Texas vs. Texas A&M: Which Rival Will Finish with Better 2014 Recruiting Class?

Both Texas and Texas A&M are constructing great 2014 recruiting classes. While the rivals are no longer in the same conference, the two still share a rivalry on the recruiting trail.

The Aggies have the mojo right now, as head coach Kevin Sumlin has proven to be an excellent recruiter. Texas has more to prove, as Charlie Strong has taken over for Mack Brown as head coach. Among Strong's first challenges in Austin will be to keep the impressive class Brown put together intact. 

He'll also have to add to the group, especially if his Longhorns are going to beat Texas A&M in the 2014 recruiting rankings. 

All recruiting totals are based on 247Sports.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals and 247Sports.

2014 Texas Recruiting Capsule

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It's a new era at Texas with Charlie Strong now being head coach. The Longhorns have 22 commitments, with 18 being in-state pledges.

Texas has two prospects from Louisiana, while it also has gone to Arizona and Florida. Speaking of the Sunshine State, Strong will likely increase the Longhorns' presence there going forward.

Austin is currently scheduled to welcome 11 offensive recruits, 10 defensive prospects and an athlete.  

2014 Texas A&M Recruiting Capsule

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Head coach Kevin Sumlin and his staff are the kings of the Texas recruiting trail. Texas A&M has a 20-man class that can rival any group in the country. 

The class is a textbook recruiting assembly, as it features 15 in-state commitments. Other states such as Arizona, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Louisiana are also represented. 

The trenches have been the Aggies' main focus, as 10 players play offensive or defensive line. The class has 11 offensive players and nine on defense.

Texas' Top 2014 Commitments

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Defensive end Derick Roberson, one of eight 4-star commitments, is Texas' top recruit. At 6'3.5" and 235 pounds, Roberson is a deceptively strong defender with good quickness.

Joining him on the defensive side of the ball in Austin will be 4-star recruits Edwin Freeman and John Bonney. Freeman is an outside linebacker who can also play safety, while Bonney is an instinctive defensive back who can play strong or free safety.

While 4-star quarterback Jerrod Heard is a solid prospect, the best offensive recruit for the Longhorns is 4-star running back Donald Catalon. Yet, 4-star receivers Armanti Foreman and Lorenzo Joe are not far behind.

Jermaine Roberts is a 3-star cornerback who is vastly underrated. Plus, 4-star outside linebacker Otaro Alaka is a stud who has the speed and athleticism to smother running backs and tight ends in coverage.

Texas A&M's Top 2014 Commitments

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The Aggies' recruiting class revolves around a trio of 5-star prospects, with the first being quarterback Kyle Allen. At 6'2.5" and 185 pounds, the Arizona native could contend for the starting job this season.

Allen will have receiver Speedy Noil at his disposal, as the jet from New Orleans figures to be racing by secondaries soon on a field near you. The third 5-star prospect for Texas A&M is Myles Garrett, an elite and athletic defensive end.

Nick Harvey is a 4-star defensive back who can play all four spots in the secondary, while 4-star receiver Frank Iheanacho is already 6'6" and 220 pounds. Avery Gennesy and Jermaine Eluemunor are 4-star JUCO offensive linemen who should help right away.

The JUCO offensive line duo will help make 4-star defensive linemen Zaycoven Henderson, DeShawn Washington, Jarrett Johnson and Qualen Cunningham better in practice. 

Other notable 4-star prospects include running back Varshaun Nixon, safety Armani Watts and outside linebacker Josh Walker. 

Texas' Top Remaining 2014 Recruiting Targets

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The top remaining recruiting target for the Longhorns is 4-star defensive tackle Poona Ford. Ford was once committed to Louisville, so he is familiar with head coach Charlie Strong.

Former commit and 3-star defensive tackle Trey Lealaimatafao remains on the radar, while other 3-star prospects such as defensive lineman Chris Nelson, defensive end Terry Ayeni and running back Corey Avery are also possibilities. 

Texas A&M's Top Remaining 2014 Recruiting Targets

247Sports

Braden Smith, a 4-star offensive lineman from Kansas, is the top remaining target for the Aggies.

However, Texas A&M also is eyeing 4-star safety Steven Parker and linebacker Kenny Young.

Las Vegas native Nick Gates, a 4-star offensive lineman, along with 3-star prospects such as safety Mattrell McGraw, defensive back Donovan Wilson and receiver Darious Crawley are also on the radar.

Prediction

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texas is not going add enough elite talent to its class before Signing Day to pass Texas A&M.

The Longhorns could add several of their remaining targets and still finish below the Aggies even if Texas A&M doesn't add a single recruit to its class.

Texas has every right to be proud of its group, as it is a good one. However, Texas A&M will finish with the superior class between the two rivals. 

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

Texas and Texas A&M each have commitments who can be found on the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map!

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.