The departure of Texas defensive backs coach Chris Vaughn appeared to be a sudden move for Longhorn fans who learned about it on Thursday night.
It was not a surprise to the decision-makers on UT’s campus.
The news of Vaughn’s departure was officially announced on Thursday night, yet, several sources have told us the assistant coach’s future was actually decided during a meeting on Monday.
From what we were told, Texas coach Charlie Strong had to meet with president Greg Fenves and athletic director Mike Perrin on Monday to discuss Vaughn. Vaughn was previously an assistant coach at Ole Miss, and he apparently violated NCAA rules while at that job. From what we have been told, Vaughn’s participation in the scandal was around six years ago, but the allegations were so egregious, Strong was not in a position to save Vaughn’s job.
In fact, Strong’s biggest concern during that meeting was trying to create a severance package for Vaughn. Strong wanted Vaughn to receive some sort of compensation since he knew his assistant coach’s college career is likely over. Vaughn may have a chance to coach professionally, or maybe in high school, but it will be hard for another university to hire him based on the NCAA violations.
We have not been able to determine what kind of leverage Strong had during the meeting. To our knowledge, none of Strong’s initial hires who are still on staff (Vance Bedford, Brian Jean-Mary and Vaughn) have received new contracts yet. Their contracts expired on January 31, and each coach has been working without a contract. Ironically, if Strong had re-signed Vaughn in a timely matter, there may have been more leverage for his assistant coach.
Vaughn earned $240,000 a year since being hired in 2014.
Since Strong knew Vaughn was going to be dismissed on Monday, there has been plenty of time for him to contact potential replacements. There will probably be a lot of coaches willing to pack their bags and join Strong in Austin, so there is no reason for Texas fans to be concerned about the Longhorns finding a replacement.
Yet, Vaughn’s dismissal marks the second time a member of Strong’s staff has landed in trouble with the NCAA. Clint Hurtt, an assistant at Louisville under Strong, was nailed by the NCAA for breaking rules at Miami. Now Vaughn is in hot water for breaking rules at Ole Miss. Even though none of the infractions occurred under Strong, two of his former coaches have broken NCAA rules.
Here is UT's press release about Vaughn:
Longhorn assistant football coach Chris Vaughn’s employment agreement with The University of Texas will not be renewed, Charlie Strong confirmed on Thursday.
“Chris did a tremendous job for us,” Strong said. “He’s a terrific football coach and a great person. However, circumstances have put us in a position that we are going to part ways.”
A veteran of 16 years in collegiate coaching, Vaughn spent the past two seasons coaching defensive backs at Texas. He joined the staff in 2014, Charlie Strong’s first year with the Longhorns. That season, the Horns ranked 11th nationally in passing yards allowed (184.2 ypg), 15th in passing efficiency defense (110.04 rating) and 23rd in interceptions (15). Senior CB Quandre Diggs became a sixth-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions and went on to play in 16 games, starting four. Last season, Vaughn helped a pair of starting true freshman corners earn honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in Davante Davis and Holton Hill.
Prior to Texas, Vaughn had coaching stops at Memphis, Ole Miss, Arkansas and Tulsa. A 1998 graduate of Murray State, he played linebacker for the Racers and earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors as a senior. (Staff report)
******
A few quick football team nuggets:
- It's a slow time all-around for info about the team as it is currently only in the strength and conditioning phase of spring practice and unable to work out in a football setting ... with no coaches allowed to be present aside from the strength and conditioning staff.
- With this said, this week on the timeline is when the team goes to working out all together as a full team some of the time. To start spring conditioning, the players would go in separate groups through the day sorted by position. Not much of a transition, but it at least means we're technically one step closer to spring football starting.
- One person said this is "2015's team" and what he meant was clearly that the players from the 2015 class have basically taken over as leaders and the rest of the players on the team (at least the majority at this point) have bought in to the attitude that "Charlie's guys" bring which we've seen is more energetic and outwardly confident than the last few classes prior to Strong's arrival. This is not a comment like saying "there's a great, new energy at practice," because all sources will always tell you the energy is great, especially in the spring when everyone is undefeated. I took it as more of a comment on how the overall feel of the team has shifted.
- It makes sense the players you hear brought up most as doing the right things are 2015 guys like PJ Locke and Charles Omenihu. Both have reportedly put on weight and there is hope that Omenihu could play at 260-265 by next season. That's a projected 30-35 pounds in just 18-20 months of good, solid mass.
