While the Longhorn recruiting effort in Texas has sputtered at times, the pipeline being built from Florida is starting to thrive. After receiving commitments from John Burt and Cecil Cherry, Charlie Strong picked up yet another pledge from the sunshine state in the form of Miami (FL) Booker T. Washington tight end Devonaire Clarington. Clarington has been on the Texas radar for some time, but things heated up in November when he visited Austin as a part of the “Florida five†to see Texas defeat West Virginia. Clarington came away impressed and forged a strong relationship with Cherry and a few other prospects, who collectively discussed coming to Texas.
In Clarington, the Longhorns have found what they’ve been missing for so long – a big, athletic, pass catching threat who can stretch teams down the middle of the field. The Longhorns haven’t had a weapon like that in their arsenal since pre-injury Blaine Irby.
Clarington chose the ‘Horns over offers from Miami, USC, Florida State, Florida, Georgia, Auburn, LSU, and Notre Dame. With all of the talk about the perception of the Texas program from recruits, it’s clear to see that this staff resonates in the fertile recruiting ground of South Florida. The addition of Clarington to go along with Cherry can’t hurt the recruitment of Texas target Davante Davis.
As a high school wide receiver Clarington will have to do some work to transition to tight end, but he clearly represents the new style of tight end being featured in college and NFL offenses. Texas is also in the running for Connecticut tight end Chris Clark and would certainly take both to bolster a position that has lacked dynamic talent for some time.
Film Analysis
Clarington has a big frame at 6’5 225 lbs. with lots of room to pack on more. His body looks a lot like former Longhorn tight end Jermichael Finley when he entered the program. Clarington shows above average speed for a tight end and proves multiple times on film that he is a vertical threat.
Like most players with his size, Clarington really shines attacking the ball in the air. His vertical skills and big body allow him to beat coverage by going over the top and using his strong hands to pull passes away from defenders. This skill also makes him a red zone nightmare when split out wide. Clarington is a natural pass catcher who uses his hands very well and shows great body control.
Clarington moves very fluidly for a man of his size and shows a quick burst off the line, not allowing himself to be jammed by the defender opposite him. In the open field Clarington is certainly a threat to pick up more yardage and is a load to bring down.
Although he will need to do some work on his route running to create more separation, and will need to improve his blocking to get on the field consistently those are both coachable skills. Clarington also plays on the defensive line where he shows some real quick twitch athleticism and short distance explosion.
Final Verdict
Clarington is as close to a home run as you can hit at tight end. His athleticism and fluidity coupled with his size is a rare commodity in high school prospects. If Clarington comes in and dedicates himself to the weight room and film room he has the chance to be a special player.
Out of state wins are always big for any coach, and Clarington gives the Longhorn offense the ability to stretch opposing defenses and create mismatches in the middle of the field. Clarington might need a redshirt year, but could contribute early since he is at a need position. His ceiling is that of an all American player and future NFL tight end.
