Burnt Orange Nation - Texas signs one of nation’s best classes on Early Signing DayRomancing each other since 2004https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47839/BONfavicon.png2023-01-07T14:35:05-06:00http://www.burntorangenation.com/rss/stream/232838032023-01-07T14:35:05-06:002023-01-07T14:35:05-06:003-star CB Tyler Scott commits to Auburn over Texas, others
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<p>The Longhorns were unable to secure the fast-rising prospect to bolster a defensive back class that features only two signees.</p> <p id="fXrEPi">An offer in late October and an official visit last weekend was not enough for the <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com">Texas Longhorns</a> to land a commitment from Mableton (Ga.) Pebblebrook cornerback Tyler Scott, who pledged to the <a href="https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com">Auburn Tigers</a> at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday.</p>
<p id="4VLsGr">The 6’2, 185-pounder was a fast-rising prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle, Scott received late offers from Arkansas, <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/"><strong>LSU</strong></a>, Michigan, USC, Oklahoma, <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State</strong></a>, Alabama, and Miami, among others, in October. As Scott’s recruitment changed trajectory, he made unofficial visits to Alabama and Tennessee in addition to an official visit to Auburn. The Crimson Tide and Trojans later hosted Scott on official visits before the Longhorns served as the Georgia product’s final host.</p>
<p id="0UfUUd">A consensus three-star prospect, Scott is ranked as the No. 446 player nationally and the No. 43 cornerback, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Texas has signed South Oak Cliff cornerback Malik Mohammad and New Iberia (La.) Westgate safety Derek Williams in the 2023 class.</p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2023/1/7/23520025/tyler-scott-commits-auburn-tigers-texas-longhornsWescott Eberts2023-01-04T21:57:11-06:002023-01-04T21:57:11-06:00Texas post-Alamo Bowl roster matrix
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<p>Where the Longhorns roster stands following the end of the 2022 season.</p> <p id="ha61Ah">With early signing period complete, the <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com">Texas Longhorns</a> have the vast majority of the 2023 class signed with the addition of consensus four-star wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr.</p>
<p id="bRntOu">So it’s worth taking another look at the current roster matrix for the 2023 season with 23 members of the 2023 class signed, two transfers added to the mix, and 12 players who have entered the NCAA transfer portal or intend to do so.</p>
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<li id="WxyloB">Texas is close to completing the 2023 class — the only remaining targets on the board are Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle tight end Duce Robinson, Waco Connally nickel back Jelani McDonald, and Mableton (Ga.) Pebblebrook cornerback Tyler Scott, with McDonald the most likely player to sign.</li>
<li id="cajYAv">For more information on individual signees in the 2023 recruiting class, <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/recruiting/2022/12/20/23519762/texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-updates">all of those posts are contained in this StoryStream</a>.</li>
<li id="YFEOO6">Of the 13 players who have entered the NCAA transfer portal or intend to do so, <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/23/23524232/texas-longhorns-ncaa-transfer-portal-andre-karic-junior-angilau-hudson-card">six of them have found new destinations</a>.</li>
<li id="BvgeEd">Junior running back Bijan Robinson, senior running back Roschon Johnson, and senior linebacker DeMarvion Overshown have all officially declared for the 2023 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> and opted out of the Alamo Bowl. <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/11/23504539/texas-longhorns-alamo-bowl-opt-outs-bijan-robinson-roschon-johnson-demarvion-overshown">Here’s what those opt outs mean for the Longhorns</a>.</li>
<li id="uqFAst">Junior wide receiver Jordan Whittington and senior linebacker Jett Bush remain on the roster matrix with the expectation or possibility that both will return for the 2023 season.</li>
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<a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/31/23533867/tvondre-sweat-announces-return-texas-longhorns-2023">Senior defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat announced his return</a>.</li>
<li id="IuDLV0">Edge Ovie Oghoufo is included on the transfer portal list <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2023/1/4/23540071/ovie-oghoufo-to-enter-ncaa-transfer-portal-texas-longhorns">following his Wednesday announcement that he’ll use his final season of eligibility elsewhere</a>.</li>
<li id="zGUB92">With the additions of cornerback Gavin Holmes and punter Ryan Sanborn from the portal, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said on Early Signing Day that there are three to four more spots to take more players from the portal as the scholarship roster currently stands at 84. Former Arkansas safety Jalen Catalon is set to visit this weekend, but Texas doesn’t otherwise have any clear targets in the portal and some of the late 2023 additions like wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. and edge Tausili Akana have reduced the need for portal additions at those positions. If junior linebacker Jaylan Ford declares for the draft, that would significantly increase the urgency to find a potential starter at that position.</li>
