Texas Football: The 5 Most Important Recruits for the Longhorns' 2016 Season

Ranked 50th in the country, the Texas Longhorns' current 2016 class hardly screams instant impact on paper. But the state of the roster will give these recruits a chance, and a few of them bring some talent to make an instant impact.

With last year's ninth-ranked class setting the foundation, head coach Charlie Strong's now tasked with tacking on a second group that can help Texas get back to its winning ways. It's been tough, as only 11 commits remain after Tren'Davian Dickson flipped back to Baylor.

Fortunately, the Horns have still been able to address needs at receiver, cornerback and along the offensive line. They've also been able to ensure that quarterback Shane Buechele, the face of the class, will be enrolling in January.

Strong still needs to get some sure things on campus, but he's done well to grab guys who can come in and compete where needed. The following five commits will get the best chance to do so immediately.

1. QB Shane Buechele

No matter who the Longhorns land between now and February, Buechele is by far the most important take in this class, and it's not even close.

Buechele is exactly what you want in a Big 12 quarterback. He has tremendous arm talent, winning the Golden Gun accuracy award at the Elite 11 camp, and is athletic enough to break off runs like this (h/t field reporter Annabel Stephan).

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For everyone asking me... Shane Buechele was my No. 1 QB at Elite 11. I missed the last day, but when I was there, he was the best. Period.

@EJHolland247, 11 Jul 2015

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The 4-star quarterback proved he belonged with the 5-stars at that Elite 11 camp, and he's backed it up with a strong final season at Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas. Per MaxPreps, he's completed over 60 percent of his passes for 2,043 yards and 19 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He also has 643 yards on the ground.

With his financial aid paperwork already signed, Buechele's all set for spring ball. When he takes the field, he'll already be the best passer on the roster, and that makes him a candidate to challenge Jerrod Heard for the top of the depth chart.

If Buechele gets the job, we're looking at a three-year starter. If not, he's coming in to immediately add competition and depth to the most important position on the field.

Either way, his importance to the present and future of this team cannot be overstated.

2. OG Denzel Okafor and 3. OG Tope Imade

Any offensive lineman Texas can get a commitment from should be treated like a five-pound diamond. For now, Denzel Okafor and Tope Imade are all the Horns have got at the position.

Depth along the offensive line is a major issue for the Longhorns. They're starting true freshmen Connor Williams and Patrick Vahe, and they'll lose two senior starters when the 2015 season comes to an end. By the time next season rolls around, Kent Perkins and second-year transfer Brandon Hodges will be the only seniors on the two-deep.

That doesn't mean Imade and Okafor, who committed on Saturday, necessarily project to make an immediate impact. Both are considered middling 3-star prospects by 247Sports, albeit with impressive offer lists.

However, Texas fans should know by now that you can't count out these 3-star guys. The aforementioned Williams was rated as one by 247Sports, and now he's considered one of the best freshmen in the country, as noted by Pro Football Focus.

As with Buechele, the worst-case scenario is that these two provide quality depth at spots where the Horns really need it. That type of addition to this roster can't be written off.

4. WR Collin Johnson

Losing Dickson to Baylor hurts, but the Longhorns still have Collin Johnson, who might have an even higher ceiling than the Bears commit.

At 6'6", 200 pounds, what's not to like about Johnson? He flashes some deep speed and good quickness for his size, can finish just about any catch and is a willing blocker in the run game. There's a reason longtime recruitnik Tom Lemming considers Johnson one of the nation's best prospects.

Also enrolling early, the brother of current running back Kirk Johnson has a clear path to playing time. Marcus Johnson and Daje Johnson graduate at the end of 2015, leaving only two of Texas' four leading receivers on the roster for 2016. One of those returnees is freshman and current yardage leader John Burt, which tells you about the level of competition Johnson will face this offseason.

If Johnson can catch on quick, there's a great chance he'll begin next season as the starter opposite Burt, which would give Texas two receivers 6'2" or taller who never have to come off the field.

With a full offseason to get into the swing of things, Johnson could form a fearsome duo with Texas' current breakout star.

5. CB Obi Eboh

Charlie Strong always seems to target big cornerbacks to fit his press man coverage schemes. For now, Obi Eboh's filling that void in Texas' class.

Listed as a 3-star prospect, Eboh has all the tools to turn into a good corner at Texas. Per SB Nation's Wescott Eberts, the 6'2" cover man turned in a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, a 4.13-second shuttle and a 32.6-inch vertical leap at The Opening finals. The kid's downright explosive, though Eberts notes he's played mostly zone in high school.

Duke Thomas is on his way out, and Texas' two other starting corners are Holton Hill and Davante Davis. There's room for Eboh to work into the rotation, especially since few other defensive backs on the roster can come close to matching his measurables.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats and information courtesy of 247Sports.com.