HEATH, Texas -- DeShon Elliott has heard the rumors.
Will he stay committed to Texas? Is he going to stay in state but go to a rival school?
Tuesday morning was more than just the day of Elliott's Under Armour jersey presentation. It was his opportunity to kill all rumors regarding his commitment to the Longhorns. And, while wearing a burnt orange shirt with "UT Longhorns" stitched near the left chest, the ESPN 300 safety put on his Under Armour jersey, flashed the "Hook 'Em Horns" sign and gave a big smile to family, friends and teammates at the Rockwall-Heath High School library.
"Hook 'Em," Elliott said. "That's it."
Some of @DeShonElliott_4's teammates showing #UnderArmour & #HookEm support. @HeathHawksFb pic.twitter.com/KaiEM7iSAg
— Damon Sayles (@DamonSayles) October 28, 2014The nation's No. 5 safety, Elliott is the Longhorns' top-ranked defensive pledge. And while he's heard about possibly flipping to different schools, Elliott said he was ready for everything coach Charlie Strong brings to his table at the college level. Playing in the UA Game in January will help him to prepare for the talent he'll see each weekend as a Longhorn.
"It's a blessing. As much time as I put in, my coaches put in and my teammates put in, it's a blessing," Elliott said of being an All-American. "We've all put in a lot of work for all this. I love it.
"I'm sure coach Strong's going to want me to work as hard as possible to earn a starting spot. I know it won't be given to me. I expect a lot from myself. It's all about making some moves. I'm ready for it."
Elliott, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound safety, is ranked No. 96 in the ESPN 300. He is one of nine ESPN 300 commitments and one of 18 pledges overall for Texas.
DeShon Elliott. #UnderArmour All-American. One of several looking to "put the T back in Texas." #HookEm https://t.co/lwQtD1K6uX
— Damon Sayles (@DamonSayles) October 28, 2014Quick hits with DeShon Elliott
Best player in the UA game: "Leonard Fournette. I mean, have you seen that man? That's a specimen."
Who are you looking forward to seeing? "DaMarkus Lodge. Definitely."
Favorite football memory: "My sophomore year, my first varsity game, it was a playoff game. I made a big tackle, and I did the Superman. I got a flag for it, but I did the Superman."
Why do you wear your number? "I've been wearing No. 4 for a minute. It's just my number."
In any sport on any level, who would you challenge? "LeBron James. I'd smash LeBron in basketball. My crossover game is serious."
DeShon Elliott "did you know": "I'm scared of the dark."
DeShon Elliott putting on the #UnderArmour jersey. #HookEm https://t.co/BFg2cuMIE6
— Damon Sayles (@DamonSayles) October 28, 2014