Highly-recruited Plano athlete makes it ‘Aggie official'

A highly recruited high school football player made it known Friday afternoon where he'll be taking his talents next year.

FOX 4 first introduced Plano East senior Anthony Hines III in March. He plays inside linebacker and has received hundreds of recruiting letters and is also a good student.

One of the most sought after high school linebacker in the country finally made it known what college he plans to attend.

"I'll be taking my talents to Texas A&M University!” Hines proudly announced.

The Plano East senior got his first football scholarship offer when he was in eighth grade. They kept coming and didn't stop until the number reached 90.

"I'm shaking right now. This is just a surreal moment,” Hines said. “It’s been a long time coming. Just to finally find a home, it means a lot."

Hines top contenders included UCLA, Penn State, Ohio State and Florida. Late Thursday night, even TCU flew its helicopter to Plano in a final push to impress. 

FOX 4 first met Hines last March when he was a junior. At that time, his story of athleticism and academic success was making national headlines.

“We've had probably 15 schools come by unannounced that we didn't invite,” the football player’s dad said. “I'm glad it’s over and just looking forward to the next chapter in his life."

And that chapter is Texas A&M University. Hines said the connection he had with the coach was key.

"My relationship with Coach Chavis, he'd been recruiting me since eighth grade at LSU. Came down to that strong relationship,” the player said.

"I am so proud,” said his grandmother, Lotoa Taifau. “I thank Father in heaven for his protection, guiding. He guides him well."