Texas has picked up its 17th ESPN 300 commit with the addition of OT Sione Angilau Jr.. Read below to see what type of development path he might take in Austin:
What he brings: Angilau, who is also known by 'Junior', is a physical lineman whose his best football is still very much ahead of him. He possesses excellent height with good bulk, a frame that can continue to be developed, and he also demonstrates excellent raw strength. He can be a punishing run blocker, capable of coming off low and driving his knees and when he gains positioning, can put defenders on skates. He comes from a successful program, but one that utilizes a run-oriented offense and he will need to continue to develop in pass pro. He is a little quicker and more agile than testing numbers might indicate, has upside in this area of his game, and has shown he can be tough to shake once he gets locked on.
How he fits: Not much of the Longhorns' class hails from outside of Texas, but this is a nice out-of-state get for them. Sione's initial contributions might be limited while he rounds out his game, but he has a high ceiling. He plays guard for his high school in their scheme and he could likely transition to tackle. We wouldn't be surprised if he remains at guard though, at least initially while he continues to develop in pass production. With Texas on the cusp of some turnover at tackle and guard, this is a very nice addition to their class and in time he can grow into a productive, if not punishing presence on their offensive line.
Reminds us of: In a that he is strong, physical lineman with good size and upside, Angilau reminds us some of LSU offensive lineman Toby Weathersby at the same stage. Weathersby contributes at tackle, but also has experience at guard. We feel Sione, who shows some similar raw tools, could also see time at both spots with the Longhorns.
How the class is shaping up: Texas hasn't finished with a class ranked in the top five since 2012, but Tom Herman's first full class is within striking distance.
The Longhorns' class headlined by ESPN 300 quarterbacks Cameron Rising, a flip from Oklahoma, and Casey Thompson, the son of former Sooners QB Charles Thompson. Elite speed in the class will come from ESPN 300 receiver and return man Rondale Moore, who is joined by ESPN 300 receivers Al'Vonte Woodard and Brennan Eagles. ESPN 300 tight end Malcolm Epps has serious long-term potential. Offensive tackle is a position of need and ESPN 300 Reese Moore is an athletic jumbo tight end who projects as a multi-year starter at tackle, and ESPN 300 Rafiti Ghirmai will enter college as more of an advanced technician. New commit Angilau gives them another talented big man to develop on the offensive line. ESPN 300 Keaontay Ingram is a complete running back prospect.
ESPN 300 safety Caden Sterns grabbed national headlines when he flipped from LSU in early May, as did the nation's No. 1-ranked safety B.J. Foster and ESPN 300 safety/linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, committing within days of each other. A fourth defensive back prospect is ESPN 300 Jalen Green. ESPN 300 defensive tackle Keondre Coburn was a huge August win against Texas A&M. ESPN 300 inside linebacker Ayodele Adeoye is a thumper, and outside linebacker Byron Hobbs is new to the game with a high ceiling.