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Texas lands huge commitment from 4-star D-tackle Joseph Mbatchou

Eric Nahlinby:Eric Nahlin11/23/24
Joseph Mbatchou
Joseph Mbatchou (Photo by Jeremy Johnson)

Going back two cycles now Texas has needed a monster class at defensive tackle. Each cycle where the position wasn’t adequately addressed put more urgency on the following cycle.

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Welcome to Texas, Kenny Baker. The new Texas interior defensive line coach was immediately put on the spot. Not only was he charged with getting the best out of Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton, he also needed to re-stock the shelves at his position. Today’s commitment of Joseph Mbatchou went a long way towards that end.

Mbatchou joins fellow four-stars Josiah Sharma and Myron Charles as commits at the position. Each player has significant…

Upside, upside, upside

It’s impossible to know how good Mbatchou can ultimately become. This is his first year of football, yet he still looked quite comfortable, even at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds. It’s astonishing he moves so well given his size and these brand new movement patterns.

As Inside Texas’ Ian Boyd mentioned recently, Mbatchou has an Alfred Collins starter kit with his combination of size and athleticism. Watch how Collins is utilized. That will eventually be Mbatchou’s future.

Mbatchou is a 3-technique all the way at Texas. He has length at almost 6-foot-5, he’s fast off the ball, and he’s going to end up carrying a lot of good weight very easily (currently 284). He’s very similar to Alfred Collins in his body type and projection and would do his best work at 3-technique where he could two-gap a guard against the run game and have a chance to go 1-on-1 as a pass-rusher. He’s great at using his hands to disengage off blocks and would struggle to put his skills together as a tall nose battling double teams. – Ian Boyd

Mbatchou’s recruitment

Originally from Cameroon, American football came late to him. Florida was first to push and earned a commitment soon after visiting Gainesville in late July. That commitment was an attention getter and more big offers soon followed, including Texas on August 14th. Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and many more would throw their hat in the ring.

Mbatchou’s first trip to Texas was September 14th for the win over UTSA. He would return for an official visit for the Georgia game on October 19th. This recruitment was officially one to watch closely.

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At times, both Auburn and Florida provided competition but Texas remained the constant. This one eventually became academic.

What’s next at the position?

With three studs committed this is no time for Baker to get full. He’ll continue to eat greedy as Signing Day on December 4th rapidly approaches.

It’s a must that Texas keeps Myron Charles committed. Right now things look as rosy as it can for Texas.

UT also went by to see five-star Georgia prospect Justus Terry on Friday night. That will be a difficult pull from the instate Bulldogs but what does it hurt to try?

A couple of other options could materialize with Signing Day less than two weeks away.

For now, Horn fans should ecstatic with the addition of Mbatchou. They don’t make many like him.

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Joseph Mbatchou is the On3 Industry Ranking No. 257 player and No. 22 defensive lineman in the country. Had he played his junior year, however, we’re likely discussing a top 100 prospect.

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