- As the youth movement continues, some players will be left on the outside looking in, especially those recruited and brought in by Mack Brown who've either already been passed up by younger guys or find themselves in position battles with Strong's recruits early.
- One is CB Bryson Echols who OB has reported basically since the end of last season to keep an eye on for transfer. This was reinforced Thursday when a source close to Echols said that "it's looking like a transfer," noting that Echols will be graduating in May, so if he didn't take part in spring ball, he would remain at Texas to get his degree either way before pursuing graduate-transfer options. (Dunlap)
******
Texas continues to search for a running backs coach to fill the void left when former RB coach Tommie Robinson took a job at Southern Cal.
Earlier this week (Tuesday), Texas interviewed former Texas running back and current Toledo co-offensive coordinator/running backs coach Anthony Johnson.
On Thursday, multiple sources told us Texas interviewed Charlie Williams, who was recently let go by the Indianapolis Colts, where he coached running backs. Those same sources said Texas interviewed a second candidate on Thursday, but we we're still working to identify that candidate.
This one should move very quickly. We'll obviously pass along any developments we hear. (Suchomel)
******
We're about two weeks from the Longhorns' 2017 Junior Day (February 27), and things are gradually starting to pick up with some of the top prospects around the state.
Interest from a lot of schools continues to pour in for UT commitment LaGaryonn Carson, but the good news for Texas is that Carson isn't interested.
Key quotes: "They still try to get me, but I tell them I'm staying with Texas," Carson said.
Which schools are still trying?
"Everyone that offered me. They're still hitting me up. A&M, Baylor, Oklahoma. They hit me up on Twitter all the time."
Texas junior day in the plans: Carson said he's "trying" to make a way to get down to Austin for UT's junior day, and he's confident he'll be in attendance.
"I just want to have fun. Right now, I know where I want to go. Nobody is going to change my mind."
Different objective: If he is able to make it in for the junior day, Carson said the trip won't be about him getting more comfortable with his decision. Instead, he'll be trying to bring other players into the class.
"I'm going to recruit everybody I can when I get there. I want to have a big class, have a great class come with me when I get up there," Carson said.
"I've been talking to Dylan Moses, all those big-time guys. Right now, I think he really likes Texas. I'm going to try to keep getting him down there to Texas. I'll keep hitting him up on twitter and working on him."
Thoughts on his commit: Carson on what drew him to Texas and his decision:
"I'm feel pretty good about it, feel really confident about it. I love the fans, love the coaching staff. They make me feel at home up there." (Suchomel)
******
Texas has an offer on the table for 2017 LB Levi Jones. The Austin Westlake product said he's not sure as of this week if he'll be at UT's junior day in a couple weeks, and while he is open, the Texas offer has caught his attention.
"Texas has always been a prestigious program for as long as I can remember," Jones said. "Having this caliber of a school offer me is humbling and so rewarding. I know that I have a long ways to go but this solidifies that I can play on the D-1 level."
Jones is the younger brother of former Texas wide receiver Cayleb Jones. He's keeping an open mind at this point, but the Longhorns should factor heavily into his recruitment. (Suchomel)
******
Five-star LB Dylan Moses has transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, which means he won't be attending UT's junior day, per his father.
Moses' first break is in March, so it's possible he could schedule some college visits during that time, but no UT visit is set up at this point.
A one-time LSU commitment, Moses has the Tigers and Alabama high on his list, but he and his father are very fond of Texas as well. The Longhorns won't give up on this one and a UT visit could happen in the future (he has visited previously), but it won't be for UT's junior day. (Suchomel)
******
A couple comments stood out when I talked to La Grange running back J.K. Dobbins this week.
Dobbins mentioned to me that he has a tremendous relationship with UT head coach Charlie Strong, and he calls Strong about once a week. I asked Dobbins if he talked to any other head coaches as much as he does Strong.
"I don't have a relationship like that with any other head coach I don't think," Dobbins said. "Coach strong, I love him. He seems genuine, is just a great guy, a great person in general. He's my type of guy I guess you could say."
