We are the Joneses - The Official Texas Longhorns Athletics Thread

DAlbert

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I'm concerned about tackling in the secondary, they have looked awful in almost every clip I've seen of the offseason. And that Front 7 isn't as stout as it was last year. They are going to have to be able to clean up.


I'll take the over on 8 wins. I want 9, would be ecstatic with 10.
:stopitslime: don't gotta worry about tackling under strong my nikka real shyt, someone those clips are agiasnt 2nd/3rd stringers and its like 4 plays out of 120

jason hall put semaj on his fukking back :wow: I'm damn sure he didnt tackle JGray cause Gray has been dinged a few times this spring



shyt really coming together brehs:mjcry:


I'm drunk off that kool aid
Crb7iPA.png
 

dtownreppin214

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I'm concerned about tackling in the secondary, they have looked awful in almost every clip I've seen of the offseason. And that Front 7 isn't as stout as it was last year. They are going to have to be able to clean up.


I'll take the over on 8 wins. I want 9, would be ecstatic with 10.
yeah i noticed this too. a bunch of guys like vaccarro, echols, haines, and colbert don't belong at texas. strong knows it too which is why he went HEAVY in the secondary last year.
 

Numpsay

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yeah i noticed this too. a bunch of guys like vaccarro, echols, haines, and colbert don't belong at texas. strong knows it too which is why he went HEAVY in the secondary last year.

Yea all those names don't belong here. Colbert would be a hell of a safety if he liked to hit, but dude is just soft.
 

satam55

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Inside Texas Inside Scoop - 4/17/15

From: Eric Nahlin

SWOOPES/HEARD


My favorite topic.

Jerrod Heard is certainly making plays on the ground. Tyrone Swoopes is making plays from the pocket.

When I asked someone in the know what they expected on Saturday my guy said, "I expect them to keep making plays in line with their strengths. Heard has run the ball well versus 1st and 2nd team defenses, often times REALLY well. Swoopes has made the throws and quick decisions you like to see against both units. I expect Heard to get people excited with his legs but Swoopes should look good with his quicker decision-making in the passing game. Basically I think fans will see what they expect to see; Heard will make plays with his legs, Swoopes will make plays with his arm. The staff would love to see them more consistently make plays with their head."

With the defense being decimated by injuries and inexperience, I asked the same source if the defensive coaches will try to even things out with some blitzing. He said, "You should be prepared to see up-tempo from the offense and some blitzing from the defense, but nothing too exotic."

I'd love to see the quarterbacks under some certifiable pressure from whoever is the 1st team and the 2nd team should be allowed to blitz regularly. No matter what, this competition was never going to end in the spring, it doesn't mean people can't opine about who is ahead, especially when they know the snap allocation.

I mentioned that coach Watson didn't mention the offensive line much in his Thursday presser. "Not much new going on there, it seems to be fairly stable with your normal interior line plus Raulerson pushing Doyle, and the four tackles doing battle." Thankfully there's way more depth on the offensive line than there was last September.

Defensively...if the running backs clear the line of scrimmage or the wide receivers fine space, they're going to make some plays. Apply context on both sides of the ball accordingly. The offense is healthy, the defense is not.

VISITORS LIST

The Spring Game is tomorrow. This list features some high priority guys as well as many long-term contingency plans, because, recruiting. It also features a fine collection of 2017 talent which is good to see. If 2016 is going to be a small class (it is), that should give them an earlier start on the very talented sophomore class.

Here's what we know and what we think we know.

2015 Signees

QB Kai Locksley, Gilman (Baltimore, MD)
WR Ryan Newsome, Aledo (Aledo, TX)
OL Ronnie “Buck” Major, Huntsville (Huntsville, TX): I've been trying to get some insight on his latest eligibility status but I haven't heard back yet.
OL Patrick Vahe, Trinity (Euless, TX)
DT Du’Vonta Lampkin, Cypress Falls (Houston, TX)
DE Charles Omenihu, Rowlett (Rowlett, TX)
LB Cameron Townsend, Fort Bend Ridge Point (Missouri City, TX)
LB Anthony Wheeler, Skyline (Dallas, TX)
S DeShon Elliott, Rockwall-Heath (Rockwall, TX)
S PJ Locke, Central (Beaumont, TX)
ATH Kirk Johnson, Valley Christian (San Jose, CA)
ATH DeAndre McNeal, Poteet (Mesquite, TX)

We'll get updates on these guys before the end of their senior years and I'll post my thoughts on who is ready to play and who will need to redshirt.

