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TE Malcolm Epps, Spring Dekaney

Recruitment: Epps became a national name during his sophomore season. Epps made an early commitment to Alabama, but he re-opened his recruitment this spring. A four-star prospect, Epps committed to Texas over offers from Texas A&M, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska and Ohio State. At 6-foot-5.5, 218 pounds, Epps is currently ranked as the No. 7 tight end in the country and No. 22 overall prospect in Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite.

Strengths: Epps has great size with an excellent wingspan. His physical development is advanced for a high school prospect, and he has room to add more weight. He can play in-line or flexed out, and he moves well for his size. Epps uses his leaping ability and impressive length to win on jump balls, and he shows strong catching ability. Epps shows decent burst with good straight-line speed which helps him attack down the seam and push defenses vertically. He tracks the ball well and adjusts with strong body control. As a blocker, Epps shows effort and uses his long arms to reach opponents. He’s also athletic enough to engage second-level defenders in space. Epps also shows some surprising versatility as a competent deep snapper on punt team.

Areas for improvement: Epps will need to improve the sharpness of his route running and work on playing behind his pads when he encounters contact. Though he shows a willingness to block, he will need to work on improving his technique including foot width, hand placement and pad level.

Fit for Texas: Texas has been wandering through the desert looking for an answer to a decade-long problem at the tight end position. Epps will need to add weight to his frame and improve several aspects of his game before he’s ready for playing time. If Epps can improve his blocking ability and fine tune the route running in his game, he will be a weapon for Herman’s offense. Expect him to take a redshirt year unless something drastic happens.