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https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/23/23524348/texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-recuriting-2023-roster-matrix-ovie-oghoufoWescott Eberts2022-12-23T14:26:11-06:002022-12-23T14:26:11-06:00Texas Early Signing Day roundtable
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<p>Steve Sarkisian is set to land back-to-back top-five classes.</p> <p id="CP3dhC"><strong>Early Signing Day is in the books and it appears Steve Sarkisian and the </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com"><strong>Texas Longhorns</strong></a><strong> have locked in another top-five recruiting class. Outside of Arch Manning and Anthony Hill, what signee are you excited about the most? </strong></p>
<p id="VCZCSh"><strong>Daniel Seahorn</strong> (<strong>@DanielSeahorn) - </strong>Sydir Mitchell. Texas went head to head with Georgia to land Mitchell and when you look at the monsters they are churning out on the defensive side of the ball you’ll realize how significant this is. Mitchell has a chance to be a guy that has a significant impact for Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense once he arrives on campus and gets acclimated. </p>
<p id="5NEePM"><strong>Gerald Goodridge (@ghgoodridge)</strong> - For me it's probably Johntay Cook. We saw this year that Texas needed some additional passing threats and frankly, his current skillset probably fits the vertical routes that frustrated fans this year, which will allow Xavier Worthy to do what he does best and break ankles out of breaks. He’s also a kid that just loves Texas and will bring energy and magnetism to the group. </p>
<p id="qy2WFp"><strong>Cameron Parker (@camerondparker) </strong>- Derek Williams. There’s been a ton of hype around the 4-star safety and I can see why. He can be used in various different ways on defense and has the speed, size, and football IQ to make him an instant contributor.</p>
<p id="1LBTV6"><strong>Wescott Eberts (@SBN_Wescott) -</strong> Anthony Hill. The Denton Ryan standout is one of the best linebackers to ever sign with Texas. He’s hard-working, he’s fast, he’s physical, and all those qualities make him a strong candidate to start the 2023 season opener for the Longhorns.</p>
<p id="VmysD5"><strong>Last year Texas signed arguably the best offensive line class in the country, did they do the same with linebackers/edges in 2023?</strong></p>
<p id="Um9luu"><strong>Daniel </strong>- Georgia (shocker) probably takes the crown in that category, but you won’t hear the Texas coaching staff complaining about their haul. The Longhorn linebacker group checks all the boxes and I won’t be surprised if a couple of them find their way to the field early on after enrolling early. </p>
<p id="tkQaHe"><strong>Gerald - </strong>You definitely can’t say this is better than Georgia’s group from a national perspective, but comparing it to last year’s OL haul is not a bad comparison as far as future impact for Texas. When Sark and Co. came in, they saw that the roster composition needed an overhaul and they had a clear plan. It seems like Phase 1 of the recruiting plan was the OL and DL and Phase 2 was the edges and linebackers, in an effort to reshape this roster to look like one that can compete in the SEC.</p>
<p id="BhITNe"><strong>Cameron </strong>- I’ll lean towards Georgia having the best linebacking class in the country but just as the offensive line looks promising heading into 2023, I’ll say it’ll be the edge/linebacker positions that will look that way going into 2024. Outside of the OL, the edge might be the position that will have the most depth next season.</p>
<p id="TKvPVo"><strong>Wescott - </strong>I think a better comparison is looking back through Texas history in the modern recruiting era and I would slot this group as the best for the Longhorns. More importantly, both of those positions were huge needs for Texas, so being able to address those roster gaps was a massive priority for head coach Steve Sarkisian and Jeff Choate came through huge with some help from other assistants, including defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.</p>
<p id="zW3BRX"><strong>There are a lot of positives but were there any weaknesses in the class? Any areas you thought the staff didn’t address?</strong></p>
<p id="yHAAmp"><strong>Daniel - </strong>I think the class lacks a bonafide receiving threat at the tight end position. Spencer Shannon is mainly an in-line blocking tight end and I think Will Randle, while he does have some ability as a receiver isn’t one who will strike fear in a defense. The staff kept Ka’Morrean Pimpton warm and got him on campus the final weekend before signing day, but he ultimately flipped to <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a>. Duce Robinson has been a long shot the entire cycle, but the staff continues to pursue it since he will sign in February. This feels like a position for a possible portal addition with Ja’Tavion Sanders about to be a junior in 2023 and the position group needing another body in the pipeline. </p>
