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DRAPER — One of the state’s top football prospects is back on the market.
After top-rated overall recruit Noah Sewell of Orem announced his commitment to Oregon following the Tigers’ 5A state championship win, Corner Canyon defensive end Van Fillinger — the No. 2-rated prospect in Utah by 247 Sports — has reopened his commitment.
The 6-foot-3, 250-pound edge rusher announced Sunday he has de-committed from Texas, making him the top-ranked uncommitted prospect just 18 days before the early signing period begins.
The de-commitment came alongside several news reports that Texas coach Tom Herman was firing several assistants, including longtime defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. The former Utah State defensive coordinator had been with Herman for the past five years, at Houston and Texas.
While Sewell, a five-star running back who projects as a linebacker, took the drama out of his own recruitment early, Fillinger seemed firmly in the Longhorns’ camp since committing back in July, before his senior year and before the Chargers rolled to an undefeated season and their second-straight state title.
The senior finished his career with 188 tackles, 22.5 sacks, 37 tackles for loss, four interceptions, four fumbles and two touchdowns. The Chargers went 37-1 with him on the field, including 15-0 and a second-straight state championship as a senior in 2019.
Corner Canyon Sr. DL & Texas commit Van Fillinger career numbers - Chargers were 37-1 with him on the field. 188 tackles, 22.5 sacks, 37 TFL, 4 INT, 4 FR, 2 TD. Will play in 2020 All-American Bowl. @TexasFootball@usatodayhss@HSFBamerica@AABonNBC@TexasLonghorns@Frankie_Suterapic.twitter.com/9jyQ7zR2n4
— CornerCanyonFootball (@CCHSFOOTBALL_) December 1, 2019
Fillinger holds offers from Utah, Arizona State, Boise State, and Cal, among others. He’s considered the No. 13 strong side defensive end in the country, per 247 Sports, and ranks in the top-300 recruits nationally.
He previously visited Ohio State, LSU, Oregon, Michigan and UCLA, all unofficially, according to 247 Sports.
Players are not bound by verbal commitments, but can sign a national letter of intent during the early signing period, which runs Dec. 18-21.
The regular signing period begins Feb. 5, 2020.
While his high school career may be over, Fillinger will play at least one more game in the All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The bowl featuring 100 of the nation’s top players will kick off Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 at 11 a.m. MST on NBC.
