Texas lands commitment from former Cal pledge Rocky Cummings

Carlsbad (Calif.) athlete Rocky Cummings has flipped his commitment from Cal to Texas. 

Cummings committed to Cal back in June but a handful of Power 4 programs, including Texas, jumped in over the last month and the two-way standout officially visited over the weekend. 

Cummings committed to the Longhorns on the trip and went public with his pledge moments ago. 

“There’s a lot of reasons why I chose Texas,” Cummings said. “I loved the environment there and really liked the city of Austin. Texas has a winning tradition, I love the coaching staff and I love the plan they have for me.

“They want to use me similar to how they currently play Tre Moore. I’ll be an outside linebacker who will also be able to rush the passer and I think it’s an all around perfect fit for me.”

Cummings said the weekend visit was his first time in Austin. 

“It’s a great city and everyone is so passionate about Texas football,” Cummings said. “The game atmosphere was incredible and it was a lot of fun being there and taking it all in. 

“Johnny Nansen is my lead recruiter and he’s a great guy and a great coach. He has been with coach Sark for a long time and he’s a really smart coach and knows how to win and I’m excited to play for them.”

Steve Sarkisian’s son Brady was Cummings’ host on the visit. 

“I was with Brady and Spencer Shannon, a couple of Cali guys,” Cummings said. “They were great and said Austin is actually a lot like California so easy to adapt to.

“When I talked with coach Sark, he told me the same. He’s a great coach and easy to talk with. I’m just really excited about this opportunity. If you had told me a year ago I would be going to Texas, I’m not sure I would have believed it but I’m definitely thankful and excited to get going.”

Cummings is a very intriguing two-way player and has the ability to play on either side of the ball in college. He was recruited as a linebacker by Texas but is a talented tight end as well although we do think his upside is highest on defense. 

He has a projectable 6-foot-4, 220 pounds frame and we could see him adding 20-25 pounds or so and playing some as an edge rusher as well as linebacker. 

Cummings actually plays more of an edge role at Carlsbad so moving to linebacker will be an adjustment. You see his athleticism pop on offense and he’s a fluid mover so there’s confidence Cummings can develop in to an impact player. 

“He’s a freak athlete, he really is,” Lancer head coach Thad MacNeal said. “I always knew he was this type of prospect to be recruited by schools like Texas and Notre Dame. 

“He’s a classic late bloomer who missed some games as a junior because he was sick but he’s a very talented player and not even close to reaching his full potential. I can’t wait to see what he looks like in a few years but I have no doubt he can play at that level.”

Through eight games this season, Cummings has 11 catches for 187 yards and eight touchdowns to go with 27 tackles, four for loss, three sacks, and 10 hurries.