3-star | 24/7 Sports 85 3-star | ESPN N/R
Offers: Texas Tech, California, TCU, Kansas State, Minnesota, Syracuse, South Florida
Zarius Matavao was born in Sydney, Australia, and grew up in Melbourne. He represented Victoria State in basketball and played high-performance rugby league for Melbourne Storm SG, while also competing in basketball from a young age.
American football was not initially part of his plans until 2025, when he was scouted at the NFL Academy Asia Pacific camp on the Gold Coast. Identified by Coach Will for his size, length, and athletic ability, Zarius began his football journey and later progressed through the NFL Academy Asia Pacific and NFL Academy UK programs.
Zarius is currently studying Sports Coaching and enjoys basketball, drawing, and painting. In the NFL he supports the Philadelphia Eagles.