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I had a chance to dig around a little this week following the announcement of Chris Del Conte as the new Texas Athletic Director.
1. From what I learned this week, it seems that once Texas President Greg Fenves decided that Del Conte was the person he wanted for the job, there was little sitting around. While I had once been told that a March/April timeline was in play as recent as a month ago, there was a growing anticipation that something would actually happen in January, but once Fenves found himself in New York with Del Conte last week, he pounced on the chance to make the deal.
2. What motivated the quicker pace? Was it the hiring of Jimbo Fisher? The fear of losing him to another school? Nope and nope. If there was anything that might have quickened Fenves' pace, it may have been Mack Brown's pursuit behind the scenes for the job. My best source on the matter didn't get into any detail about the questions about Mack that other sources for the site mentioned throughout the week, but the source did confirm that the accelerated hire eliminated a partly annoying development. Mack was never going to get the job because he didn't fit what the university was looking for in its new athletic director and a number of people are relieved to put the situation to bed.
3. Del Conte has had a chance to take numerous athletic director jobs over the course of the last few years, but there's a sense that Texas is the only job for which he was willing to leave a situation in Fort Worth that he loved. Texas wanted him and he wanted the job. Period. That's why a deal was struck very quickly, pending the approval of his family. This wasn't the family's first rodeo with dad receiving a job offer, but this was the first one on which the entire family signed off.
4. This was all Fenves, from beginning to end. It was a totally different process than the one that led to Texas hiring Steve Patterson and every single person I spoke with this week seemed incredibly content with how this was handled. Within the hallways at Bellmont and around the athletic department, Fenves' approval rating is higher than ever before.
(Ketch)
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Texas offensive lineman Connor Williams did not waste any time declaring for the NFL after his junior season ended against Texas Tech. Longhorn safety DeShon Elliott was the next junior who decided he would not return to Austin. It did not take long for cornerback Holton Hill to join that list.
Williams is projected to become a first-round pick next year. His decision to leave was a no-brainer. Elliott finished this season with six interceptions, ranked third nationally, and two interceptions were returned for touchdowns (ranked first). Considering how hard it may have been to haul in six interceptions next season, Elliott decided to leave on a high note. Hill was serving a school suspension, which made his decision to leave a lot easier.
That seemingly left linebacker Malik Jefferson, defensive end Charles Omenihu and defensive end Chris Nelson as the other juniors who could skip next year and enter the NFL draft. Jefferson is expected to make his announcement in the upcoming weeks, but is currently focused on treating a turf toe injury. Omenihu and Nelson asked the college advisory committee for feedback, and while I do not have their specific grades, those associated with both players believe there is a good change they will be back next season.
Feel free to add junior punter Michael Dickson to this list.
According to UT, Dickson is eligible to enter the NFL draft after this season. The official word I received via text was, “He would be eligible to declare if he chooses to.”
Dickson came to Texas through the ProKick Australia program, but that organization is not NCAA or NFL affiliated, meaning it cannot legally prevent a player from turning pro. The organization is more focused on their players receiving a four-year college scholarship than limiting advancement.
In other words, Dickson has a lot to think about.
Dickson is collecting enough hardware to open a trophy store. He was a unanimous first-team All-American selection on Thursday. He recently won the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation’s best college punter. Dickson is a first-team selection for several other postseason awards, including Big 12 Football Scholar-Athlete of The Year.
So far, we have not heard much about Dickson’s intentions. Some guys begin dreaming about playing in the NFL as a child. Dickson was not exposed to America’s version of football until later in life, and there is no way to guess if playing in the NFL is more important than one more year in college.
Dickson has 34 punts of more than 50 yards, 14 of more than 60 yards and a career-long punt of 76 yards in a game at TCU. That 76-yard punt was the fifth-longest in the country this season, and tied for the fifth-longest in school history. He has had 32 punts downed inside the 20-yard line, 27 downed inside the 15, 14 downed inside the 10 and six downed inside the opponents’ five-yard line.
