4 2022 Texas signees that will start right away

Justice Finkley, EDGE/DE

The touted four-star Hewitt-Trussville (AL) edge rusher/defensive end Justice Finkley was one of the fast risers in the national recruiting rankings before they went final last week. Finkley proved himself both in his high school senior season and in some practices and showcases since that he is a real force to be reckoned with at the collegiate level.

Given the plethora of needs that Texas has along the defensive front in 2022, being able to sign a potential immediate impact player such as Finkley is huge. This is definitely one of the more impressive hauls from defensive line coach Bo Davis in a loaded class along the defensive line in the Longhorns 2022 signing class.

Texas signed Finkley during the first signing period back in December. And he was able to get enrolled this semester, meaning he can get acquainted with this team in winter workouts and spring ball. That will be big considering the fact that the 6-foot-2 and 260-pound edge rusher showed the real potential to provide value for Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense early in next fall.

Finkley has excellent speed and power off the line of scrimmage. He’s also incredibly quick and agile with his moves to the inside, which is a special skill for a defensive end/edge rusher as young as he is. On film, Finkley looks like he could be a terror for opposing quarterbacks and ball carriers when running up the middle or between the tackles.

In all likelihood, Finkley can compete with the likes of sophomore Alfred Collins next fall for reps. The one potential hold-up to him starting would be if Texas lands former TCU Horned Frogs senior defensive end Ochaun Mathis out of the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason.