Rice OT Calvin Anderson announces intent to become a graduate transfer

Texas Longhorns head coach Tom Herman is officially on the record as being in the market for a graduate transfer offensive lineman. On Saturday, one possible target emerged when Rice Owls offensive tackle Calvin Anderson announced his intent to transfer after graduating in May.

The 6’5, 300-pounder started 36 consecutive games for Rice and received honorable mention all-conference recognition over the last two season. In 2017, Anderson arguably deserved greater recognition after he finished in the top 20 nationally in pass blocking efficiency, according to PFF. On the season, he allowed only one sack and nine quarterback hits.

Anderson’s season highlights are available here.

In 2016, Anderson graded out at over 90 percent in each game and recorded 26 knockdowns and five pancake blocks.

Out of high school, Anderson was a consensus two-star prospect from Austin Westlake in the 2014 class, with Rice his only listed offer on his 247Sports profile page. After redshirting and eventually gaining 60 pounds, Anderson may now have a chance to return home to play for the Longhorns.

In fact, Texas offensive line coach Derek Warehime is now following Anderson on Twitter, so the Longhorns are aware of Anderson’s plans.

With Elijah Rodriguez struggling to combat the speed rush in his 2017 season debut against Missouri in the Texas Bowl, landing a player of Anderson’s caliber as a pass protector on the left side would be a major coup for Warehime.

In fact, it’s an even more ideal scenario than landing a junior college product like Jahmir Johnson who is unproven in pass protection at the college level.

Seems like a perfect fit all around.