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For the second time in as many days, Herb Hand and the Texas Longhorns have added an experienced interior talent to the mix, as Iowa Western C.C. offensive tackle Willie Tyler announced his commitment to the Horns on Monday.
C O M M I T T E D #HookEm pic.twitter.com/d6HXqQcDHv
— Willie Tyler III™️ (@TheWillieTyler) March 4, 2019
“First, it’s the at-home feeling I got on my visit,” Tyler told Orangebloods’ Jason Suchomel of his decision to commit to Texas. “Then of course, coach (Herb) Hand, coach (Tom) Herman, Jake Langi, and Bryan Carrington - they all made me feel at home on my visit.”
A 6’7, 330-pound talent, Tyler also held offers from West Virginia and Louisiana Tech, but his commitment to Texas comes just weeks after he officially visited the Forty Acres for the Longhorns Junior Day.
At 6'7 and listed at 330 pounds, Willie Tyler has the type of size and athleticism that makes him an intriguing prospect. Now it will be up to Herb Hand to mold him into a contributor.
— Wescott Eberts (@SBN_Wescott) March 4, 2019
As noted, Tyler taking his talents to Texas marks the second time in as many days that the Horns have added a potential plug-and-play prospect along the offensive line, as Georgia Tech grad transfer offensive guard Parker Braun announced his commitment to Texas on Sunday.
For Texas, Tyler’s pledge is an impactful one in that the Longhorns will be looking to replace three 2018 starters along the offensive line. In addition to left guard Patrick Vahe and right guard Elijah Rodriguez each graduating, Texas is also tasked with filling to role former Rice grad transfer Calvin Anderson occupied last season at left tackle.
Beyond the talent already on campus, Texas is incorporating early enrollee Tyler Johnson into the mix this spring, who boast elite upside at left tackle, and the same can be said of four-star signees Isaiah Hookfin and Javonne Shepherd. So at the very least, Tyler will add further depth, competition, and potential to Hand’s pool of offensive tackle prospects.
“I feel like I can bring competitiveness, some leadership, and just a little experience too,” Tyler told Orangebloods of what he brings to the table. “Just coming from JUCO, you see a lot of stuff, you learn a little more than just coming out of high school. And a great teammate too.”
Currently unranked per the 247Sports Composite, Tyler is set to become a May graduate and will have four years to play three, so it is possible that he does redshirt in 2019.
This story will be updated.