D'Andre Christmas-Giles to Texas: Longhorns Land 4-Star DT Prospect

Class of 2016 defensive tackle D'Andre Christmas-Giles will be heading to the University of Texas in the fall.

He announced the news Tuesday night on Twitter:  

The New Orleans product is the No. 32-ranked defensive tackle prospect and the 21st overall recruit out of his home state, per 247Sports' composite rankings.     

Originally slated to make his decision on Wednesday afternoon during national signing day, per 247Sports, Christmas-Giles decided to make his announcement on Tuesday night on WWL-TV New Orleans, where he chose between LSU, TCU and Texas. 

At 6'3", 290 pounds, Christmas-Giles doesn't have a ton of speed, just like many interior linemen. However, he does have a nice set of moves that helps him penetrate the offensive line and make his way into the backfield. 

It's that kind of skill set that can be vital against the running game. Not many running backs can do much when they have a defensive lineman in the backfield before they take their third step. 

According to EJ Holland of 247Sports, he wasn't getting as much recruiting attention until this season.

Per Holland, Christmas-Giles recorded 49 tackles and 5.0 sacks in 2015. Those numbers would surely be welcomed by a Texas defense that's looking to build its program back up to relevancy in the Big 12.

After missing most of his junior season at St. Augustine High School because of injury, Christmas-Giles committed to Tennessee in August of 2015. But a stellar senior season saw some big schools such as TCU, LSU and Texas send offers his way. 

Shortly after those offers, Christmas-Giles backed out of his commitment to Tennessee and weighed his other options. According to Holland, defensive tackle was a high priority for the Longhorns, and there were some big reasons why.

The Texas defense struggled mightily last season with a unit ranked 106th in the nation, allowing over 450 yards per game. 

The Longhorns' rushing defense deserved much of the blame, as it gave up 219.2 rushing yards per game. Only 16 schools in the FBS allowed more yards on the ground than the Longhorns. 

Christmas-Giles' presence will be cherished on the Texas defensive line, as he could be a vital piece to help improve those subpar numbers in the coming years. 

Stats courtesy of NCAA.com.