Recruiting
The same isn’t true for the 2018 class. His staff will have had 14 months on the job before the class signs on Feb. 7, 2018. That gives the UT coaches time to build rela- tionships and the win col- umn. It gives Herman time to create proof that his version of Texas means prom- inence. And prominence is what attracts a teenager.
Admittedly, recruiting at Texas is graded on a different curve from Houston’s. Sign- ing a top-30 class with one or two elite players is a vic- tory for the Cougars or any Group of Five program. Not true at Texas.
The Longhorns require top-10 recruiting classes, and the 2018 cycle, in the- ory, shapes up as a strong litmus test for Herman and his staff’s ability to recruit at the highest level.
Herman built his repu- tation as a head coach by recruiting the Houston area. He can further that reputation as a national recruiter by doing the same thing in 2018. The area is home to 22 of the American-Statesman’s Fabulous 55 list of the state’s top recruits, including 12 of the top 15. Eight of the top 10 players in the state go to high school in the Houston area, including the state’s Nos. 1, 2 and 3 recruits.
Herman’s path to success is one with which he’s familiar. At Houston, he won and recruited the city. To succeed at Texas, he’ll need to replicate the results.
It’s likely that Texas will pick up two or three com- mitments from junior day. The Longhorns don’t hold a single commitment for the 2018 class. With about 50 premier athletes on campus, here are five who might commit this weekend:
Justin Watkins, ATH, Ocala (Fla.) Vanguard: The four-star slot receiver who’s been committed to Florida State since last June expressed frustration with the Seminoles’ staff while praising Texas last weekend at the Opening regional in Orlando. The No. 1-ranked athlete in the nation said immediate playing time is available at Texas. He hasn’t given an indication that he’ll switch this weekend, but once a recruit starts openly flirting with a new school, the process can move along quickly.
Cha sen Hines, OL, Marshall: Charlie Strong’s staff offered a scholarship to the three-star lineman early, right before his junior year. Herman’s staff has made him a top priority. He recently released his top five: Texas, LSU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and TCU. The Longhorns are in the lead.
DeMarvion Overshown, S, Arp: It wasn’t long ago that the four-star safety from small-school Arp held only a UT-San Antonio offer. That changed when Texas made an offer Dec. 8. His stock has risen since, but the early confidence placed in him by Texas could result in a commitment.
Trey Stratford, OT, Allen: Stratford showed interest in Texas before the staff changed and has indi- cated an increased interest since Herman arrived. He was one of the first 2018 offers from the new UT staff. Oklahoma recently offered, and more could follow for the three-star lineman. If he wants the process over, Texas is the leader.
Rafiti Ghirmai, OT, Frisco Wakeland: The three-star tackle has already attended Oklahoma’s junior day. But Texas leads, and a strong impression Saturday could produce a commit- ment. The Longhorns are in search of multiple tack- les, and the first two or three who jump on an offer will get the spots.