Evaluating 3 important summer enrollees for Texas football
Honorable mentions
J’Mond Tapp, EDGE
Texas clearly needs more help at defensive end/edge rusher this offseason. In fact, there might not be a bigger position of need for the Longhorns at this point of the offseason than at edge rusher.
The good news for the future is that there is some help on the way in terms of edge rushers that were signed in the 2022 class, including four-star Ascension Catholic (LA) edge rusher J’Mond Tapp. Texas is definitely getting a talented and potent edge rusher in Tapp. But this won’t necessarily mean that he will be able to make an immediate difference for the Longhorns’ pass rush
Nonetheless, Tapp is a 6-foot-3 and 245-pound edge rusher that will need to add some size right away during summer workouts. Tapp is definitely a ferocious edge rusher with a quick jump off the line of scrimmage. But in order for him to effectively translate his game to the next level, he’ll need to get down to work on the weight room right away this summer to likely add around 10 or 15 pounds
Austin Jordan, DB
Among the most intriguing defensive recruits in the Longhorns 2022 class is the former blue-chip Denton-Ryan defensive back Austin Jordan. This versatile 6-foot and 195-pound defensive back will be able to add some punch and depth to the Texas secondary, depending on where Pete Kwiatkowski wants to slot him this fall.
Since cornerbacks coach Terry Joseph was the primary recruiter pursuing Jordan, it would make sense if he plays at this position in the secondary. Jordan also took most of his snaps in high school at corner.
What makes Jordan so intriguing is his combination of size and speed for a versatile corner. That is not something that you will find often among blue-chip DB recruits. Jordan’s speed and length allow him to hold his own in most pass coverage assignments he’ll be asked to take on.
It will be interesting to see what impression Jordan makes on the coaching staff right away in summer workouts and fall camp. He’s got the type of physical tools and overall potential to contribute right away this fall.
Malik Agbo, OT
It feels like almost every single blue-chip recruit that plays in the trenches on either side of the ball in the Longhorns 2022 class will have a shot to earn early reps this coming season. Texas is pretty thin at certain spots in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
And one of the thinnest position groups for the Longhorns on either side of the ball lies at offenisve tackle. That’s why the 6-foot-6 and 320-pound Todd Beamer (WA) offensive tackle Malik Agbo is worth watching in summer workouts and fall camp.
Agbo already has the size necessary to compete at the collegiate level. He should be able to stand out right away in workouts in the next couple of months. Agbo just needs to prove he’s ready to assume key live-game reps this fall. Standing out in fall camp could be the way for him to get those elusive live-game reps this fall.