Gerry:
IT Recruiting Matters: What possibilities remain in the 2021 class
The hay is pretty much in the barn for the class of 2021. With that being said, the Longhorns still have a top target remaining to make a decision, and a trio of positions that need to be filled.
Here is an early look at top prospects that are still on the board, and could be in play in January.
L.J. Johnson, RB, Cy-Fair
5-10, 205, 4.5
The Aggies appear to be trending for Johnson according to those at Cy-Fair that have a read on Johnson’s recruitment. With that said, Texas also remains confident about their ability to eventually land the four-star running back. Johnson can opt to be a January enrollee if he has a decision made, and then just enroll at Texas A&M or Texas. https://www.hudl.com/profile/10421054/JohnathanLJ-Johnson
Keithron Lee, WR, Bryan Rudder
5-10.5, 175, 4.5
Lee has been a lean to Texas for the last couple of weeks, to the point of some considering him a silent commitment in the last week. Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Tennessee and others continue to put up a good fight. Lee could make a public commitment to the school of his choice in the next 7-8 days. This is a recruitment the Longhorns need to close. https://www.hudl.com/profile/10348732/Keithron-Lee
Austin Uke, OT/G, Dallas Parish Episcopal
6-3.25, 275, 81-inch wingspan
Herb Hand finally offered Uke a couple of weeks ago. The good news for Texas is there is time to work on Uke, but Stanford, USC and Florida State have been way ahead as of a few days ago. https://www.hudl.com/profile/12646169/Austin-Uke
Garfield Lawrence, DE, Tyler Legacy
6-4, 250
Lawrence is a stud on senior video, and there is a reason IT had him ranked much higher than anyone else prior to the season. This guy has long term football potential. Lawrence is committed to Kansas, but chose to wait until February to sign. This will end up being a great decision by him. Texas has been monitoring Lawrence for a year now. Texas should have offered Lawrence long ago, and should offer him now. https://www.hudl.com/profile/10172242/Garfield-Lawrence
David Abiara, DE, Mansfield Legacy
6-4, 240
The long-time Notre Dame verbal remains unsigned after an off the field issue slowed his recruitment. Prior to the incident, Notre Dame, Texas and SMU were battling it out for the all-around terrific talent at DE. If Texas were to re-engage, the Longhorns would be high on the list due to academic/football combination. Oklahoma could also be in play here, once again. https://www.hudl.com/profile/10157165/David-Abiara
Keith Cooper, DE, Dickinson
6-4, 225, 83-inch wingspan
Cooper shows flashes of what he can become on senior tape. Right now, he has Arizona State, UCLA, Penn State, Ole Miss, Kansas State and Indiana as the six schools he is expected to choose from in January. Texas has been monitoring Cooper all season. https://www.hudl.com/profile/10304591/Keith-Cooper
Shakari Denson, CB, Claxton High (GA)
5-10.5, 170, 4.55
Denson has been contacted by Texas, but there is yet to be a push by the Longhorns. One look at the tape of the one-time Michigan State verbal, and it’s easy to say that Denson may be the most underrated cornerback prospect in the 2021 class. Along with offers from Michigan State and Virginia Tech, Clemson and Mississippi State have shown serious interest of late. https://www.hudl.com/profile/10676009/Shakari-Denson
Alton McCaskill, RB/ATH, Conroe Oak Ridge
6-1, 210, 4.55
Should Texas miss on L.J. Johnson, the staff should be working on McCaskill as a second RB in the class. Currently, Oklahoma State, USC, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Houston and Kansas State remain in the mix for the talented athlete that could play RB, or project to OLB long term at the next level. https://www.hudl.com/profile/10990536/Alton-McCaskill
K.C. Ossai, LB, Conroe Oak Ridge
6-1, 240
Ossai remains committed to Arizona, but has decided to wait until February to sign. Ossai’s senior tape is better than a player with one Power 5 offer. There will be more. https://www.hudl.com/profile/10275618/KC-Ossai