As we reported earlier on Thursday night, Texas has issued a verbal scholarship offer to top national offensive lineman Andrus Peat.
The 6-6, 270-pound Peat, out of Tempe (Az) Corona Del Sol, received an email from UT OL coach Stacy Searels on Thursday night with Searels saying he had just watched Peat’s junior highlights. Peat then put in a call to Searels and the offer was extended.
“I called him and he said he was really impressed by (the film), that it was one of the best offensive line tapes he's seen,” Peat said. “Then he said he has a verbal offer and he wants me to come up for a junior day that's coming up pretty soon or a visit later on.”
Peat will not be able to make it in for this weekend’s junior day, but he said he will talk to his parents about the possibility of making it for the February 26 event. If that doesn’t happen, he’ll look at taking a visit to UT in the spring or over the summer.
“That’s definitely something I want to do,” Peat said. “Texas is definitely a school I'm looking at. The things they've been able to do, winning a national championship and always competing, competing in a really tough conference, I’ve really been impressed by them over the years I've been watching them. It’s definitely a school to look at.”
Peat has offers from about 25 of the nation’s top programs, and he said he’s keeping an open mind.
“I actually don't have a list yet. I’m open to any schools, location doesn't matter,” Peat said. “I haven't cut it down yet.”
Peat’s brother Todd is a four-star DT who signed with Nebraska earlier this month. On the surface, one would think that would give Nebraska a bit of an inside track, but Peat said he’s looking to make the move that’s best for his future.
“I don't really think it gives them an edge,” Peat said. “I just want to find right place I fit in, be the best player possible. If it's Nebraska, then it's there, but I’m looking for any school that's the right place for me.”
Peat’s communication with Searels on Thursday was the first time he’s had contact with the new UT assistant. Searels has also extended a verbal offer to Charlotte (NC) Mallard Creek offensive tackle D.J. Humphries. (Suchomel)
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We also caught up with scheduled junior day attendee Cayleb Jones.
The Austin High wide receiver will be on campus on Sunday after picking up a recent junior invitation after Jones and his family emailed with Mack Brown. Darrell Wyatt has also made a couple stops by Jones’ school and Harsin has been by once as well.
“I've seen the school multiple times, so I’m just getting to know coach Harsin and coach Wyatt more,” Jones said of this weekend’s visit. “That and just meet some of the kids that they're recruiting as well.”
As for Jones’ early impressions on the Horns new offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach?
“I do like what they both offer as coaches. (Harsin) tries to use a lot of weapons, he utilizes every player he has as far as running plays. I watched a lot of Boise State games and I liked a lot of what they do and how they use players.”
The visit to Texas is the only junior day stop that Jones has scheduled. He’s currently running track (100M and 4X100) and working every day on his receiver skills.
As for the recruiting process, Jones said he really has no set schedule and is simply taking things as they come.
“I'm not in any rush. I’m just taking it day by day. I’m still seeing what every school has to offer, what they're about, how the coaches coach, the campus tradition and campus lifestyle,” Jones said.
Texas is definitely a school that’s in a good standing with the talented receiver, but Jones is refraining from naming an official list of favorites.
“I would (have a list) if I’ve seen all of them, but I haven't,” Jones said. Of the ones I've seen before, I've given lists before. But since I haven't seen schools like Florida, Oklahoma or Virginia Tech I really can't say that I have any top schools.” (Suchomel)
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Next up, an update on Dallas Bishop Dunne defensive tackle Alex Norman, another player who will be in Austin on Sunday for UT’s junior day.
Norman currently stands 6-3 and tips the scales at 275 pounds. As a sophomore, he weighed in at 290 and as a freshman he was 330 pounds.
“My coach said if I really want to play, I have to get down to a certain weight. I’m committed to football, so had to get work hard and lose some weight,” Norman said.
Norman is a guy who could probably play at either defensive end or tackle (his coach thinks his long term future is at end), and he said he’s comfortable playing either inside or outside.
“Really, I'm comfortable with wherever I am on the d-line. I’ve only played end a couple times, but I’ve done well,” he said.
