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The recruiting process has exploded for Fort Bend Dulles cornerback Maurice Smith. In the last week he has added Florida and Florida St. to an offer list that already included Texas, LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas A&M to name just a few.
Ask him about the process and the word “blessed” tends to come up a lot. He knows this is not the life for everyone and he is taking it all in.
Before the offers really started to roll in he made no secret that he grew up a Texas fan. Texas offered following its spring game, and many thought Smith might go ahead and make his decision. That has not been the case, but Texas is a school he is strongly considering.
“It kind of shocked me when it came because it came so late,” Smith said. “I had been to the school plenty of times and it came kind of late. So some other schools got a jump on them before they did. It’s still my dream school. I’m not going to take them off the list.”
While they waited to offer, the Longhorns did keep him updated on their process.
“They’re a slow-working school and you have to respect that,” he said. “They have their reasons and I talked to coach (Duane) Akina and he kind of regretted not offering me when I first went up there. I’m not going to knock them for that.”
He has been staying in touch with coach Akina regularly and has also talked with coach Mack Brown. He is not narrowing anything down at this point but does know Texas has a lot to offer.
“It’s in Texas and it’s not far away from home,” Smith said. “On top of that they call themselves DBU so I’m just trying to find the right fit for me.”
While he is not narrowing his focus right now, Texas A&M, LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma are four schools that have left an impression.
“It’s just a couple things they showed me that other schools didn’t,” he said. “Basically when I got out there I felt the warmth and they took me to one-on-one things like showing me film and things like that. It’s the little things that make up a lot.
“Those are just a few things that stood out, but to me they’re still on the same level.”
This summer Smith plans to continue to hit the road. He does not have anything set in stone but mentioned Alabama and LSU as camp stops he would like to make. He also said a Texas camp was a possibility. Whatever happens this summer, he is working on putting in some travel time.
“I don’t have any names right now because we’re still trying to figure out where I’m going to go,” Smith said. “But there’s going to be quite a few visits. Basically it will be the ones I haven’t made already.”
When it comes to making a decision, Smith is not in a hurry.
“Right now everyone is on the same level,” he said. “I’ll probably wait until the season starts to make my decision at the Under Armour game. I’m going to evaluate the schools and see which schools I can see myself playing at.” (Jason Howell)
******
This week Texas took its interest in Eldridge Massington up a notch. The West Mesquite receiver talked to both Bruce Chambers and Darrell Wyatt and he plans to take a trip to Texas when he makes his way to the state track and field championships.
There is no doubt Massington is interested and listening to what the Longhorn coaches have to say, but he is also keeping an open mind about everything. He wants to check out a few schools and mentioned interest from USC, Miami, Clemson and LSU has caught his attention.
Texas coaches plan to make their way to West Mesquite to get a good look this week but they will have company. USC also plans to stop by to get a good look at Massington. (Howell)
******
Red Oak, Texas tight end Jeremiah Gaines is getting ready.
It is time for spring ball in Red Oak and that means several college coaches will be making their way to check out the 6-3, 235-pound standout. Memphis, Tulsa, TCU, UNT, Wake Forest, Purdue, Vanderbilt, and Ole Miss have all offered. He has also been hearing from the University of Texas and tight end coach Bruce Chambers.
Gaines attended the February 25 junior day at Texas, and the Longhorns let him know they would be keeping their eye on him.
“We’re still getting letters and we were invited to the spring game,” Gaines’ father Fred Gaines said. “Nothing has changed. You know Texas, they have earned the right to be meticulous. We’re just going about our business.”
For now, that business means focusing on spring football, but following spring ball it does appear that Gaines will begin making some big decisions.
“I’ve said let’s get through spring ball and try to narrow it down to three by June and try to commit to somebody by August,” Fred Gaines said.
There are no camp or visit plans on the current schedule.
The Gaines family has had a great experience thus far with the recruiting process and they are thankful for the opportunity.
