Burnt Orange Nation - Texas Longhorns land seven National Signing Day pledgesRomancing each other since 2004https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47839/BONfavicon.png2016-02-03T20:07:02-06:00http://www.burntorangenation.com/rss/stream/106749952016-02-03T20:07:02-06:002016-02-03T20:07:02-06:00WATCH: No. 1 S Brandon Jones explains Texas pledge
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<img alt="Brandon Jones" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X_164zNeAHQmzWn1w6GggnrAw08=/37x0:543x337/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48726013/brandon_jones_commit.0.0.png" />
<figcaption>Brandon Jones | ESPNU screenshot</figcaption>
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<p>That comfort level that Charlie Strong tries to build? Well, he was successful in this key recruitment.</p> <p>On Wednesday morning, Nacogdoches safety Brandon Jones, the top-rated player at his position in the country, sent the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barkingcarnival.com/">Texas Longhorns</a> coaches into a frenzy when he announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns on ESPNU. Well, except for tight ends coach Jeff Traylor, that is -- dude is ice cold.</p>
<p>But when head coach Charlie Strong talked about a few guys he wasn't sure about, Jones was almost certainly one of them. The reaction said it all.</p>
<p>And, in point of fact, Strong and his staff likely didn't know because Jones came to his decision quite recently.</p>
<p>"My decision was made last night and last night was the first time that I was able to think of stuff on my own," he said. "I was talking to my mom and all three schools are really good schools and I've really enjoyed everything they've done for me. I really loved all the coaching staffs, so it was just one thing that separated them from each other.</p>
<p>"I just felt more at home, honestly, at UT."</p>
<p>Hook 'em, Brandon. Let's ride.</p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2016/2/3/10910638/brandon-jones-texas-longhorns-signs-decisionWescott Eberts2016-02-03T14:41:28-06:002016-02-03T14:41:28-06:00Texas shocks the nation with 7 NSD pledges
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<img alt="Texas coaches celebrate commitment of Brandon Jones" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5HDS1Xg2xgJ8SUiP8NmGbT-FvYg=/151x0:554x269/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48722841/jones_announcement_jpeg.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Texas coaches celebrate commitment of Brandon Jones | LHN screenshot</figcaption>
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<p>Nothing like this has ever happened before in Austin. And it may help allow the Longhorns to get back to the top.</p> <p>Forget about the eyes of Texas -- the eyes of the entire nation were upon the <a href="https://www.barkingcarnival.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Longhorns</a> on Wednesday, as head coach Charlie Strong and his staff pulled off the incredible feat of finishing 5-7 last season on the field, but closing out the 2016 recruiting class by landing seven huge National Signing Day commitments to vault into the top 10 of the 247Sports Composite team rankings.</p>
<p>In fact, the Longhorns up more National Signing Day pledges in one class than Texas secured in the entire Internet era of recruiting. Since 1999, there were only six total -- <span>Shiro Davis</span> in 2012 for former head coach Mack Brown, <span>Poona Ford</span> and <span>Chris Nelson</span> in 2014 for Strong, and Chris Warren, <span>Ryan Newsome</span>, and PJ Locke last year.</p>
<p>But it wasn't only about the finish on Wednesday, as Texas also added four other pledges over the last week -- cornerback Eric Cuffee, athlete Lil'Jordan Humphrey, running back Kyle Porter, and defensive tackle D'Andre Christmas-Giles.</p>
<p>In doing so, the Longhorns went from an object of national derision to the darlings of National Signing Day, as Strong and his staff answered questions about whether they could add a class good enough to allow Texas to contend again and sent off a string of exploding heads in College Station. Clean-up crews are expected to be busy there for weeks.</p>
<p>Before 11 a.m. CT, Texas went from 31st nationally in the ESPN class ranking just before 8:00 a.m. CT to 25 an hour later to 18 and then to 11, all in the space of three hours, a jump of 21 spots that eventually concluded with a move past two more programs. With the group likely finished with 24 signees, the Longhorns now have the No. 9 class nationally in the 247Sports Composite team rankings.</p>
<p>That's what happens when a class adds five of the six highest-rated commits in the entire class in a matter of hours.</p>
<p>Here's the timeline of what went down.</p>
<h4>7:47 a.m. CT -- Duncanville's Marcel Southall commits to Texas</h4>
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<img alt="marcel southall graphic" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oh_cw2SQrbKmNK2cawBV9r5cIbI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5995023/marcel_southall_graphic.0.jpg">
<cite>Texas athletics</cite>
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<p><b>DT | 6'2, 285 pounds | 3 stars | No. 489 overall | No. 42 DT | No. 74 in Texas</b></p>
<p>In landing Southall, Texas not only added some more defensive tackle depth to the class and stole a prospect away from Oklahoma, but also generated some serious momentum early on the day. It didn't ultimately help in landing linebacker Dontavious Jackson, but if Brandon Jones was wondering about what type of day the Longhorns were set to have, he didn't have to wonder after Southall got it all going.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nZ-7Dqvp-Xo" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>8:03 a.m. CT -- Euless Trinity's Chris Daniels commits to Texas</h4>
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<img alt="chris daniels graphic" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/549Mlhta38T_bsZ8gwXYqNPekzw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5995101/chris_daniels_graphic.0.jpg">
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<p><b>DT | 6'4, 300 pounds | 4 stars | No. 183 prospect | No. 20 DT | No. 27 in Texas</b></p>
<p>After committing, Daniels offered one of the day's best soundbites about Strong's ability as a closer:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daniels on UT's Charlie Strong: "All I've got to say is that if you don't want to go to Texas, don't let him get on your couch."</p>
— Corbett Smith (@corbettsmithDMN) <a href="https://twitter.com/corbettsmithDMN/status/694885476738531328">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>To be sure, Texas didn't even officially enter his recruitment until the middle of December, but were able to surge past Oklahoma and Texas A&M to take a substantial lead in the final moments.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZ75a2-6c1A" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>8:33 a.m. CT Nacogdoches' Brandon Jones commits to Texas</h4>
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<img alt="brandon jones graphic" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sqTi9RleyLi74CdxkMFc4IBCeZg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5995321/brandon_jones_graphic.0.jpg">
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<p><b>S | 5'11, 193 pounds | No. 40 overall | No. 1 S | No. 6 player in Texas</b></p>
