4-star OT Payton Kirkland makes a shocking commitment to Texas: 'The communication never really stopped'

Before Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips four-star offensive tackle Payton Kirkland took his official visits, he had already made his mind up about his college destination. He would be committing to Miami.

But as Kirkland thought about it more, he didn’t want to make a decision just for himself. He wanted to make one for his family. He wanted to make one for his faith. So on Saturday night, Kirkland committed to Texas.

“I always wanted to be a part of something with tradition,” Kirkland told On3. “It’s a great tradition there and they’ve always been at the top of the ranks. Over the last few years, things have changed of course, but I feel like that’s a place where I can really grow as a man and a ballplayer and be able to be a part of something greater than myself and really contribute to something.”

Kirkland, the No. 296 overall prospect and No. 22 offensive tackle in the 2023 On3 Consensus, chose the Longhorns over Alabama, Florida, Miami, Michigan State and Oklahoma. Even though he didn’t announce Texas as one of his finalists, the Longhorns won out. Now, Kirkland is a part of one of the nation’s top recruiting classes alongside prospects including New Orleans Isidore Newman Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Arch Manning.

Relationships played a key role in Kirkland choosing Texas

Kirkland’s relationships with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Kyle Flood played a key role in his decision. Sarkisian and Flood have been in touch with the 6-foot-5, 355 pound offensive lineman since his freshman year. Their discussions with Kirkland began when they were working for the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban.

Throughout Kirkland’s high school career, the two coaches took the time to recruit the offensive lineman and supported him, even when he suffered a broken ankle. Those connections made a difference when it came to choosing his college destination.

“The communication really never stopped,” Kirkland said. “Texas was always in my back pocket. They were always called the Sixth Man or the Dark Horse of my recruitment. They just ended up being in the front pocket and leading the way.”

The four-star recruit has a great connection with Flood especially. Kirkland shared that whenever he has questions on technique, he would go to Flood or former Georgia offensive line coach Matt Luke for advice. He added that Flood was one of the people he could always count on for lessons and tools to help him be successful.

“Me and Coach Flood’s relationship, it really extends past football,” Kirkland said. “It’s not really just a college football coach-recruiter type of relationship.

Regarding Sarkisian, Kirkland believes he is an offensive “mastermind.” In addition to his strong track record on offense, he shared how Texas’ head coach is “all about people.”

“He’s a great people person,” Kirkland said. “His players all feel like they’re at home and it feels like a family over there.”

Kirkland also built a close bond with running backs coach Tashard Choice. He called him “like a cousin.”

Kirkland trusts his decision to choose Longhorns

Kirkland made his decision without visiting Texas’ campus. He took official visits to Florida, Miami, Michigan State and Oklahoma and tried to schedule one to Austin earlier this summer, but he wasn’t able to. So he is heading to the Lone Star State in the fall.

Kirkland isn’t going alone, however. His mom and some other family members are moving to Houston, a roughly three-hour drive from Austin.

Kirkland let Texas’ coaches know of his decision on Thursday. He said it caught them “off-guard.” Kirkland also talked with Miami and Michigan State’s coaches, which he called “hard” conversations.

But now, he is able to breath a “sigh of relief” that his recruitment is over. He’s a Longhorn.

“Everything just works out very well there,” Kirkland said of Texas. “So that’s a big factor. Being around other great guys and being around other great players and doing something great is overall as good as it can get.”