Two Texas DB targets commit to other programs

Unsurprisingly, the historic 2018 defensive back recruiting class continues to make landing more top prospects a difficult proposition for the Texas Longhorns, as two targets committed to other programs on Wednesday.

The first decision came from Mansfield Timberview cornerback Jalen Kimber, whose stock took off in early March after an impressive performance at The Opening Dallas regional camp. Kimber committed to Georgia:

The decision wasn’t especially surprising — he visited Athens in late March and started to trend heavily to the Bulldogs in recent days. However, it is something of a disappointment for Texas because Kimber took a trip to Austin in early March that seemingly positioned the Longhorns as a potential contender in his recruitment.

Kimber is a consensus four-star prospect ranked as the No. 239 player nationally and the No. 16 cornerback, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Because of his elite speed and legitimate size, he has significant upside.

The second decision came from Lewisville Hebron safety Darius Snow, who will follow in his father’s footsteps by committing to Michigan State:

Snow is the son of former Spartans basketball standout Eric Snow, so it was hardly surprising to see opt to attend to same school. One 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction for Michigan State came in nearly two and a half years ago. However, there was some thought that the Horns had a significant chance to land Snow last year before falling to get him on campus in recent months as other targets emerged on the recruiting radar.

Ranked as a consensus four-star prospect, Snow is the No. 234 player nationally and the No. 20 safety, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Because the in-state defensive back class is so deep this year, missing out on Kimber and Snow is hardly crippling for the recruiting efforts of safeties coach Craig Naivar and cornerbacks coach Jason Washington — Texas remains in a good spot for a handful of defensive backs.

CE King safety Bryson Washington is now down to the Longhorns and Sooners ahead of a summer decision, for instance, while other targets like Pearland Shadow Creek safety Xavion Alford, Aldine Macarthur cornerback Joshua Eaton, and Arlington athlete Jahari Rogers were all in attendance at the Orange-White game. Texas also recently made the top three for Tyler John Tyler cornerback Kitan Crawford.