The hype surrounding Steve Sarkisian’s early recruiting success at Texas is no secret.
In less than two months on the Forty Acres, Sarkisian has compiled an impressive 2022 class that includes a five-star quarterback and five four-star prospects.
The latest commitment of four-star safety Bryan Allen Jr. propelled the Longhorns above Oklahoma and Texas A&M for the No. 4 class in the nation according to 247Sports composite team rankings.
However, other recruiting platforms have different viewpoints based on their own rankings. For example, ESPN lists Oklahoma at No. 5 overall, whereas 247Sports has the Sooners two spots lower at No. 7.
Fortunately for the Longhorns, ESPN (subscription required) has Texas listed as the No. 4 class as well. The only major recruiting network to not list the Longhorns at No. 4 is Rivals, who put Oklahoma one spot ahead of Texas.
Here’s what ESPN had to say about Texas’ No. 4 class at the moment.
ESPN 300 commits: 6
Top offensive commit: QB Maalik Murphy (No. 16)
Top defensive commit: S Bryan Allen Jr. (No. 78)
After guiding one of the most high-powered attacks in college football as offensive coordinator at Alabama, Steve Sarkisian is now assembling his first full class as head coach at Texas.
Offense defines this group early on. The Longhorns went out west to California for their quarterback, landing Murphy, a prospect with limited high school game experiences thus far but someone who possesses some impressive physical traits, including a big arm.
The class also features some big-play offensive targets from in-state: top-10 wide receivers Evan Stewart and Armani Winfield and running back Jaydon Blue. an explosive runner who also has good ball skills.
Defense is not being overlooked either, and the Longhorns recently added one of the top defensive back prospects in the state in Allen, a top-five safety who is fluid with good instincts.
Under a first-year head coach, it’s promising to see Texas put together a top five class in the country after the Longhorns finished the 2021 cycle at No. 16 overall.
While it appears Sarkisian will be able to land highly-touted skill players, Texas must find a way to improve in the trenches by landing a few highly rated lineman on both sides of the ball.