One of the biggest needs for the Longhorns going into this recruiting season was to add quality depth at the defensive tackle position. After missing out on several of the state’s top options, the Texas staff again proved willing to leave the Lone Star State to meet specific needs – Destrehan, LA defensive tackle Gerald Wilbon pledged to Charlie Strong and the Longhorns on Wednesday evening. Wilbon was offered a scholarship in late May and visited the Longhorns in June.
The talented big man chose the Longhorns over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Texas Tech, and Central Florida. Wilbon is the first feather in the cap of new Texas defensive line coach Brick Haley who was experienced in recruiting Louisiana during his time at LSU.
Recruiting the defensive tackle position has been quite the conundrum for the Longhorn program the last few years culminating in the curious case of Du’Vonta Lampkin. Wilbon gives the Longhorns a solid player in the middle with room for growth and development.
Film Analysis
With a large, sturdy frame at 6’3, 305 pounds, Wilbon has a great build for a two-gap nose guard. He plays with great technique and leverage out of a very low stance, which is typically uncommon for a prospect of his size.
The most obvious trait from his highlight reel is his strength, whether he is collapsing the pocket on a bull rush, or holding up against the run. Wilbon lacks the explosive first step of a pass rushing tackle, but actually shows a great burst and closing speed once he builds up energy.
Wilbon is a strong tackler with long arms who holds on to everything he wraps his arms around. He also plays with a great motor, chasing plays until the whistle. Wilbon plays with strong gap discipline and shows a high level of awareness on the field.
Haley will need to refine his pass rushing technique, as Wilbon primarily utilizes the bull rush and only occasionally an inside rip move. Haley will also need to improve Wilbon’s hands – the interior d-lineman often allows the opposition to latch on to him first.
Final Verdict
This commitment wont turn heads in recruiting circles, but Wilbon is a solid prospect who has a real opportunity to develop. The Louisiana prepster fits the profile of lower ranked guys that Charlie Strong turned into NFL caliber players.
While Wilbon lacks plus athleticism and needs to develop better pass rushing technique, his size and strength make him a candidate to play on run downs early in his career. This is a solid addition for Texas, and Wilbon’s ceiling is that of a multiple year starter and mid round draft pick barring some amazing development.
