Texas picks up commitment from tight end Reese Leitao

The Texas Longhorns continue to surprise on the recruiting trail. Texas secured yet another commitment under Tom Herman’s watch, which isn’t necessarily shocking. But the timing of the pledge – this one from Jenks (OK) tight end Reese Leitao – came out of nowhere on Thursday evening, adding yet another offensive weapon to the Longhorns’ recruiting class.

“Through much more consideration with my family, I believe the best decision is for me to end my recruitment right now,” Leitao said in a Twitter message. “Once again I’d like to thank all the programs that have recruited me and everyone that has helped me in this process but currently I am committed to the University of Texas.”

Leitao, a former Nebraska commitment, took an official visit to Texas on December 9 and officially decommitted from the Huskers on December 18. At that point, all signs pointed towards the 6-4, 236-pound prospect committing to Texas, and he decided on Thursday it was time to end the suspense.

"Texas was the best fit for me because it has a strong focus on academics, especially my major, a great offensive strategy that will give me plenty of great opportunities," Leitao said. "And with coach Herman's previous success Texas should be a top program very soon."

A three-star prospect, Leitao held offers from like Arkansas, Kansas State, LSU, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and TCU when he committed to Texas. He took an official visit to TCU the weekend before visiting Texas.

Leitao becomes the Longhorns’ 12th commitment of the 2017 class and the program’s second tight end commitment in the last week, joining Cade Brewer. Texas has now picked up six pledges since Tom Herman was hired, five on offense and one kicker.