Football

The Dotted Line: Texas’ recruiting wish list updated after recent de-commitment

Posted October 25th, 2019

Mike Craven Hookem.com staff

mcraven@hookem.com

Texas’ 2020 class dropped to 19 members on Wednesday afternoon when four-star Manor defensive end Princely Umanmielen backed off his August pledge to the Longhorns. He’ll remain a priority for the staff until national signing day since he’s still considering Texas. Early signing period is two months away, however, and the Longhorns need to find three or four prospects to add to the class. 

The class still ranks fifth in the nation and first in the Big 12 without Umanmielen. Texas doesn’t expect to reach a 25-man class. Instead, Tom Herman wants to cherry-pick a few more players to add to a talented class. Here are a handful of targets Texas hopes to choose from before signing day.

Alfred Collins, defensive end, Bastrop Cedar Creek

FYI: 6-5/275; 4 stars; No. 14 on the 2020 Fabulous 55

The latest: Losing Umanmielen makes Collins even more of a priority for Texas. It can live with a trio of Vernon Broughton, Van Fillinger and Collins, who is a local kid taking his time with the recruiting process. Collins already took official visits to Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Alabama and Texas. He was a first-team all-district selection as a junior. His mother, Benita Pollard, played basketball at Texas.

Kelvontay Dixon, wide receiver, Carthage 

FYI: 6-0/180; 3 stars; No. 21-ranked athlete in 2020

The latest: Dixon is committed to Arkansas. That’s not stopping Texas from chasing the elusive athlete. Dixon is UT running back Keaontay Ingram’s younger brother. Those family ties and a slumping Arkansas program will likely win out for Texas. Dixon is listed as an athlete on recruiting services, though he’s likely to play slot receiver in college. He’s also a solid option in the return game.

Loic Fouonji, wide receiver, Midland Lee

FYI: 6-4/194; 3 stars; No. 74-ranked wide receiver 

The latest: Fouonji floats under the recruiting radar out in West Texas. He made it to Austin for his official visit last weekend, taking in the win over Kansas. Texas wants to add a third outside receiver to the committed duo of Quinten Johnston and Troy Omeire. Fouonji and California native LV Bunkley-Shelton are the top two players on the board. Fouonji was a first-team all-district selection as a junior. 

Jaqwondis Burns, outside linebacker, IMG Academy (Fla.)

FYI: 6-2/205; 3 stars; No. 35-ranked outside linebacker

The latest: Burns was a first-team all-district selection as a junior at Terrell before moving to IMG Academy. The Ole Miss commit picked up a UT offer on Oct. 2. It’s unlikely the Longhorns would have made that offer without some type of feeling that Burns was open to looking at other options. Returning to the state is an attractive option for Burns, and the Longhorns need linebackers. 

Kelee Ringo, cornerback, Saguaro (Ariz.)

FYI: 6-2/205; 5 stars; No. 1-ranked cornerback

The latest: Signing Ringo isn’t likely, but that won’t keep the defensive staff from keeping the five-star cornerback in their sights until he signs with another team. Right now, the best guess is still Georgia. Tim Beck used to coach at Saguaro High, and Texas-ex Bryant Westbrook is currently on staff there. Ringo could be a first-week starter for the Longhorns if he does choose Texas, though.