The Texas Longhorns are emerging as a new favorite for a recent four-star decommit from an ACC school
One of the top athletes in the country at the EDGE position is back on the market.
On Thursday, Buford (Ga.) EDGE Dre Quinn announced he was decommitting from the Clemson Tigers. Shortly thereafter, Rivals national recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong entered a prediction for him to land with the Texas Longhorns.
The 6-foot-4, 225 pound recruit chose Dabo Swinney’s program earlier this summer over a star-studded group of finalists including Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech. He never stopped listening to others despite the verbal pledge, but it would appear Clemson’s 1-3 start to the season has him rethinking some things.
And now it would appear Texas is surging for a commitment.
Dre Quinn opened up with Rivals’ Chad Simmons about the decision to decommit.
“It was not an easy decision,” Quinn told Rivals. “Clemson is a great school with a great coaching staff. I committed to them for many reasons. I just have to make sure I find the best fit for me.
“My decision has nothing to do with Clemson’s start this season—it’s about the right fit, playing in the right defense, and making the right decision for me.”
Texas isn’t alone, though. It would appear if Steve Sarkisian and Co., were to land a commitment from Quinn, there are two programs out there he is following closely.
There’s a SEC school and a Big Ten school nipping at Texas’ heels.
“I like Tennessee. Their defense plays fast and aggressive, and they have a great atmosphere,” Quinn said. “I want to get up there. Ohio State is a great school with history.”
Quinn also spoke with Wiltfong about next steps and why Texas finished second the first time around. Could the second time be the charm for the Longhorns?
“Everything about it stood out — the energy around the program, how the coaches are building something special, and just how at home I felt on campus,” Quinn said. “Coach Sark and Coach (LaAllan) Clark really broke down how I’d fit in their defense and I got to spend some real time with the players.
“The vibe in Austin is just different.”
For now, Tennessee remains the biggest competition, per sources.
He recently chatted with 247Sports’ Ryan Callahan about the Vols after seeing them up close versus Georgia earlier this month.
“First, I mean, it’s SEC ball, not too far from home,” Quinn said earlier this month. “Tennessee has always been, like, a contender in my recruitment. I’m close with Coach ‘Chop,’ (defensive line) coach (Rodney) Garner and (defensive coordinator (Tim) Banks — also Coach Heup — so great time to come down here and watch a game. …
“Just looking at other defensive schemes and stuff, looking at how they play, I like how Tennessee runs their defense.”