There's been a lot of smoke of late that OU is making a charge for Dobbins, and the Rivals100 member will be in Norman this weekend. But Texas has been high on his list for as long as I can remember, and with his relationship with Charlie Strong, I expect the Longhorns to be a factor in this one regardless of how he feels about other programs. (Suchomel)
******
Houston Cy-Creek offensive lineman Grayson Reed has been busy with junior days. He has already attended events at Texas A&M and at Baylor. He'll be at Texas' junior day on February 27th and will then hit Tennessee on March 5.
Thoughts on his A&M and Baylor visits: "A&M, I've been there so many times, it was basically the same thing I've seen before. It was fun to get back in front of the coaches and hang out with them.
"Baylor was really fun. It was my first time up there. It was fun hanging out with coach (Art) Briles and coach (Randy) Clements. It was my first time up there. They have nice facilities. I will definitely be back up there."
On his upcoming UT visit: "I've been to Texas a whole bunch of times. My cousin (Ced Reed) played there so I've been there a bunch. I just want to get back in front of the coaches, talk to coach Strong, coach Vaughn, coach Mattox. I really like those dudes, can't wait to go hang out with them."
Mattox could help UT's chances: Reed was being recruited by UT OL coach Matt Mattox at Tulsa, so the two already know each other. Reed took a visit to Tulsa at some point and he really holds Mattox in high regard.
"Whenever Tulsa offered me, they offered when I was up there for a visit. It was really early in my recruitment," Reed said. "They were like my second offer. He was one of the ones who offered me. I thought he was a really cool guy, really good coach and I really liked him.
"Then when he came to Texas, I was like 'yes!' I was really excited. That made me more interested in Texas. He's a really cool guy."
Texas in good shape: Reed is a four-star prospect and a Rivals250 member. He's keeping his options open, but admits there's a lot to like about Texas.
"I'm still open. Of course I like Texas. I kind of grew up a Texas fan. Once I started getting recruited, I went neutral, but I really, really do like Texas. My family doesn't really pressure me into going to Texas. They just say make right choice for me. Even Cedric, he says good things about Texas, but says only do it if that's where I want to be at." (Suchomel)
******
Manvel DB Derrick Tucker took a junior day visit to Houston and said it's possible he'll show up at UT's on the 27th, but nothing is set in stone. Tucker said he'll talk to his mom about the visit and go from there. He also wants to visit Oklahoma State and TCU sometime this spring.
On his contact with Texas: Tucker had been staying in regular contact with Vance Bedford and Chris Vaughn. Texas will have to bridge the gap with Vaughn out of the picture, but Tucker's interest in UT is very strong.
"We talk weekly. I hit them up to see what's up, see if anything has changed. We just talk like they're my coach already, but I'm keeping my options open," Tucker said.
Early leaders: The Longhorns are in great shape here. For the record, Tucker told me this week that Texas, TCU, Oklahoma State, Houston and Ole Miss are sitting above all other schools, but he admits the Longhorns are the team to beat.
"I think they have the early lead. It's a good school, close to home," Tucker said. "Houston, I like them too. The home stuff is kind of putting them in the lead."
Commitment timetable: Tucker has hinted on several occasions that he would make an early commitment, but he continues to hold off. As of this week, he's still unsure of what he'll do.
"I'm still thinking about it. I want to do it, but want to ride it out too so it's kind of mixed feelings," Tucker said. (Suchomel)
******
A few quick notes on teammates Walker Little and Marvin Wilson, both out of Houston Episcopal. Wilson, of course, is the nation's number one-ranked player overall. Little is a Rivals100 offensive tackle.
"I'm very open right now. I'll probably trim my list around spring break," Wilson said in a recent conversation. "Texas stands very good with me. I talk to (the coaches) every day. They just want me there. They want me to call them every day just to have a relationship with them."
Wilson told me he will not be at UT's junior day.
"Texas is really good with me right now," Little said. "Coach Mattox being there now, I've been talking to him lately. I'm just trying to feel out the new offensive coordinator, see how it goes from there.
"I know (coach Mattox) pretty well. He offered me at Tulsa, so I knew him beforehand. He's high on me and I like him a lot."
Still waiting final word on whether Little will be in for UT's junior day.
******
Speaking of UT's upcoming junior day on February 27, here's a list of players who have confirmed they'll be in attendance (and a few notables who won't be able to attend) ...
