Just two weeks ago Longhorns’ right tackle Denzel Okafor had placed his name in the transfer portal. With Okafor likely leaving, that meant that Texas and head coach Tom Herman would have some work to do in order to replace him. Okafor was likely to be in the mix for a starting spot going into his redshirt senior season in 2020.
Texas senior RT Denzel Okafor has withdrawn his name from the transfer portal portal, according to my sources. Okafor entered the portal around two weeks ago. However, after conversations with Tom Herman and staff, Okafor decided to stay
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) April 6, 2020
With the recent news that Okafor had pulled his name, he hasn’t been the first to do so this offseason. Linebacker Juwan Mitchell also briefly put his name in the portal before pulling out. For Okafor, he has an opportunity to become a full-time starter. He has played in 36 games over his Longhorns career.
With the departures of both Zach Shackleford and Parker Braun, Okafor has an opportunity. Mostly viewed as an offensive tackle, he is likely getting a shot at both the inside and outside positions. With the current restrictions that don’t allow practices, it definitely does not help his chances at this point in time at getting a leg up on the competition.
The Lewisville, Texas native was a four-star prospect coming out of high school according to 247 composite rankings as the 12th best offensive guard in the country.