The next week for the Longhorns is a huge one. With 3 top recruits announcing their decisions, the next 7 days are about as big as possible for Charlie Strong and the horns. A commitment from any of these players would be huge, but should they miss on all three, this will be a week to forget.
Originally planning to make his decision in mid January, Darrin Kirkland Jr. sent out this tweet yesterday.
Change of plans, commitment day has switched to Monday 12/15, at 4pm, @ my school #Oklahoma #OleMIss #Tennessee #Texas
— Darrin Kirkland Jr. (@_KIRKjunior) December 12, 2014
This sudden change of heart could be seen as a good thing for the Horns' chances with the No.4 inside linebacker in the nation. Last week, he took an official visit to Texas with fellow recruits Malik Jefferson and Ryan Newsome. The successful visit drastically improved the Longhorns chance of landing the talented prospect and his close relationship with Newsome could also play a big role in his final decision. Kirkland is the No. 177 ranked prospect national according to 247 sports and the No.2 player in the state of Indiana.
The other two players announcing their decisions are Malik Jefferson and teammate Deandre McNeal. The two teammates from Mesquite,Texas will be announcing their decisions together on Friday afternoon. Malik Jefferson is the No.1 outside linebacker in the country and the top player in the state of Texas. A pledge from Jefferson would be a god sent for the Longhorns with the departures of linebackers Steve Edmond and Jordan Hicks. Jefferson could be a day one starter at Texas and play a crucial part for the physical Longhorn defense under Charlie Strong. With a week to go until his announcement, it seems as though he is 50/50 between Texas and Texas A&M.
Top 5 #Finessin #Bruins #HookEm #GigEm #RollTide #GunsUp pic.twitter.com/wXXGKMJotw
— The DeAndre McNeal7⃣ (@tbhmcNEal) December 8, 2014
Deandre McNeal represents an interesting prospect as it is yet to be seen whether he will play linebacker or receiver in college. The Longhorns are recruiting him as a receiver, and a pledge from him would be crucial as they only have one wide receiver in their current class who is favoring a flip to Auburn. Once thought to be deciding together, McNeal and Jefferson will not necessarily attend the same school as McNeal is currently favored by 247 Sports to choose Alabama. A top 300 prospect, McNeal would be a perfect fit at receiver for Texas, and Longhorn nation will have their fingers crossed for both of these players come next Friday.
Texas fans, coaches, and players will be on the edge of their seats waiting to hear where these 3 players decide to play college football. If the Longhorns are lucky enough to snag even one of the three, it would be a huge get for Strong's first recruiting class.
Back to the Texas Longhorns Newsfeed