Tag: 2019 Recruiting

Former Texas signee embracing a new path after retiring from football

Former 2019 signee DeGabriel Floyd is finding a new passion after a diagnosis ended his Texas Longhorns career.

During the 2019 recruiting cycle the Texas Longhorns went after a four-star linebacker out of Westlake Village, California. De’Gabriel Floyd was ranked a four-star prospect and the No. 3 inside linebacker in the country. He eventually signed with Texas and enrolled in January of 2019. He would never play a snap for the Longhorns football team.

After receiving a diagnosis of spinal stenosis, Floyd was forced to sit out the entire 2019 college football season. Head coach Tom Herman stated that he would be re-evaluated after the season came to an end. Unfortunately, Floyd never got the opportunity to do what he came to Texas for. He would forced to medically retire due to the diagnosis. Floyd never let that get him down.

According to Jeff Barker of CBS Austin, Floyd has found a new passion. A new endeavor and it comes from music. On Thursday night, Barker has a interview with Floyd about what he is doing now.

He may never have been afforded the opportunity to don the burnt orange and white on Saturday but Floyd is a Longhorn for life. Now fans could get the opportunity to support him in a different way.

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ESPN’s Top 2019 Texas recruit poised for a breakout: Jordan Whittington

In a recent article, ESPN named second-year wide receiver Jordan Whittington as their top recruit to breakout for the Texas Longhorns.

When it comes to a breakout season in 2020 for the Texas Longhorns they have plenty of options. When you narrow that down to top 2019 recruits poised for a breakout, it significantly narrows that list and removes a player like linebacker Joseph Ossai. The list for 2019 could include wide receiver Jake Smith who finished tied for second on the team in receiving touchdowns. Another name for the future could be another top Arizona product in tight end Brayden Liebrock.

On the defensive side of the ball you could throw in Chris Adimora. He is likely taking over the nickel cornerback role in 2020 due to the level of his play expected and the fact that incumbent started Anthony Cook has left the program. We listed him as one of the guys who could take that role in a recent article on the next man up at nickel.

ESPN recently wrote about which top recruits from 2019 would have a breakout in their second year. For the Longhorns that player is running back turned wide receiver, Jordan Whittington.

Writer Tom VanHaaren says about Whittington:

Whittington was a four-star prospect in 2019 who originally came to Texas as a running back. He converted to wide receiver, but re-aggravated a groin injury and missed all but one game of the season.

Whittington is back to 100 percent now and is in position to help the Texas offense in a big way. He is versatile and gives the Longhorns another option as an H receiver to go along with Jake Smith. With those two on the inside and Whittington having big-play ability, he should be able to make a big impact this season.

Given the lack of experience at the position outside of newcomer Tarik Black and Brennan Eagles, they will need someone in that position group to take the next step. As of late, ESPN has been pinpointing to Whittington as a key cog in the offense for 2020. He was also named their breakout star earlier this offseason.