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"It's Texas" for On300 edge rusher Smith Orogbo

wiltfong hsby:Steve Wiltfong07/01/24

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Smith Orogbo UT
Smith Orogbo. (courtesy of Orogbo)

Houston (Texas) Alief Hastings On300 edge rusher Smith Orogbo tells On3 he has committed to Texas.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Orogbo chose the Longhorns over his other finalists in Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Kansas and others.

“The football program,” Orogbo said. “The way they develop me as a player. Alumni connection and stuff like that. How it’s close to home.

“It’s Texas.”

The four-star Orogbo becomes commit No. 13 for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, joining edge rusher Lance Jackson, quarterback K.J. Lacey, linebacker Elijah Barnes and running back James Simon as the jewels of the class.

Orogbo said Texas surged into the lead following his official visit to Austin the weekend of June 14. 

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“The coaching staff, the facilities, getting around the players a little more,” he said of what stood out. Orogbo talked about why Sarkisian and his staff are having so much success.

“Recruiting the right guys,” he said. “Able to work under pressure. They have a lot of experience.”

The Sooners were the runner-up but Orogbo just felt most comfortable in the Burnt Orange. The program checked all the boxes.

“The life after ball program they got,” Orogbo added. “Forever Texas.”

The On3 Industry tabs Orogbo as the nation’s No. 13 edge rusher and No. 95 prospect overall. On3 is higher, slotting him as the nation’s No. 3 edge rusher and No. 26 player in the land.

A link to the Texas recruiting class here.