It’s been a whirlwind week for Norman. He said the interest from college coaches really picked up beginning on Tuesday, with coaches from TCU, Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana Tech stopping by the school.
“It's exciting. It's not really that overwhelming. I just keep saying, if I keep working hard, someone is going to come up and see me,” Norman said. “It's just very exciting. I’m keeping my head level, keeping humble. But I'm really happy about it.”
Norman will be accompanied on the UT visit by his mother, who is a UT grad, and his grandparents. Norman’s grandfather is former Dallas Cowboy Pettis Norman. If Texas offers him on Sunday, there’s a very good chance that Norman could end the recruiting process right then and there.
“I'm still considering what I’d do, but it's a big possibility. I’m still thinking about other schools, making sure it's the best opportunity for me. But that's a big possibility that I'll commit there,” Norman said.
Norman camped at Texas as a sophomore. Bruce Chambers is his lead recruiter. (Suchomel)
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Moving on, an update on Spring Dekaney RB Trey Williams, yet another junior day attendee.
Williams said he’s anxious to come in, meet the new coaches and get a feel for what UT’s new offense will look like. He wants to continue to take his time with the recruiting process.
“Everybody is the same as of now. I'm not going to say I like one college better than the other,” Williams said. “I haven't been everywhere I need to go.”
Texas is high on Williams’ wish list, but he maintained this week that he’ll continue to evaluate his options regardless of how things shake out this weekend.
"I never gave up on Texas. It’s not anything like that. I like Texas, I just haven't been there,” Williams said. “I still need to see the campus, see what it's like. My whole thing about Texas, they've had a few running backs come through like Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson. They've had a lot of good guys like Vince Young. I wouldn't mind being a part of the tradition.” (Suchomel)
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Waco La Vega offensive lineman Michael Starts said on Thursday night he’s still planning to be at UT’s junior day with his father. His goal on the visit?
"Just to find out more information about the school, and about their sports programs,” said Starts, who holds offers from Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Auburn and Baylor.
There’s been some talk that Starts could be a candidate for an early commitment, but he said this week that he’ll probably wait until his senior year to weigh all of his options. This weekend will be his first trip to Texas.
“To me, it's a good school education wise, a lot of people come from Texas with good jobs, good things happening to them,” Starts said.
He said he does not have a list of favorites at this time. (Suchomel)
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There has been a lot of talk of out of state prospects and there may not be a bigger prospect than Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate Academy defensive tackle Eddie Goldman.
The defensive tackle has already attracted offers from coast-to-coast and is the biggest prospect in the history of the program which is entering it’s seventh year.
Texas has not offered, but has made contact a few times with coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim. Coach Rahim and Texas Graduate Assistant Adam Hall played together at San Diego St., and the Longhorns began to keep in touch after Rahim and Hall bumped into each other at the AFCA Convention in Dallas this year.
“They asked me if he could come up for a junior day. I think that’s where they want him. Their stance pretty much is to make sure he’s interested which I understand. We’re going to do the best we can as far as getting Eddie out to places.”
He was able to get out to Maryland and talk to the coaches there, but it does not appear there will be many junior day visits in the future for Goldman
“I think a lot of schools don’t take into account the finances it takes to go to these junior days especially when you’re talking about a kid like Eddie,” said Rahim. “It can get crazy so we have to get creative in how we get to places and if he’s not able to go then he’s not able to go.”
However, look for Goldman and a few of his teammates to make the rounds over the course of the next few months.
“We’re going to try and get around to a lot of different schools,” Rahim said. “We’re going to spend some time in the summer and try to reach as many schools as we can. I don’t know how many junior days we’re going to do because it’s a little difficult to get out there, but we’ll be going to spring practices. During spring break we’re going to we’re going to try and hit a lot of schools.
“Right now what we’re trying to do is just compile some sort of list and cut down some of the colleges so these coaches don’t spend a lot of time on a kid who’s not going to go to their school. We’re in the process of doing that right now.”
Goldman has plenty of options on the table and it looks like he is not going to be making a final decision any time soon. As far as Texas goes, things are still in their infancy. Texas has not made a lot of contact and they are both getting to know more about each other.
“I know he has interest in Texas. I think they’re the only college that hasn’t offered officially through me, but he has a level of interest. I don’t know how much right now,” Rahim said. “Eddie is a kid who hasn’t been to a lot of places, so a lot of times interest peaks when a coach comes to my office. I think Eddie is going to be a kid where the relationship with the coach is going to be big for him. I think if the Texas recruitment picks up his interest may pick up.”
This weekend he will be in attendance at a regional combine this weekend. He may compete, but may not since he has been a little under the weather. (Howell)
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Long Beach, Miss., defensive tackle Nick James took the Army All-American Combine by storm while in San Antonio, and has already reeled in offers from LSU, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, and says he is hearing the most from those three, Alabama and Southern Miss.
Texas is also a school that has been mentioned to be keeping in touch with James, but the 6-5, 330-pound standout says he hasn’t heard much from the Longhorns.
“No sir I haven’t heard anything from Texas yet,” James said. “They send me letters here and there. I went to San Antonio and I guess that’s when they put that Texas thing on there. I wouldn’t mind going to Texas now though.”
When it comes to junior days he has been limited in what he has been able to do. He was unable to attend the LSU junior day due to a lack of transportation and was also unable to make a trip to Auburn for a National Championship celebration.
“I thought I was going to be able to go to some junior days, but right now the way it looks transportation is a little lacking so I’m not sure,” James said.
My Take: It doesn’t sound like there’s all that much communication going on between James and Texas. He hasn’t heard anything on the Texas junior day and even if he did it doesn’t sound like he would be able to make the trip. (Howell)
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Guys to watch for on the 26th
We’ve been working hard to get the 13th lined up but a few guys did give us a heads up on the junior day the Horns are hosting on the 26th.
Humble, Texas defensive tackle Paul Boyette, Jr. has been pretty vocal about the Longhorns being his top school. He planned to attend the Texas junior day on the 13th but will now make his way to Austin on the 26th. Boyette’s teammate DT Zorrell Ezell is also planning to attend on the 26th as is Spring Westfield DT Anthony Williams.
Garland DE/LB Damien Neroes has also been hearing from the Longhorns a little bit, and could make his way to Texas for the 26th weekend.
DeSoto trio of Michael Richardson, Bryson Echols, and Alex Lyons are also possibilities for the weekend. Others to look for include
Texas did stop by to pick up film on Houston Westside offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, but he has not been invited to a Texas junior day at this point. Tenaha athlete Reginald Davis also saw the Texas coaches stop by and he too is a possibility for the weekend.
Texas quarterback commitment Connor Brewer will also be in attendance. (Howell)
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Now, let’s take a quick look at the guys that will be in this weekend and handicap UT’s chances with each:
Trevor Knight, QB, San Antonio Reagan - Chances for an offer: unlikely - When Connor Brewer committed Knight’s chances went down. He has said he is still planning to attend the junior day, but at this point I think Texas takes a wait and see approach with Knight.
Jonathan Gray - Chances for an offer: Lock - Gray’s the top running back target on UT’s list and he’s been a shoe-in for a formal offer for a while. He’ll probably be one of the first guys to get an offer. There was a time when an early commitment seemed possible, but this one would mildly surprise if Gray were to pull the trigger.
Trey Williams - Chances for an offer: Decent - Williams’ situation probably falls between decent and unlikely since Gray is clearly the top guy on the list. Unlike a lot of guys, he hasn’t been given indication that he’ll pick up a scholarship this weekend, so we’ll have to see how things play out.
Thomas Johnson, WR, Dallas Skyline - Chances for an offer: strong - The offers have been pouring into Skyline for the receiver and I think Texas joins the list over the weekend. He is considered by just about everyone to be one of the top receivers in the state.
