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After signing his National Letter of Intent today, New Orleans (La.) Brother Martin tight end Peyton Aucoin is officially a member of Charlie Strong and the Texas Longhorns' 2016 recruiting class.
In-home with the best in the business! #Hookem pic.twitter.com/3kt5lzR47M
— Peyton Aucoin (@PeytonAucoin1) January 21, 2016
Aucoin, a three-star talent, ranks as the nation's No. 48 tight end, the No. 46 player from Louisiana, and the No. 956 overall recruit, per 247Sports composite rankings. The long-time Texas commit wasted no time joining Strong's 2016 class, pledging last July, and remained solid to the Longhorns from day one. Despite holding 21 offers, which include Michigan, Florida, and Nebraksa, Aucoin shut down his recruitment following his commitment to Texas, and visited only the 40 Acres; twice unofficially and once officially December 12.
For Aucoin, redshirting his first season in Austin may be the most plausible option. Caleb Bluiett really emerged as a reliable big play threat last season, and although he had only eight receptions for 167 yards, averaging 20.9 yards per catch looks to be good enough to solidify Bluiett as the tight end No. 1 entering 2016. It's unclear how much production Texas will get out of Andrew Beck, but Blake Whiteley looks to join the battle for reps after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. For Aucoin, this potential depth is troubling news. While he excels as a run blocker, and plays with a knowledge of how to seal the edge and a bit of a mean streak, his unproven worth as a pass catcher may be his crutch. Per MaxPreps, Aucoin caught hauled in only one reception for seven yards as a senior for Brother Martin. But at 6-4, 255 pounds, Aucoin owns a imposing frame, nonetheless, and is someone that could step into the fold as a valuable piece after a season or two of development.
If he doesn't redshirt, it's possible Aucoin finds the bulk of his minutes in goal line and short-yardage situations. But that may be a last resort in hopes of preserving his eligibility with Beck and Whitely in the mix.