2016 Commitments

QB Shane Buechele, Lamar (Arlington, TX)
LB DeMarco Boyd, Gilmer (Gilmer, TX)

2016 Attending

QB Rex Culpepper, Plant (Tampa, FL): Flying in with one of his Tampa Plant coaches tonight. From last week's Scoop:

"Well it looks like they may offer two (quarterbacks). They have a commit already so they want to evaluate Rex. He is on their board with a few other guys. We want to visit and see practice and also let them know Rex is sincere that he would travel to whatever the best school is for college."

I do not expect Culpepper to receive an offer at this point, but I could be wrong.

RB Darius Anderson, George Ranch (Richmond, TX)*: Kid is pretty quiet when it comes to recruiting. Texas is still easily his best offer.

RB Kameron Martin, Memorial (Port Arthur, TX)* - BAYLOR: If they want to gain his commitment, I believe the staff can but they have to recruit him as hard as everyone else.

RB Trayveon Williams, C.E. King (Houston, TX)*: Texas, Texas Tech, and A&M are in the thick of things right now, but Williams told me, "TCU (good fit) is pretty much leading right now." As for the Saturday visit, he said, "I'm looking forward to seeing the new installs on offense and the change in style coach Strong and I were talking about."

WR Kofi Boateng, Lamar (Arlington, TX): Projects to be a reliable possession receiver who can occasionally make a big play. Boateng has tons of quality offers and is the teammate of two current offers in quarterback commit Shane Buechele and offensive lineman Chris Owens.

WR Donnell Dunn, Cypress Springs (Cypress, TX): Not likely an offer, but would jump on a Texas or Baylor offer from what I hear.

TE Ryan Becker, Marble Falls (Marble Falls, TX): Versatile player who picked up a Texas Tech offer on Thursday. Has visited Texas this spring already.

TE Jack Stoll, Regis Jesuit (Aurora, CO)*: Flying in with his father. Visited Nebraska last week where he was offered. From last week's Scoop:

"I had been receiving letters from Texas for quite some time. Last night (Wednesday) Coach Nolan (Regis Jesuit HS, Aurora, CO) got a call from Texas. They wanted me to call them. As soon as I learned it was Texas I was on the phone immediately. After talking with Coach Traylor for a few minutes he offered me. At the time I was at a loss for words. It's a phenomenal program, traditionally maybe the best in the nation. It was indescribable. It's still indescribable."

"They said they love how versatile I can be. I can motion from h-back, line up in tight or outside and I can get down the seam." He continued, "they mentioned they're short on tight ends and that they'll take two. It was mentioned that a few more tight ends were being offered as well."

OL Travis Bruffy, Fort Bend Ridge Point (Missouri City, TX): He's a big project. Wickline could be banking on a senior season where Bruffy moves much better as he gets more comfortable in his skin. Tech is currently his best offer.

OL Chris Hughes, Harker Heights (Killeen, TX): Moves like a tackle but doesn't quite have the length the coaches covet. Younger brother of Camrhon and Naashon.

OL Samuel Williams, Bearden (Bearden, AR): I talked to Williams' father, Larry. Here are some notes I gathered:

Heading to Austin Friday morning; about an 8- hour drive. Coach Wickline used to recruit Bearden (SW part of the state) and even gained a signature from a defensive end out of there while at Oklahoma State. Williams has an offer from ULM but is hearing from Oregon and Tennessee among others. Tireless worker, works out twice a day on weights, core and agility. Smart kid, academics are very important (significant interest from Purdue). 6-6.5 barefoot and weighed 280 pounds recently. Camped at Texas last June. Sounds to me like Tristan Nickelson, only much more comfortable in his body at this same point in their growth.

DT Darius Anderson, Fort Bend Hightower (Missouri City, TX): What this kid wouldn't give for a Texas offer...has visited on multiple occasions. Considers Fozzy Whitaker to be an older brother.

DT Johnnie Williams, LBJ (Austin, TX) - COLORADO STATE: Yes, that's a placeholder. I expect Williams to have a productive senior season in his first year at defensive tackle. Very raw, but some serious upside thanks to his size and athleticism. If Texas needs a late DT flip, this could be your guy.

