Texas’ 2013 recruiting class has suffered another defection.

Four-star tight end Durham Smythe (Belton, Texas/Belton) decommitted from the Longhorns on Tuesday. The longtime Texas commit confirmed his decision in a text message to HornsNation.

"I have nothing but respect for the coaches, commits, players and program," Smythe said, "but I had to do what I thought was right for me personally."

Smythe had been committed to Texas since March 8. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound tight end is ranked No. 7 at his position.

The timing of his decision is no coincidence. Smythe’s decision to back out of his pledge was based partially on co-offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin’s decision to leave Texas and become head coach at Arkansas State, the source said.

Smythe is the fourth commit to back out of his pledge to Texas this year, following athlete Ricky Seals-Jones, defensive end Daeshon Hall and running back Kyle Hicks.

Since committing to Texas, Smythe has stayed in touch with Stanford -- the school he originally passed up for UT -- and Notre Dame could also be in the mix. Smythe currently holds more than 15 offers.

The Longhorns do have a commitment from another tight end, Butte (Calf.) College’s Geoff Swaim. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound junior college transfer is expected to join the program in January.

Texas now has 13 verbal commits for its 2013 class but has added only one pledge - from ESPN 300 Livingston, Texas, athlete -- Chevoski Collins -- since June.