<p id="Z8YjgH"><strong>Gerald -</strong> I think the small group at the defensive back means that Texas is likely going to have to dip back into the portal again next year to try and add talent and depth in the back of the defense. They’ve already got Jaden Allen committed for the 2024 cycle, which helps, but it was odd to me to see such a small group in the secondary.</p>
<p id="uQRdoW"><strong>Cameron -</strong> Only one interior lineman signed (Sydir Mitchell) but the staff must feel confident about the guys they have on the roster now. Outside of DL, it wasn’t a big class for the secondary and hopefully, some of the ‘22 guys develop (B.J. Allen, Turner-Gooden, Austin Gordan) or address those needs in the secondary.</p>
<p id="Ij5lQM"><strong>Wescott - </strong>It’s a small group in the secondary with only Derek Williams at safety and Malik Muhammad at cornerback, so landing Jelani McDonald as a big nickel will be important next month. Other than that, I think the tight end group is not particularly highly rated and I agree with Daniel that I don’t see Spencer Shannon or Will Randle making a big impact in the passing game. Perhaps a late surge with Duce Robinson is possible since he didn’t sign in the early period – Sark has shown a willingness to play two tight ends together and Robinson would project as the starter in 2024 with Ja’Tavion Sanders likely going pro after next season.</p>
<p id="2gDcuZ"><strong>National Signing Day is not until February 1st but it appears Sark has the 2023 class largely sown up. Are there any other recruits Texas may target in the next month or is this class finalized?</strong></p>
<p id="1EtAXE"><strong>Daniel - </strong> Jelani McDonald is one more to watch and he has reportedly already signed and will announce at the Army All-American game. The staff will recruit five-star tight end Duce Robinson to the bitter end, but that recruitment looks to be trending towards Georgia. </p>
<p id="9h0MxB"><strong>Gerald - </strong>To reference my previous answer, Texas brought in cornerback Tyler Scott out of Georgia for an official visit ahead of Early Signing Day but he clearly left uncommitted. They’re likely going to stay on him in the hopes of adding another defensive back to the group, but it seems pretty unlikely. </p>
<p id="NTG468"><strong>Cameron </strong>- The two biggest names seem to be 4-star Jelani McDonald who is signing on Jan. 7 or Syracuse DB Ja’Had Carter. Carter would instantly fill a spot in the secondary left by Anthony Cook. Outside of that, the staff may be waiting for portal additions after spring camp.</p>
<p id="OK1LhW"><strong>Wescott - </strong>McDonald is the big remaining target. Georgia cornerback Tyler Scott is also on the radar and will commit the same day, but I think Auburn has the edge there. With the vast majority of prospects signing in the early period, I don’t expect any currently unknown targets to emerge for Texas – the 2023 recruiting class, at least as it pertains to high school prospects, is almost entirely complete with the possible exception of landing Robinson, which still feels like a longshot.</p>
<p id="JsHihW"><strong>What was the biggest storyline outside of Austin that you saw pertaining to ESD?</strong></p>
<p id="OVRYT3"><strong>Daniel</strong> - Alabama being back to being Alabama on the recruiting trail just months after Nick Saban sent a very loud message to the rest of the college football world about NIL. Oregon was also making a lot of noise, but they did ultimately lose Peyton Bowen to Oklahoma today after he initially flipped to the Ducks. Not sure I’ve seen a recruit be committed to three different schools publicly in a span of 24 hours. </p>
<p id="qXwjTQ"><strong>Gerald - </strong>It’s got to be Oregon. It started the night before with former Texas staffer Will Stein poaching Baylor’s quarterback from the class, leaving them without one. In addition to the hilarious flip of Austin Novosad, it felt like they landed a ton of talent on the day – including flipping a blue chip corner from LSU and gaining the commitment of five-star edge Matayo Uiagalelei. </p>
<p id="IL4iVG"><strong>Cameron -</strong> Venables and the OU staff kept blowing and going their way into a top-10 class that includes a few studs. I know Texas fans don’t want to hear it but it wasn’t a total dud for Boomer Sooner this year.</p>
<p id="qxn1KS"><strong>Wescott - </strong>Even with Oregon unable to secure the signature of five-star safety Peyton Bowen after he flipped from<a href="https://www.onefootdown.com"> Notre Dame</a> on Early Signing Day, the Ducks were red hot in landing big prospects. Tosh Lupoi was doing what he does best – making sure those bags get delivered.</p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/23/23524476/texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-2023-anthony-hill-derek-williamsCameron ParkerWescott EbertsGerald GoodridgeDaniel Seahorn2022-12-22T20:02:10-06:002022-12-22T20:02:10-06:004-star WR DeAndre Moore Jr. signs with Texas over Louisville
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<p>After declining to sign on Wednesday, Moore finally sent in his National Letter of Intent on Thursday.</p> <p id="T8Pj2Q">The most dramatic early signing period saga surrounding the <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com">Texas Longhorns</a> concluded on Thursday evening when Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco wide receiver signed with the Longhorns, ending his commitment to the <a href="https://www.cardchronicle.com">Louisville Cardinals</a>.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Signed ✔️ Thank You Jesus <a href="https://t.co/UdAMWzbWtL">pic.twitter.com/UdAMWzbWtL</a></p>— ᴅᴍᴏ. (@DeandreMooreJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeandreMooreJr/status/1606107579872030721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We've got another playmaker heading to the 512!<a href="https://twitter.com/DeandreMooreJr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeandreMooreJr</a> is officially a Longhorn <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllGas23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllGas23</a> <a href="https://t.co/cMZc2tkrBQ">pic.twitter.com/cMZc2tkrBQ</a></p>— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasFootball/status/1606108104453562369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a>
