Charlie Strong’s continued assault on Florida prospects yielded more positive results when Palmetto Bay (FL) Westminster Christian safety Tim Irvin announced his decision to be a Longhorn live at the US Army All-American Game. Irvin joins John Burt and Cecil Cherry as the third committed prospect from the sunshine state. Irvin selected the Longhorns over offers from Florida, Miami, West Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, and LSU among others.
While Irvin is experienced at playing on both sides of the ball in high school, he projects best as a defensive back at the next level. Irvin joins a group of physical defensive backs already committed to the Horns, and could be the most talented of the bunch.
With the heavy turnover in the Texas defensive backfield following the 2014 season, an infusion of talented youth is definitely needed. While there are still a couple of elite defensive back prospects out there Texas would take, the numbers at that position are starting to fill up quickly.
Film Analysis:
Irvin is undersized at 5’9 but his 190-pound, compact frame packs a major punch. While his height isn’t ideal, safeties like Bob Sanders and Earl Thomas come to mind as obvious comparisons.
Irvin’s strength is in run support where he recognizes plays quickly and explodes into the hole to arrive with a bang. He’s a big hitter with solid form tackling who can move sideline to sideline in pursuit. Irvin is very instinctive and flies to the ball like a missile negating holes created by the offensive line.
In coverage Irvin’s range is fantastic and he shows the ability to lineup all over the secondary including the slot coverage position. Irvin is a very fluid athlete with good hips and change of direction skills that can play in the deep middle. Irvin also shows great ball skills with a knack for creating turnovers. He is a threat on special teams in coverage and as a returner.
Final Verdict:
The only thing holding Irvin back at this point could be his height, but safeties with his build have excelled at the collegiate level. A prospect with his athleticism and instinct has a ceiling of a multi year starter and future NFL player.
Irvin should be able to contribute early on special teams, and could see time in nickel packages right away. This is another big out of state win for this staff and another big surge in the momentum for Texas recruiting.
