Zaycoven Henderson Commits to Texas: Longhorns Land 4-Star DT

It appears the on the field struggles and mumbles regarding the head coaching situation haven't hurt the recruiting pitches for the Texas Longhorns. On Monday afternoon, just days after falling short of a Big 12 title, they landed 4-star defensive tackle Zaycoven Henderson, according to 247Sports. 

Henderson is considered the 24th-best defensive tackle and the 290th top player overall in the 2014 recruiting class.

Job well done, Texas coaching staff.

Henderson, who is from Longview, Texas, originally committed to TCU before decommitting in September. Ever since, he's had Texas at the top of his recruiting list, per the report. He was also looking at Baylor, Texas Tech and Oklahoma. And he had offers from other powerhouse programs such as Nebraska, Ole Miss, Arkansas and Oklahoma State.

It goes without saying how big this commitment is for the Longhorns. Not only does it take away a top recruit from an in-state rival, but it also helps establish the defensive front moving forward. Texas has always been known for playing physical defense that started in the trenches. But in the last couple of years, they've lost that mentality, as the Longhorns finished sixth this season and fifth last year in total defense in the Big 12.

Henderson should be able to help fix that right away with his wide frame at 6'1" and 280 pounds. He can play multiple positions on the defensive line due to his athleticism and explosion off the ball. This is somebody who can not only eat up blockers but has no problem making plays in the backfield and becoming the difference maker that Texas has lacked recently.

Texas has produced terrific defensive linemen such as Brian Orakpo, Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding over the years. There's little doubt Henderson has the ability to join that impressive list. 

Henderson now gives Texas 22 commitments for the 2014 recruiting class. He's also the fifth defensive lineman to commit this season, including 4-star defensive end Derick Roberson.