3 Texas football commits on flip watch heading into signing day

Derek Williams, S

One of the most important commitments for the Longhorns to retain in the 2023 class through signing day is that of the elite five-star New Iberia Westgate (LA) safety Derek Williams.

Texas has a pair of elite defensive backs committed to the 2023 class in Williams and five-star South Oak Cliff cornerback Malik Muhammad that are must-keeps for the likes of CB coach Terry Joseph and safeties coach Blake Gideon.

But it looks like Texas is in a good spot to get Muhammad signed early in a couple of weeks. The same can’t be said with too much confidence at the moment concerning the recruitment of Williams.

A report from Mike Roach of Horns247 last week (paid content) indicates that Williams might push his recruitment out until the traditional National Signing Day in February.

Williams has also already mentioned that he is planning to take his four remaining official visits before signing. He wants to take official visits to see the Texas A&M Aggies, LSU Tigers, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Miami Hurricanes.

https://twitter.com/Rivals/status/1597690612375076864

And if I had to pick one threat to take very seriously here in the race to get the final decision from Williams, it would be LSU. It seems like LSU has picked up a lot of steam on the recruiting trail this fall, and the Tigers are always a legitimate threat with the top blue chips out of Louisiana.

The good news here, though, is that Williams is planning to take an unofficial visit to Texas next weekend. Gideon and the Longhorns will get a final shot to convince Williams to sign on the dotted line early the following week during early signing day.

It goes without saying that it would be a massive win for the Longhorns on the recruiting trail if Williams does sign and enroll early. Texas would be in for a dog fight to retain Williams’ commitment in the next few months if he does push his recruitment out until February.