Defensive line

Commits: Ja’Tavion Sanders (ATH), Jordon Thomas (WDE), Derrick Harris Jr. (WDE)

Remaining targets: Shemar Turner (SDE), Albert Regis (DT)

Analysis: Ja’Tavion Sanders is the crown jewel of the 2021 recruiting class, being the only five star the Longhorns have acquired. He is joined by two four-star weakside defensive ends, Jordan Thomas and Derrick Harris Jr.

Listed as an athlete by 247Sports, Sanders can play defensive end or wide receiver. Since defensive line coach Oscar Giles is the main recruiter for Sanders, it seems as if he rush the passer in Austin.

To no surprise, Thomas is an in-state blue-chip recruit for Tom Herman. Currently the No. 14 weakside defensive end on the 247Sports Composite, Thomas has a ton of room to grow his senior season. He missed the 2019 season with a lower leg injury, leaving him without junior year tape. Once he gets back on the field, he could accelerate up the leaderboards.

Moving to Harris Jr., who ranks one spot below Thomas, former Longhorn Jeffrey McCullough has been compared to the four-star. Harris Jr. will have the ability to possibly play as the Jack or transition to a WILL linebacker for Texas. Chris Ash will be able to use him in multiple positions in the front seven.

Texas is still hunting for another pass rusher in the 2021 class, mainly in Shemar Turner. Football factories such as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU join the Longhorns in the race for the No. 10 strongside defensive end in the country. It would be a massive victory to Texas’ class this season.

Finally looking towards the middle of the defensive line, Albert Regis is someone the Longhorns have been pushing for. He can play either side of the ball, playing defensive tackle or tight end but Texas wants him clogging up the middle of the line of scrimmage. His top six was recently released and it seems as if it will be a classic Texas vs Texas A&M recruiting battle.