4-star DL Vodney Cleveland commits to Texas: 'I see Texas winning a national championship soon'

Birmingham (Ala.) Parker defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland committed to Alabama early in the process. After backing off that pledge to reset his recruitment, many top programs entered the race. Auburn was in the mix. Georgia was involved. Florida was heavily involved, but it came down to North Carolina and Texas and the four-star has committed to the Longhorns.

“It was very close for me,” Cleveland told On3. “For a while, Florida was on top, but after my second visit to North Carolina, they jumped a lot and after my official visit, I knew it was Texas over North Carolina.

“On my first visit to Texas in the spring, it was great. I knew I liked it, but I needed to get back. That official visit to Texas is what made my decision. Getting back on campus, getting a full feeling for what Texas is about and understanding their plan for me better are things that made a big difference.”

Kenny Baker, the Texas defensive line coach, played a big role in this decision.

“The more time I got with coach Baker, the better things got. He is a great guy who is very passionate about his job. I love that about him. He wants all of his guys to succeed on and off the field. When I was sitting in his office on the official visit, that is when I knew it was Texas. Hearing what he had to say, learning about the fit, being a top priority – I made my decision.”

Cleveland is excited about his future at Texas

Head coach Steve Sarkisian was involved in Cleveland’s recruitment too. The No. 120 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking is excited to be a part of Sark’s program in Austin.

“Texas has a great culture, it is family-oriented and everyone wants everyone to succeed there,” Cleveland said. “It is all love from the coaches to the players. The team is great and they all want to help each other get better.

“I see Texas winning a national championship soon. Coach Sark is a great guy, he is down to earth and he knows how to win. Everyone sees what he is building at Texas and I am excited to be a part of it.”