Recruiting Notebook: 2025 QB KJ Lacey

JustinWells2424

Inside Texas takes a closer look at the fit and evaluation for 2025 Saraland (Ala.) quarterback and Texas commit KJ Lacey in this edition of the Recruiting Notebook.

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Lacey is an absolute gunslinger who is rightly drawing a lot of comparisons to Alabama's Heisman winning quarterback Bryce Young. His style of play is very heavy on scrambling for time and using his arm to hit throws down the field, which can become pretty overwhelming if a team can't contain him in the pocket. Lacey excels at making very fast decisions and getting the ball out, sometimes at the cost of better footwork that would make for more consistent throws. Occasionally he manages to make incredible off-platform throws with pure arm. Sometimes he sets himself up well, at other times the ball gets away from him. As his skills develop with time, his ability to see opportunities and zip the ball out will be better supported by his footwork and he’ll become increasingly dominant. In Steve Sarkisian's offense he’d excel hitting the deep shots down the field and would also benefit from opportunities to move around and attack with a spread field. – Ian Boyd

Strengths — A bit too early to tell, but looks to have adequate height. Could add some weight. Looks to have a more muscular core up close. Takeaway from snap is smooth with consistent carriage of the football. Keeps it in good throwing position. Will cross over or shuffle, keeping his eyes down field. Will frequently get to the top of his drop under balance and with his shoulders and hips aligned. Usually an appropriate push off the back foot coming forward. Started throwing motion at 9 o’clock and usually delivers a quick 3/4 release with a nice wrist snap. Takes appropriate hitch steps when needed, and can reset his feet quickly. Generates a lot of RPM and the ball jumps out of his hand. Has the arm strength to reach all parts of the field and surprising arm strength off-platform. Will excel at the off-platform throw and use various arm angles to do it. Throws very well on the move, frequently clearing his hips to reestablish his feet (but does not always have to). Has an accurate and strong driven throw to all depths, but really shines in the bucket throw and fade. The deep outside throw appears easily reached. Anticipates his receivers really well and will frequently guide them to the open space. Knows his escape routes and is very hard for defenders to square up. Has great feel for the rush and can buy time as needed. Looks to be a nightmare in the scramble drill. His offense allows him significant post-snap decision making. He may be on half field reads, but clearly does not lock on to his primary receiver. As a runner, he seems to have very good lateral movement and agility. Generates good acceleration to a passable top end speed. Ridiculously productive year at the helm of the state champions. Looks like a very confident and tough player.

Areas for improvement — Sometimes will get bouncy at the top of his drop and add a hitch. Will bring his feet together at times as he moves toward the line. Lower body is not always in sync with upper body leading to inconsistent weight transfer and under or over-rotation. Will overcome this with his arm, but it's not hard to find opponent film of him sailing throws. Will make some of his throws more difficult than they need to be by leaving his platform.

Steve Sarkisian identifies his quarterback targets rather early each cycle since upper-echelon talent typically decides earlier in the process. Once Sark zeroed in on the Alabama native, it was only a matter of time. Lacey committed on his recent visit to Texas, jumpstarting the Longhorns’ 2025 class. With its QB take for 2025 in place, it’ll be interesting to see if Texas tries to take another in the next class.

Saraland head coach Jeff Kelly also chimed in on Lacey: "A natural leader with tremendous arm talent and creativity. Gunslinger who doesn't make mistakes. Led his team to an Alabama 6A Championship as a 15 year old. Has the ability to make every throw. Great accuracy and anticipation. Extremely smart, competitive, and clutch in the big moments." – Justin Wells