The balance of power in the Big 12 and in the state of Texas is shifting right in front of us. I've said in the past that Baylor's decline would prop up Texas but now we have tangible proof.

Devin Duvernay's commitment on Wednesday to Texas represented a seismic move. I don't think it can be overstated.

This isn't faceless recruits anonymously saying that Baylor's issues have soured them on Waco. This isn't Texas landing a strong recruiting class with signees that may or may not have otherwise considered Baylor. This is Baylor losing the highest ranked player from the highest ranked recruiting class in school history and Texas collecting on the exodus. This is as devastating for Baylor as it is invigorating for Texas.

There are a lot of reasons for Texas' relative decline in recent years but the biggest may have nothing at all to do with the Longhorns and everything to do with the rise of TCU, Baylor, Texas Tech and even Texas A&M.

Recruiting in the state had gotten more competitive. Texas had fallen behind on offense.

Now recruiting has gotten less competitive and Texas thinks it has solved its offensive puzzle with a new offensive coordinator and a young talented quarterback. Wednesday it added one of the fastest athletes in America to the equation.

The Longhorns may not be done. They can still make room for a couple more Baylor immigrants if releases are granted. Among them, four-star offensive tackle Patrick Hudson, four-star cornerback Parrish Cobb, four-star offensive lineman J.P. Urquidez and Duvernay's brother Donovan all are likely 'takes'.

Already Texas has jumped from the No. 12 recruiting class in the nation to the No. 9 recruiting class with Duvernay's decision. Charlie Strong could climb as high as No. 7 if the chips fall right with the other names mentioned above.

The change will be gradual and the 2016 season won't necessarily tell the story but Texas is capitalizing on a great opportunity. We'll look back at this 2016 class in a couple of years and realize that it was the turning point for Charlie Strong.