Texas DT commit Poona Ford cleared to enroll

The Texas Longhorns have avoided a critical loss to the 2014 recruiting class with the news that South Carolina product Poona Ford will make it into school at Texas:

The good news referenced earlier - #hookem DT signee Poona Ford (@PoonaF_2) has been cleared to enroll at #UT. Arrives this week.

— Jason Suchomel (@OB_JasonS) July 7, 2014

The news had surfaced several weeks ago that Ford was one of three Longhorn signees who had not yet made it onto campus for the first summer session, along with Newton running back Kevin Shorter and Texas City running back D'Onta Foreman.

A consensus four-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite, Ford was considered a top-20 defensive tackle prospect by 247Sports despite the fact that he stands only 6'0, significantly undersized for the position. However, his incredible quickness, motor, and strength at the point of attack despite lacking college-ready mass at 285 pounds make him a special recruit.

Part of the National Signing Day defensive tackle haul with fellow former Louisville commit Chris Nelson, Ford is a critical piece to the 2014 class because the Horns missed completely on the defensive tackle position in 2013 and have yet to gain a commitment from a defensive tackle in the 2015 class, putting even more pressure on Ford to live up to his billing.

That pressure is made even more pronounced by the fact that Nelson is considered a raw prospect who will need to do a lot of work on his technique in the future in order to eventually contribute as a starter.

Have yourself some good news, Texas fans -- at least Brian Davis didn't mess this one up.