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Today's Gift (4-17)

The prayer of the chicken hawk does not get him the chicken.
~~~~~~~~~ Old Swahili proverb (supposedly)

I'm reminded of the little boy who wants a new bicycle, so he starts praying for one. His friends at school make fun of him, and tell him his plan will never work. This goes on for weeks. No bicycle. Then one day he shows up at school with a new bike. His friends are amazed that his prayers had actually been answered, but the boy explained "I figured out that this is not how it works, so I stole the bike and now I pray for forgiveness."

None of us would advocate theft as a way of getting what we want, but there is a lesson here. I've never seen a chicken hawk in action, but I have seen an osprey dive into the water and come out with a fish, the whole sequence of events taking no more than maybe 2-3 seconds. It is impressive. There's no good reason to suspect that these birds of prey are also birds of pray. They just know instinctively that their methods will work. Fold those wings back, plummet down out of the sky, hit the brakes, and it's dinner time.

What about us? Why do we pray? Are we realistic in our prayer time? Like the little boy, do we pray for a new car to show up in our driveway? James tells us that "the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much." Not ALL, but MUCH. Even if the chicken hawk does pray (what if the chicken is also praying at the same time to be spared?), he still knows that he has to get to work. Like Goose told Maverick (IIRC), "Time to do some of that pilot s**t." First we pray, then like the hawk, it's time to fold those wings back and go get dinner.

Pray not for an easy life, but instead for the strength and resolve to endure the difficulties life presents. We will likely have more prayer discussion in the days to come. Stay tuned.

Blessings all,
NT
James 5: 13-17
In loving memory of Allen Jones, whose prayer time was robust.

Today's Gift (4-16)

What do you want to be when you grow up?
"Kind," said the boy.

~~~~~~~ Charlie Mackesy, from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

Hold up a piece of crystal to the light, we get a rainbow. Moisten the rim of a crystal goblet, run your finger around it, you can almost hear a violin; tap it lightly with a spoon, it chimes with remarkable clarity. But if you drop it on the floor, two things happen. First, if you're a kid, your mom will kill you. Well, threaten anyway, and you'll get some version of the famous "You're the reason we don't have nice things" speech. Second, the broken crystal won't do any of the magic stuff anymore---no rainbows, no music, no chime.

Sometimes it's that way with people too. We are all a little bit fragile, and we forget what enables the people around us to make rainbows and music. We take for granted the qualities that led us to love them in the first place. If we neglect them, the relationship can fall to the floor and shatter, but when we carefully hold them or touch them---literally or figuratively---the magical sights and sounds are there for us both to enjoy.

My prayer for this day is that we remember to appreciate the presence in our lives of the people we love. As an added bonus, maybe they'll do the same for us.

Blessings, lads and lasses.
NT
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
In loving memory of Allen Jones, and in tribute to all of you, as we build each other up, one day at a time.

The 3-2-1 - Updates on top targets that visited Texas recently; spring game thoughts; commitment prediction

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THREE THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Caleb Chester is a priority target for Texas


Fort Bend Marshall cornerback Caleb Chester hasn’t received the recruiting headlines that some other prospects have in the 2025 cycle, but it might be time for that to change. Chester, a three-star prospect out of Fort Bend Marshall, visited Texas last weekend and the UT coaches made him a priority throughout the day, even telling him he’s the top corner on their recruiting board.

“I would probably say what stood out was all the attention. I had four to five staff members, coach (Terry) Joseph and coach Pat (Crowley) with me at all times. Their message to me, they just constantly let me know I’m the number one cornerback on their board,” Chester said. “We were talking about football, how I could be used, the development process of things when I get to Texas, if that’s where I decide to go to.”

Chester also got some time with Steve Sarkisian on Saturday’s visit.

“That was probably like my fifth or sixth time talking to coach Sark. It’s always good talking to him,” Chester said. “We were talking about life, football, development of things, what’s going to go down on my Texas official visit.”

Chester dropped a top five on Friday of last week and he has official visits set to those five programs. He’ll start with TCU (May 3), then hit LSU (May 31) with Texas (June 7), Texas A&M (June 14) and Arkansas (June 21) rounding out his list.

During Saturday’s stop in Austin, Chester was able to take in the Longhorns’ scrimmage. Like most other sources Orangebloods.com spoke with that day, cornerback Manny Muhammad was singled out by Chester for his play.

“The development of the young guys stood out. They all looked really good, especially Manny Muhammad. He was just different,” Chester said. “He had like four picks, a bunch of plays. On the field, he’s just such a smart player.”

Chester plans on committing in the summer, before his senior season begins. The football element of his decision will obviously be big, but he said academics and proximity will also be factors he’ll consider. Chester wants to study business, and UT’s reputation in that area is something he’s well aware of.

