Inside Texas Today: Junior Angilau still plans to take his mission trip
Welcome to Inside Texas Today! Every weekday, Inside Texas Today will provide the latest from around the Forty Acres. This morning, what did Junior Angilau have to say about his mission trip? Plus, DeShon Elliott finds a new home in the NFL.
Here’s the Thursday, April 14, 2022 edition.
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“Wow, a mission trip question.”
During Junior Angilau’s recruiting process, one of the lingering questions even after he signed with the Texas Longhorns was whether he would go on his mission trip prior to enrolling in Austin. Angilau, a Mormon, had a decision to make like many other football prospects who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: mission trip, then college? Or college, then mission trip?
Angilau elected to enroll at Texas in the summer of 2018, delaying his mission trip. According to the LDS church, missions are voluntary. Still, Angilau has a plan for when he wants to embark on his religious journey.
“Wow, a mission trip question,” Angilau said April 7. “That’s cool man. I haven’t had one of those in a long time. I did want to take it before I came here, but then I came here. My plan is, after this year I’ll hopefully pursue the NFL. Then hopefully, some lucky lady out there, I can marry her, and we can go on our mission together.”
DeShon Elliott finds new home
Former Longhorn defensive back and 2018 sixth-round pick DeShon Elliott signed with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday. After previously visiting with the club, Elliott signed a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport.
Elliott seemed to confirm the report.
Elliott’s best season came in 2020, when he tallied 78 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Ravens in 16 games. His one-year deal is a “prove it” deal for the former finalist for the Thorpe Award.
At Texas, Elliott tallied 105 tackles and nine interceptions. His best season was in 2017, when he intercepted six passes, forced three fumbles, and recovered another. His six interceptions were the third-most in a season in Longhorn history. Only Earl Thomas, Nathan Vasher, Jerry Gray, William Graham, Jack Crain, and Noble Doss picked off more passes in a single season.
Texas viewing for 4/14
Track and Field – Mt. Sac Relays/Brian Clay Invitational – Azusa Pacific University – Azusa, Calif. – Live Stats
No. 12 men’s tennis – At No. 38 Oklahoma – Headington Family Tennis Center – Norman, Okla. – 4:30 p.m. – Bally Sports Oklahoma/Live Video
No. 18 softball – No. 1 Oklahoma – McCombs Field – Austin, Texas – 6 p.m. – Longhorn Network
No. 7 baseball – At Kansas State – Tointon Family Stadium – Manhattan, Kan. – 6 p.m. – ESPN+
Volleyball – Baylor – Gregory Gym – Austin, Texas – 8 p.m.