Cayleb Jones - Chances for an offer: Lock - This one’s pretty much a no-brainer. Jones will get his offer. He said this week that he’ll likely wait and continue to evaluate options, but Texas is right there at the top of his list. A decision to wrap up the process early wouldn’t be a complete shock.
Dominique Wheeler - Chances for an offer: Strong - Wheeler’s stock has shot through the roof, and it’s hard to imagine he’ll leave town without an offer. He said this week that he’ll likely hold off on committing, but he’s also grown up a UT fan, so it wouldn’t be a shock if he pulls the trigger.
Kennedy Estelle, OL, Pearland Dawson - Chances for an offer: strong - The Pearland Dawson offensive tackle is on the raw side but he has a huge upside and I think Texas extends an offer.
Curtis Riser - Chances for an offer: Lock - In the fall, Riser was all but locked in to commit early. But we’re hearing this week that he’s telling people he may wait things out a bit before deciding.
Michael Starts - Chances for an offer: Lock - Another guy that is pretty much a no-brainer. There’s been some talk behind the scenes that he could pull the trigger early, but Starts said on Thursday that he’ll probably wait it out.
Corey Coleman, ATH, Richardson Pearce - Chances for an offer: decent - Speed, speed, speed, and more speed. He could very well receive an offer as an athlete who projects to both sides of the ball.
Damian Lawry, ATH, Dallas A. Maceo Smith - Chances for an offer: unlikely - Lawry already has a few offers on the table but I don’t see it happening at Texas this weekend
Malcolm Brown - Chances for an offer: Lock - Texas may have an uphill climb in this one, but he’s too good and plays too important a position to not offer.
Alex Norman, DT, Dallas Bishop Dunne - Chances for an offer: strong - Norman is a new name to the list but he has caught the attention of the staff and appears poised to commit.
Mario Edwards, DE, Denton Ryan (not attending) - Chances for an offer: lock - Edwards may not be in attendance but you better believe he will have a Texas offer.
Javonte Magee - Chances for an offer: Lock - We’re still not completely sure Magee will make it in. But he’s high on UT’s list and he’s told people he’s already been offered. He says he won’t commit early and we believe him.
Hassan Ridgeway, DE, Mansfield - Chances for an offer: decent - Ridgeway has been on UT’s radar for awhile now, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him pick up an offer.
Timothy Cole - Chances for an offer: Lock - Texas has been recruiting him for a while, he’s been to Austin before and there’s no way they offer his teammate but don’t offer Cole. Doubtful that he acts on the offer.
Alex De La Torre, LB, Denton Ryan - Chances for an offer: lock - The Denton Ryan LB has been high on UT’s radar from the get go. I don’t think he leaves town without one.
Peter Jinkens, LB, Dallas Skyline - Chances for an offer: strong - Jinkens impressed at UT’s camp this summer and just picked up an offer from Muschamp. I think Brown offers this weekend.
LaDarrell McNeil, S, Dallas A. Maceo Smith - Chances for an offer: strong - The A. Maceo Smith safety has been a standout at a few positions. He likes the Longhorns a lot and I think the Longhorns like him too.
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I was able to briefly chat with 2012 big man Shaquille Cleare of The Village School in Houston. The conversation was cut short, but I wanted to pass along a couple of things.
- I got the impression he wasn't really too far along in the process. He mentioned that, "All schools are kind of recruiting me at the same level right now. One isn't doing it a lot more than another." The big fella also mentioned that one school wasn't really standing out more than another right now.
- Coach Springmann is the one recruiting Cleare right now. Texas is definitely one of the schools showing him interest.
- As for visits, the No. 27 player in the 2012 Rivals 150 said that he doesn't have any planned right now and is focused on finishing out the rest of the season before he worries about any visits.
- At Texas, it sounds like Cleare would play both the four and five. According to the 6-9, 285 pounder, UT likes his ability to face-up and knock down shots as well as play with his back to the basket.