“A lot,” Chester said on if the McCombs School of Business is a factor. “It really gives them an edge.”

Chester said all the schools in his top five are pretty even as his key run of official visits approaches.

2. An in-state race is shaping up for Jackson Christian

Port Neches-Groves offensive lineman Jackson Christian was in Austin on Saturday and he’ll return on Tuesday to watch another UT practice. That can’t be a bad sign.

During the weekend visit, Christian said he accomplished quite a bit, including spending time with the coaches, bonding with some players and getting an in-depth look at the campus.

“The atmosphere of the practice (stood out). It was very nice. It was up and down but they're going in the right direction, I believe. They practice in DKR. The atmosphere was pretty cool in there,” Christian said. “It was a lot of energy. I can see myself playing here and going here. We got to see the dorms and everything. They're pretty nice. And then how coach Flood coaches is a big thing.”

Christian has official visits set up to Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech. As things stand right now, he said the Longhorns and Aggies are setting the pace. He’ll likely wait until after his official visits to make a commitment, but said he feels he has a good handle on things after having taken several visits this spring.

“I have most of the information. So it's just about making a decision right now,” Christian said.

3. Texas is an early contender for 2026 LB Tank King

The Longhorns put an offer on the table for 2026 LB Tank King last week, and on Saturday King made his way to Austin for a visit. The Rivals100 member said it was a good experience overall.

“I was soaking everything up. Texas really treats you like family,” King said. “I was really surprised and grateful for this visit.”

During the stop in Austin, which included watching Saturday’s scrimmage, King got to see some familiar faces.

“I saw Jaylon Guilbeau. He’s from Port Arthur. He’s dang-near my brother. I saw Tyanthony (Smith). We work out together and he’s dang-near blood,” King said.

It’s very early for the 6-2, 205-pounder, but King said Texas is “really up there” for him and he has a few schools that have his attention.

“Notre Dame. I’m going up there next week. Texas A&M. I know Texas fans are not going to be happy with that. Those are the only top schools I have right now, and UT,” King said.

******​

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TWO QUESTIONS

1. What are five things I’ll be watching at the Orange-White game?


1. The play of the QBs – We’ve heard Quinn Ewers’ name mentioned from sources in practice reports, but it hasn’t always been these overwhelmingly rave reviews. Is that because so much is expected of Ewers and he’s such a known commodity that it’s not a big deal when he has a new day? Is it a matter of getting his timing down with the new receivers? Not sure. We’ve heard positive reviews of Arch Manning, but also some reports that he’s still growing on the job, as should be expected.

2. The running back rotation – Is CJ Baxter the main guy? Can Jaydon Blue surge to the top of the depth chart? Is the Tre Wisner buzz legit?

3. The interior defensive line – There’s no way this group doesn’t drop off from last year’s performance, but how much of a drop should be expected? Hearing on Saturday that the OL dominated the DL in red zone work is a bit alarming.

4. The receivers – All right Ryan Wingo, show us what you’ve got. This feels like a spot where Johntay Cook might show out. How will the incoming transfers look and will one guy look like the go-to receiver?

5. Edge rushers – I’m not worried about the secondary, despite the statistical struggles from last year. I’m more curious to see if guys like Trey Moore and Colin Simmons can make an impact in getting to the passer (not to mention guys like Ethan Burke, Barryn Sorrell and Colton Vasek).

2. Texas is squarely in the mix for DB Aiden Anding

Ruston (LA) cornerback Aiden Anding is a pretty new offer for Texas, with the staff having extended a scholarship on March 29. Anding said he had been waiting on that offer and he’s still on cloud nine having Texas added to his list.

“Man, it still feels unreal. I was telling some friends of mine, ‘I want to go to Texas.’ That’s a school I’ve been looking at. Then like a week later, the director of personnel texted me and then coach Joseph ended up calling me like three days later. It was really shocking,” Anding said.

Anding took a visit to UT on April 6 and said he enjoyed that experience, including meeting Terry Joseph. The UT offer and that trip to Austin has the Longhorns high on his list.

“They’re up there in the top three. They’re in the top three for sure,” Anding said, adding that Arkansas and Miami would round out his top three.

Anding’s official visit schedule will see him at Miami on May 31, TCU June 7, Arkansas June 14 and Texas on June 21. He’d like to decide on a college before his senior year at Ruston begins.

As for what has Texas in his top three, Anding said it’s a little bit of everything.

“The environment, the support system by the fans. It’s a good program overall and seeing how many people get developed to go where they want to go. A lot of people come here to go to the league,” Anding said. “And they have a good academic program, especially for business, what I want to major in. I could see myself getting developed here and going to the next level.”