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<p id="NhePHq">A 6’0, 185-pounder, Moore declined to show up for the signing ceremony at his high school on Wednesday, leaving his seat at the table empty behind a placard with his sign and a Longhorns logo.</p>
<p id="Mk5cPS">But eventually followed through with his Early Signing Day plans, delivering a big blow to new Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm.</p>
<p id="4Sz2ec">Moore originally committed to Louisville in late May, joining an impressive class former head coach Scott Satterfield was assembling for the Cardinals. While remaining pledged to Louisville, Moore explored other options after taking his official visit in June, as Georgia and Texas hosted the explosive playmaker on consecutive weeks in November. Then, in what seemed like a telling decision, Moore paid for his own trip to the Forty Acres on the last visit weekend before the dead period began earlier this month.</p>
<p id="hJ5kfk">Here’s the 247Sports evaluation of Moore, who has a similar skill set and build to wide receivers who have been successful playing in Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s system:</p>
<blockquote><p id="5sshlE">Moore is a two-way player and a legitimate high-major prospect at receiver and safety. He has a solid frame, well muscled but isn’t stiff and is fluid in how he moves. At receiver, he has very good body control, strong hands and is excellent in jump ball situations. As a safety, he’s a smart, high IQ player with a lot of range. He’s a physical kid who is always around the ball. He’s a willing hitter and solid in coverage as well. He has good ball skills and ball awareness on both sides of the ball and although he prefers receiver, he might have more long term upside in the secondary. He runs well but can continue to improve athletically in both his short area quickness and long speed but has all the tools to be an impact player at the next level and has NFL upside as well.</p></blockquote>
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<p id="CKDSX7">A consensus four-star prospect, Moore is ranked as the 95 player nationally and the No. 17 wide receiver, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Moore joins consensus five-star prospect Johntay Cook and speedster Ryan Niblett in position coach Brennan Marion’s recruiting class and could obviate the need for taking a wide receiver in the NCAA transfer portal.</p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/22/23523507/deandre-moore-signs-texas-longhorns-louisville-cardinals-commitWescott Eberts2022-12-21T17:17:06-06:002022-12-21T17:17:06-06:00WATCH: Steve Sarkisian’s Early Signing Day press conference
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<p>The Longhorns head coach met with the media to discuss the nation’s No. 3 recruiting class.</p> <p id="S5tChf">After the <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com">Texas Longhorns</a> secured 21 signees in the 2023 recruiting class — and were in the midst of landing a 22nd, edge rusher Tausili Akana — head coach Steve Sarkisian met with the media on the Forty Acres for his second Early Signing Day press conference.</p>
<p id="78Ub74">Sarkisian discussed a group that ranks No. 3 nationally in the 247Sports Composite team rankings as of early Wednesday evening and also features two transfers, former <a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com">Wake Forest</a> cornerback Gavin Holmes and former Stanford punter Ryan Sanborn.</p>
<p id="HwNkci">It’s a balanced class for the Longhorns that addressed roster deficiencies with one of the best linebacker groups in school history, led by the nation’s top prospect at the position, Denton Ryan’s Anthony Hill Jr., as well as the wide receiver position and other more specific needs like quarterback, a running back to replace Bijan Robinson, developmental offensive linemen, and numbers at the edge position.</p>
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https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23521668/steve-sarkisian-texas-longhorns-early-signing-press-conference-videoWescott Eberts2022-12-21T16:57:20-06:002022-12-21T16:57:20-06:00How to follow Texas Early Signing Day news
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<figcaption>Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Longhorns are expected to sign at least 20 of the 21 2023 commits on Wednesday and could make several more additions.</p> <p id="PfRL79">Second-year <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/">Texas Longhorns</a> head coach Steve Sarkisian takes his second big recruiting step in reshaping the Longhorns program in his image on Wednesday as the vast majority of the 21 commits in the 2023 recruiting class are expected to ink their National Letters of Intent and a handful of targets make their decisions on Early Signing Day.</p>
