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From IT:
When there's instability within the coaching staff, recruiting is usually one of the first things to suffer. It'll be very interesting to see how UT handles its 2021 class moving forward. A transition class might be imminent, but depending on who potentially replaces 'Hot Seat' Herman, if it comes to that, will have a major stake in how this class shakes out. Let's get a pulse on some of the more important commits and targets.
(Any commits we don't mention are likely locked in no matter who is coaching them next year, like Hayden Connor, Juan Davis, and Gunnar Helm)
Ja’tavion Sanders, DE/TE - Denton Ryan (TEXAS)
Prior to the Oklahoma loss, Sanders wasn’t even entertaining calls from other college coaches. And he's not too interested in doing so now, which is why we feel comfortable he'll stick around. But don't think OU and others aren't going to make a push. Schools smell blood in the water and Sanders is UT's top prospect in the 2021 class.
JD Coffey, S - Kennedale (TEXAS)
Oregon has been making a real push for Coffey, but the Ducks could get in a numbers squeeze thus helping the Texas cause. They picked up a safety from Utah yesterday, so it'll be interesting to see what their next move is. Right now, we think Coffey loves the Longhorns just enough and that might be enough to secure his signature on NSD.
Jamier Johnson, CB - John Muir (Pasadena, CA) (TEXAS)
The four-star from Cali isn't playing his senior season, and plans to enroll in January. UT beat out USC and Oregon for Johnson, but if there is a threat, watch Arizona State. Herm Edwards assembled one of a recruiting staff.
Morice Blackwell, LB - Arlington Martin (TEXAS)
The four-star from DFW has remained solid to Texas since committing on Mother's Day. If there was a threat, Arkansas is the main one to consider. The Razorbacks are going to play quality defense with Barry Odom as defensive coordinator and do surprisingly well in the Metroplex.
Casey Cain, WR - Warren Easton (New Orleans, LA) (TEXAS)
Cain is less solid since the TCU loss. There are others pushing for him, including a serious look from Mississippi State. To say Cain has been looking around would be an accurate assessment.
Jaden Alexis, WR - Monarch (Pompano Beach, FL) (TEXAS)
Alexis is the type player that will have crossover appeal. This staff or the next might want to keep the three-star speedster, but watch for a strong push from Miami. They are recruiting very well this cycle and remain in Alexis' ear, even though I feel like he's determined to leave Florida.
Michael Myslinski, C - Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville, FL) (TEXAS)
This is one committed prospect asking members of the current staff what their future looks like in Austin. We think he's still a take, being a natural center on a team without them. Even though he's got ties to Herb Hand, we think a new staff might want to hold onto the Sunshine State offensive lineman.
L.J. Johnson, RB - Cy-Fair
This one is slipping with Texas A&M surging. Texas went into the season on the verge of receiving a commitment from the best running back prospect in the state, but that momentum is all but gone.
Shemar Turner, DL - Desoto
Texas A&M was surging after Texas' early struggles in the win over Texas Tech and loss to TCU. Now, the Aggies lead is only continuing to grow after the win over Florida.
Terrence Cooks, LB - Alvin Shadow Creek
The most highly sought after linebacker in-state for 2021 has long loved the Horns and its staff. Coleman Hutzler could not have done a better job cultivating this relationship and bonding with his mother. But there's pressure to give LSU the long, hard look. He's tried to end his recruitment on a couple of occasions but was slowed in both instances. I think Texas is the call if this staff returns. If not, that's a whole other story.
If or when changes are made, we'll have a list of the top prospects that could immediately be pursued by the new staff. No reason to delve into that just yet, though.