“The word I use all the time is gracious,” Mr. Gaines said. “I’m very thankful to those people who have shown us love and have thought enough of him to come around because like I told him they don’t have to. He’s a hard working kid and he has a good work ethic and it makes you feel better when kids that try to do the right stuff most of the time have the ability to realize some of their dreams in terms of going to school and seeing what that next level of football is about.” (Howell)
******
Fort Worth Southwest wide receiver Robbie Rhodes is getting used to the attention. He is getting used to the phone calls and the interest. It’s a good thing too because he is getting plenty of it.
He has been talking mostly with coaches from Baylor, TCU and Texas Tech, and the three schools have been on his mind quite a bit. Texas has also stepped up its interest. The Longhorns stopped by the school and he plans to stop by the campus when he is in Austin for the state track meet.
Before the weekend, Rhodes did not know for sure if he would qualify, but he was confident in his abilities. Over the weekend, he did not disappoint, earning a trip to Austin. (Howell)
******
It's been a while since we've checked in with Orlando Dr. Phillips safety Marcell Harris, so we touched base with the Rivals100 member to get the latest. Harris continues to take things at a pretty slow pace, and he continues to be a high priority for UT DB coach Duane Akina.
Akina called Harris on the first day that coaches were allowed to call juniors and he told Harris he'll be making a stop by his school in the near future.
"He's supposed to be coming up with one of our practices and come to the school, see how everything is going with my grades and things," Harris said. "I think he's going to do some in-state schools first and then head out here."
Harris and his teammates start spring ball on May 1. Recently, the blue-chip safety went to check out Florida, a school that many believe could be the team to beat.
"Some friends of mine went up there and my mom wanted to go there and see how it was. She's from Gainesville, but she'd never been to the blue-orange game," Harris said. "So she wanted to go do that."
During his phone conversation with Akina, Harris told the UT coach about his grades (he's on the A-B honor roll), he said he has a very high interest in Texas and he's "probably going up there for a camp again."
"If I don't come from a camp, I'll try to come from a game. I want to see the atmosphere again and meet with some of the coaches again."
Harris is still not naming favorites, but he and his family plan to sit down in the near future and formulate a list of favorites. He could trim his list this spring, and a summer decision is possible.
"It's kind of a stressful process. For any recruit, it is stressful," Harris said. "Sometimes you want to go ahead and get it over with."
As for the Longhorns ...
"Texas is a good school from my perspective. Texas might be one of top five schools on my list. I'm still looking at other choices too," Harris said. "But Texas is a good school. Coach Akina, Mack Brown - they're good coaches, good people to be around."
Harris said his eventual decision will come down to finding a place where he can be comfortable for four years. Academics and a good relationship with the coaching staff will also be key.
The obvious question with Harris is whether or not proximity will be a factor. Does distance help a school like Florida and hurt a program like Texas? Harris downplayed the significance.
"In my decision, it's not even a factor. I've been in Florida all my life. Sometimes it's good being out of state, trying new things in life," Harris said.
Harris' father played at Florida, which would seem to another factor weighing in the Gators' favor. Not according to Harris.
"Some people take it how they want to take it and make a big deal out of that stuff. Iin my perspective, even though my dad went to Florida, it's always good to follow in your father's footsteps, but I have my own mind, I make own decisions," Harris said. "It's all about me. My dad is behind me 100 percent. He just tells me it's my decision and he supports me all the way.
"My mom plays a big factor. She goes back and forth with it. She's actually one of my biggest fans. She's with me 100 percent. It doesn't matter to her where I go. She's just happy and blessed that I have this position." (Suchomel)
******
We touched on this on Friday, but here's a little more detail on what we're hearing with Dallas Skyline wide receiver Ra'Shaad Samples.
Lately, there have been a lot of rumors coming from the Texas A&M side of things that have the Aggies taking the clear lead. In fact, there's even been talk that Samples could be close to committing to A&M.
"That's not even one percent accurate," a source told us. "I honestly have no idea where that's coming from. He hasn't even been to A&M recently. I know the A&M receiver coach talks to him a lot on facebook and stuff, but I have no idea where the rumors came from. He hasn't been there since their junior day."
Samples had thought about attending A&M's spring game this weekend, but instead decided to stay home and keep his focus on his ankle rehab.
We're told that Samples is pretty much in the same spot he's been for a while. He continues to weigh his options and is not going to rush into a decision before he's ready.
