Intro
After getting great feedback and interactions on my last article, I decided to run it back and make a part two for recruiting classes and players to watch. Let us know what you think about this article and what teams you want me to cover next. In the week since my last article on this topic, a wave of high-profile commitments has happened.
As always, this article will look at some of the recent commitments to a major program and how those commits fit with their new team. We will also examine what it could mean to said program moving forward. Throughout the summer, we will continue to look at schools and classes as they come together, but for now, let’s talk about some Texas Football.
How it started
Starting with the most notable surge of the week, Texas made many significant additions to its recruiting class in the last week or so. It all began with the commitment of three-star TE Will Randle out of Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, Louisianna. Randle is a teammate and close friend of top overall prospect Arch Manning. Shortly after his commitment, rumblings of a potential big-name commitment quickly gained momentum.
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Within a couple of days of the Randle announcement, Manning posted to his Twitter, confirming the rumors of a commitment to the Longhorns. His post read, “Committed to the University of Texas. #HookEm.” With possibly the most nonchalant decision announcement ever, Texas had officially landed their prized target in the 2023 recruiting class and the number one ranked player in the nation… Arch Manning.
Here comes the flood
After landing Arch Manning, a flood of new commits poured in over the last few days. Names include five-star safety Derek Williams out of New Iberia, LA. Jaydon Chatman, a four-star IOL out of Harker Heights, Texas. Jonah Wilson a four-star WR out of Dukaney High School in Houston, Texas. Liona Lefau, a four-star LB out of Kahuku, Hawai’i. Connor Stroh is a three-star OT from Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas. Trevor Goosby a three-star OT out of Melissa, Texas. Lastly is Andre Cojoe, a three-star IOL from Mansfield Timberview High School in Arlington, Texas.
Every single one of these commits ranks inside the top 850 players nationally according to the 247 Sports Composite Rankings. Four ranks inside the top 300, and all but one are top 100 ranked players within their home states.
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Early impact candidates
Of the numerous commits out of this group, a few could make a major contribution to Texas early on in their collegiate careers. The obvious one is Arch Manning, who could compete for the starting QB job with Quinn Ewers as a freshman. Even if he doesn’t win the starting job, Ewers will likely leave for the NFL after his junior year, so Arch will be primed to start no later than sophomore year. Being the number one ranked QB in the country, he is expected to produce at a high level once he gets on the field.
Other players who could make an impact early include five-star S Derek Williams. Williams will come in, likely to compete for the starting job as a true freshman. Jonah Wilson will be in a stacked WR room, but he could see snaps as a third or fourth option early on and contribute on special teams. Jaydon Chatman will likely see significant time in the two-deep by his sophomore year, possibly sooner, depending on how quickly he can improve his technique and develop a college-ready body.
Most other guys won’t be expected to contribute immediately but do add quality depth early on. Many of them, I expect, could develop into starters by their second and third years, not counting possible redshirt opportunities.
Takeaways and names to watch
Overall, Texas has had a huge week on the recruiting trail. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian has capitalized on the Arch Manning commitment. He has masterfully used the newfound momentum to close out recruitments. Now that Texas has a more established base of players in their class, they are free to chase more potential headliners to round out their class, possibly pushing for a top 5 overall class by the end of the 2023 recruiting cycle.
A few names that I feel confident in Texas possibly landing include five-star WR Johntay Cook II, four-star RB Cedric Baxter Jr, and four-star ATH Mikal Harrison–Pilot. I also think the Manning commitment has helped improve the Longhorns standing with five-star DL David Hicks. I’m not sure if Texas will close on all these guys, but if they do, they should be able to secure their coveted top-five recruiting class.
