After getting off to an extremely strong start in the recruiting world, it seems as if Steve Sarkisian and his staff have hit a wall when it comes to landing big-time commitments.
The most probable reason is that players and their families want to see the Longhorns in action this fall in order to see if they’re able to produce and develop under the new coaching staff. Texas is in a situation where Austin is always seen as an attractive destination, but recruits need to see some tangible results and success.
ESPN recently released their 2022 recruiting class rankings (subscription required), and Texas’ class landed at No. 11 in the nation. Sarkisian’s group is currently ahead of Clemson, Missouri, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina.
The 2022 cycle for Texas is headlined by a couple of four-star prospects in safety Bryan Allen Jr. and running back Jaydon Blue. Here is what ESPN had to say about the class the Longhorns have assembled up to this point:
After guiding one of the most high-powered attacks in college football as offensive coordinator at Alabama, Steve Sarkisian is now assembling his first full class as head coach at Texas. Offense defines this group early on. The Longhorns went to California for their quarterback, Maalik Murphy, a prospect with limited high school game experience thus far but someone who possesses some impressive physical traits, including a big arm. The class also features some big-play offensive targets from in-state: top-20 wide receiver Armani Winfield and two top-10 RBs in Jamarion Miller and Blue, who can be an explosive runner with good ball skills. Defense is not being overlooked either, as the Longhorns added one of the top defensive back prospects in the state in Allen, a top-five safety who is fluid with good instincts.
The Longhorns are likely pleased with the players they have currently committed, but are still in the mix for some high profile targets in ESPN’s rankings, such as five-star wide receiver Evan Stewart, four-star cornerback Denver Harris, five-star offensive lineman Devon Campbell, and four-star offensive lineman Kam Dewberry.
It’s crucial for Texas to land a few of those names.
After the previous coaching staff issues and underwhelming results on the field for the last decade, it’s understandable that recruits will want results from the program before they can fully commit to suit up in the burnt orange.
