James Madison LB Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey commits to Texas, bolstering position depth
By Texas coach Steve Sarkisian’s own admission, lack of depth has made linebacker “not a very strong position for us.” The Longhorns are fixing that.
UT picked up a commitment Friday from linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey, an FCS All-American from James Madison. The 5-foot-10, 214-pound junior had 116 tackles last season and told Sports Illustrated his decision was about “trying to get to that next level by playing on a bigger stage.”
“This is my life I’m playing with,” Tucker-Dorsey told SI. “I’ve got six months left to play college football to see if I’m going to be able to get that chance at the next opportunity. So, I’m gonna make sure I check off all the boxes to find the perfect situation for me.
“I feel like that’s what it is at the University of Texas. We’re going to the University of Texas.”
More: On first leg of Texas Fight Tour, Steve Sarkisian offers reality, reasons for optimism
Tucker-Dorsey also had been considering UCF.
The Longhorns have been turning over every rock to find defensive help. Sarkisian acknowledged the unit needed help May 9 at the Texas Fight Tour stop in San Antonio.
“I mean, I don’t like our depth right now at linebacker,” Sarkisian said. “I think we’ve got some front-line players, but depthwise, it’s not a very strong position for us.”
More: ‘Y’all just show up’: Texas-Alabama 11 a.m. kickoff official as Longhorns learn kick times
Tucker-Dorsey was a two-star prospect who had mostly small-school offers coming out of high school in 2017. He redshirted initially and then played on special teams in 2018. He became a starter in 2020 and then had a breakout season last year.
Texas has veteran starter DeMarvion Overshown returning next season along with David Gbenda, Jaylan Ford, Jett Bush and Luke Brockermeyer. New Mexico State transfer Devin Richardson played mostly on special teams last season.
Tucker-Dorsey’s size is more suited to safety at the Power Five level, but the Horns could use him as a speed rusher off the edge.
Iowa State receiver commits to UT
On Monday, Iowa State receiver Tarique Milton committed to UT and joined a long list of new offensive playmakers now wearing burnt orange.
Milton has battled injuries the past two seasons with the Cyclones but has 1,519 career receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He's the third receiver to join UT’s roster from the transfer portal. The Horns have also signed Wyoming’s Isaiah Neyor and Alabama’s Agiye Hall.
“I’ve discussed and prayed over my decision with my family, and I’m excited for this next chapter,” Milton said in his announcement tweet. “I’m grateful and honored to continue my graduate studies, and finish my collegiate football career at the University of Texas.”
Contact Brian Davis by phone or text at 512-445-3957. Email bdavis@statesman.com or follow on Twitter via @BDavisAAS.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: James Madison LB Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey commits to Texas