<p id="EiVFha">Compared to last year, the Longhorns haven’t experienced the monster lead up to the early signing period, which is an admittedly high bar. Whereas the final weekend before ESD in 2021 included the commitments of <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> transfer quarterback Quinn Ewers and three huge pledges along the offensive line — Kelvin Banks, Cam Williams, and Neto Umeozulu — the last few days were much more quiet for Texas.</p>
<p id="IHN6Er">There was the <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/15/23446106/anthony-hill-commits-texas-longhorns-recruiting-2023">monumental addition</a> of the nation’s No. 1 linebacker in Denton Ryan’s Anthony Hill Jr. last Thursday while Sarkisian and members of his staff held an in-home visit with the Hill family and an important recruiting weekend that featured several key targets, but certainly fewer fireworks.</p>
<p id="hPiC9x">As the day begins, the group ranks No. 4 nationally and No. 1 in the Big 12, according to the 247Sports Composite team rankings, following the expected decommitment of four-star defensive end Dylan Spencer on Monday. The Houston CE King product flipped to <a href="https://www.vivathematadors.com">Texas Tech</a>.</p>
<p id="l0Zf9Q">Other than Spencer, however, Texas has been able to keep the majority of the class intact despite several recruits taking late visits and others continuing to receive interest from high-level programs.</p>
<p id="aZVJTo">Wednesday’s top decisions to watch include Louisville wide receiver commit Deandre Moore, Vanderbilt tight end commit Ke’Morreun Pimpton, and Mableton (Ga.) Pebblebrook cornerback Tyler Scott, as well as the significant decision of Texas safety commit Derek Williams about whether he wants to sign during the early period or wait and take next official visits next month.</p>
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<h3 id="SrE5ht">Early enrollees</h3>
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<strong>New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman quarterback Arch Manning — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/recruiting/2022/12/21/23515846/arch-manning-signs-texas-longhorns-recruiting-2023"><strong>7:28 a.m. Central</strong></a>
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<strong>Denton Ryan linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23515437/anthony-hill-signs-texas-longhorns-recruiting-2023-aggies-flip"><strong>10:28 a.m. Central</strong></a>
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<li id="G85B7H">
<strong>Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater running back Cedric Baxter Jr. — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/recruiting/2022/12/21/23516485/cedric-baxter-signs-texas-longhorns-recruiting-2023"><strong>11:20 a.m. Central</strong></a>
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<strong>DeSoto wide receiver Johntay Cook — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/recruiting/2022/12/21/23516568/johntay-cook-signs-texas-longhorns-national-signing-day-2023-recruiting"><strong>7:44 a.m. Central</strong></a>
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<strong>South Oak Cliff cornerback Malik Muhammad — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23516010/malik-muhammad-signs-texas-longhorns-recruiting-23-early-signing-day"><strong>12:15 p.m. Central</strong></a>
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<strong>Austin Westlake edge Colton Vasek — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23518164/colton-vasek-signs-texas-longhorns-recruiting-pete-kwiatkowski-ethan-burke"><strong>7:26 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="6Cz2Go">
<strong>Teague edge Derion Gullette — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23518201/derion-gullette-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-2023"><strong>7:51 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="65Aw1R">
<strong>Harker Heights offensive lineman Jaydon Chatman — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23515951/jaydon-chatman-signs-texas-longhorns-recruiting-early-signing-day-2023"><strong>7:57 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="e31xqZ">
<strong>Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic defensive tackle Sydir Mitchell — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23520156/sydir-mitchell-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-recruiting-2023"><strong>6:45 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="PIpmiL">
<strong>Kahuku (Hawaii) linebacker Liona Lefau — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/recruiting/2022/12/21/23516571/liona-lefau-signs-texas-longhorns-national-signing-day-2023-recruiting"><strong>12:30 p.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="m2QeBX">
<strong>Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips offensive tackle Payton Kirkland — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23517864/payton-kirkland-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-recruiting-23"><strong>6:51 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="QXh4qs">
<strong>Frisco Wakeland offensive tackle Connor Stroh — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23517904/connor-stroh-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-recruiting-2023"><strong>7:25 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="bjdKeI">