ATTENDING
Sam Ehlinger - QB - Austin Westlake (UT commitment)
Eno Benjamin - RB - Wylie East
Camron Buckley - WR - Cedar Hill
Montrell Estell - WR - Hooks
Major Tennison - TE - Bullard (UT commitment)
Grayson Reed - OL - Houston Cy-Creek
Tyrese Robinson - OL - McKinney Boyd (OU commitment)
LaGaryonn Carson - DE - Liberty-Eylau
Taquon Graham - DE - Temple
Alex Duke - DE - Bellaire (Houston commitment - said he has family plans but still plans to attend)
Anthony Hines - LB - Plano East
Baron Browning - LB - Kennedale (Baylor commitment)
Darrion Green - DB - Dallas Woodrow Wilson
UNSURE
J.K. Dobbins - RB - La Grange
Tylan Wallace - WR - FW South Hills
Derrick Tucker - DB - Manvel
WON'T BE IN ATTENDANCE
Marvin Wilson - DT - Houston Episcopal
Toneil Carter - RB - Langham Creek (track meet)
Hezekiah Jones - WR - Stafford
Kary Vincent - DB - Port Arthur Memorial (Suchomel)
******
Caught up with 2016 Texas hoops commitment Andrew Jones some tonight. It’s been an eventful senior season for the Irving Macarthur (Irving) four-star (soon to be five-star) guard. He made his commitment to Texas, and was named to the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic games.
Jones, listed at 6-4, was able to share the moment of being a McDonald’s All-American with his family.
“Family went crazy. My Dad and my Mom they were excited for me. Really happy I made it and all my hard work paid off.”
Hard work is an understatement. Jones went from a barely-known guard to one of the best players in the country, and he’s a player that gets into the gym for extra time a ton. Jones and Irving Macarthur are nearly through with a solid regular season, but he’s hoping for a long run in the playoffs.
“The season is going good. We ended up finishing second in district… then we’ll figure out who we play in what’s hopefully a long playoff run,” he said.
Recently, Texas head coach Shaka Smart watched Jones against Dallas Skyline, and the two have developed a tight bond thanks to their constant communication.
“Me and coach have a great player-coach relationship. We talk almost every day,” Jones said. “On a coach and player level we’ve really bonded. I always ask him for constructive criticism on how to improve my game, become a better leader and help my team win.”
As for recruiting for Texas, Jones mentioned that although he doesn’t talk to him much, he’s made it clear to five-star Jarrett Allen that he wants him to be part of the Texas program.
“I haven’t really talked to him but I got word to him that I want him to be a part of the Longhorn program,” stated the Dallas-area product.
Jones also stays in contact with future Longhorns James Banks and Jacob Young. And he also makes sure to catch the Longhorns whenever he can, and has been impressed with their rise this season.
“It’s great. I try to catch every game. When they’re on TV, I watch. It’s been a great experience watching coach Smart change Texas. Early with Cam going down they’re still able to succeed. When he gets back it’ll be hard to stop them for sure.” (McComas)
******
During Texas’ impressive home win recently over Vanderbilt, a key 2017 target was in attendance. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) guard Charles (Chuck) O’Bannon Jr. made the unofficial trip down to Austin, and it’s safe to say he left very impressed with the Longhorns.
“The atmosphere was great. I was on the front row in the student section,” said O’Bannon. “A lot of people knew I was coming. Everybody was telling me to go to Texas, and what separates them from other schools.”
As for what he saw on the hardwood, O’Bannon is a fan of Texas’ style and the way Smart interacts with his players.
“I love it. I love the way Shaka lets his guys… how he lets them go. How it’s free-flowing on offense and how he lets them go on defense, and their style,” the four-star guard stated. “I also like how Shaka is a positive coach and he doesn’t really ever say anything negative and that’s on and off the court.”
O’Bannon described his style as a “scorer that likes to get up-and-down” and that what Texas does fits his game “perfectly.”
Speaking of that, the No. 44 prospect overall in the 2017 Rivals150 discussed sitting down with Texas’ head coach with a computer, and Smart showing him on a computer the places he’d fit into what they do on offense and defense.
“It was everywhere I like to play and score,” he said.
When he was interacting with Texas players, O’Bannon noticed one thing in particular.
“I was hanging out with the guys that night. They’re pretty cool. I noticed no one had anything negative to say,” said O’Bannon. “Everything I asked was all positive.”
