The NCAA transfers portal is helping to shape the perception ahead of the 2022 season, and major decisions continue to come from day to day.
Probably the most desirable player on the market is FCS All-American linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey, who ended his visits to Texas and UCF last week. Texas A&M, Auburn, Ole Miss and others also offered the senior a chance to play at a higher level this season. In the end, the University of Texas won the prize game.
“This is my life I’m playing with,” Tucker-Dorsey said Sports Illustrated late thursday. “I have six months left to play college football to see if I will be able to get that chance in the next opportunity. So I will make sure to check all the boxes to find the perfect situation for myself.
“I feel like it’s at the University of Texas. We’re going to the University of Texas. ”
A 5’10 junior, £ 214, the red-shirtless, who registered 116 rallies in 2021 (including 9 scams for defeat), 2.5 sacks and four interceptions, informed Steve Sarkian’s staff of his decision on the commitment before he left campus in the middle of the week.
“The biggest part of the decision is trying to get to the next level by playing on a bigger stage,” says Tucker-Dorzi. “They have a really good schedule this year. It’s the Big 12, and Texas is a football state, so it really doesn’t get too big.
“My objects stood out the most. It’s great football; that’s what I dreamed about and that’s what I wanted to get out of high school. That and a big, huge stadium with 100,000 people [fans] in the atmosphere - it felt real. That’s what I missed. ”
Tucker-Dorsey was FCS All-American 2021.
Courtesy of Diamante Tucker-Dorsey
Texas has reloaded through the transfer portal since last year’s 5-7 season ended, and expectations are high in Austin. He has a national match against pre-season No. 1 Alabama at home on September 10.
Tucker-Dorzi laughs thinking about the opponent and the stage in relation to the first four years of his experience in football in college.
“I always knew I was one of those guys,” he says. “I don’t want to sound confident, but I just know that with my level of talent, and with what God has blessed me, it was great. So, this is kind of fulfilling, but it really makes me feel harder. I’m in a better position, but it doesn’t matter if I don’t go out and prove myself. “
During official visits to UCF and Texas, especially with the accelerated timeline, Tucker-Dorzi was able to start a discussion with defense coaches to make sure it was in line with what he wanted for his final year in college.
Scroll to Continue
He worked through his own checklist for each suitor, including vision, fitness, utilization, scheme, depth in linebacker position, areas for improvement, current players considered among the highest on the roster, and even number (No. 2). ) he could wear while wearing a burnt orange.
Tucker-Dorsey also spent time with the nutrition team under Sarkisian while he was in town, already setting physical goals for the summer and 2022 season. No stone was left on the stone during his stay in Texas this week. The trip ended with a film session with his coach Jeff Chout, who will soon be in position.
“I wanted to be the plug-and-play guy at that place, Villa,” Tucker-Dorsey said. “I have the opportunity to compete at the border, and I am a versatile player, so they will use me to cover passes, but also for blitzing, checking backs from the back field, covering zones, things like that.
“I bring passion, I bring a dog [mentality] and leadership. I have an old school mentality when it comes to this thing with football. I don’t want to be your friend. I will be an athlete, but when we are on that field, you are against me. ”
Tucker-Dorsey plans to move to Austin on Monday to begin the final phase of his college career.
“I knew I was going to get into having a short window,” he says. “I didn’t want to miss any training or anything else. I wanted to start building and lock myself in as soon as possible. ”
Longhorn’s latest defender plans to make the most of his time at the highest level of Power 5 football, where his experience and leadership could help strengthen the unit that was ranked 100th in the overall defense among FBS programs last season.
“You get good; I promise you that, “says Tucker-Dorzi. “Hate or love, an outsider is at the top. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. Get the job done, keep your head down and just keep believing. That is the most important thing - keep pushing.
“Hang them.”
Courtesy of Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey
Courtesy of Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey
Courtesy of Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey
More from SIAA: