Tag: 2022 defensive lineman

Texas receives two crystal balls for Michigan commit Ethan Burke

Texas is looking to poach a 6-foot-7 defensive lineman from Michigan.

Jim Harbaugh and his staff may be having some reoccurring nightmares anytime now.

After stealing Xavier Worthy from Michigan last season, Steve Sarkisian seems to be poaching someone else from the Wolverines once again.

Texas received two 247Sports crystal ball predictions for three-star edge rusher Ethan Burke. The Austin native plays at Westlake High School, where he and his team are set to compete for a state title this week.

Burke is a massive player that the Longhorns clearly see potential in, and want to add to their already loaded class of defensive linemen. Texas holds seven commits across the defensive line, which means Burke would be their eighth of the class unless they lose or add someone else.

Burke stands in at a towering 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds. Texas was in on Burke extremely late, which is not surprising as not only does he only have eight offers in total, but the Longhorns have been forming connections with other recruits ahead of the early signing period.

He has flown under the radar it seems, as besides Michigan, he holds offers from schools like Army, Air Force, Baylor, Air Force and Nebraska.

It is evident that the staff wants to add way more depth and size across both sides of the line, as those position groups struggled mightily last season, and Burke is looking like he could be the latest addition.

Four-star DL Justice Finkley announces commitment date

2022 four-star DL Justice Finkley sets his commitment date.

The Longhorns are in the mix for another top talent in the 2022 recruiting class, four-star defensive lineman Justice Finkley.

The Trussville, Alabama native is deciding between three schools: Alabama, Texas, and Colorado. Texas will have a tough time beating out Nick Saban on this one. Finkley announced via Twitter on Monday that he has set his commitment date for Wednesday Sept. 9.

His decision will be televised by CBS Sports at 4:15 p.m. CDT.

Finkley is a top-120 player in 247Sports’ class of 2022 rankings and is the No. 18 defensive lineman. He is also viewed as the No. 7 player in the state of Alabama.

He has played multiple positions across the defensive line and has accumulated a total of 146 tackles, 12 sacks, and three forced fumbles in his first two seasons on varsity.

He was evaluated by 247Sports’ Clint Brewster, who spoke highly of his abilities.

“Finkley has a thick lower half that can generate force. Powerful leverage rusher in a 3-4 scheme at the high school level. Also shifts down to play defensive tackle at times. Excellent crossing the face of offensive lineman and getting an inside rush. Good chase athleticism and lateral movement skills. Gets underneath opponents and can forklift with great leverage. Play strength and physicality upon contact standout with Finkley. Can move down to the interior shades on the defenive line at the next level depending on physical development.”

If the Longhorns can secure a commitment from Finkley, it would be the fourth commit from a four-star defensive lineman over the last month. It would likely also boost Texas’ 2022 class, which currently sits at No. 6 in the nation.

The Sarkisian era of recruiting is off to a solid start, but grabbing a player like Finkley can make it great.