Andrew Fitzgerald Commits to Texas: 3-Star Adds to Growing Defensive Line Group

At a position where Texas is consistently in search of playmakers, the Longhorns scored a verbal commitment from Andrew Fitzgerald that could help them sooner than later.

Fitzgerald, a strong-side defensive end from Flower Mound, Texas, gave his commitment to the Texas staff Thursday morning, becoming the Longhorns' 10th pledge in the 2016 class. Fitzgerald chose Texas over offers from Oregon, Kansas State, Baylor, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Cal and a handful of other schools.

Two weeks ago, Texas was without a defensive end pledge. Now the Longhorns are loading up at the position with Fitzgerald's commitment Thursday and 3-star Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pledge Malcolm Roach committing on Nov. 6.

For Fitzgerald, a key cog in the Marcus High School defensive line, the decision fulfilled what he called "a dream."

"It was the best overall option for me and my future," Fitzgerald told EJ Holland of 247Sports.com. "I'm a Texas kid. It is a dream to live in Texas and go play football for the University of Texas. It's just the best fit for me overall."

Fitzgerald last was in Austin on an unofficial visit in September when the Longhorns played Oklahoma State. Fitzgerald is expected to make an official visit to Texas after his high school team completes its season. Marcus is 9-1 and will begin postseason play on Friday.

In Fitzgerald, Texas gets an athlete with great size and a frame that can add mass for the good of playing at the next level. A 3-star athlete, Fitzgerald is 6'5" and 250 pounds, and he plays with a level of aggression that makes him an attractive prospect.

Fitzgerald has a solid nose for the football, as it seems as though he's in on every play. He also passes the pad-level test, which is important for linemen, and he never gives up on a play. It's this high motor that could get him minutes early in his college career.

Collectively with Fitzgerald, Roach and 3-star Destrehan, Louisiana, defensive tackle pledge Gerald Wilbon, the Longhorns have a solid-yet-underrated defensive lineman class, one that will come into the program looking to prove critics wrong and unseat incumbent starters next season.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles