Is Malik Jefferson ready to be the face of the Longhorns?

[caption id="attachment_17705" align="alignleft" width="300"]Photo by JD Bryant Photo by JD Bryant[/caption] Not only is Texas Longhorn true freshman Malik Jefferson not typical, the linebacker is quickly becoming the face of Charlie Strong’s new era of athletes in Austin. Chuck Carlton of The Dallas Morning Newshas a look at the standout defender. Recruiting is overhyped in modern football. Teenagers are labeled stars before they’ve ever played a down in college football. Jefferson was one of those top-rated prospects who recruiting services gushed over on a daily basis. As it became a Texas vs. Texas A&M race to land his recruitment, sites all over the state and nation were basically holding a daily diary on his movements, thoughts and projections of where he’d end up. In the end, however, Jefferson chose Austin and, after enrolling early and participating in spring drills, many feel he’ll be the starting middle linebacker for a young Texas team in 2015. It isn’t just his play on the field that has young and old players on the roster excited about Jefferson’s present and future. The Mesquite Poteet graduate is a natural leader and his attitude is infectious. With his million dollar smile and Predator type hair, Jefferson is the leader of the new school under Charlie Strong. Texas A&M, as well as Baylor and TCU, have stolen some momentum away from the Longhorn program since Colt McCoy left for the NFL and the Longhorns have struggled. Jefferson’s commitment marked a win for Charlie Strong and the Longhorn fanbase. Texas, without a face, has a leader in Malik Jefferson. The Longhorn quarterback battle is still up for grabs. Johnathan Gray is a talented running back, but he doesn’t have the personality type to grab the attention of fans and current recruits. Jefferson does, and that will benefit Texas in 2015 and beyond. He’ll lead the revolution Strong was hired to win, and he has done it before ever playing in a game.