yezzir, and Chris doesn't have the exact agility but yeah def can be productive
he played in a similar offense in HS
also I'm watching Locksley highlights again, yeah I wouldn't be surprised if we hear about him pushing the other QBs
We are the Joneses - The Official Texas Longhorns Athletics Thread
- Thread starter satam55
- Start date
he played in a similar offense in HS
also I'm watching Locksley highlights again, yeah I wouldn't be surprised if we hear about him pushing the other QBs
is darius james still on the team? 
Folks on IT think he'll end up transferring.is darius james still on the team?
big cigar or somebody else?
is darius james still on the team?
IT put this out on Friday:
A reminder: Inside Scoop information is NOT to be discussed, quoted, etc. in ANY other forum except the Members Only forum at InsideTexas.com. Anyone breaking this rule is subject to having his or her membership privileges revoked. Thank you.]
From: Eric Nahlin
Pretty slow week on the recruiting front. Things will pick up with visitors during spring practice when the coaches have something different to show recruits besides the same old campus "rigmarole."
Justin, Will, and I will be in Arlington on Sunday for the Opening Regionals. That should be fun. We'll have an Open Thread as well as stories/quotes in the following days. Justin has more on the roster for the event below.
That was a subtle way of saying I'll be out and about in DFW Saturday night if anyone's around.
DARIUS JAMES
We believe he's off the team. I'd be more resolute than that but until UT releases something I guess it's not final. They like to wait, then wait some more before doing so. As I wrote a couple weeks ago, I didn't think he'd be on the team next year. Now I'm certain he won't be. He's going to transfer. The talk around the water cooler is Baylor or Oklahoma but I doubt either happens.
As it was told to me, it requires a whole lot more than just being a good athlete. He's probably the most athletic lineman on the roster but he's missing some other key components.
Perhaps we'll go into the exact reasoning after he departs officially but won't go into it further right now.
MY ALL AMERICAN
Last week the team was able to see an advanced showing of the movie commemorating the late Freddie Steinmark. If the movie affects people who are generations removed, it's going to get to pretty much everyone, especially you more seasoned people who were around for the events to unfold.
I was happy to hear the following:
"By far the best football movie I've seen. Kills Rudy, kills Radio, you name it. Made us want to cry like 15 times. Pretty much everyone was crying. I want to watch it again, but not sure if I can because I don't want to get that feeling again. It makes you feel like a 'you know what'. Everybody felt like that. The movie's legit."
We had a subscriber sing the movie's virtues not long ago. Take a gander. It sounds like a movie for everyone, not just Longhorns. I'll be eating popcorn upon its arrival. I'll be bringing Kleenex for the gal (and me).
TONY DUNGY
The Super Bowl winning coach visited campus this past week to talk with the team. Charlie's not having trouble getting big names to campus to engage with the guys.
"It was cool, but same old coach stuff, just stay focused on school, work hard, you know. Very cool that he came up and talked to us, though, but it's the same thing we hear from our coaches all the time."
OU/SAE
The Texas players certainly took note of the happenings in Norman and some of them were downright pissed. Many have decided to no longer attend parties at the UT chapter because of it.
Not very newsworthy, other than they are paying attention to the situation and like 99% of the people in this country who saw the footage are pissed.
WEST MESQUITE DUO
You all know wide receiver Dee Anderson. The LSU commit is a Top 100 player in the nation who Texas offered a month or two ago. He's an outside bread-winner with speed and size. UT could use him. As mentioned previously he's boys with Malik Jefferson and Deandre McNeal. He wasn't able to attend the Junior Day because of winter weather but he tells me he's definitely making it in this spring. He's just not sure what day that is yet.
His less heralded teammate is tight end, Donte Coleman. Coleman, the former wide receiver, is a high upside threat as a receiver while also showing the willingness to be physical in the run game. He's picking up steam and offers alike. He's been hearing from new tight end coach, Jeff Traylor, of late and plans on visiting whenever Anderson makes the trip.
Coleman is my No. 2 tight end in the state. Anderson is my No. 1 wide receiver.
ALTON ROBINSON
The Converse Judson Fox-End's stock is taking off like his school's mascot. In the last month he's picked up Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Michigan, and just yesterday, A&M and Cal. A couple weeks ago he told me he was hoping to hear from Texas. Ask and you shall receive, young man.
Vance Bedford has been in recent contact with the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder and requested that Robinson visit on March 28th. There has been no mention of an offer at this time. Robinson is behind some others at this point, but we'll see how they rate him after seeing him in person.
I'll have thoughts on Robinson's ability when I rate the Fox-Ends.
McTELVIN AGIM
The Top 130 player in the nation from Hope, Arkansas, long coveted a Texas offer and now that he received it he's dead set on visiting this spring. He tells me his target date will be the weekend of the Texas Relays. The Relays run from March 25th-28th.
MARCH 28TH
I believe, but have not confirmed, Texas will host a recruiting function on that day. One is sorely needed for two reasons; the Junior Day was a mixed bag due to weather, and by this time the team will be practicing. This provides recruits with a more functional football look at the program.
From: Justin Wells
We'll be at The Opening Regionals in Arlington on Sunday. After going through the roster, I've identified a few notables names with a tidbit added. Unlike last year with stops in Dallas and Houston, there will only be one camp in Texas. That's good and bad. Good that all the athletes will be centralized, but bad because it means less reps for kids driving 8+ hours. Here are a few of the guys we're watching. We'll have more on Sunday and Monday following the event.
2016
QB - Shane Buechele, Arlington Lamar (Texas commit). This is where Shane gets to work. He gets to throw to better targets, he gets better coaching, and he gets the opportunity to recruit a few fellow teammates for 2016. Talked to him last night, and he wants that Elite 11 bid too. Work it, Booo.
QB - Tristen Wallace, Desoto. The Tech de-commit holds a Texas offer and I still think UT would take him despite nabbing Buechele early. I want to see him in the 7-on-7 setting. Can he makes reads? Go through progressions? He's either the next Duante Culpepper or he's not.
QB - Jalen Hurts, Channelview. Maybe the best dual-threat QB in the state for 2016, Hurts is very underrated. A&M offered last weekend.
RB - Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Southlake Carroll. One of Eric's favorite athletes needs a spot. RB is first.
RB - Devwah Whaley, Beaumont Central. Is he a RB or safety?
WR - Dee Anderson, West Mesquite (LSU commit). The long, lean wide receiver will be seeing Austin soon. I want to meet him and get his feelings on UT. I also want to see him against some of the nation's top DBs. Win win.
WR - Tren'Davian dikkson,Navasota. If Anderson is 1A, dikkson is 1B. dikkson told me this week he plans on visiting Texas during its spring practice in a few weeks. Getting the most natural pass-catcher in TX on campus has to be a priority.
WR - Reggie Hemphill, Manvel (Texas commit). Hemphill always looks good in these settings.
TE - JC Chalk, Argyle (Clemson commit). The h-back from Argyle gets reps at TE. This will tell us much about his ability and if it translates to tight end at the next level.
TE - Marquise Guinn, Carthage. I was surprised to see Guinn's name on the roster. Not that he doesn't have the talent, just that he hasn't played HS football since the 3A DI State title game in December of 2013. Texas has reached out to him.
TE - Donte Coleman, West Mesquite. Eric' No. 2 in-state TE has caught UT's attention. And ours.
OL - Tope Imade, Arlington Bowie. UT has contacted the big man from Bowie. When you squat close to 600 pounds, people take notice.
OL - JP Urquidez, Copperas Cove. The big, athletic o-lineman gets another chance to show his merits when he'll face some speedy pass rushers in the 1-on-1 drills.
DL - Ed Oliver, Spring Westfield. I anticipate him being the carbon copy of Daylon Mack in this setting.
DL - Alton Robinson, Converse Judson. Will visit Texas soon, per Eric. That's good enough for me.
LB - DeMarco Boyd, Gilmer (Texas commit). They want him at LB so I'm curious how he handles not being able to hit people and covering in space.
LB - Deonte Williams, Plano Prestonwood. One of my favorites in the junior class, Williams often goes unnoticed, but he's certainly talented. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Williams can play sideline-to-sideline.
LB - Jordan Carmouche, Manvel. The Texas target gets his chance move up the rankings on Sunday. I feel like Jordan's one of the most under-recruited players in TX for 2016.
DB - Grayland Arnold, Kountze (Baylor commit). Arnold's Kountze Lions were knocked out of the 3A State semi-finals on Thursday so I don't know how active Arnold will be.
DB - Eric Cuffee, Waco High. Another Texas target that I feel will get a rankings boost with a great showing.
DB - Bubba Hall, Sulphur Springs. Hall is the long-armed corner from East Texas that is slowly but surely gathering college interest. A good performance on Sunday could skyrocket his exposure.
DB - Chris Brown, Alief Elsik. One of the top safeties in TX, Brown and Texas are building a nice relationship. This is a prospect that still doesn't get his due love. He can change that Sunday.
2017
QB- Shawn Robinson, Denton Guyer. The 5-star from Heard's hometown has an opportunity to shine here. He'll be one of the only 2017 quarterbacks so I definitely want to see how he stacks up against the competition.
QB - Jason Shelley, Frisco Lone Star. Undersized signal-caller with tons of ability. Holds Clemson and Nebraska offers. Will Texas bite?
WR - Hezekiah Jones, Strafford (Houston). Possibly the best receiver in-state for 2017, how will perform with the big dogs? I don't have many doubts with this kid.
LB - Anthony Hines, Plano East. I want to see what a kid with 60+ offers looks like.
DB - Jeffrey Okudah, South Grand Prairie. Okudah's offer list continues to grow with Florida State extending an offer last week. But where's his best position? I like LB, Eric sees a safety. We'll both see Sunday.
From: Eric Nahlin
Pretty slow week on the recruiting front. Things will pick up with visitors during spring practice when the coaches have something different to show recruits besides the same old campus "rigmarole."
Justin, Will, and I will be in Arlington on Sunday for the Opening Regionals. That should be fun. We'll have an Open Thread as well as stories/quotes in the following days. Justin has more on the roster for the event below.
That was a subtle way of saying I'll be out and about in DFW Saturday night if anyone's around.
DARIUS JAMES
We believe he's off the team. I'd be more resolute than that but until UT releases something I guess it's not final. They like to wait, then wait some more before doing so. As I wrote a couple weeks ago, I didn't think he'd be on the team next year. Now I'm certain he won't be. He's going to transfer. The talk around the water cooler is Baylor or Oklahoma but I doubt either happens.
As it was told to me, it requires a whole lot more than just being a good athlete. He's probably the most athletic lineman on the roster but he's missing some other key components.
Perhaps we'll go into the exact reasoning after he departs officially but won't go into it further right now.
MY ALL AMERICAN
Last week the team was able to see an advanced showing of the movie commemorating the late Freddie Steinmark. If the movie affects people who are generations removed, it's going to get to pretty much everyone, especially you more seasoned people who were around for the events to unfold.
I was happy to hear the following:
"By far the best football movie I've seen. Kills Rudy, kills Radio, you name it. Made us want to cry like 15 times. Pretty much everyone was crying. I want to watch it again, but not sure if I can because I don't want to get that feeling again. It makes you feel like a 'you know what'. Everybody felt like that. The movie's legit."
We had a subscriber sing the movie's virtues not long ago. Take a gander. It sounds like a movie for everyone, not just Longhorns. I'll be eating popcorn upon its arrival. I'll be bringing Kleenex for the gal (and me).
TONY DUNGY
The Super Bowl winning coach visited campus this past week to talk with the team. Charlie's not having trouble getting big names to campus to engage with the guys.
"It was cool, but same old coach stuff, just stay focused on school, work hard, you know. Very cool that he came up and talked to us, though, but it's the same thing we hear from our coaches all the time."
OU/SAE
The Texas players certainly took note of the happenings in Norman and some of them were downright pissed. Many have decided to no longer attend parties at the UT chapter because of it.
Not very newsworthy, other than they are paying attention to the situation and like 99% of the people in this country who saw the footage are pissed.
WEST MESQUITE DUO
You all know wide receiver Dee Anderson. The LSU commit is a Top 100 player in the nation who Texas offered a month or two ago. He's an outside bread-winner with speed and size. UT could use him. As mentioned previously he's boys with Malik Jefferson and Deandre McNeal. He wasn't able to attend the Junior Day because of winter weather but he tells me he's definitely making it in this spring. He's just not sure what day that is yet.
His less heralded teammate is tight end, Donte Coleman. Coleman, the former wide receiver, is a high upside threat as a receiver while also showing the willingness to be physical in the run game. He's picking up steam and offers alike. He's been hearing from new tight end coach, Jeff Traylor, of late and plans on visiting whenever Anderson makes the trip.
Coleman is my No. 2 tight end in the state. Anderson is my No. 1 wide receiver.
ALTON ROBINSON
The Converse Judson Fox-End's stock is taking off like his school's mascot. In the last month he's picked up Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Michigan, and just yesterday, A&M and Cal. A couple weeks ago he told me he was hoping to hear from Texas. Ask and you shall receive, young man.
Vance Bedford has been in recent contact with the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder and requested that Robinson visit on March 28th. There has been no mention of an offer at this time. Robinson is behind some others at this point, but we'll see how they rate him after seeing him in person.
I'll have thoughts on Robinson's ability when I rate the Fox-Ends.
McTELVIN AGIM
The Top 130 player in the nation from Hope, Arkansas, long coveted a Texas offer and now that he received it he's dead set on visiting this spring. He tells me his target date will be the weekend of the Texas Relays. The Relays run from March 25th-28th.
MARCH 28TH
I believe, but have not confirmed, Texas will host a recruiting function on that day. One is sorely needed for two reasons; the Junior Day was a mixed bag due to weather, and by this time the team will be practicing. This provides recruits with a more functional football look at the program.
From: Justin Wells
We'll be at The Opening Regionals in Arlington on Sunday. After going through the roster, I've identified a few notables names with a tidbit added. Unlike last year with stops in Dallas and Houston, there will only be one camp in Texas. That's good and bad. Good that all the athletes will be centralized, but bad because it means less reps for kids driving 8+ hours. Here are a few of the guys we're watching. We'll have more on Sunday and Monday following the event.
2016
QB - Shane Buechele, Arlington Lamar (Texas commit). This is where Shane gets to work. He gets to throw to better targets, he gets better coaching, and he gets the opportunity to recruit a few fellow teammates for 2016. Talked to him last night, and he wants that Elite 11 bid too. Work it, Booo.
