Five-Star Plus+ DT Justus Terry chooses Texas over SEC rivals

Texas defensive line coach Kenny Baker had to travel coast-to-coast to find defensive tackles in the class of 2025, but the best one, Five-Star Plus+ prospect Justus Terry, was from his own backyard. Terry, a Manchester (Ga.) product and the No. 9 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking, chose Texas over Georgia, Alabama, and Auburn on the third and final day of the early signing period. He will enroll early.

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The Longhorns hosted the 6-foot-4.5, 275-pound Terry for an official visit in October for the Georgia game. When the Bulldogs prevailed, conventional wisdom suggested the Longhorns were eliminated from the race and that all things shifted into the home-state team’s favor.

But even with an official visit to Auburn mixed in prior to signing day, Texas’ recruiting efforts were enough to earn Terry’s signature and solidify Texas’ grip on the No. 1 recruiting class in the On3 Industry Team Rankings.

Terry, once a USC commit, officially visited Alabama, Florida State, and Georgia in the summer prior to decommitting from the Trojans. He visited Texas in October and saw Auburn for the Tigers’ win over Texas A&M.

All three of Auburn, Texas, and Georgia put together a furious recruiting push for Terry, but he ended up selecting the Longhorns just before UT and UGA battle for the SEC Championship.

Terry joins a defensive tackle class that includes Port Charlotte (Fla.) four-star Myron Charles and Folsom (Calif.) four-star Josiah Sharma.

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Terry is ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect, the No. 2 defensive lineman, and the No. 3 player in Georgia in the On3 Industry Ranking. On3 ranks Terry as the No. 24 overall prospect, the No. 2 defensive lineman, and the No. 3 player in Georgia.

On3 Scouting Report

Explosive defensive lineman with a big frame and outstanding first-step quickness. Measured in at over 6-foot-4 and around 280 pounds prior to his senior season. Has good length with arms that are around 33.5 to 34 inches. Weight is evenly proportioned throughout his frame. Dominant while playing the small school level, tallying 78 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Lines up all over the defensive front at the high school level. Has the skill set to develop into a dynamic interior pass rusher. Wins with first step and lateral quickness, has rare get off and leverage for a player of his stature. Quality bend and ability to change direction. Uses his length to initiate contact consistently and sheds blockers with ease. Able to anchor and two-gap if needed. Will need to continue adding mass and play strength in addition to honing his technical skills. A high upside prospect given his natural traits who could develop into a true interior disruptor.

On3 Personal Life

Justus Terry grabbed national headlines long before he arrived at Manchester High School in Douglasville, Georgia. Terry, who goes by the nickname Jay, went viral for an Instagram post by Sports Illustrated’s “Monday Morning Quarterback” blog. In the post, the then 6-foot-5, 260-pound eighth grader is shown flexing with a frame that seemingly was created by CGI. “I didn’t expect that or wasn’t meaning for it to go viral,” Terry told DawgNation. “I wasn’t going to post it. But my brother told me that I needed to post it. When I posted it, my phone just instantly started ringing. I was shocked. Because I never have been a part of anything like that before.” Terry then went on to garner attention as one of the country’s top high school football prospects. During the 2022 season, Terry recorded 38 tackles and four sacks. He also had three receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. Away from football, Terry loves cutting hair and plans to open his own business after football is over.