Longhorns offer 4-star 2021 WDE Ethan Downs

Once again, the Texas Longhorns have taken their recruiting efforts across the Red River.

On Tuesday night, Tom Herman and his staff ventured into Sooner territory and put an offer on the table for rising 2021 Weatherford (Okla.) weak-side defensive end Ethan Downs, he announced on Twitter.

After adding various offers throughout the spring, Downs’ Texas offer marked his second major invitation in as many days, as Oklahoma jumped into the mix on Monday. Penn State, Oklahoma State, LSU, and Nebraska are among the eight programs with offers out to the top-ranked prospect in Oklahoma, per 247Sports, but it’s the Sooners, which hosted Downs in mid-April, that are considered the early frontrunner.

A two-way talent who plenty capable of excelling at either tight end or along the defensive line, Downs made his presence felt on both sides of the ball as a sophomore. In addition to 72 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and five sacks, the four-star talent totaled 482 yards and four touchdowns on 70 rushing attempts, and hauled in 20 receptions for 326 yards and six more scores.

Since those efforts, Downs went on to impress at the All-American Combine in San Antonio last winner, taking home honors as the event’s Defensive MVP.

Now one of just five 2021 weak-side defensive ends with a Texas offer, Downs is ranked as the nation’s No. 120 player and as the No. 9 prospect at his position.