Texas adds Bryce Cottrell

Initial reports stated that three-star defensive end/outside linebacker recruit Bryce Cottrell would still stay with the Oregon Ducks, even after visiting the Texas Longhorns. However, the Plano, Texas native has switched to the Longhorns side after some deliberation. Cottrell had committed to the Ducks for three months up until his final decision to play at Texas, and this is a bigger gain for Texas than it is a loss for Oregon.

While the Oregon Ducks could have used Cottrell’s versatility and unique prowess dropping back in coverage, Texas has more of a need for a player of Cottrell’s skill-set given their conference and roster. In addition to being tough in coverage, he is also a solid run stuffer. It is best for Cottrell to play at defensive end, but he is still a decent enough linebacker.

“It was best for me and my family,” Cottrell said in a text message. “Their scheme fit me better.

Those two reasons are the key, because Bryce Cottrell is closer to home with the Longhorns, and the scheme is more friendly for a player like Cottrell. He is an intriguing hybrid player who would have been a solid addition for the Ducks, but things have worked out better for Cottrell. It’s always tough to miss out on a recruit, but the Ducks do have Arik Armstead and Jake Rodrigues and are much better for it.

“I’m an Oregon Duck,” said Bryce Cottrell. “I’m hyped and ready to get rolling. The atmosphere was incredible and I could just tell this was where I belonged.”

Yeah, you can’t trust verbal commitments or what recruits say. Tough, but we have Jeremy Castro at defensive end. After the initial impression of a school wears off, recruits start thinking more critically about their families and how they fit with a team. Cottrell can’t be faulted for his decision, but the Ducks could have used his depth and eventual presence as a starter.

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