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On Monday, four-star Houston Cy Ridge defensive tackle was set to bring his recruitment to a close and announce his commitment to the program of his choosing, but that decision has been delayed for now, as Broughton announced on Twitter.
At this time I’m post-poning my commitment announcement, to enjoy my 18th birthday with family & friends!
— Vernon Broughton ll (@thekid_bigv) July 16, 2019
Texas is, of course, a finalist, alongside Texas A&M — prior to the previous few days, Arkansas, Ohio State, and LSU were each options, as well.
In any case, there was little reason to believe the latter two programs were legitimate options for the 6’5, 286-pounder down the stretch. Texas, Texas A&M, and Arkansas, on the other hand, have each some semblance of momentum at various points throughout this recruitment, though in the case of the Aggies and Razorbacks, any momentum never appeared to be enough to snatch the lead from the Longhorns, which own all but one of Broughton’s Crystal Ball picks entering his decision date.
A mainstay on the Forty Acres throughout his recruitment, Broughton utilized his first official visit on a trip to Texas, and amid his official tours to each of his other finalists, Broughton returned to Austin for an unofficial visit ahead of the dead period.
“It was stupid live. It was stupid live,” Broughton told BON’s Joe Hamilton with an apparent excitement in his voice when asked to describe his Texas official visit. “Coach Giles, we’re just chopping it up. And they got everybody in the room and looked at my player personnel, what I can do better, and what they can do to help me out.”
Lights, Camera, Action... “Don’t be anxious for anything, and pray about everything...., Son!” Phil 4:6-7 Thanks Texas! #Blessed #ThisisTexas #Hook’Em #Longhorns #GodFamily1st #My❤️beat #MommasHook’ed pic.twitter.com/Ro7sXgEKSH
— Yolanda Wells-Broughton (@yadiva71) July 14, 2019
Though the decision won’t take place on Monday, based on the current outlook, it appears as if the extended and unrelenting efforts the Longhorns put forth in pursuing the nation’s No. 6 defensive tackle prospect will pay off when Broughton does bring his recruitment to a close.
When that time comes, if Broughton does, in fact, announce that he’s taking his talents to Texas, it may mark the Horns’ third pledge of the month, as Texas also landed Dallas Highland Park outside linebacker Prince Dorbah and 2021 Austin Lake Travis tight end Lake McRee throughout the first half of July.