Horns pick up big commitment from Rivals250 QB Casey Thompson

The Texas Longhorns have picked up their second commitment in less than a week, this time with a key offensive playmaker giving the Longhorns a verbal pledge.

Moore (Ok.) Southmoore quarterback Casey Thompson announced during a ceremony at his high school that he will play his college ball at Texas, giving the Longhorns a key pick-up at a need position. Thompson becomes Texas' third commitment for the 2018 class, joining wide receiver Justin Watkins and linebacker Byron Hobbs. Hobbs committed last Friday, while Watkins made his decision during a junior day visit in February.

Thompson has had Texas high on his list ever since Tom Herman was hired and has made multiple visits to the UT campus this spring. He chose the Longhorns over the likes of North Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona State and Miami.

"The number one reason I chose Texas, I would say, is because of Tom Herman," Thompson said. "I like what he's going. I like his track record with the players he's been with in the past. The offense is a good fit and I have a good relationship with the staff."

The 6-1, 176-pound Thompson has already formed a close bond with several other recruits who are on the Longhorns' radar, and he said he'll now turn his attention towards trying to bring guys with him to Austin.

"I'll immediately work on Joshua Moore, Brennan Eagles, Jaylen Waddle, Mustapha Muhammad, Jalen Green at corner, Brendan Radley-Hiles," Thompson said.

The son of former Oklahoma quarterback Charles Thompson, Casey visited Texas last weekend for a UT scrimmage. During that stay, he got a chance to sit in with offensive coordinator Tim Beck's meetings with the quarterbacks, and Thompson said he liked what he saw.

"I got to sit in on meetings, learn how coach Beck coaches the quarterbacks, how coach Herman coaches the team," Thompson said. "I got to be around the guys, see how they do things, watch practice. I love the way they coach. l like coach Herman's energy."

A Rivals250 member, Thompson is a four-star prospect and is ranked as the nation's No. 9 dual-threat quarterback. Over his last two seasons, as a sophomore and junior, Thompson has thrown for 5,400 yards and 60 touchdowns against just 9 interceptions. He has added 1,597 yards and 34 touchdowns on the ground.

With his commitment now in the rearview mirror, Thompson said it feels good to be a part of the Longhorn family.

"I would say I'm excited to be a part of the revolution with Tom Herman and with the Texas fan base," Thompson said.