Boom Or Bust: Three Things Texas Needs For Ideal 2024 Recruiting Class

Texas currently No. 49 in the 2024 team rankings and have a long way to go before reaching the Longhorns' annual standard.

It's only the first day of the month, but the Texas Longhorns have already started celebrating Christmas in July.

The Longhorns landed three of their 11 commitments in the class of 2024 Saturday in three four-star prospects - safety Jordon Johnson-Rubell, wide receiver Parker Livingstone and defensive lineman Alex January. As a result, Texas currently has the No. 16 class in the 2024 cycle per On3, which is much closer to the Longhorns standard than where they were just last week. 

Still, the Horns want to be a perennial recruiting power, and here's what needs to happen for that to be accomplished in the 2024 cycle. 

Put A Fence Around Lone Star State

Texas is in contention for some impact players on the defensive side of the ball in five-star cornerback Kobe Black, five-star edge rusher Colin Simmons and four-star corner Selman Bridges.

It is pertinent that head coach Steve Sarkisian and Co. can lock that trio down as a foundation.

Simmons is the No. 1 player in the Lone Star State, while Black and Bridges are Nos. 7 and 11, respectively.

The state of Texas boasts 19 of the top-100 recruits in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports Composite, and at the present moment, the Longhorns haven't landed any of them. Texas A&M and Florida have each landed two.

Simmons and Black have talked back and forth on Twitter as if they'll be a combo deal to the Longhorns, which will have build their defense to the Southeastern Conference standard.

Oklahoma is currently out-recruiting Texas in its own state. That cannot happen.

Don't Let WR Ryan Wingo Slip Through Grasp

Texas has a prediction for five-star wide receiver Ryan Wingo and he can't get away.

According to On3's Recruiting Prediction, Texas leads with a 34.8 percent chance to land Wingo, but Notre Dame and Georgia aren't far behind at 28.3 and 23.8 percent, respectively.

Wingo, the No. 7 receiver in the 2024 recruiting class, took an official visit to the Forty Acres on June 16, while also heading to Athens, GA. June 2, Michigan June 9 and Missouri June 23.

The Longhorns have an impressive wide receiver corps this season, but wide receivers Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and Jordan Whittingham and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders could all theoretically depart after next season with impressive years.

Texas needs to lock down the position so either Arch Manning or Maalik Murphy have top-notch weapons to throw to.

Pluck DL Dominick McKinley Out of Louisiana

LSU is pushing hard for defensive lineman Dominick McKinley, and why wouldn't it?

The Lafayette, LA. is the top player in the Pelican State and the No. 5 defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle.

McKinley rounded out his official visits with a trip to Austin and Sarkisian and defensive line coach Bo Davis better have made a long-lasting impression to save the best for last.

In 2022, he racked up 86 tackles, 18 for loss, 10 sacks, two interceptions and a pick six for Acadiana High School.

He would be the second defensive lineman commit in the Longhorns' 2024 cycle, joining the three-star January.

The Bayou Bengals are currently the favorite to land the in-state McKinley, but if Texas can rally and snag him from Louisiana, it would be a much-needed get for the Longhorns.

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You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419

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