UT may pick up a transfer LBer

From Austin America Statesman:

Few incoming freshmen had more bravado than linebacker Cecil Cherry. After only four practices, he’s leaving Texas.

Cherry’s father told the American-Statesman that Cecil asked for transfer paperwork on Monday. Winston Cherry said he left another voicemail with coach Charlie Strong on Tuesday morning, and he expects Cecil to fly home to Florida on Saturday.

Cecil Cherry, Victory Christian High linebacker who's a part of the Longhorns' 2015 recruiting class. He's from Frostproof, Fla.

Orangebloods first reported that Cecil Cherry had told people inside the program he was thinking about transferring.

“I told Cecil this morning, wherever you try to go, this is going to have to be your home,” Winston Cherry said. “No matter where he goes, I told him, ‘You’re going to have to sit out.’ What he has to understand whatever we choose at this point, it has to be someone that has your best interest at heart.

“We’re not saying Texas is not a bad school. But it’s not designed for his style of defense.”

When asked what defense fits Cecil’s style, Winston Cherry said that most offensive teams spread the field.

When asked to clarify what that means, Winston Cherry said, “I’m quite sure Texas isn’t hurt by this whatsoever. They got Malik (Jefferson) and other ballplayers. That’s how I feel about it. It’s no offense against Texas. This thing about his dream, now you have to live your dream and you woke up.”

In the first few days of practice, Texas linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary got on Cecil Cherry’s case several times. “I guess at this point, him and coach Strong aren’t getting along,” Winston Cherry said.

Winston Cherry said he wanted Cecil to get the paperwork in his hands so Winston could start calling schools immediately.

From talking with Cherry’s father, it’s clear that Cecil’s decision to pick Texas over Tennessee strained their relationship. Winston Cherry said the two didn’t speak for two months.

Still, Cecil Cherry clearly bought into what Strong and the Texas coaching staff was selling.

“Football is getting me out of here, so why wouldn’t I go harder?,” Cherry told the American-Statesman just before national signing day. “Why wouldn’t I take that physicality out on the field?”

Now, it appears “Cecil the Diesel” is on the road elsewhere.

Strong has not issued any public statement on this issue yet. Texas is scheduled to have its first workout in full pads from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. Strong is scheduled to address the media afterward.

Other Texas players took to Twitter to voice their thoughts.