Texas Football: Top 2010 Longhorn Football Recruits

Texas Longhorn head coach Mack Brown never seems to disappoint when it comes to recruiting. He has managed to create quite the NFL factory in Austin, and is lucky enough to be able to pull in players from one of the most talent rich states in the country. As more and more athletes begin to make their commitments for the 2010 season, the University of Texas looks to be in a great position to land yet another top notch group of young players.

Connor Wood - QB
One of the most exciting commitments to Texas so far is that of Houston area quarterback Connor Wood. He stands at 6'4", weighs well north of 200 pounds, and according to stats provided by Rivals.com, was blessed with the ability to run a 4.6 second forty yard dash. He spends most of his time working out of the shotgun and demonstrates an amazing ability to escape the pocket and throw on the run. His arm strength is right on par with what you would expect out of a guy his size, and his speed forces defenses to account for the run. What I like best about Wood is his quick release. He has a good throwing motion and never seems to try and play beyond his ability level; he looks very aware of his limitations and does not force balls into tight spaces often.

Tevin Jackson - LB
At 6'3" and 230 pounds, Tevin Jackson possesses prototypical size for an elite outside linebacker; tack on the fact that he runs a sub 4.5 forty and you have yourself quite a player. He is a great pass rusher and can close distance vertically and laterally with ease. While some analysts are saying that he could possibly play defensive end at the next level, I just don't see it. He could be used in certain pass rush situations but his ability to be in the right place at the right time and stop the run on the outside are invaluable. He will only develop better skills, both in coverage and blitzing, as he works with the Longhorns coaching staff.

Traylon Shead - RB
This guy's running style makes me think of him as a bigger Dillon Baxter (2010 USC Commit). While Shead may not posses Baxter's receiving ability, he does show a strong willingness to cut back toward the middle of the field after starting an outside run. He has the speed to beat linebackers around the corner but really shines when he is cutting back and forth utilizing his blockers. I think Shead will stand up to college level contact better than Baxter because of his size, and could push for time on special teams during his freshman year.

Adrian White - DB
With less than impressive size (5'10" and 171 pounds according to Rivals.com) it seems as though White would be a pushover at the line of scrimmage; quite the opposite actually. In multiple interviews, when asked about his jamming ability, White claims that it is what he prides himself on; he is exceptionally physical for his size. He not only demonstrates good jamming and coverage ability, White has also shown a willingness to shed blocks and help out against the run. He seems to want to take on ball carriers a bit high though, and could definitely benefit from getting into the habit of tackling lower. Looking at his build and lift maxes, it appears as though he could easily add fifteen or more pounds and still possess the great quickness he displays at 170.

Texas Longhorn fans should be thrilled about the way the 2010 incoming class is shaping up so far. While the above four recruits show a lot of promise, there are still a number of big name players out there to be reeled in.

"Adrian White" Rivals.com
"Connor Wood" Rivals.com