Texas football has plenty to look forward to in the next few seasons. Five players, some of which might make an impact right away at Texas, took the field for the All-American Bowl on Saturday after sending six signees to the All-American Game.
Anthony Hill, Ryan Niblett, Payton Kirkland, S’maje Burrell and Tausili Akana represented the Longhorns 2023 class in the game. The group of players should play a crucial role for the team over the next four seasons. Four-star athlete Jelani McDonald also announced his commitment to Texas while at the game.
Hill, Akana and Burrell represent part of one of the best linebacker classes Texas has assembled in recent memory. Given the departures of DeMarvion Overshown and Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey, the class is much needed for depth and playing time.
Niblett and Kirkland continue the encouraging recruiting trends at their respective positions. Past coaches recruited bigger, slower receivers and smaller, quicker linemen. Texas is doing the opposite.
Niblett brings elite speed to Texas, while Kirkland is the big, imposing human that Kyle Flood looks for up front.
Here’s a look at the players that took the field for Texas in the game.