Top 2021 OL Hayden Conner has Texas in his top three
The Texas Longhorns are off to a fast start with their offensive line recruiting efforts in the 2020 class, with three early commitments. Looking forward to the 2021 class, Texas is already in contention for some of the top linemen in the state of Texas, including Katy Taylor standout Hayden Conner.
The Longhorns’ early recruiting efforts for Conner are paying off, with Texas sitting in Conner’s top three due to his comfort with the UT staff.
“Definitely the relationship I have with coach (Herb) Hand and coach (Tom) Herman (stands out),” Conner said. “I can give coach Hand a call whenever I want and we’ll have a good 10-minute conversation, just about what’s going on on campus and what’s going on back in my town.”
The 6-6, 305-pound Conner listed a top three of Nebraska, Michigan and Texas at Sunday’s Rivals.com 3-Stripe Camp in Houston and offered up the following thoughts on what stands out about his three favorites:
Nebraska – “The fans, for sure. It’s hard to describe. They love everybody there. I came up there, and people knew who I was. It was weird, but it was also a really cool experience to know that the fans really love Nebraska football.”
Michigan – “Definitely academics. I know they’re a top-five aerospace program in the country. That, of course, is number one for me. Coach Warinner, just like coach Hand, I can give him a call and we’ll just have a normal talk.”
Texas – “Definitely staying in Texas, that’s a thing that speaks to me. It’s close to home, and also my relationships (with the coaches).”
Conner, who holds more than 20 scholarship offers, said he’s thinking of committing after his junior season. He does have an upcoming unofficial visit to Stanford scheduled for April, so the Cardinal could be another program that figures into the equation after that visit.
And what makes Conner such a hot prospect?
“I think I’m extremely coachable and a fast learner,” Conner said. “I can make adjustments in-game or in camp quickly. I feel like that’s one thing about me that kind of separates me from everybody else.”
Conner may make a visit to Texas at this spring, where he’d get more of a chance to sit down with the Texas coaches. He’s developed a solid relationship with Hand, and said the UT offensive line coach has a consistent and clear message.
“Keep Texas talent in Texas,” Conner said of Hand’s message.
Along with Texas, Conner holds offers from the likes of Michigan, Nebraska, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Wisconsin, among others.