<strong>Mansfield Timberview offensive lineman Andre Cojoe — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23518866/andre-cojoe-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-recruiting-2023"><strong>8:01 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="jYLh2m">Signees</h3>
<ul>
<li id="ZSP1aP">
<strong>New Iberia (La.) Westgate safety Derek Williams — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23516208/derek-williams-signs-texas-longhorns-recruiting-2023-early-signing-day"><strong>7:17 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="wdWoCk">
<strong>Aldine Eisenhower wide receiver Ryan Niblett — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23516238/ryan-niblett-signs-texas-longhorns-recruiting-2023-brennan-marion"><strong>7:35 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="uAPWEN">
<strong>Lehi (Utah) Skyridge edge Tausili Akana — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23520667/tausili-akana-commits-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-oklahoma"><strong>4:31 p.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="5ss7Df">
<strong>Fort Worth North Crowley linebacker S’Maje Burrell — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/recruiting/2022/12/21/23516570/smaje-burrell-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-2023-recruiting"><strong>7:41 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="k1MMLK">
<strong>Melissa offensive tackle Trevor Goosby — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23516027/trevor-goosby-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-recruiting-2023"><strong>10:38 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="q9apka">
<strong>South Oak Cliff edge Billy Walton — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23519959/billy-walton-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-recruiting-2023"><strong>12:22 p.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="6LiGVq">
<strong>DeSoto running back Tre Wisner — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23519986/tre-wisner-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-recruiting-2023"><strong>8:05 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="6Fej1S">
<strong>Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei tight end Spencer Shannon — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23520007/spencer-shannon-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-recruiting-2023"><strong>9:18 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="bVYe3l">
<strong>New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman tight end Will Randle — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23520016/will-randle-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-recruiting-2023"><strong>8:17 a.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="8E1Ehl">Transfers</h3>
<ul>
<li id="D3quGv">
<strong>Former Wake Forest cornerback Gavin Holmes — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23521202/gavin-holmes-commits-texas-longhorns-wake-forest-transfer"><strong>1:08 p.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="5odZDv">
<strong>Former Stanford punter Ryan Sanborn — </strong><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/13/23507971/ryan-sanborn-commits-signs-texas-longhorns-recruiting-early-signing-day"><strong>12:42 p.m. Central</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="jFIQkN">
<h3 id="FXmpIP">Major announcements</h3>
<p id="1LRzMC"><strong>Bellfower (Calif.) St. John Bosco wide receiver DeAndre Moore (Louisville commit) </strong>— With Texas sitting at only two wide receiver pledges in a class the staff wanted to take three or four prospects, Moore has emerged as the top target in recent weeks despite his longtime pledge to Louisville. The 6’0, 185-pounder also took an official visit to Georgia in early November in addition to an official visit to Texas the following week and an unofficial visit to the Forty Acres last weekend. Since the Cardinals just hired a new coach in Jeff Brohm, Moore’s decision to visit Austin instead of Louisville may be a strong indication of which way he’s leaning in the final hours. Bosco is holding a <a href="https://twitter.com/boscofootball/status/1604954856380194816">signing day ceremony</a> at 11 a.m. Central.</p>
<p id="O6P5tw"><strong>[11:39 a.m. Central update]</strong>: <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23517334/deandre-moore-not-signing-louisville-cardinals-texas-longhorns">Moore is not expected to sign during the early period</a>.</p>
<p id="dq0Bz6"><strong>Fort Worth North Crowley tight end Ke’Morreun Pimpton (Vanderbilt commit)</strong> — A late-rising prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, Pimpton had a big-time senior season. After originally committing to Vanderbilt in July, Pimpton saw his stock take off, landing an offer from <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a> in October and an offer from Texas in early December. Both schools received visits in recent weeks and represent higher-profile programs with better proximity. So the question is whether Pimpton will stay loyal to the school that offered him months earlier.</p>
<p id="bpgvfb"><strong>[12:40 p.m. Central update]</strong> — <a href="https://twitter.com/julie_boudwin/status/1605624749832519680?s=46&amp;t=eeOxmMoy-DD8U2fm-KFR3g">Pimpton signed with LSU</a>.</p>
<p id="zoq663"><strong>Lehi (Utah) Skyridge edge Tausili Akana</strong> — The younger brother of Texas libero Keonilei Akana, the nation’s No. 102 prospect didn’t make it to the Forty Acres after taking an official visit for the Alabama game, but plenty of buzz surfaced surrounding the Longhorns late Tuesday evening and into Wednesday morning. Down to Colorado, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and Utah, Akana will announce his decision at <a href="https://twitter.com/akanatausili/status/1605312653194190848?s=46&amp;t=Pdf2XNhIrVGk5BXiJsW9sA">3:00 a.m. Central on 247Sports</a>. </p>