O’Bannon isn’t planning on taking any other visits anytime soon as Bishop Gorman gets ready for a playoff run, and he also has the beginning of the EYBL circuit on the horizon. A lot of teams are recruiting the 6-6 scoring-machine, but this was his response when I asked what schools along with Texas are recruiting him the most right now:
“Nobody is recruiting me as much as Texas is right now,” he said, before listing UCLA, USC, Cal, and Washington as schools that are also recruiting him.
You’ll notice the heavy West Coast flavor there, but the four-star guard doesn’t sound like a prospect that’s married to that area.
“Not at all. Quick two-hour flight non-stop,” he said about the trip to Texas, which was his first time in Austin. “It was easy.” (McComas)
It was not a surprise to the decision-makers on UT’s campus.
The news of Vaughn’s departure was officially announced on Thursday night, yet, several sources have told us the assistant coach’s future was actually decided during a meeting on Monday.
From what we were told, Texas coach Charlie Strong had to meet with president Greg Fenves and athletic director Mike Perrin on Monday to discuss Vaughn. Vaughn was previously an assistant coach at Ole Miss, and he apparently violated NCAA rules while at that job. From what we have been told, Vaughn’s participation in the scandal was around six years ago, but the allegations were so egregious, Strong was not in a position to save Vaughn’s job.
In fact, Strong’s biggest concern during that meeting was trying to create a severance package for Vaughn. Strong wanted Vaughn to receive some sort of compensation since he knew his assistant coach’s college career is likely over. Vaughn may have a chance to coach professionally, or maybe in high school, but it will be hard for another university to hire him based on the NCAA violations.
We have not been able to determine what kind of leverage Strong had during the meeting. To our knowledge, none of Strong’s initial hires who are still on staff (Vance Bedford, Brian Jean-Mary and Vaughn) have received new contracts yet. Their contracts expired on January 31, and each coach has been working without a contract. Ironically, if Strong had re-signed Vaughn in a timely matter, there may have been more leverage for his assistant coach.
Vaughn earned $240,000 a year since being hired in 2014.
Since Strong knew Vaughn was going to be dismissed on Monday, there has been plenty of time for him to contact potential replacements. There will probably be a lot of coaches willing to pack their bags and join Strong in Austin, so there is no reason for Texas fans to be concerned about the Longhorns finding a replacement.
Yet, Vaughn’s dismissal marks the second time a member of Strong’s staff has landed in trouble with the NCAA. Clint Hurtt, an assistant at Louisville under Strong, was nailed by the NCAA for breaking rules at Miami. Now Vaughn is in hot water for breaking rules at Ole Miss. Even though none of the infractions occurred under Strong, two of his former coaches have broken NCAA rules.
Here is UT's press release about Vaughn:
Longhorn assistant football coach Chris Vaughn’s employment agreement with The University of Texas will not be renewed, Charlie Strong confirmed on Thursday.
“Chris did a tremendous job for us,” Strong said. “He’s a terrific football coach and a great person. However, circumstances have put us in a position that we are going to part ways.”
A veteran of 16 years in collegiate coaching, Vaughn spent the past two seasons coaching defensive backs at Texas. He joined the staff in 2014, Charlie Strong’s first year with the Longhorns. That season, the Horns ranked 11th nationally in passing yards allowed (184.2 ypg), 15th in passing efficiency defense (110.04 rating) and 23rd in interceptions (15). Senior CB Quandre Diggs became a sixth-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions and went on to play in 16 games, starting four. Last season, Vaughn helped a pair of starting true freshman corners earn honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in Davante Davis and Holton Hill.
Prior to Texas, Vaughn had coaching stops at Memphis, Ole Miss, Arkansas and Tulsa. A 1998 graduate of Murray State, he played linebacker for the Racers and earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors as a senior. (Staff report)
******
A few quick football team nuggets:
- It's a slow time all-around for info about the team as it is currently only in the strength and conditioning phase of spring practice and unable to work out in a football setting ... with no coaches allowed to be present aside from the strength and conditioning staff.
- With this said, this week on the timeline is when the team goes to working out all together as a full team some of the time. To start spring conditioning, the players would go in separate groups through the day sorted by position. Not much of a transition, but it at least means we're technically one step closer to spring football starting.
