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3-star OG Denzel Okafor signs NLI with the Texas Longhorns

Let's Ride!

Denzel Okafor, an in-state offensive tackle out of Lewisville, is officially a member of the Texas Longhorns 2016 class after inking his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday

Okafor, a three-star recruit, ranks as the nation's No. 326 overall player, the No. 15 offensive guard, and No. 51 overall player in Texas, per 247Sports composite rankings. While he held 16 offers, which included LSU, Baylor, Oklahoma, TCU, and Texas A&M, Okafor's heart has essentially been in Austin from day one, as Texas was the only school he officially visited, in addition to unofficial visits June 16 and November 7 before committing November 14.

At 6-4, 295 pounds, Okafor has ideal size entering Austin, although he could certainly benefit from toning his frame up and growing into a more physically imposing force in the trenches. As you could expect, Okafor's massive frame is accompanied by impressive power, as he displays solid initial contact and knocks defenders off balance. He shows good pad height when engaged, and for the most part, is a noteworthy run blocker that keeps his feet driving and finishes through the whistle. But as of now, Okafor looks to be much more of interior line presence, which is why he was recruited as an offensive guard, despite playing offensive tackle in high school.

Considering Texas' tackle positions look to be locked up for the next few years, with Connor Williams anchoring the left, and four-star tackle, Jean Delance, likely assuming that role on the right side, Okafor's best bet for reps will come at guard. But ultimately, aside from any unforeseen attrition, it's unlikely we see too much of Okafor, if any as a true freshman, which makes redshirting a strong possibility.