4-star Texas WDE target Ronnie Perkins commits to Oklahoma

Another Texas defensive line target is now pledged elsewhere, as Saint Louis (Mo.) Lutheran North weak-side defensive end Ronnie Perkins has committed to the Oklahoma Sooners over the Longhorns and Michigan, among others.

A versatile four-star edge rusher, Perkins has long been a priority prospect for Tom Herman, Oscar Giles and the Longhorns. As Texas built a No. 2-ranked recruiting class on the strength of numerous elite skill position pledges, the trenches have suffered and to date, the ‘Horns hold just one defensive line commit from Houston Westfield product Keondre Coburn.

Perkins was among the more realistic candidates to join Coburn in Austin down the stretch, although it was clear that Texas was amid a rigorous Red River recruiting battle for his services. After finally being able to tour Norman, Okla., Lincoln Riley’s program won out with Perkins siding with the Sooners during his official visit.

Perkins’ pledge to Oklahoma comes just days after Arlington Lamar defensive tackle Bobby Brown committed to Texas A&M over Texas, Oklahoma and others.

As usual, don’t expect Texas to relent its pursuit of Perkins until the Missouri native officially shuts his recruitment down, but in the meantime, options are running thin.

Going forward, Texas doesn't appear to be in position to land another defensive tackle at the moment, and if the ‘Horns are going to add any other defensive line commits at all, it will likely come in the form of Conroe Oak Ridge strong-side defensive end Joseph Ossai or Independence (Mo.) William Christian strong-side defensive end Daniel Carson.

In any case, Texas missed out on nothing short of an elite prospect on Sunday and quite possibly a year-one contributor.

The 6’2.5, 256-pound Perkins is ranked as the nation’s No. 112 player, No. 5 weak-side defensive end and the No. 3 player in Missouri, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.