Rising Recruit: Jean Delance

The Longhorns received a boost in their recruitment of North Mesquite tackle Jean Delance when the talented offensive lineman de-committed from Oklahoma a few weeks ago. Delance is one of the top offensive linemen in the nation, and the Texas staff is actively pursuing the North Mesquite HS star.

Delance, who was excited to receive a recent Texas offer, said that both sides are serious about their interest, “I feel great about them [uT]. Coach Strong has been recruiting me very hard, and coach Wick is doing his best to recruit the biggest guys in the state of Texas at the offensive line position.”

Considering that Delance plays a position Texas is actively recruiting, Delance’s value as a potential member of the 2016 class is high. The Texas coaches want a competitive practice environment, and a player like Delance immediately adds to that goal.

Delance recently competed at The Opening’s regional camp at Lamar High School (in Arlington). While there, he had an opportunity to face some of the state’s best defensive linemen in drills.

As a resident of Mesquite, Delance is acquainted with Texas signee Malik Jefferson (Poteet HS). Delance mentioned that the star linebacker was at The Opening camp in March, and the two talked about the Longhorns, “We’re kind of building a relationship together. Their [Texas] recruiting class was very impressive for 2015.”

Delance said he and Jefferson are only acquaintances, but he spent a lot of time talking to him at the camp about Texas.

Another potential link for Texas with Delance is Copperas Cove offensive tackle J.P. Urquidez. Ranked eighth in the HornSports Top 50 for 2016, Urquidez has talked about playing his college ball with Delance.

Confirming there is interest in pursuing that, Delance said, “It’s pretty serious. Whatever he decides and whatever I decide, we’re going to try to make it 50-50 and see where we can make our home.”

Delance is hoping to set up a visit to Austin within the next few weeks to learn even more about the Texas program. After de-committing from Oklahoma, Delance stated that he’s going to take his recruitment more slowly the second time, “I’m pretty wide open. I’m fair game to all coaches and any offers.”

Delance will evaluate all of his options – if Texas can get him on campus they have a real shot at pulling ahead in his recruitment.