AUSTIN, Texas -- It is all about the family for Texas’ newest 2015 commit.
After receiving an offer from the Longhorns on Friday afternoon, defensive tackle Bryce English (DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto) wasted little time in committing to Texas. In doing so, he’ll eventually join a program coached by his godfather, Texas recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach Bruce Chambers.
“I’ve been wanting to be a Longhorn ever since middle school,” English said. “I’ve been throwing up 'Hook’em' forever. My dreams are finally coming true.”
English (5-foot-11, 312 pounds) is the second sophomore to commit to the Longhorns in less than a week. Offensive lineman Aaron Garza (Sherman, Texas/Sherman) committed during Texas’ sophomore day on Saturday.
The product of one of Texas’ top high school programs, English severely helps fill a position of need across the interior of the Longhorns’ defensive front. Texas missed out on its top defensive tackle target in 2013 – A’Shawn Robinson – and ended up not signing a signing a single defensive tackle.
But they’ve got one now, one the Longhorns can count on to hold true to his commitment over the next two years.
“Coach [Mack] Brown was telling me that they wanted to offer me and didn’t want me to go to any other schools,” English said. “When you commit you stay true to Texas. That’s what I’m going to do.”
His relationship with Chambers is another huge reason why he chose to go ahead and end the process.
“He looks after me which is one reason I came,” English said. “It’s just a great atmosphere here. It’s a big family, has great tradition. It’s a great school with great academics. That’s why I love Texas.”
Chambers and English’s father, Lee English, went to college together where they were not only teammates but roommates as well.
“We always looked out for each other,” Lee English said. “Since the eighth grade Bruce has told us that if he continues to grow there is no doubt that we want him at UT.”
English has definitely grown and will only continue to, he said. After all, he’s only 15 years old.
“I’m a beast,” Bryce English said. “They are getting a kid with a great motor. I have a lot of passion for this game. That’s why I play so hard.”
English went over and watched the Longhorns practice after he met with Texas’ coaches and committed. Visions of that being him in uniform one day flashed before his father’s eyes.
“It’s just a burden off of us,” Lee English said. “At this young age to have this opportunity. He’s excited. Coming to a college like this, as a parent, you can’t ask for anything else.”
The Longhorns have yet to garner commitments from any of 2014 DT offers. They are Courtney Garnett (New Orleans/Saint Augustine), Trey Lealaimatafao (San Antonio/Warren), DeShawn Washington (Nederland, Texas/Nederland – Texas A&M commitment) and Gerald Willis III (New Orleans/Edna Karr).
The last DT commit for the Longhorns came in 2012 from junior college transfer Brandon Moore, who has since decided to forego his senior season and enter the NFL draft.