Texas football made 'strong impression' on Bama transfer LB

Texas football hosted three visitors among key targets in the NCAA Transfer Portal last weekend. Former Alabama Crimson Tide sophomore standout wide receiver Isaiah Bond, Oregon State Beavers redshirt junior slot receiver Silas Bolden, and junior Alabama linebacker Kendrick Blackshire were the three portal visitors Texas hosted.

Bond committed to head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns amid his official visit to Texas on Jan. 14.

Texas football battling Ole Miss for Alabama transfer LB Kendrick Blackshire

And the early returns from the official visits for Bolden and Blackshire are positive. Texas came out of Bolden's official visit as the presumed leader in his portal recruitment.

Blackshire was more muted with his comments regarding the visits he took last week to Texas and the Ole Miss Rebels (which he visited before the trip to Texas on Jan. 13 and 14).

From the buzz we've heard coming out of Blackshire's camp, it sounds like Texas is in a good spot for the experienced former Alabama linebacker early this week. Jason Suchomel of Orangebloods reported on Jan. 15 (subscriber content) that Texas "made a strong impression" on Blackshire during his visit last weekend.

A decision could be coming soon from Blackshire

Texas and Ole Miss are both pushing hard for a commitment from Blackshire. If Blackshire commits to the Longhorns, though, a decision would likely be coming at some point in the 24-to-48 hours.

Blackshire wants to enroll for the spring semester and classes begin at UT on Jan. 16.

Classes at Ole Miss reportedly begin a week after Texas, which gives Blackshire additional time to make a decision if he's leaning toward the Rebels over the Longhorns.

Texas staying active in the portal early this offseason

Sarkisian and the Longhorns staff have found great success with portal recruiting since the December transfer window opened on Dec. 4. Bond's commitment on Jan. 14 gives the Longhorns four highly touted portal additions in this transfer cycle.

The other three portal commitments for the Longhorns are the former Houston Cougars sophomore wide receiver Matthew Golden, Clemson Tigers junior safety Andrew Mukuba, and UTSA Roadrunners redshirt sophomore edge rusher Trey Moore.

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