Texas landed its best cornerback prospect since 2007

Malik Muhammad isn’t just another four-star recruit for the Texas Longhorns.

Malik Muhammad is more than a four-star recruit. He is the best cornerback prospect Texas has landed a commitment from in a long time.

According to CJ Vogel, Texas last signed a corner as gifted as Muhammad three coaches ago. And with what little film I have seen of the Dallas defensive back, he might even be underrated.

What he brings to Texas is not simply better coverage ability. The Longhorns certainly need that, having been as effective as unlocked turnstiles at times in preventing receivers from making plays downfield. He brings way more than ball skills.

As a tackler, Muhammad uncoils like a rattlesnake before delivering a knockout blow. His ability to punish bubble screen blockers on the outside is fun to watch.

Take away the team class rankings of past seasons, and look at individuals that Texas has signed the past two cycles. Can you picture either of Steve Sarkisian’s last two predecessors routinely signing elite players at quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver or cornerback? They are now, and they may not be done.

Elite players at premium positions have chosen Alabama, Ohio State, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and LSU over Texas in past years, even within the Longhorns’ own state. Now they are committing to Texas.

The Longhorns will now look to build a formidable program around their talents.

Predicting destinations for uncommitted top 50 prospects in Texas

The Texas Longhorns are in the running for their first No. 1 overall class since 2010.

The Texas Longhorns are in the running for their first No. 1 overall class since 2010. There are plenty of in-state prospects to help them get there.

Of the top 50 recruits in Texas, according to the 247Sports composite rankings, around 20 prospects have yet to choose a school.

As is often the case, Texas is among the more talent-rich recruiting grounds in the nation. The top 20 players in Texas all land within the top 120 recruits in America.

Despite Steve Sarkisian’s recent push to make Texas a national brand in recruiting, which should pay off, Texas is set to bring in some of the better prospects in their vicinity.

With multiple players making potential decisions soon, here are my updated predictions for where these uncommitted prospect will land, with their 247Sports rankings.

Arch Manning and Johntay Cook are taking over recruiting duties for Texas

Johntay Cook and Arch Manning are making a list and checking it twice.

Texas’ top 2023 commitments are leading the charge in recruiting their top remaining targets.

Saturday morning, Gerry Hamilton of Inside Texas detailed who Johntay Cook is recruiting the strongest.

With quite a few Texas targets set to make commitments soon, one has to wonder what role Johntay Cook and Arch Manning have played in those decisions.

Four of the top five uncommitted prospects in Texas could make commitments ahead of the 2022 season. Texas is squarely in the running for each of those program-elevating players.

Additionally, top out-of-state running back Cedric Baxter Jr. will announce his commitment Wednesday, August 10.

Recruiting pitches from five-star talents like Manning and Cook likely carry more meaning than those from other recruits. Certainly, both players’ film matches their respective ratings.

Texas will keep a close eye on high four-star cornerback Malik Muhammad, who is set to commit Wednesday, July 20.

Muhammad’s connection with Johntay Cook could help bring Texas over the top. The elite cornerback from South Oak Cliff is the No. 5 cornerback and No. 50 overall player in the On3 consensus.

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Four-star cornerback Malik Muhammad sets commitment date

Muhammad is the No. 5 cornerback in the On3 consensus.

Four-star cornerback Malik Muhammad is set to make a college decision in the very near future.

On Tuesday evening, Muhammad announced via Twitter he would commit on July 20th.

The versatile defensive back from South Oak Cliff would be a pivotal commitment for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns this year. One recent 247Sports crystal ball prediction for Muhammad is currently in Texas’ favor.

Texas will battle the Texas A&M Aggies and Alabama Crimson Tide for his talents. The Aggies seem to be the primary competition.

Muhammad is the No. 5 cornerback and No. 50 overall player in the On3 consensus rankings. His physicality and athleticism make him one of the more important players that Texas targets this cycle.

