Why Texas Is Still Relevant to Top College Recruits

The Texas Longhorns have a 1-4 record, the worst record for the program since 1956, and a 50-7 dismantling by TCU is still fresh in the team's mind. Additionally, bowl hopes are in jeopardy, a very uncommon situation for the Longhorns.

As if Texas needed any other distractions, a report of a potential locker room divide surfaced Monday. Are there issues between the upperclassmen and the freshmen?

Whatever the case, the combination of lackluster, on-the-field performances and off-the-field dissension is the last thing Charlie Strong and his coaching staff needs right now. Fortunately for the Longhorns staff, as bad as everything is now, the light at the end of the tunnel is what many recruits and targets are focused on.

In fact, 4-star wide receiver commit Reggie Hemphill-Mapps described Texas' current state of affairs with three words.

"It's a process," Hemphill-Mapps said.

There are a few reasons why Texas is still a contender to many targets and still the future home to nine athletes in the 2016 class.

Eric Gay/Associated Press

Strong still has respect of recruits

For starters, recruits are still big fans of Strong and his character. Strong's record is a dismal 7-11 in his first two seasons as head coach, but recruits like the idea that he brings a level of discipline to the program.

"We're looking for more leadership, do a better job of coaching ... we've got to get this turned around," Strong said during his postgame press conference. "We have no choice."

Strong is building from the ground up, and that's not a microwave process—even at Texas. Having that light turn on is what the recruits are waiting on. Texas was a couple of plays here and there from being 3-2 instead of 1-4. The Longhorns let potential victories get away from them against Cal and Oklahoma State.

"They're just young, and with youth comes first-time experiences," 4-star defensive tackle Jordan Elliott said. "I feel that over the course of this season, things will change tenfold. Next year will be a different story for Texas."

Michael Thomas/Associated Press

The youth movement is blossoming

Watching the Longhorns may be painful in some situations now, but the Longhorns of the immediate future could be quite intriguing. As many as 10 freshmen—true or redshirt— are currently seeing starter's minutes, including starting quarterback Jerrod Heard. The depth chart also features four sophomores starting for Strong.

Names like linebackers Malik Jefferson and Anthony Wheeler, receiver John Burt and offensive linemen Patrick Vahe and Connor Williams are freshmen who have done a good job in being thrown to the fire.

Early playing time is possible for 2016 and 2017 recruits. As for this year's talent, there's still time for everyone to turn things around. It wouldn't be a surprise if the freshmen and sophomores led the charge.

"If everything clicks," Hemphill-Mapps said, "it's going to be a scary sight then."

Eric Gay/Associated Press

Being a part of the turnaround

There's a silver lining for all recruits who watch the team they're either committed to or interested in. Most recruits are competitive and want immediate game time, and the idea of playing early in an effort to turn a program around can play a huge role.

"They have a great coaching staff," 4-star cornerback Eric Cuffee said. "[It's] just taking some time for them to get rolling."

Cuffee and targets such as 5-star safety Brandon Jones, 4-star offensive tackle Jean Delance and 4-star linebackers Jeffrey McCulloch and Dontavious Jackson are among the many keeping an eye on Texas for reasons outside of a current winning record.

Strong spoke of playing with pride after the TCU game. How a team bounces back from adversity is key to a lot of recruits, and one in particular is 4-star commit Shane Buechele, who is expected to run the offense in a couple of years.

"Texas will be fine," said Buechele, the nation's No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the 2016 class. "They are in the middle of a process, and people need to understand that."

"I told [the team] we're not going to give up, and we're not going to give in," Strong said during the postgame interview. "We have to learn how to compete."

Strong said before he first coached a game for the Longhorns that he wanted to "put the 'T' back in Texas." And while the process isn't happening overnight, Strong has to be pleased that recruits are recognizing the steps taken.

Which recruits Strong signs in February will determine exactly how much they believe in him.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles