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Offensive line talent throughout Texas was at a premium this cycle and on Wednesday, Frisco Wakeland offensive tackle Rafiti Ghirmai, one of the best the state has to offer, signed with the Longhorns.
Big man up front, Rafiti Ghirmai. #RevolUTion18 #ThisIsTexas #HookEm pic.twitter.com/hAvQV917yb
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 20, 2017
After extending on offer in January, Texas found itself tasked outlasting a top 10 that featured UCLA as the Longhorns primary competition. Down the stretch, Ghirmai’s recruitment was essentially a two-horse race between the Longhorns and Bruins, and until late, UCLA was thought to have the edge.
Fortunately for a Longhorns team in dire need of depth along the offensive line, Ghirmai sided with Texas on August 21 and on Wednesday, he officially became a Longhorn.
247Sports provided a look at what Ghirmai brings to the offensive line:
“Rafiti Ghirmai is a top-tier offensive line prospect in the state of Texas' 2018 recruiting class. He possesses an adequate frame for the tackle spot at the Power Five conference level. He's fairly athletic relative to his position and has a big reach that should give him a high ceiling as a pass-blocker. Ghirmai could potentially prove position-versatile at the next level as well. He can play a bit high at times and his hand placement lacks consistency, but all the physical tools are there for Ghirmai, who thrives in the run game and owns the requisite traits to become a well-rounded high-major O-lineman”
He may not be among the Longhorns most highly-rated recruits, but Ghirmai is unquestionably one of the most significant additions this cycle. With Connor Williams headlining the offseason attrition along the offensive line, the Frisco Wakeland produce will be able to come in and immediately compete for his place among the two-deep.