Texas lands former Baylor signee and 4-star DB Jahdae Barron

A couple months ago, 2020 Pflugerville Connally defensive back Jahdae Barron was on his way to joining the Baylor Bears in Waco. But that’s changed for the four-star recruit.

After turning down offers from the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Virginia Tech Hokies, among others, he’s now heading to Austin as part of the Texas Longhorns’ freshman class. Barron is the second cornerback in the 2020 class, joining Kitan Crawford out of John Tyler after the Longhorns lost out on two commitments at the position earlier this year.

As noted in 247Sports, the clearest link between Barron and Texas aside from the program’s interest prior to signing day is Texas cornerbacks coach Jay Valai, who recruited Barron during his time with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks describes him like this: “[Adequate] height and frame potential relative to the position. Plays smoothly and instinctive in coverage. Shows good ball skills for a DB. Flashes encouraging reactive quickness. Consistently stays in-phase with receivers while playing off coverage. ... No verified testing times, but owns a 10.95 100-meter time. Good long speed. Natural corner but could potentially provide position flexibility in college. Willing tackler with solid numbers in that department, but can improve technique and consistency. Needs to continue adding bulk and strength to combat bigger opponents in college. One of the top 2020 corners in Texas who could become multi-year starter with NFL Draft potential.”

247Sports Composite rankings backs up Brooks’ scouting report, ranking Barron as the nation’s No. 24 cornerback and the No. 51 overall player across the wide span of the Lone Star State.

Burnt Orange Nation made a similar comparison in an earlier post. Adding to the 247Sports’ take on Barron’s commitment: “Since the Horns don’t need immediate help at the position for this season, the calculation for the Texas coaching staff is whether Barron is a better prospect than what the staff believes they can sign in the 2021 class and whether a year of redshirting Barron or playing him on special teams is worth a roster spot this season.”

Barron’s coming aboard marks the 20th signee for the 2020 recruiting class.