The Texas defense got a big boost today when Aldine (TX) Davis linebacker Jeffrey “The Shark†McCulloch announced his decision to sign with Texas. The Under Armour All-American picked the Longhorns over offers from Texas A&M, Stanford, Notre Dame, Michigan, Florida, Alabama, Florida State, and Oklahoma among many others. McCulloch ranks sixth on the HornSports top 50 which makes him the highest rated prospect Texas has to date.
McCulloch grew up a Longhorn fan and seemed all but signed to head to Austin early on in the season. His ability on film and performance at The Opening garnered him major national attention, and the Houston area prospect decided to wait things out. McCulloch is a very good student who hopes to major in Law, which is why offers from Notre Dame and Stanford really stood out to him. He also developed a good relationship with the staff at Texas A&M, and for a while had the Aggies at the top of the pack until turmoil ripped through College Station. In the end Texas offered a total package in terms of academics, early playing time, and a great relationship with the coaching staff. McCulloch is also well liked inside recruiting circles, so his influence could go a long way. You also have to appreciate the contributions of Malik Jefferson who is close with McCulloch and provided an example of what the shark could be following a stellar freshman season. McCulloch has the ability to play early while being deployed at several different spots on defense.
Film Analysis:
McCulloch flashes some freakish ability for a guy with a 6’3 230 lbs frame. He’s long with wide shoulders, which should allow him to put on weight for his future position. Some thought says he’s an inside backer capable of playing sideline to sideline early on, but his future might just be at the “fox†position. That particular role asks players to be part pass rusher, part outside linebacker with a sprinkling of nickel back thrown in. McCulloch is athletic and coordinated enough for the coverage responsibilities, but he really shines rushing the passer and playing the flats. He shows good straight-line speed, but when he locks onto the ball carrier he flashes an extra gear and great closing speed. McCulloch is a big hitter who tackles very well though he does have a tendency to leave his feet sometimes, which can get him in trouble. Offers from Stanford and Notre Dame show high intelligence in the classroom, but the shark also displays great field awareness and instincts. There are times when he appears to be a heat seeking missile flying through backfields to destroy what is in front of him. He will need to get stronger at the point of attack against the run, but his film from the last two seasons cemented McCulloch as the top ‘backer in the state.
Final Verdict:
It’s another big win for Charlie Strong to close out a recruiting season. In McCulloch he has almost an exact replica (albeit lacking the freakish physical tools) of Malik Jefferson. McCulloch should push for playing time right away in a young linebacking corps, and can be moved around like a chess piece to exploit opposing offenses. His athletic ability along with his intangibles and instinctive style make him a candidate for All American honors before he leaves college, and his ceiling suggests he could be an early round draft pick.
