4-star WR Kelvontay Dixon signs NLI with Texas

After essentially sitting comfortably as the frontrunner in his recruitment since his mid-November decommitment from the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Texas Longhorns have officially landed Carthage star receiver Kelvontay Dixon, who signed his National Letter of Intent with Tom Herman’s program on Wednesday.

Hours before, Dixon officially ended his recruitment with his pledge to the Horns.

Though his name was tied to Texas for quite some time — unsurprisingly so given that Dixon is the younger brother of Longhorns junior running back Keaontay Ingram — Dixon wasn’t exactly always a key target for Texas as the Horns held a commitment from and ultimately continued to pursue St. Louis (Mo.) product Mookie Cooper, who has since signed with Ohio State. In the meantime, as Texas prioritized Cooper and other options such as Arizona State signee LV Bunkley-Shelton, Dixon committed to what was then Chad Morris’ Arkansas Razorbacks in early July.

However, in the wake of Morris’ dismissal from Arkansas, Dixon reopened his recruitment in mid-November, from which point Texas did prioritize the four-star talent. In the months since, it’s seemed to be more of a matter of when, not if Dixon would ultimately don burnt orange, and with the help of a Jan. 24 official visit to Austin, Dixon is now officially a member of Tom Herman’s 2020 class, with Texas winning out over options including Houston and UTSA.

Prior to his pledge, all nine of Dixon’s Crystal Ball projections favored the Longhorns.

A 6’0, 180-pound talent currently ranked as the No. 342 player nationally and the No. 50 player in Texas, per the 247Sports Composite, Dixon was recruited by Texas as a slot receiver. As a senior, he hauled in 73 catches for 1,223 yards and 20 touchdowns as a key figure in Carthage’s 16-0 Class 4A Division I championship team.

247Sports’ Gabe Brooks detailed Dixon’s skill set:

Possesses adequate to above-average height for multi-position offensive athlete. Gradually grown into his lean, sinewy frame. Not overly long, but owns space to add some more good weight. Versatile offensive playmaker who can line up wide, in the slot, or in the backfield. Terrific track athlete with several sub-11.00 100-meter times. Runs multiple relays and is a state contender in triple jump. Athleticism translates to the field. Shows impressive short-area elusiveness to make multiple defenders miss. Dangerous after the catch. Flashes strong combination of impressive burst and good long speed. Highly productive for perennial Texas 4A D-I title contender. All-around football player. Has return game value. Must continue to add bulk and strength. Needs to improve ball security and continue honing route-running and technique. High-ceiling athlete who needs some more development, but possesses long-term all-conference and perhaps NFL Draft potential.

Dixon now joins Troy Omeire and Dajon Harrison as Texas’ wide receiver takes this cycle.