Steve Sarkisian should tap Mack Brown for the recruitment of 4-star CJ Whaley

Nearly two decades ago, Texas head coach Mack Brown recruited four-star athlete Chris Whaley to play for the Longhorns.

Over five years on the 40 Acres, Whaley appeared in 47 games, playing running back and defensive tackle, and made 13 starts throughout his collegiate career.

Now, the Texas Longhorns and current head coach Steve Sarkisian are recruiting none other than Whaley's son, CJ Whaley, to suit up in the burnt orange and white just like his dad did.

While Sarkisian and his staff don't seem to have too many issues recruiting the top prospects in the country to their program, they have a direct pipeline to the Whaley family through Brown, who has reignited his connection with the Horns since parting ways with the UNC Tar Heels two years ago.

Yes, more likely than not, Sarkisian could successfully recruit the younger Whaley on his own, but he doesn't have to. In other words, why wouldn't Texas use the everlasting connection to its National Championship-winning head coach to recruit four-star athlete CJ Whaley to the program?

Crystal ball predictions are starting to role in for CJ Whaley

Whaley is a two-way athlete just like his father was, but instead of playing DT and RB, he has earned snaps at defensive end and wide receiver throughout his high school career. He is the No. three athlete in the class and the No. 74 overall prospect, making him a highly coveted target in the recruiting cycle.

With offers from powerhouse programs like the Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, and Florida Gators, it truly looks like Whaley could take his talents anywhere in the future.

However, crystal balls and expert predictions are already rolling in for the Longhorns to come out on top, eventually earning a commitment from the younger Whaley.

On3 recruiting insider Justin Wells logged the most recent expert prediction for Whaley's future, giving the Horns a leg up over the slew of other programs working to bring the four-star athlete into their fold.

Wells' prediction was the second to favor Texas, joining fellow recruiting insider Sam Spiegelman in doing so. While those predictions are great signs, don't get too far out over your skis just yet, especially since Wells' prediction came with just 60% confidence, narrowly surpassed by Spiegelman's prediction that came with 65% confidence.

As of now, Whaley has yet to take a visit, whether official or unofficial, to the Longhorns' home in Austin. In fact, since his recruiting process truly began in 2024, he has taken just one trip, and it was to none other than the Texas A&M Aggies.

Also read: Even recruits know that playing for the Longhorns isn't for the weak or timid

Nonetheless, there is still nearly a year and a half in Whaley's recruiting process, and at the end of the day, the Longhorns have the upper hand of being the premier program in his home state, and the connection to his dad's career at Texas under Brown.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow