The goal of the Texas 2023 recruiting and transfer portal haul is the same as the 2021 and 2022 recruiting classes. Building for success right now and in the future. But unlike the 2021 and 2022 transfer portal classes, we saw Steve Sarkisian be deliberate and picky with the 2023 transfers. The mix of recruits and transfers may make 2023 the launching pad Steve Sarkisian needs to take a conference championship and potential first College Football Playoff for Texas into the SEC. Here are my 2023 Texas recruiting and transfer grades by position.
Quarterback Recruiting
For quarterback, it has to be an A+ grade. Texas has by some metrics, three five-star quarterbacks on campus this spring. And unlike most programs can expect all three to be around come this fall. Should things turn for the worst like the 2022 season and the top 2 quarterbacks are injured. Texas won’t have to sweat with a third year walk on and number one quarterback Arch Manning. Its inconceivable how great it is for depth flexibility the ring leader for the Texas 2023 recruiting class decided to get on campus 6 months sooner than expected last summer.
Running Back Recruiting
With Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson off to the NFL. Cedric Baxter and Tre Wisner are just what Texas needs next season. Running back gets an A- because neither will be needed but will be leaned on. Cedric Baxter will have a role behind Johnathon Brooks and Jaydon Blue. Possibly finding himself as the number two back by opening weekend. Tre Wisner could get carries but will mostly be utilized as the change of pace and slot wide receiver role behind Keilan Robinson.
Wide Receiver Recruiting and Transfer
With the haul of Johntay Cook, Ryan Niblett, DeAndre Moore, and AD Mitchell. Texas recruiting and transfer haul soared up to an A+ in the 2023 cycle. With depth issues behind Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington. We could see two 2023 prospects along with AD Mitchell get major playing time in a passing game that may need three and four receivers to maximize second year year starter Quinn Ewers.
Tight End Recruiting
The initial expectations for tight end should be low if Ja’Tavion Sanders stays healthy in 2023. Being development projects and having a couple guys for depth in their third year in Steve Sarkisians system. To start the recruiting grade for tight end is B grade.
Offensive Line Recruiting
With lower rated players than the 2022 Texas recruiting class. The 2023 class was filled with Kyle Flood’s “big humans”. With the future in mind and huge men even by SEC standards. I have to give the offensive line a B+ this year. They hopefully won’t be leaned on with all five 2022 starters returning next season. With four early enrollees there’s opportunity to get some early on the job training next season if Texas starters take care of business in four or five games they should build big leads.
Defensive Line Recruiting
The defensive line is a bit tricky. While much needed EDGE help was brought in. The interior only brought in Sydir Mitchell. However, they’ve bought themselves some time with T’Vondre Sweat returning. Colton Vasek and Sydir Mitchell are the only early enrollees with a group that needs help. While many talented and college ready players are there. The group for now is an A- going into 2023.
Linebacker Recruiting
A group that desperately needed Anthony Hill. Desperately needed to hold onto S’Maje Burrell and Liona Lafau. Desperately needs Derion Gullette to recover from a Torn ACL that occurred in April of his junior year of high school. Texas linebacker recruiting is an A+ grade. They are not only talented. But everybody is needed in 2023. Of this class, the Texas staff may even add Tausili Akana and Jelani McDonald to the linebacker room in the future.
Secondary Recruiting and Transfers
Texas brought in three recruits in the 2023 cycle. Two of them are five stars and are capable of being on the two deep of a rotating secondary. The third is TCU flip safety Warren Roberson who committed to Texas on the second signing day. He is a physical player that has a tendency to strike ball carriers more than wrap up. Has the physical tools to bang in the box or play in space.
But the reason for an A+ secondary rating is the incoming of an All-SEC safety Jalen Catalon and multiple year starter Gavin Holmes. Both with multiple year’s of eligibility left. Texas found the older players needed to fill the void of D’Shawn Jamison and Anthony Cook.
Conclusion
Texas recruiting and transfer haul as a whole is an A grade. It’s number three among high school recruiting. All four transfers fill much needed holes that Texas can’t afford to have questions at. If Texas can avoid major injuries to anyone on their two-deep it can be a very successful year three for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas football team.
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