Texas visits key target Jalen Catalon and OT commit Javonne Shepherd

As Early Signing Day looms in only 15 days, the Texas Longhorns were once again active on the recruiting trail on Tuesday, with head coach Tom Herman and safeties coach Craig Naivar visiting Mansfield Legacy safety Jalen Catalon:

The 5’9, 188-pounder has long been a top target for the Longhorns. Now, a little more than two months after Catalon named Texas among his top four schools, along with Arkansas, Oklahoma, and TCU, the Longhorns are trying to regain some momentum.

Arkansas looms as the biggest apparent threat, as the Razorbacks have held plenty of momentum since Catalon’s recruitment since hosting him for an official visit in early October and then landing a commitment from Catalon’s teammate, defensive lineman Taurean Carter, in late October.

The hope for Herman and Naivar is to land the final official visit from Catalon. To that end, Burnt Orange Nation’s Joe Hamilton was told that Catalon will be in Austin for that final official visit on December 14.

The pitch? Perhaps simply pointing out that Catalon is the last uncommitted prospect at the safety position with an offer from the Longhorns. At the cornerback position, there aren’t any uncommitted recruits currently holding offers who are bigger targets than Catalon.

In essence, Herman and Naivar had the opportunity to pitch the Mansfield legacy standout on being the final piece of the defensive back class in 2019.

The other major visit featured co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Herb Hand and wide receivers coach Corby Meekins visiting Houston North Forest offensive tackle Javonne Shepherd, a commit since the summer:

Shepherd is one of only two offensive line pledges in the class at this time, but he’s continued to flirt with Texas A&M in the months since choosing Texas, so the visit from Hand and Meekins, the longtime Houston-area high school football coach, was all about firming up Shepherd’s pledge.

As much as possible.

Should be an interesting few weeks until the #fUTure19 class becomes complete with National Signing Day on February 6.