Blaine Irby Looks to Continue Proud Texas Longhorn Tradition

By Jeff Flinn, NFLHS.com

Don't try to tell Blaine Irby that he's a linebacker.

It's not that he doesn't have the size for it, at 6-3, 235.

It certainly isn't that he lacks speed -- his 4.55 time in the 40 is more akin to that of a wide receiver.

But despite the fact that he spent the majority of his time at linebacker in high school, not to mention the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, Irby will be the first to tell you that he's a tight end -- and a good one. It's a fact that played a large role in his decision to attend the University of Texas.

"Texas uses their tight ends really well down there and that's what I want to play," said the receiver from St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, Calif.

"Texas has had such great tight ends recently," Irby said. "They had (current New England Patriot) David Thomas two years ago and now you have Neale Tweedie, Jermichael Finley and Peter Ullman this year.

"I like that they get the tight ends the ball a lot in their offense."

Irby, who averaged 7.5 tackles per game as a linebacker, knows he has some work to do on the offensive side of the ball, and points to improving his route-running as a goal.

Positives he brings to the tight end position include soft hands, good blocking skills, and uncommon speed for a player his size.

Irby said one of the things that led to his interest in Texas was strong word-of-mouth.

"One of my brother's best friends went to Texas and told me how great it was, so I went down there over the summer on an unofficial visit and just loved it," he said.

And it was more than just the football atmosphere that attracted him.

"I can't explain it other than to say that Texas is great," he said. "The whole package -- the academics, the football, the town of Austin -- everything about Texas is great, so that's where I'm going."

Once again, Mack Brown has another stellar crop of recruits on the way, as evidenced by having six potential Longhorns on the victorious West squad in the All-American Bowl.

Of that incoming class of freshmen, Irby said with a wry smile, "Our recruiting class this year is just amazing. We should be representing Texas real well."

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.