Now that September 1st has come and gone, the 2021 class is starting to pick up some steam as recruits are starting to pour in from the junior class.
At the same time, the 2022 class has now begun to peak its head around the corner and taken notice on the national recruiting stage. With the help of 2022 four-star Bryce Anderson committing to LSU on September 1st, the recruitment around 2022 prospects is starting to pick up steam.
Texas’ 2022 class has the potential to be really solid, even considering that it may have to live up to potentially one of the best classes in the school’s history in 2021. Of those targeted so far in 2022, here are the names that stand out and where they currently stand with the Horns:
Kam Dewberry, Offensive Lineman, Atascocita
Dewberry is a high-level target for the Texas staff as he joins fellow offensive lineman Kelvin Banks as priority guys up front. The four-star sophomore from Atascocita is in his second full season starting on the offensive line for one of the more storied 6A programs out of the Houston area. After a year playing alongside current Texas A&M offensive lineman Kenyon Green, Dewberry has gotten his shot at being the guy up front for the Eagles through two games. Dewberry’s favorite team growing up was Texas, and he has already made a visit during the spring game earlier this year. With potential signings from Dewberry and Banks, the 2022 offensive line class could be set from the get-go.
Denver Harris, Cornerback, North Shore
Incredible name aside, Harris has picked up national recognition at the cornerback position only two games through his sophomore season. With Alabama pursuing Harris hard already, it is clear that his recruitment will be a dogfight from the recruiters’ perspective to land a talent that could very well end up being a five-star before all is said and done. Harris is coming off of a visit to Austin for the LSU game on September 7 and described what seemed to be a positive experience. “I loved the hospitality from the coaches and staff as usual, the crowd’s energy was super lit. I’ll definitely be back soon. Wish they could have pulled off the win, but it was still a great time.”
Caleb Burton, Wide Receiver, Del Valle
Hometown heroes have paid off well for the Longhorns in recent years, and after missing out on Garrett Wilson last cycle, who lived just down the street from Austin, Caleb Burton may be the Longhorns’ shot at redemption. The 6’0″ 165-pound four-star has some weight to put on before getting to the next level, but given his ability and work ethic,I do not expect that to be an issue when fall camp in 2022 rolls around. Burton has the potential to be a big-time land for the 2022 class, as he currently stands as the #51 ranked recruit in the country according to 247Sports. Being just 15 minutes from campus in Del Valle, Burton has made multiple visits to the Forty Acres alongside his father, Charles Burton, a former Syracuse linebacker and the coach for Del Valle.
Emeka Megwa, Athlete, Fort Worth Nolan Catholic
Speaking of impactful 2022 skill players, four-star Emeka Megwa out of Fort Worth is emerging as one of the better running backs in the state for his class. The four-star back is coming off of a stellar week two performance in which he carried the ball only 10 times for 196 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is being pursued hard by Texas, Alabama, Florida, Texas A&M, and Michigan as his physical style of play has drawn the attention of recruiters across power five conferences. He is coming off of a visit to Austin for the LSU game after having visited Alabama, Texas A&M, and Michigan over the summer.
Bear Alexander, Defensive End, Dallas Skyline
When it comes to brutally physical linemen, it’s hard to find many more physical than products out of Dallas ISD. Four-star Bear Alexander is a prime example of just that. The second-year starter stands at a monstrous 6’4″ 333-pounds and is in his first season with Skyline after transferring from 5A Terrell, where he was named his district’s newcomer of the year in 2018. He is being pursued hard by a number of SEC schools including Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Georgia. If Alexander were to head to a school outside of the SEC, Texas would almost be the only choice.
Maalik Murphy, Quarterback, Junipero Serra (Cali.)
If Maalik Murphy isn’t the most intriguing prospect in the entire 2022 class, there are not many sophomores above him. The four-star pro-style quarterback has yet to have a full season of starting experience under his belt, but by splitting time with UNLV commit Doug Brumfield at Serra, Murphy is already flashing signs of greatness at the position. Standing at 6’4″ and 205 pounds, Murphy already has the frame for a college quarterback and his mobility as well as his throwing skills already resemble a star at the next level. Expect his recruitment to be a battle with powerhouses on the west coast as UCLA, USC, and Oregon are all showing increased interest.
Cristian Driver, Safety, Liberty Christian
Ten years ago, four-star safety Cristian Driver was in the stands at Lambeau Field in Green Bay watching his dad, three-time pro bowler Donald Driver, decimate secondaries on his way to yet another 1000-yard season for the cheeseheads. Fast forward to now, and Driver’s son is wreaking havoc against wide receivers rather than safeties. Playing at Liberty Christian in Argyle, Cristian Driver has picked up national recognition in a hurry after a stellar freshman campaign that landed him 23 offers and a visit to Austin in June. Already the fourth-ranked safety in the nation for his class, Driver not only has the pedigree of a star at the next level, but the talent to go along with it as well. Expect his recruitment to be a heated battle by the time he is a senior.
