Texas Lands No. 1 Offensive Tackle Brandon Baker
By: Adam Gorney
When it comes to recruiting the top high school football prospects in the nation, the Texas Longhorns are always in the conversation. Their latest coup is the commitment of Brandon Baker, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2024 class.
Baker, who amassed more than 30 scholarship offers, meticulously navigated through his recruitment process and ultimately narrowed his list down to four schools: Texas, Oregon, Nebraska, and Ohio State. After careful consideration, the standout offensive lineman decided to join the Longhorns.
The commitment of Baker is a major victory for Texas head coach Tom Herman and his staff. The Longhorns have landed one of the top prospects in the country, and it sets the tone for their recruiting efforts in the 2024 class.
Baker, towering at 6-foot-6 and weighing 300 pounds, possesses the size, strength, and athleticism to excel at the collegiate level. He has impressed scouts and coaches alike with his technique, footwork, and ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage.
According to Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Adam Gorney, Baker’s commitment is significant not only because of his talent but also because of the schools he chose Texas over.
“Baker had his pick of the litter when it came to choosing his college destination,” said Gorney. “Oregon, Nebraska, and Ohio State are all powerhouse programs that have a track record of developing elite offensive linemen. The fact that he chose Texas speaks volumes about the direction of the program and the coaching staff’s ability to recruit at a high level.”
Indeed, Texas has a rich history of producing top-tier offensive linemen who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. Recent examples include Connor Williams, who was a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and Sam Cosmi, who is projected to be a high draft pick in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.
With Baker’s commitment, the Longhorns continue to build on that tradition and solidify their reputation as a destination for premier offensive line talent.
Baker’s decision to commit to Texas comes after an exhaustive recruiting process that lasted several months. He received offers from universities across the country, including perennial powerhouses such as Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia.
However, Baker was drawn to the Longhorns’ rich football tradition, passionate fan base, and the opportunity to compete for championships on a national stage.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing college football at the highest level,” said Baker. “When I visited Texas and saw the facilities, met the coaching staff, and interacted with the players, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. The program has a winning culture, and I believe they have the resources and coaching staff to develop me into the best player I can be.”
Baker’s commitment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Texas coaching staff, led by head coach Tom Herman. The staff’s ability to establish strong relationships with recruits, showcase the program’s strengths, and provide a clear vision for the future played a significant role in Baker’s decision.
The addition of Baker gives the Longhorns an anchor on the offensive line for years to come. His presence will not only provide protection for the quarterback but also open up running lanes for the talented stable of running backs in Texas’ backfield.
Furthermore, Baker’s commitment could have a ripple effect on the recruiting trail. High school prospects often take notice when elite players choose a program, and it can sway their own decisions. As Gorney mentioned, Baker’s decision to choose Texas over other powerhouse programs demonstrates the program’s strength and can help attract other top recruits down the line.
The Longhorns’ 2024 recruiting class is now shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. With Baker leading the way, Texas has the potential to continue its upward trajectory and compete for conference and national championships in the years to come.
It’s an exciting time to be a Longhorns fan, as the program continues to make big strides on the recruiting trail. The addition of Brandon Baker solidifies Texas’ status as a destination for top talent and positions the program for success in the future.
