Texas lands 4-star DL Aaron Bryant from Mississippi

Texas ventured into Mississippi to land a commitment on Thursday from four-star senior defensive lineman Aaron Bryant of Southaven High.

Bryant, who is 6-foot-4 and 306 pounds, picked the Longhorns over Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama. Texas, Texas A&M and Georgia received official visits in June. Ole Miss and Alabama also received unofficial visits this summer.

Bryant ranks as the No. 157 player in the On300 for the Class of 2022. He is the third-ranked player in Mississippi. Bryant has offers from more than 20 programs. Texas first offered him a scholarship in early March.

On3’s National Analyst Gerry Hamilton wrote earlier Thursday about Aaron Bryant’s relationship with Texas defensive line coach Bo Davis. He said the relationship made a big difference in Bryant’s recruitment.

“Bo Davis has been consistent in the recruitment of Bryant, more so than others,” Hamilton said.

As a junior, Bryant had 68 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, six sacks and four forced fumbles. Bryant will open his senior season Friday night on the road at Valley View.

BREAKING: Four-Star DL Aaron Bryant has just Committed to Texas, he tells @On3Recruits

The 6’4 305 DL from Southaven, MS chose the Longhorns over Georgia, LSU, Alabama, and Texas A&M.

Texas now holds a Top 10 Class in 2022 🤘🏽 pic.twitter.com/JBrt34cypf

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 26, 2021

What Aaron Bryant means for Texas

Aaron Bryant’s commitment was a significant recruiting victory for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian. That’s especially true since many observers have been critical of the Longhorns’ struggles on the recruiting trail in July and August.

“It’s the shot in the arm the Longhorns need,” Hamilton said.

Bryant fits well with On300 No. 55 Kristopher Ross in the Longhorns’ class. Ross is a more explosive athlete that will develop into a threat as a pass rusher with the ability to pursue the ball. Bryant will be an interior run defender with high-level initial movement skills. 

The Longhorns currently have 18 commitments. This includes nine members of the On300. The class ranks inside the top 15 nationally. Adding Bryant keeps Texas in contention for a top 10 class.

The Texas staff has attacked the defensive front aggressively in the 2022 class. Texas is expected to continue the pursuit of a third interior prospect in the class.

On300 No. 69 Jaray Bledsoe continues to be high on the list of prospects Davis is recruiting. 

The Texas interior is expected to be stout this season. The Longhorns could return everyone in 2022 or lose an early NFL Draft entry or two.

Scouting Bryant

On’3 Gerry Hamilton is a big fan of Aaron Bryant’s ability. He believes he’ll make a big impact on the next level.

“He possesses long arms and big, strong hands,” Hamilton said. “On tape, Bryant displays high-level snap anticipation and initial movement skills. Aaron has good initial explosiveness and the ability to come off low and uncoil. He also had improved hand usage from sophomore to junior season. He demonstrated excellent playing strength and hand strength as a junior.

“Bryant is a physical interior defender that can be a stout run defender. The desired motor is evident on game tape.”