******​

ONE PREDICTION – Texas lands Caleb Chester

After talking to Caleb Chester this week, I get the feeling that his eventual choice will come down to either Texas or Texas A&M. Yes, he has a top five and will visit all five schools, but this one looks to be an in-state battle to me. Assuming Texas continues to prioritize him and push the right buttons, I like UT’s chances. His visit on Saturday went exceptionally well and if academics are important to him, as he says, the McCombs School of Business should push the Longhorns over the top. I’ll be entering my FutureCast pick for Texas soon.

Recruiting Rumor Mill: News flying fast and furious after big junior days

From @Adam Gorney. The one note of real interest for Texas ...

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The four-star defensive tackle from Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie has been committed to Texas since December and remains locked in with the Longhorns but a weekend visit back to Miami definitely has him thinking. The Hurricanes’ coaching staff continues to have a strong relationship with the local four-star and the word is Brown is “taking things one day at a time.”

“The love at Miami is there,” Brown said.

FULL REPORT HERE

Athletic Q&A with Texas (DFW) HS coaches about Sark and going to SEC

Good stuff here that I thought many would enjoy. The coaches pretty much all ripped dipshit Jimbo, but think Elko will be better. They liked Elko as an assistant.

As to Sark:

What have you noticed about Steve Sarkisian and Texas vs. the previous staffs there?​

Coach 1: When Sark hired his staff, I thought he’d put together a great staff as recruiters and as coaches. So I figured he would be able to flip that program around with guys he brought in like Jeff Banks, Bo Davis, Tashard Choice. Those guys have great relationships around the state and I knew with the resources Texas has, they’d be able to get the guys Texas needed.

Coach 2: I compare him to Mack Brown. When you walked into the facility at UT, I was speaking at a clinic and Mack would walk in the door and shake your hand and look you in the eye and say “Hey, (Name).”

Now, he may have no idea who I was but somebody on that staff did and told him coach (name) from (school) is in there. And he walked right in and knew your name. That’s the stuff Mack Brown did and that’s what Sarkisian and his staff are doing. He called me within the first couple days he was named the coach at UT.

I had players. I’m not stupid. I know why he’s calling me. But the previous staff wasn’t doing that. The previous two staffs, really, weren’t doing things like that. Sark and his staff have a great handle on what’s going on in regard to NIL, managing all that and still trying to develop relationships. When I go watch Texas practice, Sark is coaching the QBs, sees me, walks right over and shakes my hand. “Hey Coach, how you doing?” The previous staff wasn’t doing that. Not that I need that, but that is a difference-maker with a lot of people.

Coach 3: They have a little more swagger now. They made Texas a priority again. It’s the same thing. When Charlie Strong had the job, they were recruiting all those guys from Florida, Louisiana and really not making headway in the state. Tom Herman kind of tried to but I don’t think he did a good job of that. Now, Sarkisian realizes Texas is Texas and we’ve got the best players in the country so why not make this our priority? They’ve done it the right way. It reminds me of Mack Brown. When he won the title, he had a bunch of kids from the Metroplex and out of Houston playing. It’s like that model on steroids.

Question for mods about ignore feature

@Ketchum

Can rivals do something to improve the ignore feature?

I've ignored a few particularly vile posters, but I still sometimes see their replies to each other for some reason. It's like a double ignore removes the ignore.

Just as bad, I also still see their emoji responses to non ignored posts.

I've seen a particular ignored poster respond with the laugh emoji in response to a post about women and children being raped and murdered.

That kind of person does not belong on OB, or anywhere else in our society.

If ignore doesn't block them, mods need to take steps to remove them from the site.


Edit: Guys, I appreciate the humorous, if sophomoric, responses.

I love a good laugh, and I make fun of Karens and snowflakes as much as anyone. But sometimes you have to be serious and say something.

There are some truly sick people in the world. They give off signs and red flags, but everyone asks, "why didn't anyone notice or say something?"

If you were at a block party, and some neighbor mentioned the recent news about rape and murder of women and children (in front of their parents), and one of your other neighbors simply laughed about it... How would you respond? Shrug it off? Call them out? Join them in laughing.

I think it is too easy for weak men to hide behind a claim that the Internet is not the same as the real world.

We either behave as civilized human beings or we don't. OB should care if there's a sick individual among us.

Anyway, I've said what I think, so my conscience is clear.

Y'all carry on laughing, or get serious for a moment, whatever befits your personal character

Recommendation for Obstetric physicians in Austin area?

Way off topic - but wanted to see if Orangebloods had any recommendations for good OB doctors in the Austin area. My wife's insurance includes most Ascension and ARC doctors

Also does anyone have any experience with delivering at Seton main (at 38th street)? From what I understand, it seems resident physicians will be heavily involved with her care there and I wanted to see if anyone had reviews of Seton Main deliveries or experiences with residents during the time of delivery

I appreciate any input people have, thank you in advance!
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