Gerry Hamilton

Good Q ... It will have to be pretty special to top the 2023 class IMO. I really see the 2023 No. 3 ranked class with 8-10 future NFL draft picks out 25 signed.

The 2022 Top 5 ranked recruiting class: How have they fared Headed into spring practice the 2022 top 5 ranked recruiting class has been a key part of the Longhorns ascending to a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearance. Steve Sarkisian's first full class has produced six full time starters (counting specialists), four other players that have started a game and seven more players that are considered key players headed into the 2024 season. When it comes to future NFL draft's, there are five players that are sure to be drafted and two or three others that could move up in the eyes of scouts in 2024. OnTexasFootball.com takes a look at the returns of the 2022 class headed into year three in the program. Quarterback Malik Murphy, QB, (Calif.) Junipero Serra - Texas/Duke Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: None At Texas: Started two games in 2023. Completed 40 of 71 passes for 477 yards with 3 TD’s and 3 INT’s as a Longhorn. Running back Jaydon Blue, RB, Houston (Texas) Klein Cain Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: Could or should pop onto some scouts boards with ascending season in 2024. At Texas: Posted 65 carries for 398 yards and three TD’s in 2023, along with 14 receptions for 135 yards and a score. Added three kick off returns for 80 yards in 2023. Rushed for 33 yards on 15 carries in 2022. Savion Red, Grand Prairie (Texas) High Recruiting Ranking: 3-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Posted 30 carries for 131 yards and a TD in 2023. Added two kick off returns for 29 yards in 2023. Caught six passes for 34 yards in 2022 as a slot receiver. Wide receiver Brenen Thompson, Spearman (Texas) High - Texas/Oklahoma Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A 2023 season: Caught seven passes for 241 yards and two TD’s for the Sooners in 2023. He caught a touchdown pass in each of the last two games of the season. Offensive line Kelvin Banks, LT, Humble (Texas) Summer Creek Recruiting Ranking: 5-star NFL projection: 1st round selection in 2025 NFL Draft. At Texas: Appeared in 27 games, and started every game the last two seasons. First-team All-Big 12 following the 2023 season. Will appear on various All-American teams prior to the 2024 season. DJ Campbell, RG, Arlington (Texas) Bowie Recruiting Ranking: 5-star NFL projection: Mid-round round selection in 2026 NFL Draft. At Texas: Appeared in 21 games with 14 starts in two seasons. Started every game at right guard in 2023. Year one was a learning curve year focusing on offensive line fully for the first time, and making the move to guard. Cameron Williams, RT, Duncanville(Texas) High Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: Could develop into first or second round selection in 2026 NFL Draft. At Texas: Appeared in 22 games in two seasons. Started one game vs. Kansas State in 2023. Will take over as starting right tackle in 2024. Neto Umeozulu, LG, Allen (Texas) High Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: NFL Draft ability and measurables. At Texas: Appeared in 5 games in two seasons. Huge spring ahead for Umeozulu. Last few weeks of practice in 2023 were by far his best and most consistent at Texas. Malik Agbo, OT/TE, Federal Way (Wa.) Todd Beamer High Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Appeared in 15 games, including 14 in 2023. Caught one pass for 6 yards. Cole Hutson, OG/C, Frisco (Texas) High Recruiting Ranking: 3-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Has appeared in 22 games with 13 starts in two seasons. Started every game at right guard as a true freshman. Missed spring of 2023 due to shoulder surgery. Battled knee injury much of the 2023 season. Connor Robertson, OC, Austin (Texas) Westlake Recruiting Ranking: 3-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Has appeared in 14 games. Played significant snaps against Oklahoma in 2023 after Jake Majors went down early in the game with an ankle injury. Will battle with Cole Hutson and Daniel Cruz for the starting center position in 2025. Defensive line Jaray Bledsoe, Marlin (Texas) High Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Has appeared in nine games. Posted 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 QBP and 1 fumble recovery in 2023. Remains one of the highest upside players in the program. Weight up to around 290 pounds at end of the 2023 season. Aaron Bryant, Southaven (Miss.) High Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Appeared in nine games. Posted one tackle in seven games in 2023. Zac Swanson, Phoenix (Az.) Brophy Prep Recruiting Ranking: 3-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Appeared in three games. Has not seen meaningful game action in first two seasons. If he can get to 290 pounds, he could become a rotation player. Not void of ability to play at the Power 5 level. EDGE Ethan Burke, Austin (Texas) Westlake Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: Top three round pick in the 2025 or 2026 NFL Draft. A productive 2024 in the SEC would lead to a very tough decision following the season. At Texas: Has appeared in 24 games with nine starts in two seasons. Honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2023 after recording 41 tackles, 9 TFL’s, 5.5 sacks and 2 PBU’s despite missing time with a knee injury. Justice Finkley, Trussville (Al.) Hewitt-Trussville Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Appeared in 26 games in a reserve role. Recorded 14 tackles, three TFL’s, two sacks and four QB hurries in 2023. J’mond Tapp, Donaldsonville (La.) Ascension Catholic Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Has appeared in nine games. Recorded 9 tackles, 1.5 TFL’s and 1 QBH in career. Kristopher Ross, Houston (Texas) North Shore - in transfer portal Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Played in three games in 2023 as a key reserve before injury and removal from the program. Derrick Brown, Texarkana (Texas) High - in transfer portal Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Redshirted prior to putting name in transfer portal. Linebacker Travel Johnson, LB, Arlington (Texas) Martin - Texas/UL-Monroe Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Transferred after the 2022 season. Defensive back Terrance Brooks, CB, Little Elm (Texas) High Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: Likely selection in either the 2025 or 2026 draft. At Texas: Has appeared in 23 games with 16 starts the last two seasons. Posted 20 tackles, 6 PBU’s and 3 INT’s in 2023. Recorded 9 tackles and 3 PBU’s in 2022. B.J. Allen Jr., S, Aledo (Texas) High - Texas/North Texas Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A Transferred following the 2023 season. Never saw meaningful game action for the Horns. Jaylon Guilbeau, N/S, Port Arthur (Texas) Memorial Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Has appeared in 16 games with four starts (all 2022 season). Recorded 7 tackles, 2 PBU’s and 1 TFL in 2023. Totaled 19 tackles, 4 QB hurries, 2 PBU’s and 0.5 sacks in 2022. Austin Jordan, N/S, Denton (Texas) Ryan Recruiting Ranking: 4-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Has appeared in 25 games the last two seasons. Has 11 tackles, 1 INT and 0.5 TFL’s in his career. Larry Turner-Gooden, S, Playa Del Ray (Calif.) Bishop Alemany - Texas/San Jose State Recruiting Ranking: 3-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Never saw meaningful action prior to transferring after the conclusion of the 2023 season. Xavion Brice, CB, Arlington (Texas) Seguin - Texas/North Texas Recruiting Ranking: 3-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Never saw meaningful game action. Transferred following the 2023 season. Specialists Will Stone, Austin (Texas) Regents School Recruiting Ranking: 3-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Has handled kick off duties in each of the last two seasons. Lance St. Louis, Gilbert (Az.) Williams Field Recruiting Ranking: 3-star NFL projection: N/A At Texas: Has handled long snapping duties in each of the last two seasons. View full news

