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Texas dips into Louisiana, signs DE Barryn Sorrell

THE SITUATION

After further review, Barryn Sorrell’s decision is in.

The three-star defensive lineman from New Orleans (La.) Holy Cross signed with Texas over Arizona State and Vanderbilt on Wednesday, signaling the end of a long-winding recruitment that included a five-month commitment to Northwestern from June through the middle of his senior season.

Additionally, Northwestern and Virginia were other finalists for the Louisiana’s No. 17-ranked prospect and the No. 41-ranked strongside defensive end in the country.

Sorrell visited Texas in the weeks leading up to National Signing Day, which allowed the Horns to close strongly with another New Orleans area product. Besides Sorrell, Texas holds a commitment from three-star Warren Easton receiver Casey Cain.

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RIVALS REACTION

At 6-foot-4 and 260-plus pounds, Sorrell has a broad frame and is a hybrid defensive lineman capable of finding a fit in multiple defensive fronts and can play on the interior or out on the edge. He’s done both for Holy Cross and as a senior, had a wildly productive season pressuring quarterbacks and causing disruption in the backfield from multiple positions.

Sorrell, who was a standout at the last Rivals Camp Series stop in New Orleans back in March, is powerful enough to play on the edge and set the edge in the run game and consistently absorb blockers and flock to the football. He’s also capable of sliding inside and creating mismatches from the 3-technique and clogging gaps as a traditionally run-stuffer.

Sorrell enjoyed a breakout season as a junior in 2019, which ultimately led to his recruitment taking off. Over the past year, he’s continued to develop and expand his game, flashing persistence and a motor as he pressures the quarterback and finds ways to effect the running and passing game.

On occasion, Sorrell rushes from a stand-up linebacker position, but he's geared to have his hand in the dirt. He’s a threat due to his length (78-inch wingspan) as well as short-area burst. In 2019, he accounted for 44 tackles, including four sacks and a forced fumble. As a senior, he improved those totals to 53 total tackles, including 24 solo, along with 14 tackles for loss, five sacks and a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

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