3 Nebraska commits Texas football should try to flip post-Scott Frost

Cameron Lenhardt, EDGE*

The most intriguing recruit on this list for the Longhorns to scout for the 2023 class this fall is also one that is no longer a Nebraska commit. That is why there is an asterisk next to the name of the four-star IMG Academy edge rusher Cameron Lenhardt.

When I started compiling this list, Lenhardt was still committed to the Huskers. But he de-committed from Nebraska on Sep. 18, and promptly stated on social media that his recruitment is fully open.

Lenhardt is now in a spot where his recruitment should really heat up. He holds offers from Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU, Duke, Miami, Penn State, and Michigan State.

Some other schools could now jump into the mix with no clear leader at the moment in this recruitment.

Given Texas’ need to add another edge rusher in the 2023 class before signing day, this could certainly be a viable fit between Lenhardt and the Longhorns. If Texas does add another edge rusher to the big board this fall, I would think Lenhardt would be the next priority up if Texas isn’t able to flip either Colton Vasek or Braylon Shelby and/or if they miss out on Tausili Akana.

What Lenhardt could bring to the table for the Longhorns is a high-upside 6-foot-3 and 250-pound edge player that brings some real versatility to the table. Lenhardt has a strong lower-half and he uses that base to get a strong push at the point of attack, which allows him to wreak havoc in the opposing team’s backfield. He’s also got the quickness and overall athleticism to stand up as a rusher off the edge.

Yet, I would still consider Lenhardt more of a developmental edge rusher. He needs to develop his fundamental tackling ability as well as adding some moves to his array of pass-rushing tools.

While co-DCs/LB coaches Pete Kwiatkowski and Jeff Choate are still in this depth-building phase with the Longhorns on the recruiting trail at the edge rusher spot, Lenhardt could make sense as a depth add to the 2023 class. I will reiterate, though, that Lenhardt should be someone Texas considers if they aren’t able to flip the likes of Vasek or Shelby this fall.

At this moment, it looks like Akana is the top edge player on Texas’ board for the 2023 class.