Not a name I have heard a lot about headed into spring. His whole deal was going to be how much muscle mass/weight could he add to his frame. He was already 19+ when he enrolled. Definitely has some pass rush ability off the edge.

March 17. Still have three weeks left of regular season and then conference tournaments ... then the announcement show https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2023-04-25/2024-selection-sunday-date-schedule-tv-times

Jelani McDonald is a wildcard player for me. Where will he actually land (in terms of position) this spring? There is chatter out there, but its just chatter until he reps more with pads on at spots. If he finds a true home, his frame + athletic ability is among the very best in the program. And that is saying something. Gullette, for me, was on a different/longer learning curve vs. some others. More of a jack-of-all-trades at Marlin prior to missing senior season with the knee. 2023 was his first year truly locking into one position and learning the game at one position. I'm also interested to see the returns this spring for him. Because like McDonald, one of the best pound-for-pound athletes in the program.

Not as much as planned for sure! He played quite a bit before the injury to Jacorey Watson forced Shadow Creek's hand. So 3-4 games. http://www.hudl.com/v/2LkJmm

Been some back room chatter about that in recent weeks ... It makes sense for a number of reasons - basketball and NIL. From an NIL perspective - college for a year being the face of a team with the TV contracts now in the Power 4 is much better for Name, image and likeness brand building that playing in the G-League Ignite and essentially going away from the public spotlight for a year. For college basketball ... better get your money cannon ready because the college game/season changing few players will be coming back to college hoops for a season unless they have zero interest in going to college classes (ie Johnson last year) ... Scoot Henderson on a college team would have made someone an instant contender with the right experienced pieces around him.

100%

It’s amazing and honestly horrible to me that Beard nor Terry got Hunter into TJ Ford’s gym to work with him a single time since Hunter’s been in Austin.

So many are TBD ... Merril is a squad guy Davis is 3rd or 4th Swanson is 3rd or 4th Guilbeau or Jordan will be No. 2 Nickel. Moore is likely No. 2 slot, Niblett 3rd

