4-star OT Javonne Shepherd unofficially visited Texas on Tuesday

Once again, coveted in-state offensive tackle Javonne Shepherd has made the short trek from Houston to Austin to unofficially visit the Texas Longhorns, and he did so accompanied by renowned Houston trainer, Rischad Whitfield.

For obvious reasons, this is significant news for Herb Hand and the ‘Horns. Shepherd, a Houston North Forest product, is arguably Texas’ top offensive line target this cycle, and undoubtably the Longhorns top remaining option at offensive tackle.

That interest is reciprocated, to say the least.

Shepherd has visited the Forty Acres several times this spring, including last month along with teammate and 2020 Texas wide receiver target Demond Demas.

It’s also worth noting that Shepherd's girlfriend is set to attend Texas, which quite likely helps the ‘Horns chances in this one, which are already high as is. Shepherd’s Crystal Ball is currently split between Texas and Texas A&M, but of his six picks, the last three each favor the Longhorns. Texas has consistently been noted as a team around the very top of his recruitment. However, Shepherd intends to take his official visits before making a decision. It would be a surprise if Texas doesn’t receive one of those visits.

A 6-foot-6, 319-pound prospect, Shepherd is ranked as the nation’s No. 233 player, the No. 25 offensive tackle and the No. 31 player in Texas, per the 247Sports Composite.