MESQUITE — Nearly two years ago a family friend of the Mesquite Jeffersons sent me sophomore highlights of Mike and Teresa’s youngest, Malik. I receive film all the time and watch each one exactly because of instances like this.

Immediately Malik’s combination of size and suddenness leapt from the screen. He didn’t tackle ball carriers in space, he tracked them down with effortlessness reminiscent of a cat stalking the wounded on the Serengeti. It was evident he was no ordinary player. That same day I muttered something about Longhorn great Derrick Johnson. Malik appeared to be that type of athlete.

Not 30 minutes later, I was on the phone with Malik. He sounded more cub than cheetah. He had no idea what kind of potential he had and his bashfulness was in accordance. Any college offer was hard to imagine, much less from the nation’s best programs.

From the start, it was evident Mike and Teresa were on top of their parenting duties. Malik has changed over the years, as you would expect, but not in the ways so many high profile high school athletes have. He’s become more confident, sure, but that comes with age, physical maturation, knowledge, life experience and strength. He still can’t believe all the opportunities he’s been afforded and he doesn’t take them for granted.

After numerous visits he was forced to narrow his choices. We talked about those and then came his decision.

IT: Two years ago I asked you if you thought you had a chance to make it in DI football, do you still think you have a chance?

MJ: I think I have a chance to make it in Division I football, yes sir [laughter].

IT: [laughter] I think you do too. Your last three choices are UCLA, A&M, and Texas. Break down each one.

MJ: UCLA is a great school, great fit for me, great environment, I had a great time on my visit. Texas, same thing, great environment, great staff, well rounded school. You know, A&M, great recruiting class, great coaching staff, it’s a little shaky now, but I think it’ll get better.

IT: What are you looking for in a school outside of football?

MJ: Well you look for the best opportunities outside of football and who gives me the best opportunities after I’m playing.

IT: So where are you committing?

[Malik: “Pops, can I tell him???]

MJ: Hook’em ‘horns.

IT: So you picked Texas. What put them over the top?

MJ: You have to believe in someone with a game plan and I look perfect for it.

IT: What sold you on Strong and his defense?

MJ: Trust. He’s had past experiences and he has proof of it and you have to believe in somebody who has a plan like that.

IT: You’re known as a class leader. Who can you bring with you?

MJ: I won’t influence others. I think Texas on its own name can influence others to come. If people go through the same process I did and find out the same things, then Texas will be alright.

IT: When did you know it would be Texas?

MJ: I just had a comfort level. Something with talking to my parents, I could just tell and it just clicked.

IT: So you like Charlie Strong, the Texas brand, you’re all in…what do you think he Texas can do for you as far as a football player?

MJ: I think they can develop me into something I never thought I could become. Coach Strong knows me really well.

IT: You’ll be on campus in a few weeks, what are you looking forward to the most? Actually you once showed humility and told me you knew you’d be in for some tough times during spring practice.

MJ: I’m ready to get yelled and cussed at and get used to the speed of the game and just ready to have fun…

IT: Ready for that 3rd team guard to hit you…

MJ: Yeah I’m ready for that guard to him me….I’ll take it, man.