Tom Herman and his staff continue to emphasize elite out-of-state prospects with Carterville (Ill.) tight end Luke Ford becoming the latest to pick up an offer from the Texas Longhorns.

Blessed and thankful to receive an offer from the University of Texas!!! #Hookem #Longhorns pic.twitter.com/ghSRdCfHbQ — L U K E F O R D™ (@lukeredx97) June 15, 2017

A four-star prospect, Ford backed out of his commitment to Arkansas over the weekend and has since seen offers from Baylor, Oregon, Auburn, California and now Texas roll in. Ford also already has a pair of unofficial visits to Alabama and LSU planned for the next two weekends, respectively.

Programs including Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan and Oklahoma are also in the hunt for Ford.

As far as Texas is concerned, the Longhorns have been fairly selective on which tight end prospects they actually pursue this cycle. Malcolm Epps and Mustapha Muhammad are the clear priorities here and while Epps is beginning to look like a lock to Texas, Muhammad is an unlikely addition. Recent three-star Baylor Bralen Taylor sought a Texas offer and would probably be committed to Herman and the ‘Horns had he picked that offer up, but the staff put its focus on other options.

It now appears Ford is the latest option, although Texas will have its work cut out landing the Illinois native over some power programs already heavily involved in his recruitment.

At 6’7, 250 pounds, Ford ranks as the nation’s No. 90 player, No. 4 tight end and the No. 1 player in Illinois, per 247Sports Composite.