DT Michael Williams, All Saints’ Episcopal (Fort Worth, TX)*: One of the biggest visitors on the weekend, Texas needs great defensive tackles in this class and Williams was an early offer, an indication of priority. He tells me he's most looking forward to talking with coach Strong and seeing Austin. This feels like a Texas/Oklahoma battle with UT having the chance to make a big impression. If Strong wants him as much as the early offer indicates, he should spend some time with Big Mike.

DE Mark Jackson, Steele (Cibolo, TX)*: Another highly rated player UT needed to get back on campus is the future Fox, Jackson. He's been to A&M twice in the last month or so. Texas has a quality hand of cards with proximity, the family's fondness of Strong, and Jackson's fit within the scheme. I like UT's chances here, and they must as well since they haven't offered other worthy candidates such as Alton Robinson and Rahssan Thornton.

DE Sidney Murray, Terry (Rosenberg, TX): He says he'll make it if his ride (Christian Wallace) follows through. Could be a late emergency offer if something opens up unexpectedly. Murray plays all over the place in high school but could be a traditional d-end or maybe fox in high school.

DE Rahssan Thornton, Shoemaker (Killeen, TX): I'm a fan. He has a great physical projection and moves really well. I think he can play fox and I'll hate to see him go elsewhere if numbers don't work out.

CB Jaylon Jones, Allen (Allen, TX): He was supposed to make it to Austin last weekend but was unable. He's one of the top corners in the state (No. 5 in my book) and will likely end up at A&M if UT doesn't offer. Even then, he's a tough pull. Numbers make it appear an offer is unlikely at this point but that could certainly change.

S Eric Brewington, Manor (Manor, TX): Active player but I don't see much materializing here.

ATH Christian Wallace, Sealy (Sealy, TX)*: Some think he could be the next commit. Some think he's going to take his time. I hope he takes his time and makes the best decision for himself rather than rushing into another commitment (previously committed to TCU).

2017 Attending

QB Kellen Mond, Reagan (San Antonio, TX): Strong armed dual-threat. Emphasis on strong arm. Mond will make his second visit of the spring. Justin spoke to him.

RB Eno Benjamin, Wylie East (Wylie, TX): One of the top 15-20 players in the state for his class. Malik Jefferson has called him a LeSean McCoy type back. Benjamin told me he may make it to Austin. East's soccer girls are playing for the state championship in Georgetown so he'll already be in the neighborhood. Benjamin sets up defenders in space well and if they don't bite, he simply drops the hat. Really fun highlights to watch. When I say I would consider not taking a running back in 2016, it's because the bounty in 2017 is that much better and UT stocked up in 2015.

RB Rajan Cunningham, Bishop Dunne (Dallas, TX): Quick, deceptively powerful, and homerun speed. Kid's a playmaker. Potential offer down the road, imo.

RB CJ Jones, Cypress Woods (Cypress, TX): Ditto. Could be a slot.

OL Will Farrar, Fort Bend Travis (Richmond, TX): Highly rated, I'm not in love with him like some others. He'll be a guard, methinks. Holds party school offers in Arizona State, Miami, and Utah. Okay, holds two party school offers.

OL Kenneth Pleasant, Seven Lakes (Katy, TX): Giant kid with some natural ability but is still getting used to being big. Lacks killer instinct at this point, but he has a lot of upside. My good friend coaches there so those aren't even my thoughts.

DT Marvin Wilson, Episcopal (Bellaire, TX)*: One of the top defenders in the class. Period.

LB Baron Browning, Kennedale (Kennedale, TX): If Texas is in offer mode on Saturday, you have to like Browning's chances. He's one of the nation's best defenders and projects to either Will or Mike. Justin will have more.

LB Anthony Hines, Plano East (Plano, TX)*: These last three players in a row...hopefully Texas shows them plenty of attention. Hines, like Browning, has always talked up Texas to me.

CB Javelin Guidry, Cedar Park (Cedar Park, TX): The hometown kid made it to a practice already unbeknownst to me and talked with coach Bedford and coach Vaughn. He's a bit undersized at this point (still young) but has very quick feet. I like him long-term defending slots in the Air-Raid. Pretty much sign me up for any football player, offensive or defensive, named Javelin.

