Commitment Spotlight: Stud LB De'Gabriel Floyd chooses Texas

[Jameson McCausland]

Texas has made a huge splash in the recruiting world today, securing a commitment from elite California LB De’Gabriel Floyd. Floyd becomes the first linebacker commit in the Longhorns 2019 class and ranks as 40th best player in the country (3rd ranked LB), according to the 247composite rankings.

The addition of Floyd fills a huge need at the linebacker position, a position Tom Herman and Todd Orlando knew they needed to address in the recruiting cycle. On January 28th, Floyd was extended an offer. In Mid-February, he attended junior day and said afterwards that he was blown away and said the Longhorns were very high on his list. Floyd returned a month later during his spring break in March, and ultimately chose to commit to Texas, giving the Longhorns their highest ranked player so far in the 2019 class.


Player Information


Name: De’Gabriel Floyd
Position: LB
High School: Westlake
City & State: Westlake Village, CA


Measurables


Height: 6’2
Weight:  220
40-yard time: 4.78
Shuttle: 4.51
Vertical: 35.6″


Statistics


No stats available.


Film


De’Gabriel Floyd Junior Season 

Pros:

• From the moment you turn on the film, the first thing that stands out is Floyd’s willingness to hit. The first play of his HUDL is him blowing up a running back trying to pass protect and then slinging the Quarterback to the ground
  
• Floyd spent time on offense, defense and special teams during high school, and excelled in every well. On defense, he spent time at linebacker and DB.
  
• Plays very well in space. Takes good angles to the balls and diagnoses plays well. Definitely a guy who knows what he is doing in pass coverage
  
• Shows good patience in the run game. Chooses gaps wisely and rarely plays timid when attacking a running lane
  
• Not afraid to mix it up between the tackles. Takes on offensive lineman willingly and will knock them on their backside if they aren’t ready.
  
• Football savvy. Shows good instincts and high football IQ. 
  

Cons:

• Loves to lower the shoulder to deliver the big hit, which worked out for him a lot in high school, but he will need to become more reliable as a tackler at the next level. He shows the ability to wrap-up and drive a ball-carrier, he just needs to do it consistently
  
• Since he played all over the field, he will probably need at least a year to adjust to the ins and outs of playing college LB.
  
• Testing results shows a lack of straight line speed, which is worrisome, but his play speed seems adequate on tape.
  
• Have some questions about his coverage ability, but certainly seems athletic enough in space to be competent.
  
• Depending on how the roster shakes out, he could be counted on early, but could benefit from a redshirt.
  

Summary


Watch the first play of Floyd’s HUDL, and you will be sold. Tom Herman often times talks about how he wants physicality to be a trademark of his program, and Floyd fits that category. The California native shows tremendous athleticism on film. At junior day, he talked about how Todd Orlando had been discussing the Rover role with him, and it’s easy to tell why. Floyd possesses the ability to play between the tackles and serve as a run stuffer, while also having the speed to play in space. Against the pass, he has the ability to both rush the passer and play in coverage. Unlike some recruits, he doesn’t need to bulk up too much or add a lot of weight. Overall, Floyd has all the tools and traits coaches drool over at the linebacker position, and it’s easy to see why Texas made him a priority target early in the process.


Final Verdict


Entering the 2019 recruiting cycle, there were some questions about where Texas was going to turn for linebackers. The LB depth in-state was not outstanding, but the Longhorns still had glad a glaring need that needed to be filled. Tom Herman and Todd Orlando deserve a lot of credit for building a relationship with Floyd and pulling him out of California when many thought it was not possible. It certainly does not hurt to bring Floyd into the fold with the Longhorns still heavily pursuing elite California CB Chris Steele. With several members of the 2017 signing class hailing from out of state, it appears Tom Herman and company are willing to go wherever they see fit to bring talent to the 40 acres.

 

[Baron]

This is beyond huge. Texas gets a stud and makes more inroads into California.

Now comes the hard part. Keeping him when USC, Oregon & UCLA come calling.

 

[HORNfromETX]

It's also worth mentioning that he has family in Austin

 

[Jameson McCausland]

This is beyond huge. Texas gets a stud and makes more inroads into California.

Yep. From talking with Floyd after Junior Day, it was obvious Texas was very high on his list. This is a huge get at a position of need.

 

[java]

This is awesome. Burnt Orange sunset tonight

 

[Slimer]

I hope Steele will take notice get to Austin for a visit.

 

[Baron]

Just watched his Hudl video. Played WR, S, Wildcat RB and deep back on punt return, besides LB. Me likey!  B)

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

Great get.  Fills a need at the position, but may prove just as valuable in helping solidify the California pipeline!

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Excellent pick up at a position of need. Add Gbenda to this and suddenly we're cooking with grease at LB!

It does help with our presence in California. And it helps create momentum for this class as we head into the spring game. I think you'll see another join the class, perhaps two.

I like how athletic this one is. He played multiple positions and showed the speed and coordination required to do that. Reasons I really liked Vernon Jackson last cycle.

 

[TheContractor]

You know Im on cloud 9 with this one. Perfect fit for our D. Love the analysis Jameson. I do think him playing so many positions decreases his experience as a LB but I am not worried about that. I think it's a higher chance he starts vs LSU in 2019 than redshirt. If DGF enroll early, he might start week 1. Nobody on campus can do what he does. 

SHA, Gbenda would be a great pickup also and I think could play rover at times, I think he is headed to MLB by Soph year. I also really want the Juco LB from Gary Johnsons old Juco. Those 3 at the 2 ILB spots would be great. 

Floyd!!!!!!!!!!  :wub:  I'm in love with him as a football player. 

 

[Coal Harbour]

The biggest plus for me is that he plays multiple positions on offense, which shows he has ball skills.  Today's LB's vs. spread offenses need to be good in space and he looks very comfortable in space judging from the video.  Nice pickup for the Horns.