Texas Longhorns head football coach Tom Herman addressed Reese Leitao’s status at his Monday press conference.
March 6 Update on Reese Leitao Arrest
2017 Texas Football signee Reese Leitao’s status remains up in the air one week after being arrested for alleged drug possession with intent to distribute.
Texas head coach Tom Herman said Monday at a Spring Practice press conference that he needs to know “around the summer as to whether we’re going to allow him to be part of the team or not.”
Leitao has to go through the legal process in Oklahoma before Coach Herman determines whether the Tight End will join the team as part of his first recruiting class.
"“The standing is that we’re not a court of law. We’re not into that. So, I think we’re going to reserve judgment for once we get some resolution as to the severity, if any, of any crimes that he might have committed. Again, right now it’s allegation at this point.“But at the same time, I think if that resolution – and I’ve had this conversation with him and his parents – that resolution needs to be sped up maybe than what a normal court process might be because I’ve got to know something somewhere around the summer as to whether we’re going to allow him to be part of the team or not.” – Tom Herman on Reese Leitao’s status"
[ Quotes transcribed by Danny Davis of the Austin American-Statesman ]
March 1 Report
2017 Texas Football recruit Reese Leitao was arrested in Oklahoma one month after National Signing Day.
Reese Leitao was arrested at his high school in Jenks, Okla. on Tuesday after being accused of intending to sell prescription drugs, reports Fox 23 in OK and 247Sports.
Leitao was booked on charges of “possession and delivery of a controlled substance with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school.” According to police, Leitao had 20 Xanax pills and more than $1,300 in his possession at the time of his arrest. He admitted to a school official that he intended to sell the drugs.
What’s Next For Leitao’s Texas Football Career?
It’s too early to speculate on whether Reese Leitao will ever step foot on Texas’ campus after this arrest.
But, Texas Football head coach Tom Herman made it sound like they will have a serious talk about what’s next for Leitao’s career.
"“We’re aware of the situation involving our signee, Reese Leitao. We’re collecting information, will talk to Reese and his family, let the legal system run its course and then address it further at the appropriate time.” – Tom Herman statement"
"“We are aware of the situation and we are gathering more information. We will fully cooperate with law enforcement during this ongoing investigation.” – Jenks Public Schools statement"
Leitao was one of Tom Herman’s top out-of-state recruits for the 2017 class. He was expected to compete for the starting job at Tight End, especially with Texas lacking depth at that position.
Now, it seems the other 2017 signee, Cade Brewer, has the opportunity to compete with senior TE Andrew Beck for the spot.
Next: Latest 2017 & 2018 Texas Football Recruiting Updates
We will continue to watch this situation and report updates on Reese Leitao and his Texas status following his arrest.