<p>One of the most significant decisions of the day came from the nation's No. 1 safety, who happens to hail from a part of the state that isn't always easy to recruit in for Texas, especially with the recent rise of Texas A&M. Fortunately, Longhorns ace recruiter Jeff Traylor was on the scene:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/BlessedJones33">@BlessedJones33</a> on asst + <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bEASTtexas?src=hash">#bEASTtexas</a> native <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachTraylor">@CoachTraylor</a>: "He kinda took that place as a father figure and he was always there for me."</p>
— Clint Buckley (@ClintBuckley) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClintBuckley/status/694944970776539140">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>One of the best things about the decision? Check out Traylor's reaction when Jones announced his commitment:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-video">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/LonghornNetwork">@LonghornNetwork</a> All Access look as Texas Football coaches react to Brandon Jones' announcement. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HookEm?src=hash">#HookEm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSD2016?src=hash">#NSD2016</a> <a href="https://t.co/LMQfQBXljr">pic.twitter.com/LMQfQBXljr</a></p>
— Longhorn Network (@LonghornNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/LonghornNetwork/status/694908360538374144">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Equally capable in zone coverage and run support, Jones is the best and most well-rounded safety the Longhorns have recruited in years.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e_ES3XGzAlU" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h4>8:55 a.m. CT -- Manor's Erick Fowler flips from LSU to Texas</h4>
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<img alt="erick fowler graphic" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7J5Y1JJxqMP_zJt4M_Y6fOUWaM0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5995127/erick_fowler.0.jpg">
<cite>Texas athletics</cite>
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</p>
<p><b>DE/OLB | 6'1, 226 pounds | 4 stars | No. 75 player | No. 7 OLB | No. 12 player in Texas</b></p>
<p>Most of the time, mama gets what she wants and that was the case with the 2016 US Army All-American -- LSU was his dream school, but he ultimately decided that keeping her happy and playing close to home was the best decision for him.</p>
<p>How excited was Strong about the news? He indulged a group of Texas players who were begging him to dab on them folks in celebration:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-video">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thanks to Erick Fowler, Coach Strong DABBED with the horns up. Wow. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HookEm?src=hash">#HookEm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSD2016?src=hash">#NSD2016</a><a href="https://t.co/ZhasFsbFEW">https://t.co/ZhasFsbFEW</a></p>
— Longhorn Network (@LonghornNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/LonghornNetwork/status/694916353099112450">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>After missing on Mark Jackson to Oklahoma on Monday, Texas was still looking for a Fox end in the class and Fowler was the only remaining target, so there's a reason why Strong was happy enough to dab for his players after the big flip.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QA-dC2MkuBc" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>9:30 a.m. CT -- Alief Elsik's Chris Brown commits to Texas</h4>
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<img alt="chris brown graphic" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DozjHroIvM8FpWaxicbQ8yLEp8c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5995173/chris_brown_graphic.0.jpg">
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<p><b>S | 5'11, 183 pounds | 3 stars | No. 430 player | No. 26 S | No. 68 player in Texas</b></p>
<p>Even though the Longhorns missed on the more highly-rated half of the Elsik duo, landing a versatile defensive back who can operate in coverage and in run support could end up being a key addition for Texas, especially since Strong and defensive back Vance Bedford like to use their defensive backs in a number of different roles.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LaRaQQFSZa4" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h4>10:30 a.m. CT -- Aldine Davis' Jeffrey McCulloch commits to Texas</h4>
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<img alt="jeffrey mcculloch graphic" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rPQF_wZjOfCBmFMKAHeRhJ5GmbQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5995487/jeffrey_mcculloch_graphic.0.jpg">
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<p><b>OLB | 6'3, 230 pounds | 4 stars | No. 59 player | No. 4 OLB | No. 11 player in Texas</b></p>
<p>The Shark and the Predator. Just sounds like a good combination doesn't it? And though McCulloch was a lifelong Texas fan, the Longhorns still had to hold off the Aggies, Fighting Irish, and the Cardinal to land his services, so from the standpoint of closing with guys the program really needs moving forward, this was an excellent effort by Strong and his staff. And by Malik Jefferson.</p>
<p>Primarily an edge rusher in high school because of his quickness to the football and physicality in defeating blocks and limiting yards after contact, McCulloch will either have to learn how to operate as a traditional linebacker or battle players like Fowler for time at Fox end.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iKTwkf_xOpE" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>1:09 p.m. CT -- Houston Westside's Jordan Elliott commits to Texas</h4>
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<img alt="jordan elliott graphic" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u_R0_zlHEuXEIIoANTnsVEU4R0k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5995565/jordan_elliott_graphic.0.jpg">
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<p><b>DT | 6'4, 306 pounds | 4 stars | No. 115 player | No. 14 DT | No. 18 player in Texas</b></p>
<p>Not counting the silent commitment to Texas during the late part of the summer/early part of the fall, this was Elliott's fourth pledge during his recruitment, but for one that took so many twists and turns, his announcement was low key and without any drama, as there was no doubt he would pick the Longhorns.</p>
<p>Of all the defensive tackle pledges in the class, Elliott probably has the most upside because he has elite quickness, especially laterally -- he ran a 4.35 shuttle time at the Dallas The Opening regional camp last spring, a solid number for a skill-position player.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PG3tbvEJ0Ac" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2016/2/3/10906022/texas-longhorns-national-signing-day-commitments-brandon-jones-erick-fowlerWescott Eberts2016-02-03T13:09:48-06:002016-02-03T13:09:48-06:004-star DT Jordan Elliott commits to Texas
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<img alt="Jordan Elliott" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fkdOlr7_4G59dt4KeuSZUeRfWqo=/0x0:600x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48708877/jordan_elliott_hook_em.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jordan Elliott | via @XCV__</figcaption>
