Malcolm Epps talks about his decision, and his message to other recruits
Texas tight end commitment Malcolm Epps has been one of the pleasant surprises at this week’s Under Armour All-American Game practices. It’s not that Epps’ talent was ever in question – he’s regarded as one of the top prospects in the country at his position – but seeing Epps in action against some of the nation’s top defenders has shown a national audience what Texas fans have known for a while … that Epps’ size and athleticism make him a tough match-up for anyone he lines up against.
At 6-6 and 225 pounds, Epps has the size and leaping ability to take the ball away from just about any defender he faces, and his speed make him a tough cover for linebackers in the passing game.
Epps, out of Spring Dekaney, committed to the Longhorns back in August and has never looked back. He signed with Texas during the Early Signing Period, which came as a breath of fresh air both to Epps and to Longhorn fans.
"It's a weight off my shoulders -- a big gorilla off my back,” Epps said. “Nobody pushed me to do it. I did it because I wanted to. I felt like it was the right decision for me and my family. I wanted to make sure my people were okay and could come see me play. I didn't want to leave the state."
A versatile player who excels at the receiving responsibilities of the tight end position, Epps is hopeful that he can contribute to the Texas offense early, and the UT coaches have told him he’ll be used in a variety of ways.
"Outside, inside, at the fullback position sometimes -- it doesn't matter,” Epps said. “They told me they're going to use me a lot, and I like to hear that.
"I'm really trying to make an immediate impact. Some things I need to work on are my strength and my willingness to block. I like to block, but I don't love to block. I need to learn to love to block. I need to learn to love the weight room,” Epps said. “I go from football to basketball, so I don't get that offseason that straight football players get. Once I get that first offseason of straight football, I'll be okay."
Epps held more than 25 scholarship offers from programs like Texas A&M, Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, Michigan, Auburn, Florida and Florida State when he committed to Texas. He made his decision to be a Longhorn before the current Texas staff had ever coached a game in Austin, and Epps said tight ends coach Corby Meekins was a big part of his decision.
"Coach Meekins, he knew me for a little bit and the program he left from was a winning program. I trust that man,” Epps said. “I don't trust a lot of people, but I can trust him. If I can trust you, then I have no problem playing for you. And like I said, there's nothing like playing at home."
This week, Epps is joined by a number of other Texas commitments at the Under Armour All-American Game. The Longhorn recruits are working on a couple uncommitted prospects in the game, including wide receiver Joshua Moore and offensive lineman Nick Petit-Frere, but Epps said he’s not applying too much pressure on any one recruit. His message … get on board if you want to win, or risk paying for it down the road.
"If you want to be at Texas, then be at Texas. But if not, then good luck to you. When we play you, it's over," Epps said.
A vocal supporter of the Texas program, it’ll surprise no one to learn that Epps was a close observer of the Longhorns’ bowl victory over Missouri. That game, a dominating win by Texas, was a sign of things to come, Epps said.
"That was expected. We're going to come back and stir some things up in the Big 12. We'll probably be in the College Football Playoff my second or third year and win a national championship. We're going to get back to the old Texas ways and keep it rolling,” Epps said. “Hopefully, all of the guys come back and support Texas like all of the alumni did. When we make it to the league, because Texas puts guys in the league, we spend money on Texas and they become the new powerhouse of college football."