another photo closer to the ground.

I have a 3 year old TX Mountain Laurel that I planted about 5 feet away.. not sure if I want this one around, but it is "down-sun" from the TML

compare with the invasive privet

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

I don't know what this is but the plant in the photo has alternate leaves and Privet has opposite.

Looks like Sideroxylon lanuginosum. It very commonly sprouts with multiple trunks if the main is severed

Here is a link that might be useful: Tex aggie page

yes, that could be it. the leaves are kinda fuzzy underneath. The prior owner may have been bothered by the spikes on the ends of the branches when mowing the lawn, if it was allowed to grow to have a 1" trunk.

I'm intrigued, in any event.

just posting an update with the latest growth
it has probably doubled in height with no manual watering on my part

Are you gonna keep it and let it grow?