/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42777762/20140329_jla_al2_223.0.jpg)
Consensus four star LB Cameron Townsend committed to the University of Texas, pushing the Longhorn class to 18 commitments (or 17, depending on how you view the future of John Burt).
The Longhorns edged out Oklahoma late in the process.
Townsend plays a hybrid edge position for Missouri City and he's a high motor pass rusher and edge setter who makes up for a lack of size and average frame with a good nose for the football, lots of aggression and high level quickness. Circa 1995, he's a strong safety. In 2015, he's a spread-killing OLB prospect along the lines of OU's Eric Striker, OSU's Shaun Lewis or Baylor's Eddie Lackey.
Townsend's best attribute is his first step. Great 0-60, which you see on multiple occasions when he lines up in an offset OLB/Fox End position and arrives in the backfield around the same time as the shotgun snap. He's not a pure finesse player - he likes to set the edge and isn't shy about taking on fullbacks or tight ends in space.
Townsend is actually more of a raw developmental prospect than his rating suggests, but he fits the Strong profile of skinny, aggressive hybrid defenders with short area quickness, a high motor, and a willingness to mix it up. It's very clear that we're recruiting with a specific profile in mind.
Nice addition. Check out his film here.