Mater Dei tight end Spencer Shannon commits to Texas
Texas and Steve Sarkisian went to a familiar place in Southern California for a versatile 6-foot-7 tight end prospect. 2023 Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei tight end Spencer Shannon committed to Texas on Monday, choosing the Longhorns over UCLA, Cal, and Washington.
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“I like Coach Sark and Coach Banks a lot,” said Shannon, after his unofficial visit to Austin. “I like the way they use the tight end in their offense, especially the Y. I really like the way they see me fitting in their offense. Then you combine that with the amazing football tradition and history, the facilities, and the amazing fan and alumni support.”
He would also say, “(They) offer the best opportunity to accomplish everything I want. From football, to education, and life after sports, UT has everything.”
In a cycle where it’s likely Texas will take two tight ends, Shannon provides the Longhorns with pass-catching ability and blocking as a strength. Texas is also after Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle’s Duce Robinson, New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman’s Will Randle, and Houston (Texas) Strake Jesuit’s Chico Holt.
Shannon is the sixth commitment for Texas in the class of 2023 joining Arlington (Texas) Seguin defensive back Jamel Johnson, Houston (Texas) CE King EDGE Dylan Spencer, Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley linebacker S’Maje Burrell, DeSoto (Texas) running backTre Wisner, and Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower wide receiver Ryan Niblett.
Shannon is ranked as the No. 54 tight end in the nation and No. 104 prospect in California in the class of 2023, per On3’s internal recruiting rankings. He is ranked as the No. 1049 player in the country, the No. 51 tight end, and No. 97 player in California according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Shannon has an On3 NIL Valuation of $6000, which ranks him No. 1665 among high school football prospects.
Player interaction was huge with Shannon
Shannon told On3’s Chad Simmons in May that his interaction with players in a program would be a significant factor in his recruitment.
“The most important part of my official visits is the time I get to interact with players,” Shannon said. “That will help me a lot. Players are not paid to recruit, they are real, and being around them will be very helpful.”
“My decision will come down to the players I am surrounding myself with. Each school has similar staffs and academics, so it will be about where I feel best at.”