QB - Tristen Wallace, Desoto. The Tech de-commit holds a Texas offer and I still think UT would take him despite nabbing Buechele early. I want to see him in the 7-on-7 setting. Can he makes reads? Go through progressions? He's either the next Duante Culpepper or he's not.
QB - Jalen Hurts, Channelview. Maybe the best dual-threat QB in the state for 2016, Hurts is very underrated. A&M offered last weekend.
RB - Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Southlake Carroll. One of Eric's favorite athletes needs a spot. RB is first.
RB - Devwah Whaley, Beaumont Central. Is he a RB or safety?
WR - Dee Anderson, West Mesquite (LSU commit). The long, lean wide receiver will be seeing Austin soon. I want to meet him and get his feelings on UT. I also want to see him against some of the nation's top DBs. Win win.
WR - Tren'Davian dikkson,Navasota. If Anderson is 1A, dikkson is 1B. dikkson told me this week he plans on visiting Texas during its spring practice in a few weeks. Getting the most natural pass-catcher in TX on campus has to be a priority.
WR - Reggie Hemphill, Manvel (Texas commit). Hemphill always looks good in these settings.
TE - JC Chalk, Argyle (Clemson commit). The h-back from Argyle gets reps at TE. This will tell us much about his ability and if it translates to tight end at the next level.
TE - Marquise Guinn, Carthage. I was surprised to see Guinn's name on the roster. Not that he doesn't have the talent, just that he hasn't played HS football since the 3A DI State title game in December of 2013. Texas has reached out to him.
TE - Donte Coleman, West Mesquite. Eric' No. 2 in-state TE has caught UT's attention. And ours.
OL - Tope Imade, Arlington Bowie. UT has contacted the big man from Bowie. When you squat close to 600 pounds, people take notice.
OL - JP Urquidez, Copperas Cove. The big, athletic o-lineman gets another chance to show his merits when he'll face some speedy pass rushers in the 1-on-1 drills.
DL - Ed Oliver, Spring Westfield. I anticipate him being the carbon copy of Daylon Mack in this setting.
DL - Alton Robinson, Converse Judson. Will visit Texas soon, per Eric. That's good enough for me.
LB - DeMarco Boyd, Gilmer (Texas commit). They want him at LB so I'm curious how he handles not being able to hit people and covering in space.
LB - Deonte Williams, Plano Prestonwood. One of my favorites in the junior class, Williams often goes unnoticed, but he's certainly talented. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Williams can play sideline-to-sideline.
LB - Jordan Carmouche, Manvel. The Texas target gets his chance move up the rankings on Sunday. I feel like Jordan's one of the most under-recruited players in TX for 2016.
DB - Grayland Arnold, Kountze (Baylor commit). Arnold's Kountze Lions were knocked out of the 3A State semi-finals on Thursday so I don't know how active Arnold will be.
DB - Eric Cuffee, Waco High. Another Texas target that I feel will get a rankings boost with a great showing.
DB - Bubba Hall, Sulphur Springs. Hall is the long-armed corner from East Texas that is slowly but surely gathering college interest. A good performance on Sunday could skyrocket his exposure.
DB - Chris Brown, Alief Elsik. One of the top safeties in TX, Brown and Texas are building a nice relationship. This is a prospect that still doesn't get his due love. He can change that Sunday.
2017
QB- Shawn Robinson, Denton Guyer. The 5-star from Heard's hometown has an opportunity to shine here. He'll be one of the only 2017 quarterbacks so I definitely want to see how he stacks up against the competition.
QB - Jason Shelley, Frisco Lone Star. Undersized signal-caller with tons of ability. Holds Clemson and Nebraska offers. Will Texas bite?
WR - Hezekiah Jones, Strafford (Houston). Possibly the best receiver in-state for 2017, how will perform with the big dogs? I don't have many doubts with this kid.
LB - Anthony Hines, Plano East. I want to see what a kid with 60+ offers looks like.
DB - Jeffrey Okudah, South Grand Prairie. Okudah's offer list continues to grow with Florida State extending an offer last week. But where's his best position? I like LB, Eric sees a safety. We'll both see Sunday.
Did something just happen?
good shyt bro. nah i was just reading the spring thread on the shag. this is starting to get a lil crazy. is strong ever going to have a 85 scholarship team?
i remember all the hype about james when he came out....he was supposed to be a 4 year starter....all-american, etc. wtf is up with these bum ass centex recruits?
This week's Inside Scoop:
Inside Texas Inside Scoop - 3/20/15
From: Eric Nahlin
Not too much, football wise going on with it being Spring Break. That will change this week. We'll be picking up our team coverage since there will be more news and recruiting since many visitors are expected.
I do have some on-staff expectations at a few spots.
TEAM INFO
Simply put, a lot of positions will still be up for grabs in the fall. Let's take a quick look. This is an amalgamation of various sources and some intuition.
QB: Tyrone Swoopes seems to want it more than Jerrod Heard at this point, as far as going the extra mile to become a complete quarterback. I know, I know, two state championships, he's a 'lights on' player or whatever else. Just telling you how the staff views things. Knowing this, they better put Swoopes in the greatest position possible to succeed or it's going to be a long year and short tenure at Texas for the offensive coordinator. This is a big spring for Heard.
RB: Thin at the position, expect lots walk-ons to get a lot of carries this spring. Duke Catalon is still nursing a knee but he should be good to go. J-Gray is a known at this point. They'd like to move D'Onta Foreman to linebacker but numbers might not allow it. I expect Chris Warren to make a practice or two and start familiarizing himself with the playbook. He's not going to be given much of an adjustment period. Big plans for Duke as a guy they'll move around. At least that's the word.
WR: The big battle is for reps at X between Lorenzo Joe and Dorian Leonard. Both have talent, both need to become more assertive. There's a bit of a buzz around Leonard but Joe won't let his reps go without a fight. This battle will go on into the fall, especially after the freshmen arrive. Foreman and Daje will be in the slot. Marcus Johnson will be the Z, but I expect cross training between the X's and Z's. The staff wants to get Roderick Bernard in the mix at slot but he's not healthy yet - unless you ask him. I hear he wants to go already.
TE: Like we've been saying, the staff is high on both Andrew Beck and Blake Whiteley. For Ian, I still have people associated with the team wondering why Beck was moved to offense. We know that reason, but it's still an indication of athleticism and physicality. I bet we see our fair share of 12 personnel this spring.
OL: Your guess is as good as Wick's at this point. The tackles are the biggest priority and Wickline will throw the kitchen sink at the issue. Some think it will be Hutchins-Doyle-Raulerson-Perkins-Hodges. Nickelson, while promising, may be a year away. Raulerson is said to be over 290 pounds. Hopefully he keeps his weight up as best as possible through the grueling practices. Doyle may not be the athlete Wickline wants at LG, but for a man who prides himself on having intelligent linemen, this fivesome makes sense. Big spring for all these guys, but Perkins needs to become what we know he can be.
DE: If the light comes on with Shiro Davis, he'll hold off Juco signee Quincy Vasser at SDE. I wonder how Davis and Brick Haley get along. You know who Shiro jilted at the 11th hour...The staff wants Naashon Hughes to assert himself more because if he does the sky's the limit. Caleb Bluiett, Bryce Cottrell, and Derick Roberson will factor in as well. Decently solid group with some depth, but I don't see difference makers yet. Davis has that ability, as does Hughes and Roberson. Every time I rule out Bluiett, he does something great so I'll rule him out.
DT: Hassan Ridgeway and Paul Boyette are your starters. Ridge can play 3-tech or nose, but they'll put him at the 3. Boyette is quietly one of the most popular and respected guys on the team. He played well in spots last year, but Tank Jackson will start once he's ready. Alex Norman is still on light duty. He won't be back fully active until the fall. Look for Poona Ford and Chris Nelson to have big springs. Rumph was really high on this duo. Nelson could have played last year if needed.
LB: An absolute mess. Basically there's Dalton Santos at Mike and that's it. Edwin Freeman will look to get reps behind Peter Jinkens at Will. Tim Cole is there as well. Malik Jefferson is your Sam. Anthony Wheeler, Cecil Cherry, and Cam Townsend can't get to campus fast enough. One of Wheeler/Cherry are expected to be Santos' back-up at a minimum come August.
CB: Right now it's Sheroid Evans and Duke Thomas. Jermaine Roberts is behind Thomas and I think Bryson Echols is behind Evans. Antwuan Davis is in the mix as well. People speak highly of Roberts but he's not exactly what Strong/Bedford are looking for meaning he wouldn't have been an offer. He's instinctive, has quick feet, and though he's small, he'll hit you with all he has. He has the respect of his teammates. Evans is an enigma. It requires faith to think you'll see him play half a season, much less the whole thing. Here's hoping. Two years ago I asked Manny Diaz who had the highest NFL potential on the team: "Ridge and Sheroid," was the answer. Holton Hill's place on the depth chart is in pencil. He'll get a chance to play early.
S/N: Placeholders. Nowhere are placeholders more evident than here. Even Jason Hall can expect competition I'm told (but we know that's a motivating tool). John Bonney is the most likely nickel of the group but the staff is already figuring Kris Boyd here. He's bigger, stronger, and faster. Adrain Colbert and Dylan Haines will fight for reps until August when Deshon Elliott arrives. Predicted five in the spring: Thomas-Haines-Hall-Bonney-Evans. Predicted five in the fall: Thomas-Hall-Elliott-Boyd-Evans (if Evans isn't healthy, then Hill/Roberts will battle to start).
K: The Highland Park Helmet is still your guy. I believe he'll be punting too. We'll monitor that once practice starts.
KR: Armanti Foreman and Catalon are likely here until Bernard returns. Daje may get a look here too.
PR: Not sure, a lot of guys will get looks back there. Most of the guys prefer KR to PR by a wide margin.
From: Eric Nahlin
Not too much, football wise going on with it being Spring Break. That will change this week. We'll be picking up our team coverage since there will be more news and recruiting since many visitors are expected.
I do have some on-staff expectations at a few spots.
TEAM INFO
Simply put, a lot of positions will still be up for grabs in the fall. Let's take a quick look. This is an amalgamation of various sources and some intuition.
QB: Tyrone Swoopes seems to want it more than Jerrod Heard at this point, as far as going the extra mile to become a complete quarterback. I know, I know, two state championships, he's a 'lights on' player or whatever else. Just telling you how the staff views things. Knowing this, they better put Swoopes in the greatest position possible to succeed or it's going to be a long year and short tenure at Texas for the offensive coordinator. This is a big spring for Heard.
RB: Thin at the position, expect lots walk-ons to get a lot of carries this spring. Duke Catalon is still nursing a knee but he should be good to go. J-Gray is a known at this point. They'd like to move D'Onta Foreman to linebacker but numbers might not allow it. I expect Chris Warren to make a practice or two and start familiarizing himself with the playbook. He's not going to be given much of an adjustment period. Big plans for Duke as a guy they'll move around. At least that's the word.
WR: The big battle is for reps at X between Lorenzo Joe and Dorian Leonard. Both have talent, both need to become more assertive. There's a bit of a buzz around Leonard but Joe won't let his reps go without a fight. This battle will go on into the fall, especially after the freshmen arrive. Foreman and Daje will be in the slot. Marcus Johnson will be the Z, but I expect cross training between the X's and Z's. The staff wants to get Roderick Bernard in the mix at slot but he's not healthy yet - unless you ask him. I hear he wants to go already.
TE: Like we've been saying, the staff is high on both Andrew Beck and Blake Whiteley. For Ian, I still have people associated with the team wondering why Beck was moved to offense. We know that reason, but it's still an indication of athleticism and physicality. I bet we see our fair share of 12 personnel this spring.
OL: Your guess is as good as Wick's at this point. The tackles are the biggest priority and Wickline will throw the kitchen sink at the issue. Some think it will be Hutchins-Doyle-Raulerson-Perkins-Hodges. Nickelson, while promising, may be a year away. Raulerson is said to be over 290 pounds. Hopefully he keeps his weight up as best as possible through the grueling practices. Doyle may not be the athlete Wickline wants at LG, but for a man who prides himself on having intelligent linemen, this fivesome makes sense. Big spring for all these guys, but Perkins needs to become what we know he can be.
DE: If the light comes on with Shiro Davis, he'll hold off Juco signee Quincy Vasser at SDE. I wonder how Davis and Brick Haley get along. You know who Shiro jilted at the 11th hour...The staff wants Naashon Hughes to assert himself more because if he does the sky's the limit. Caleb Bluiett, Bryce Cottrell, and Derick Roberson will factor in as well. Decently solid group with some depth, but I don't see difference makers yet. Davis has that ability, as does Hughes and Roberson. Every time I rule out Bluiett, he does something great so I'll rule him out.
DT: Hassan Ridgeway and Paul Boyette are your starters. Ridge can play 3-tech or nose, but they'll put him at the 3. Boyette is quietly one of the most popular and respected guys on the team. He played well in spots last year, but Tank Jackson will start once he's ready. Alex Norman is still on light duty. He won't be back fully active until the fall. Look for Poona Ford and Chris Nelson to have big springs. Rumph was really high on this duo. Nelson could have played last year if needed.
LB: An absolute mess. Basically there's Dalton Santos at Mike and that's it. Edwin Freeman will look to get reps behind Peter Jinkens at Will. Tim Cole is there as well. Malik Jefferson is your Sam. Anthony Wheeler, Cecil Cherry, and Cam Townsend can't get to campus fast enough. One of Wheeler/Cherry are expected to be Santos' back-up at a minimum come August.
CB: Right now it's Sheroid Evans and Duke Thomas. Jermaine Roberts is behind Thomas and I think Bryson Echols is behind Evans. Antwuan Davis is in the mix as well. People speak highly of Roberts but he's not exactly what Strong/Bedford are looking for meaning he wouldn't have been an offer. He's instinctive, has quick feet, and though he's small, he'll hit you with all he has. He has the respect of his teammates. Evans is an enigma. It requires faith to think you'll see him play half a season, much less the whole thing. Here's hoping. Two years ago I asked Manny Diaz who had the highest NFL potential on the team: "Ridge and Sheroid," was the answer. Holton Hill's place on the depth chart is in pencil. He'll get a chance to play early.
