J.P. Urquidez to Texas: Longhorns 4-Star OT Prospect

The University of Texas received a boost to its incoming freshman class Saturday, as 4-star offensive tackle J.P. Urquidez committed to the Longhorns. 

Urquidez announced his decision on Twitter. He originally signed a letter of intent to play at Baylor, but he backed out of that pledge after the recent fallout involving former head coach Art Briles. The Bears granted Urquidez his release on Thursday, per ESPN.com's Gerry Hamilton.

Urquidez, who committed on an official visit to Texas, is ranked as the 22nd-best offensive tackle nationally and the 244th prospect overall, according to 247Sports. He elaborated on his decision to play in Austin, per KCEN's Jessica Morrey:

His father echoed this sentiment, per 247Sports' EJ Holland:

He was part of five former Baylor signees to be given releases from the program, per Hamilton and ESPN's Mark Schlabach. He's not the only Baylor commit to head to Texas, as the Longhorns also landed elite 4-star receiver Devin Duvernay on Thursday. Duverney comes in as the nation's fourth-best receiver and No. 36 overall prospect. 

Offensive line was an emphasis for Texas in this recruiting cycle, and Urquidez's addition enhances this goal, per Hookem.com's Ryan Autullo:

Jean Delance and Denzel Okafor are fringe 300-pound 4-star offensive linemen who fit this bill in Texas' 2016 class. The group is now rated as No. 8 in the nation.

Head coach Charlie Strong is recruiting well, and he needs it. The Longhorns are 11-14 in his two seasons with the team, including a bowl-less campaign in 2015. They showed improvement in the second half of the season, though, knocking off Baylor and Oklahoma. That momentum now appears to be carrying over the recruiting trail. 

Texas was tied for 31st nationally a year ago with 32 sacks allowed. The addition of Urquidez, a rangy and strong offensive tackle, should add some depth to this group and allow it to develop with the rest of Strong's program.

Recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports.

Statistics are courtesy of ESPN.com.