- One person said this is "2015's team" and what he meant was clearly that the players from the 2015 class have basically taken over as leaders and the rest of the players on the team (at least the majority at this point) have bought in to the attitude that "Charlie's guys" bring which we've seen is more energetic and outwardly confident than the last few classes prior to Strong's arrival. This is not a comment like saying "there's a great, new energy at practice," because all sources will always tell you the energy is great, especially in the spring when everyone is undefeated. I took it as more of a comment on how the overall feel of the team has shifted.
- It makes sense the players you hear brought up most as doing the right things are 2015 guys like PJ Locke and Charles Omenihu. Both have reportedly put on weight and there is hope that Omenihu could play at 260-265 by next season. That's a projected 30-35 pounds in just 18-20 months of good, solid mass.
- As the youth movement continues, some players will be left on the outside looking in, especially those recruited and brought in by Mack Brown who've either already been passed up by younger guys or find themselves in position battles with Strong's recruits early.
- One is CB Bryson Echols who OB has reported basically since the end of last season to keep an eye on for transfer. This was reinforced Thursday when a source close to Echols said that "it's looking like a transfer," noting that Echols will be graduating in May, so if he didn't take part in spring ball, he would remain at Texas to get his degree either way before pursuing graduate-transfer options. (Dunlap)
******
Texas continues to search for a running backs coach to fill the void left when former RB coach Tommie Robinson took a job at Southern Cal.
Earlier this week (Tuesday), Texas interviewed former Texas running back and current Toledo co-offensive coordinator/running backs coach Anthony Johnson.
On Thursday, multiple sources told us Texas interviewed Charlie Williams, who was recently let go by the Indianapolis Colts, where he coached running backs. Those same sources said Texas interviewed a second candidate on Thursday, but we we're still working to identify that candidate.
This one should move very quickly. We'll obviously pass along any developments we hear. (Suchomel)
******
We're about two weeks from the Longhorns' 2017 Junior Day (February 27), and things are gradually starting to pick up with some of the top prospects around the state.
Interest from a lot of schools continues to pour in for UT commitment LaGaryonn Carson, but the good news for Texas is that Carson isn't interested.
Key quotes: "They still try to get me, but I tell them I'm staying with Texas," Carson said.
Which schools are still trying?
"Everyone that offered me. They're still hitting me up. A&M, Baylor, Oklahoma. They hit me up on Twitter all the time."
Texas junior day in the plans: Carson said he's "trying" to make a way to get down to Austin for UT's junior day, and he's confident he'll be in attendance.
"I just want to have fun. Right now, I know where I want to go. Nobody is going to change my mind."
Different objective: If he is able to make it in for the junior day, Carson said the trip won't be about him getting more comfortable with his decision. Instead, he'll be trying to bring other players into the class.
"I'm going to recruit everybody I can when I get there. I want to have a big class, have a great class come with me when I get up there," Carson said.
"I've been talking to Dylan Moses, all those big-time guys. Right now, I think he really likes Texas. I'm going to try to keep getting him down there to Texas. I'll keep hitting him up on twitter and working on him."
Thoughts on his commit: Carson on what drew him to Texas and his decision:
"I'm feel pretty good about it, feel really confident about it. I love the fans, love the coaching staff. They make me feel at home up there." (Suchomel)
******
Texas has an offer on the table for 2017 LB Levi Jones. The Austin Westlake product said he's not sure as of this week if he'll be at UT's junior day in a couple weeks, and while he is open, the Texas offer has caught his attention.
"Texas has always been a prestigious program for as long as I can remember," Jones said. "Having this caliber of a school offer me is humbling and so rewarding. I know that I have a long ways to go but this solidifies that I can play on the D-1 level."
Jones is the younger brother of former Texas wide receiver Cayleb Jones. He's keeping an open mind at this point, but the Longhorns should factor heavily into his recruitment. (Suchomel)
******
Five-star LB Dylan Moses has transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, which means he won't be attending UT's junior day, per his father.
Moses' first break is in March, so it's possible he could schedule some college visits during that time, but no UT visit is set up at this point.
A one-time LSU commitment, Moses has the Tigers and Alabama high on his list, but he and his father are very fond of Texas as well. The Longhorns won't give up on this one and a UT visit could happen in the future (he has visited previously), but it won't be for UT's junior day. (Suchomel)
******
A couple comments stood out when I talked to La Grange running back J.K. Dobbins this week.
Dobbins mentioned to me that he has a tremendous relationship with UT head coach Charlie Strong, and he calls Strong about once a week. I asked Dobbins if he talked to any other head coaches as much as he does Strong.
