Trending Texas: What’s next for the Longhorns after a three-commit day

Texas finished its month of June with a flourish after a mostly quiet spring, something that felt strategically set in motion by Steve Sarkisian. Then July 1st happened and the Horns hit the prospect hat trick within hours. That boosted their 2024 On3 Team Recruiting Ranking from the No. 24 spot to No. 16.

After adding Parker Livingstone, Alex January, and Jordon Johnson-Rubell on Saturday, there are still a number of decisions to be made and dates to remember as we approach the Independence Day holiday.

Trending Texas

Top defensive back targets Corian Gipson and Kobe Black were paying attention when their Fort Worth friend and close buddy Jordon Johnson-Rubell committed to Texas on Saturday. While Gipson was posting photos of the duo as kids, Black was watching the stream from his phone with eagerness.

Inside Texas still has confidence Texas is trending well in these two recruitments.

Another top target and On3’s No. 1 player in Texas, Duncanville EDGE Colin Simmons, watched the trio drop for Texas like dominoes on Saturday and joined in the fun on social media, especially when current Panthers defensive line teammate Alex January gave Texas a verbal pledge that same day.

Simmons remains active on social media talking about a number of schools, but Inside Texas still believes Texas leads this race. Stay buckled up at all times for this one.

Allen’s Zina Umeozulu is another prospect Inside Texas is monitoring for a decision. He told Inside Texas he preferred a July-August announcement last week, but those close believe that timetable might already be accelerated.

Here’s a look at more of the decisions Inside Texas is watching in July

July 4th

Jordan Washington, TE, Houston (Texas) Langham Creek

Texas appears to hold the edge for the Houston-area product who has athleticism in multiple sports at Langham Creek. He garnered the attention of Alabama and Texas A&M in his recruiting process.

July 7th

Aeryn Hampton, ATH/WR, Daingerfield (Texas)

Texas, Alabama, or TBD.

July 8th

Malik Blocton, DL, Pike Road (Ala.) High

Auburn versus Texas is where this recruitment appears to be at the moment ahead of an early July decision. There’s confidence from Texas, but with the Tigers having things in their favor like brother Marcus Harris on the Tigers D-line, both have good reason for confidence. Not to mention he’s taken numerous unofficial trips to Auburn over last two years. Texas’ official visit accomplished a lot, notably with Blocton and his mom. The Horns have to keep the connection going and prepare for an SEC battle.

July 12th

Melvin Hills Jr, DL, Lafayette (La.) Lafayette Christian Academy

While Texas battles Auburn for Blocton, another SEC matchup is formulating with Ole Miss over the Pelican State product. Texas defensive line coach Bo Davis maintained contact with the 6-foot-4, 270-pounder multiple times this week, per Gerry Hamilton.

Texas 2024 commits (11)

Jerrick Gibson, RB, IMG Academy via Gainesville (Fla.) Jordon Johnson-Rubell, DB, IMG Academy via Fort Worth (Texas)Freddie Dubose Jr., WR, San Antonio (Texas) Smithson ValleyDaniel Cruz, OL, North Richland Hills (Texas) RichlandSantana Wilson, CB, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Desert MountainChristian Clark, RB, Phoenix (Ariz.) Mountain PointeParker Livingstone, WR, Lucas (Texas) LovejoyAlex January, DL, Duncanville (Texas)Nate Kibble, OL, Humble (Texas) AtascocitaTrey Owens, QB, Cypress (Texas) Cy-FairMichael Kern, P, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas