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Joseph Credit of Pearland is narrowing list
Pearland LB Credit set for crucial visits ahead of May commitment
Class of 2026 Pearland three-star linebacker Joseph Credit dropped his Top 8 schools in February, featuring Arizona State, Baylor, Kansas, Houston, SMU, Texas A&M, and TCU.
Now, with a plan to commit sometime in May, Credit has lined up official visits to four of his finalists. These visits will play a key role in his decision-making process.
The Latest on His Recruitment
The recruiting journey can be a rollercoaster, but Credit has handled the process with maturity and focus.
“The recruiting process has been going good,” Credit said. “I’ve been talking to these coaches and looking at the opportunities I have.”
The 6-foot linebacker has set official visits to Kansas (April 4–6), Arizona State (April 8–10), TCU (April 11–13), and UCLA (May 5–7).
Though his official visits will certainly help him get a feel for each program, Credit emphasizes that the relationships and conversations leading up to them will be the real deciding factors.
“I feel like it’s not going to be the official visit that does it for me,” he said. “It’s going to be everything that led up to that point. That said, what I’m really looking for on my visits is the scheme—and how I would be utilized in it.”
With a May commitment looming, expect programs to make a final push over the next month as they aim to earn the talented linebacker’s pledge.
Hugh Smith is all of 6-foot-5, 300-pounds of Ridge Point Panther
STRAIGHT OUT OF CENTRAL CASTING: Ridge Point’s Smith is built for Texas High School Football
If Hollywood needed to cast a Texas high school offensive lineman, they wouldn’t have to look much further than Hugh Smith.
“Yep, I like to hunt, fish, play video games… and a good nap,” the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Ridge Point junior laughed. “Oh, and Whataburger, Raising Cane’s, and Chick-fil-A before a game, too.”
And there you have it.
Smith anchors one of the best returning offensive lines in the state alongside fellow DI prospects Avery Morcho and Jordan Burnett. Together, they form the heart of a Ridge Point squad looking for more in 2025.
“We just make each other better,” Smith said. “If I see something at the line of scrimmage or they do, we’re communicating. The heart of every great team is their offensive line.”
The Panthers have won five-straight district championships under coach Rick LaFavers and made it to the Regional Semis in 2020. But Smith believes there’s something special about this year’s team.
“We’ve got dudes at every position,” he said. “We know we can get to AT&T Stadium this year. There’s just something different about this team.”
While Smith preps for his senior season, his future is also coming into focus. The recruiting game has heated up, and he’s ready.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of playing college football and maybe beyond,” Smith said. “When I got my first offer from the University of Houston, it hit me—it was a moment.
“Since then, I’ve worked hard on my craft. Last year, it was about technique, using my hands, and being aggressive—finishing my blocks. This offseason, it’s about speed, endurance, and strength. I want to beat my man every play, all game.”
Smith has a trio of official visits lined up: Arizona State, Arkansas, and Houston.
“I’m trying to go somewhere that will develop me to get to the pros,” he said. “It’s all about fit, too… the atmosphere, college life, academics, and the fans.
“I don’t mind watching and learning as a freshman. Seeing my teammates compete against the best in the country and picking up the speed of the game isn’t lost on me.”
A 4.2 GPA student, Smith envisions a future in finance. But for now, he’s focused on being a great teammate—with his eyes on Jerry World.
Straight out of Friday Night Lights, with a little Whataburger on the side.