Before you say liquidambar styraciflua, its definitely a Maple... sort of Palmatum-ish...maybe?
It looks incredibly like Sweetgum leaves, but this tree has keys not prickly balls.

I was told by owner that tree came from TxA&M Univ., as a grafted tree, but the grafted portion died and this maple is the rootstock.

This tree (or part of it) has bonsai in its future.
Thanks!

Acer palmatum is the only maple I know of that is used as rootstock.

Take a look at Acer truncatum.

I think Henhouse might have it.

Yes, I believe you got it. Thanks Henhouse!