Commitment Spotlight: Daniel Carson

[Jameson McCausland]

Following the early signing period, Tom Herman emphasized the need for Texas to have a strong recruiting finish along the defensive line. Herman got the first piece of that strong finish with a commitment from defensive end Daniel Carson, who ranks as 22nd strong-side defensive end in the country, according to the 247sports composite rankings. A Missouri native, Carson has been on the Longhorns recruiting radar for a while. Tom Herman and Oscar Giles extended an offer on March 31st, and Carson officially visited Texas during the San Jose State game on September 9th. Nebraska was long thought of to be the biggest threat to Texas, but the Longhorns ultimately won out and secured a big commitment.

Film Analysis

At 6’5 260 pounds, Carson has the frame and skills that makes him an ideal fit as a 4i technique defensive end in the Todd Orlando defense. He shows a willingness to take on and fight through blocks in the run game. I was thoroughly impressed with his ability to defend the run, especially the QB run and zone read. He moves well for his weight and displays good athleticism. His senior highlights include multiple instances of him chasing down ball carriers from behind on screen passes. Carson lined up as a 5 technique often in high school, but also has limited experience as a 4i, which is where he will end up at Texas.

Carson displays the ability to be a good pass rusher, as evidenced by his 19 sacks between his junior and senior seasons, but will need to continue to work on refining his technique and pass rush moves

In a 3 man front, it is tough to find an ideal fit at 4i. Charles Omenihu and Chris Nelson both played out of position to fill the role for the 2017 season, but a guy like Carson is exactly what Oscar Giles and Todd Orlando are looking for

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Final Verdict

Carson is the first defensive end to join the 2018 recruiting class. Credit to Tom Herman, Giles and assistant director of player personnel Bryan Carrington for staying on Carson and building a long standing relationship that helped lure the talented prospect to Austin. The Longhorns are hoping to take 1 or 2 more defensive lineman along with Carson and defensive tackle Keondre Coburn. Ideally, Carson will most likely get a redshirt year in 2018, but may be asked to play significant snaps as early as 2019 with the graduations of Chris Nelson, Charles Omenihu and Breckyn Hager. Regardless of when he sees the field, Carson has the traits and ability to become a multi-year starter at defensive end for the Longhorns.

 

[Jameson McCausland]

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4488285/59fb35094bb2ed205cb46b7b

Carson’s HUDL

[Big Daddy Cane]

Good timing on this commitment. Good momentum builder going into the weekend visits.

[drgilbert]

Was he an early signee, and was just waiting for his birthday to announce 

[TB14]

2 minutes ago, drgilbert said:

Was he an early signee, and was just waiting for his birthday to announce 

No. Because he visited Nebraska last week. That wouldn’t be allowed if he was an early signee. 

[Jameson McCausland]

30 minutes ago, Big Daddy Cane said:

Good timing on this commitment. Good momentum builder going into the weekend visits.

Yep. And Texas will have the chance to open up big leads on Michael Williams and Josh Moore.

[prosfromdover]

Main thing it looks like he needs to improve is his get-off. If we can help him in the quick twitch department, he looks like a beast on the run.

[Jameson McCausland]

25 minutes ago, prosfromdover said:

Main thing it looks like he needs to improve is his get-off. If we can help him in the quick twitch department, he looks like a beast on the run.

100% agree. That’s why I think there is a good chance he takes a redshirt year and gets to enjoy Yancy McKnight’s company for all of 2018.

[J.B. TexasEx]

1 hour ago, prosfromdover said:

Main thing it looks like he needs to improve is his get-off. If we can help him in the quick twitch department, he looks like a beast on the run.

Yeah, he needs to play with a lower pad level for better leverage. Big 12 offensive linemen will eat him up if this doesn't improve. A redshirt year will definitely help him.

[J.B. TexasEx]

 

[Jameson McCausland]

All the current Texas commits/signees

[Slimer]

2 hours ago, Jameson McCausland said:

100% agree. That’s why I think there is a good chance he takes a redshirt year and gets to enjoy Yancy McKnight’s company for all of 2018.

I hope all our DL and OL end up redshirting ( except the JUCO guy ).

[Big Daddy Cane]

31 minutes ago, Jameson McCausland said:

All the current Texas commits/signees

I know this is an edit, but some of these guys look ripped! Especially some of the skill guys and the punter!?

[TB14]

24 minutes ago, Big Daddy Cane said:

I know this is an edit, but some of these guys look ripped! Especially some of the skill guys and the punter!?

 

The punter gets ripped off most in the photo shop! everyone else looks much more realistic to me!

[MikeV73]

1 hour ago, Slimer said:

I hope all our DL and OL end up redshirting ( except the JUCO guy ).

I'm thinking Coburn will play significant time.

[Jameson McCausland]

1 minute ago, MikeV73 said:

I'm thinking Coburn will play significant time.

Agreed. Coburn and any other DT they sign (Ojomo?) have the best chance of seeing the field out of any of the freshman lineman. I think all 3 freshman OL will redshirt.

[java]

Great looking recruiting class!

welcome to the 40, men!

[Danny Hale]

Huge get because of need hopefully Herman can start redshirting high school linemen. 

[Baron]

I agree with all the assessments on this thread (like I'm some kind of scout or something ), but what I really see is a guy with a high motor. Carson never seems to give up on a play, at least in his highlight reel.

[PTA]

Where would you guys rank him within the state of Texas?

[Adferrum]

Huge get for us. The staff offered him really early in the spring, around the same time they made the initial push for Ronnie Perkins, so I think they rank them pretty similar. Welcome to the 40, Daniel 

[TB14]

4 hours ago, PTA said:

Where would you guys rank him within the state of Texas?

He’d definitely rank below Maw Wright for me. I don’t know enough about the DE below him. 

I think the biggest thing the coaching staff is recruiting here is a body type. The coaches are recruiting the frame of a guy who can play a long time on Sundays and betting they can develop that.