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<p>#Believe.</p> <p>One of the most twisting and winding recruitments in recent memory ended in favor of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barkingcarnival.com/">Texas Longhorns</a>, as Houston Westside defensive tackle <span>Jordan Elliott</span> committed to and signed with the Longhorns shortly after 1 p.m. CT on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Ever since the 6'4, 306-pounder's decommitment from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.maizenbrew.com/">Michigan Wolverines</a> on January 27th, the Longhorns were the clear and only favorite, leaving little drama in a saga that often featured plenty of it. In the final days, semi cryptic tweets like the latitude and longitude of Austin provided a full and complete indication of his destination.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">30.2861° N, 97.7394° W</p>
— FilthyJ (@XCV____) <a href="https://twitter.com/XCV____/status/694132791739453441">February 1, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<p>The 247Sports Crystal Ball agreed:</p>
<p><iframe class="twofourseven-embed" style="max-width: 100%" frameborder="0" width="600px" height="200px" src="http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/Jordan-Elliott-at-Westside-114352/CurrentExpertPredictions/Embed?SnapShot=635899278724573460"></iframe>
<script src="http://assets.247sports.com/Scripts/Shared/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Fully telling this story, however, requires a jump back to a little more than a year ago. Coming off an impressive junior season that cemented Elliott as one of the top defensive tackles in a historically strong defensive tackle class in the state of Texas, the Westside product saw his recruitment take off.</p>
<p>On January 31 he announced his pledge to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ourdailybears.com/">Baylor Bears</a> at a Junior Day in Waco, but continued taking visits, tripping to Texas and Texas A&M. Shortly before his decommitment from Baylor in early April, he picked up an offer from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com/">USC Trojans</a> that looked like a potential game-changer.</p>
<p>In late May, one day after naming a top eight, Elliott followed five-star Houston Westfield defensive tackle Ed Oliver in committing to the hometown <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/houston-cougars">Houston Cougars</a>. But he kept taking visits, traveling to Los Angeles to see USC and making three trips to Austin in a little more than a month. Unsurprisingly, his commitment to Houston ended in early September.</p>
<p>Less than a month later, Elliott sent out a <a href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/2015/10/3/9446895/jordan-elliott-texas-lonhgorns-recruiting-tweets">string of tweets about Texas</a> that he later deleted, but not before persistent rumors began that he was a silent commit to the Longhorns. Unfortunately for head coach Charlie Strong and company, Elliott wasn't willing to go public, despite taking two more visits, one in September after his decommitment from Houston and another in early November on the biggest in-season visit date for Texas.</p>
<p>However, he was also taking his official visits -- to Nebraska, Baylor, Oklahoma, and then Michigan in late November. Days before that journey to Ann Arbor, Jim Harbaugh had sent Elliott what can only be considered one of the worst Texas-shaped birthday cake in whatever history of Texas-shaped birthday cakes there may be:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great birthday wishes from a great coaching staff <a href="https://t.co/yQxJ4lmoc9">pic.twitter.com/yQxJ4lmoc9</a></p>
— FilthyJay (@XCV____) <a href="https://twitter.com/XCV____/status/668975290975031296">November 24, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>I mean, seriously, I can't get over how terrible that thing is. It's not like Ann Arbor<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=custom+birthday+cakes+ann+arbor+mi&oq=custom+birthday+cakes+ann+a&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l3.4332j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8#q=custom+birthday+cakes+ann+arbor+mi&rflfq=1&tbm=lcl"> lacks </a>businesses<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=custom+birthday+cakes+ann+arbor+mi&oq=custom+birthday+cakes+ann+a&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l3.4332j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8#q=custom+birthday+cakes+ann+arbor+mi&rflfq=1&tbm=lcl"> </a>that make custom cakes. And pretty sure that ordering one would have fit into the Michigan recruiting budget.</p>
<p>In any case, Elliott was adamant about his recruiting process being over at that point and into early January at the 2016 US Army All-American Bowl, where he indicated that he was no longer communicating with the Texas coaching staff:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Time to kill the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBlue?src=hash">#GoBlue</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HookEm?src=hash">#HookEm</a> chatter with DT Jordan Elliott (<a href="https://twitter.com/XCV____">@XCV____</a>) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyBowl?src=hash">#ArmyBowl</a> <a href="https://t.co/OMUwtoUphd">pic.twitter.com/OMUwtoUphd</a></p>
— Damon Sayles (@DamonSayles) <a href="https://twitter.com/DamonSayles/status/684125094654808065">January 4, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>It sounded like things were really over for the Longhorns and the talented defensive tackle. Until they weren't -- thing is, Strong and his staff proved last year that they don't take no for an answer until the ink dry and the fax is sent. And Elliott's fax was surely not signed, sealed, or delivered in early January. At some point after Elliott left San Antonio, the lines of communication re-opened.</p>
<p>And then, on January 22, the news broke that Elliott <a href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/2016/1/20/10800420/jordan-elliott-texas-longhorns-visit-in-home">would be on campus</a> in Austin for his final official visit. Once again, there was hope with the state's No. 3 defensive tackle. Once Elliott made his decision to officially leave the Michigan class, that hope calcified into true belief as it the final competitor for his services dropped away and it seemed possible that Elliott was a silent Texas commit for the second time.</p>
<p>Whether or not that was the case, Elliott is now officially a member of the Texas signing class and a big one, at that.</p>
<p>The consensus four-star product is the No. 115 player overall, the No. 14 defensive tackle, and the No. 18 player in the state of Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. During his recruitment, he collected 40 offers.</p>
<p>As mentioned earlier, it was Elliott's junior season that earned him so much attention, as he recorded 78 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Those numbers are pretty okay.</p>
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<p>Here's the <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/evaluation/_/id/203959/jordan-elliott">evaluation</a> of Elliott by ESPN ($):</p>
<blockquote>
<h4>OVERALL TRAITS</h4>
<table width="100%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Size-Strength-Speed</td>
<td>
