Alabama transfer LB Kendrick Blackshire commits to Texas

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian picked up his third player in as many days from the transfer portal when Alabama linebacker Kendrick Blackshire announced his commitment to the Longhorns on Tuesday night.

BREAKING: Former Alabama LB Kendrick Blackshire has Committed to Texas, he tells @on3sports

The 6’2 245 LB from Duncanville, TX totaled 25 tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, & 1 Fumble Recovery in his time with the Crimson Tide

Will have 1 year of eligibility remaining… pic.twitter.com/FcyzXdif3J
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 17, 2024

Blackshire, a 6-2, 235 lb. native of Duncanville, Texas, spent his first three seasons in Tuscaloosa rotating at linebacker while becoming a staple on the Crimson Tide’s special teams. During his junior year last season he played in eight games and recorded sixteen tackles (with one for loss) at the linebacker position.

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He was a four star recruit in the Class of 2021 and was ranked as the 30th best player in the state of Texas and the 21st best linebacker prospect in the country according to the 247Sports Composite Player Rankings. Blackshire committed to Alabama over programs such as Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, Arkansas, Auburn and Tennessee among others.

Blackshire’s destination out of the portal came down to Ole Miss and Texas with the Longhorns winning that battle. The native Texan told On3 he was happy to return to his home state to play for the Longhorns.

“The coaching staff, Sark, and being back home in the greatest state, Texas,” Blackshire said. “It means a lot to me. Also being with a group of people who want to see me succeed and be successful.”