Since the hiring of coach Tom Herman in Austin, winning recruiting battles in the Houston area has become a central focus for Texas in the 2018 class.
On Saturday afternoon, ESPN 300 wide receiver Al'Vonte Woodard committed to the Longhorns over Texas A&M, LSU , Ohio State and Ole Miss in what is another impactful win on the recruiting trail for Herman and staff.
Woodard, the No. 83-ranked prospect overall in the class of 2018, has been leaning to Texas for months, but his decision to commit on Saturday continues to build the momentum for the Longhorns' top-10 ranked class. And a big recruiting weekend in Austin is slated for next weekend.
An Under Armour All-America Game selection, Woodard becomes the fourth top-15 prospect from the Lone Star State to pick Texas in the class of 2018, including the state's top-ranked prospect, B.J. Foster. The Longhorns inked just one of the top-15 ranked prospects from the home state in February.
The 6-foot-1, 193-pound Woodard is the 10th ESPN 300 verbal for Texas, which boasted the No. 7 class prior to Woodard's announcement. The No. 11 prospect in Texas joins QB Casey Thompson, QB Cameron Rising (a flip from Oklahoma), speedy slot receiver Rondale Moore, running back Keaontay Ingram and offensive tackle Reese Moore as ESPN 300 commitments on offense for the Longhorns.
Texas has a top-five class in its sights for the first time since 2012, with a number of ESPN 300 top targets still in play. The wish list includes cornerbacks D'Shawn Jamison and Anthony Cook (teammates of Woodard at Houston Lamar); defensive tackle Keondre Coburn; tight ends Luke Ford, Mustapha Muhammad and Malcolm Epps; defensive back Jalen Green; receivers Brennan Eagles and Tommy Bush; defensive end Joseph Ossai; and lineman Rafiti Ghirmai. Out-of-state ESPN 300 top targets include defensive lineman Ronnie Perkins and offensive tackle Sione Angilau Jr.
With the addition of Woodard, Texas has 12 commitments, and is expected to sign 22-24 players come February.