<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait1">Prospect with excellent size at this stage with a frame and body comp. that can continue to be developed with time in a college weight program. Flashes great playing strength as well as very good get-off quickness.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Versus the Run</td>
<td>
<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait1">Demonstrates ability to fire out low and uncoil at contact and when he plays with leverage can be very tough at point of attack. At times can knock blockers back and flashes powerful upper body to separate and shed from blockers. Does need to watch pad level as it can quickly rise at times and needs to continue to refine hand usage and work getting off blocks little quicker at times. Displays adequate lateral mobility to be active between the tackles.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pass Rush Skills</td>
<td>
<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait1">With good initial burst, flashes good bull rush ability when he stays low. Also flashes ability to attack half-man and flip hips and while he needs to continue to develop can be active with hands. Doesn't display great closing burst and can get shook in some space, but has tools to develop into disruptive interior rusher.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Toughness/Motor</td>
<td>
<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait1">Prospect with very good size and strength and is not afraid to throw it around and be physical in his play. Gives good effort though range is average and at his best between the tackles. A solid tackler that can work to be sounder as he can attack high at times.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bottom Line</td>
<td>
<p name="bottomLine" cols="90" rows="5">Elliott is a strong and disruptive prospect and moves around the D-Line at the high school level and could offer some versatility to how used in the trenches at the college level as well. Needs to continue to refine technically in areas, but with continued progress could be an early contributor and grow into highly productive Power-5 starter.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</blockquote>
<p>Texas is likely to only have four scholarship defensive tackles on the roster this year beyond the 2016 signees. So even though there is an opportunity for Elliott or others to earn early playing time, it's difficult to predict much in the way of impact, even for someone as talented as the Houston Westside product -- keep in mind that while Malcom Brown was a consensus five-star prospect and justifiably the No. 2 player overall in the 247Sports Composite rankings, he made only two tackles for loss among his 25 tackles as a true freshman.</p>
<p>If the Horns can get similar production from Elliott, it would be a bonus. By 2017 or 2018 though? if he reaches his potential, he could become an All-Conference player and that's something that Texas hasn't been able to truly say about a defensive tackle signee since Brown in 2012.</p>
<p>Elliott's commitment will likely close out a big National Signing Day for the Longhorns that included six other pledges. The class now stands at 24 and with all additions, Texas vaulted to No. 9 in the 247Sports Composite team rankings and No. 1 in the Big 12.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="believe meme" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ywx2ngkph8FBbf0XNmX7p03IMmo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5914323/sbnation-share__19_.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2016/2/3/10893074/jordan-elliott-texas-longhorns-commits-signs-recruitingWescott Eberts2016-02-03T10:31:14-06:002016-02-03T10:31:14-06:00No. 4 OLB Jeffrey McCulloch commits to Texas
<figure>
<img alt="Jeffrey McCulloch and his mother at Texas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EuSyL0QOq-0DhdDQoAjdg_tppT8=/88x188:600x529/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48717775/mcculloch_texas.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeffrey McCulloch and his mother at Texas | via @jmcculloch17</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Predator. The Shark. The Longhorns linebacker corps is starting to look pretty dangerous.</p> <p>The Shark is ready to patrol the waters of the Big 12 Conference, as standout Aldine Davis linebacker Jeffrey McCulloch committed to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barkingcarnival.com/">Texas Longhorns</a> over the Texas A&M Aggies, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ruleoftree.com/">Stanford Cardinal</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> in a National Signing Day announcement on ESPNU.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="jeffrey mcculloch announcement" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BJUuOFimtG6fyarwM4cDUVqPo9U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5994597/mcculloch_commit.0.jpeg">
</figure>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsRide?src=hash">#LetsRide</a>!!!!!!</p>
— Texas Football (@TexasFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasFB/status/694921196270276609">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>As with several other recruitments during the cycle, it wasn't how the Longhorns fared during the middle part of the process, it was how they finished. For a long stretch during the fall, McCulloch looked like a Texas A&M lean, but the instability in College Station helped start to push him back towards his initial favorite -- Texas. By early January, the Longhorns were the leader by a large margin.</p>
<p>Then, when the 6'3, 230-pounder made his way to Austin for an official visit on January 15, he likely became a silent commitment to head coach Charlie Strong. There was even some talk that McCulloch isn't a subsequent official visit to College Station to recruit for Texas. By the time his announcement rolled along, the industry was absolutely unanimous that he would end up in burnt orange.</p>
<p>Connections strengthened at the 2016 Under Armour All-American game no doubt helped the home-state school, as McCulloch had the chance to interact with offensive tackle pledge Jean Delance, who committed during the game, and cornerback Eric Cuffee, who had planned on doing so, but had to put off his announcement until the end of the month.</p>
<p>McCulloch is a consensus four-star prospect ranked as the No. 59 prospect overall, the No. 4 outside linebacker, and the No. 11 player in the state of Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. During his recruitment, he collected more than 40 offers from some of the top programs in the nation.</p>
<p>
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<div class="embed-container"><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2157013/highlights/292980376" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's the ESPN <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/evaluation/_/id/195442/jeffrey-mcculloch">evaluation</a> ($) of McCulloch:</p>
<blockquote>
<h4>OVERALL TRAITS</h4>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Size-Strength-Range</td>
<td>
<p name="trait7" rows="5" cols="90">Possesses great size measurables. Has length that should allow him to continue to physically develop and add even more good bulk. Runs well for his size showing good range and closing ability in the short-area. Functionally very strong and powerful with explosive jolt-back strength.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Instincts/Take On Skills</td>
<td>