S/N: Placeholders. Nowhere are placeholders more evident than here. Even Jason Hall can expect competition I'm told (but we know that's a motivating tool). John Bonney is the most likely nickel of the group but the staff is already figuring Kris Boyd here. He's bigger, stronger, and faster. Adrain Colbert and Dylan Haines will fight for reps until August when Deshon Elliott arrives. Predicted five in the spring: Thomas-Haines-Hall-Bonney-Evans. Predicted five in the fall: Thomas-Hall-Elliott-Boyd-Evans (if Evans isn't healthy, then Hill/Roberts will battle to start).
K: The Highland Park Helmet is still your guy. I believe he'll be punting too. We'll monitor that once practice starts.
KR: Armanti Foreman and Catalon are likely here until Bernard returns. Daje may get a look here too.
PR: Not sure, a lot of guys will get looks back there. Most of the guys prefer KR to PR by a wide margin.
Part 2:
CROOTIN'
We're looking at a confident staff right now. That's why these percentages are high.
With the class being small, some of these are first come, first served. These are who I consider the main targets.
QB Tristen Wallace, Desoto: 50%. I'd love to go higher but he's crazy if he doesn't go to Ohio State. If he realizes that, Texas is cooked.
QB Xavier Gaines, Frostproof, FL: 80%. Cecil Cherry's cousin. With low numbers I'm not 100% sure they take two but I think they will.
RB Devwah Whaley, Beaumont Central: 50%. Aggies think they lead. I'm not buying that.
RB Trayveon Williams, C.E King: 60%. I like UT over A&M, but could see him at either.
WR Dee Anderson, West Mesquite: 60%. I think having Jefferson and McNeal in Austin, plus proximity makes him poised to flip from LSU. Anderson and Collin Johnson in the same class? That'd work.
TE Donte Coleman, West Mesquite: 75%. I think he gets offered and I think he hops on board after visiting.
OL Patrick Hudson, Silsbee: 33%. Strong is building a relationship with Hudson. It's a start. More from Justin later.
OL Chris Owens, Arlington Lamar: 85%. Buechele Effect, imo. Justin adds more later.
OL Kellen Diesch, Byron Nelson: 50%. I might have read this one wrong but OU scares me some. Others think he ends up at Texas. I'll call him today.
OL JP Urquidez, Copperas Cove: 75%. I can't remember if this is mcb's favorite or if it's Madubuike...
OL Jean Delance, North Mesquite: 60%. I'm not buying the A&M talk right now. We'll get a better idea after he visits UT. Land this guy and the kid's from West and UT should start chartering buses between Austin and Mesquite.
DE Mark Jackson, Cibolo Steele: 65%. How many Fox-Ends will Texas take?
DE Erick Fowler, Manor: 75%.
DE Justin Madubuike: 40%. Recruit him like his name is Chris Warren and the percentages climb to 80%.
DE McTelvin Agim, Hope, AR: 30%. This could jump considerably after he visits.
DT Kendell Jones, Killeen Shoemaker: 80%
DT Jordan Elliott, Westside: 65%. Could it be Westside, Right on Time? Did a single one of you get that reference? I'm taking the long view on the Baylor commit. Get D-Jack first and let him work on his buddy.
DT Michael Williams, FW All Saints: 60%
LB Dontavious Jackson, Alief Elsik: 80%. Any Aggies want to bet?
LB Jeffrey McCulloch, Aldine Davis: 60%
LB Jordan Carmouche, Manvel: 70%. Would Texas take a total of four linebackers in back-to-back years in a nickel conference? I think they might.
CB Eric Cuffee, Waco: 75%. Fast riser will be a big fish in the next round of network rankings.
CB Eric Monroe, North Shore: 33%. I think UT will make some noise here. Smart money is on LSU right now.
S Brandon Jones, Nacogdoches: 33%. He's backing off of naming A&M as his leader. I've never felt like he's an Aggie lock and have been saying that for a year. If he's not the best DB in the state, it's Monroe. Look for Jones and many of these other guys to visit between now and the end of spring.
S Christian Wallace, Katy Tompkins: 45%. If A&M offers him, I think he picks the Aggies.
From: Justin Wells
You build a program from the inside-out, said Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells. If you're good along the lines, the rest takes care of itself. This is also the mantra of Texas big man, Charlie Strong. He's identified a few hog mollies in which to build relationships, and ultimately, build his interior.
Texas is making a move on PATRICK HUDSON. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound offensive lineman from Silsbee and Baylor pledge has UT interest. I got a chance to catch up with the massive 5-star OL who was unable to attend the Opening Regionals in Arlington last weekend.
"No, I couldn't make it to the Opening Regionals," said the disappointed prospect who de-committed from Texas A&M last fall. "I wanted to but was unable to swing it."
What about Baylor's I-35 rival, the Longhorns?
"I might visit Texas this summer," Hudson said. "They want me to come down for the Spring game so we'll see."
Hudson didn't drop any juicy details but did mention UT has caught his attention. It's going to be tough to pull him away from Baylor. His coach and Art Briles have history and that's one reason he's a Waco Bear at the moment. But I get the sense he's still very open and will listen to other suitors. The fact he's willing to see Austin is just enough to get Strong's foot in the door.
I think Texas offers potential 5-star DT MARVIN WILSON soon. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound sophomore from Bellaire Episcopal told me he'll be visiting UT during spring practice in the next few weeks. He missed the Junior Day last month and is eagerly awaiting his next trip to Austin. After talking with Wilson, it's easy to think Texas could be his leader despite the lack of an offer. I think that offer comes once he sees the campus. Wilson is the guy that missed JD because of a prior engagement; his first date. I can't necessarily blame him for that one, none of us can. That coupled with the horrible weather was enough to keep him close to home. But he's ready to get back to the 40 Acres.
Wilson has already visited UT a few times, including attending the Under the Lights camp last summer. Wilson is an example of Strong needing to go ahead and drop that offer. Why? Because they're falling behind the rat race. Florida State, Texas A&M, USC, and Michigan have all offered recently. Not bad for the budding prospect.
Texas OL target JEAN DELANCE talks Longhorns and just about everyone else. His recruitment has been hard to dissect, but his statements have stayed the same. The key is getting Delance on campus.
"It's exciting and a little nerve racking being here," said the 6-foot-5 Delance of his Opening attendance. "But I see myself compared to these guys and know I have as much if not more talent than the others so I'm ready to get after it."
Delance has seen his recruitment skyrocket after his de-commitment from OU. Texas has his attention.
"Texas is a school I'm really interested in," Delance mentioned. "Malik (Jefferson) has been recruiting me hard. Charles Omenihu has been as well. They're just letting me know how great UT is and that I belong there. (Texas OL coach) Wickline told me he definitely wants to get me to Austin and get me on the field early, and even if they have to redshirt me, I'd contribute early as a sophomore. He said they need guys like me with my athleticism. Hopefully I make it to Texas' Spring game. That's my goal."
Delance is one that you "recruit until the end" type guys. His recruitment has really just started, to be honest. I think his relationship with Wickline and Jefferson gives the Longhorns the best shot.
Another legacy making waves in recruiting is Harker Heights' CHRIS HUGHES. The OL MVP from the Opening Regionals last weekend picked up a few new offers this week after his breakout camp performance. TCU, California, Texas Tech, and Kansas have thrown their hat in the ring. He's also the little brother of current Texas football players, Camhron and Naashon Hughes.
"Today I really saw how my talent compares to others," said the 6-foot-4, 265-pound Hughes after his camp experience. "Great coaches, great players are everywhere. It's fun to compete and see that you belong. I just want to stay humble, take what I learned, and try to apply it when I get to put the pads back on. I talk to Texas every once in awhile. They told me they want to see me at their OL camp this summer. I play offensive tackle and defensive end in HS, but I hope to play DE in college. Really, I'll play wherever my team needs me."
Spoken like a kid who's older brothers play major college football. It's easy to like this kid and we'll be keeping close tabs on him.
Can Shane Buechele land his blindside, CHRIS OWENS? That's the question. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound offensive guard from Lamar HS in Arlington has his choice of schools to choose from with almost 30 offers since last fall. Texas joined the fray last month (Texas A&M offered an hour after UT did to which an area coach text me, "They should've waited a few days, this looks bad). Now the UT staff and his high school QB are recruiting him.
"It's nice competing here at the Opening," said Owens, who sees himself as a guard in college. "You get a chance to see guys you'll be going against at the next level. I don't have any leaders right now but favor the schools from the SEC, Big 12, and ACC. I want a school with a great education and good football mix. Some of my offers are good at football, but their education department is underwhelming. It's not going to do me any good if the school's education is subpar."
Grades are important to Owens. So is getting a chance to compete at the highest level. So naturally he likes the Longhorns.
"Texas is a school I'm definitely looking at," Owens said. "Their education is one of the best. Having coach Strong is big as well. I really like Strong. He's actually one of my favorite coaches. It's easy to be interested in UT. I'm going to try and visit during Spring practice after my Spring Break. They are close (he's three hours from Austin) so that helps. And Shane has been in my ear too. Not too much, he respects my decision, but he's definitely talking up Texas. And I'm listening."
Texas will have its hands full with A&M, Alabama, and LSU, but you have to like the foundation they've laid with Owens.
We're looking at a confident staff right now. That's why these percentages are high.
With the class being small, some of these are first come, first served. These are who I consider the main targets.
QB Tristen Wallace, Desoto: 50%. I'd love to go higher but he's crazy if he doesn't go to Ohio State. If he realizes that, Texas is cooked.
QB Xavier Gaines, Frostproof, FL: 80%. Cecil Cherry's cousin. With low numbers I'm not 100% sure they take two but I think they will.
RB Devwah Whaley, Beaumont Central: 50%. Aggies think they lead. I'm not buying that.
RB Trayveon Williams, C.E King: 60%. I like UT over A&M, but could see him at either.
WR Dee Anderson, West Mesquite: 60%. I think having Jefferson and McNeal in Austin, plus proximity makes him poised to flip from LSU. Anderson and Collin Johnson in the same class? That'd work.
TE Donte Coleman, West Mesquite: 75%. I think he gets offered and I think he hops on board after visiting.
OL Patrick Hudson, Silsbee: 33%. Strong is building a relationship with Hudson. It's a start. More from Justin later.
OL Chris Owens, Arlington Lamar: 85%. Buechele Effect, imo. Justin adds more later.
OL Kellen Diesch, Byron Nelson: 50%. I might have read this one wrong but OU scares me some. Others think he ends up at Texas. I'll call him today.
OL JP Urquidez, Copperas Cove: 75%. I can't remember if this is mcb's favorite or if it's Madubuike...
OL Jean Delance, North Mesquite: 60%. I'm not buying the A&M talk right now. We'll get a better idea after he visits UT. Land this guy and the kid's from West and UT should start chartering buses between Austin and Mesquite.
DE Mark Jackson, Cibolo Steele: 65%. How many Fox-Ends will Texas take?
DE Erick Fowler, Manor: 75%.
DE Justin Madubuike: 40%. Recruit him like his name is Chris Warren and the percentages climb to 80%.
DE McTelvin Agim, Hope, AR: 30%. This could jump considerably after he visits.
DT Kendell Jones, Killeen Shoemaker: 80%
DT Jordan Elliott, Westside: 65%. Could it be Westside, Right on Time? Did a single one of you get that reference? I'm taking the long view on the Baylor commit. Get D-Jack first and let him work on his buddy.
DT Michael Williams, FW All Saints: 60%
LB Dontavious Jackson, Alief Elsik: 80%. Any Aggies want to bet?
LB Jeffrey McCulloch, Aldine Davis: 60%
LB Jordan Carmouche, Manvel: 70%. Would Texas take a total of four linebackers in back-to-back years in a nickel conference? I think they might.
CB Eric Cuffee, Waco: 75%. Fast riser will be a big fish in the next round of network rankings.
CB Eric Monroe, North Shore: 33%. I think UT will make some noise here. Smart money is on LSU right now.
S Brandon Jones, Nacogdoches: 33%. He's backing off of naming A&M as his leader. I've never felt like he's an Aggie lock and have been saying that for a year. If he's not the best DB in the state, it's Monroe. Look for Jones and many of these other guys to visit between now and the end of spring.
S Christian Wallace, Katy Tompkins: 45%. If A&M offers him, I think he picks the Aggies.
From: Justin Wells
You build a program from the inside-out, said Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells. If you're good along the lines, the rest takes care of itself. This is also the mantra of Texas big man, Charlie Strong. He's identified a few hog mollies in which to build relationships, and ultimately, build his interior.
Texas is making a move on PATRICK HUDSON. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound offensive lineman from Silsbee and Baylor pledge has UT interest. I got a chance to catch up with the massive 5-star OL who was unable to attend the Opening Regionals in Arlington last weekend.
"No, I couldn't make it to the Opening Regionals," said the disappointed prospect who de-committed from Texas A&M last fall. "I wanted to but was unable to swing it."
What about Baylor's I-35 rival, the Longhorns?
"I might visit Texas this summer," Hudson said. "They want me to come down for the Spring game so we'll see."
Hudson didn't drop any juicy details but did mention UT has caught his attention. It's going to be tough to pull him away from Baylor. His coach and Art Briles have history and that's one reason he's a Waco Bear at the moment. But I get the sense he's still very open and will listen to other suitors. The fact he's willing to see Austin is just enough to get Strong's foot in the door.
I think Texas offers potential 5-star DT MARVIN WILSON soon. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound sophomore from Bellaire Episcopal told me he'll be visiting UT during spring practice in the next few weeks. He missed the Junior Day last month and is eagerly awaiting his next trip to Austin. After talking with Wilson, it's easy to think Texas could be his leader despite the lack of an offer. I think that offer comes once he sees the campus. Wilson is the guy that missed JD because of a prior engagement; his first date. I can't necessarily blame him for that one, none of us can. That coupled with the horrible weather was enough to keep him close to home. But he's ready to get back to the 40 Acres.
Wilson has already visited UT a few times, including attending the Under the Lights camp last summer. Wilson is an example of Strong needing to go ahead and drop that offer. Why? Because they're falling behind the rat race. Florida State, Texas A&M, USC, and Michigan have all offered recently. Not bad for the budding prospect.
Texas OL target JEAN DELANCE talks Longhorns and just about everyone else. His recruitment has been hard to dissect, but his statements have stayed the same. The key is getting Delance on campus.
