Tom Herman, Texas Primed To Close 2017 Recruiting Cycle With Gusto


Tom Herman is ably guiding Texas through the recruiting dead period, and has the Longhorns’ 2017 class primed for a strong close in his first cycle in Austin.


The effect is already being felt.

Tom Herman’s desk chair in Austin isn’t even broken in, and the Longhorns are already surging on the recruiting trail — partially because Herman has been out and about, wooing prospects.

Aside from a hiccup with 4-star defensive end Lagaryonn Carson not currently being included in Texas’ 2017 recruiting class, it appears the overwhelming opinion of Herman and the new state of the Longhorns is a positive one.

As ESPN’s Jeremy Crabtree brought to light, many of the recruits participating in the 2017 Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando have bought into what Herman is selling. When asked their opinions of the new Texas head coach, the popular opinion was that he is quite likable. Players’ descriptions of Herman ranged from “fun” to “relatable” to even “swaggy.”

 

There are plenty of prospects who are warming up to the idea of spending the next few years in Austin with Herman guiding them.

Texas already landed 4-star running back Toneil Carter Jr. after he left Georgia’s recruiting class. The Longhorns also flipped three more recruits in less than a week with 3-star running back Daniel Young (flipped from Houston), 3-star tight end Cade Brewer (SMU) and 2-star offensive guard Derek Kerstetter (Oklahoma State).

The next month could see Texas soar up the rankings and finish with a top-25 recruiting class.

Herman has given stability to a program in flux during the latter part of Charlie Strong’s tenure, and now the Longhorns could nab some blue-chip recruits with promising official visits leading into National Signing Day.

Take a peak at the visitors lining up to make the trip to Austin when the dead period ends.

Jan. 20 – 4-star DE K’Lavon Chaisson

Jan. 26 – 4-star DE Ryan Johnson

Jan. 27 – 4-star CB Chevin Calloway, 3-star DE Bryan Jones

And that isn’t taking into consideration the other recruits Texas is making waves with. Guys like 4-star running back Eno Benjamin, 3-star tight end Reese Leitao, 3-star wide receiver Jordan Pouncey (a recent Notre Dame decommit) and 3-star linebacker Marqez Bimage are all on the Longhorns’ radar, and vice versa.

There are also a few silent commits reportedly gearing up to make it official and don the burnt orange.

Right now, Texas sits at No. 43 in the recruiting class rankings, but this next month will change a lot. If Herman continues on his current trajectory, he’ll get the Longhorns back on track in no time.

Note: Scout rankings and ratings used in this article.

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