With spring practice in the books and the evaluation period well underway, it’s time to take a look at the recruiting landscape for the Texas Longhorns. After closing strong down the stretch last year the Longhorns generated some positive momentum coming into the 2016 season. We’ve learned over the years that Charlie Strong treats commitments like reservations, but he was able to build a nice core of early commits prior to this season getting underway. Until the post spring attrition is complete, it’s hard to gauge an accurate view on the numbers of the 2017 class. At a quick glance it looks like there is room for around twenty signees in the 2017 group, but Charlie Strong has always figured out how to maximize his numbers to their greatest potential. As we enter the first big leg of the recruiting season, let’s take a look at where things stand for Texas right now.
Quarterback: Projected Numbers (1)
On Campus – Tyrone Swoopes (SR), Jerrod Heard (RS-SO), Kai Locksley (RS-FR), Matthew Merrick (RS-FR), Shane Buechele (FR)
Incoming – None
Committed – Sam Ehlinger
Recruits on the radar – None
Summary: There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for Texas. While questions still surround the quarterback position on campus, the young talent coming up is strong. Shane Buechele showed everyone a glimpse of his ability during the spring game and Sam Ehlinger looks like another keeper for Texas. Ehlinger excelled during his junior year, leading Austin Westlake to the state championship game. Ehlinger is starting to establish himself as the top quarterback in the state, and his leadership and businesslike approach show maturity above his years. Texas is not looking at any other options at the quarterback position because they already have the perfect prospect for their program.
Prediction to finish: Sam Ehlinger
It looks like it would take a catastrophe of epic proportions for Texas to lose Ehlinger’s commitment. The hometown kid has been a Longhorn his entire life, and he’s not even entertaining other offers at this point. Texas should finish with Ehlinger and be very happy about the direction of the quarterback position.
Running Back: Projected Numbers (1-2)
On Campus – D’Onta Foreman (JR), Roderick Bernard (RS-JR), Chris Warren (Soph), Kirk Johnson (So), Tristian Houston (RS-FR)
Incoming – Kyle Porter
Committed – None
Recruits on the radar – JK Dobbins, Toneil Carter, Anthony Davis, Najee Harris, Eno Benjamin
Summary: Things don’t look optimistic early on for the running back position. Their top target (Dobbins) committed to Ohio State earlier in the year, while Harris and Benjamin are also committed to other programs. Carter isn’t considering Texas highly at this point, and Anthony Davis is a wildcard from out of state. If Texas were to offer Benjamin things could possibly change, but right now it appears Texas will need to find someone not currently on the radar while continuing their pursuit of Dobbins. Expect additional names to pop up over the summer as Texas continues to search for running back depth.
Prediction to finish: Unclear
While the Longhorns have taken some low percentage shots lately, it’s unclear who they have as secondary targets on their board. Some names to watch out for are Kennedy Brooks, Rajan Cunningham, and Calvin Tyler for in state options.
Wide Receiver: Projected Numbers (3-4)
On Campus – Jacorey Warrick (SR), Armanti Foreman (JR), Lorenzo Joe (JR), Jake Oliver (JR), Dorian Leonard (JR), Ryan Newsome (SO), DeAndre McNeal (SO), John Burt (SO), Collin Johnson (FR)
Incoming – Davion Curtis, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Reggie Hemphill-Mapps
Committed – Damion Miller
Recruits on the radar – Omar Manning, Tyrell Shavers, Jalen Reagor, Camron Buckley, Montrell Estell, Mannie Netherly, Trestan Ebner, Cedee Lamb, RJ Sneed
Summary: With a load of players already on campus, and a big class incoming it looks like Texas will choose to be very selective in this cycle. Texas landed a commitment from one of the top receivers in the state in Damion Miller, and they’ve set their sights on the elite options on the board. At this point they find themselves behind for just about every recruit on the radar aside from Buckley and possibly Shavers. While we got some good vibes from Shavers a few weeks ago, sources indicated to us that it is unlikely Shavers lands at Texas. Baseball is a big factor in his recruitment, and he sees the SEC as an ideal conference to play both sports. Fortunately it is a deep year in the state of Texas at the receiving position, and Texas should be able to garner some quality options.
Prediction to finish: Damion Miller, Trestan Ebner, Tyrell Shavers, Mannie Netherly
This situation is a bit murky, but the depth in state should open up many options for Texas. It appears as if things between the Longhorns and Camron Buckley aren’t going to happen, and Trestan Ebner is gaining some steam as a possible offer target. While we heard both good and bad vibes on Shavers, this just feels like a recruitment Texas turns slowly. While Netherly is currently leaning to LSU, Texas holds a lot of weight for him and he’s told us he’s taken notice of the new offensive scheme.
Tight End: Projected Numbers (1-2)
On Campus – Caleb Bluiett (SR), Andrew Beck (JR), Blake Whiteley (RS-JR), Garrett Gray (RS-SO)
Incoming – Peyton Aucoin
Committed – Major Tennison
Recruits on the radar – Chance McLeod
Summary: Texas has their big-time target committed in Major Tennison, but they might like to add a second option. There aren’t a lot of names on the radar right now, although Texas has shown a good deal of interest in Victoria East tight end Chance McLeod. Like Miller, Texas will battle for Tennison’s signature all year long. The ability to feature a tight end in the new offense, and sell Tennison on his role will be a key component to this recruitment.
Prediction to finish: Major Tennison
Until more offers go out at the tight end position it’s tough to say how this one will go. We look for McLeod to be on watch after the evaluation period, but the Longhorns don’t appear to be in a hurry to lock down secondary targets.
Offensive Line – Projected Numbers (3-4)
On Campus – Kent Perkins (SR), Brandon Hodges (RS-JR), Tristan NIckelson (JR), Terrell Cuney (RS-SO), Jake McMillon (RS-SO), Alex Anderson (RS-SO), Patrick Vahe (SO), Connor Williams (SO), Elijah Rodriguez (RS-SO), Garrett Thomas (RS-FR), Ronnie Major (RS-FR), Zach Shakelford (FR)
Incoming – Jean Delance, Tope Imade, Denzel Okafor
Committed – Xavier Newman
Recruits on the radar – Walker Little, Chuck Filiaga, Will Farrar, Creed Humphrey, Adrian Ealy, Tyrese Robinson, Stephan Zabie, Grayson Reed, Matthew Huhn, Brenden Jaimes
Summary: For the first time in a few years, Texas is not looking to take a gigantic offensive line class. One of Charlie Strong’s priorities when he took the job was to beef up numbers on the front lines, and fifteen players at the position are slated to be on campus in just a few weeks. While the Longhorns need a few players here to upgrade the talent level and keep feeding depth, they are not in the dire situation they found themselves in the past few years. Texas already holds a commitment from the versatile Xavier Newman, and they sit in a good position with a couple of options on their list.
Prediction to finish: Xavier Newman, Walker Little, Stephan Zabie
If Texas can win this year I think we will see recruiting take off like none other. Walker Little would be the big fish in this scenario. Little comes from a wonderful family, and he’s as focused on the academic opportunities in front of him as he is the athletic opportunities. With Little and Newman on board, I think Texas eventually offers Zabie and wins his signature on the strength of Sam Ehlinger recruiting him. There will probably be another option that’s not listed here, as several names are already showing up on the periphery of recruiting.
