Texas LT Samuel Cosmi declares for 2021 NFL Draft, forgoes remainder of season

Texas Longhorns junior left tackle Samuel Cosmi has told teammates he is planning on opting out of the remainder of the 2020 season, according to multiple reports.

On Sunday afternoon, Cosmi released a statement through the school confirming that he’s declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft and forgoing the remainder of the season.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for my journey here at The University of Texas. It’s been an amazing experience and a true blessing. It was an extremely difficult decision, but after talking with my family, I feel that it’s in my best interest to forgo the remainder of the season. My goal is to prepare for the NFL Draft and work towards that dream of mine. I want to thank everyone at the University, especially Coach Herman, Coach Hand and Coach McKnight, and all who have had a part in my journey. I wouldn’t be here and have had the success I’ve had if it weren’t for them. Coming in as a young skinny lineman who started out on the scout team and ending up where I am now is a true testament to God, this program, and everyone who has helped me become the man I am today. I’m so incredibly grateful for the support of my teammates. I love them all and will be forever thankful for them. The bonds we’ve created go way beyond football and will last a lifetime. Most of all, I want to thank my family, who have been my biggest supporters. They’ve been my rock through it all. I’m so blessed to have them in my life. I am planning on finishing my degree this semester, as well as preparing for the draft, and I’ll be supporting the guys as they finish the season. Thank you to all of Longhorn Nation. I’m going to bleed Burnt Orange for the rest of my life! Hook ‘em!”

Cosmi has started 34 consecutive games for the Longhorns but will forego the final two regular season games against Kansas State and Kansas and potentially the bowl game as he prepares for the NFL Draft.

Pro Football Focus ranks Cosmi 13th on their draft big board while ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as the 10th best player in the 2021 draft class. However, with a strong offensive line class declaring for the draft, it’s possible Cosmi is a late first or early second round pick.

With the Longhorns officially eliminated from earning a trip to the Big 12 Championship, Cosmi’s decision to opt out will ensure he doesn’t suffer an injury that cause him to drop down the draft boards.

Cosmi is likely to be the highest-drafted lineman from Texas since Connor Williams was selected 50th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2018 draft. It’s also possible that Cosmi goes higher than Williams to become the highest-drafted lineman from Texas since Mike Williams was selected as the fourth overall pick in 2002.

It’s also reasonable to expect more opt outs from the Longhorns with the future of Tom Herman up in the air.