5 recruits who could be next to join the Longhorns 2020 class

On Friday evening, the Texas Longhorns kicked off a loaded recruiting weekend with a major commitment from speedy John Tyler cornerback Kitan Crawford. The four-star talent marked the first defensive pledge this cycle for Tom Herman’s program, but more notably, he could spark a wave of commitments in the coming weeks as numerous key Texas targets are eyeing summer decisions.

With that in mind, who could become some of the next additions to the Longhorns’ #cloUT2020 class?

Bijan Robinson — 5-star RB — Tucson (Az.) Salpointe Catholic

Arguably the priority at the position after top-ranked Houston North Shore running back Zachary Evans left the Longhorns from his top five list in late May, Bijan Robinson earned a Texas offer in early January and slowly but surely, the Horns have made some tremendous headway for the nation’s No. 4 running back. Robinson got a first-hand look at the Forty Acres in mid-April for the spring game, and he’s currently on campus for his official visit.

Robinson’s latest trip to Austin serves as his third official visit within the past week, as he made a mid-week trip to USC, and last weekend, he was on campus in Columbus visiting Ohio State. However, just before his trip to Columbus, Robinson reportedly named the Longhorns his leader in an Instagram Live feed, so with a strong showing this weekend, Texas could separate itself as the clear favorite for the elite ball carrier.

With his official visit tour already well underway, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a decision come within the coming weeks.

Lathan Ransom — 4-star S — Tucson (Az.) Salpointe Catholic

Bijan Robinson isn’t the only Salpointe Catholic product who may soon call Austin home. On June 1, the nation’s No. 4 safety prospect made his first trip to Austin, and the visit received rave reviews, indicating that Texas had positioned itself as a legitimate presence in his recruitment. Just three days later, on June 4, Ransom named the Longhorns as one of his final five options, alongside Ohio State, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and LSU.

10 days later, Ransom returned to the Forty Acres for his official visit, and shortly after, the four-star talent took to Twitter with a potentially telling message:

Ransom is spending the weekend in Columbus for an official visit Ohio State, which will conclude his official visit tour, so a decision could be coming in the coming days or weeks. LSU and Notre Dame are likely the Longhorns stiffest competition here, but Texas appears to be in a great position down the stretch.

Vernon Broughton — 4-star DT — Houston Cy Ridge

Vernon Broughton’s official visit tour is coming to an end this weekend in College Station, and with that portion of his recruitment all but in the rearview, there’s reason for optimism that he’ll ultimately end up in Austin. He was there just days ago on June 19, making a mid-week unofficial trip in between official visits to Ohio State (June 14) and Texas A&M (June 21), which marked his fourth trip to the Forty Acres this offseason, as he was also on hand in January, for the spring game, and for a May 3 official visit.

Weeks after his initial official visit to Texas, Broughton released a top six that also included Texas A&M, Ohio State, Arkansas, LSU, and Alabama, but of that bunch, the Aggies and Tigers are likely the only legitimate threat to the Horns. That said, Broughton has previously raved to BON of the Longhorns recruiting efforts and how the program feels like family, and should his stick to his summer decision timeframe, it would be a bit of a surprise if he ended up elsewhere.

Texas owns nine of Broughton’s 10 Crystal Ball picks.

Chad Lindberg — 4-star OG — League City Clear Creek

At one point, Lindberg appeared to be a lock to Texas, and for good reason. Beyond him making numerous trips to Austin, including a May 3 official visit, he’s built relationships with each of the Longhorns current offensive line pledges and quarterback commit Hudson Card. Furthermore, his older brother is currently enrolled at Texas. Nevertheless, Lindberg has entertained other options, making official visits to to Georgia (May 31), LSU (June 14), USC (June 18) throughout the past month, and he’s currently capping his official visit tour with a trip to Texas A&M.

That said, with his recruitment entering what will likely be its final few weeks, the Longhorns still appear to be in the driver’s seat. Texas currently owns each of his five Crystal Ball picks.

Chris Thompson Jr. — 4-star S — Duncanville

Of the several safety targets on Texas’ big board, Chris Thompson Jr. has long been considered the most likely to land in Austin, and that’s now likely even more true with his teammate, four-star quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson, committed to the program. As was the case with Jackson, Longhorns assistant receivers coach Ra’Shaad Samples’ presence and ties to Duncanville can only help the Horns here.

After numerous trips throughout the 2018 calendar year, Thompson made the short trek to Austin to take in a spring practice earlier this offseason, and he’s since returned for an official visit on May 3. More recently, he’s officially visited Ohio State last weekend, and he’s currently on an official visit to USC, but with a possible summer decision looming, there’s little reason to believe Thompson will be taking his talents elsewhere.

Much like Lindberg, Thompson’s Crystal Ball is entirely in favor of Texas, with eight picks placed to date.

Beyond the five noted targets, Dallas Highland Park outside linebacker Prince Dorbah, Dallas Bishop Dunne outside linebacker Brennon Scott, and Arlington cornerback Jahari Rogers are all names to keep an eye on as commit candidates.