Get to know 2023 Texas commit Derion Gullette
Whether you’re a diehard recruiting fan in need of a refresher or a casual fan in need of only the particulars, this will be the series for you.
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The first national signing period for college football runs from December 21-23. That puts it a week later than normal, which allows you even more time to familiarize yourself with the next class charged with helping restore Texas back to national prominence.
The preceding 2022 class is already off to a good start, but the way to win at a consistently high level is to stack talented class after talented class. At all times you need young players developing, creating competition, and providing valuable depth before becoming quality starters.
The top 5 contending 2023 class is just what Texas needed after the top 5 2022 class.
In the lead-up to NSD1, Inside Texas will offer profiles of each member of the 2023 signing class.
Next up, Derion Gullette.
The Player: Derion Gullette, EDGE/LB, Teague (Texas), 6-foot-3, 225 pounds
The Rating: 93.17, On3 Consensus four-star
The Ranking:
The Recruitment: Gullette burst onto the scene last season gathering multiple offers during a strong junior year. Then his basketball tape circulated, and basically everyone came calling. Alabama looked good in this recruitment early on, but Texas made its move during the track and field season last spring. While attending the Texas Relays, the Longhorns started getting closer to the On3 Consensus four-star. Then he made a couple of unofficial trips to Austin, and Texas started to separate itself from the pack. Ohio State and Texas A&M finished as runner-ups in the recruitment. Once he committed to UT, this pursuit was over.
The Projection: The ultra-athletic prospect did great things on the football field at Marlin playing middle linebacker. But it was his exploits on the hardwood and track that really showed his potential. With his size, he might project better to a spot on the EDGE, a position where the program definitely needs an influx of talent.
The Reasoning: “The reason I chose Texas is because I feel that I can grow there and get developed. Texas feels like home to me, and they also can benefit me after football as well. Love the relationships I have with the staff and players.” – Derion Gullette
The Relationship: “It’s not just about football, it’s about becoming a man. He stood firm in wanting to be at a school where he’d be developed as a person, as a man and academically. He wants to go to the NFL, and that’s hands down what he wants to do, but there’s also life after football. He wants to be set up for life after football.” – Lawrence Gullette, father and football coach
The Education: Broadcast journalism.
The Final Word: Gullette is the type of athlete seen at Alabama over the last 10-12 years. Stealing the On3 four-star from the likes of Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, and Oklahoma was big for this class and the UT staff. Pete Kwiatkowski and Jeff Choate were big here, but the players inside the Texas program were probably the strongest salesmen in this recruitment.
Series:
Connor Stroh, OL, Frisco (Texas) Wakeland
Johntay Cook, WR, Desoto (Texas)
