Elliott opts to enter draft
AUSTIN – Texas junior safety DeShon Elliott has decided to forgo his senior season and the Longhorns’ bowl game and enter the 2018 NFL draft.
Elliott joins left tackle Connor Williams as the second member of UT’s 2015 recruiting class to declare for the draft. Junior linebacker Malik Jefferson and cornerback Kris Boyd and Holton Hill could follow suit, and maybe even punter Michael Dickson.
“It was a very difficult decision that I put a lot of thought into,” Elliott said in a statement. “I want to thank my coaches and teammates for the support and all they’ve done to make an impact on my life. I really appreciate coach (Charlie) Strong giving me the opportunity to play and grow as a player and person at Texas. Coach (Tom) Herman has been amazing, and I’m really excited about what he’s building here. I know that Longhorn football is in good hands. Coach (Craig) Naivar and our strength coach Yancy McKnight have helped me take my game to the next level, and because of that, I feel prepared to take this next step.”
The 6-2, 210-pound defensive back was named a Thorpe Award finalist earlier this month. He is tied for second nationally with six interceptions and two return touchdowns and ranks second on the team with 63 tackles and 8½ tackles for loss.
Elliott was named defensive player of the week by both the Big 12 and Thorpe Award for his performance at Iowa State (two interceptions, one sack) on Sept. 28.
“To the awesome Longhorn fans, you have made every game in DKR an experience like no other, and for that, I thank you,” Elliott said. “And most of all, thank you to my parents for molding me into the athlete and person I am today. I couldn’t have done it without you. I am excited about the future but will forever be a Longhorn.”