As one exits, another walks straight in. After Van Fillinger’s decommitment from the Longhorns earlier this month, the Texas staff extended an offer to Longview’s three-star defensive tackle Sawyer Goram-Welch. After a positive official visit to Austin, Goram-Welch became the 17th commit of the 2020 recruiting class.
Goram-Welch commits to the Longhorns on the heels of his decommitment from Big 12 foe Oklahoma State on December 7. Texas beat out Texas Tech, Illinois, and SMU for his services in 2020.
The three-star ranks as the 79th best defensive tackle in the nation and 961st overall, according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite rankings.
PLAYER INFORMATION
Name: Sawyer Goram-Welch
Position: DT
High School: Longview
Hometown: Longview, Texas
MEASUREABLES
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 278 pounds
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Three Best Traits
Versatility – Possibly Goram-Welch’s biggest upside may not even be at the position he is being recruited for. After losing defensive end Van Fillinger, Goram-Welch has the potential to move outside to end from the moment he steps on campus. However, with the likeliness of Texas moving to a four-man front, he probably fits better at defensive tackle at the next level.
Immediacy – Goram-Welch will sign to the Longhorns on Wednesday and enroll in January, paving a way for him to contribute in a substantial way next season at either defensive tackle or end.
Underdog Mentality – You could say this for any kid that comes out of East Texas, but Goram-Welch has had a string of instances in his career where he has had to prove people wrong, and he’ll get another opportunity to do just that when he lands in Austin. Currently standing as the lowest-rated commit, the three-star will look to play underdog once again at the next level.[/one-half-first]
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Areas For Improvement
Mobility – Goram-Welch has issues moving laterally on plays where the offensive lineman is trying to win a space over him and keep him in front. Improvements in slipping by in these situations will be something to keep an eye on in the spring.
Using Full Strength – Standing at 6’4″ and 280 pounds, I would like to see him use more of his strength on a more consistent basis. There have been opportunities at Longview against smaller opposition where he couldn’t push through. Improvement in that area will be crucial in the spring as well.
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Summary
Sawyer Goram-Welch will join Vernon Broughton as the only defensive linemen in the 2020 class leading up to the Early Signing Period. The three-star could be a huge benefactor in Texas’ possible transition to a four-man front as he is physical at the point of attack and can move around the line with ease. If the Longhorns stay at a three-man front, Goram-Welch will still be able to succeed as he’ll be able to move across the line.
Final Verdict
Coming from a storied program and a phenomenal coaching staff led by John King in Longview, Goram-Welch will have a leg up on most recruits coming into Austin over the next eight months just because of the championship pedigree he has played in over the last four years. Expect this kid to be one of the vocal leaders of the 2020 class as they push Texas back into the national landscape.
