Many people reflect on Texas’ 2021 recruiting class and grow frustrated. Rightfully so. Tom Herman failed to deliver on some of the most important targets within the cycle, leaving the Longhorns outside of the top 10 on the 247Sports composite for the first time during his tenure.
However, there will end up being a few hidden gems from the 2021 cycle. One of the main ones may be three-star defensive tackle Byron Murphy.
Coming out of DeSoto High School, Murphy tied the famed high school’s single-season sack record with 14, giving him 20.5 for his career. After being committed to Baylor, Texas convinced him to flip over before the early signing day.
The issue people see with Murphy is his size. Listed at 6-foot-1, 297-pounds, many would consider that too small to play the defensive tackle position. Only two SEC schools (Georgia, Mississippi State) offered Murphy.
Early on in fall camp, none of it has mattered. Star defensive lineman Keondre Coburn has given nothing but praise for the former three-star, saying he is probably the best pass rusher on the team.
Texas DL Keondre Coburn has high praise for Byron Murphy: "That kid right there, he's probably the best pass rusher." #HookEm
Same for Ovie Oghoufo, Coburn says he's always around the ball. #HookEm
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) August 12, 2021
Texas DT Keondre Coburn said he thinks freshman Byron Murphy can be one of the best defensive tackles to come through the program.
Coburn said Murphy is already emerging as a dominant pass rusher: “For the past six days, I don’t think he’s lost a match yet.” #HookEm
— Jeff Howe (@JeffHowe247) August 12, 2021
Winning every single rep over the past six days is impressive, especially for a true freshman going up against a solid offensive line.
Could early playing time be in store for the youngster? There projects to be plenty of bodies ahead of Murphy but winning reps in practice gets you on the field. Getting an early test against a weaker opponent such as Rice could give Texas’ defensive staff a better idea.
No other freshman is expected to instantly contribute on the defensive side of the ball. Murphy could be the first to break through, changing the narrative on what was a disappointing 2021 class on paper.
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