The spotlight of the college football world shifts its focus to the small Texas town of Timpson – with a population of approximately 1,000 – on Wednesday for the second part of national signing day. Terry Bussey, a five-star prospect standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 180 pounds, holds the prestigious title of being the nation’s top-ranked player in the Athlete category. According to 247 Sports, he also holds the impressive overall ranking of 11th. Hailing from Timpson High, a school consisting of 224 students located 70 miles southwest of Shreveport, Louisiana, Bussey remains one of the two highest-ranked players who have yet to sign. The signing ceremony is scheduled to take place at Timpson High at 10 a.m. It is worth noting that the majority of the country’s most talented players signed during the early signing period in December.
Terry Bussey, a standout player from Timpson High School in Texas, has claimed the top spot as the nation’s number one player in the “Athlete” category. Timpson coach Kerry Therwanger spoke highly of Bussey’s abilities, stating, “He is an exceptional player to emerge from a small Texas school. He possesses the remarkable talent of making opponents miss without unnecessary hesitation. Additionally, he has the capability to effectively shut down one side of the field while playing safety.” With his versatility, Bussey has the potential to excel as a running back, receiver, or defensive back. Although he initially committed to Texas A&M in September, his decision may be swayed by LSU or Georgia, with rumors suggesting that the battle for his signature primarily involves these two schools.
During his junior year in 2022, Bussey achieved impressive statistics, rushing for 2,596 yards and scoring 46 touchdowns. He also demonstrated his skills as a passer, accumulating 2,096 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed 1,320 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. Bussey played a pivotal role in leading Timpson to their first-ever state championship title in 2023, securing the 2A Division 1 crown. Throughout his high school career, Bussey has amassed an impressive record of 93 rushing touchdowns, 24 interceptions (including four pick-sixes), and six punt return touchdowns. Determining where and when to utilize Bussey’s exceptional speed (with a recorded time of 10.6 seconds in the 100-yard dash) will undoubtedly provide an exciting challenge for Texas A&M, LSU, or Georgia. Coach Therwanger optimistically stated, “One of these schools will undoubtedly be thrilled with their acquisition.”
Bussey recently embarked on visits to Texas A&M, LSU, and Georgia. Another highly ranked player who remains unsigned is Ryan Williams, the third-ranked wide receiver in the nation according to 247 Sports. Hailing from Saraland, Alabama, Williams holds the overall ranking of fourth. After initially committing to Alabama and former coach Nick Saban, he recommitted to the program under new coach Kalen DeBoer on January 25. However, Texas A&M continues to pursue Williams, as he paid a visit to the Aggies on January 12. It is expected that Williams will make his signing official on Wednesday.
DeBoer, the head coach of Alabama, faces the task of ensuring Williams remains committed to the program while simultaneously re-recruiting offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Grubb followed DeBoer from Washington to Alabama, but there are reports that the Seattle Seahawks are interested in him for their offensive coordinator position. Despite Saban’s retirement on January 10, the class he left behind remains largely intact. While the Tide lost quarterback signee Julian Sayin to Ohio State via the transfer portal, they still maintain the second spot in the latest 247 Sports rankings with 28 commitments, including five 5-star prospects. Georgia currently holds the top position with 28 commitments and five 5-star prospects. Oregon, Miami, and Ohio State complete the top five in the rankings with 27 commitments and three 5-star prospects, 27 commitments and three 5-star prospects, and 22 commitments and four 5-star prospects, respectively.
Saban’s departure from Alabama did not leave the program without parting gifts. The class he assembled boasts an exceptional group of defensive backs, with three 5-star cornerbacks ranked second, third, and fourth in the nation. These talented individuals include Jaylen Mbakwe from Clay-Chalkville High in Pinson, Alabama, Zabien Brown from Mater Dei in Santa Ana, California, and Zavier Mincey from Mainland High in Daytona Beach, Florida. DeBoer expressed his gratitude for these acquisitions, acknowledging, “There is no one quite like Coach Saban. While we are already focused on the 2025 class, our priority is to ensure that the players from the 2024 class remain committed. I believe we are in an excellent position moving forward.”