Fansided

Texas football: Grading Longhorns 2021 recruiting class

By Cody Williams

Oct 31, 2020; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Tom Herman looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Texas won 41-34. Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Tom Herman looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Texas won 41-34. Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Here are grades for the Texas football 2021 recruiting class, with Tom Herman’s seat growing hotter and a need to turn things around for the Longhorns.

Tom Herman’s future with Texas football is most definitely up in the air, even if he does have somewhat of a vote of confidence from the athletic department heading into 2021. Thus, the Longhorns’ 2021 recruiting class will play a critical role in determining the direction of the program.

Texas continues to be in a tier with Oklahoma in the Big 12, but it’s obvious that the Longhorns still have some work to be done, both on the recruiting trail and in their own building in Austin.

So with that, let’s unpack the 2021 recruiting class for Texas football and hand out a grade to the Longhorns for their efforts. Note: All rankings are via the 247 Sports Composite.

Top Texas football 2021 commit: Ja’Tavion Sanders, ATH

Texas only has one 5-star recruit in this 2021 class, and that’s Sanders. Listed as the top-ranked athlete in the country, Sanders could be an elite player at either defensive end or tight end, wherever the Longhorns wish to develop him. His long-term projection obviously depends on his usage, but with his physical tools, he’s going to be an impact player for Texas no matter what position he ends up playing at the college level.

Strengths, weaknesses of the Texas football 2021 recruiting class

The defensive group that the Longhorns are bringing in for the 2021 class is going to be fun to watch. With their top eight recruits being on that side of the ball, Texas could set a foundation to really turn things around defensively.

Quarterback is a concern for Texas, though. Charles Wright, a 3-star who ranks outside the top 875 recruits in the country, is the only player coming in at the position. That could be an issue as the program moves on from Sam Ehlinger.

Diamond in the rough for Texas football in the class: Jaden Alexis, WR

If Jaden Alexis wasn’t 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, he would likely be flirting with being a 5-star recruit. This kid is blessed with elite athleticism with the ability to burn defenders with speed and quickness and be a dynamic weapon for any offense. Even as a low-end 4-star player, expect him to put up huge numbers for the Longhorns.

Where does the Texas football recruiting class rank?

The good news for Texas football fans is that they are clearly the No. 2 team in the Big 12. The bad news, however, is they aren’t a top-tier recruiting class nationally, ranking just No. 17 as of right now.

Texas football 2021 recruiting class grade: B-

Taking into account Herman’s position, the Longhorns simply have to do better developing players. But considering what they’ve done recently, this class leaves a lot to be desired for Texas.

Next. Best college football running backs of the 21st century. dark

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.

Home/College Football