The Texas coaches did go by Skyline earlier this month and spent some time talking to Samples' father and head coach, Reginald Samples.
"He's still in the same place. All those rumors are just people guessing," a source said. "He's just been rehabbing. He's not really talking to anybody." (Suchomel)
******
UT running back commit Kyle Hicks here's from people all the time that he has to be crazy for wanting to play at Texas, where he'll have to battle it out with a deep pool of running back talent. Hicks has a refreshing viewpoint on the situation.
'It really doesn't matter to me. I can come and help the team out, or I can come in and redshirt. A lot of people ask me why I'd go to Texas with Johnathan Gray and the two other running backs," Hicks said. "Some people want o go in and be the man too fast. I'll take my time, get bigger, stronger faster When it's my time, take it with a bang
and earn my playing time, compete every day. I love competition and competing every day. I want to earn my spot."
Hicks doesn't communicate with any schools but Texas and he remains rock-solid with his pledge. He keeps in touch with Jake Raulerson and A'shawn Robinson from time to time. (Suchomel)
******
We ran our story on here if you missed it). Some comments that didn't make the story.
Swoopes on staying humble:
"It's very important. My parents have always told me that I have ability, but it can be taken away from you in the blink of an eye. I try to stay humble, not get a big head about any of it."
Swoopes' mother Elizabeth on his personality and keeping him grounded:
"I think part of it is just his personality. The other part, we've talked a lot about how you can have all the talent in the world, but you have to make the right decisions. You have to do things the right way. Here at home, he's just Tyrone. He still washes the dishes, cleans the bathroom, all that stuff."
Swoopes' mother on Tyrone's competitiveness:
"I think he gets a little from me in that he hates to lose. I don't know if he takes it personally, but his personality on the court and on the field is just 180 degrees from what he normally is. When it comes time to compete, I think he just gets in the zone. He sees one goal, he's going to try to get that goal however he can do it. I don't know to explain it, he's just a different person."
Swoopes' father, Tryone, on his son's discipline:
"His character has always been very respectful. I've never had to spank him, never had to really punish him for character reasons.
"He was raised in a military environment. I was in the military. You can't always be out front. That's the kind of a character that I was raised on - show more than you tell, and you'll get a lot better respect. When you're always out in front, always talking, a lot of time people don't always respect that. But if you show them more than you tell them, you'll earn their respect."
Swoopes' father on Tyrone's personality on the field and off:
"That's what makes him so good. Those that do know him, those around him every day, they'll tell you he's one person off the field, but a whole different beast comes out of him when he's on the field. He quietly studies sports. He's a student on the sport. Those that don't know him will be very surprised when they see him on the field. He's a totally different person."
******
There continues to be little talk from 2012 five-star small forward Devonta Pollard or his family about the upcoming commitment he will make. According one person I communicated with Sunday afternoon, Pollard should be deciding on Friday.
Recently, Georgetown lost an assistant coach, and that assistant was basically in charge of Pollard’s recruitment. Could that hurt the Hoyas chances? You’d have to think so.
Outside of that recent development, where Pollard will end up remains to be a mystery and the clues are not out there still.
******
Still no word from Mike Clarkson on the four schools that were blocked by Tulsa. I again tried to reach out to Clarkson this weekend, and got no response. Odd. Very odd. Well, the one source I spoke with that suggested Texas was on the blocked list hasn’t been refuted. Again, nothing is confirmed by the Clarkson family, and it is basically the only people that truly know outside of the Tulsa athletic department.
As I reported on Thursday and Friday, conversations I had with Mr. Clarkson suggested that a lot of the elite college basketball programs came calling for Jordan, who was Tulsa’s leading scorer as a sophomore last season, as this transfer issue played out. If Texas is on the blocked list, Clarkson being happy with the outcome from Thursday’s meeting with the Tulsa administration would seem to indicate that Texas is out, which would be a big surprise considering how Clarkson spoke about Texas when I had previous conversations with him. He didn’t shy away when I asked about UT.
We’ll see. It’s still a mystery at this point, but given that Clarkson was so eager to talk to me before, it suggests Texas could very well be on that list.