"I don't have a relationship like that with any other head coach I don't think," Dobbins said. "Coach strong, I love him. He seems genuine, is just a great guy, a great person in general. He's my type of guy I guess you could say."
There's been a lot of smoke of late that OU is making a charge for Dobbins, and the Rivals100 member will be in Norman this weekend. But Texas has been high on his list for as long as I can remember, and with his relationship with Charlie Strong, I expect the Longhorns to be a factor in this one regardless of how he feels about other programs. (Suchomel)
******
Houston Cy-Creek offensive lineman Grayson Reed has been busy with junior days. He has already attended events at Texas A&M and at Baylor. He'll be at Texas' junior day on February 27th and will then hit Tennessee on March 5.
Thoughts on his A&M and Baylor visits: "A&M, I've been there so many times, it was basically the same thing I've seen before. It was fun to get back in front of the coaches and hang out with them.
"Baylor was really fun. It was my first time up there. It was fun hanging out with coach (Art) Briles and coach (Randy) Clements. It was my first time up there. They have nice facilities. I will definitely be back up there."
On his upcoming UT visit: "I've been to Texas a whole bunch of times. My cousin (Ced Reed) played there so I've been there a bunch. I just want to get back in front of the coaches, talk to coach Strong, coach Vaughn, coach Mattox. I really like those dudes, can't wait to go hang out with them."
Mattox could help UT's chances: Reed was being recruited by UT OL coach Matt Mattox at Tulsa, so the two already know each other. Reed took a visit to Tulsa at some point and he really holds Mattox in high regard.
"Whenever Tulsa offered me, they offered when I was up there for a visit. It was really early in my recruitment," Reed said. "They were like my second offer. He was one of the ones who offered me. I thought he was a really cool guy, really good coach and I really liked him.
"Then when he came to Texas, I was like 'yes!' I was really excited. That made me more interested in Texas. He's a really cool guy."
Texas in good shape: Reed is a four-star prospect and a Rivals250 member. He's keeping his options open, but admits there's a lot to like about Texas.
"I'm still open. Of course I like Texas. I kind of grew up a Texas fan. Once I started getting recruited, I went neutral, but I really, really do like Texas. My family doesn't really pressure me into going to Texas. They just say make right choice for me. Even Cedric, he says good things about Texas, but says only do it if that's where I want to be at." (Suchomel)
******
Manvel DB Derrick Tucker took a junior day visit to Houston and said it's possible he'll show up at UT's on the 27th, but nothing is set in stone. Tucker said he'll talk to his mom about the visit and go from there. He also wants to visit Oklahoma State and TCU sometime this spring.
On his contact with Texas: Tucker had been staying in regular contact with Vance Bedford and Chris Vaughn. Texas will have to bridge the gap with Vaughn out of the picture, but Tucker's interest in UT is very strong.
"We talk weekly. I hit them up to see what's up, see if anything has changed. We just talk like they're my coach already, but I'm keeping my options open," Tucker said.
Early leaders: The Longhorns are in great shape here. For the record, Tucker told me this week that Texas, TCU, Oklahoma State, Houston and Ole Miss are sitting above all other schools, but he admits the Longhorns are the team to beat.
"I think they have the early lead. It's a good school, close to home," Tucker said. "Houston, I like them too. The home stuff is kind of putting them in the lead."
Commitment timetable: Tucker has hinted on several occasions that he would make an early commitment, but he continues to hold off. As of this week, he's still unsure of what he'll do.
"I'm still thinking about it. I want to do it, but want to ride it out too so it's kind of mixed feelings," Tucker said. (Suchomel)
******
A few quick notes on teammates Walker Little and Marvin Wilson, both out of Houston Episcopal. Wilson, of course, is the nation's number one-ranked player overall. Little is a Rivals100 offensive tackle.
"I'm very open right now. I'll probably trim my list around spring break," Wilson said in a recent conversation. "Texas stands very good with me. I talk to (the coaches) every day. They just want me there. They want me to call them every day just to have a relationship with them."
Wilson told me he will not be at UT's junior day.
"Texas is really good with me right now," Little said. "Coach Mattox being there now, I've been talking to him lately. I'm just trying to feel out the new offensive coordinator, see how it goes from there.
