Steve Sarkisian and Texas managed to unexpectedly lure a Maryland defender away from both Bill Belichick and North Carolina.
The transfer portal is open, and Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns are making a significant impact early on. On Friday, the program successfully lured a key defender from Maryland, stealing him away from both Bill Belichick and North Carolina, despite the player already having signed with the Tar Heels.
Defensive lineman Lavon Johnson decided to sign with Texas after initially committing to North Carolina earlier that day, according to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports. Although itโs generally understood that a signed contract is final, the NIL era allows players to change their commitments.
โMaryland transfer DL Lavon Johnson, who signed a contract earlier today with UNC, has now signed with Texas, On3 Sports has learned.โ
After spending two seasons at Maryland, Johnson is now heading to Texas. While he didnโt play a major role with the Terrapins, heโs expected to start next season. The soon-to-be senior finished the 2024 season with 14 total tackles (10 solo), including one for a loss over eight games
It was a busy Friday for Sarkisian, as Texas also strengthened its special teams. Reports indicate that kicker Mason Shipley from Texas State also signed with the Longhorns via the transfer portal, according to Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and 247 Sports.
โFormer Texas State standout kicker Mason Shipley has signed with Texas, Chris Hummer and I have learned for CBS Sports/247 Sports. Shipley, a 2023 first-team All-Sun Belt selection, has made 31 of 35 career field goals.โ
Overall, Texas has been very active in the transfer portal this offseason. Zenitz also reported that Sarkisian and the Longhorns have secured some of the most talented players available. In addition to Johnson and Shipley, Texas added the top-ranked tight end, Jack Endries, from California.
โTexas continues to dominate the portal today. In just one day, theyโve added: the No. 1 tight end in the portal, the most sought-after kicker, and a defensive lineman who was set to be a starter for a Big 10 team before entering the portal.โ
With high expectations for next season, Texas is poised for success. Arch Manning is expected to be the starting quarterback, and the team is building a strong offense. Meanwhile, Sarkisian has bolstered the defense, which looks set to be one of the best in the nation. Itโs clear why Johnson chose Texas over both Belichick and the Tar Heels.
Benedetto Vitale, with nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, has a strong background covering the NFL, NCAA Football, NBA, and UFC. An Oregon alum, he currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina, and has contributed to BroBible.