This post was edited on 4/29 10:44 PM by Suchomel
The recruiting process has exploded for Fort Bend Dulles cornerback Maurice Smith. In the last week he has added Florida and Florida St. to an offer list that already included Texas, LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas A&M to name just a few.
Ask him about the process and the word “blessed” tends to come up a lot. He knows this is not the life for everyone and he is taking it all in.
Before the offers really started to roll in he made no secret that he grew up a Texas fan. Texas offered following its spring game, and many thought Smith might go ahead and make his decision. That has not been the case, but Texas is a school he is strongly considering.
“It kind of shocked me when it came because it came so late,” Smith said. “I had been to the school plenty of times and it came kind of late. So some other schools got a jump on them before they did. It’s still my dream school. I’m not going to take them off the list.”
While they waited to offer, the Longhorns did keep him updated on their process.
“They’re a slow-working school and you have to respect that,” he said. “They have their reasons and I talked to coach (Duane) Akina and he kind of regretted not offering me when I first went up there. I’m not going to knock them for that.”
He has been staying in touch with coach Akina regularly and has also talked with coach Mack Brown. He is not narrowing anything down at this point but does know Texas has a lot to offer.
“It’s in Texas and it’s not far away from home,” Smith said. “On top of that they call themselves DBU so I’m just trying to find the right fit for me.”
While he is not narrowing his focus right now, Texas A&M, LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma are four schools that have left an impression.
“It’s just a couple things they showed me that other schools didn’t,” he said. “Basically when I got out there I felt the warmth and they took me to one-on-one things like showing me film and things like that. It’s the little things that make up a lot.
“Those are just a few things that stood out, but to me they’re still on the same level.”
This summer Smith plans to continue to hit the road. He does not have anything set in stone but mentioned Alabama and LSU as camp stops he would like to make. He also said a Texas camp was a possibility. Whatever happens this summer, he is working on putting in some travel time.
“I don’t have any names right now because we’re still trying to figure out where I’m going to go,” Smith said. “But there’s going to be quite a few visits. Basically it will be the ones I haven’t made already.”
When it comes to making a decision, Smith is not in a hurry.
“Right now everyone is on the same level,” he said. “I’ll probably wait until the season starts to make my decision at the Under Armour game. I’m going to evaluate the schools and see which schools I can see myself playing at.” (Jason Howell)
******
This week Texas took its interest in Eldridge Massington up a notch. The West Mesquite receiver talked to both Bruce Chambers and Darrell Wyatt and he plans to take a trip to Texas when he makes his way to the state track and field championships.
There is no doubt Massington is interested and listening to what the Longhorn coaches have to say, but he is also keeping an open mind about everything. He wants to check out a few schools and mentioned interest from USC, Miami, Clemson and LSU has caught his attention.
Texas coaches plan to make their way to West Mesquite to get a good look this week but they will have company. USC also plans to stop by to get a good look at Massington. (Howell)
******
Red Oak, Texas tight end Jeremiah Gaines is getting ready.
It is time for spring ball in Red Oak and that means several college coaches will be making their way to check out the 6-3, 235-pound standout. Memphis, Tulsa, TCU, UNT, Wake Forest, Purdue, Vanderbilt, and Ole Miss have all offered. He has also been hearing from the University of Texas and tight end coach Bruce Chambers.
Gaines attended the February 25 junior day at Texas, and the Longhorns let him know they would be keeping their eye on him.
“We’re still getting letters and we were invited to the spring game,” Gaines’ father Fred Gaines said. “Nothing has changed. You know Texas, they have earned the right to be meticulous. We’re just going about our business.”
For now, that business means focusing on spring football, but following spring ball it does appear that Gaines will begin making some big decisions.
“I’ve said let’s get through spring ball and try to narrow it down to three by June and try to commit to somebody by August,” Fred Gaines said.
There are no camp or visit plans on the current schedule.
The Gaines family has had a great experience thus far with the recruiting process and they are thankful for the opportunity.
