LOOK: Steve Sarkisian takes victory lap after landing Payton Kirkland commitment
Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian took to Twitter to celebrate landing a commitment from offensive lineman Payton Kirkland on Saturday. Kirkland is a four-star recruit in the 2023 On3 Consensus Rankings, and is a big win for Sarkisian as he continues his focus on “big humans” while recruiting offensive linemen.
Steve Sarkisian celebrates Payton Kirkland commitment
Sarkisian was quoted as saying that Texas would be placing a big focus on offensive linemen in his recruiting efforts in a memorable way at the end of last year. “Got to have big humans,” said Sarkisian about his team’s future, long before Kirkland’s official commitment on Saturday.
Few humans are bigger than Kirkland, a 6-foot-5.5 and 354-pound offensive tackle that will soon be helping protect Texas’ quarterbacks. Sarkisian was certainly after his ability as a lineman coupled with his incredible size, sharing his excitement for the recruit by posting a clip of WWE superstar Mark Henry — during a time when he wore a Texas Longhorns shirt in the ring.
Sarkisian’s offensive line recruiting strategy will pay dividends if Kirkland or his fellow linemen can show some of the strength that Henry was known for as “The World’s Strongest Man” during his wrestling career. Henry was an elite powerlifting athlete prior to his wrestling career and has always had a love of the Longhorns.
Texas lands four-star lineman recruit
Kirkland picked Texas over Michigan State and Oklahoma, explained On3’s Gerry Hamilton about the big news. The Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips product also considered Florida, Miami, and Alabama at various times during the recruitment.
Kirkland, who sports an 81-inch wingspan and 9.5 inch hand, was in consistent contact with Texas offensive line coach Kyle Flood since the days leading up to Arch Manning’s commitment to the Longhorns. The Orlando area lineman was planning a mid-week official visit in June, but a family reunion caused plans to change. Kirkland and Texas have been discussing an official visit for September 3 or 10.
The No. 296-ranked prospect in the On3 Consensus ranking has one official visit remaining. He made June official visits to Oklahoma, Florida, Michigan State and Miami.
Kirkland becomes the 20th commitment for the Longhorns No. 5 ranked recruiting class, and the fifth and final offensive line commitment. Along with Flood, Orlando area recruiter Tashard Choice was key in the win for Texas.