Eric Cuffee to Texas: Longhorns Land 4-Star DB Prospect

Class of 2016 4-star defensive back recruit Eric Cuffee announced on ESPNU's Recruiting Nation on Thursday night that he will be attending the University of Texas, which ESPN.com's Max Olson confirmed. 

KCEN's Jessica Morrey shows Cuffee just moments after announcing his decision:

Playing both cornerback and safety at Waco High School in Texas, Cuffee is the 28th-ranked corner in the nation, per 247Sports' composite rankings.   

At 5'11 ½", 188 pounds, Cuffee won't be the largest defensive back to be patrolling the secondary at Texas, but he makes up for it with some quick feet that will allow him to stay with a lot of receivers.

He's physical and is able to throw his weight around well, whether it comes to tackling or stunting a receiver on the line of scrimmage.    

Like many recruits, he will need to continue to develop his play recognition. While those quick feet are great for covering receivers, they'll be even better when he's able to break toward the backfield on running plays. 

According to 247Sports, Cuffee is the first defensive back Texas has acquired out of the class of 2016. 

Cuffee is joining a Texas team that in 2015 was tied for 73rd in the nation when it came to pass defense. The Longhorns allowed over 250 passing yards in five of their 12 games last season and recorded 13 interceptions, which tied for 42nd nationally. 

He will have an opportunity to learn under some of the team's best, including Dylan Haines, who led the Longhorns with five interceptions last season. 

Texas also returns Holton Hill, who was second on the team with three interceptions in his freshman year. 

Having those two around for Cuffee to work under could be vital for the defensive back to develop into a force in the Big 12 for Texas.

For a Longhorns team that hasn't experienced a winning season during Charlie Strong's first two seasons, building a contender is crucial for the head coach to keep his job in the future. Hopefully for Strong, getting Cuffee is the first step in the right direction. 

Stats courtesy of NCAA.com.