Commitment Spotlight: Junior Angilau commits to Texas

[Jameson McCausland]

Tom Herman and the Longhorns gained an important commitment Monday night when Junior Angilau became the 19th member of the 2018 recruiting class. Angilau becomes the 3rd offensive line commit, joining Rafiti Ghirmai and Reese Moore. The Salt Lake City native choose Texas over hometown Utah. Angilau ranks as the 155th ranked player in the country, according to the 247 composite rankings.

Film Analysis

Standing 6’5, 280 pounds, Angilau excels in run blocking. He displays the ability to use his pad level well, mauling defenders in the run game and finishing blocks. Angilau shows good athleticism, getting to the second level and having the ability to block all types of running plays.

A question that will need to be answered is how well he can pass protect at the next level. Angilau’s high school operates out of the triple option, rarely throwing the ball. Once he gets to the 40 acres, Angilau would benefit greatly from a redshirt year, which would allow him to hone his pass protection technique. He shows the potential to be a good blocker in the pass game, showing good hand placement and good feet. Angilau has the measurables and ability to play tackle, but may be better suited for guard considering his skill set.

Final Verdict

Angilau will draw a lot of comparisons to when current Longhorn’s lineman Patrick Vahe came out of high school.. Vahe came to Texas also known as a plus blocker in the run game. Both players played in run-centric offenses and were not forced to pass protect often. Where Angilau has the advantage over Vahe is that he stands several inches taller and shows more athleticism.

Texas will continue to look at additional offensive lineman to join the 2018 class, but the Longhorns may be done taking high school lineman for this cycle. Derek Warehime and Tom Herman have several Junior College targets they continue to pursue with the hope they can provide immediate help for the 2018 season and allow the incoming high school lineman to redshirt.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Daniel, I know he's listed as a OT, but is he a guard at this level? Does he have the feet for that?

Huge pick up at badly needed position. This could set off some momentum.

As for team standings, we created some separation from #3 and closed in on Ohio State. IF we were to get a 5-star player to commit soon it would put us at a neck and neck situation with OSU, with OSU having the slightest lead.

 

[Jameson McCausland]

Daniel, I know he's listed as a OT, but is he a guard at this level? Does he have the feet for that?

Huge pick up at badly needed position. This could set off some momentum.

As for team standings, we created some separation from #3 and closed in on Ohio State. IF we were to get a 5-star player to commit soon it would put us at a neck and neck situation with OSU, with OSU having the slightest lead.

Not Daniel, but in my personal opinion I think he would be better at guard long-term. He has the athleticism to get by at RT, but he could really excel inside where he has almost everything you look for in a guard. 

Totally agree on the second point. A lot has been said about how Texas needs to have better play from the tackle positions, but the guard play was just as much of an issue. Angilau fills a big need there. 

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

Daniel, I know he's listed as a OT, but is he a guard at this level? Does he have the feet for that?

Huge pick up at badly needed position. This could set off some momentum.

As for team standings, we created some separation from #3 and closed in on Ohio State. IF we were to get a 5-star player to commit soon it would put us at a neck and neck situation with OSU, with OSU having the slightest lead.

My gut tells me he ends up being a Guard, but I’ve been wrong before. Has tackle measurables, but it will come down to foot speed and how well he comes along in pass pro. 

 

[okiehorn]

What a gut check to read he may name enroll u till 2020  :angry:

is it wrong of me to hope he doesnt go on his mission lol

 

[605Longhorn]

What a gut check to read he may name enroll u till 2020  :angry:

is it wrong of me to hope he doesnt go on his mission lol

I read on another site "OL Junior Angilau is planning to take his 2-year LDS mission and arrive in Austin in 2020." www.hornfans.com

I do not know if its true or not but I like the idea of stacking up some OL and DL big boys.

 

[okiehorn]

I read on another site "OL Junior Angilau is planning to take his 2-year LDS mission and arrive in Austin in 2020." www.hornfans.com

I do not know if its true or not but I like the idea of stacking up some OL and DL big boys.

Yes that’s what I was talkin bout. That freakin sucks... him and Tanner McKee both 

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Don't get too upset about a mission trip. That's a rumor born on the Utah boards once it seemed they weren't going to get him.

Not a word from the player about that through the process. He's not acting like a kid who is about to leave for two years.

Additionally, not easy for an OL to drop off the scene for two years and think he can just come back and drop in where he left off. If he left for two years, it might be after the third year before he contributes meaningful time to the offense.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

One other thing re Angilau . . . he wants to play with Vahe, a close relative of his on the team.

He can't do that if he leaves for two years.

 

[Slimer]

One other thing re Angilau . . . he wants to play with Vahe, a close relative of his on the team.

He can't do that if he leaves for two years.

I may be wrong, but if he was going to do the Mormon trip for sure you'd have to think he'd have picked Utah seeing as they have several do this each year plus the HC is a Mormon.  Just my 2 cents, which won't get ya a thing!

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

One other thing re Angilau . . . he wants to play with Vahe, a close relative of his on the team.

He can't do that if he leaves for two years.

Heard this as well. Believe they are cousins.

 

[prosfromdover]

One other thing re Angilau . . . he wants to play with Vahe, a close relative of his on the team.

He can't do that if he leaves for two years.

This helps put to sleep the rumors of negative recuiting and discontent behind the scenes IMO.

 

[dillohorn]

We can never have too many OL.

 

[drgilbert]

This helps put to sleep the rumors of negative recuiting and discontent behind the scenes IMO.

I don’t see how this puts to sleep rumors of negative recruiting. He may come in spite of alleged negative recruiting. I don’t think the rumor was or will ever be verified.  I am happy for his commitment and hope he delays his 2 year mission trip. 

 

[prosfromdover]

I don’t see how this puts to sleep rumors of negative recruiting. He may come in spite of alleged negative recruiting. I don’t think the rumor was or will ever be verified.  I am happy for his commitment and hope he delays his 2 year mission trip. 

It helps though. When someone joins a good friend on a football team it means he told them it was a healthy environment.

 

[drgilbert]

I agree that it seems like Vahe had good things to say. We will probably never know if Dev said anything negative