4-star Texas OT commit Javonne Shepherd won’t sign during early signing period

As expected, the Texas Longhorns will have to wait a few more weeks before Houston North Forest offensive tackle Javonne Shepherd officially joins Tom Herman’s 2019 recruiting class.

According to a report from Orangebloods’ Jason Suchomel, the four-star interior talent won’t be joining the rest of Texas’ 2019 class in signing on Wednesday, but rather, he’ll postpone putting pen to paper until February.

Given how Shepherd’s recruitment has played out, the fact that Shepherd won’t be signing on Wednesday shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Since announcing his commitment to Texas in late July, Shepherd’s recruitment has largely been a rollercoaster of speculation and uncertainty, such as numerous conflicting reports as to where Shepherd would be visiting — namely, Texas A&M — and when.

There were even times in which a flip to Texas A&M was expected, as evident by three flip predictions coming in on his Crystal Ball in September, though that move never materialized.

But, of course, fending the Aggies off until Dec. 19 isn’t quite enough. Rather, Shepherd will continue to evaluate his options, with Texas A&M obviously looming as the largest threat. Per Shepherd’s 247Sports profile, he’s scheduled to officially visit the Aggies on Jan. 11. The Longhorns are then expected to host Shepherd for an official visit ahead of the late signing period.

One of two offensive tackle additions to Texas’ 2019 class, along with the already-signed Conroe Oak Ridge star Tyler Johnson, Shepherd is ranked as the nation’s No. 337 player, No. 30 offensive tackle, and as the No. 39 player in Texas, per the 247Sports Composite.

With the Longhorns likely set to miss on key four-star offensive tackle target Isaiah Hookfin, and three-star tackle Andrew Coker remaining firm with TCU, the need for Texas to hold onto Shepherd’s pledge and ultimately sign him simply can’t be overstated.