Taquon Graham to Texas: Longhorns Land 4-Star DE Prospect

The Texas Longhorns have landed an impact player for the class of 2017 with the commitment of defensive end Taquon Graham. 

Graham announced the decision with a message on his personal Twitter account:

The Texas native is a 4-star prospect who is rated the No. 12 weak-side defensive end in the country and No. 189 player overall, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

At 6'3", 255 pounds, Graham has great size for the position with the strength necessary to play early in his career. While some edge-rushers are only concerned with getting to the quarterback, he has shown the versatility to play against the run as well.

This will likely keep him on the defensive line instead of converting to linebacker.

"I’d like to find a 4-3," Graham said of his defensive preference, per Mitch Blomert of the Waco Tribune. "Everybody says I’m a true defensive end, and that’s where I think I best fit, playing-wise and production-wise."

The Longhorns represent a perfect fit in this scenario with a 4-3 unit that also doesn't feature a lot of experience along the line.

Daniel Seahorn of Horn Sports has faith in the end becoming a quality contributor at the next level:

As far as the player's decision, recent events likely played a major role for Graham. The top prospect was in attendance for Texas' dramatic 50-47 upset win over No. 10 Notre Dame Sunday, just a day before making his final decision.

The full stadium of 102,315 screaming fans in a memorable game was certain to influence any young player who was watching.