Jake Smith’s transfer could open up a new door in wide receiver recruiting

When Jake Smith entered the transfer portal on Tuesday, the news was not entirely shocking. The wide receiver never really got going in his two seasons under Tom Herman. Many thought Steve Sarkisian would bring new opportunities.

One broken foot later, Smith was possibly falling out of favor on the depth chart. Troy Omeire (dealing with his own injury) and Jordan Whittington were excelling, while the addition of Xavier Worthy was a welcome one.

Joshua Moore was the team’s leading receiver last season. Kelvontay Dixon’s speed could favor Sarkisian’s offense. Even Kai Money stood out during the spring game.

It’s easy to see why Smith possibly felt like an odd man out.

Before the former Gatorade Player of the Year put his name in the transfer portal, Sarkisian knew he was going to have to rebuild the wide receiver room via recruiting. Losing Smith just makes it a more difficult challenge.

World-class speed was priority No. 1, followed by every other trait you look for in a receiver. Sarkisian knows what he wants in his offense. If he needs to coach up players with Andre Coleman, then so be it.

Luckily there are a plentiful number of options for Texas to go after in the 2022 class. The question has always been how many do the Longhorns end up taking when it’s all said and done.

Three was thought to be the answer but with Smith gone, four may be necessary. Talented in his own right, Smith could have been in the program for two, possibly three more years. Losing a longer-term option means a suitable replacement is needed within the next recruiting cycle.

No matter the number, Evan Stewart is going to be the priority. The five-star not only possesses the skills you want from a receiver but is a burner. He proved it on the track this season, running a 10.58 100-meters.

Armani Winfield is already committed and solidified his place in the 2022 class. He may not be a prototypical Sarkisian receiver but still proves to be one of the best in the state. He will find a way to get involved in the offense.

Brenen Thompson was thought to be the third and final piece of the puzzle. Another speedster, the Spearman native has dominated at the 3A-DII level on the football field and on the track. He will remain atop the board until the fax has been sent but will not be where Texas stops.

With a fourth spot now available, former Oklahoma commit Jordan Hudson and California native C.J. Williams will be names to look for. The latter was in Austin on June 19 for his first official visit of the summer, while Hudson is still pondering a trip.

Before Smith entered the portal, both Hudson and Williams were prospects Texas were chasing, but doing so in hoping they land them. Now, landing a fourth wide receiver is a must.

• Jordan Hudson/C.J. Williams

• Evan Stewart

• Brenen Thompson

• Armani Winfield

Now, that is a wide receiver class.

Add in Troy Omeire as an underclassman and Texas’ wide receiver room will be set over the next three to four seasons.