Breaking down the Horns' newest commitment (by Mike Roach)

[HornSports Staff]

COMMITMENT FOCUS - BRECKYN HAGER

By: Mike Roach

The Longhorns stole a recruit and a little momentum on Wednesday when they landed a commitment from Austin (TX) Westlake linebacker Breckyn Hager. The Longhorns were able to flip Hager who committed to Baylor in May. Breckyn’s brother Bryce is currently at Baylor, but Hager’s father is former well-known Longhorn Britt Hager. Britt holds the top two single season tackle totals in Texas history, and is also the career tackles leader.

Breckyn is the seventeenth commitment in the 2015 class and is ranked a three star in the composite rankings. He chose Texas over offers from Baylor, San Diego State, Oklahoma, and SMU.

Hager is the first linebacker to commit to Texas during this cycle. It looks like he would fit as an inside linebacker at this point in time, but could play on the weakside as well. Texas will lose Steve Edmond and Jordan Hicks after this season, and will need to fill some holes at those positions. Texas is still chasing several linebackers including Cameron Townsend and the State’s top player, Malik Jefferson.


Film Analysis
Hager has a good frame at 6’3, 210 lbs and has room to add on weight. He doesn’t look to be a plus athlete, but isn’t slow by any means. He moves well laterally and could play as a sideline to sideline guy. The best aspect of Hager’s game is when he is reading, diagnosing, and coming down hill. Hager is a dynamic player at the point of attack and what he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for with play recognition, technique, and discipline.

Hager appears to process his reads very quickly and then puts himself in a position to make a play with little wasted motion. He’s also played at defensive end, and shows the ability to be a capable pass rusher or blitzer. He is a bit of an arm tackler at times, and could struggle if forced into coverage. Hager also plays at running back for Westlake at times.

Final Verdict
Hager lacks a lot of the physical tools to be ranked higher, but his father and brother were over-achievers who squeezed more out of effort and hard work than raw talent. Hager could be a guy who makes an impact early in his career on special teams, then cracks the defensive lineup when he puts on some weight.

I think he has potential to be an all conference performer, but that is probably his ceiling. Still, this kid looks like someone who will be a big contributor for multiple years even if he isn’t the star of the defense.


 

 

[echeese]

Good stuff. . .we are going to be REALLY thin at LB next year. . . but I think Hicks has a great shot at a med ship. . . 

 

[Mike Roach]

I believe I read where Hicks won't seek a medical hardship

 

[MikeV73]

Speaking of medical RS, do we think D Jackson will attempt to stick around another year?

 

[Matt Cotcher]

The "over-achieving, maximizer" is the type of player that can thrive under this coaching staff.

Speaking of medical RS, do we think D Jackson will attempt to stick around another year?

Both Jackson & Hicks have aspirations of playing professionally. With their injury histories, I expect both to seek advice on draft status and use that to help determine whether an extra year will help substantially.

 

[Lukus Alderman]

I hope at least one of the two decides to return next year.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

His film is impressive (and the Dinosaur Jr. song that accompanies it is refreshing).  Texas fans remember and love his dad who was a tough, tough player in the 80's - excellent flip by Strong which lets Baylor fans and others in the BIg 12 know that the Longhorns still have some swagger in the recruiting arena, despite all the rumors and speculation.

 

[GBT]

His film is impressive (and the Dinosaur Jr. song that accompanies it is refreshing).  Texas fans remember and love his dad who was a tough, tough player in the 80's - excellent flip by Strong which lets Baylor fans and others in the BIg 12 know that the Longhorns still have some swagger in the recruiting arena, despite all the rumors and speculation.

If he is anything like his dad, he is a good get. But until we start pulling in TRUE 4 and 5 stars against these teams like Baylor, A&M, and OOS schools; we do not have our old swagger back. Getting a 3 star with Texas roots is not a recruiting coup. Glad we got the kid if Charlie wants him, but keeping it real when it comes to our state of the union as it relates to recruiting. We will not return to greatness without getting some REAL 4 and 5 stars. (REAL.... meaning they are really great players, and not just ranked by gurus like most of the players Mack recruited in the last few years ) There is a reason Alabama is always in the top ten. ( They get beasts in recruiting ).

 

[bcherry168]

Those who worry about stars from recruiting services need to understand that those guys are not always that accurate. A kid like Hager has the potential to be a much better college player than his current rating. So much depends on character and determination. He comes from a great football family, and I would bet he will be an outstanding player for us.

Looks like a good edge rusher that has the ability to play linebacker. Should be fun to watch.

 

[echeese]

The "over-achieving, maximizer" is the type of player that can thrive under this coaching staff.

Both Jackson & Hicks have aspirations of playing professionally. With their injury histories, I expect both to seek advice on draft status and use that to help determine whether an extra year will help substantially.

I would suspect both hear "go back to school another year" though Jackson more ready than Hicks. . .