The Longhorns missed on Torshiro Davis, who is headed to LSU. Devonte Fields never made a Junior Day or received an offer, which remains a mystery to this day. But with a day and a half until recruits National Signing Day, Texas finally found a pure edge rusher in the class when Plano West defensive end Bryce Cottrell texted Hookem.com to announce that he de-committed from Oregon to commit to Texas.

It was apparently not an easy decision for Cottrell, who first surfaced on the Texas radar when the Longhorns offered him with roughly a week until National Signing Day and were able to get him on campus despite the late nature of the interest. Cottrell didn't have much to say publicly following his offer, but reportedly was heavily conflicted, as he felt strongly about staying in state and playing for the Longhorns and also felt a deep sense of loyalty to the Ducks, the school to which he had been committed for some time.

Cottrell finally decided to take his official visit and despite a report from the 247 Oregon site that he was sticking with his pledge, the 6-3, 230-pounder took an extra day following his visit to make up his mind, eventually informing the Texas coaches on Monday afternoon that he is set to become a Longhorn on Signing Day.

The 27th commitment in the 2012 class and the third over the last three days, Cottrell is a bouncy prospect and the best pure edge rusher in the class for the Longhorns, with an excellent firs step that falls just short of being elite. When unblocked on the backside of zone running plays in high school, Cottrell shows the pure speed to be able to track down plays and wreak havoc in the backfield.

Like most high school players, Cottrell will have to work on his technique both as a pass rusher and in run defense, as well as add strength, but he has some experience dropping into coverage as a former linebacker and could be used in a stand-up role if Manny Diaz wants to get him on the field early in his career. He also has the frame to eventually play at 250 pounds or more.

Despite the fact that he's a two-star prospect form ESPN (the heck?) and a three-star by Rivals, Cottrell has significant upside and could eventually become a terror off the edge as a weakside defensive end.

bryce cottrell senior highlight (via planowest12345)