Texas A&M punter Drew Kaser was a fourth-round draft pick by the San Diego Chargers in 2016 (first punter selected that year). According to his NFL draft bio, “Kaser was an All-American and Ray Guy Award finalist in 2013 after leading the SEC with a 47.4-yard average (beating perennial Pro Bowler Shane Lechler's school record), and had nice follow-up seasons in 2014 (44.5-yard average, 19-of-56 punts inside the 20). Kaser broke that school record again in 2015 (47.47) on his way to first team All-SEC honors, placing 21 of 60 punts inside the 20-yard line. He also threatened the SEC career record with a 46.2 career gross average.”
More importantly, Kaser signed a 4-year deal with $2.49 million with a $153,825 signing bonus. He earned a base salary for $450,000 in 2016, $540,000 in 2017, and will receive $630,000 in 2018 and $720,000 in 2019 before becoming a free agent.
Underclassmen have until January 15 to file declaration papers with the NFL. The league will release an official list of early entrees on January 19. The draft will take place on April 26-28 in Arlington, Texas, at AT&T Stadium.
Nobody can blame Dickson for leaving after this season, but Texas fans will have to keep their fingers crossed and hope the nation’s best college punter decides to hang around one more year. (Richardson)
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Texas football coach Tom Herman and his staff have been hitting the road recruiting since the regular season finale against Texas Tech.
The 2018 recruiting class is currently ranked fourth by Rivals. As Geoff Ketchum noted earlier on Thursday, if Herman lands Anthony Cook, B.J. Foster, Brennan Eagles, Jalen Green, Caden Sterns and Al'Vonte Woodard, the Longhorns will snag the top six players in Texas. That would be one heck of an achievement for Herman, especially after a 6-6 season.
With all the talk and hype about this recruiting class, there is one topic we have not discussed much.
The Texas Bowl.
Texas will continue its preparation for Missouri when practice resumes on Friday. The last time players practiced was on Tuesday.
Practices have been spread out due to recruiting and the class schedules of Longhorn players. However, the quiet period begins on December 17, followed by the dead period on December 18. The early signing period is from December 20-22.
Herman is slated to address the media after practice on Friday.
So far, Texas has practiced at least eight times prior to the Texas Bowl on December 27. From what I have been told, each practice has been spirited, and guys remain determined to finish 7-6. The majority of players have never experienced a winning season, and that is important to this team.
From what I have been told, Herman has not decided if Sam Ehlinger or Shane Buechele will start at quarterback against Missouri. Buechele has six starts this season, while Ehlinger has the same amount. Both players are healthy entering the final game of this season.
One person told me Herman will not try to appease either quarterback when the final decision is made. Herman will not start Buechele to prevent him from transferring, or Ehlinger because he has started in the past two games. I was told Herman’s only focus is beating Missouri and he will not play a political game to appease either quarterback.
Right now, the plan is to play both quarterbacks, but that can change at any time. As you know, Texas planned to play both quarterbacks more than once this season, but usually leaned on Ehlinger. If Texas does play Buechele, it is because Herman thinks he is the quarterback who can help this squad get to seven wins, and it will not be a move to prevent him from transferring.
Since we are on the subject of quarterbacks, more than one person in the building praised incoming freshman Cameron Rising to me this week.
In addition, we should know pretty soon who has stepped up since the recent NFL draft departures.
Texas has been without Connor Williams for most of this season, which has left Tristan Nickelson and Denzel Okafor to compete at left tackle since the season finale against Texas Tech. Meanwhile, Davante Davis continued to fill in for Hill, while Jason Hall is in the mix for playing time at safety in Elliott’s absence. Lastly, we were previously told P.J. Locke should be ready to play in the Texas Bowl, and he is an option at safety, while Antwuan Davis has been solid at nickelback.
We might have a few answers when Herman speaks to the media on Friday. (Richardson)
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The start of early signing period is less than one week away (December 20-22), and there are still some moving parts for the Longhorns. In fact, with Texas expected to host multiple official visitors over the next four days, we’re heading towards a pivotal stretch that could dramatically impact which players wind up signing with the Longhorns.
Let’s take a look at some of the top ongoing stories, and where things stand.