“The word I use all the time is gracious,” Mr. Gaines said. “I’m very thankful to those people who have shown us love and have thought enough of him to come around because like I told him they don’t have to. He’s a hard working kid and he has a good work ethic and it makes you feel better when kids that try to do the right stuff most of the time have the ability to realize some of their dreams in terms of going to school and seeing what that next level of football is about.” (Howell)
******
Fort Worth Southwest wide receiver Robbie Rhodes is getting used to the attention. He is getting used to the phone calls and the interest. It’s a good thing too because he is getting plenty of it.
He has been talking mostly with coaches from Baylor, TCU and Texas Tech, and the three schools have been on his mind quite a bit. Texas has also stepped up its interest. The Longhorns stopped by the school and he plans to stop by the campus when he is in Austin for the state track meet.
Before the weekend, Rhodes did not know for sure if he would qualify, but he was confident in his abilities. Over the weekend, he did not disappoint, earning a trip to Austin. (Howell)
******
It's been a while since we've checked in with Orlando Dr. Phillips safety Marcell Harris, so we touched base with the Rivals100 member to get the latest. Harris continues to take things at a pretty slow pace, and he continues to be a high priority for UT DB coach Duane Akina.
Akina called Harris on the first day that coaches were allowed to call juniors and he told Harris he'll be making a stop by his school in the near future.
"He's supposed to be coming up with one of our practices and come to the school, see how everything is going with my grades and things," Harris said. "I think he's going to do some in-state schools first and then head out here."
Harris and his teammates start spring ball on May 1. Recently, the blue-chip safety went to check out Florida, a school that many believe could be the team to beat.
"Some friends of mine went up there and my mom wanted to go there and see how it was. She's from Gainesville, but she'd never been to the blue-orange game," Harris said. "So she wanted to go do that."
During his phone conversation with Akina, Harris told the UT coach about his grades (he's on the A-B honor roll), he said he has a very high interest in Texas and he's "probably going up there for a camp again."
"If I don't come from a camp, I'll try to come from a game. I want to see the atmosphere again and meet with some of the coaches again."
Harris is still not naming favorites, but he and his family plan to sit down in the near future and formulate a list of favorites. He could trim his list this spring, and a summer decision is possible.
"It's kind of a stressful process. For any recruit, it is stressful," Harris said. "Sometimes you want to go ahead and get it over with."
As for the Longhorns ...
"Texas is a good school from my perspective. Texas might be one of top five schools on my list. I'm still looking at other choices too," Harris said. "But Texas is a good school. Coach Akina, Mack Brown - they're good coaches, good people to be around."
Harris said his eventual decision will come down to finding a place where he can be comfortable for four years. Academics and a good relationship with the coaching staff will also be key.
The obvious question with Harris is whether or not proximity will be a factor. Does distance help a school like Florida and hurt a program like Texas? Harris downplayed the significance.
"In my decision, it's not even a factor. I've been in Florida all my life. Sometimes it's good being out of state, trying new things in life," Harris said.
Harris' father played at Florida, which would seem to another factor weighing in the Gators' favor. Not according to Harris.
"Some people take it how they want to take it and make a big deal out of that stuff. Iin my perspective, even though my dad went to Florida, it's always good to follow in your father's footsteps, but I have my own mind, I make own decisions," Harris said. "It's all about me. My dad is behind me 100 percent. He just tells me it's my decision and he supports me all the way.
"My mom plays a big factor. She goes back and forth with it. She's actually one of my biggest fans. She's with me 100 percent. It doesn't matter to her where I go. She's just happy and blessed that I have this position." (Suchomel)
******
We touched on this on Friday, but here's a little more detail on what we're hearing with Dallas Skyline wide receiver Ra'Shaad Samples.
Lately, there have been a lot of rumors coming from the Texas A&M side of things that have the Aggies taking the clear lead. In fact, there's even been talk that Samples could be close to committing to A&M.
"That's not even one percent accurate," a source told us. "I honestly have no idea where that's coming from. He hasn't even been to A&M recently. I know the A&M receiver coach talks to him a lot on facebook and stuff, but I have no idea where the rumors came from. He hasn't been there since their junior day."
Samples had thought about attending A&M's spring game this weekend, but instead decided to stay home and keep his focus on his ankle rehab.
We're told that Samples is pretty much in the same spot he's been for a while. He continues to weigh his options and is not going to rush into a decision before he's ready.
