:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47327584/jordan_elliott_hookem.0.0.jpg)
Dismal recruiting at the defensive tackle position since 2012 has the Texas Longhorns in desperate need of a game-changing presence next to or replacing junior Hassan Ridgeway in 2016, so the recent Twitter activity of key target Jordan Elliott is one of the most positive narratives going in Longhorns recruiting efforts:
— E (@JAE__95) September 30, 2015
#Hookem pic.twitter.com/F54Rh5p3Nn
— E (@JAE__95) October 1, 2015
Hitch-hiking!!! Hope you are going our way!!! pic.twitter.com/AbCcPeDksE
— Christopher M Vaughn (@CoachVaughn_DBU) October 1, 2015
— E (@JAE__95) October 3, 2015
With two commitments and subsequent decommitments already in 2015, it's not surprising that the Houston Westside product isn't officially a member of the Texas class at this point -- it simply makes too much sense for him to continue taking his time and make a commitment instead of a reservation. That's how head coach Charlie Strong likes to operate and Elliott clearly concurs at this point.
But it's hard to ignore the consistent nature of what he's saying on social media, even as the team is struggling to win football games. Perhaps the potential for early playing time is an effective selling point with him at this time. Maybe he's just a really big fan of the drawings by defensive backs coach Chris Vaughn.
As a top-100 player nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Elliott would be the best pure defensive tackle to end up at Texas since Malcom Brown four cycles previous if he ends up inking with Strong and company come February.
With the Horns unlikely to pull Stephon Taylor away from the SEC, the 6'4, 305-pounder is the most important defensive tackle on the board for the Longhorns right now and in the mix as the most important uncommitted target overall. And Texas looks like it's in the leadership position.
On a terrible day for Longhorns football, that's one of the most positive things going.