Texas signed 19 recruits from the 2021 recruiting class on Wednesday.
High school players are able to sign their national letters of intent throughout the early signing period that begins on Wednesday and lasts until Friday. It certainly helps shape how the 2021 recruiting class will look when National Signing Day approaches in February.
As it stands now, Texas has the No. 2 overall recruiting class in the Big 12. While Oklahoma and Texas consistently compete for the top recruiting class in the conference, the Longhorns have dropped significantly in terms of the national rankings with the No. 17 overall class.
While a few other players could join the list within the next two days, Longhorns Wire staff each chose their favorite signee for Texas up to this point.
Griffin McVeigh
Byron Murphy II, DT (DeSoto, TX)
Texas’ interior defensive line is going to take a hit at the end of the season with Ta’Quon Graham leaving for the NFL. 23 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, and two sacks will be leaving from the defensive tackle position. Murphy is going to be a guy who can fill that void immediately as a true freshman. Playing at DeSoto High School, Murphy was the partner in crime to five-star defensive end Shemar Turner. He was just as impressive from up the middle and at the highest level at 6A-DI. He will need to add some size over the spring and fall but will provide instant release.
Cami Griffin
Ja’Tavion Sanders, ATH (Denton, TX)
Sanders is the No. 1 overall athlete in the 2021 recruiting class and is certainly Texas’ top signee. The 6-foot-3.5, 220-pound playmaker excelled on both sides of the ball for Denton High School, but he’ll likely find a sweet spot with Texas along the defensive line as a pass rusher. With the mass exodus of top recruits lately, Sanders decision to follow through and sign with the Longhorns was worth celebrating on Wednesday. He’s Texas’ only five-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting class at this point.
Patrick Conn
Jonathon Brooks, RB (Hallettsville, TX)
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I have always been a running back advocate, so I lean towards these players more often than not. However, I don’t know how you watch what Jonathon Brooks does on both sides of the ball for Hallettsville and not be enamoured with what he does with the ball in his hand. He will provide solid depth behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson as a third option if Keaontay Ingram does indeed transfer out or head to the NFL. They could find a way to get him a handful of touches each game as a change of pace option as he develops.
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