 As we continue to spotlight players in the 2014 signing class leading up to signing day, our path takes us to San Antonio Brennan star Derick Roberson. Roberson, the second commit of the 2014 class has led recruiting followers on a wild ride with vague tweets mentioning visits to other schools. It appears that Charlie Strong has firmed up Roberson’s commitment after meeting with him shortly after the dead period ended.  We can finally start considering him in the future plans of the program.
When Roberson committed in 2012, he was thought of as the top end in the state. Myles Garrett and Solomon Thomas have both emerged since that time. While Thomas and Garrett are both more complete players currently, Roberson takes a back seat to nobody. In 2012, he led a tenacious defense through the Class 4A championship, only to fall to Denton Guyer (and fellow Texas commit Jerrod Heard) in the state championship. Roberson was near unstoppable as he rampaged into the backfields of opposing teams wreaking havoc.
Roberson was named to the Under Armor All American Game and played well in helping his team to a victory. He had one sack in that game but was overshadowed by the aforementioned Myles Garrett. Roberson ranked 93 in the Rivals100 and 12th in the state overall.
The Defensive End position at Texas has held a certain standard over the last ten years and has been among the top performing positions on the team. Securing Cedric Reed’s return for his senior season has been the best “commitment” Charlie Strong has pulled off since he’s been on the job, but there is a spot to fill opposite of him. With Jackson Jeffcoat leaving for the NFL following his graduation, an opportunity is open for guys like Bryce Cottrell, Shiro Davis, and Derick Roberson.
Roberson’s film has been my favorite to watch of any recruit. His upside is extremely high and he is a guy who could be a devastating pass rusher at the college level if he reaches his potential. If he lives up to expectations, we are easily talking about Roberson earning all conference accolades while setting the tone in a league known for high-octane passing offenses. How do you play defense in the Big 12? The first step is getting after the Quarterback, and Roberson has a lengthy resume of doing that.
Film Analysis:
Great frame, at 6-3 225 lbs. and rangy. Roberson has the room to add-on weight and maintain quickness. He plays very low in his stance with great pad level and leverage and explodes out of his stance like a sprinter with great speed. His technique is a little raw but has improved over his high school career. Long arms help him keep distance from opposing linemen, and get into passing lanes. His explosive first step and closing speed are elite, but he can do a better job of wrapping up on tackling. Sometimes Roberson prefers to lower a shoulder and can miss some plays but does a pretty good job of shedding blocks and plays disciplined so he doesn’t get washed inside on plays often. He overpowers high school linemen with the bull rush, but will need to add strength to do it at the college level. The most inconsistent part I saw on film in fact was the bull rush if he didn’t get his hands inside quick enough. Roberson is so much quicker than the opposition at this level that I don’t’ have a feel for any moves he might have on the pass rush because he beats his man with speed most of the time. He’s solid, but not spectacular against the run at the point of attack, but diagnoses and reacts to read option plays quickly. Tremendous upside and tools, but it’s up to him to put in the work to improve on his frame and technique.
Final Verdict:
When Brian Orakpo came to campus he had virtually the same frame and put in tons of work to become a physical monster. If Roberson follows this game plan he has all the tools to factor in as more than a situational speed rusher. If Roberson can capitalize on his potential and reach his ceiling, he could be every bit the force Jackson Jeffcoat was this year. He could probably use a redshirt, but might be able to contribute right away depending on his work in the summer and the way the depth chart shakes out in spring and summer workouts.
