Texas throws big numbers at 'big humans' in the trenches

In its high school class of 2021, the Texas Longhorns signed seven players who projected to play in the trenches. In the class of 2022, Steve Sarkisian’s program signed twice that number, and could see that figure grow larger by the second signing day.

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Growing larger, both numbers wise and size wise, was a goal of Sarkisian’s during the 2022 cycle. Texas desperately needed numbers along the offensive line, where it only signed two players in 2021, neither profiling to play tackle (Max Merril and Hayden Conner). The defensive line needed similar attention, with five players added last cycle, many of whom had already signed by the time Sarkisian arrived at Texas.

The Longhorns’ emphasis on signing “big humans” fits Sarkisian’s program vision, something he described December 15 as a “simple formula.”

“When you’re really big up front on offense and you can run the ball, then you’re fast on the perimeter and you create space for those guys, that’s a good marriage,” Sarkisian said. “That’s a good mix for us. I think defensively when you’re big up front and you can negate the run with your people up front and put pressure on the quarterback with your down people, that allows you to mix coverages and do things.”

The six-man, and potentially seven-man class should Texas land a commitment from On3 Consensus five-star Devon Campbell, is a large class in every sense of the word. Four Big 12 teams — Texas, Baylor, West Virginia, and Iowa State — signed more than 20 prospects in the early signing period. Baylor matched Texas with six O-line signings. West Virginia added four, and Iowa State added a paltry two.

That infusion helped normalize Texas’ numbers at the position, but it also added an infusion of simply massive people. Duncanville’s Cam Williams is the largest of the bunch, checking in at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds.

Federal Way (Wash.) Todd Beamer’s Malik Agbo is the next largest at 6-foot-6, 320 pounds. Behind him is Frisco’s Cole Hutson, listed by Texas at 6-foot-5, 312 pounds. The highest-rated member of Texas’ 2022 class, Summer Creek’s Kelvin Banks, measures at 6-foot-5, 300 pounds. Austin Westlake’s Connor Robertson is just under 300 pounds at 6-foot-4, 296 pounds. Allen’s Neto Umeozulu is one pound lighter at 6-foot-5, 295 pounds.

Texas added eight players who’ll be coached by Pete Kwiatkowski and Bo Davis. On the edges, the Longhorns signed 6-foot-7, 225-pound Ethan Burke from Austin Westlake, 6-foot-4, 215-pound Derrick Brown from Texas High in Texarkana, 6-foot-2, 265-pound Justice Finkley out of Alabama, and 6-foot-3, 250-pound J’Mond Tapp from Louisiana.

Closer to the ball, Texas signed 6-foot-4, 270-pound Jaray Bledsoe from Marlin, 6-foot-4, 305-pound Aaron Bryant out of Mississippi, 6-foot-3, 280-pound Kristopher Ross from North Shore, and 6-foot-4, 265-pound Zac Swanson from Arizona.

“Clearly those were areas where we needed some numbers and we needed bodies,” Sarkisian said. “We needed quality, not just quantity, and I’m glad that we didn’t settle.”

With how many players Texas signed at the position, and with six ranking within the 2022 On300, could some of the members of the #22EFFECT class see playing time early?

Sarkisian believes some could play early as a result of utilizing the four-game redshirt rule, which allows players to play in up to four games without using a year of eligibility. But true freshman could see playing time if they play up to a certain program standard.

“If you’re talented and you work hard, and you understand the core principles of the offense and defense and use the proper fundamentals and techniques, you earn that opportunity to play,” Sarkisian said.

The class was also signed with the future also in mind. Eventually, Texas is going to depart the Big 12 for the SEC. Should the Longhorns wait all the way until the 2025 season, the 2022 class would play either their senior or redshirt junior seasons when Texas joins the league.

Sarkisian acknowledged Texas’ next conference played a small role in who the Longhorns pursued, but wants to see that style even while in the Big 12.

“We like to play a physical brand of football regardless of who we’re playing, so I think that went hand in hand with our approach naturally to potentially what could be down the road,” Sarkisian said.

No matter what conference Texas lines up in during the next few seasons, the Longhorns added size and strength in a large quantity during the 2022 early signing period.

And in their mind, the Longhorns don’t lack for quality with the big humans heading to Austin.