"It's exciting and a little nerve racking being here," said the 6-foot-5 Delance of his Opening attendance. "But I see myself compared to these guys and know I have as much if not more talent than the others so I'm ready to get after it."
Delance has seen his recruitment skyrocket after his de-commitment from OU. Texas has his attention.
"Texas is a school I'm really interested in," Delance mentioned. "Malik (Jefferson) has been recruiting me hard. Charles Omenihu has been as well. They're just letting me know how great UT is and that I belong there. (Texas OL coach) Wickline told me he definitely wants to get me to Austin and get me on the field early, and even if they have to redshirt me, I'd contribute early as a sophomore. He said they need guys like me with my athleticism. Hopefully I make it to Texas' Spring game. That's my goal."
Delance is one that you "recruit until the end" type guys. His recruitment has really just started, to be honest. I think his relationship with Wickline and Jefferson gives the Longhorns the best shot.
Another legacy making waves in recruiting is Harker Heights' CHRIS HUGHES. The OL MVP from the Opening Regionals last weekend picked up a few new offers this week after his breakout camp performance. TCU, California, Texas Tech, and Kansas have thrown their hat in the ring. He's also the little brother of current Texas football players, Camhron and Naashon Hughes.
"Today I really saw how my talent compares to others," said the 6-foot-4, 265-pound Hughes after his camp experience. "Great coaches, great players are everywhere. It's fun to compete and see that you belong. I just want to stay humble, take what I learned, and try to apply it when I get to put the pads back on. I talk to Texas every once in awhile. They told me they want to see me at their OL camp this summer. I play offensive tackle and defensive end in HS, but I hope to play DE in college. Really, I'll play wherever my team needs me."
Spoken like a kid who's older brothers play major college football. It's easy to like this kid and we'll be keeping close tabs on him.
Can Shane Buechele land his blindside, CHRIS OWENS? That's the question. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound offensive guard from Lamar HS in Arlington has his choice of schools to choose from with almost 30 offers since last fall. Texas joined the fray last month (Texas A&M offered an hour after UT did to which an area coach text me, "They should've waited a few days, this looks bad). Now the UT staff and his high school QB are recruiting him.
"It's nice competing here at the Opening," said Owens, who sees himself as a guard in college. "You get a chance to see guys you'll be going against at the next level. I don't have any leaders right now but favor the schools from the SEC, Big 12, and ACC. I want a school with a great education and good football mix. Some of my offers are good at football, but their education department is underwhelming. It's not going to do me any good if the school's education is subpar."
Grades are important to Owens. So is getting a chance to compete at the highest level. So naturally he likes the Longhorns.
"Texas is a school I'm definitely looking at," Owens said. "Their education is one of the best. Having coach Strong is big as well. I really like Strong. He's actually one of my favorite coaches. It's easy to be interested in UT. I'm going to try and visit during Spring practice after my Spring Break. They are close (he's three hours from Austin) so that helps. And Shane has been in my ear too. Not too much, he respects my decision, but he's definitely talking up Texas. And I'm listening."
Texas will have its hands full with A&M, Alabama, and LSU, but you have to like the foundation they've laid with Owens.
Spade
Superstar
I don't like hearing that news about the QB position.
scout HD info on a variety of stuff:
SPRING FOOTBALL IS HERE!! SO LET'S GO POSITION BY POSITION
If we started anywhere other than the QB position, you'd throw things. (You may throw things anyway! ... Kidding. ... Sort of ...)
QUARTERBACK - There's good news and bad news, and you may not be able to tell the difference.
Good news is Tyrone Swoopes appears to have a take-no-prisoners mindset after basically being thrown off the team in the minds of the fan base and more than a few of us, eh hmm, in the media.
I'll be honest, after watching the slow - at times inept - decision-making of Swoopes right to the end of the Texas Bowl, I put a toe tag on his college career at Texas.
But it was more than clear Wednesday this offense is 100 percent changed.
It is all up-tempo, all shotgun, all the time. And that's the offense Swoopes loves. It's also the offense Jerrod Heard loves. It's the offense that all the players in the state of Texas seem to love. And that's why Charlie Strong is going there.
One of the first periods of practice for the offense was dedicated ENTIRELY to speed sweep handoffs to the likes of Daje Johnson, Roderick Bernard (won't take part in contact this spring - knee) and Jacorey Warrick. I was in such disbelief, I nearly passed out.
So let's see if Heard can stabilize from the high highs and low lows we saw on the first day of spring ball Wednesday.
One second, Heard was hitting Jacorey Warrick perfectly in stride on a deep ball in 2-minute drill in 11-on-11. The next, he's skipping passes 5 yards short of the receiver or throwing late and getting easily picked off (by Bryson Echols).
Swoopes looked calm and decisive, delivering some really nice strikes in 11-on-11, including a ball to Lorenzo Joe in traffic on a crossing route and to Marcus Johnson on an out route vs Sheroid Evans.
It's EARLY. The first day of spring ball. But there's no question Swoopes is the leader of this position group right now in an offense he's much more comfortable running - behind an offensive line that looks like it has a chance to improve.
"Tyrone's the leader right now because he has more experience and knows what to do," RB Johnathan Gray said. "Jerrod's growing up a lot and is doing what he's asked to do. It's Tyrone's job now, and we'll see."
OFFENSIVE LINE - It's the first day of spring, and the media was allowed to watch practice, so everyone is going to over analyze everything. But there seemed to be a loud message sent at right tackle, where Camrhon Hughes was lining up when last we met.
No more. It was JUCO transfer Tristan Nickelson with the 1s being backed up by true freshman early enrollee Garrett Thomas.
Again, it's Day 1. Wickline will mix and match lineups the way Derek Jeter mixes and matches super models.
So, the first-team OL was: LT Marcus Hutchins, LG Sed Flowers, C Taylor Doyle, RG Kent Perkins, RT Nickelson.
Second-team OL: LT Connor Williams, LG Brandon Hodges, C Jake Raulerson, RG Elijah Rodriguez RT Garrett Thomas
One moment in practice that totally captured my attention was OC/O-line coach Joe Wickline taking a couple minutes off to the side to talk to Garrett Thomas in a totally constructive, totally instructive, totally respectful way.
It was a proud mentor-builds-prized pupil type moment. It was nothing like any moment I experienced or heard about last season between Wickline and ANY player at right tackle (Kennedy Estelle, Darius James, Jake Raulerson, Camrhon Hughes).
This is a new dawn and a new day on the offensive line. And enough people I trust have told me they believe in the futures of Connor Williams at LT and Garrett Thomas at RT that I am now a full-blown believer in both. They are the future at these positions, and if they are talented enough to move into the starting role at some point this season, Wickline will do it and let them grow on the job.
The fact it's the true freshman Williams at LT and JUCO transfer Brandon Hodges at LG tells you a lot. Even if things change.
RECEIVER/TIGHT END - The starting receiver group on Wednesday was Daje Johnson, Lorenzo Joe and Marcus Johnson with Andrew Beck at TE.
The second-team WR group was Jacorey Warrick, Dorian Leonard and Armanti Foreman (who was out of practice Weds because of a class conflict) with Blake Whiteley at TE.
Warrick had a bad drop on Wednesday, but overall it was a good day of work for that group.
And THE CATCH OF THE DAY came on a one-handed grab on a crossing route over the middle by Andrew Beck that he had to juggle with his left hand twice before corralling the ball with that left hand.
Beck has a little something at that TE position - so whenever the offense puts a TE on the field, he'll be a fun player to watch.
I hope the play-calling law firm of Wickline and Watson weren't teasing us on Wednesday with that period dedicated to speed sweep handoffs. If they weren't teasing us, there is going to be a concerted effort to get the ball in the hands of the blazers - Daje, Bernard, Warrick, Foreman and, ultimately, Ryan Newsome.
RUNNING BACK - Johnathan Gray is the man, and he knows it.
A year ago, at this time, it was all about RB by committee - Joe Bergeron, Malcolm Brown and Gray.
This season, it will be Gray, Gray and Gray until other RBs on the roster can prove they are worthy of taking carries from a veteran who simply outworks everyone else and is the first to arrive and the last to leave.
Gray, who ran for 637 yards (4.3 ypc) and 7 TDs in 2014, knows it's time to step up. He's never rushed for more than 780 yards in a season (2013, 4.9 ypc, 4 TDs).
"It's time to grow up," Gray said. "I feel like I can do better for this team and put the offense in a better position."
And make no mistake - Gray loves the new offense.
"We ran this offense when Applewhite was here," Gray said. "I like how it spreads out everything, so you can run and pass and it helps the offensive line, too. It keeps the defense guessing, and we're going up-tempo - and the tempo is really fast."
[Chip Brown]
*****
DEFENSIVE NOTES/OBSERVATIONS FROM WEDNESDAY’S PRACTICE
First-team D (mostly in 3-4 in nickel):
LE Hassan Ridgeway, NT Paul Boyette, RE Shiro Davis, OLB Dalton Santos, MLB Peter Jinkens, OLB Naashon Hughes, LCB Sheroid Evans, S Jason Hall, S Dylan Haines, RCB Duke Thomas, NCB John Bonney
Second-team D:
LE Bryce Cottrell, NT Alex Norman/Jake McMillon (back on D after move to OL last season), RE Poona Ford, OLB Tim Cole, MLB Ed Freeman, OLB Malik Jefferson, LCB Bryson Echols, S Kevin Vaccaro, S Adrian Colbert, RCB Antwuan Davis, NCB Jermaine Roberts
****
Brick Haley and Brian Jean-Mary were easily the two most ferocious coaches that I saw. Jean-Mary was not too happy with Ed Freeman a couple of points today.
***
Jake McMillon has been moved back to the defensive side of the ball after spending last season as a reserve offensive linemen to help with numbers. He worked at DT on the second and third-teams and actually made a few plays. The dude can play. He was the first-ever four-year starter at Abilene. He’s going to get a long look with all the injuries across the defensive front. Let’s see if he can take advantage of the opportunity.
***
Before the team went into full offense vs. defense mode the front seven’s for both sides went head-to-head. When this was going on Malik Jefferson worked with the first-team as an inside backer along with Jinkens (MLB) and Santos (OLB).
***
Speaking of Santos, I noticed that he was the only one from the team that ran the long way (roughly an extra 3/10 of a mile) after practice was over. I saw him because he almost trampled me. OLB is not ideal for Santos. Whether he knows that or not, kudos to him for taking the extra time to do a little more conditioning.
***
I thought John Bonney had a really good opening practice. He’s a big body but has incredible bend and, as Duke Thomas noted afterwards, is extremely intelligent. He is an ideal nickel because of his smarts, quickness, and size. Jermaine Roberts was the second-team nickel. He had one interception. Kevin Vaccaro was the beneficiary of a tipped ball thrown by Jerrod Heard. That interception was one of two I saw Heard throw.
***
Duke Thomas was matched up on Lorenzo Joe for most of the afternoon and really looked good. In fact, I can’t recall Joe recording one reception with Thomas on him.
***
Jason Hall is a grown man at free safety. One thing I did see Chris Vaughn get on him for was him losing his feet turning in-and-out of breaks. Vaughn stressed to him that stuff like that simply can’t happen as the last line of defense.
Quincy Vasser was working with the third team defense. Not sure how much of that is because of the knee injury he is trying to work through.
This could already sound cliché given how often we sing his praises, but the game already seems to be slowing down for Malik Jefferson. He just gets it. Duke Thomas touched on the fact that Jefferson is extremely humble and is always asking him questions and doing the extra things right now.
Sheroid Evans went through full team drills, and looked solid, but I did notice that he was on the complete opposite side of the field where the DBs were when they were doing individual drills. Evans was talking it up with Quandre Diggs. Not sure why he wasn’t working out with the other DBs.
***
Duke Thomas said that Evans hasn’t lost any of his track speed and still remains one of the fastest guys on the team. The two of them are a formidable duo at CB. Add Bonney to the mix at nickel. Sprinkle in some Dylan Haines, who has a knack for finding the ball, get Jason Hall moving down hill, add these true freshman to the mix and you’ve got the makings for a pretty dangerous secondary.
***
Will this be the season Antwuan Davis finally steps up and lives up to the hype he brought with him from Bastrop? Davis certainly looks the part. It’s going to be hard for him to see the field working behind Thomas. He didn’t make any wow plays Wednesday, but didn’t get beat either.
***
The decision to play Jinkens at MLB could pay off in droves if the Dallas Skyline product can harness some of that swag into his playmaking abilities. Jinkens has the size and can hit as well as anyone. If he can get the defensive calls down, and grow into that QB on D roll, his athleticism, I assume, would be much more preferred than Santos’.
***
Hassan Ridgeway is going to have a monster year. One of his biggest issues last season was not playing with that fire all the time and getting down on himself too easily. That’s not the case from what I hear, and what I saw Wednesday. He’s going to be a handful, especially if/when Tank Johnson is healthy.
***
Poona had a solid first day. He's gotten bigger.
***
Overall I thought the intensity of the defense was good for a first practice. They definitely seemed more in tune with what was going on this time a year ago, which obviously makes sense. Still waiting to see who those vocal leaders – those big dogs on the porch – are going to be for this defense. They’ve got those guys in Tank and Santos but are going to need some more alpha dogs to emerge to replace the voices of Quandre Diggs, Jordan Hicks, Cedric Reed and Malcom Brown.
***
Daje Johnson and Marcus Johnson were the two punt returners. Nick Rose was the first punter.
[William Wilkerson]
If we started anywhere other than the QB position, you'd throw things. (You may throw things anyway! ... Kidding. ... Sort of ...)
QUARTERBACK - There's good news and bad news, and you may not be able to tell the difference.
Good news is Tyrone Swoopes appears to have a take-no-prisoners mindset after basically being thrown off the team in the minds of the fan base and more than a few of us, eh hmm, in the media.
I'll be honest, after watching the slow - at times inept - decision-making of Swoopes right to the end of the Texas Bowl, I put a toe tag on his college career at Texas.
But it was more than clear Wednesday this offense is 100 percent changed.
It is all up-tempo, all shotgun, all the time. And that's the offense Swoopes loves. It's also the offense Jerrod Heard loves. It's the offense that all the players in the state of Texas seem to love. And that's why Charlie Strong is going there.
One of the first periods of practice for the offense was dedicated ENTIRELY to speed sweep handoffs to the likes of Daje Johnson, Roderick Bernard (won't take part in contact this spring - knee) and Jacorey Warrick. I was in such disbelief, I nearly passed out.