- I didn't get the impression Cleare was really deep into the recruiting process yet. UT having him as a priority has yet to change, and the commitment of Cameron Ridley can only help out Texas' case. (McComas)
This post was edited on 2/11 12:25 AM by Suchomel
The 6-6, 270-pound Peat, out of Tempe (Az) Corona Del Sol, received an email from UT OL coach Stacy Searels on Thursday night with Searels saying he had just watched Peat’s junior highlights. Peat then put in a call to Searels and the offer was extended.
“I called him and he said he was really impressed by (the film), that it was one of the best offensive line tapes he's seen,” Peat said. “Then he said he has a verbal offer and he wants me to come up for a junior day that's coming up pretty soon or a visit later on.”
Peat will not be able to make it in for this weekend’s junior day, but he said he will talk to his parents about the possibility of making it for the February 26 event. If that doesn’t happen, he’ll look at taking a visit to UT in the spring or over the summer.
“That’s definitely something I want to do,” Peat said. “Texas is definitely a school I'm looking at. The things they've been able to do, winning a national championship and always competing, competing in a really tough conference, I’ve really been impressed by them over the years I've been watching them. It’s definitely a school to look at.”
Peat has offers from about 25 of the nation’s top programs, and he said he’s keeping an open mind.
“I actually don't have a list yet. I’m open to any schools, location doesn't matter,” Peat said. “I haven't cut it down yet.”
Peat’s brother Todd is a four-star DT who signed with Nebraska earlier this month. On the surface, one would think that would give Nebraska a bit of an inside track, but Peat said he’s looking to make the move that’s best for his future.
“I don't really think it gives them an edge,” Peat said. “I just want to find right place I fit in, be the best player possible. If it's Nebraska, then it's there, but I’m looking for any school that's the right place for me.”
Peat’s communication with Searels on Thursday was the first time he’s had contact with the new UT assistant. Searels has also extended a verbal offer to Charlotte (NC) Mallard Creek offensive tackle D.J. Humphries. (Suchomel)
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We also caught up with scheduled junior day attendee Cayleb Jones.
The Austin High wide receiver will be on campus on Sunday after picking up a recent junior invitation after Jones and his family emailed with Mack Brown. Darrell Wyatt has also made a couple stops by Jones’ school and Harsin has been by once as well.
“I've seen the school multiple times, so I’m just getting to know coach Harsin and coach Wyatt more,” Jones said of this weekend’s visit. “That and just meet some of the kids that they're recruiting as well.”
As for Jones’ early impressions on the Horns new offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach?
“I do like what they both offer as coaches. (Harsin) tries to use a lot of weapons, he utilizes every player he has as far as running plays. I watched a lot of Boise State games and I liked a lot of what they do and how they use players.”
The visit to Texas is the only junior day stop that Jones has scheduled. He’s currently running track (100M and 4X100) and working every day on his receiver skills.
As for the recruiting process, Jones said he really has no set schedule and is simply taking things as they come.
“I'm not in any rush. I’m just taking it day by day. I’m still seeing what every school has to offer, what they're about, how the coaches coach, the campus tradition and campus lifestyle,” Jones said.
Texas is definitely a school that’s in a good standing with the talented receiver, but Jones is refraining from naming an official list of favorites.
“I would (have a list) if I’ve seen all of them, but I haven't,” Jones said. Of the ones I've seen before, I've given lists before. But since I haven't seen schools like Florida, Oklahoma or Virginia Tech I really can't say that I have any top schools.” (Suchomel)
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Next up, an update on Dallas Bishop Dunne defensive tackle Alex Norman, another player who will be in Austin on Sunday for UT’s junior day.
Norman currently stands 6-3 and tips the scales at 275 pounds. As a sophomore, he weighed in at 290 and as a freshman he was 330 pounds.
“My coach said if I really want to play, I have to get down to a certain weight. I’m committed to football, so had to get work hard and lose some weight,” Norman said.
Norman is a guy who could probably play at either defensive end or tackle (his coach thinks his long term future is at end), and he said he’s comfortable playing either inside or outside.
“Really, I'm comfortable with wherever I am on the d-line. I’ve only played end a couple times, but I’ve done well,” he said.