S Daiquain Jackson, Poteet (Mesquite, TX): School sounds familiar. Jackson shows athleticism and physicality but he's a bit on the shorter side.

ATH Jalen Blake, Ranchview (Carrollton, TX): Similar to Guidry in size and athleticism, though Blake displays toughness near the LOS, almost as an OLB. Kid is not afraid to mix it up. He told me he's looking forward to meeting the staff and seeing what being a Longhorn is all about. This is his first notification from Texas so he's pretty excited. He has been hearing from SMU quite a bit.

ATH Darnay Holmes, Newbury Park (Newbury Park, CA): Monster West Coast prospect. I have not heard back from him yet. If he shows up and is offered it would not surprise me at all. In fact, if he shows up again he should be offered.
 

satam55

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2016 Possibilities

RB Trevor Speights, Memorial (McAllen, TX) - ARIZONA: People expect him to flip to A&M. We'll see if he makes it in.

OL Tope Imade, Bowie (Arlington, TX): I think Imade is going to blow up his senior season and look like a Texas player. Whether there's room at that point is questionable.

DT Jordan Elliott, Westside (Houston, TX)*: He's a must-get because he could play interior or exterior DL. Big and moves well. Recently visited. His recruitment has a long way to go. Don't get high, don't get low.

2017 Possibilities

QB Shawn Robinson, Guyer (Denton, TX)*: He told Justin he 'might' make it in. He's a Top 15 national player in the nation for '17.

RB JK Dobbins, La Grange (La Grange, TX): From my high school rivals, Bellville vs La Grange played some fierce games back in the day. I played against his father and uncle (great players) who are tragically no longer with us. JK's a monster of an athlete, not tall, but plays big and fast. If he makes it in, I expect he'll be offered. He's thought of as an APB because of his current stature and versatility but he'll develop into a load bearing running back.

WR Octavius Evans, Center (Center, TX): Justin knows him much better than I.

OL Jack Anderson, Frisco High (Frisco, TX): Tons of offers for this Tech legacy. He looks like a future offer from my vantage point. He talks up Tech a lot.

NOTES

QB Jake Allen, Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale, FL): Texas had hoped the 2017 quarterback would make it in this weekend but he told me he has a big 7 on 7 tournament (I'm really beginning to hate 7 on 7). At this time he has no plans to visit but that could change after the spring.

RB Toneil Carter, Langham Creek (Houston, TX): With Texas inviting JK Dobbins and Eno Benjamin, I thought they might have also been in contact with Carter. Carter's a borderline 5-star for the Class of 2017 but as of yet has not heard from UT. He'll be at UofH's Spring game on Saturday which is a boon for them. He holds A&M, Georgia, TCU, Baylor, Arkansas, and others. Just a note, I'm asked about him somewhat frequently.

OL Grayson Reed, Cypress Creek (Houston, TX): The hilarity of early crystal balls. I'll get to that in a minute. Reed's a highly ranked offensive tackle from the same school that sent Texas Elijah Rodriguez (and Dan Neil). The 6-foot-5, 270 pounder had this to say:

"I was invited to the UT spring game but cannot make it because I have already talked to the coaches of another school and told them I would attend their Spring game (this was before Texas invited me). I have not heard much from UT but I hope that would change. I'm very familiar with the campus and football program. My cousin is Cedric Reed."

Grayson Reed is currently crystal balled to Texas A&M, albeit with only one vote. Cedric Reed's cousin continued, "Yeah, that's my cousin (Cedric Reed) and we're (Grayson Reed and his cousin, former Texas defensive end, Cedric Reed) real close. I emailed Texas about two weeks ago and then out of no where I get the invite on Tuesday but I already told UTSA I would visit."

Reed already has one offer from Boise State. He missed some time last year with a torn meniscus but a guy I know who played linebacker there last year said he was working people pretty good before the injury.

Finally, I'll be at UofH all day getting learnt on some football. I'll also be talking to the numerous coaches in attendance about their prospects. Hopefully I can get some solid info.

From: Justin Wells

Recruiting Notes. Let's rock.

1. Baron Browning. The 2017 5-star LB from Kennedale was finally contacted by Texas this week. It's about time. I've only been pushing this for two months now, but better late than never. Browning is neat kid and tremendous football prospect. He's also a smart dude - Stanford doesn't just offer anyone. He's very well-spoken and level-headed early in the recruiting process. Despite UT taking so long to contact him, Browning has maintained it's a marathon, not a race. A certain 2015 DB signee from East Texas could learn a few things from Browning.