Iowa Western Community College OL Noah Banks is set to visit Texas on Thursday and Friday before heading to an official visit at Florida. Banks is still committed to Arkansas, but in talking to him, this one feels like it’ll come down to whichever visit he likes best between Texas and Florida.
Banks is going in with a practical mindset that he’ll pick the school that will allow him the best chance to play right away and develop. Obviously, Texas has a lot to sell in those departments but Banks being from Pensacola and having a longstanding relationship with Dan Mullen from Mullen’s time at Mississippi State will make for a tough battle. In talking to a Florida source, the Gators are waiting to hear if LT Martez Ivey will head to the NFL or come back. If Ivey leaves, the Gators will have two starting spots open along their line … if he stays, one. Plus, Florida will have former Longhorn Jean Delance competing in the spring, so that could clog things up a bit … interesting that Delance’s departure could make for a good sales pitch for Texas. (Suchomel)
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Arizona Western community college OT Jahmir Johnson told OB on Thursday that he will now visit Texas in January (he had mentioned earlier in the week that he’d visit UT this weekend). USC will also get a January visit. With Johnson not set to graduate until May, this may actually work out in UT’s favor. Texas can continue to build a relationship with Johnson and then evaluate its needs after the early signing period.
Johnson doesn’t tip his hand on where he might be leaning, but I still think Missouri is a big factor in this one since a high school teammate of his has gone there from the JUCO route and experienced a lot of success. Maybe a Texas smackdown of Mizzou could help UT’s chances? (Suchomel)
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College of San Mateo OL Mikey Grandy will visit Texas this weekend and then start to work towards a decision between the Longhorns and UCLA.
Last week, this thing looked like it was all Texas until the in-state Bruins extended an offer and Grandy visited last week. Grandy isn’t necessarily locked in to stay close to home, but in communicating with him this week, he did say UCLA is a strong draw for him.
On how close the race is between Texas and UCLA heading into the UT visit:
“This will be my first time to get a feel for Texas. I’ve been to Austin so the trip will definitely give me a better idea how it is over there,” Grandy said.
On how much location helps UCLA, if at all:
“I’m a California guy. Lived here my whole life. L.A. is a pretty cool place. I also have some family out there so it does make it more appealing.”
On what Texas will need to show him this weekend to win him over:
“I would just need to be able to see myself living there for the next 3-4 years. I ultimately want to try and play professional so whichever school can help me and give me an opportunity, than I’m all in.”
Needless to say, this weekend is huge for Texas. (Suchomel)
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Tom Herman did an in-home with Richland LB DaShaun White on Thursday. So did Lincoln Riley. A&M assistant Terry Price was at White’s basketball game on Tuesday. On Friday, White will head to A&M for his final official visit.
While the in-homes are always a great chance for coaches to answer questions and build relationships, White has been around the Texas and OU staffs enough that he wasn’t expecting Thursday’s visits to make or break anyone’s chances.
“I’m not really thinking I’ll get much from them. I do want to get some time in with those coaches. The biggest momentum swing will be the visit this weekend (to A&M), getting that in, getting some time around coach (Jimbo) Fisher. Hopefully they have a d-coordinator named by then.”
A month ago, when it looked like Kevin Sumlin was on his way out of College Station, I felt pretty confident that this one would come down to Texas and Oklahoma. Now, with the Fisher hire, this one feels like a true three-team race. White agreed with my assessment.
“It definitely made things a little more interesting, instead of just bailing ship,” White said of Fisher at A&M. “It’s definitely a lot more balanced now. I think the biggest thing (for A&M’s chances) would be the linebacker coach or d-coordinator.”
White hopes to come to a decision soon and sign during the December window. If he can’t come to a decision, he says he won’t force the issue and will take his recruitment to February. Right now, he truly believes he can’t go wrong with any of the three, which is why he’s finding it so difficult to make a decision.
I asked White what Texas has that’s different than the others.
“I wouldn’t say it’s different from A&M, but different from Oklahoma is definitely the degree,” White said. “That’s a big deal. They all have really good alumni plans. That stuff is all neck and neck. The biggest thing with Texas is Todd Orlando. He’s one of the best defensive coordinators in the nation.”