It’s been a whirlwind week for Norman. He said the interest from college coaches really picked up beginning on Tuesday, with coaches from TCU, Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana Tech stopping by the school.
“It's exciting. It's not really that overwhelming. I just keep saying, if I keep working hard, someone is going to come up and see me,” Norman said. “It's just very exciting. I’m keeping my head level, keeping humble. But I'm really happy about it.”
Norman will be accompanied on the UT visit by his mother, who is a UT grad, and his grandparents. Norman’s grandfather is former Dallas Cowboy Pettis Norman. If Texas offers him on Sunday, there’s a very good chance that Norman could end the recruiting process right then and there.
“I'm still considering what I’d do, but it's a big possibility. I’m still thinking about other schools, making sure it's the best opportunity for me. But that's a big possibility that I'll commit there,” Norman said.
Norman camped at Texas as a sophomore. Bruce Chambers is his lead recruiter. (Suchomel)
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Moving on, an update on Spring Dekaney RB Trey Williams, yet another junior day attendee.
Williams said he’s anxious to come in, meet the new coaches and get a feel for what UT’s new offense will look like. He wants to continue to take his time with the recruiting process.
“Everybody is the same as of now. I'm not going to say I like one college better than the other,” Williams said. “I haven't been everywhere I need to go.”
Texas is high on Williams’ wish list, but he maintained this week that he’ll continue to evaluate his options regardless of how things shake out this weekend.
"I never gave up on Texas. It’s not anything like that. I like Texas, I just haven't been there,” Williams said. “I still need to see the campus, see what it's like. My whole thing about Texas, they've had a few running backs come through like Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson. They've had a lot of good guys like Vince Young. I wouldn't mind being a part of the tradition.” (Suchomel)
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Waco La Vega offensive lineman Michael Starts said on Thursday night he’s still planning to be at UT’s junior day with his father. His goal on the visit?
"Just to find out more information about the school, and about their sports programs,” said Starts, who holds offers from Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Auburn and Baylor.
There’s been some talk that Starts could be a candidate for an early commitment, but he said this week that he’ll probably wait until his senior year to weigh all of his options. This weekend will be his first trip to Texas.
“To me, it's a good school education wise, a lot of people come from Texas with good jobs, good things happening to them,” Starts said.
He said he does not have a list of favorites at this time. (Suchomel)
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There has been a lot of talk of out of state prospects and there may not be a bigger prospect than Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate Academy defensive tackle Eddie Goldman.
The defensive tackle has already attracted offers from coast-to-coast and is the biggest prospect in the history of the program which is entering it’s seventh year.
Texas has not offered, but has made contact a few times with coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim. Coach Rahim and Texas Graduate Assistant Adam Hall played together at San Diego St., and the Longhorns began to keep in touch after Rahim and Hall bumped into each other at the AFCA Convention in Dallas this year.
“They asked me if he could come up for a junior day. I think that’s where they want him. Their stance pretty much is to make sure he’s interested which I understand. We’re going to do the best we can as far as getting Eddie out to places.”
He was able to get out to Maryland and talk to the coaches there, but it does not appear there will be many junior day visits in the future for Goldman
“I think a lot of schools don’t take into account the finances it takes to go to these junior days especially when you’re talking about a kid like Eddie,” said Rahim. “It can get crazy so we have to get creative in how we get to places and if he’s not able to go then he’s not able to go.”
However, look for Goldman and a few of his teammates to make the rounds over the course of the next few months.
“We’re going to try and get around to a lot of different schools,” Rahim said. “We’re going to spend some time in the summer and try to reach as many schools as we can. I don’t know how many junior days we’re going to do because it’s a little difficult to get out there, but we’ll be going to spring practices. During spring break we’re going to we’re going to try and hit a lot of schools.
“Right now what we’re trying to do is just compile some sort of list and cut down some of the colleges so these coaches don’t spend a lot of time on a kid who’s not going to go to their school. We’re in the process of doing that right now.”
