Texas fans received a pick-me-up on Sunday following the day before’s thrashing by Kansas State. Missouri City (TX) Ridge Point Linebacker Cameron Townsend pledged to become the 18th member of the 2015 Texas recruiting class. Townsend was considered a heavy lean to the Longhorns and pulled the trigger on his commitment and ending the suspense.
One of the top ranked linebackers in the state, Townsend chose Texas over offers from a wide array of schools including: Baylor, Michigan, Oklahoma, TCU, and USC. Townsend is the second commitment at linebacker for Texas [breckyn Hager – Austin Westlake] in a group that seems like it’s only waiting for Malik Jefferson before shutting down recruiting at that position. Townsend will be part of a linebacker class that will establish the next wave of depth at the position with the loss of several upper classmen over the next two seasons.
Film Analysis:
Townsend doesn’t have ideal height, but should be able to add the weight needed to play at the next level. Townsend’s long arms allow him to engage his opponent early, while his technique and disciplined play enable him to exploit mistakes, shed blocks, and make plays. Townsend has great closing speed and looks like an absolute terror pass rushing off the edge. Although he lacks a bit of the flexibility and lateral movement you’d like to see from a sideline-to-sideline player, it does not appear to be a glaring weakness.
Townsend is a solid tackler who wraps up well and moves fluidly on the field. The discipline and toughness he plays with seems to fit the style Charlie Strong values in his players. Townsend seems like a great fit for the recent trend in Big 12 linebackers who can support the run as well as cover the pass.
Final Verdict:
Townsend doesn’t boast a high star ranking or incredible size, but his speed and instincts mixed with his toughness and discipline make him a probable multi-year starter on defense. Townsend should contribute right away on special teams and could also factor in as a situational pass rusher.
Townsend’s ceiling is higher than ‘a starting linebacker.’ The Ridge Point prospect has a chance to be an All-Big 12 caliber player.
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