BREAKING: Texas football lands highest-ranked TE prospect of Steve Sarkisian era in Top247 ATH
The Texas Longhorns have secured a commitment from Spring Dekaney’s Nick Townsend, the highest-ranked tight end prospect since Steve Sarkisian and his staff arrived in Austin in January 2021. Townsend, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound Top247 athlete, is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 108 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 3 athlete, and the No. 20 overall prospect in Texas. He chose Texas over Alabama, Texas A&M, and USC.
Townsend felt a strong connection with Texas during his official visit. “I stepped on campus and felt the energy… it was just crazy and a vibe that I didn’t get from other schools,” he told Horns247. He praised the coaching staff, particularly tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks, for their energy and commitment. “I needed somebody with some juice like him,” Townsend said.
Linebackers coach Johnny Nansen also made an impact, offering Townsend the chance to play both linebacker and tight end. Townsend appreciated the flexibility and the opportunity to utilize his athleticism on both sides of the ball.
Steve Sarkisian’s personal story and coaching reputation played a significant role in Townsend’s decision. “He sat down with me and just gave me his whole life story… I said, ‘coach, that’s the type of head coach I want to play for.'”
The Longhorns’ transition to the SEC was another key factor. Townsend expressed a desire to compete at the highest level and believed playing in the SEC would provide that opportunity.
Although Townsend officially informed the Texas coaching staff about a week and a half ago, he felt a strong connection to Texas during his official visit from June 21-23. He enjoyed the camaraderie with players like Arch Manning, Ryan Wingo, Juan Davis, and Emaree Winston, describing it as a brotherhood.
Ranked as an athlete, Townsend will begin his career at Texas working with the tight ends under Jeff Banks. His commitment is a significant boost for the Longhorns’ program. “It should leave something on somebody’s mind… there is something at Texas that I need to find out,” Townsend said.
The Houston native plans to enroll in June and is eager to compete. “I’m trying to come in there and take somebody’s spot,” he said.
At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Townsend is ranked as the No. 108 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 3 athlete, and the No. 20 overall prospect in Texas according to 247Sports.