Dr. Phillips OL Payton Kirkland chooses Texas Longhorns

After months of visiting campuses, talking with coaches and thinking over his options, Dr. Phillips offensive lineman Payton Kirkland has made his college decision.

The 4-star recruit announced his oral commitment to the University of Texas during a Saturday night ceremony despite not visiting the school.

Kirkland chose the soon-to-be SEC Longhorns over a number of schools including Florida, Miami, Oklahoma and Michigan State — all of whom hosted the 6-foot-6, 345-pound lineman for an official visit this summer.

“I pump-faked the entire country. That was my goal,” Kirkland told the Orlando Sentinel. “I want to make my impact at the University of Texas. The class of 2023 can build something amazing.”

The Dr. Phillips product joins a loaded Texas recruiting class that features the nation’s top prospect — 5-star quarterback Arch Manning, who’s the nephew of Peyton Manning and Eli Manning as well as the grandson of Archie Manning.

Prior to landing Kirkland, Texas already had boasted the No. 4 recruiting class in the country for the 2023 cycle.

The Longhorns now add their first prospect from the state of Florida in Kirkland, who ranks as the No. 25 offensive tackle nationally, according to 247Sports.

Kirkland explained why he chose to commit to Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and the rest of his staff.

“They were there for me at a time when nobody else was,” Kirkland said. “They stayed in communication with me even when I was injured. They made me feel like a priority.”

Kirkland is the fifth offensive lineman to commit to the Longhorns this recruiting cycle, which was something that stuck out to the Orlando native.

“They prioritize the offensive line, so I prioritize them,” he said.

Texas could dip into the Orlando talent pool again. Edgewater 4-star running back Cedric Baxter recently included the Longhorns in his top four schools, joining Miami, Florida and Texas A&M. He’ll announce his pick on Aug. 10.

All verbal commitments are non-binding until December when the early signing period opens and they can become official.

Jones 4-star linebacker Malik Bryant shared on Saturday that he has postponed his commitment date.

Bryant scheduled an announcement ceremony at Jones High School but earlier in the day canceled the event without providing a reason.

The 6-foot-2, 235-pound prospect was expected to pick among Miami, Alabama, Florida and Maryland. It’s unclear when he plans to make his announcement.

Bryant ranks as the No. 4 linebacker in the country for the 2023 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.

Terry Gilliam contributed to this report.

Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.