Texas could have solidified depth, production and experience at a position of need.
The Longhorns were very close to landing linebacker Tony Fields, one of the top remaining transfers on the market. However, Fields officially announced his commitment to the University of West Virginia on Monday.
Committed to West Virginia University. #TrustTheClimb pic.twitter.com/qIBAS6lY14
— Tony Fields II (@T_Fields1) August 11, 2020
Texas was one of three finalists alongside Minnesota and West Virginia. However, the top two appeared to be between the Longhorns and Mountaineers according to 247Sports’ Crystal Ball Predictions. Texas was leading the predictions as of Monday morning, so his decision comes as a quite a surprise.
Fields entered the transfer portal on July 15. He did not see enough progression from the program and he wanted to make a business decision in order to do what’s best for him as a player.
He started every single game for Arizona since arriving to campus as a true freshman. He led the team in tackles as a freshman and was the Wildcats’ second-leading tackler in each of the last two seasons.
In 2019, he compiled 94 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. At Texas, he would have been capable of competing for a starting role immediately.
Texas head coach Tom Herman typically excels in the grad transfer market, but this is quite a blow for the Longhorns defense.