<p id="dnj5rn"><strong>[3:07 p.m. Central update]</strong>: <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23520667/tausili-akana-commits-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-oklahoma">Akana is joining his sister on the Forty Acres</a>.</p>
<p id="Ux6J5G"><strong>Mableton (Ga.) Pebblebrook cornerback Tyler Scott</strong> — Like Pimpton, Scott’s senior season helped elevate his stock considerably. Scott picked up his offer from Texas in late October and eventually took official visits to Alabama, Auburn, and USC in addition to taking in the Forty Acres last weekend. The Tigers are considered the favorite, but Scott won’t announce officially until the All-American Bowl next month.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="V1lCNT">
<p id="xhp8vi">There will also be plenty of coverage in other places. The <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasFootball"><strong>@TexasFootball</strong></a> Twitter account will announce the new signees as the National Letters of Intent roll in and Longhorn Network also typically has coverage in the morning and early evening. And Sarkisian is set to meet with the media during the afternoon to discuss the class.</p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23519563/texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-2023-recruiting-arch-manning-anthony-hillWescott Eberts2022-12-21T16:50:19-06:002022-12-21T16:50:19-06:004-star edge Tausili Akana signs with Texas over OU, others
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w3NSqRgrVJFmVjcjcWyjUcF-vm0=/141x0:1070x619/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71779624/TausiliAkana.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>247Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The elite edge rusher joins an already impressive haul from the Longhorns coaching staff. </p> <p id="y23zQv">In the lone fireworks of the day for the Texas Longhorns, elite edge rusher Tausili Akana signed with Texas as a part of Early Signing Day, choosing the Longhorns over the <a href="https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com">Oklahoma Sooners</a>, <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU Tigers</a>, <a href="https://www.goodbullhunting.com">Texas A&M Aggies</a>, and Louisville Cardinals in a ceremony in Hawaii.</p>
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<p id="qhfR3C">Texas later confirmed the receipt of Akana’s National Letter of Intent and his addition to the 2023 recruiting class.</p>
<div id="0xCbPX">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to the family <a href="https://twitter.com/AkanaTausili?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AkanaTausili</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllGas23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllGas23</a> <a href="https://t.co/8ULkVWwIFY">pic.twitter.com/8ULkVWwIFY</a></p>— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasFootball/status/1605692519597035520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="BDqjcU">Akana, a four-star edge from Lehi (Utah) Skyridge, was one of the most highly-coveted recruits in the country, holding 47 offers covering all of the Power 5 conferences. He ultimately took five official visits during the season, making it to Austin first for the Week 2 matchup against Alabama. He spent the final weekend of the recruiting period at Louisville, but most believed it was a two-horse race between the Longhorns and Sooners. </p>
<p id="453eAe">The No. 102 player in the 247Sports Composite, the 6’4, 225-pound edge adds to an already elite haul from the defensive staff, with defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski taking point on the recruitment. He joins Derrion Gullette, Colton Vasek, and Billy Walton in a group that could likely factor into both the near and far-term trajectory of the defense. </p>
<p id="xm6MKE">The brother of Keonilei Akana, libero on the national champion volleyball team, Akana’s addition to the class pushes Texas above the <a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com">Miami Hurricanes</a> for the No. 3 recruiting class for 2023. </p>
<p id="mGmMiF"><strong>Analysis (by Daniel Seahorn):</strong></p>
<p id="SXVDOR">Texas already has one high-motor/energy edge rusher in the class in Colton Vasek and now they are getting another one in Tausili Akana. Akana is featured off the edge as a stand-up and three-point stance rusher and in some snaps off the ball at inside backer. Like with Vasek, one of Akana’s best traits is that he plays hard and relentlessly on each snap he puts on tape. You can put it in ink that he will give you good, hard snaps when he is out there and he will be the kind of player that makes the hustle plays that coaches love. One of the knocks on Akana is that he lacks the ideal length you want for an edge rusher, but with that in mind, he actually does a good job of winning with his hands and getting off blocks both coming downhill off the ball and when coming off the edge. As a pass rusher, Akana shows solid ball get-off and has the ability to dip and win running the arc. He also shows the ability to convert speed to power and has the making of a long arm move that shows he can get into the bodies of offensive tackles. Akana also shows that he will counter with a nice spin move back inside if he feels himself getting too far up the field. Has some reps on tape when he is asked to drop into coverage from the edge and shows some comfort when tasked with doing so. Akana is listed at 6’4, 225, but I would be curious to see comprehensive measurables on him because he looks like a guy who is going to need to fill out some once he arrives to campus. Once he adds some mass to his frame I think he is a guy you can get involved in some situational pass rush scenarios early in his career at the next level. </p>
