Tim Irvin Talks Texas, "Florida 5"

[HornSports Staff]

By HornSports Staff ---

The East mounted an impressive but unsuccessful comeback against the West in the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, but the loss didn't keep the smile off of new Texas commit Tim Irvin's face after the game.  


The 4-star athlete from Westminster Christian High School (Miami, Florida) told HornSports he talked with his parents early on Saturday before the game and decided to solidify his decision to commit to playing for Coach Charlie Strong in Austin.
Irvin said his recruitment by The University of Miami was very much alive and strong, but the quality of education he would receive in Austin coupled with the opportunities he will have in the program were the ultimate factors in his decision.  "Texas is a place where I feel I can excel on and off the field.  It is somewhere I have an opportunity to play as a freshman" said Irvin.

Irvin continued "in the end I just wanted to go to a program where I felt the most comfortable and to go where all my boys from Florida were going – we all felt a connection with Texas and we feel like we are going to help build that program back."

The Florida Five - Complete

Irvin told us that it was just a matter of time before the lone uncommitted member of the "Florida 5," wide receiver Gilbert Johnson (Homestead High School - Miami, FL) announced his commitment to the Longhorns.

“Oh yeah, he’s definitely going to Texas.  I talked to him before I came here (Army All-American Bowl) and he told me he was going to announce and be there in June."

Irvin says him, Cecil Cherry, Davante Davis, Devonaire Clarington and Gilbert Johnson talk just about every day.  “It was a big decision for us.  When we went on our official visit, it was all we could talk about – how the Florida Five were going to come to Texas. “  

“I think we (The Florida 5) will have a big impact on the program the first year.  We buy in to Coach Strong’s system and I feel like we will do well” said Irvin.

On Charlie Strong, Irvin had this to say: "He’s a passionate guy, a character on and off the field.  I can’t wait to get up there."

 

[Aaron Carrara]

Johnson is set to announce at 2:00 pm today (which is, like now!).  Look for the Longhorns to land the last of the 5.

 

[java]

Tim is a powerful, positive influence.  I am so proud to have him in the program and on the 40.  The contributions he will make will show not only in the stats, but in the locker room and on campus.  I anticipate that he will be a leader and a role model, both on and off the field.

C'mon down, Mr. Johnson.  The table is set!

Hook 'em, Tim!  Welcome to the 40!

 

[dillohorn]

No one can say Strong can't recruit. He seems to have the magic touch with recruits and their families. 

 

[MikeV73]

Seems that the uproar and disappointment that some posters kept throwing at the board a month ago regarding Strong being out recruited have gone silent..................where have they gone?

 

[PTA]

People are just accustomed to having recruiting wrapped up by now and not seeing a significant rally in the month of January.

 

[Juan]

I love Irvin

You could tell he had alot of influence with those other guys

For example, as TV was switching from the game to the Irvin announcement, Davante Davis tweeted out, "Come on Tim ..."

Word is that Irvin had gone dark, wasn't returning calls

So there was some doubt about what he would finally do, even among this own crew.

Tim admitted as much later saying he did not really decide until that morning.

Wow.  It was that close.

All those other guys were just as relieved as Coach Strong.

That might make for a good article by an aspiring writer....... would be interesting to learn the details

Anyways, I look forward to seeing if there are going to be any culture clashes in our lockerroom

The Florida guys have their own unique way of seeing the world

I am curious to see how far it goes, how they adapt and if Charlie will ever have to step in