Skip to main content
texas logo

Hayward Howard becomes Mark Orphey's first ever Texas commit

Eric Nahlinby:Eric Nahlin•05/09/25
6OLXPZLWAZGQ7KIKEHYH6IUYRE
Rutgers CBs coach Mark Orphey | Credit: Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

When Terry Joseph departed Texas for the New Orleans Saints it was natural to wonder if the Longhorns would still experience recruiting success in Louisiana in general and New Orleans in particular. Joseph, a native of The Big Easy, played an instrumental role in Texas landing Derek Williams, Wardell Mack, and yes, even Arch Manning. 

[Sign up for Inside Texas TODAY and get the BEST Longhorns scoop!]

Today, new Texas cornerbacks coach, Mark Orphey, sent a message with Hayward Howard, his first ever commit in burnt orange. Howard, a four-star from New Orleans committed just moments ago. Along with LSU, Texas also defeated Miami and Florida State for the silky smooth 6-foot-2 cornerback. How about a direct win over Corey Raymond for your first ever Texas commit?

Another concern with Joseph leaving was his increasing reputation as a developer, punctuated by Jahdae Barron winning the Thorpe Award this past season. Joseph played an integral part in restoring order at DBU. While Orphey hasn’t been at high profile places like Jospeh’s stops in Austin, South Bend, Lincoln, and College Station, he has sent a handful of players off to the NFL.

From a Joe Cook article when Orphey was hired:

Drafted pupils from Rutgers

2023 – Christian Braswell – Jacksonville Jaguars – Round 6

Braswell posted a defensive grade of 86.3 in 2022 with a strong coverage grade of 87.1. Opponents were 24-for-41 throwing against him, tallying 218 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. 

2024 – Max Melton – Arizona Cardinals – Round 2

Melton played in all 17 games for the Cardinals this year with 51 tackles, a forced fumble, and five passes defended. At Rutgers in 2023, he posted a defensive grade of 73.5 and a coverage grade of 74.1. Opponents were 24 for 44 against Melton, notching 252 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Since that was written, Orphey’s 2024 cornerbacks, Robert Longerbeam and Eric Rogers found their way to the NFL. Longerbeam was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round and Rogers signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Chargers. Not bad work for being at Rutgers. 

As Orphey is finding out, recruiting gets a bit easier with the Longhorn logo on your polo, but the stakes also get bigger. He now finds himself battling the likes of Raymond and others like him for the best talent in the country.

[Order THE LONGHORN ALPHABET today and teach your little ones the A to Z’s of Texas Football!]

With a strong big board for the 2025 class, and Howard in the fold, Orphey is off to a good start in his first cycle. I’m curious, yet optimistic, about where it will go from here.

You may also like