Orlando’s presence is a big plus for Texas, but White also hears the talk that Orlando may not be in Austin for long (including the SMU talk recently). That’s the biggest hurdle Texas will have to overcome. But White also knows there’s nobody better he could learn to be a coach from than Orlando.
“I know I want to get into coaching. I’ve been told a million times it’s the worst thing ever, but I think it fits me well and I know I’d love doing it every day. That’s definitely what I want to do,” White said. (Suchomel)
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More from Texas commitment Casey Thompson, who will sign on December 20 (full story on Thompson here if you missed it) …
The Newcastle (OK) product is anxious to get to Austin, and he doesn’t mind admitting that he’s coming in with a bit of a chip on his shoulder as he intends to prove any and all doubters wrong, including college coaches.
“I’m definitely looking forward to proving a lot of people wrong, making anyone feel it if they passed on me or overlooked me,” Thompson said.
Thompson views himself as being different than the quarterbacks Texas currently has on campus (and incoming freshman Cameron Rising) due to his quickness, and the UT coaches have made an interesting comparison when they’ve talked to Thompson about what he brings to the table.
“I think I’m probably the most dual-threat of the group, like so many of the quarterbacks coach Herman has had in the past,” Thompson said. “Coach Herman, coach Beck, Urban Meyer, they’ve all said I’m like a J.T. Barrett 2.0, but they think I’m a step faster and quicker.”
That’ll work. (Suchomel)
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In case you missed our updates on Wednesday and Thursday, defensive end Tahj Brown will no longer be visiting Texas this weekend but defensive end Courtre Alexander will be in Austin.
Interestingly, Brown says he still thinks he has a chance to pick up a Texas offer despite him not visiting. He’s been on campus before, so if that comes to fruition, I wouldn’t put a last-second flip from Houston as out of the question. We’ll see.
Alexander is an under-the-radar guy who is still awaiting his first power-5 offer. I asked him if Texas has mentioned a possible offer coming this weekend … “Not that I know of,” Alexander said.
It’s not often that players are brought in for official visits and don’t get offered, so we’ll keep an eye on this one over the weekend.
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Since I know you all will ask, everyone is still waiting for word on 5-star DB Anthony Cook’s decision. Cook will announce his decision of either Texas, LSU or Ohio State on December 20.
My gut has had Texas as the slightest of leaders in this one and I did get an email out of the blue this week saying Cook would side with the Longhorns, but we received a second email later in the week that there’s word going around from some at Houston Lamar that LSU actually has the inside track.
Pretty much puts this one back to a coin flip, and we’ll probably be left guessing all the way up to Cook’s announcement. (Suchomel)
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Nothing new to report on JUCO OL Levon Livingston from when we talked to him on Tuesday. In that conversation, the Navarro J.C. product said he was trying to decide if he’d visit Texas or Central Florida this weekend. Or, he said, he might take one-day visits to both.
We’ll follow up with Livingston on Friday to see if we can get final word on his plans. (Suchomel)
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A tidbit to pass along from new Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte’s first week at UT:
It sounds like Del Conte has definitely impressed those he’s come in contact with, and has pumped some much-needed energy into the department at all levels. What Texas fans saw during Monday’s press conference is what UT employees are seeing right now away from the camera’s eye – honest, straightforward, funny, and humble.
While Del Conte, as he said Monday, will take some time to evaluate and learn about UT athletics and its people, we’ve heard he’s been direct too with Texas coaching staffs. If they need something, he encourages them to tell them what it is, and not to settle; if it can help Texas win and that coach’s program, he wants to make it happen as much as he can. From early indications, expect coaches and Del Conte to have a two-way dialogue about the program’s progress, and what can be done to help that progress. And expect the new AD to be a man of action. (McComas)
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Expect one of the focus points for the Texas basketball team’s offense in the upcoming days and against Louisiana Tech to be getting Mohamed Bamba more involved. Specifically, Texas putting Bamba in better positions to succeed offensively.
Right now, the Longhorns aren’t doing that nearly enough, and Bamba is often out of rebounding position on the perimeter, not touching the ball inside or outside, and isn’t being featured around the paint enough. (McComas)
