When recruiting at the University of Texas, keeping in-state players home is the golden rule. Having a pipeline through one of the top football programs in the state in your own city helps the cause.
Texas added two preferred walk-ons over the weekend in running back Zane Minors and defensive back Michael Taaffe. Both are products of Austin Westlake, who is fresh off a 6A-DI state championship and the same high school that Sam Ehlinger attended.
Minors will help with depth problems that the Longhorns have at the running back position. He rushed for an average of 8.5 yards per carry, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark on the season. Add on 20 touchdowns and Minors was a significant part of the Chaparels’ state championship winning offense.
Taaffe played defensive back for Austin Westlake, gaining attention after intercepting five-star quarterback Quinn Ewers. Over the course of his senior year, Taaffe had 60 tackles, 7.0 which were for a loss. He had five interceptions and a fumble recovery along with 10 passes defended.
Hook em’🤘🏾#committed @jmjonesUT @StanDraytonUT pic.twitter.com/ULimp1E2XG
— Zane Minors (@MinorsZane) January 30, 2021
Dream come true… Committed!🧡🤘🏻 #Wilsonstrong pic.twitter.com/Xfe9CcSgh5
— Michael Taaffe (@MichaelTaaffe4) January 31, 2021
With national signing day on Wednesday, Steve Sarkisian will be looking to add more players to his roster. Landing a pair of PWOs from the back-to-back state champions Austin Westlake is a great pick up for the Longhorns.
Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.
Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Longhorns Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.