So let's see if Heard can stabilize from the high highs and low lows we saw on the first day of spring ball Wednesday.
One second, Heard was hitting Jacorey Warrick perfectly in stride on a deep ball in 2-minute drill in 11-on-11. The next, he's skipping passes 5 yards short of the receiver or throwing late and getting easily picked off (by Bryson Echols).
Swoopes looked calm and decisive, delivering some really nice strikes in 11-on-11, including a ball to Lorenzo Joe in traffic on a crossing route and to Marcus Johnson on an out route vs Sheroid Evans.
It's EARLY. The first day of spring ball. But there's no question Swoopes is the leader of this position group right now in an offense he's much more comfortable running - behind an offensive line that looks like it has a chance to improve.
"Tyrone's the leader right now because he has more experience and knows what to do," RB Johnathan Gray said. "Jerrod's growing up a lot and is doing what he's asked to do. It's Tyrone's job now, and we'll see."
OFFENSIVE LINE - It's the first day of spring, and the media was allowed to watch practice, so everyone is going to over analyze everything. But there seemed to be a loud message sent at right tackle, where Camrhon Hughes was lining up when last we met.
No more. It was JUCO transfer Tristan Nickelson with the 1s being backed up by true freshman early enrollee Garrett Thomas.
Again, it's Day 1. Wickline will mix and match lineups the way Derek Jeter mixes and matches super models.
So, the first-team OL was: LT Marcus Hutchins, LG Sed Flowers, C Taylor Doyle, RG Kent Perkins, RT Nickelson.
Second-team OL: LT Connor Williams, LG Brandon Hodges, C Jake Raulerson, RG Elijah Rodriguez RT Garrett Thomas
One moment in practice that totally captured my attention was OC/O-line coach Joe Wickline taking a couple minutes off to the side to talk to Garrett Thomas in a totally constructive, totally instructive, totally respectful way.
It was a proud mentor-builds-prized pupil type moment. It was nothing like any moment I experienced or heard about last season between Wickline and ANY player at right tackle (Kennedy Estelle, Darius James, Jake Raulerson, Camrhon Hughes).
This is a new dawn and a new day on the offensive line. And enough people I trust have told me they believe in the futures of Connor Williams at LT and Garrett Thomas at RT that I am now a full-blown believer in both. They are the future at these positions, and if they are talented enough to move into the starting role at some point this season, Wickline will do it and let them grow on the job.
The fact it's the true freshman Williams at LT and JUCO transfer Brandon Hodges at LG tells you a lot. Even if things change.
RECEIVER/TIGHT END - The starting receiver group on Wednesday was Daje Johnson, Lorenzo Joe and Marcus Johnson with Andrew Beck at TE.
The second-team WR group was Jacorey Warrick, Dorian Leonard and Armanti Foreman (who was out of practice Weds because of a class conflict) with Blake Whiteley at TE.
Warrick had a bad drop on Wednesday, but overall it was a good day of work for that group.
And THE CATCH OF THE DAY came on a one-handed grab on a crossing route over the middle by Andrew Beck that he had to juggle with his left hand twice before corralling the ball with that left hand.
Beck has a little something at that TE position - so whenever the offense puts a TE on the field, he'll be a fun player to watch.
I hope the play-calling law firm of Wickline and Watson weren't teasing us on Wednesday with that period dedicated to speed sweep handoffs. If they weren't teasing us, there is going to be a concerted effort to get the ball in the hands of the blazers - Daje, Bernard, Warrick, Foreman and, ultimately, Ryan Newsome.
RUNNING BACK - Johnathan Gray is the man, and he knows it.
A year ago, at this time, it was all about RB by committee - Joe Bergeron, Malcolm Brown and Gray.
This season, it will be Gray, Gray and Gray until other RBs on the roster can prove they are worthy of taking carries from a veteran who simply outworks everyone else and is the first to arrive and the last to leave.
Gray, who ran for 637 yards (4.3 ypc) and 7 TDs in 2014, knows it's time to step up. He's never rushed for more than 780 yards in a season (2013, 4.9 ypc, 4 TDs).
"It's time to grow up," Gray said. "I feel like I can do better for this team and put the offense in a better position."
And make no mistake - Gray loves the new offense.
"We ran this offense when Applewhite was here," Gray said. "I like how it spreads out everything, so you can run and pass and it helps the offensive line, too. It keeps the defense guessing, and we're going up-tempo - and the tempo is really fast."
[Chip Brown]
*****
DEFENSIVE NOTES/OBSERVATIONS FROM WEDNESDAY’S PRACTICE
First-team D (mostly in 3-4 in nickel):
LE Hassan Ridgeway, NT Paul Boyette, RE Shiro Davis, OLB Dalton Santos, MLB Peter Jinkens, OLB Naashon Hughes, LCB Sheroid Evans, S Jason Hall, S Dylan Haines, RCB Duke Thomas, NCB John Bonney
Second-team D:
LE Bryce Cottrell, NT Alex Norman/Jake McMillon (back on D after move to OL last season), RE Poona Ford, OLB Tim Cole, MLB Ed Freeman, OLB Malik Jefferson, LCB Bryson Echols, S Kevin Vaccaro, S Adrian Colbert, RCB Antwuan Davis, NCB Jermaine Roberts
****
Brick Haley and Brian Jean-Mary were easily the two most ferocious coaches that I saw. Jean-Mary was not too happy with Ed Freeman a couple of points today.
***
Jake McMillon has been moved back to the defensive side of the ball after spending last season as a reserve offensive linemen to help with numbers. He worked at DT on the second and third-teams and actually made a few plays. The dude can play. He was the first-ever four-year starter at Abilene. He’s going to get a long look with all the injuries across the defensive front. Let’s see if he can take advantage of the opportunity.
***
Before the team went into full offense vs. defense mode the front seven’s for both sides went head-to-head. When this was going on Malik Jefferson worked with the first-team as an inside backer along with Jinkens (MLB) and Santos (OLB).
***
Speaking of Santos, I noticed that he was the only one from the team that ran the long way (roughly an extra 3/10 of a mile) after practice was over. I saw him because he almost trampled me. OLB is not ideal for Santos. Whether he knows that or not, kudos to him for taking the extra time to do a little more conditioning.
***
I thought John Bonney had a really good opening practice. He’s a big body but has incredible bend and, as Duke Thomas noted afterwards, is extremely intelligent. He is an ideal nickel because of his smarts, quickness, and size. Jermaine Roberts was the second-team nickel. He had one interception. Kevin Vaccaro was the beneficiary of a tipped ball thrown by Jerrod Heard. That interception was one of two I saw Heard throw.
***
Duke Thomas was matched up on Lorenzo Joe for most of the afternoon and really looked good. In fact, I can’t recall Joe recording one reception with Thomas on him.
***
Jason Hall is a grown man at free safety. One thing I did see Chris Vaughn get on him for was him losing his feet turning in-and-out of breaks. Vaughn stressed to him that stuff like that simply can’t happen as the last line of defense.
Quincy Vasser was working with the third team defense. Not sure how much of that is because of the knee injury he is trying to work through.
This could already sound cliché given how often we sing his praises, but the game already seems to be slowing down for Malik Jefferson. He just gets it. Duke Thomas touched on the fact that Jefferson is extremely humble and is always asking him questions and doing the extra things right now.
Sheroid Evans went through full team drills, and looked solid, but I did notice that he was on the complete opposite side of the field where the DBs were when they were doing individual drills. Evans was talking it up with Quandre Diggs. Not sure why he wasn’t working out with the other DBs.
***
Duke Thomas said that Evans hasn’t lost any of his track speed and still remains one of the fastest guys on the team. The two of them are a formidable duo at CB. Add Bonney to the mix at nickel. Sprinkle in some Dylan Haines, who has a knack for finding the ball, get Jason Hall moving down hill, add these true freshman to the mix and you’ve got the makings for a pretty dangerous secondary.
***
Will this be the season Antwuan Davis finally steps up and lives up to the hype he brought with him from Bastrop? Davis certainly looks the part. It’s going to be hard for him to see the field working behind Thomas. He didn’t make any wow plays Wednesday, but didn’t get beat either.
***
The decision to play Jinkens at MLB could pay off in droves if the Dallas Skyline product can harness some of that swag into his playmaking abilities. Jinkens has the size and can hit as well as anyone. If he can get the defensive calls down, and grow into that QB on D roll, his athleticism, I assume, would be much more preferred than Santos’.
***
Hassan Ridgeway is going to have a monster year. One of his biggest issues last season was not playing with that fire all the time and getting down on himself too easily. That’s not the case from what I hear, and what I saw Wednesday. He’s going to be a handful, especially if/when Tank Johnson is healthy.
***
Poona had a solid first day. He's gotten bigger.
***
Overall I thought the intensity of the defense was good for a first practice. They definitely seemed more in tune with what was going on this time a year ago, which obviously makes sense. Still waiting to see who those vocal leaders – those big dogs on the porch – are going to be for this defense. They’ve got those guys in Tank and Santos but are going to need some more alpha dogs to emerge to replace the voices of Quandre Diggs, Jordan Hicks, Cedric Reed and Malcom Brown.
***
Daje Johnson and Marcus Johnson were the two punt returners. Nick Rose was the first punter.
[William Wilkerson]
*****
LONGHORNS RECRUITING: BREAKING IT DOWN
Texas has offered 58 players for the class of 2016. Once you start looking at what month/year kids get offered you start to develop a pattern. The class of 2016 breaks down as such:
30 players for the class of 2016 offered in 2014. Three players were offered in February, three in March, three in April, three in May, three in June, six in July, four in September, four in October and one in December.
28 players for the class of 2016 landed offered in 2015. One player was offered in January; 26 players were offered in February and one in March.
As you can see, the staff is light years ahead of schedule vs. last season's recruiting evaluations. This comes with knowing the state, more time with high school coaches, more time to evaluate the film and meet kids and their families. Texas was +25 this past February vs. last February with regards to how many offers were extended.
You will not see that kind of increase each month as we move forward. You will see a few more players start to land offers as we get into April, May, June and the majority coming in August before things quiet back down a bit.
The 2015 class had four verbal commitments at this time last year. Patrick Vahe announced 7-27-13, Ronnie Major 2-22-14, Charles Omenihu 2-24-15 and DeShon Elliott was 3-18-14.
The 2016 class has four verbal commitments at this time. Collin Johnson 4-17-14, Reggie Hemphill 10-04-14, DeMarco Boyd 1-30-15 and Shane Buechele announced 2-23-15. The biggest difference from 2015 to 2016 will be the total number of commitments. Last year we saw 28 players and this season we are looking at anywhere from the 18-21 range with added attrition down the road.
There is no way of accurately knowing when offers go out. However, with practice starting this week, kids visiting this weekend, spring game, may evaluations right around the corner, summer camps and Under The Lights we will see the brunt of the offers go out before the season begins.
Texas went OOS last season for 11 players by my count. In 2016, I think you will find a much more Texas oriented class on NSD. If Texas lands 20 players this season, I imagine the over/under on OOS players will be five even though roughly 28% of the offers made are to OOS players.
[Jason Higdon]
*****
HD Q&A WITH HIGS
From: SMTX65
I'm always interested to hear how Strong gets started with the recruits and their families in building a relationship. Does he (or staff) call the parents before or after making first contact with the recruit? How often do recruits reach out to the staff and initiate first contact?
Just some behind the scenes type stuff that goes on with regards to relationship building.
ANSWER:
Thanks for the question 65. The first thing the do is identify any kid they feel could be an offer down the road or currently. Various skill levels of recruits and they act accordingly in the relationship building process. Clearly, anyone they have already offered is the kids/coaches/families getting the most attention. Once a new offer goes out, they start the same process with that player & family and so on.
It typically starts with the position coach. He is the guy closest to the kid/situation/hs coaches and families in the beginning. Once they offer, depending on whom the player is Charlie gets in the mix from the family side of things. He wants to spend time with the players and families when the opportunity presents itself.
There is no secret formula when it comes to building relationships. It's about hard work, identifying who the key players are in kid’s recruitment. Listening to the family/recruit and being able to effectively communicate with them on the football/academics/campus life side of things. Those coaches who build the strongest relationships often win out in the end on National Signing Day. It's about elbow grease, rolling up your sleeves and out working the other guy. Think about the way Charlie talks and things he says when talking about his team. That thought process translates into the recruiting side of things. It's about having that bring your lunch pail mentality in everything you do.
***
FROM STINSMAN82:
I would like to know what defensive position is most crucial for Coach Strong's philosophy? Which positions have the most opportunities to make game changing plays?
ANSWER:
Thanks for the question 82!
That is one heck of a tough question my friend. I think, to a certain degree it may depend on the opponent. If they are playing a Texas Tech (Air it Out) we may see a different style of defense called vs. Notre Dame.
Vs. a Texas Tech you might see a true speed rushing defensive end have the most opportunities for big plays. Maybe you see various blitz packages making another player the most critical vs. the passing team. Whereas in the Notre Dame game it might be the MIKE backer.
On the offensive side of the ball, everyone knows the single most important position is the Quarterback. Defense though? Do you go with a Clowney, Lawrence Taylor or Ed Reed? I think what Charlie/Vance want to accomplish its very important to have a strong secondary unit. At the same time, they would love to apply pressure with the front four, not having to bring extra guys in the box to make the quarterback uncomfortable or even stopping the run.
To answer your question, I think you can make the case for every single one of the defensive position players being the guy most critical for success. I am an old school kind of guy wanting to lean on the middle linebacker to make all the correct calls/reads.
***
FROM MARQUETTEHORNS:
How much will the total number of wins this year mean to recruits? What is an important number of wins to get to from a recruiting standpoint? What is the most important attribute that Strong looks for in recruiting? (Speed, strength, footwork, size or potential size, etc.)
ANSWER:
Thanks for the question MarquetteHorns! This is always the double-edged sword for me personally. Teams can’t go 0-10 and get their brains beat out and still land big-time players. At the same time I think most kids want/need to see a team taking steps in the right direction. From what I have found through the year’s it always comes down to relationships and location.
