The Longhorns are in the mix for another top talent in the 2022 recruiting class, four-star defensive lineman Justice Finkley.
The Trussville, Alabama native is deciding between three schools: Alabama, Texas, and Colorado. Texas will have a tough time beating out Nick Saban on this one. Finkley announced via Twitter on Monday that he has set his commitment date for Wednesday Sept. 9.
His decision will be televised by CBS Sports at 4:15 p.m. CDT.
Finkley is a top-120 player in 247Sports’ class of 2022 rankings and is the No. 18 defensive lineman. He is also viewed as the No. 7 player in the state of Alabama.
He has played multiple positions across the defensive line and has accumulated a total of 146 tackles, 12 sacks, and three forced fumbles in his first two seasons on varsity.
He was evaluated by 247Sports’ Clint Brewster, who spoke highly of his abilities.
“Finkley has a thick lower half that can generate force. Powerful leverage rusher in a 3-4 scheme at the high school level. Also shifts down to play defensive tackle at times. Excellent crossing the face of offensive lineman and getting an inside rush. Good chase athleticism and lateral movement skills. Gets underneath opponents and can forklift with great leverage. Play strength and physicality upon contact standout with Finkley. Can move down to the interior shades on the defenive line at the next level depending on physical development.”
If the Longhorns can secure a commitment from Finkley, it would be the fourth commit from a four-star defensive lineman over the last month. It would likely also boost Texas’ 2022 class, which currently sits at No. 6 in the nation.
The Sarkisian era of recruiting is off to a solid start, but grabbing a player like Finkley can make it great.