<p name="trait7" rows="5" cols="90">Powerful stack and shed skills and is disruptive up-field presence. Strong hands to shed through blockers and disengage. Deployed as a rush linebacker off the edge where he is not required to diagnose as frequently. Displays a nose for the ball when on pursuit.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tackling</td>
<td>
<p name="trait7" rows="5" cols="90">Knock back tackler who drives through from the hips with explosion. This guy does not let up leaky yardage or forward progress. Does lunge at times in space and lacks ideal balance breaking down one-on-one</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3rd Down Capabilities</td>
<td>
<p name="trait7" rows="5" cols="90">More effective as a pass rusher than a coverage backer at this point. Utilized more as a standup rusher and is very productive. Shows good edge quickness for his size and closing burst once he gets the corner and locks in on the QB. Does show some tightness in the hips when trying to bend the edge. Will overcompensate with a strong rip and hand usage to stay clean.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bottom Line</td>
<td>
<p rows="5" cols="90" name="bottomLine">McCulloch is a disruptive up-field presence and possesses some ideal standup linebacker qualities when projecting for the next level. He has some space and coverage limitations but in a straight-line this guy is very productive.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</blockquote>
<p>As a quick and physical edge rusher with natural football instincts -- hence the nickname -- McCulloch looks like the perfect complement to <span>Malik Jefferson</span>, who has a little bit more athleticism and quickness, but less mass. Whether McCulloch transitions to a more typical role at the second level or becomes a Fox end will likely depend on part on his physical development and how a crowded linebacker depth chart shakes out over the next year or so.</p>
<p>In any case, McCulloch looks like the type of guy who should be able to contribute on special teams right away and could earn a limited package as a specialist.</p>
<p>Now the 223nd commit for the Longhorns in the 2016 class, the Longhorns are now flirting with a top-10 ranking in the 247Sports Composite team rankings and are holding down the No. 1 spot in the Big 12. The Shark is now the sixth commitment on National Signing Day for Strong and company, equaling the previous total in the Internet era of recruiting.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="believe meme" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ywx2ngkph8FBbf0XNmX7p03IMmo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5914323/sbnation-share__19_.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2016/2/3/10903264/jeffrey-mcculloch-texas-longhorns-commits-texas-am-aggiesWescott Eberts2016-02-03T09:32:30-06:002016-02-03T09:32:30-06:003-star DB Chris Brown commits to Texas
<figure>
<img alt="Chris Brown at Texas last February" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/42AU4B1ZV_bzD1ph4og8jmyGM6I=/0x364:303x566/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48701767/chris_brown_and_dontavious_jackson.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Brown at Texas last February | via @chrisoo_valid</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>#Believe.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barkingcarnival.com/">Texas Longhorns</a> managed to land at least one halfAlief Elsik duo on Wednesday morning, as defensive back Chris Brown committed to the Longhorns. The 5'11, 183-pounder picked Texas over his other two finalists, Florida and Michigan.</p>
<p>Brown also took official visits to Arizona State in late November and UCLA in early October.</p>
<p>Though Brown's recruitment wasn't as mysterious as those of defensive tackle Marcel Southall and running back Kyle Porter, there wasn't a strong consensus on where Brown might be headed when he released his top three schools after hosting Texas head coach Charlie Strong on an in-home visit in the middle of January.</p>
<p>But that all changed after taking an official visit to Austin the following weekend and then returning a week later with Jackson on an unofficial visit. Earlier in the process, he'd certainly been willing to demonstrate his interest in the Longhorns, visiting for the Junior Day last February and then in June, making the Under the Lights camp in July, and taking an unofficial visit with Jackson in November. The June visit resulted in his long-awaited offer from Texas.</p>
<p>As a result of all those trips to Austin -- most especially the last two -- he looked like a lock for the Longhorns in the final days before his decision and may have been one of the silent commits teased by wide receiver pledge Reggie Hemphill-Mapps:</p>
<p><iframe class="twofourseven-embed" style="max-width: 100%" frameborder="0" width="600px" height="200px" src="http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/Chris-Brown-at-Alief-Elsik-83784/CurrentExpertPredictions/Embed?SnapShot=635899341619092036"></iframe>
<script src="http://assets.247sports.com/Scripts/Shared/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p id="paragraph8">Even if Brown isn't considered a prospect on the level of the two main safety targets down the stretch, <span>Brandon Jones</span> and Deontay Anderson, he does bring an intriguing skill set to the table that has kept him on the Texas radar -- he's physical enough to play safety, but has the instincts and ball skills to play some cornerback in coverage, as evidenced by his five interceptions as a junior. Brown also broke up five passes and forced two fumbles.</p>
<p>
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</p>
<div class="embed-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2609064/highlights/295093390"></iframe></div>
<p> </p>
<p>Brown's testing numbers at the Dallas The Opening regional camp present an interesting profile of athleticism, as his 4.47 shuttle time was rather poor, but he did post a 35.7-inch vertical leap, a strong effort. Given the latter result, the former numbers may not accurately reflect his change-of-direction ability. In a worst-case scenario, just give him the label of football player and move on, because his offer list, film, and rankings all suggest that he's among the top 30 safeties in the country.</p>
<p id="paragraph10">Considered a consensus three-star prospect, Brown is the No. 431 player nationally, the No. 26 safety, and the No. 68 player in the state of Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Throughout his recruitment, he accumulated nearly 25 offers, including scholarships from Colorado, Colorado State, Houston, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Purdue, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, along with the schools that hosted him on official visits.</p>
<p>Brown's decision made him the fifth National Signing Day pledge for the Longhorns, a number that equaled the combined efforts of Strong over his first two years at Texas. The class now features 21 members and ranks No. 1 in the Big 12 and No. 11 in the 247Sports Composite rankings.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="believe meme" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ywx2ngkph8FBbf0XNmX7p03IMmo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5914323/sbnation-share__19_.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2016/2/3/10889166/chris-brown-texas-longhorns-commit-florida-michiganWescott Eberts2016-02-03T08:55:24-06:002016-02-03T08:55:24-06:004-star OLB Erick Fowler flips to Texas
