Following a reported visit to the Forty Acres last weekend, former Houston Cougars defensive tackle Ja’Maree Caldwell committed to the Oregon Ducks on Friday over the Texas Longhorns while in Eugene.
Prior to attending Houston in 2022, Caldwell attended Hutchinson CC and Independence CC while he was an offensive tackle in high school in South Carolina. The 6’1, 325-pound player was recognized as a second-team All-Big 12 selection this year after establishing himself as one of the conference’s top defensive tackles with 27 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. In 2022, the player showed promise with 12 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Caldwell, a potent run defender who finished 2023 with a PFF rating of 82.8, added eight rushes and eight defensive stops.
Texas needed a defensive tackle after T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy left, and Caldwell appeared to be a good fit after leaving Houston in mid-December. However, Caldwell took some time to become a real target for the Longhorns, and they ultimately decided not to select Texas after defensive line coach Bo Davis left for LSU.
With classes on the Forty Acres starting on Tuesday, the Longhorns may not be able to address the need for a defensive tackle in the transfer portal due to Caldwell’s absence. This is concerning because it’s difficult to find impact players at defensive tackle, and it’s even more difficult to do so during the May transfer window.
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