Key Texas DB target Jalen Catalon names Longhorns in top 8

Versatile Mansfield Legacy safety Jalen Catalon trimmed much of the fat in his recruitment on Thursday night and the Texas Longhorns are still in the thick of the race. Catalon also named Clemson, TCU, Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Ohio State in his top eight.

One of the Longhorns top defensive targets this cycle, Catalon has already made several visits to the Forty Acres throughout the offseason with the most recent coming for Texas’ spring game. The Longhorns are expected to receive one of Catalon’s official visits, as well.

With a well-documented relationship with Texas safeties coach Craig Naivar and the opportunity to also play baseball in Austin, Catalon is considered a heavy Longhorns lean to this point.

That said, Arkansas and TCU each loom as legitimate threats.

A multi-capable talent, Catalon thrived as a safety last season, totaling 101 tackles, three tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 3 pass breakups and three interceptions. Catalon also served and excelled as Mansfield Legacy’s quarterback, completing 62-119 attempts for 1,145 yards and 15 touchdowns, and he added another 1,031 yards and 13 touchdowns on 123 carries.

Catalon is currently ranked as the nation’s No. 187 player, the No. 11 safety and the No. 26 player in Texas, per the 247Sports Composite.