Cliff-notes: Texas picked up its 14th commitment for the 2019 recruiting class, as Orlando (Florida) Jones linebacker Marcus Tillman announced his decision on Saturday one day after taking an unofficial visit to Texas.
Rankings: The 6-2, 220-pound Tillman is currently rated a high three-star prospect and the No.58 prospect in the state of Florida by Rivals.com. Was a non-ranked player in the Rivals database until he burst on the scene this spring.
Key Offers: South Carolina (took an official visit), Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Ohio State and Florida.
Evaluation: Like a lot of kids from the state of Florida, Tillman is a guy whose best football should still be in front of him. Although raw and at the beginning of his learning curve at the position, Tillman (who committed to Florida early in the recruiting process) brings a lot of athletic ability to the table as potential sideline to sideline linebacker at the next level. Once he recognizes a play, his ability to get downhill in a hurry is eye-catching. Also, he's a guy whose athletic ability really stands out in pass coverage, as he has a natural nose for the ball and seems to get his hands on a lot of balls that came into his space on the field. It'll probably take a season or two in the weight room, but his raw ability makes you think he'll be a demon on special teams early in his career, but in time he could merge as a future starter.
One quick note: At the Orlando 3-Stripe Camp in February, he was considered by some to be the best linebacker at the entire camp.
Why it matters: In a year where the linebacker talent in the state of Texas leaves a lot to be desired, the Longhorns address a need in this class by dipping into the Sunshine State and taking a player that former Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp coveted.
