Grad transfer OT Calvin Anderson signs with Texas

Nine days after Rice Owls graduate transfer offensive tackle Calvin Anderson committed to the Texas Longhorns, the school announced on Monday that the 6’5, 300-pounder has signed with the Longhorns.

“Calvin is a great story,” head coach Tom Herman said. “He’s an under-recruited kid who took his football development very seriously and it shows. He’s a very intelligent, engaging and bright young man who is also a tremendous football player. It was a joy getting to know Calvin and his family, they are among the most impressive I’ve ever come across in recruiting. We’re thrilled to have him in our program.”

In fact, Anderson was a consensus two-star prospect out of Austin Westlake before putting on 60 pounds after getting to Rice. And while there was some interest from bigger programs like Kansas State and Texas Tech late in the recruiting process, Anderson opted to remain committed to former Rice head coach David Bailiff and his staff.

The early evaluation paid off for the Owls, as Anderson went on to start the final 36 games of his career and rank as one of the top pass protectors in college football last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

After Anderson announced his intentions to graduate this May with degrees in mathematical economics and religion and a minor in business, he received interest from schools across the country. Auburn, Michigan, and Oklahoma all hosted Anderson on official visits before the hire of new co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Herb Hand helped hometown Texas win out.

When Anderson arrives this summer to prepare for fall camp, he’s expected to position himself as the starter at left tackle for his final season of college football.