Goldman has plenty of options on the table and it looks like he is not going to be making a final decision any time soon. As far as Texas goes, things are still in their infancy. Texas has not made a lot of contact and they are both getting to know more about each other.
“I know he has interest in Texas. I think they’re the only college that hasn’t offered officially through me, but he has a level of interest. I don’t know how much right now,” Rahim said. “Eddie is a kid who hasn’t been to a lot of places, so a lot of times interest peaks when a coach comes to my office. I think Eddie is going to be a kid where the relationship with the coach is going to be big for him. I think if the Texas recruitment picks up his interest may pick up.”
This weekend he will be in attendance at a regional combine this weekend. He may compete, but may not since he has been a little under the weather. (Howell)
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Long Beach, Miss., defensive tackle Nick James took the Army All-American Combine by storm while in San Antonio, and has already reeled in offers from LSU, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, and says he is hearing the most from those three, Alabama and Southern Miss.
Texas is also a school that has been mentioned to be keeping in touch with James, but the 6-5, 330-pound standout says he hasn’t heard much from the Longhorns.
“No sir I haven’t heard anything from Texas yet,” James said. “They send me letters here and there. I went to San Antonio and I guess that’s when they put that Texas thing on there. I wouldn’t mind going to Texas now though.”
When it comes to junior days he has been limited in what he has been able to do. He was unable to attend the LSU junior day due to a lack of transportation and was also unable to make a trip to Auburn for a National Championship celebration.
“I thought I was going to be able to go to some junior days, but right now the way it looks transportation is a little lacking so I’m not sure,” James said.
My Take: It doesn’t sound like there’s all that much communication going on between James and Texas. He hasn’t heard anything on the Texas junior day and even if he did it doesn’t sound like he would be able to make the trip. (Howell)
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Guys to watch for on the 26th
We’ve been working hard to get the 13th lined up but a few guys did give us a heads up on the junior day the Horns are hosting on the 26th.
Humble, Texas defensive tackle Paul Boyette, Jr. has been pretty vocal about the Longhorns being his top school. He planned to attend the Texas junior day on the 13th but will now make his way to Austin on the 26th. Boyette’s teammate DT Zorrell Ezell is also planning to attend on the 26th as is Spring Westfield DT Anthony Williams.
Garland DE/LB Damien Neroes has also been hearing from the Longhorns a little bit, and could make his way to Texas for the 26th weekend.
DeSoto trio of Michael Richardson, Bryson Echols, and Alex Lyons are also possibilities for the weekend. Others to look for include
Texas did stop by to pick up film on Houston Westside offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, but he has not been invited to a Texas junior day at this point. Tenaha athlete Reginald Davis also saw the Texas coaches stop by and he too is a possibility for the weekend.
Texas quarterback commitment Connor Brewer will also be in attendance. (Howell)
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Now, let’s take a quick look at the guys that will be in this weekend and handicap UT’s chances with each:
Trevor Knight, QB, San Antonio Reagan - Chances for an offer: unlikely - When Connor Brewer committed Knight’s chances went down. He has said he is still planning to attend the junior day, but at this point I think Texas takes a wait and see approach with Knight.
Jonathan Gray - Chances for an offer: Lock - Gray’s the top running back target on UT’s list and he’s been a shoe-in for a formal offer for a while. He’ll probably be one of the first guys to get an offer. There was a time when an early commitment seemed possible, but this one would mildly surprise if Gray were to pull the trigger.
Trey Williams - Chances for an offer: Decent - Williams’ situation probably falls between decent and unlikely since Gray is clearly the top guy on the list. Unlike a lot of guys, he hasn’t been given indication that he’ll pick up a scholarship this weekend, so we’ll have to see how things play out.
Thomas Johnson, WR, Dallas Skyline - Chances for an offer: strong - The offers have been pouring into Skyline for the receiver and I think Texas joins the list over the weekend. He is considered by just about everyone to be one of the top receivers in the state.
Cayleb Jones - Chances for an offer: Lock - This one’s pretty much a no-brainer. Jones will get his offer. He said this week that he’ll likely wait and continue to evaluate options, but Texas is right there at the top of his list. A decision to wrap up the process early wouldn’t be a complete shock.
