2018 Texas Longhorn Recruiting: OT Rafiti Ghirmai Is a Horn

Per his Twitter account and accompanied by the inevitable announcement video, 4* offensive tackle Rafiti Ghirmai out of Frisco Wakeland becomes the 18th member of the 2018 Longhorn recruiting class:

Here’s a look at his junior highlights:

And here’s what Eric Nahlin had to say in the 2018 recruiting section of this year’s Thinking Texas Football:

In a down year he's probably the best offensive lineman in the state. He profiles to right tackle or guard. His recruitment has already had some plot twists with Texas, LSU, and Alabama all looking like favorites at one point. Texas is back in the lead and could get a commitment this summer, but even then he'll probably take visits. That's the price of playing the leverage game before you've actually won a game.

While Ghirmai isn’t going to be confused with Walker Little any time soon, he’s a very solid get. He probably profiles to right tackle and also has the straight-ahead pop to thrive at guard if he ends up kicking inside. A good bit of his tape is annihilating smaller guys on down blocks, but he also shows some good fluidity even if his pass pro footwork and point-of-attack strength could use some refinement. The loss of Jean DeLance makes tackle a very interesting situation next season, but hopefully Texas will be able to do Healthy Program Things and allow Ghirmai to bulk up, train up and start showing up in 2019 or 2020.

Tom Herman has now one-upped his record at Houston with 18 total commitments before we’ve played a down of football this season. And with a composite class average of 93.00, Texas trails only Ohio State in total class and per-recruit average ranking.

It’s a fun time to be a Longhorn fan - don’t forget to pick up the ultimate accessory for the 2018 season!