This future Texas Longhorn is built different – literally – as he is turning heads in summer workouts ahead of senior season
Parker (Ala.) defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland has been committed to the Texas Longhorns since June. So, most Texas fans already know who he is since he is a four-star prospect whom 247Sports ranks as the 53rd overall prospect.But, if folks didn’t already know who Cleveland was, they certainly do now after a summer workout video […]
Parker (Ala.) defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland has been committed to the Texas Longhorns since June. So, most Texas fans already know who he is since he is a four-star prospect whom 247Sports ranks as the 53rd overall prospect.
But, if folks didn’t already know who Cleveland was, they certainly do now after a summer workout video surfaced. The 6-foot-3, 330 pound recruit was seen getting in some serious work before his senior season begins – working on explosion through transitions.
Vodney Cleveland is a Top 60 prospect for a reason.
“He’s a hard-working kid,” Parker head coach Frank Warren told Horns247. “He’s a quiet giant, but when he gets on that field he turns it up another notch. He puts in the work. He’s a yes sir, no sir type of kid. He does everything the right way on and off the field. He’s going to be one of those kids that’s successful.”
Cleveland’s head coach has been in awe of his ability since he transferred over from Prattville prior to his junior season. The Texas commit was a key cog for Parker as it won the 6A title in 2024.
“He’s still raw at the D-line,” Warren said. “Not saying he’s not good. But he’s got growing to do. He hasn’t reached his potential and that’s scary. He shows a lot of good flashes. He’s probably been playing a couple years at the D-line position but once he reaches his full potential he’s going to be scary.”
Vodney Cleveland’s head coach feels like he has all the makings of someone who could play professionally.
Last season, Cleveland had 50 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks despite dealing with double and sometimes triple teams. In one game against Warren (Ala.), Warren recalls a play which signaled to him this particular young man was different.
“It was one play in the second round, he punched this kid on the O-line, man,” Warren said. “He knocked him about four yards back into the running back. He made the O-lineman tackle the running back. That just shows he’s a Sunday player right there.”
247Sports’ national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna thinks Cleveland could potentially be an instant impact player for the Longhorns in 2026.
“Quick twitch explosive interior defensive lineman that shows the ability to consistently win with first step quickness and power at the point of attack. Possesses a collegiate ready frame, verified north of 300-pounds that should help him transition to the collegiate game with relative ease,” Petagna said. “Plays predominantly in an odd front at Parker High School, displaying the ability to play multiple positions on the defensive line, including nose tackle.
“Plays with outstanding force on the interior, exhibiting the ability to take on and defeat double teams in the run game while also demonstrating a unique ability to generate pass rush as evidenced by his 5.5 sacks as a junior,” Petagna said. “High floor prospect that projects as an impact starter at the Power Four level possessing the frame and physical ability to provide immediate value on Saturdays.”
