Top national 2019 D-lineman DeMarvin Leal breaks down his early favorites

Converse Judson defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal is one of the hottest prospects in the 2019 class, with schools from all over the country giving early chase. As a top national prospect, Leal knows the recruiting process could get extremely hectic as the months wear on, with countless schools likely to vie for his commitment. Recently, the Rivals250 member took steps to keep things in check, releasing a very early top five of Alabama, Clemson, Texas, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M.

Orangebloods.com caught up with the 6-6, 270-pound Leal to get his thoughts on each of the schools that are sitting atop his list.

Alabama – “It’s pretty much their defense, just how they get around pretty fast. Everybody on the field, they’re just all over the field when they play.”

Clemson – “Just the way the coaches and all were talking about the community. Basically just their culture of the school, the way their team plays as whole.”

Texas – “Pretty much it’s just like a family environment there, the couple times I’ve been up there. The fans are pretty nice, pretty cool. I just like how they put the student-athlete first.”

Oklahoma State – “They were my first offer, have been pretty consistent. Just all the fans always show me love on twitter and on social media.”

Texas A&M – “With A&M, it’s pretty much the same as Texas, honestly.”

Leal is considering graduating next December, so it’s possible he could try to speed up his process. He said he may consider making a commitment as early as this summer. Leal wants to wait until the fall to take his visits, but said he could very well hit some campuses this spring.

“I’m not sure about visits this spring, but I know I’ll go to a couple places in the fall,” Leal said. “In the fall, that would be Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma state most likely.”

The Texas staff has stayed in close contact with Leal, including recent conversations with defensive line coach Oscar Giles and a recent school visit by assistant coach Jason Washington.

Leal wants to major in Kinesiology in college. While he’s not locked into staying in-state by any means, he did say the thought of staying closer to home is an attractive option for him.

Leal is talented enough that he has already been selected to play in the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game, but he knows there are still areas of his game in which he can improve.

“I think the thing I’m trying to improve on is my pass rush, just being able to get through two or three people to get a sack,” Leal said. “My strengths pretty much are run stop, chasing down a running back or quarterback on an option. Reading the offensive linemen is pretty much my strength.”