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4isDBO-C9asDuio01lsRUo3tuEg=/1x0:598x398/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48716237/erick_fowler_army.0.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The Longhorns finally found the needed Fox end in the 2016 recruiting class.</p> <p>After a rollercoaster recruitment chaperoned by Erick Fowler's dream to play for the LSU Tigers and Mama Fowler's desire for her son to stay close to home and play college football in Austin, Fowler elected on National Signing Day to flip to the <a href="https://www.barkingcarnival.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Longhorns</a> during a ceremony at his high school.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your newest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Longhorn?src=hash">#Longhorn</a>, Erick Fowler. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texas?src=hash">#Texas</a> <a href="https://t.co/xPmJ92D9Ci">pic.twitter.com/xPmJ92D9Ci</a></p>
— Chris Tavarez (@ChrisTavarez) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisTavarez/status/694897276850823169">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">How bout a DAB from Erick Fowler!! He's pumped up and fired about joining Texas!! <a href="https://t.co/r2gLrDikLU">pic.twitter.com/r2gLrDikLU</a></p>
— ANTHONY GERONIMO (@ATXANT10) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATXANT10/status/694901932515659777">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Although he held 16 offers, which included Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, TCU, Baylor, and Oregon, it was essentially a two-horse race for Fowler's services from day one. For the majority of this period, the Tigers played the part of the thoroughbred, with Fowler committing last June following an unofficial visit two weeks earlier. Since his commitment, Fowler attended a Texas camp, took another unofficial to Baton Rouge, and took his official to Texas over the massive recruiting weekend January 15, which he followed with an official visit to LSU January 22. As Wescott Eberts noted, that visit initially looked like it may have sealed the deal and brought mama Fowler on board:</p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>"Coming out of an official visit to Baton Rouge on January 22 with his entire family, multiple interviews given by family members made it sound like his mother was much more on board with her son going out of state to play his college football than she had been previously."</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/erick_fowler">@erick_fowler</a> your favorite Auntie has her Purple and Gold ready!!! I don't look good in Orange! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeauxErick?src=hash">#GeauxErick</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash">#LSU</a> ♡♡ <a href="https://t.co/ai0wdLgEQr">pic.twitter.com/ai0wdLgEQr</a></p>
— Camille Fowler Lash (@TheCamillelash) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCamillelash/status/694215599627440128">February 1, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>But in typical Charlie Strong fashion, the Texas head coach snuck an in-home visit in at the last second, and reports suggested that might ultimately decide the outcome, per <a target="_blank" href="http://texas.thefootballbrainiacs.com/2016/02/open-post-monday-february-1st/">Football Brainiacs</a>:</p>
<p><i>"I've spoken to folks close to Erick and it is sounding more and more like after some family discussions and the weekend visit from coach Strong, Texas has taken a lead here. My sources did say that LSU isn't out of this one and right now Erick is not talking to many people regarding his recruitment (which includes some folks closest to him) but what I was told makes me feel that Texas is in a good spot here."</i></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Texas is making a hard charge for Erick Fowler. LSU is definitely feeling the heat on their end as they try to hold on to his commitment.</p>
— Daniel Seahorn (@CoachSeahorn) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSeahorn/status/693964000074137600">February 1, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Obviously, the latter/former endured the rigorous test of time and Fowler is a Tiger/Longhorn. It could go without saying that this is a colossal get/miss for the Longhorns. The 2-16 US Army All-American Manor (TX) outside linebacker/weak-side defensive end product -- a Fox End in Texas' defense -- ranks as the nation's No. 75 overall player, No. 7 outside linebacker, and the No. 12 talent in Texas, per 247Sports composite rankings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe src="http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/Erick-Fowler-at-Manor-80232/CurrentExpertPredictions/Embed?SnapShot=635900401291445822" height="200px" width="600px" frameborder="0" style="max-width: 100%" class="twofourseven-embed"></iframe>
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://assets.247sports.com/Scripts/Shared/embed.js"></script>
</p>
<p>The recent buzz surrounding Fowler's recruitment favored the Longhorns down the stretch and Mama Fowler got her wish and Erick Fowler is staying close to home to play for Texas.</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/3040563/highlights/166203377" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.burntorangenation.com/recruiting/2016/2/3/10902194/erick-fowler-texas-longhorns-flip-lsu-tigersCody Daniel2016-02-03T08:33:11-06:002016-02-03T08:33:11-06:00No. 1 safety Brandon Jones commits to Texas
<figure>
<img alt="Brandon Jones" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hhhYbC-I99sQaz_npDlt3JQTmgU=/34x0:540x337/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48720007/brandon_jones_commit.0.0.png" />
<figcaption>Brandon Jones | ESPNU screenshot</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Longhorns offensive guard commit Tope Imade believes that the East Texas product will be the domino for Texas on National Signing Day.</p> <p>For the first time in several years, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barkingcarnival.com/">Texas Longhorns</a> were able to land an absolutely elite in-state safety, as Nacogdoches star Brandon Jones chose the Texas Longhorns over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ourdailybears.com/">Baylor Bears</a> and Texas A&M Aggies in a National Signing Day announcement on ESPNU.</p>
<p>
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<p>A Monday release of those three finalists was hardly surprising, as Jones was high on the Aggies throughout most of the process and grew up a Longhorns fan. Baylor was the darkhorse, with head coach Art Briles making the two traditional recruiting rivals a little bit uncomfortable in the final minutes of the 2016 cycle after Jones traveled to Waco for an official visit last weekend.</p>
<p>In the aftermath of Texas head coach Charlie Strong's arrival in Austin, the Aggies were the leader for Jones, who hails from a town that skews maroon and white at a time when Texas A&M had all the in-state recruiting momentum, especially in Houston and East Texas. The proximity to College Station also made it easy for to make the two-hour drive into Aggieland.</p>
<p>However, once the 5'11, 193-pounder started to get out and see more of what was available around college football, A&M fell out of the leadership position, even as out-of-state schools failed to draw serious consideration. Arkansas received a recent official visit and Jones also took a paid fall trip to Ole Miss, but never challenged for his signature at any point.</p>
