Texas Longhorns Football: Malik Jefferson Rundown | Horns Illustrated
The commitment of Malik Jefferson was some of the biggest news we've had around here in a while. It's no surprise. Malik Jefferson, a 5 star prospect is ranked as the No. 13 player nationally, is the top outside linebacker nationally and the No. 1 player in the state of Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Jefferson was heavily recruited by the likes of UCLA, Texas A&M, LSU and Alabama. In fact, 33 teams in total were in the running to land the best player in the state of Texas.
Yes, his commitment was big. Texas big!
WATCH: Malik Jefferson (@Official_MalikJ) commit to Texas and @Strong_TexasFB #HookEm #LetsRide https://t.co/YeEHvJJ1AZ
— Orangebloods.com (@OBWire) December 19, 2014
As numbers go, Malik Jefferson is as eye popping as they come. He is 6ft 2in tall, weighs in at 215, runs a 4.39 40, 4.19 shuttle, and brings a 39.7-inch vertical. If you are a little worried about his 215 pound frame, don't be. With a little time in the Texas Longhorns strength and conditioning program, he'll add muscle and weight.
Malik Jefferson will slide in and contribute right away. With the departure of Jordan Hicks, Texas will need him to. While he didn't line up on the weak side in High School, it's a safe bet that he will once he takes the field in a Texas Longhorns uniform.
He also has a pretty good sense of humor, retweeting this:
Who did this ?? No chill pic.twitter.com/MW3wkPCN61
— Malik Jefferson 4⃣6⃣ (@Official_MalikJ) December 22, 2014
In short areas, his quickness is elite, as well as his change of direction, which can allow him to both elude and defeat blockers. He has amazing lateral quickness (likely his best attribute) to go with an explosiveness that will provide him a tremendous tackling radius.
I could literally talk (type) all day about Malik Jefferson and what he bring to the table, but here is a highlight video so that you can see for yourself. Hook'Em!
(Sources: 247Sports, MaxPreps, Burnt Orange Nation, ESPN, OrangBloods Twitter)
