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It’s still early into fall camp for the Texas Longhorns, but DeShon Elliott reportedly hasn’t wasted any time making his move up the depth chart.

The sophomore safety from Rockwall (Rockwall-Heath) has been sharing reps with the No. 1 defense with junior Jason Hall in recent closed practices, sources have told Horns247. Hall missing a significant portion of spring practice with an injury allowed Elliott (6-1, 202) the chance to earn significant reps with the first unit, opening the door for the former 247Sports Composite four-star prospect to stake his claim to a starting spot.

Defensive coordinator Vance Bedford and Elliott’s teammates said throughout the offseason that the physical tools are all there for Elliott. However, learning the position inside and out and playing assignment-sound football would be his biggest hurdle to seeing playing time over an established veteran like Hall. According to senior safety Kevin Vaccaro, Elliott came into camp prepared, hit the ground running and looks like he’s putting things together nicely.

“He’s been coming along, especially from last year just learning the defense and everything,” Vaccaro said. “He’s got it all down.”

Camp is already off to a better start for Elliott than what he went through last August. A toe injury during the first contact period of the preseason forced Elliott out of action until the Oklahoma game on Oct. 10.

Elliott, who was listed at 215 pounds as a true freshman, has made strides mentally and physically since he recorded four tackles and broke up a pass in a season-ending win over Baylor, showing the production that could have made him a starter last season had he not been injured. In addition to being listed 13 pounds lighter than he was last season, Elliott has looked leaner during this camp and appears to have benefitted greatly from his offseason work with head strength coach Pat Moorer.

Not only does Elliott have tremendous size, Vaccaro said, the slimmer Elliott has shown no signs of relinquishing his reputation as a fierce hitter.

“We have the same mentality of wanting to knock people out,” Vaccaro said. “It’s fun being back there with him.”

Elliott is a hitter who happens to also bring ball skills to the field. His two interceptions last season made him one of only 11 freshmen in program history to intercept two or more passes as a rookie.

If Elliott can keep surging he’ll give the Longhorns the kind of athleticism the coaches went into the offseason wanting to upgrade the safety position with. The former Under Armour All-America selection is off to a good start and could wind up giving Hall, who has 18 starts in 24 career games, a run for his money.

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