<p>After hiring East Texas native and former Gilmer head coach Jeff Traylor, the Longhorns slowly started to make progress, though Jones only visited twice during 2015 -- once during May and again in November for the big visit day against Kansas to take in that blowout.</p>
<p>In the end, it was probably the instability in the Texas A&M program that helped Texas gain a lot of ground in a short period of time, as December marked the first surge in 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions to the Longhorns. By the time that Jones joined the other big visit weekend of the cycle with 19 other prospects on January 15, Strong and his staff weren't exactly seen as a wide leader, but as sitting in an extremely favorable position.</p>
<p>And despite little industry consensus on where Jones was leaning in the final moments, Texas won out.</p>
<p>Jones will likely be joined by Alief Elsik safety Chris Brown in a short period of time to make up the positional takes for Strong this year and represents a huge coup, not only in the recent history of recruiting the last line of defense, but also because the state of Texas was home to the top three safeties in the country and Jones was the only one who ever seriously considered playing in the Big 12.</p>
<p>A consensus four-star prospect, Jones is the No. 40 prospect nationally, the No. 1 safety, and the No. 6 player in the state of Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He held nearly 40 offers during his recruitment, a who's who of national programs that coveted the versatile East Texas product.</p>
<p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Here's the evaluation from <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/evaluation/_/id/189798/brandon-jones">ESPN</a> ($):</p>
<blockquote>
<h4>OVERALL TRAITS</h4>
<table width="100%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Size-Strength-Speed</td>
<td>
<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait8">Has very good measurables and looks to have more physical growth left on his frame. Plays bigger than his vitals would indicate on film; an explosive defender with a lot of pop on contact. Runs really well covering a lot of ground from his centerfield position. Range to make plays in all three levels of the defense.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Instincts/Recognition</td>
<td>
<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait8">Not always technically sound but consistently puts himself into position to make plays. Times his break well in deep half coverage and also takes sharp angles to ball on run support. Quick to get off the mark when reading run action.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coverage Skills</td>
<td>
<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait8">Most adept as a zone defender. Shows the ability to get off the hash and on top of routes. Displays good initial burst out of his break and takes the right angle on the ball. Tracking and closing ability when ball is in the air are at a very high level. Needs to work his man-to-man skills but has the hips and recovery speed to develop this area.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Run Support</td>
<td>
<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait8">An excellent run supporting safety. Quick to make his reads and get downhill with sharp angles and very little wasted motion to the ball carrier. Strong plant and drive burst when he has the running back lined up. Keeps proper leverage on the ball and makes explosive contact. Strong wrap up tackler who drives through and knocks ball carriers back.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bottom Line</td>
<td>
<p name="bottomLine" cols="90" rows="5">Jones was injured most of junior season but when healthy he is arguably the most well-rounded safety in this class. A run and hit type with great athleticism and instincts. A potential interchangeable safety but feel he may have the most upside at strong with continued physical development.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Underclassman Eval</td>
<td>
<p name="juniorEval" cols="90" rows="5">STRENGTHS: Jones is an aggressive safety, who is highly productive vs. the run but also has the speed to cover slot receivers. When Jones reads run, he comes downhill quickly and is a strong wrap up tackler. A very good zone coverage defender, who reads the quarterback well and understands route concepts. Closes fast. ... AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Has the athleticism and speed to play man-to-man coverage but he just needs more experience and would benefit from more polish. Will need to add strength to his frame as a college box player. ... BOTTOM LINE: Jones is a defender who can do it all. And with more experience in man-to-man coverage, he should become a polished all-around safety.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</blockquote>
<p>The Texas coaches clearly trust senior <span>Dylan Haines</span> and sophomores like PJ Locke and <span>DeShon Elliott</span> are set to make a move on junior <span>Jason Hall</span> this spring if he doesn't show improvement, but Jones just feels like the type of guy who could come in and contribute immediately. Perhaps that's a perspective enhanced by the glow of a big National Signing Day commitment. Or perhaps Jones is just that good. The rankings believe so.</p>
<p>Elliott improved his all-around ability as a senior and has high upside, while Locke flashed at times, but none of the safeties at Texas have the well-roundedness of Jones' skill set with his ability to cover ground and be a punisher against the run or pass. With the Longhorns playing a fair amount of zone recently, a lack of man-to-man skills wouldn't necessarily bury Jones on the depth chart with a quickness. And he'll grow there quickly because he's talented and Texas has three good defensive backs coaches.</p>
<p>So, you know, just don't underestimate the kid.</p>
<p>Jones is the No. 19 commit for Texas and the third already on National Signing Day. The group now ranks No. 17 in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite team rankings and is quickly closing in on Baylor's top-ranked Big 12 recruiting class.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="believe meme" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ywx2ngkph8FBbf0XNmX7p03IMmo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5914323/sbnation-share__19_.0.png">
</figure>
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https://www.burntorangenation.com/2016/2/3/10902268/brandon-jones-texas-longhorns-commits-aggies-bearsWescott Eberts2016-02-03T08:03:51-06:002016-02-03T08:03:51-06:004-star DT Chris Daniels commits to Texas
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<img alt="Chris Daniels with Charlie Strong on his in-home visit" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KNEIEmMXXdvZmYWJ3Rvp-4s66qk=/94x172:514x452/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48717417/chris_daniels_texas_in-home_visit.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Daniels with Charlie Strong on his in-home visit | via @clicclac97</figcaption>
