Texas finds depth and a high-upside safety in Montrell Estell

In a class that saw many of the state’s top talent head elsewhere, Hooks safety Montrell Estell is the kind of high-upside prospect that’s offered an opportunity to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide, but remains firm in his long-time pledge and ultimate signing to the Texas Longhorns.

The 6’2, 180-pounder originally committed to former tight ends coach Jeff Traylor in May, more than two months after receiving his offer from Texas. The two-way standout was also coveted by the Aggies and held offers from Arizona State, Arkansas, Baylor, Notre Dame, and others.

Despite initially expressing some interest in visiting other schools, Estell remained firm through the coaching change before solidifying his commitment with an official visit in January.

Ranked as a consensus four-star prospect, Estell is the No. 250 player nationally, the No. 11 athlete, and the No. 40 player in Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite ranking.

Despite that ranking as an athlete, Estell will play safety for the Longhorns, the position at which he has the most long-term upside, because while he is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands, his range and ball skills make him a potential NFL prospect at safety if he can fulfill his potential.

Because he’s from a small school, he also has some athletic upside once he gets into the Texas strength and conditioning program, which will add some muscle to his rangy frame.

As a junior, Estell filled up the stat sheet with 412 rushing yards and four touchdowns, 490 receiving yards and five touchdowns, 69 tackles, and six interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns.