4-star OLB Morice Blackwell signs with Texas

Arlington Martin linebacker Morice Blackwell is officially a member of the 2021 Texas Longhorns recruiting class after signing on Wednesday during Early Signing Day.

A consensus four-star talent with 14 offers to his name, Blackwell earned his Texas offer on Feb. 1, but the interest in his talents only grew between that time and Blackwell’s commitment to the Longhorns in May, with Utah, Georgia, and Arkansas among the others to extend invitations. In the days before adding his Texas offer, Blackwell also earned offers from Alabama, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma State.

However, prior to his pledge to Texas, Blackwell’s only Crystal Ball projection favored Baylor.

As the spring offers indicated, Blackwell is quite clearly a rising talent, and his stats support that sentiment — as a junior, Blackwell amassed 128 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups, and four forced fumbles.

Since committing to Texas, Blackwell earned his fourth star and is currently ranked as the No. 345 player nationally and the No. 24 outside linebacker, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Analysis (By: Daniel Seahorn)

Blackwell’s tape was a really fun watch and it solidified in my mind that he is criminally underrated by the networks. Blackwell checks in at 6’1, 196 pounds and possesses a long, athletic frame that will allow him to fill out as he continues to grow and develop. He doesn’t fit the bill physically of your traditional linebacker, but he is in the mold of the modern day off the ball linebacker that has become prevalent in today’s game. Blackwell can run sideline to sideline and shows comfort when it comes to flipping his hips and getting into his drops down the field in coverage. And don’t you get it twisted when it comes to him being a little light in the britches. Blackwell consistently punches above his weight class and absolutely brings the funk when he arrives at the ball carrier. Blackwell shows he has very good striking power and is able to consistently knock or drive back ball carriers. You better make sure you have your chin strap buckled when you come around this kid, because he leaves no doubt when he arrives to the party.

Blackwell has been a very productive player over his sophomore and junior seasons (240 tackles, 23 TFLs, four sacks) and has a ton of ball production on tape both on defense and special teams. This kid makes the most of chances when he gets around the ball and he is always looking to turn the ball over. Blackwell has been incredibly consistent and productive over the past two seasons for Arlington Martin, which again makes me wonder how he is ranked how is currently. This kid is going to fill out accordingly while maintaining his athleticism and that will lead to a very happy coaching staff in Austin.