It’s a great day to be a Texas Longhorn. Following the massive commitment of Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Justus Terry to Texas, elite EDGE signee Lance Jackson, a top recruit in the Longhorns’ 2024 class, shared his excitement about the future of the program. Jackson, already considered a cornerstone of Texas’ defensive recruiting efforts, didn’t hold back when reacting to the news, emphasizing how Terry’s addition elevates Texas to a new level.
Jackson, who committed to Texas last year and is widely regarded as one of the top EDGE rushers in the 2024 class, took to social media shortly after Terry’s announcement to celebrate. In a tweet, Jackson wrote:
> “Let’s gooo‼️ Welcome to the family, big dawg! We’re about to take over 💪🤘 #HookEm.”
The excitement was palpable as Jackson recognized the immediate impact a player of Terry’s caliber could bring to the defensive line. In interviews following the announcement, Jackson elaborated:
> “This is huge for us. Justus is a game-changer. I’ve been watching his tape for a while, and I can’t wait to line up next to him. We’re building something special here at Texas, and this is just the beginning.”
With Jackson and Terry now set to join forces, the Longhorns’ defensive front is shaping up to be one of the most fearsome in college football. Jackson, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound EDGE rusher from Texarkana, Texas, is known for his explosive first step and relentless motor. He excels at pressuring quarterbacks and creating chaos off the edge.
Pairing Jackson’s speed and agility with Terry’s raw power and dominance in the interior creates a dynamic duo that will be difficult for opposing offenses to contain. The combination of their skills gives Texas the versatility to adapt to any offensive scheme, whether it’s stopping the run or getting after the quarterback.
For Jackson, Terry’s commitment is a validation of what head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski have been preaching to recruits: Texas is serious about building a championship-caliber defense.
“This just shows that top players believe in what we’re doing,” Jackson said. “We’re not just here to compete—we’re here to win. Adding a guy like Justus makes everyone better, and it’s going to be special to see how we all push each other.”
Terry’s arrival will also make life easier for players like Jackson, who will benefit from the attention Terry will command on the line. With offensive lines likely focusing on double-teaming Terry, Jackson will have more opportunities to exploit one-on-one matchups off the edge, setting the stage for a breakout college career.
For Texas fans, the combination of Jackson and Terry represents the cornerstone of what could become one of the most dominant defenses in the SEC. As the Longhorns prepare for their transition into the conference in 2024, securing elite defensive talent like Jackson and Terry is critical to competing with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
Jackson made it clear that he’s ready to embrace the challenge:
> “The SEC is no joke, but neither are we. We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the coaches, and now we’ve got the pieces to make a statement. I’m just excited to get to work and make something happen.”
With Lance Jackson and Justus Terry anchoring the defensive line, the Longhorns’ future looks incredibly bright. The chemistry between these two elite recruits is already building, and their shared determination to bring championships back to Austin is evident.
For Texas, the message is clear: the Longhorns are no longer just assembling talent—they’re building a powerhouse. And for Lance Jackson, Terry’s commitment is the spark that could ignite something truly special in Austin.