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<p>A late offer in December didn't end up hurting the home-state school.</p> <p>Finish. The <a href="https://www.barkingcarnival.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Longhorns</a> managed that feat with Euless Trinity defensive tackle Chris Daniels, who announced to the Longhorns on National Signing Day. The <a href="https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma Sooners</a> and Texas A&M Aggies did not, despite the advantage of recruiting Daniels for a much longer period of time.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And it's Texas for Euless Trinity DL Chris Daniels <a href="https://t.co/PBU9jaT6ZE">pic.twitter.com/PBU9jaT6ZE</a></p>
— Travis L. Brown (@Travis_L_Brown) <a href="https://twitter.com/Travis_L_Brown/status/694883641105592321">February 3, 2016</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daniels on UT's Charlie Strong: "All I've got to say is that if you don't want to go to Texas, don't let him get on your couch."</p>
— Corbett Smith (@corbettsmithDMN) <a href="https://twitter.com/corbettsmithDMN/status/694885476738531328">February 3, 2016</a>
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<p>Not only that, but the consensus four-star prospect was able to criss-cross the country in 2015, visiting schools like Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Tennessee, giving him an in-depth look at what numerous schools in different geographical areas had to offer.</p>
<p>In the end, three schools stood out at various points -- the Aggies were the leader after a strong start by the Horned Frogs, basically the local school for Daniels' area, but the Sooners used an official visit in November to take the lead and land the commitment from the 6'4, 300-pounder on December 18.</p>
<p>But that ended up being an auspicious date in his recruitment, as Texas had finally made the move to offer Daniels the day before, despite oddly sitting on the sideline for the entirety of his recruitment to that point, even though he was a top-30 player in the state ever since his junior season.</p>
<p>For some prospects, the late arrival would have meant that the Horns were lifeless upon that arrival. Instead, his pride didn't impact his thinking and he visited for a crucial official visit on January 15, during which he was hosted by his former high school teammate, Patrick Vahe, the at times outgoing and at times nasty breakout offensive guard for the Horns. Clearly, Vahe was his outgoing self on that particular occasion.</p>
<p>And it worked, as Daniels quickly trended Texas in the immediate aftermath, decommitting from Oklahoma only days after visiting Austin. Since the Sooners had already hosted Daniels on his official visit, he wasn't able to return to Norman and subsequent trips to Texas A&M and Tennessee did nothing to change his final decision.</p>
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<p>Here's the evaluation from<a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/evaluation/_/id/197176/chris-daniels"> ESPN</a> ($) on Daniels:</p>
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<h4>OVERALL TRAITS</h4>
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<td>Size-Strength-Speed</td>
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<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait1">This is a physically impressive prospect. Possesses a wonderful combination of height and bulk. Thickly built and powerful and carries his weight very well. Flashes above average first-step quickness.</p>
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<td>Versus the Run</td>
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<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait1">Big, strong kid that can be a stout, if not violent run stuffer. Flashes ability to fire out low and explode into blockers and when he does can stand them up and knock them back. When he stays low he is extremely difficult to move off the ball with one blocker and has the size and strength to stuff double teams. He does need to watch pad level though as he can play high and is not as stout when he does. Brings a violent forearm that can jolt blockers, but needs to improve hand usage and can initial shock blockers, but end up getting caught up and struggle to get off blocks quickly. Flashes the lateral mobility to be active between the tackles.</p>
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<td>Pass Rush Skills</td>
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<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait1">Defender with the size and strength to drive blockers back and collapse the pocket, but doesn't fully utilize that ability as can struggle to maintain push and finish due to pad level. Needs to further develop use of his weapons and looks to lack a plan and can attack the whole man and get stuck to blockers.</p>
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<td>Toughness/Motor</td>
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<p cols="90" rows="5" name="trait1">He doesn't always make things easy on himself, but this a physical if not at times violent player. He moves well for size with very good range for a big man to be factor in pursuit.</p>
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<td>Bottom Line</td>
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<p name="bottomLine" cols="90" rows="5">Daniels is a big, strong and physical player that is capable of being a handful in the trenches. Needs to continue to develop and better maximize his physical ability though, but if he can better blend technique with his natural tools this big man can be an excellent Power-5 DT.</p>
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<td>Underclassman Eval</td>
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<p name="juniorEval" cols="90" rows="5">STRENGTHS: Daniels is a versatile defender who can play in the middle or on the edge as a pass rusher. Works to the perimeter quickly and has a speed burst that allows him to get to the ball carrier. Tough, strong wrap-up tackler. Very good ability to shed blocks, especially when getting to the QB. ... AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Has a tendency to play high, which hurts his ability to leverage blockers. Needs to become quicker in his reads. ... BOTTOM LINE: Daniels is a raw but talented player. If he can start making quicker reads, he should see his productivity rise.</p>
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<p>While Daniels doesn't project as an instant-impact contributor for the Longhorns at a position where it is extremely difficult to do so, his ability to work some on the edge could make him extremely valuable in odd fronts capable of showcasing his athleticism in 2017. The area for growth will have to come when he's playing three technique, as Texas will have to ask Daniels to play half a man and exploit gaps more often for him to fulfill the ultimate upside teased at by his athleticism. Not to mention those usual pad level, hand technique caveats that apply to nearly every high school defensive tackle.</p>
<p>Daniels is ranked as the No. 185 player nationally, No. 21 defensive tackle in the country, and the No. 28 player in Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. A total of 30 schools offered him throughout the process. The Euless Trinity star is the 19th pledge in the class and joined Duncanvile defensive tackle Marcel Southall in choosing the Horns on Wednesday morning, pushing Texas to No. 18 nationally in the 247Sports Composite team rankings and No. 2 in the Big 12.</p>
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https://www.burntorangenation.com/2016/2/3/10903068/chris-daniels-texas-longhorns-commits-sooners-aggiesWescott Eberts