Who the Texas Longhorns have grabbed from the transfer portal... so far
Texas has been very judicious in its approach to recruiting players out of the transfer portal during the current 2022-23 window. Only a handful of public offers have gone out during the window, with just under 10 days remaining for players to put their name into the NCAA database.
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Even with the measured approach, the Longhorns have made three key additions via the portal at positions of need. Two have been on the defensive side of the ball, with the third being a specialist.
Here’s who the Longhorns have added to the 2023 squad… so far.
Gavin Holmes, CB, Wake Forest
On3 Transfer Portal Ranking: No. 34
Seasons left: Two years to play two seasons, plus the COVID year
The details: Holmes played in 11 games in 2022 for the Demon Deacons, with seven starts at cornerback. He recorded 23 tackles and nine PBUs for Wake Forest this past season. His season-long defensive grade according to Pro Football Focus was 66.3. Texas secondary coach Terry Joseph leveraged his Louisiana connections to land the former Metairie (La.) Archbishop Rummel standout.
Ryan Sanborn, P, Stanford
On3 Transfer Portal Ranking: No. 1 punter
Seasons left: One year to play one season
The details: With Isaac Pearson transferring out and Daniel Trejo out of eligibility, Jeff Banks addressed a major special teams need via the portal. Sanborn has a career punting average of 41.5 yards per punt, with a high-water mark of 43.3 yards per punt in 2021. He could also place kick in a pinch.
Jalen Catalon, S, Arkansas
On3 Transfer Portal Ranking: No. 98
Seasons left: One year to play one season, plus the COVID year
The details: Catalon had a standout 2020 season, garnering AP first-team All-SEC honors after a 10-game campaign with 99 tackles and three interceptions. Injuries derailed his next two seasons, with Catalon playing just seven games in 2021 and 2022. He entered the portal following the completion of the 2022 season, and committed to Texas on Monday. Texas needed help at safety ahead of the 2023 campaign, and Catalon should address that need if he is able to remain healthy.