"I've really wanted to hear from Texas for the longest," said Browning. "Real curious about the program and the staff. They do great things with defensive players." Texas WR Jay Norvell is his contact at UT and he loves the coach's honesty and positivity. But there's one coach he's eager to meet; head coach Charlie Strong.

Browning was in Arlington last month for Nike's Opening but was unable to play due to a injury. He's healed up now and looks for to hitting the camp scene this summer.

This will be Browning's first visit to Austin for football. He's traveled to the state capitol before for the Kennedale Track team competing at the Texas Relays in the 4x100 and 4x200. Not bad for a 16-year old, 6-foot-4, 220-pound monster. Some of his early offers include the Cardinal, Arkansas, Baylor, Nebraska, and UCLA. Florida State, LSU, and Texas A&M might be close to offering as well. As for any early leaders, Browning's not naming any names. He's too smart for that.

2. Kendell Jones. The 2016 5-star DT from Killeen Shoemaker is a funny dude. The more I get to know Jones, the more the opens up to me. He's really a giant softy dressed in a superhero costume. Football is important to Jones, as he views it as a way to better his family's situation. The recruiting process has already brought a lot of new things into Jones' life. Riding his first airplane will be one.

"I'm already nervous," said the massive teddy bear. "I've never flown before so it'll be something. I get to fly to Oregon (The Opening) and Baltimore (Rivals 5-star challenge) this summer. You told me to bring my headphones and chew bubble gum. I can handle that," Jones says laughing.

Jones will be in Tuscaloosa on Saturday for the Alabama Spring game. When I told Jones they're expecting 70K fans, he said," Probably, but I hope not. That's too many people."

Weirdly enough, for being such a high profile player, Jones hasn't seen a new offer in over a year. Re-read that. Hard to believe, isn't it? Jones tells me despite the lack of new offers, a few schools have started recruiting the 6-foot-5, 360-pound defensive lineman and former New Orleans native. Notre Dame, TCU, Nebraska, and SMU have thrown their hat in the ring and Jones thinks they could be close to offering.

Jones is also very grateful for all the love and attention he's receiving.

"It's all very humbling," Jones said. "I'm grateful for all the blessings I do have. I'm busting my tail to get everything in order. I would like to visit a bunch of schools but my parents don't have the time or finances to do all of them. I only get five officials so I'll have to pick very carefully."

Is there a good chance Texas get one of those officials despite just being down the road?

"Absolutely."

3. Grayland Arnold. The ultra athletic junior athlete from the piney woods (Kountze) and Baylor commit picked up a Sam Houston State offer this week. I asked him how much he speaks to Texas and he told me every once in awhile. I was chalking up UT's low numbers in 2016 as to why they haven't pursued the electric multi-sport star. But there might be something else.

Two coaches in the area have told me that Arnold might have trouble qualifying in college. This makes more sense because the kid is a take and Texas could take him. He's got ties to Austin and is interested in the Longhorns despite being a Briles Bear. At this point, I don't see UT offering. Too bad, because Arnold could be special. He holds football and basketball D1 offers.

4. Kellen Mond. The 2017 dual-threat QB from San Antonio Reagan is coming back to Austin after taking in the opening of Spring practice in March. He wants to see two things.

"Just want to watch the offense execute," said Mond. "I want to see the quarterbacks footwork and technique as they go through their progressions. I also want to soak up the atmosphere. The facilities and fans at Texas are amazing."

I think the 6-foot-2, 175-pound signal-caller might be in a group of sophomore quarterbacks called Plan C. Denton Guyer's Shawn Robinson (still a maybe for UT Spring game) being Plan A and Westlake's Sam Ehlinger as Plan B. Damn the QB class in Texas for 2017 is loaded.

5. Kam Martin. The 4-star all-purpose back from Jamaal Charles County (PA Memorial) is a recruitment that's just getting started. Despite his numerous overtures to Baylor fans and players, I think Martin's heart may be the color orange. I also think if he does continue to build a relationship with the Texas players and staff, he'll do it on the down low. He'll be in Austin in Saturday for the first time in a while. It's a start.
 
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