Grading the Class (Part II)

Continuing the earlier discussion that focuses on whether or not - or just how well - Texas has refilled the roster pipeline this recruiting campaign, here's a look at the defensive side of the ball.

Edge

Colin Simmons, Zina Umeozulu

Player Grade: A

Simmons is a true blue chip. His explosiveness is rare. So too is his ability to bend the edge. He has long arms and good motor and a willingness to play through contact. There's a reason he's the two-time defensive MVP of the state championship game and a five star prospect. Umeozulu is situated differently. Texas passed on a couple of higher ranked prospects to further pursue Umeozulu, who is just starting to grow into his body. He's a long, lanky defender with good acceleration and outright speed. If he can properly hone his craft and body with years of development, he has as much upside as anyone in the class.

Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position?

Texas needed two legit prospects in this recruiting class, ones who can get the QB to the ground. Sure, both of them may need a year or two of development, but they have the skill sets of elite pass rushers. I really like that Texas didn't over-sign at the position.

Pipeline Grade: A+

Defensive Tackle

Alex January, Melvin Hills

Player Grade: B-

Neither January nor Hills entered their senior seasons as "elite" prospects. Yet both performed exceedingly well in 2023. January, no longer playing baseball, continued his physical development, and showed tremendous strength at the point of attack and perhaps a better motor than analysts had thought. Hills put up some staggering numbers in a lower classification.

Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position?

I don't think so. Not to the level needed. If D'Antre Robinson had stayed, then maybe I see things differently. But the interior of the DL needs at least three prospects in every recruiting class, hopefully two of which are highly regarded and the third who has a high floor. Simply not enough interior DLs in this class to warrant a higher grade.

Pipeline Grade: D

Linebacker

TyAnythony Smith

Player Grade: B+

Smith is a do-everything linebacker. He can play in coverage, he can play off the ball, and he really likes contact. He's actually probably at his best competing in space against fleet-footed players. His long arms, quickness and outright speed all really help him compress space.

Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position?

Given they signed four LBs the previous year, Texas could have forgone the position altogether this year. So Texas really only wanted to sign one linebacker in this recruiting class. And they only entertained two of them - Smith and Justin Williams of Conroe Oak Ridge.

Pipeline Grade: A

Cornerback

Kobe Black, Wardell Mack, Santan Wilson

Player Grade: A-

Black is the highest ranked of the group but may actually have farther to go to get on the field because he's a multi-sport athlete who also played multiple positions in high school. Black is a gifted athlete, however. Mack and Wilson are somewhat similar. Mack routinely shows good quickness and smarts on the field, plus he has long arms. Wilson is the son of former all-pro safety Adrian Wilson, and clearly already understands the finer points of playing corner.

Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position:

Yes. Did they do it with a true lockdown corner that would push this grade to a high A? I'm not so sure. Of the group, I like Mack's long-term prospects the best. But there's also a lot to like with both Black and his athleticism as well as Wilson's pedigree and know-how.

Pipeline Grade: B+

Safety

Xavier Filsaime, Jordon Johnson-Rubell

Player Grade: A

Filsaime could end up being one of the key recruits of the class. He has elite speed (10.5 100 meters) and plays the game with a physical nature. The only question is whether or not he sees the game fast. That's the opposite of Johnson-Rubell, who already sees the game extremely well. Well enough, in fact, to be a real possibility at the nickel position.

Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position:

I like Filsaime as a long-term starter for the Horns. I like Johnson-Rubell as a starter in year two or three with the potential to contribute overall even sooner. This is a good class and sets the Horns up for the next go-round of safeties. Texas didn't over-sign yet laid the groundwork necessary at the position.

Pipeline Grade: A+