The Dotted Line: How can Texas finish off the perfect class?
Posted January 22nd, 2018
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Stay updated on the latest Texas Longhorns recruiting news brought to you by Longhorns recruiting beat writer Mike Craven of Hookem.com. The Dotted Line will publish M-F at 10 a.m. each morning to provide Texas fans with an in-depth look at the latest for the Longhorns on the recruiting trail.
Coffee is for closers
Texas is putting together an elite recruiting class in the 2018 cycle. The Longhorns signed 19 players during the early signing period and now sit at 22 commitments with the recent pledge of 3-star defensive end Daniel Carson plus the long-standing commitments of running back Keaontay Ingram and defensive tackle Keondre Coburn.
Tom Herman’s program possesses the room to sign upwards of 30 players. Herman will use one or two of those available spots on a graduate transfer like former Rice offensive tackle Calvin Anderson. That means Texas is likely in the market for around six more commitments before national signing day on Feb. 7.
Here is what I would consider the perfect finish for Herman and the Longhorns:
Joshua Moore, wide receiver, Yoakum
FYI: 6-1/170; 4 stars; No. 12 on the Fabulous 55
Competition: Oregon, Florida State, Ole Miss, Tennessee
Percentage to sign with Texas: 80 percent
https://twitter.com/_TheJoshuaMoore/status/954516013244211201
After a successful official visit to Texas over the weekend, Moore is considered a Texas lean. The 4-star wide receiver was a one-time Nebraska commit and his twin brother, Jordan, is committed to Texas A&M. Joshua wants to set his own path and Texas is the likely choice because he’d prefer to stay close to home and Texas is the only in-state program in his top 5. Moore can play outside or slot receiver and is close with several members of Texas’ class.
Moro Ojomo, defensive tackle, Katy
FYI: 6-4/275; 3 stars; No. 36-ranked defensive tackle
Competition: Texas A&M, Oklahoma
Percentage to sign with Texas: 50 percent
Ojomo is emerging as a top target for multiple elite programs. He held a few smaller offers when Katy entered the playoffs and was awarded a Texas offer on Dec. 6. It wasn’t enough to entice him to sign during the early period and he’s picked up offers from programs like Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Oregon since Dec. 20. Texas was the first of the elite programs to offer that he’s considering and that might be the deciding factor for the blossoming defensive tackle.
Michael Williams, athlete, Dunham School (La.)
FYI: 6-2/240; 3 stars; No. 81-ranked athlete
Competition: Tennessee, LSU
Percentage to sign with Texas: 90 percent
Williams took his official visit to Texas over the weekend and walked away feeling like a future Longhorn. He’s Texas’ to lose with fewer than 20 days remaining until signing day. Williams is listed as an athlete, but he’s being recruited as a defensive end by Texas. Grades are a concern for Williams and there is still work to do for him to qualify.
Joseph Ossai, defensive end, Conroe Oak Ridge
FYI: 6-4/220; 4 stars; No. 25 on the Fabulous 55
Competition: Texas A&M
Percentage to sign with Texas: 65 percent
👀👀🔥🔥🔥 In Due Time…. preciate this dope edit brodie @979SportsEditz pic.twitter.com/rCeP2P4hFO
— joseph ossai (@joseph_ossai) December 29, 2017
Texas A&M was nearly a lock to land Ossai during the season. It changed when Kevin Sumlin was fired and uncertainty began to surround the assistants that new coach Jimbo Fisher would keep around after signing day. Texas, and specifically defensive line coach Oscar Giles, capitalized on the opening and now the Longhorns should be considered the favorites with less than three weeks remaining until signing day. Ossai would give Texas a true pass-rusher in the 2018 class.
Lawrence Keys III, McDonogh 35 (La.)
FYI: 5-10.5/160; 3 stars; No. 43-ranked wide receiver
Competition: Notre Dame, LSU, SMU
Percentage to sign with Texas: 45 percent
Texas’ pursuit of a true slot receiver led to Louisiana and it now appears Keys III is legitimately considering the Longhorns along with programs like Notre Dame and SMU. He took an official visit to Notre Dame over the weekend and is scheduled to give Texas its shot this weekend. He also has an official visit set for SMU on the first weekend of February. The Longhorns need a true slot receiver and Keys is the best available prospect. Notre Dame remains the team to beat, but that can change on his official visit to Texas.
Caleb Okechukwu, defensive end, St. John’s College High School (D.C.)
FYI: 6-4/240; 3 stars; No. 83-ranked defensive end
Competition: Tennessee, Arkansas
Percentage to sign with Texas: 75 percent
Okechukwu was offered after his official visit to Texas over the weekend. The 3-star strong side defensive end is scheduled to visit Tennessee next weekend before making his decision. The Longhorns aren’t done searching for defensive ends even with Daniel Carson committed and Williams and Ossai trending toward Texas.
Other names to know: Tommy Bush (WR), Jashaun Corbin (RB), Merlin Robertson (LB)
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