Spring Practice: Ten Most Important Longhorns The most anticipated spring practice for Texas in two decades is just 31 days away. While the Longhorns will be ranked in the top 5 in preseason polls, there are still players and positions that need to take key steps this spring to having the chance to maximize the 2024 season. The interior of the defensive line and linebacker are the two positions Texas has to answer this spring and in August. And depth at safety. This list was built out with the understanding that wide receivers Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden are expected to experience a smooth transition, and will be impact playmakers with quality depth at the position. 1. Sydir Mitchell, Freshman, DT/NG Mitchell tops the list for me. Texas needs the 6-5, 350 pound Garden State product to take a big step this spring headed into August. If Mitchell begins to look like the prospect that Texas and Georgia battled for until the ink was dry, Texas defensive tackle position will have a different look headed into the 2024 season. Especially over the ball in a more demanding conference with much better offensive line talent. 2. Alfred Collins, Senior, DT It’s been a long waiting game for Collins to consistently look like the player and NFL Draft pick his ceiling has suggested since his senior year of high school. It’s now or never for Collins, and the Longhorns need Collins to become the player expected in 2024. 3. Derek Williams Jr., Freshman, S When Steve Sarkisian said at a signing day press conference the Pelican State product could be a first round pick one day, it certainly raised eyebrows. That’s not a comment made during signing day press conferences. After a strong freshman campaign, Williams beginning to look like that future first round pick level prospect in 2024 would certainly ascend the Texas secondary - especially the safety position. 4. Trey Moore, Junior, EDGE/LB The UTSA transfer bet on himself hitting the portal in December. If Moore, 6-2 and 235 pounds, is talked about coming out of spring as his strengths translating against Texas level OL’s consistently, the Longhorns will see an uptick off the edge rushing the passer in 2024 - along with Colin Simmons. Moore lacks the long levers of some of the most successful SEC EDGE/LB pass rushers in recent years, but he has possesses high-end twitch. 5. Colin Simmons, True freshman, EDGE/LB The 5-star EDGE prospect has already added 15-20 pounds of great weight since arriving in Austin. Especially lower body strength, which will be key when attacked in the run game. Simmons possesses pass rush ability off the edge the program hasn’t had in years - since Brian Orakpo. 6. Amari Niblack, Sophomore, TE The Alabama transfer has down the field ability at tight end that even Ja’Tavion Sanders didn’t possess. Yes, Niblack has that type of vertical speed. If OTF is hearing that Niblack is making a smooth transition into a more complex offensive system and is a more than willing blocker when called upon, the tight end position could be even better in 2024. And that is saying something. 7. Cameron Williams, Sophomore, RT Williams has patiently waited for his turn while developing physically and technically. His time is now. And that means Texas fans will get to see a player that has a high NFL Draft pick ceiling. Williams made a his only career start vs. Kansas State in 2023. If Williams receives high praise coming out of spring practice, the Texas offensive line will be a lock to be better in 2024 with the returning experience and depth along with Williams. 8. Jaray Bledsoe, Sophomore, DT Pound-for-pound, Bledsoe is the best athlete in the program. But it’s imperative for the Longhorns to maximize the 2024 season that Bledsoe becomes more than a prospect talked about in terms of potential. He needs to start the on field ascension this spring that vaults him onto NFL scouts minds during the 2024 season. Bledsoe was up to 287 pounds late last season. Texas needs Bledsoe to be an athletic disruptor consistently in 2024. 9. Liona Lefau, Freshman, LB Lefau flashed last spring and continued to receive praise during the season as a linebacker with a bright future. The long-armed and instinctive linebacker is now in position to grab an opportunity and run with it. If the word coming out of spring practice is Lefau is ready to take a big step in 2024, that changes the trajectory of the position as a whole. 10. Xavier Filsaime, True freshman, S Texas needs both early enrollee’s Xavier Filsaime and Jordon Johnson-Rubell to make noise in the spring. In the case of Filsaime, he’s for sure going to play safety whereas JJ-R could spend some spring reps at nickel. Filsaime enrolled at Texas with a Power 5 ready frame, and he has impressed since day 1. If that trend continues throughout spring practice, the safety position will look totally different in 2024. That would mean more experience and more speed with the additions of Clemson transfer Andrew Mukuba and Filsaime. View full news

Can't miss in-state: Dakorien Moore Michael Fasusi Dorian Brew Brandon Brown is a can't miss OOS for me.

No question abvout it. Likely four players from that class drafted or on NFL rosters.

Devin Coleman could be looked as an over the ball/NT type on defense. More projectable as an IOL right now, but definitely getting looks at both by P5's.

Love the pic! Awesome

Think a LT and a swing OT/IOL in the 2025 class are likely. The top OT prospect in the state is actually in the 2026 class - John Turntine. Texas will keep the room/tackle spot looking good for him IMO.

Think Agbo is that same role ... jumbo TE and emergency OT. Tremendous feet. Haven't heard anything different, as of today.

Yes I do. Could even be six if anyone hits the portal that's already on campus. Texas/Flood have managed to keep all 2022 and 2023 signees on campus headed into the spring. It's a near lock they won't keep 100% of those guys after next season.

Texas is working to 4-star OT Nick Brooks on campus this spring ... http://www.hudl.com/v/2McZDr

Ain't that the truth! You are the HC and GM in CFB now with much more on the plate than 5 years ago.

lol on last sentence! Well done. Can't wait to see what the gameday attire is for Sark and Loreal in 2024!