Texas Football: 3 possible UCLA transfers UT could target

Keanu Williams, DT

The third and final hypothetical transfer target for the Longhorns to pursue from UCLA, were he to enter the portal after the departure of Kelly early this offseason, is rising redshirt junior defensive tackle Keanu Williams. The 6-foot-5 and 310-pound Williams is more of a traditionally three-tech defensive tackle for the Bruins.

Williams is another UCLA defensive tackle who hails from the West Coast with past ties to coaches on the Texas staff. He was offered by Texas co-DC/LB coach Pete Kwiatkowski during his recruitment out of high school when UT's defensive playcaller was the co-DC at Washington.

He was also heavily recruited by Nansen and the Bruins out of high school before committing to the Oregon Ducks in the 2021 class. Williams would later end up at UCLA last offseason after spending two seasons at Oregon.

Williams probably has the highest upside of the three defensive tackles on this list that the Longhorns could hypothetically pursue from UCLA in the portal this offseason. But he's also the most raw of the three, as he was a first-time starter in most games for the Bruins last season.

From a physical upside perspective, Williams checks many of the boxes that Texas looks for from a three-tech defensive tackle who can compete in the trenches in the SEC for this upcoming season. Williams has a big frame and long arms, allowing him to get leverage on opposing offensive linemen in the pass rush and to get around blockers to get a hand on the ball carrier in run defense.

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