The Texas Longhorns have been recruiting well, but we're reaching a key part of the calendar where verbal commitments are set before games get underway. There are only a few true elite five-stars yet to announce their intentions before fall visits and gameday experiences swing decisions, and Steve Sarkisian wants to lock in as many names as he can.

Even if it changes later, Texas would benefit from creating a top-ranked class when it becomes time to make things official in December. A big key to that would be top defensive tackle Lamar Brown.

At that position, the race could come down to first-year defensive line coach and premier recruiter LaAllen Clark.

Brown is making his announcement on Thursday, and Texas is in the final four alongside hometown LSU, Miami, and Texas A&M. Texas recently bowed out of the race for a four-star pass-rusher due to NIL concerns, so is it possible they could make a competitive number happen to overcome some white-hot recruiters?

On3's Steve Wiltfong shared that Brown is looking for where he fits best in terms of his personal development. Then, Brown expanded on what connects him to Texas. It's hard to ignore the overlap that would make him a fit.

“People they think it’s who gives the most money but honestly what’s going to help me decide is who has the best opportunity for me and my family in the future,” Brown said. “Can they help in life? Are they showing love? Stuff like that.”

When asked about his visit to Austin, his relationship with Clark and way he feels comfortable sure seems to fit the bill. 

“It was a great visit. Coach Sark seems likes a good guy. Austin is a nice place. Just the relationship with coach (LaAllan) Clark over the past seven, eight years or more because he’s out there. His dad coached me. Just building that relationship with him is great.”

The mention of Clark is especially interesting because that relationship has been so longstanding and clearly strong. Texas could use another foundational piece to pair with five-star edge defender Richard Wesley. 

If Clark can pull off this recruiting win, he might earn a statue in Austin for his early results. He's been incredibly impressive and effective, drawing rave reviews for his approach and personality. 

Here's a scouting report on Brown from On3's Charles Power.

The rare prospect with five-star ability on either line of scrimmage. A true jumbo athlete. Measured in at around 6-foot-4, 285 pounds before his senior season. Has a plus length with arms around 34 inches. A mega athlete in the camp setting, posting some of the best testing numbers on the national camp circuit for a lineman. Lines up at right tackle and defensive end for his high school. Elite athleticism and movement skills show up on both sides of the ball. Fires off the snap from his right tackle position. Flashes outstanding twitch in pass protection and working to the second level. Can take defensive linemen for a ride once engaged. Shows disruptive ability as a big defensive end. Has the power to hold his ground and sift through the trash to make plays in the backfield. Can close quickly on the quarterback. Touts a strong background as a thrower in track and field, winning an indoor state title in the shot put (56-2.75 feet) and an outdoor gold medal in the discus (151-6 feet) as a junior. Enters his senior season more proven as an offensive lineman than defense on Friday nights. Would be the top interior offensive line prospect in the 2026 cycle if he wanted. Should be considered a high-upside, developmental defensive line prospect who will need to make strides in his overall technique as he gains more experience on that side of the ball.