3-star DE David Abiara signs with Texas

The Longhorns have earned a commitment and signature from former Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive end commit David Abiara on National Signing Day. Abiara chose the Longhorns over six other finalists during a ceremony at his high school.

Abiara is a consensus three-star prospect out of Mansfield Legacy and after reopening his recruitment in November, he has opted to head south to Austin to play for Steve Sarkisian.

Despite being committed to the Fighting Irish for months, Abiara was rumored to be looking around for some time with Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington receiving mention as possible options.

After an off-the-field incident in late October, things went quiet on the recruiting front for Abiara, but with the coaching staff turnover in Austin and the hiring of Washington defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski things picked up steam quickly with the Longhorns.

Texas been showing urgency to add some edge rushers to class heading into February and with Ja’Tavion Sanders likely beginning his career at tight end, getting Abiara into the class was imperative.

Abiara joins the Longhorn class that is No. 17 in the country and is the second ranked class in the Big 12. A consensus three-star prospect, Abiara is the 24th-ranked strong-side defensive end prospect in the country. according to 247Sports Composite rankings, and is the 358th-ranked prospect overall.

Analysis:

Abiara good size for the position at 6’4, 248 pounds and possesses the frame to add more mass to the point that sliding into the interior isn’t out of the question as he continues to develop. Abiara possesses a solid get off at the snap and shows he can work out of a two-point stance or with his hand(s) in the dirt. Tends to play with a high hat at times but can get away with it due to his talent level. Displays good play strength when combating offensive linemen at the LOS and shows good power in his hands. You do not see him getting displaced from the LOS much and he has the strength to control and steer opposing linemen. Shows the ability to run the arc and win with his hands on the edge. Put a nice cross chop and rip on tape that resulted in a sack and fumble. Shows the ability to win with power or can beat linemen across their face with quickness when isolated. Plays with aggression and good effort in pursuit of the ball. Had great production during his junior campaign (21 TFLs, 15 sacks) and parlayed that into a commitment to Notre Dame. Biggest question mark for me was off the field, but that seems to be squared away and in the rearview. Possesses legitimate upside and is a very nice get for the Longhorns heading into February.