Texas needs to continue taking steps throughout the season. They need to show recruits they have an exciting attacking style of not only defense but offense as well. The Texas offense was not good last season but guess what they have three top-tier recruits committed on that side of the ball in March. Shane Buechele, Reggie Hemphill and Collin Johnson could go anywhere in the country and they picked Texas. Why is that? It’s because they have either relationships or location or maybe both. Texas is a HUGE brand, one of the tops in America. They are in a state that produces a high volume of talented recruits. I will always believe location; relationships and playing time are the three biggest factors for any high school football player generally speaking.
When thinking about the 2nd part of your question it honestly depends on the position. You can throw one general rule of thumb out there though. Charlie Strong or any coach would like to have the biggest, strongest and fastest players at every position. I mean if you could go land four CB’s that were all 6-3, 210-pounds and can cover like Darryl Green you take them. Unfortunately you simply cannot find that type of CB. Are you looking for a QB with the highest IQ or the athletic ability or a combination of both? It truly just depends on a case-by-case situation.
***
QUESTION:
FROM: JMJ934:
Do colleges really have a big board that they use to rank recruits?
ANSWER:
Thanks for the question 934! The answer is very simple; absolutely 1000% each college team has a “Big Board” where they rank each recruit at each position. The board will look drastically different throughout the recruiting cycle but they do have these boards you hear people talk about.
***
FROM HORNS2007
1. Priorities for the staff in 2016
2. Next offer candidates for 2016
3. OOS prospects receiving a lot of attention
4. Allocation of scholarships to each position for 2016
5. Favorites for offers in 2017
ANSWER:
1. Two of the major priorities have been addressed at this time. Going into the 2016 class the wide receiver position and quarterback positions were at the top of the list. Texas has addressed both with Shane Buechele at QB and Reggie Hemphill/Collin Johnson at WR. They are not done at either position in my mind but as of now they get an A++ at QB and WR. Once you get past those two spots think “In the Trenches.”
2. I believe you should keep an eye on Defensive End Alton Robinson. He tells me he should visit Texas on Saturday and if he checks out the Longhorns this weekend I think he could be the next one in line to land a Texas offer. There are others but I can’t give it all away. J
3. Texas has actually offered more than a few OOS kids at this time. I think right now all the kids such as Dwayne Haskins, Tre Nixon and Mykel Jones are seeing the attention. As the next month passes this will start to even itself out and we will have a much better understanding of the OOS kids they truly want. Right now its all pretty equal across the board with most of these OOS kids other than a player such as Shea Patterson and others that have gone public at this time to other schools.
4. This can change for numerous reasons but as of today I believe we are talking about 2 QB’s, 3 WR’s, 4 OL, 1 RB, 4 DL, 3 LB’s and 3 DB’s or ten on each side of the ball. This is not etched in stone but pretty close to what I think you will see come NSD 2016.
5. I honestly have not thought that far in advance just yet. After we get through May evaluations and summer camps I would be able to circle back to this question. Sorry I don’t have more for you at this time.
***
FROM PUREORANGEBLOOD:
I'd like to to see more evaluation of the players from talent perspective. Id also like to see the top overall 25 Texas HS players in your opinion. A separate top 25 on the staffs board. (Who the staff covets the most.) Then finally a top 25 of who will most likely be a horn. (Based on mutual interest)
ANSWER:
My Take on Top 25 in Texas for 2015: *****This is a very subjective list and is in the eye of beholder*****
I can’t give out the coaches’ top 25 players in the state. However, Texas has offered I believe everyone on my list and the coaching staff is heavily recruiting them. I typically do not put out my list like this but here goes just for you sir.
1. DT Kendell Jones-Shoemaker
2. DE Justin Madubuike-McKinney North
3. OT Greg Little-Allen
4. WR Tren’Davian dikkson-Navasota
5. TE Kaden Smith-Marcus
6. LB Jeffrey McCulloch-Davis
7. DT Jordan Elliott-Westside
8. DT Ed Oliver-Westfield
9. S Eric Monroe-North Shore
10. RB Devway Whaley-Central Senior
11. DE Eric Fowler-Manor
12. LB Dontavious Jackson-Alief Elsik
13. DT Mike Williams-All Saints Episcopal
14. QB Shane Buechele-Lamar
15. S Brandon Jones-Nacogdoches
16. CB Jared Mayden-Sachse
17. WR Reggie Hemphill-Manvel
18. WR Dee Anderson-West Mesquite
19. QB Tristen Wallace-DeSoto
20. OL Jean Delance-North Mesquite
21. OG Chris Owens-Lamar
22. WR Tyrie Cleveland-Westfield
23. S Deontay Anderson-Manvel
24. DE Mark Jackson-Steele
25. Eric Cuffee-Waco
A little early for me to put out a mock class in March. I do like the way things are going with Devway Whaley, Eric Cuffee, Eric Monroe, Jeffrey McCulloch and some others.
***
LONGHORNS RECRUITING: BREAKING IT DOWN
Texas has offered 58 players for the class of 2016. Once you start looking at what month/year kids get offered you start to develop a pattern. The class of 2016 breaks down as such:
30 players for the class of 2016 offered in 2014. Three players were offered in February, three in March, three in April, three in May, three in June, six in July, four in September, four in October and one in December.
28 players for the class of 2016 landed offered in 2015. One player was offered in January; 26 players were offered in February and one in March.
As you can see, the staff is light years ahead of schedule vs. last season's recruiting evaluations. This comes with knowing the state, more time with high school coaches, more time to evaluate the film and meet kids and their families. Texas was +25 this past February vs. last February with regards to how many offers were extended.
You will not see that kind of increase each month as we move forward. You will see a few more players start to land offers as we get into April, May, June and the majority coming in August before things quiet back down a bit.
The 2015 class had four verbal commitments at this time last year. Patrick Vahe announced 7-27-13, Ronnie Major 2-22-14, Charles Omenihu 2-24-15 and DeShon Elliott was 3-18-14.
The 2016 class has four verbal commitments at this time. Collin Johnson 4-17-14, Reggie Hemphill 10-04-14, DeMarco Boyd 1-30-15 and Shane Buechele announced 2-23-15. The biggest difference from 2015 to 2016 will be the total number of commitments. Last year we saw 28 players and this season we are looking at anywhere from the 18-21 range with added attrition down the road.
There is no way of accurately knowing when offers go out. However, with practice starting this week, kids visiting this weekend, spring game, may evaluations right around the corner, summer camps and Under The Lights we will see the brunt of the offers go out before the season begins.
Texas went OOS last season for 11 players by my count. In 2016, I think you will find a much more Texas oriented class on NSD. If Texas lands 20 players this season, I imagine the over/under on OOS players will be five even though roughly 28% of the offers made are to OOS players.
[Jason Higdon]
*****
HD Q&A WITH HIGS
From: SMTX65
I'm always interested to hear how Strong gets started with the recruits and their families in building a relationship. Does he (or staff) call the parents before or after making first contact with the recruit? How often do recruits reach out to the staff and initiate first contact?
Just some behind the scenes type stuff that goes on with regards to relationship building.
ANSWER:
Thanks for the question 65. The first thing the do is identify any kid they feel could be an offer down the road or currently. Various skill levels of recruits and they act accordingly in the relationship building process. Clearly, anyone they have already offered is the kids/coaches/families getting the most attention. Once a new offer goes out, they start the same process with that player & family and so on.
It typically starts with the position coach. He is the guy closest to the kid/situation/hs coaches and families in the beginning. Once they offer, depending on whom the player is Charlie gets in the mix from the family side of things. He wants to spend time with the players and families when the opportunity presents itself.
There is no secret formula when it comes to building relationships. It's about hard work, identifying who the key players are in kid’s recruitment. Listening to the family/recruit and being able to effectively communicate with them on the football/academics/campus life side of things. Those coaches who build the strongest relationships often win out in the end on National Signing Day. It's about elbow grease, rolling up your sleeves and out working the other guy. Think about the way Charlie talks and things he says when talking about his team. That thought process translates into the recruiting side of things. It's about having that bring your lunch pail mentality in everything you do.
***
FROM STINSMAN82:
I would like to know what defensive position is most crucial for Coach Strong's philosophy? Which positions have the most opportunities to make game changing plays?
ANSWER:
Thanks for the question 82!
That is one heck of a tough question my friend. I think, to a certain degree it may depend on the opponent. If they are playing a Texas Tech (Air it Out) we may see a different style of defense called vs. Notre Dame.
Vs. a Texas Tech you might see a true speed rushing defensive end have the most opportunities for big plays. Maybe you see various blitz packages making another player the most critical vs. the passing team. Whereas in the Notre Dame game it might be the MIKE backer.
On the offensive side of the ball, everyone knows the single most important position is the Quarterback. Defense though? Do you go with a Clowney, Lawrence Taylor or Ed Reed? I think what Charlie/Vance want to accomplish its very important to have a strong secondary unit. At the same time, they would love to apply pressure with the front four, not having to bring extra guys in the box to make the quarterback uncomfortable or even stopping the run.
To answer your question, I think you can make the case for every single one of the defensive position players being the guy most critical for success. I am an old school kind of guy wanting to lean on the middle linebacker to make all the correct calls/reads.
***
FROM MARQUETTEHORNS:
How much will the total number of wins this year mean to recruits? What is an important number of wins to get to from a recruiting standpoint? What is the most important attribute that Strong looks for in recruiting? (Speed, strength, footwork, size or potential size, etc.)
ANSWER:
Thanks for the question MarquetteHorns! This is always the double-edged sword for me personally. Teams can’t go 0-10 and get their brains beat out and still land big-time players. At the same time I think most kids want/need to see a team taking steps in the right direction. From what I have found through the year’s it always comes down to relationships and location.
Texas needs to continue taking steps throughout the season. They need to show recruits they have an exciting attacking style of not only defense but offense as well. The Texas offense was not good last season but guess what they have three top-tier recruits committed on that side of the ball in March. Shane Buechele, Reggie Hemphill and Collin Johnson could go anywhere in the country and they picked Texas. Why is that? It’s because they have either relationships or location or maybe both. Texas is a HUGE brand, one of the tops in America. They are in a state that produces a high volume of talented recruits. I will always believe location; relationships and playing time are the three biggest factors for any high school football player generally speaking.
When thinking about the 2nd part of your question it honestly depends on the position. You can throw one general rule of thumb out there though. Charlie Strong or any coach would like to have the biggest, strongest and fastest players at every position. I mean if you could go land four CB’s that were all 6-3, 210-pounds and can cover like Darryl Green you take them. Unfortunately you simply cannot find that type of CB. Are you looking for a QB with the highest IQ or the athletic ability or a combination of both? It truly just depends on a case-by-case situation.
***
QUESTION:
FROM: JMJ934:
Do colleges really have a big board that they use to rank recruits?
ANSWER:
Thanks for the question 934! The answer is very simple; absolutely 1000% each college team has a “Big Board” where they rank each recruit at each position. The board will look drastically different throughout the recruiting cycle but they do have these boards you hear people talk about.
***
FROM HORNS2007
1. Priorities for the staff in 2016
2. Next offer candidates for 2016
3. OOS prospects receiving a lot of attention
4. Allocation of scholarships to each position for 2016
5. Favorites for offers in 2017
ANSWER:
1. Two of the major priorities have been addressed at this time. Going into the 2016 class the wide receiver position and quarterback positions were at the top of the list. Texas has addressed both with Shane Buechele at QB and Reggie Hemphill/Collin Johnson at WR. They are not done at either position in my mind but as of now they get an A++ at QB and WR. Once you get past those two spots think “In the Trenches.”
2. I believe you should keep an eye on Defensive End Alton Robinson. He tells me he should visit Texas on Saturday and if he checks out the Longhorns this weekend I think he could be the next one in line to land a Texas offer. There are others but I can’t give it all away. J
3. Texas has actually offered more than a few OOS kids at this time. I think right now all the kids such as Dwayne Haskins, Tre Nixon and Mykel Jones are seeing the attention. As the next month passes this will start to even itself out and we will have a much better understanding of the OOS kids they truly want. Right now its all pretty equal across the board with most of these OOS kids other than a player such as Shea Patterson and others that have gone public at this time to other schools.
4. This can change for numerous reasons but as of today I believe we are talking about 2 QB’s, 3 WR’s, 4 OL, 1 RB, 4 DL, 3 LB’s and 3 DB’s or ten on each side of the ball. This is not etched in stone but pretty close to what I think you will see come NSD 2016.
5. I honestly have not thought that far in advance just yet. After we get through May evaluations and summer camps I would be able to circle back to this question. Sorry I don’t have more for you at this time.
***
FROM PUREORANGEBLOOD:
I'd like to to see more evaluation of the players from talent perspective. Id also like to see the top overall 25 Texas HS players in your opinion. A separate top 25 on the staffs board. (Who the staff covets the most.) Then finally a top 25 of who will most likely be a horn. (Based on mutual interest)
ANSWER:
My Take on Top 25 in Texas for 2015: *****This is a very subjective list and is in the eye of beholder*****
I can’t give out the coaches’ top 25 players in the state. However, Texas has offered I believe everyone on my list and the coaching staff is heavily recruiting them. I typically do not put out my list like this but here goes just for you sir.
1. DT Kendell Jones-Shoemaker
2. DE Justin Madubuike-McKinney North
3. OT Greg Little-Allen
4. WR Tren’Davian dikkson-Navasota
5. TE Kaden Smith-Marcus
6. LB Jeffrey McCulloch-Davis
7. DT Jordan Elliott-Westside
8. DT Ed Oliver-Westfield
9. S Eric Monroe-North Shore
10. RB Devway Whaley-Central Senior
11. DE Eric Fowler-Manor
12. LB Dontavious Jackson-Alief Elsik
13. DT Mike Williams-All Saints Episcopal
14. QB Shane Buechele-Lamar
15. S Brandon Jones-Nacogdoches
16. CB Jared Mayden-Sachse
17. WR Reggie Hemphill-Manvel
18. WR Dee Anderson-West Mesquite
19. QB Tristen Wallace-DeSoto
20. OL Jean Delance-North Mesquite
21. OG Chris Owens-Lamar
22. WR Tyrie Cleveland-Westfield
23. S Deontay Anderson-Manvel
24. DE Mark Jackson-Steele
25. Eric Cuffee-Waco
A little early for me to put out a mock class in March. I do like the way things are going with Devway Whaley, Eric Cuffee, Eric Monroe, Jeffrey McCulloch and some others.