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Three recruits that could determine Texas’ class ceiling in 2023

A handful of recruits could put Texas over the top in the 2023 class.

The 2023 recruiting class is shaping up nicely for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns. Continue reading “Three recruits that could determine Texas’ class ceiling in 2023”

Texas receives On3 prediction for four-star DL Hunter Osborne

In the On3 consensus, he ranks as the No. 12 defensive lineman.

Hunter Osborne may be trending to the Texas Longhorns following Sydir Mitchell’s commitment.

On Sunday, Gerry Hamilton of Inside Texas placed a 60% confidence pick that Osborne would commit to the Longhorns. It appears recruiting momentum has trickled down to the defensive side of the football.

Osborne has been one of the more coveted players for Steve Sarkisian’s staff, but a commit from the four-star talent would be a welcomed surprise. The Alabama product appears to be deciding between Texas, Tennessee, Clemson, and Alabama.

Texas received a commitment from another elite Alabama high school player from Hewitt Trussville High School in the last recruiting cycle. Fellow defensive lineman Justice Finkley chose the Longhorns in their 2022 class.

Osborne would become one of the top players in the class. In the On3 consensus, he ranks as the No. 12 defensive lineman and No. 108 overall player in the nation.

Adding the top pass rusher would bolster Texas’ already talent-laden defensive depth chart.

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Predicting how Texas’ 2023 recruiting class could shake out

Texas is the only current school with three five-star commits in 2023.

The Texas Longhorns are on the verge of potentially their best class since 2002. Continue reading “Predicting how Texas’ 2023 recruiting class could shake out”

Five-star linebacker Anthony Hill announces top two schools

It’s down to an in-state battle for the No. 1 linebacker in the 2023 class.

Five-star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has narrowed his top schools list to two teams on Wednesday. Continue reading “Five-star linebacker Anthony Hill announces top two schools”

Texas receives On3 prediction for four-star CB Malik Muhammad

Malik Muhammad may be trending toward the Longhorns.

Four-star cornerback Malik Muhammad might be trending toward the Longhorns. Sam Spiegelman of On3 Sports predicted Muhammad to Texas with 75% confidence on Tuesday.

Spiegelman is not the first to predict the top defensive back to Steve Sarkisian’s squad. Yesterday, On3 national recruiting analyst Gerry Hamilton put in a 60% confidence pick that the Oak Cliff native would join the Longhorns. Additionally, Geoff Ketchum of Orangebloods sent in a Rivals FutureCast for Muhammad in favor of Texas.

The Longhorns have had great success with safeties of late, but have not fared as well with elite cornerback prospects. The top 50 player from South Oak Cliff would be a massive addition to Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense. Clearly, Terry Joseph, Blake Gideon and company are having a strong offseason on the recruiting trail.

Individually, On3 Sports ranks Muhammad the No. 2 cornerback and No. 26 overall player in the nation. He is the No. 5 cornerback and No. 50 player in the On3 consensus, which accounts for ratings from 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN as well.

Texas commit Arch Manning is recruiting program-changing players

The Manning family is pushing to bring Anthony Hill to Texas.

Arch Manning is pushing hard to build a championship roster at the University of Texas.

Five-star linebacker Anthony Hill appears to be one of Arch Manning’s primary targets. Hill’s recruitment to Texas seems to be a family effort by the Manning family.

Hill would figure to be one of the cornerstone players for Texas in the 2023 class. On the defensive side, Texas is pushing for a few more highly coveted recruits. Gerry Hamilton of Inside Texas placed another prediction in favor of Texas for four-star cornerback Malik Muhammad.

Texas is in the hunt for a major potential secondary haul that at the top end could include Muhammad, Jordan Matthews, and Javien Toviano. The trio would be a lethal combination to add to five-star safety commit Derek Williams Jr.

The back end of the 2023 defensive class could be taking shape soon. If Texas can bring in more talent on the defensive line, they have the foundation of a strong defense heading into the SEC.

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