If you asked many people or fans who follow recruiting who the most important target was for Texas in the 2020 cycle, most would have responded defensive lineman Vernon Broughton. In 2019, Texas failed to reel in the state’s top defensive lineman in DeMarvin Leal, who picked Texas A&M. A year later, Texas could ill-afford to miss out on another top talent along the defensive line. Broughton’s recruitment was anything but a slam dunk, but in the end the Longhorns won out, securing perhaps their biggest commitment to date in the 2020 class.
As stated above, Broughton’s recruitment was a bit of a roller coaster for Texas fans. Early on, it appeared the Longhorns had the edge, but Texas A&M, Arkansas and Ohio State quickly put on the full court press. Texas received the first official visit from Broughton this spring, then had to sweat it out as 4 other schools had the opportunity to make their pitch. Texas A&M was likely the runner-up in his recruitment, giving the Longhorns a head-to-head recruiting win over the Aggies. Broughton is ranked as the 6th best defensive tackle in the country and the 70th best player overall, according to the 247sports composite rankings.
Film Analysis
Player Information
Name: Vernon Broughton
Position: DL
High School: Cypress Ridge
City & State: Houston, Texas
Measurables
Height: 6’5
Weight: 286
40-yard time: 5.03
Shuttle: N/A
Hudl
Three Best Traits:
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Three Areas for Improvement:
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Summary
It is pretty easy to see why Broughton was one of the most coveted players in the country. He possesses almost everything a defensive coach wants in the trenches. He may be 6’5, but the athleticism is real and he likely isn’t done adding weight. The first two years under Todd Orlando, Texas went through stretches where they struggled to generate pressure from 3-man fronts, particularly from their defensive ends. Broughton should be almost a perfect fit at 4i defensive end. He has the strength and weight to hold his own against offensive tackles while also having the ability to take on guards on stunts or when Texas deploys a 4-man front.
Final Verdict
Texas has taken a slow and methodical approach to the 2020 class, with Broughton only representing the 9th commitment for the Longhorns. It was expected the summer months would be a time where Texas experienced some momentum on the recruiting front. Broughton and LB Prince Dorbah have both pledged to the Longhorns in July, and Safety target Chris Thompson is set to announce his commitment on August 1st.
It could be argued Broughton’s commitment is the biggest commitment along the defensive line since Keondre Coburn pledged to Texas in 2017. Tom Herman has made it clear Texas must be dominate in the trenches to get back to where they want to be. Broughton’s commitment gives Texas another key to the piece to the puzzle as they look to put another top 5 recruiting class in 2020.