***
This week's Inside Scoop:
Inside Texas Inside Scoop - 3/27/15
From: Eric Nahlin
TALKIN' BOUT PRACTICE
I caught up with multiple sources regarding the first two days of practice. After doing so, I'm a bit more optimistic than I was previously. I wrote the other day I thought offensive line was easily the most important position grouping going into next season and I still believe that. Therefore that's where my emphasis was when I talked to my sources.
Before we get to OL chatter, I'll let you know Armanti Foreman wasn't practicing due to his hamstring. I'm unsure of the severity of the injury or the timeframe for a return to full health. On to the o-line.
The new offensive tweaks are really oriented around athleticism on the edges which means Brandon Hodges may be a guard long-term. He's like Kent Perkins in that he could play right tackle if you're simply trying to road-grade, but right now it looks like they want to spread people out and create lanes rather than simply knock people backwards. Neither Hodges nor Perkins are guys you want out in space. Obviously having guys who are borderline tackle athletes at guard is a plus, especially since both have 'guard' size. I take Hodges at guard as a positive, provided the tackle spots are shored up.
Marcus Hutchins has decent enough feet for this offense I'm told. Joe Wickline still feels Hutchins is the best option out there but it's very early. The premium seems to be on athleticism over power. You know Wick - he'll change the lineup ten times, but at least now he now has options. Jake Raulerson could potentially be a left tackle (he's a better athlete than Hutchins) in this offense but Wickline puts a premium on center play and wants to develop him at center for the long term. Taylor Doyle and Raulerson are going to have a spirited competition this spring. Doyle has the experience, Raulerson now has solid size and is more athletic.
Tristan Nickelson is surprisingly fast, but not overly quick (not surprising since he's 6-foot-8). An indication of his athleticism is his running ability during conditioning. He usually finishes in the top two or three in offensive linemen sprints. He needs to keep his elbows in to play stronger and with better leverage. Right now he looks like he's guarding in basketball more than blocking in football so Wickline has some technical issues to work out with him. As it sits two days into practice, Nickelson is setting the pace at right tackle.
People are growing excited about Johnathan Gray's senior year. With the emphasis on creating lanes rather than blowing people off the ball and moving piles, Gray should excel. The same goes for Donald Catalon who was a certified slasher in high school. While he's "limited" to some degree this spring, it's expected the redshirt freshman will be able to go full contact when the pads come on. They'll likely struggle to keep him off the field.
On defense, I hear the defensive backs are looking good but they should, they're going up against a bunch of young receivers who still aren't full on the same page with Tyrone Swoopes. Two names who were mentioned as standing out are Duke Thomas and Bryson Echols. Both are upperclassmen with quick feet.
Not hearing much about the defensive linemen yet, or the linebackers. Until there's contact it doesn't really matter with those position groupings anyway.
I know everyone is most concerned with quarterback but I'm not hearing anything different after day two than we heard after day one. Tyrone Swoopes is more comfortable than Jerrod Heard, which is to be expected. People have noticed some differences in Swoopes, mainly with confidence. No matter what happens between now and the rest of his career, props to Tyrone for not giving in after the rough stretch to end 2014. He's preparing and competing like he's coming off a strong year. Basically, he's hungry.
KELLEN DIESCH
The 6-foot-6 offensive tackle prospect from Byron Nelson (Trophy Club) is a man of few words. He tells me he's still very high on Texas and is still on schedule to decide in mid to late April. I believe he'll return to campus for the spring game on April 18th which would be ideal timing for Wickline.
SATURDAY VISITORS
What better time to host recruits than on a Saturday with a spring practice as well as the Texas Relays.
2016
RB Kameron Martin, Memorial (Port Arthur, TX): BAYLOR.
RB Devwah Whaley, Central (Beaumont, TX): The No. 1 running back in the state according to yours truly seems to have Texas right behind Oklahoma and A&M right now. I think if/when he sees changes in the offense this weekend it will catch his eye.
WR Dee Anderson, West Mesquite (Mesquite, TX) - LSU: He's supposed to be staying the night in Austin on Saturday. I imagine he'll enjoy that quite a bit. Most important for Anderson is getting to know the coaches and getting an idea of how he'll be used. Anderson is big on coaches who have produced NFL talent and between Jay Norvell's success at Oklahoma and DeVante Parker's impending 1st round selection, the Texas staff has a story to tell. Anderson will also notice the availability of early playing time. Interestingly, Anderson is aware of 2016 commit Collin Johnson and thinks they'd make an insane duo if he did indeed flip to UT. This is a huge weekend between Texas and the 6-foot-4 receiver. I'll be monitoring this one closely and will have a follow up with him after the visit. With Malik Jefferson and Deandre McNeal (two big time personalities) spending a lot of time with him, it's hard not to like UT's chances but I want to emphasize it'll require all hands on deck to flip him. It's not a lock at all.
WR Devin Duvernay, Sachse (Sachse, TX): I have no idea what to expect with Duvernay and Texas but my gut is he won't be a Longhorn.
WR Reggie Hemphill, Manvel (Manvel, TX) - TEXAS
TE Donte Coleman, West Mesquite (Mesquite, TX) - TEXAS TECH: Still uncertain if he'll be able to make it in with his teammate, Dee Anderson, the recent Texas offer (and Tech commit) projects to anything from flex tight end, traditional tight end or even h-back because of his body projection and explosiveness as a blocker. I have Coleman as my No. 2 tight end in the state and his commitment to Tech is not likely to hold. Not likely at all. If UT gets him in the mix that will be yet another recruiter for Anderson. Justin will have more later.
Here's a coach at West Mesquite's evaluation of Coleman: "He's a big, physical wide-out who has out-grown the position much like a tight end moving to offensive tackle. He's comparable to Jermichael Finley in that his physical appearance is lean throughout his lower body and it allows him to move better than the average tight end."
DE Mark Jackson, Steele (Cibolo, TX): I haven't been able to get in touch with the Jacksons despite my best efforts. They're just private people. Texas feels good here and from my interaction at Junior Day, I can tell you it has a lot to do with the Jackson's respect for Strong and the believe fox-end is Mark's best fit.
DE Alton Robinson, Judson (Converse, TX): I just rated Robinson as my No. 2 fox-end over some bigger and more familiar names. Obviously I'm high on him and I believe the Texas staff is as well. He's certainly an offer candidate, but UT may hold off since the staff is confident in Erick Fowler and Jackson. If UT does offer, it will be in great position to land him.
LB Dontavious Jackson, Alief Elsik (Houston, TX): I believe Shuttlesworth had some information on D-Jack last week that was very positive. I've been hearing nothing but positives myself. It almost feels like he's already part of the group. He and Malik Jefferson have gotten close. Jackson will be in Austin for the second week in a row. When I asked about if Jackson is a guy who will wait a long time to decide his destination, the response I got was, "I'm not sure, but he seems like the type who would commit early and get it over with." I agree with that sentiment.
S Deontay Anderson, Manvel (Manvel, TX): Recently invited to July's The Opening for the second year in a row, Anderson is barely on my radar right now because I think his recruitment goes down to the wire. I believe he'll end up at a school with a national profile and rich defensive tradition. Schools like LSU, Alabama, and Texas fit the bill.
DB Eric Monroe, GP North Shore (Galena Park)
2015 COMMITS IN TOWN
RB Chris Warren III, Rockwall High (Rockwall, TX)
WR DeAndre McNeal, Poteet (Mesquite, TX)
WR Ryan Newsome, Aledo (Aledo, TX)
TE Devonaire Clarington, Booker T. Washington (Miami, FL):
DT Du'Vonta Lampkin, Cypress Falls (Houston, TX)
CB DavanteDavis, Booker T. Washington (Miami, FL)
CB Holton Hill, Lamar (Houston, TX)
TEXAS RELAYS PARTICIPANTS
2015
WR Ryan Newsome, Aledo (Aledo, TX) - TEXAS: 100M
DT Du'Vonta Lampkin, Cypress Falls (Houston, TX) - TEXAS: Shot Put
CB Holton Hill, Lamar (Houston, TX) -TEXAS: 110M Hurdles, Long Jump
SG Kerwin Roach, North Shore (Houston, TX) - TEXAS: Triple Jump, Long Jump
2016
RB Bryson Denley, Steele (Cibolo, TX) - 100M
RB Trevor Speights, Memorial (McAllen, TX) - ARIZONA: 100M
RB Devwah Whaley, Central (Beaumont, TX) - Long Jump, Triple Jump
WR Devin Duvernay, Sachse (Sachse, TX) - 100M, Long Jump
ATH Tyrell Alexander, Lancaster (Lancaster, TX) - 110M Hurdles: I like Alexander quite a bit as a potential corner but he still hasn't heard from Texas.
ATH Jeremy Smith, Fort Bend Marshall (Missouri City, TX) - 300M Hurdles
2017
QB Tracin Wallace, South Hills (Fort Worth, TX) - 110M Hurdles
OL Wes Harris, Aledo (Aledo, TX) - Shot Put
ATH Darrion Green, Wilson (Dallas, TX) - 110M Hurdles
NOTE: Grayland Arnold, Kountze and Brandon Jones, Nacogdoches, will be unable to attend this weekend. Arnold was hearing from UT quite a bit but I think communication has gone dry. I wonder if he'll hear anything while in town. He looks like a victim of low numbers at this point. Jones says he's going to try and visit during Spring practice. We'll keep you posted.
From: Eric Nahlin
TALKIN' BOUT PRACTICE
I caught up with multiple sources regarding the first two days of practice. After doing so, I'm a bit more optimistic than I was previously. I wrote the other day I thought offensive line was easily the most important position grouping going into next season and I still believe that. Therefore that's where my emphasis was when I talked to my sources.
Before we get to OL chatter, I'll let you know Armanti Foreman wasn't practicing due to his hamstring. I'm unsure of the severity of the injury or the timeframe for a return to full health. On to the o-line.
The new offensive tweaks are really oriented around athleticism on the edges which means Brandon Hodges may be a guard long-term. He's like Kent Perkins in that he could play right tackle if you're simply trying to road-grade, but right now it looks like they want to spread people out and create lanes rather than simply knock people backwards. Neither Hodges nor Perkins are guys you want out in space. Obviously having guys who are borderline tackle athletes at guard is a plus, especially since both have 'guard' size. I take Hodges at guard as a positive, provided the tackle spots are shored up.
Marcus Hutchins has decent enough feet for this offense I'm told. Joe Wickline still feels Hutchins is the best option out there but it's very early. The premium seems to be on athleticism over power. You know Wick - he'll change the lineup ten times, but at least now he now has options. Jake Raulerson could potentially be a left tackle (he's a better athlete than Hutchins) in this offense but Wickline puts a premium on center play and wants to develop him at center for the long term. Taylor Doyle and Raulerson are going to have a spirited competition this spring. Doyle has the experience, Raulerson now has solid size and is more athletic.
Tristan Nickelson is surprisingly fast, but not overly quick (not surprising since he's 6-foot-8). An indication of his athleticism is his running ability during conditioning. He usually finishes in the top two or three in offensive linemen sprints. He needs to keep his elbows in to play stronger and with better leverage. Right now he looks like he's guarding in basketball more than blocking in football so Wickline has some technical issues to work out with him. As it sits two days into practice, Nickelson is setting the pace at right tackle.
People are growing excited about Johnathan Gray's senior year. With the emphasis on creating lanes rather than blowing people off the ball and moving piles, Gray should excel. The same goes for Donald Catalon who was a certified slasher in high school. While he's "limited" to some degree this spring, it's expected the redshirt freshman will be able to go full contact when the pads come on. They'll likely struggle to keep him off the field.
On defense, I hear the defensive backs are looking good but they should, they're going up against a bunch of young receivers who still aren't full on the same page with Tyrone Swoopes. Two names who were mentioned as standing out are Duke Thomas and Bryson Echols. Both are upperclassmen with quick feet.
Not hearing much about the defensive linemen yet, or the linebackers. Until there's contact it doesn't really matter with those position groupings anyway.
I know everyone is most concerned with quarterback but I'm not hearing anything different after day two than we heard after day one. Tyrone Swoopes is more comfortable than Jerrod Heard, which is to be expected. People have noticed some differences in Swoopes, mainly with confidence. No matter what happens between now and the rest of his career, props to Tyrone for not giving in after the rough stretch to end 2014. He's preparing and competing like he's coming off a strong year. Basically, he's hungry.
KELLEN DIESCH
The 6-foot-6 offensive tackle prospect from Byron Nelson (Trophy Club) is a man of few words. He tells me he's still very high on Texas and is still on schedule to decide in mid to late April. I believe he'll return to campus for the spring game on April 18th which would be ideal timing for Wickline.
SATURDAY VISITORS
What better time to host recruits than on a Saturday with a spring practice as well as the Texas Relays.
2016
RB Kameron Martin, Memorial (Port Arthur, TX): BAYLOR.
RB Devwah Whaley, Central (Beaumont, TX): The No. 1 running back in the state according to yours truly seems to have Texas right behind Oklahoma and A&M right now. I think if/when he sees changes in the offense this weekend it will catch his eye.
WR Dee Anderson, West Mesquite (Mesquite, TX) - LSU: He's supposed to be staying the night in Austin on Saturday. I imagine he'll enjoy that quite a bit. Most important for Anderson is getting to know the coaches and getting an idea of how he'll be used. Anderson is big on coaches who have produced NFL talent and between Jay Norvell's success at Oklahoma and DeVante Parker's impending 1st round selection, the Texas staff has a story to tell. Anderson will also notice the availability of early playing time. Interestingly, Anderson is aware of 2016 commit Collin Johnson and thinks they'd make an insane duo if he did indeed flip to UT. This is a huge weekend between Texas and the 6-foot-4 receiver. I'll be monitoring this one closely and will have a follow up with him after the visit. With Malik Jefferson and Deandre McNeal (two big time personalities) spending a lot of time with him, it's hard not to like UT's chances but I want to emphasize it'll require all hands on deck to flip him. It's not a lock at all.
WR Devin Duvernay, Sachse (Sachse, TX): I have no idea what to expect with Duvernay and Texas but my gut is he won't be a Longhorn.
WR Reggie Hemphill, Manvel (Manvel, TX) - TEXAS
TE Donte Coleman, West Mesquite (Mesquite, TX) - TEXAS TECH: Still uncertain if he'll be able to make it in with his teammate, Dee Anderson, the recent Texas offer (and Tech commit) projects to anything from flex tight end, traditional tight end or even h-back because of his body projection and explosiveness as a blocker. I have Coleman as my No. 2 tight end in the state and his commitment to Tech is not likely to hold. Not likely at all. If UT gets him in the mix that will be yet another recruiter for Anderson. Justin will have more later.
