John Burt Decommits from Texas: What's Next for Longhorns, 4-Star WR?

Texas seemed hard-pressed to keep 2015 pledge John Burt on board through national signing day. The 4-star wide receiver confirmed those sentiments by cutting ties with the team Tuesday, per Colt Barber of 247Sports.

The 6'3", 180-pound Florida prospect initially committed to Texas in late July. He was one of Charlie Strong's earliest offers and grew up admiring the Longhorns. 

"Having an opportunity to go to college at Texas is surreal," Burt told Bleacher Report before his senior season. "I’ve been following the team for most of my life. I have family in Austin. My aunt works at the university and my grandmother was involved in the administration department there."

Despite his long-term verbal pact, speculation mounted during recent months that Burt was ready to explore other options.

He traveled to Auburn and Florida State multiple times during the season. The past 17 expert predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball projected him to flip before signing day.

Each of those picks have him landing at Auburn, where Burt spent an official visit in October. The Tigers have been at the forefront of his thought process since the early stages of this recruitment.

"I like Auburn a lot," he said last April. "(Wide receivers coach Dameyune) Craig talks with me a lot about what I could do there. The campus is small and the community really supports Auburn, which I like.”

Burt, a Tallahassee resident, could also revisit the possibility of staying home as a Seminole. He attended a few games at Florida State this past fall and could add to an impressive collection of pass targets. 

“I don’t have a problem with staying so close, but I need to figure out where I want to spend my college years," Burt said. "Whether I want to stay nearby or leave the area."

Of course, there remains a chance at reconciliation between Burt and Texas. Strong and company will continue to keep close tabs on him during the final stretch, though Barber points out he expressed concerns to the Longhorns staff about its vacant receivers coach position and quarterback situation.

Burt followed-up on his decommitment Thursday morning, stating there's still a strong chance he ends up in Austin:

Texas will certainly search elsewhere for options at the position. 

The Longhorns are a finalist for speedy in-state slot receiver Ryan Newsome, who announces his decision Jan. 23. Fellow 4-star Texan Damarkus Lodge, who decommitted from Texas A&M as a senior, is also a primary target.

Burt is rated 10th nationally among receivers in 247Sports' composite rankings. He caught 61 passes for 1,286 yards and 17 touchdowns as an upperclassman, per MaxPreps.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue. 

Recruit ratings and info courtesy of 247Sports.