In another solid get for a Baylor football program that has turned their dramatic 2011 season into recruiting success, the Bears received a verbal commitment from three-star LB DJ Green of Mesquite, TX.
While Green's only other offer has come from SMU, he's been rising in the recruiting ranks in recent months, with Iowa State, Arkansas, Kansas and Washington all showing interest.
Over at SB Nation's new recruiting section, Wescott Eberts breaks down Green's strengths and weaknesses:
A review of the film confirms Green's self-assessment -- he strikes with his hands to hit and separate from offensive lineman as well as any 2013 linebacker in the state of Texas. In fact, there are college linebackers who struggle with that task more than Green did as a high school junior. The explosion through his hips and hand placement would make many linemen jealous.
Currently projected as a pure middle linebacker, Green fills interior gaps with reckless abandon and without false steps -- he comes downhill in a hurry, maximizing what is only adequate speed.
The concern is that he may be guessing at times instead of reading and reacting, so he may at times be susceptible to play-action passes or misdirection runs. The Horn product also appears to be a two-down linebacker now, as there is no film evidence of him dropping into coverage -- it may simply be something that he doesn't do well enough to put on a highlight or just doesn't do often at all.
While Green isn't an elite prospect on the level of 2010 commit Ahmad Nivins or 2012 signee Brian Nance, he's a solid addition who defensive coordinator Phil Bennett should be able to mold into an excellent role player.
A highlight reel from his junior season:
For all the latest news, rumors and analysis on Baylor's latest recruiting class, stay tuned to SB Nation Dallas' exclusive story stream as well as SB Nation's College Football Recruiting news hub.