Former Texas LB Dalton Santos will transfer to Louisiana Tech

Texas Longhorns graduate transfer linebacker Dalton Santos will complete his eligibility as a member of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, he announced via Twitter on Tuesday:

Proud to say I'm a Bulldog! @LATechFB #ARROOOF

— Dalton Santos (@Daltonsantos55) May 17, 2016

Santos just graduated from Texas with a degree in physical culture and sports with a minor in business after announcing his intent to transfer earlier this month, so he will be eligible immediately for head coach Skip Holtz and should have a strong chance of earning a starting role, as the team lost its three top linebackers, including Nick Thomason, who played in the middle.

After suffering an ankle injury last spring, Santos was originally expected back in July of last year, but missed fall camp and then underwent another procedure on his injured ankle. He wasn't able to recover in time for spring practice, either, raising concerns about whether those continued issues will allow him to keep playing football.

A consensus four-star prospect and top-10 inside linebacker in the 2012 class, Santos developed a reputation as a strong special teams player early in his career and started one game as a freshman. In 2013, he moved into the starting lineup for seven games and finished fourth on the team with 74 tackles. However, the 2014 season saw Santos struggle to stay healthy or earn playing time behind Steve Edmond, so he only made 11 tackles and no disruptive plays (tackles for loss, sacks, interceptions, or forced fumbles).