<div id="JUTECq"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14853301/639930063448920f2c020787" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23520667/tausili-akana-commits-signs-texas-longhorns-early-signing-day-oklahomaDaniel SeahornGerald Goodridge2022-12-21T13:22:26-06:002022-12-21T13:22:26-06:00Wake Forest transfer CB Gavin Holmes signs with Texas
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<img alt="Wake Forest v NC State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ONyx6yaeqVXtBoWG7SEFWujzZy8=/0x0:6461x4307/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71779078/1244536494.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Lance King/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Louisiana product was a hot commodity in the transfer portal, but only needed one visit to make a decision.</p> <p id="YZpHxm"><a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com">Wake Forest Demon Deacons</a> transfer cornerback Gavin Holmes committed to and singed with the <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com">Texas Longhorns</a> on Wednesday during the early signing period.</p>
<div id="sTqJm5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who you believing them or me? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hookem?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hookem</a> <a href="https://t.co/GsoPWhnhNm">pic.twitter.com/GsoPWhnhNm</a></p>— Gavin Holmes (@GAVINH0LMES) <a href="https://twitter.com/GAVINH0LMES/status/1605640719913213952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to the Forty! <a href="https://twitter.com/GAVINH0LMES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GAVINH0LMES</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllGas23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllGas23</a> <a href="https://t.co/0BfsDV9oQm">pic.twitter.com/0BfsDV9oQm</a></p>— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasFootball/status/1605641231073157120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="lz6csV">The rising junior originally planned to visit Penn State in January, but opted to shut down his recruitment early after spending time on the Forty Acres during the last visit weekend before the dead period.</p>
<p id="gn7zdo">In early December, the 5’11, 175-pounder became the first public portal offer from the Longhorns in this <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors"><strong>transfer window</strong></a> in a sign that secondary coach Terry Joseph has identified the boundary cornerback position as one in need of experienced depth with the pending departure of D’Shawn Jamison</p>
<p id="lFd79J">From Metairie (La.) Archbishop Rummel, Holmes was ranked as a consensus three-star prospect and the No. 113 cornerback in the 2020 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Holmes chose Wake Forest over offers from Colorado, Louisiana-Monroe, Nicholls State, Northwestern State, Old Dominion, Southeastern Louisiana, and UTSA.</p>
<p id="oWZARU">In 2020, Holmes appeared in three games with one start, finishing the season with three tackles and an interception. As a redshirt freshman, Holmes played in 13 games with 19 tackles, three tackles for loss, four pass breakups, one interception, and one forced fumble. In 11 games this season, Holmes recorded 23 tackles and nine pass breakups.</p>
<p id="8Zk5J8">So Holmes is an <a href="https://twitter.com/GAVINH0LMES/status/1598737336342388738"><strong>experienced player</strong></a> with solid production and a verified 4.52 40-yard dash and 37-inch vertical leap in high school, more than adequate athleticism to play a position that demands it.</p>
<p id="V8MYUb">After entering the portal, Holmes also announced offers from Arkansas, <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/"><strong>Virginia Tech</strong></a>, Tulane, Houston, Memphis, Kansas, <a href="https://www.redcuprebellion.com/"><strong>Ole Miss</strong></a>, Washington, Baylor, West Virginia, Old Dominion, <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com/"><strong>Oregon State</strong></a>, Vanderbilt, <a href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/"><strong>Mississippi State</strong></a>, Penn State, and Cincinnati, putting him quickly in demand from a handful of Power Five programs.</p>
<p id="BHvhpS">But landing the first visit from Holmes put the Longhorns in a strong position in his recruitment and the Texas staff was able to close quickly with Holmes. Looking forward to the spring and the 2023 season, the depth chart immediately makes Holmes the favorite to win the starting job over a talented but relatively inexperienced player like Terrance Brooks, who passed Jamier Johnson in the rotation prior to Johnson’s entrance into the portal and commitment to Indiana. </p>
<p id="Z0DnLz"></p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2022/12/21/23521202/gavin-holmes-commits-texas-longhorns-wake-forest-transferWescott Eberts