The Texas coaches did go by Skyline earlier this month and spent some time talking to Samples' father and head coach, Reginald Samples.
"He's still in the same place. All those rumors are just people guessing," a source said. "He's just been rehabbing. He's not really talking to anybody." (Suchomel)
******
UT running back commit Kyle Hicks here's from people all the time that he has to be crazy for wanting to play at Texas, where he'll have to battle it out with a deep pool of running back talent. Hicks has a refreshing viewpoint on the situation.
'It really doesn't matter to me. I can come and help the team out, or I can come in and redshirt. A lot of people ask me why I'd go to Texas with Johnathan Gray and the two other running backs," Hicks said. "Some people want o go in and be the man too fast. I'll take my time, get bigger, stronger faster When it's my time, take it with a bang
and earn my playing time, compete every day. I love competition and competing every day. I want to earn my spot."
Hicks doesn't communicate with any schools but Texas and he remains rock-solid with his pledge. He keeps in touch with Jake Raulerson and A'shawn Robinson from time to time. (Suchomel)
******
We ran our story on here if you missed it). Some comments that didn't make the story.
Swoopes on staying humble:
"It's very important. My parents have always told me that I have ability, but it can be taken away from you in the blink of an eye. I try to stay humble, not get a big head about any of it."
Swoopes' mother Elizabeth on his personality and keeping him grounded:
"I think part of it is just his personality. The other part, we've talked a lot about how you can have all the talent in the world, but you have to make the right decisions. You have to do things the right way. Here at home, he's just Tyrone. He still washes the dishes, cleans the bathroom, all that stuff."
Swoopes' mother on Tyrone's competitiveness:
"I think he gets a little from me in that he hates to lose. I don't know if he takes it personally, but his personality on the court and on the field is just 180 degrees from what he normally is. When it comes time to compete, I think he just gets in the zone. He sees one goal, he's going to try to get that goal however he can do it. I don't know to explain it, he's just a different person."
Swoopes' father, Tryone, on his son's discipline:
"His character has always been very respectful. I've never had to spank him, never had to really punish him for character reasons.
"He was raised in a military environment. I was in the military. You can't always be out front. That's the kind of a character that I was raised on - show more than you tell, and you'll get a lot better respect. When you're always out in front, always talking, a lot of time people don't always respect that. But if you show them more than you tell them, you'll earn their respect."
Swoopes' father on Tyrone's personality on the field and off:
"That's what makes him so good. Those that do know him, those around him every day, they'll tell you he's one person off the field, but a whole different beast comes out of him when he's on the field. He quietly studies sports. He's a student on the sport. Those that don't know him will be very surprised when they see him on the field. He's a totally different person."
******
There continues to be little talk from 2012 five-star small forward Devonta Pollard or his family about the upcoming commitment he will make. According one person I communicated with Sunday afternoon, Pollard should be deciding on Friday.
Recently, Georgetown lost an assistant coach, and that assistant was basically in charge of Pollard’s recruitment. Could that hurt the Hoyas chances? You’d have to think so.
Outside of that recent development, where Pollard will end up remains to be a mystery and the clues are not out there still.
******
Still no word from Mike Clarkson on the four schools that were blocked by Tulsa. I again tried to reach out to Clarkson this weekend, and got no response. Odd. Very odd. Well, the one source I spoke with that suggested Texas was on the blocked list hasn’t been refuted. Again, nothing is confirmed by the Clarkson family, and it is basically the only people that truly know outside of the Tulsa athletic department.
As I reported on Thursday and Friday, conversations I had with Mr. Clarkson suggested that a lot of the elite college basketball programs came calling for Jordan, who was Tulsa’s leading scorer as a sophomore last season, as this transfer issue played out. If Texas is on the blocked list, Clarkson being happy with the outcome from Thursday’s meeting with the Tulsa administration would seem to indicate that Texas is out, which would be a big surprise considering how Clarkson spoke about Texas when I had previous conversations with him. He didn’t shy away when I asked about UT.
We’ll see. It’s still a mystery at this point, but given that Clarkson was so eager to talk to me before, it suggests Texas could very well be on that list.
This post was edited on 4/29 10:44 PM by Suchomel
