Well, well, well: Strong pulls a rabbit out of his hat yet again. In the biggest recruiting surprise since Tren’Davian Dickson, the staff lands Malcolm Roach who, to this point, did not hold a public offer from Texas. This caught us by surprise. Kind of.

From the Inside Scoop before July’s Under the Lights:

“DE Malcolm Roach, Madison Prep (Baton Rouge, LA): If this cat’s really 6-foot-4, 245, (I think he’s 6-2) offer him the second he shows up. He has a lot to learn about football but being big and running around, hitting people isn’t included. This is the type of 3-star Strong turns into early round draft picks. My LSU guy loves him and wishes they had room. Chances for an offer: Very good if his size checks out. One thing to consider, however, is if they’re only taking one SDE, do you take this guy over J-Mad? No, so that means you offer him and keep him warm, but I wouldn’t pussy-foot long and risk losing out on both.”

Roach didn’t make it to Austin and therefore was not offered, but it turns out he was certainly deserving. However, his addition could mean the staff feels Justin Madubuike is highly unlikely. If true, that’s the only ‘con’ I can think of measured against a bunch of ‘pros’, including bounce, burst and bad intentions. Roach looks to have a long term future at SDE with a chance of 3-tech depending on where his frame takes him. When you have a player like that you know he’s a fit for multiple fronts. This isn’t Shiro Davis eating everything in sight to force a higher playing weight, Roach will be at least 275 with ease. The bigger he gets the better athlete he’ll be when compared to others at his position. A coordinated and quick athlete, Roach should generate pressure up-field and add value when in chase mode.

He’s not Madubuike or McTelvin Agim but he’s got a whole lot of positives going for him. Most importantly, Texas doesn’t get shut out at a position of great need. We expect Andrew Fitzpatrick to also be added to the position of swing d-lineman.

Some other points to consider. This is a Brick Haley ‘get’ and a good one. With New Orleans’ Peyton Aucoin, Destrehan’s Gerald Wilbon, and now Roach, perhaps UT can start lacing up some more players from Da Boot, and landing one continues to help beget others. Roach chose Texas over Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and others.

Excerpt from the Recruiting Notebook:

How he fits at Texas: Roach is the prototypical Charlie Strong recruit, a 3-star from a region known for producing football players who will probably grow into something fearsome on campus. In this case, the 6-foot-3, 250 pound kid is likely to end up a swing DL that moves between playing defensive end or tackle at 270 or even 300. Roach is capable of great violence and explosiveness over short distances and even has some attention as a linebacker and TE prospect but he’ll do his best work as a stunting DL in a defense like Charlie’s. – Ian Boyd

Coach Says: First of all, I’ve always liked defensive linemen from Louisiana. They’re big, nasty, and play with a desperate disposition. But the impressive part is seeing this 6-foot-4, 250-pound lineman split out wide, catching passes. It goes to show his athletic ability and upside. He plays a little high – needs lower pad level, but has good feet, balance, shows a good first step off the snap. He played OLB at Madison Prep, but I see him as a DE at the next level. If he can add mass without losing functionality, I could see him at WDE or even SDE with the correct weight. Lots to like about this cat. Leave it up to Brick Haley to find another gem. Did I mention he’s from Da Boot?

Highlights from the newest Texas pledge.

Roach is the 10th member of UT’s Class of 2016. He joins Obie Eboh (Southlake Carroll), Peyton Aucoin (Bother Martin, New Orleans) Tren’Davian Dickson (WR – Navasota), Collin Johnson (WR – Valley Christian (CA), Reggie Hemphill (WR – Manvel), Shane Buechele (QB – Arlington Lamar), Tope Imade (OL – Arlington Bowie), Gerald Wilbon (DL/OL – Destrehan, LA ) and DeMarco Boyd (ATH – Gilmer).

“To tell you the truth, Charlie Strong has always been one my favorite coaches,” Roach told The Advocate. “And he’s one of my Dad’s favorites too. When he called, well that just put it over the top.”