Dominique Wheeler - Chances for an offer: Strong - Wheeler’s stock has shot through the roof, and it’s hard to imagine he’ll leave town without an offer. He said this week that he’ll likely hold off on committing, but he’s also grown up a UT fan, so it wouldn’t be a shock if he pulls the trigger.
Kennedy Estelle, OL, Pearland Dawson - Chances for an offer: strong - The Pearland Dawson offensive tackle is on the raw side but he has a huge upside and I think Texas extends an offer.
Curtis Riser - Chances for an offer: Lock - In the fall, Riser was all but locked in to commit early. But we’re hearing this week that he’s telling people he may wait things out a bit before deciding.
Michael Starts - Chances for an offer: Lock - Another guy that is pretty much a no-brainer. There’s been some talk behind the scenes that he could pull the trigger early, but Starts said on Thursday that he’ll probably wait it out.
Corey Coleman, ATH, Richardson Pearce - Chances for an offer: decent - Speed, speed, speed, and more speed. He could very well receive an offer as an athlete who projects to both sides of the ball.
Damian Lawry, ATH, Dallas A. Maceo Smith - Chances for an offer: unlikely - Lawry already has a few offers on the table but I don’t see it happening at Texas this weekend
Malcolm Brown - Chances for an offer: Lock - Texas may have an uphill climb in this one, but he’s too good and plays too important a position to not offer.
Alex Norman, DT, Dallas Bishop Dunne - Chances for an offer: strong - Norman is a new name to the list but he has caught the attention of the staff and appears poised to commit.
Mario Edwards, DE, Denton Ryan (not attending) - Chances for an offer: lock - Edwards may not be in attendance but you better believe he will have a Texas offer.
Javonte Magee - Chances for an offer: Lock - We’re still not completely sure Magee will make it in. But he’s high on UT’s list and he’s told people he’s already been offered. He says he won’t commit early and we believe him.
Hassan Ridgeway, DE, Mansfield - Chances for an offer: decent - Ridgeway has been on UT’s radar for awhile now, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him pick up an offer.
Timothy Cole - Chances for an offer: Lock - Texas has been recruiting him for a while, he’s been to Austin before and there’s no way they offer his teammate but don’t offer Cole. Doubtful that he acts on the offer.
Alex De La Torre, LB, Denton Ryan - Chances for an offer: lock - The Denton Ryan LB has been high on UT’s radar from the get go. I don’t think he leaves town without one.
Peter Jinkens, LB, Dallas Skyline - Chances for an offer: strong - Jinkens impressed at UT’s camp this summer and just picked up an offer from Muschamp. I think Brown offers this weekend.
LaDarrell McNeil, S, Dallas A. Maceo Smith - Chances for an offer: strong - The A. Maceo Smith safety has been a standout at a few positions. He likes the Longhorns a lot and I think the Longhorns like him too.
******
I was able to briefly chat with 2012 big man Shaquille Cleare of The Village School in Houston. The conversation was cut short, but I wanted to pass along a couple of things.
- I got the impression he wasn't really too far along in the process. He mentioned that, "All schools are kind of recruiting me at the same level right now. One isn't doing it a lot more than another." The big fella also mentioned that one school wasn't really standing out more than another right now.
- Coach Springmann is the one recruiting Cleare right now. Texas is definitely one of the schools showing him interest.
- As for visits, the No. 27 player in the 2012 Rivals 150 said that he doesn't have any planned right now and is focused on finishing out the rest of the season before he worries about any visits.
- At Texas, it sounds like Cleare would play both the four and five. According to the 6-9, 285 pounder, UT likes his ability to face-up and knock down shots as well as play with his back to the basket.
- I didn't get the impression Cleare was really deep into the recruiting process yet. UT having him as a priority has yet to change, and the commitment of Cameron Ridley can only help out Texas' case. (McComas)
This post was edited on 2/11 12:25 AM by Suchomel
