Texas makes the cut for the top-ranked cornerback in the 2026 class. Is Austin his next stop?
Can Texas keep the summer hot streak rolling? Another blue chip prospect is narrowing things down and Steve Sarkisian has the Longhorns in another Top 5.
Oaks Christian (Calif.) cornerback Davon Benjamin announced his Top 5 Monday. Texas, Oregon, North Carolina, Washington, and Michigan are the finalists for the 6-foot, 170 pound prospect.
Oregon has long been thought to be the favorite to land Benjamin, but a summer official visit to Texas has some believing the Longhorns could turn the tide. He is set to announce August 2.
Davon Benjamin spoke with Rivals about his interest in the Texas Longhorns program after leaving campus.
“Texas, I enjoyed them,” Benjamin told On3. “It’s another school based on their standard. An SEC school, that’s going to really get after it every day. They’re going to put it all there for the kids. You have to come there with that mindset. You got to be a dog to be in there. They aren’t going to just let anybody just come in here with the program. Texas, the SEC mindset, they come in there to play every day. It’s a simple standard that they go about, and they say you have to bring that work every day.”
Despite the glowing review, it's going to be a tall task to beat out the Ducks. As I mentioned above, Oregon has been trending since the spring and, at least for now, the experts have him predicted to play in Eugene for college.
As a junior, Benjamin excelled on both sides of the ball – grabbing 34 receptions for 404 yards and two touchdowns and 464 yards on special teams. On defense, Benjamin finished with 45 tackles, six interceptions, five tackles for loss, and two touchdowns off turnovers.
Benjamin is the most versatile defensive back out West and could end up starting at corner, safety or nickel. A talented receiver as well and offers playmaking ability as a punt/kick returner. Plays predominately safety at the H.S level to allow him to roam sideline to sideline and take advantage of his range and ballhawk ability but has excellent man to man cover skills. Has locked up some talented receivers on the 7v7 circuit and shows the ability to play a physical game without having to clutch and grab like so many young corners. Athletically gifted, a twitchy athlete who can stop and start on a dime, change direction and has the speed to run with just about anyone down the field. Plays a physical game in run support and can fly off the hash and lay out an opposing ball carrier. A smart, high IQ football player and very instinctive. When combine his physical tools with his high compete level, it won’t surprise at all if Benjamin is a potential three-and out college player and a high round NFL Draft pick. – Gabe Brooks, 247Sports
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