Longhorns named as finalist for multiple high-profile 2023 recruits

Following 2023 five-star quarterback Arch Manning's commitment in June, the Longhorns have been on a roll in recruiting. Now, with Texas's 2023 recruiting class currently being ranked as the fourth-best in the nation by 247Sports, Steve Sarkisian and his staff continue to remain in pursuit of some of the top recruits in the country.

One of the two high-profile recruits that the Longhorns are contending for is 2023 five-star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who revealed that Texas and Texas A&M were his two finalists at the end of June. Hill, the nation's top-ranked class of 2023 linebacker according to the 247Sports Composite, could become Texas's highest-rated linebacker commit since Malik Jefferson (in 2015) if he chose to join the Longhorns.

Furthermore, Hill could provide Texas with a much needed mean streak at the linebacker position, as well as championship experience - having won a state title at the high school level with Denton Ryan in 2020. According to 247Sports, Hill tallied 131 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions during his junior season at Ryan.

In addition to Hill, 2023 four-star wide receiver Jalen Hale also announced via Instagram last week that the Longhorns are one of his three finalists, joining Alabama and Georgia. Hale, a product of Longview, TX, is currently rated as the eleventh-best class of 2023 wide receiver in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite. If Hale were to decide to commit to the Longhorns, he would become the fourth wide receiver pledge in their 2023 recruiting class, following Johntay Cook II, Ryan Niblett, and Jonah Wilson.

Last season at Longview, Hale accounted for 50 receptions, 1,154 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns. 

Lastly, as announced yesterday on Twitter, 2023 four-star defensive end Braylan Shelby shared that his recruitment is down to Texas and Southern California. The 6'4.5" Friendswood, TX product has amassed an impressive 36 scholarship offers from programs such as Florida, LSU, and Texas A&M, however Longhorns defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski finds himself in a good spot with Shelby's recruitment.

Last season at Friendswood, Shelby totaled 77 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.