A look at Texas’ safety room after the de-commitment of 4-star Kade Phillips

Kade Phillips, the four-star defensive back from Missouri City (Texas) Hightower de-committed from the Texas Longhorns just moments ago. It was a short-lived commitment. Truth be told, he was conflicted for quite some time given his preference to play cornerback and Texas’ evaluation of him being for safety.

LSU is in desperate need of cornerbacks, meanwhile Texas took three last cycle, added another with multiple years of eligibility through the portal, and has Caleb Chester committed this cycle. Texas is also in hot pursuit of Ruston (La.) cornerback Aidan Anding.

I can fully understand Phillips wanting to bet on himself at cornerback. He has length and athleticism in abundance. Texas simply wasn’t in the cards at his preferred position. No harm, no foul.

Texas will need to land another safety in the class, or perhaps even two. Five-star Jonah Williams from Galveston (Texas) Ball is set to announce on August 24th. He’s a unique talent and as such that’s a hotly contested recruitment between Texas, LSU, Texas A&M, USC, and Oregon. If the Horns can pull that off they’ll be playing with house money the rest of the cycle at the position. They won’t *need* to take another safety thanks in large part to their efforts the last couple of cycles.

Even with the mass exodus at safety this past offseason the room is pretty well stocked. There aren’t a ton of bodies but there is zero dead weight. Let’s take a look.

Andrew Mukuba – Out of eligibility after this season

Michael Taaffe – One year of eligibility after this season: At an absolute minimum he’s a proven starter. I personally think he’s 10 pounds away from having a chance at the NFL.

Derek Williams – Two years of eligibility after this season: Only “concern” is he could be a three-year player.

Jelani McDonald – Two years of eligibility after this season: Massive upside who will be ready to start in 2025 at the latest.

Xavier Filsaime – Three years of eligibility after this season: Tons of upside thanks to elite speed, still a little raw.

Jordon Johnson-Rubell – Three years of eligibility after this season: I love his projection as someone who can eventually become a field general and tackling machine from depth. Sort of like Taaffe.

There’s also the potential for position switches from a cornerback, though it’s too early to predict that for any of the current crop.

As stated, the quantity isn’t great but the quality is. If the Horns can wrangle in Williams, he’s the sort of talent that plays early.

Of course, the portal also provides a failsafe.

Let’s see how we all feel about the future of safety a week from now after Williams makes his choice.

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