Here's a coach at West Mesquite's evaluation of Coleman: "He's a big, physical wide-out who has out-grown the position much like a tight end moving to offensive tackle. He's comparable to Jermichael Finley in that his physical appearance is lean throughout his lower body and it allows him to move better than the average tight end."
DE Mark Jackson, Steele (Cibolo, TX): I haven't been able to get in touch with the Jacksons despite my best efforts. They're just private people. Texas feels good here and from my interaction at Junior Day, I can tell you it has a lot to do with the Jackson's respect for Strong and the believe fox-end is Mark's best fit.
DE Alton Robinson, Judson (Converse, TX): I just rated Robinson as my No. 2 fox-end over some bigger and more familiar names. Obviously I'm high on him and I believe the Texas staff is as well. He's certainly an offer candidate, but UT may hold off since the staff is confident in Erick Fowler and Jackson. If UT does offer, it will be in great position to land him.
LB Dontavious Jackson, Alief Elsik (Houston, TX): I believe Shuttlesworth had some information on D-Jack last week that was very positive. I've been hearing nothing but positives myself. It almost feels like he's already part of the group. He and Malik Jefferson have gotten close. Jackson will be in Austin for the second week in a row. When I asked about if Jackson is a guy who will wait a long time to decide his destination, the response I got was, "I'm not sure, but he seems like the type who would commit early and get it over with." I agree with that sentiment.
S Deontay Anderson, Manvel (Manvel, TX): Recently invited to July's The Opening for the second year in a row, Anderson is barely on my radar right now because I think his recruitment goes down to the wire. I believe he'll end up at a school with a national profile and rich defensive tradition. Schools like LSU, Alabama, and Texas fit the bill.
DB Eric Monroe, GP North Shore (Galena Park)
2015 COMMITS IN TOWN
RB Chris Warren III, Rockwall High (Rockwall, TX)
WR DeAndre McNeal, Poteet (Mesquite, TX)
WR Ryan Newsome, Aledo (Aledo, TX)
TE Devonaire Clarington, Booker T. Washington (Miami, FL):
DT Du'Vonta Lampkin, Cypress Falls (Houston, TX)
CB DavanteDavis, Booker T. Washington (Miami, FL)
CB Holton Hill, Lamar (Houston, TX)
TEXAS RELAYS PARTICIPANTS
2015
WR Ryan Newsome, Aledo (Aledo, TX) - TEXAS: 100M
DT Du'Vonta Lampkin, Cypress Falls (Houston, TX) - TEXAS: Shot Put
CB Holton Hill, Lamar (Houston, TX) -TEXAS: 110M Hurdles, Long Jump
SG Kerwin Roach, North Shore (Houston, TX) - TEXAS: Triple Jump, Long Jump
2016
RB Bryson Denley, Steele (Cibolo, TX) - 100M
RB Trevor Speights, Memorial (McAllen, TX) - ARIZONA: 100M
RB Devwah Whaley, Central (Beaumont, TX) - Long Jump, Triple Jump
WR Devin Duvernay, Sachse (Sachse, TX) - 100M, Long Jump
ATH Tyrell Alexander, Lancaster (Lancaster, TX) - 110M Hurdles: I like Alexander quite a bit as a potential corner but he still hasn't heard from Texas.
ATH Jeremy Smith, Fort Bend Marshall (Missouri City, TX) - 300M Hurdles
2017
QB Tracin Wallace, South Hills (Fort Worth, TX) - 110M Hurdles
OL Wes Harris, Aledo (Aledo, TX) - Shot Put
ATH Darrion Green, Wilson (Dallas, TX) - 110M Hurdles
NOTE: Grayland Arnold, Kountze and Brandon Jones, Nacogdoches, will be unable to attend this weekend. Arnold was hearing from UT quite a bit but I think communication has gone dry. I wonder if he'll hear anything while in town. He looks like a victim of low numbers at this point. Jones says he's going to try and visit during Spring practice. We'll keep you posted.
Part 2;
From: Justin Wells
1. 2017 QB VISITS TEXAS
I got a chance to catch up with San Antonio Reagan dual-threat Kellen Mond yesterday. He visited Texas for the first time and caught the opening of Spring practice.
Inside Texas: Hey, Kellen. How was Texas practice?
Kellen Mond: It was awesome. I loved watching the offense because we run the same exact offense at Reagan HS.
IT: How so? Talk about the similarities?
KM: Most of the time we would have four receivers and at times would have one TE and three receivers. We also run a lot of read option and boot legs. Spread concepts, up-tempo.
IT: Have you visited any other schools?
KM: Yes. UT and Tech. I'm going up to Texas Tech during their Spring football game.
IT: Any chance you come back to Texas soon? Passing academy camp this summer?
KM: Yes, I will be at the passing academy and I'm coming up for the Spring game as well.
IT: Any schools standing out right now?
KM: I love both schools - Texas and Texas Tech. Just have to wait and see what happens. I've talked to Baylor, SMU, Duke, Oklahoma State, TCU and UTSA.
IT: Appreciate the time, KM.
You saw the Hudl. Kid has a cannon with nice ability. I realize a few of y'all are on the Shawn Robinson or bust campaign. But the state of Texas is stacked for 2017. Robinson, Mond, Sam Ehlinger, Jason Shelley, and Chris Robison are just a few of the names. No matter what, Texas gets a good one in 2017. Or two.
2. 2016 TIGHT END TALKS TEXAS OFFER
Eric told us it would happen. When he dropped his 2016 TE position rankings, West Mesquite's Donte Colemanwas No. 2 on the list. And he hadn't heard much from UT. Then Jeff Traylor called.
Minutes later he was offered a scholarship from the Longhorns and instantly became interested in Austin.
"That was a big one and I was excited," said Coleman, about his Texas offer. "I have always liked UT. I've heard good things about the school and Austin. They are definitely a school I'm interested in. I'm going to try visit as soon as possible. I know they want my boy Dee Anderson too. We might have to make a trip."
Coleman is the field-stretcher in the Clarington mold, but with blocking ability. For a state that's had difficulty producing quality TEs, 2016 sure delivered the goods. Now, just get him on campus.
3. GUESS WHO CALLED ME AFTER TEXAS PRACTICE THIS WEEK?
That would be Arlington Lamar signal-caller and Texas commit Shane Buechele. The junior quarterback wanted to know how practice went. He wanted to know about the drills, the tempo. Mostly, he wanted to know what the Horns QB situation looked like.
Buechele is that student that gets to class early, sits in the front row, pulls out his pocket protector, and starts learning everything you teach. He's the overachiever. The kid that goes above and beyond. The one thing that will never likely stump Buechele is the cerebral part. This kid gets it.
4. ULTRA-ATHLETIC DB TO VISIT SPRING GAME
Junior 4-star Katy Tompkins defensive back Christian Wallace tells me he'll be visiting Texas at the Spring game in April. He also noted that the Horns are recruiting him harder than any other school at this point. They love him at safety with his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame.
Wallace can be an handful and I've long thought Strong might be one of the only ones that helps maximize his potential. Wallace has things he needs to keep in order but if UT isn't backing off, that tells me he's got a great shot.
From: Tim Preston
After a period of relative silence over the last week in concerns to Coach Rick Barnes’ future, information has been coming out more quickly over the last 24 hours.
Let’s try to sort through some of the pieces as we know them…
1. Brian Davis of the Austin American-Statesman reported yesterday that Patterson has issued Barnes with an apparent ultimatum of either his staff goes or Barnes does. The feedback I’ve received about that since yesterday evening is that Barnes will not replace his staff even if it means losing his job.
So, is this a circumstance where Patterson already knew that and is offering Barnes an emotional out? Possibly, but the people I’ve spoken to close to the situation have been pretty adamant that Barnes will not abandon his staff in this manner.
Obviously, this operates in contrast to Shuttlesworth’s Inside the Humidor from earlier this week, but that’s the word I’m hearing from my sources.
2. Similarly, the current staff has been reported to be in an awkward state of flux without much of any resolution over the last week. The expectation is that a change in leadership is coming and people are waiting for the shoe to drop.
3. Dayton University publicized an extension between the university and potential Texas target Archie Miller, leading many to believe the Flyer head man is off the table. I was told yesterday that that is not definitively the case. Miller may well decide to stay at Dayton in lieu of heading off for the greener pastures of a bigger program, but it’s unlikely this extension has anything to do with that. Should Miller have interest in leaving for a different job, this will not stand as a deal breaker.
4. With Gregg Marshall’s Wichita State Shocker team falling last night to Notre Dame, another Texas target became “available” for discussion as of yesterday. The sources I’ve spoken with have continued to say that Marshall and Utah’s Larry Krystowiak are the most likely candidates should Patterson dip into the college coaching ranks for a Barnes replacement. If Patterson decides to exhaust his professional coaching connections, it will be a bit of a crap shoot as that’s a new pool of candidates of which there is little known in relation to their connection to a job like Texas.
Long story short, people are ready for Barnes to be officially let go - and I believe that’s the most likely scenario as of what I’ve heard this morning - but those involved are engaged in a bit of a public relations dance and until that’s over there’s likely little concrete information which will come out.
1. 2017 QB VISITS TEXAS
I got a chance to catch up with San Antonio Reagan dual-threat Kellen Mond yesterday. He visited Texas for the first time and caught the opening of Spring practice.
Inside Texas: Hey, Kellen. How was Texas practice?
Kellen Mond: It was awesome. I loved watching the offense because we run the same exact offense at Reagan HS.
IT: How so? Talk about the similarities?
KM: Most of the time we would have four receivers and at times would have one TE and three receivers. We also run a lot of read option and boot legs. Spread concepts, up-tempo.
IT: Have you visited any other schools?
KM: Yes. UT and Tech. I'm going up to Texas Tech during their Spring football game.
IT: Any chance you come back to Texas soon? Passing academy camp this summer?
KM: Yes, I will be at the passing academy and I'm coming up for the Spring game as well.
IT: Any schools standing out right now?
KM: I love both schools - Texas and Texas Tech. Just have to wait and see what happens. I've talked to Baylor, SMU, Duke, Oklahoma State, TCU and UTSA.
IT: Appreciate the time, KM.
You saw the Hudl. Kid has a cannon with nice ability. I realize a few of y'all are on the Shawn Robinson or bust campaign. But the state of Texas is stacked for 2017. Robinson, Mond, Sam Ehlinger, Jason Shelley, and Chris Robison are just a few of the names. No matter what, Texas gets a good one in 2017. Or two.
2. 2016 TIGHT END TALKS TEXAS OFFER
Eric told us it would happen. When he dropped his 2016 TE position rankings, West Mesquite's Donte Colemanwas No. 2 on the list. And he hadn't heard much from UT. Then Jeff Traylor called.
Minutes later he was offered a scholarship from the Longhorns and instantly became interested in Austin.
"That was a big one and I was excited," said Coleman, about his Texas offer. "I have always liked UT. I've heard good things about the school and Austin. They are definitely a school I'm interested in. I'm going to try visit as soon as possible. I know they want my boy Dee Anderson too. We might have to make a trip."
Coleman is the field-stretcher in the Clarington mold, but with blocking ability. For a state that's had difficulty producing quality TEs, 2016 sure delivered the goods. Now, just get him on campus.
3. GUESS WHO CALLED ME AFTER TEXAS PRACTICE THIS WEEK?
That would be Arlington Lamar signal-caller and Texas commit Shane Buechele. The junior quarterback wanted to know how practice went. He wanted to know about the drills, the tempo. Mostly, he wanted to know what the Horns QB situation looked like.
Buechele is that student that gets to class early, sits in the front row, pulls out his pocket protector, and starts learning everything you teach. He's the overachiever. The kid that goes above and beyond. The one thing that will never likely stump Buechele is the cerebral part. This kid gets it.
4. ULTRA-ATHLETIC DB TO VISIT SPRING GAME
Junior 4-star Katy Tompkins defensive back Christian Wallace tells me he'll be visiting Texas at the Spring game in April. He also noted that the Horns are recruiting him harder than any other school at this point. They love him at safety with his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame.
Wallace can be an handful and I've long thought Strong might be one of the only ones that helps maximize his potential. Wallace has things he needs to keep in order but if UT isn't backing off, that tells me he's got a great shot.
From: Tim Preston
After a period of relative silence over the last week in concerns to Coach Rick Barnes’ future, information has been coming out more quickly over the last 24 hours.
Let’s try to sort through some of the pieces as we know them…
1. Brian Davis of the Austin American-Statesman reported yesterday that Patterson has issued Barnes with an apparent ultimatum of either his staff goes or Barnes does. The feedback I’ve received about that since yesterday evening is that Barnes will not replace his staff even if it means losing his job.
So, is this a circumstance where Patterson already knew that and is offering Barnes an emotional out? Possibly, but the people I’ve spoken to close to the situation have been pretty adamant that Barnes will not abandon his staff in this manner.
Obviously, this operates in contrast to Shuttlesworth’s Inside the Humidor from earlier this week, but that’s the word I’m hearing from my sources.
2. Similarly, the current staff has been reported to be in an awkward state of flux without much of any resolution over the last week. The expectation is that a change in leadership is coming and people are waiting for the shoe to drop.
3. Dayton University publicized an extension between the university and potential Texas target Archie Miller, leading many to believe the Flyer head man is off the table. I was told yesterday that that is not definitively the case. Miller may well decide to stay at Dayton in lieu of heading off for the greener pastures of a bigger program, but it’s unlikely this extension has anything to do with that. Should Miller have interest in leaving for a different job, this will not stand as a deal breaker.
4. With Gregg Marshall’s Wichita State Shocker team falling last night to Notre Dame, another Texas target became “available” for discussion as of yesterday. The sources I’ve spoken with have continued to say that Marshall and Utah’s Larry Krystowiak are the most likely candidates should Patterson dip into the college coaching ranks for a Barnes replacement. If Patterson decides to exhaust his professional coaching connections, it will be a bit of a crap shoot as that’s a new pool of candidates of which there is little known in relation to their connection to a job like Texas.
Long story short, people are ready for Barnes to be officially let go - and I believe that’s the most likely scenario as of what I’ve heard this morning - but those involved are engaged in a bit of a public relations dance and until that’s over there’s likely little concrete information which will come out.
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