4-Star DaMarkus Lodge Decommits from Texas A&M: Where Should He Turn Next?

Texas A&M suffered a rare setback on the recruiting trail Thursday when wide receiver DaMarkus Lodge decommitted from the Aggies after a three-month pact, per Taylor Hamm of 247Sports. The 4-star in-state recruit initially pledged in June but feels he may have limited his options too early.

“I still haven’t ventured out to everywhere I want to look at," Lodge told 247Sports. "This is all about me being able to go see other places.”

The 6'2.5", 190-pound Cedar Hill High School prospect rose to prominence as a junior. He stepped into a starring role for the perennial powerhouse program in 2013, catching 72 passes for 1,255 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Lodge landed offensive MVP honors in Cedar Hill's 5A Division II state championship victory over Katy High School. He punctuated a breakout campaign with two touchdowns in the title game.

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin lost his grip on one of the region's premier prospects. Lodge is rated seventh overall in Texas and eighth among receivers in 247Sports' composite rankings.

The Aggies are deep at receiver but must now intensify efforts to secure a commitment from 5-star target Christian Kirk, who spent an official visit at College Station last weekend. Texas A&M signed top-ranked Class of 2014 receiver Speedy Noil and holds a verbal pledge from 4-star Houston pass target Kemah Siverand.

Lodge's decision to reopen his recruitment leaves a hole for Sumlin to fill moving forward. It also sets the stage for another frenzied pursuit of a player who ranks among the top uncommitted athletes in the Class of 2015.

Several programs could pique his interest as national signing day nears, though 247Sports identifies Oklahoma, Baylor and TCU as potential landing spots worth watching. The report cites his desire to stay home as a reason schools like LSU and Ole Miss face an uphill climb in the recruitment.

Lodge displays excellent body control downfield, utilizing strength and savvy to gain separation. He plucks the ball away from his body and is fearless across the middle when asked to come down with receptions in traffic.

His power and wingspan enable Lodge to contend for passes in press coverage. He is perhaps at his best in red-zone situations, where he does a lot of damage along the boundary and can climb the ladder for high targets.

"I think I've come a long way during the past year," Lodge told Bleacher Report this summer. "It's important to focus on improving every day."

Naturally, collegiate teams took notice of Lodge's skill set early and often. He holds more than two dozen offers from across the country, but we'll focus on the possibilities pointed out by 247Sports.

Baylor is a burgeoning Big 12 program that produces at an elite level on offense. Quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Bryce Petty have orchestrated the attack with proficiency, helping enhance the program's national image under head coach Art Briles.

The team can certainly sell its willingness to use true freshmen early and often based on what we've seen from 2014 signee KD Cannon so far this season. The former 5-star recruit has 14 catches for 471 yards and five touchdowns through three games.

Cannon was added to the Biletnikoff Award watch list this week, putting him in the mix as America's top receiver. The Bears' vertical attack should continue to shine as more top prospects put their trust in the program, and Lodge could be the latest young playmaker to enjoy immediate success at Baylor.

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

TCU is still looking to make strides in the Big 12 Conference, and Lodge is exactly the kind of in-state talent who can take the team to another level. The Horned Frogs have done a quality job attracting capable recruits but haven't been able to consistently corral highly rated athletes while contending with the likes of Texas, Texas A&M, Houston and Texas Tech for top homegrown talent.

A commitment from Lodge could truly begin to reshape that narrative and present an opportunity for him to take over as an immediate go-to receiver.

Oklahoma presents an intriguing option beyond state borders. The Sooners have overcome a slow start this recruiting cycle to assemble a top-20 class that challenges for best in the conference.

Bob Stoops continues to secure Texas athletes splendidly, pulling in pledges from three 4-star 2015 prospects. Receiver is a position of need in this class at Oklahoma, as several other targets remain on the radar aside from Lodge.

The team will undoubtedly reciprocate interest and look to line up an official visit with Lodge. Oklahoma hosted several high-profile 2016 quarterbacks during last Saturday's game against Tennessee, and a receiver of Lodge's caliber would bolster sales pitches to those passers about the Sooners' offensive future.

It remains to be seen if Texas A&M can return to the forefront here or if other SEC squads could sneak in late to join the chase. Regardless, Lodge is clearly open to an array of possibilities, providing an intriguing and unexpected twist in the recruitment of one of Texas' finest.

Quotes obtained firsthand by B/R national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.

Recruit ratings and info courtesy of 247Sports.