"I know (coach Mattox) pretty well. He offered me at Tulsa, so I knew him beforehand. He's high on me and I like him a lot."
Still waiting final word on whether Little will be in for UT's junior day.
******
Speaking of UT's upcoming junior day on February 27, here's a list of players who have confirmed they'll be in attendance (and a few notables who won't be able to attend) ...
ATTENDING
Sam Ehlinger - QB - Austin Westlake (UT commitment)
Eno Benjamin - RB - Wylie East
Camron Buckley - WR - Cedar Hill
Montrell Estell - WR - Hooks
Major Tennison - TE - Bullard (UT commitment)
Grayson Reed - OL - Houston Cy-Creek
Tyrese Robinson - OL - McKinney Boyd (OU commitment)
LaGaryonn Carson - DE - Liberty-Eylau
Taquon Graham - DE - Temple
Alex Duke - DE - Bellaire (Houston commitment - said he has family plans but still plans to attend)
Anthony Hines - LB - Plano East
Baron Browning - LB - Kennedale (Baylor commitment)
Darrion Green - DB - Dallas Woodrow Wilson
UNSURE
J.K. Dobbins - RB - La Grange
Tylan Wallace - WR - FW South Hills
Derrick Tucker - DB - Manvel
WON'T BE IN ATTENDANCE
Marvin Wilson - DT - Houston Episcopal
Toneil Carter - RB - Langham Creek (track meet)
Hezekiah Jones - WR - Stafford
Kary Vincent - DB - Port Arthur Memorial (Suchomel)
******
Caught up with 2016 Texas hoops commitment Andrew Jones some tonight. It’s been an eventful senior season for the Irving Macarthur (Irving) four-star (soon to be five-star) guard. He made his commitment to Texas, and was named to the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic games.
Jones, listed at 6-4, was able to share the moment of being a McDonald’s All-American with his family.
“Family went crazy. My Dad and my Mom they were excited for me. Really happy I made it and all my hard work paid off.”
Hard work is an understatement. Jones went from a barely-known guard to one of the best players in the country, and he’s a player that gets into the gym for extra time a ton. Jones and Irving Macarthur are nearly through with a solid regular season, but he’s hoping for a long run in the playoffs.
“The season is going good. We ended up finishing second in district… then we’ll figure out who we play in what’s hopefully a long playoff run,” he said.
Recently, Texas head coach Shaka Smart watched Jones against Dallas Skyline, and the two have developed a tight bond thanks to their constant communication.
“Me and coach have a great player-coach relationship. We talk almost every day,” Jones said. “On a coach and player level we’ve really bonded. I always ask him for constructive criticism on how to improve my game, become a better leader and help my team win.”
As for recruiting for Texas, Jones mentioned that although he doesn’t talk to him much, he’s made it clear to five-star Jarrett Allen that he wants him to be part of the Texas program.
“I haven’t really talked to him but I got word to him that I want him to be a part of the Longhorn program,” stated the Dallas-area product.
Jones also stays in contact with future Longhorns James Banks and Jacob Young. And he also makes sure to catch the Longhorns whenever he can, and has been impressed with their rise this season.
“It’s great. I try to catch every game. When they’re on TV, I watch. It’s been a great experience watching coach Smart change Texas. Early with Cam going down they’re still able to succeed. When he gets back it’ll be hard to stop them for sure.” (McComas)
******
During Texas’ impressive home win recently over Vanderbilt, a key 2017 target was in attendance. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) guard Charles (Chuck) O’Bannon Jr. made the unofficial trip down to Austin, and it’s safe to say he left very impressed with the Longhorns.
“The atmosphere was great. I was on the front row in the student section,” said O’Bannon. “A lot of people knew I was coming. Everybody was telling me to go to Texas, and what separates them from other schools.”
As for what he saw on the hardwood, O’Bannon is a fan of Texas’ style and the way Smart interacts with his players.
“I love it. I love the way Shaka lets his guys… how he lets them go. How it’s free-flowing on offense and how he lets them go on defense, and their style,” the four-star guard stated. “I also like how Shaka is a positive coach and he doesn’t really ever say anything negative and that’s on and off the court.”
O’Bannon described his style as a “scorer that likes to get up-and-down” and that what Texas does fits his game “perfectly.”
Speaking of that, the No. 44 prospect overall in the 2017 Rivals150 discussed sitting down with Texas’ head coach with a computer, and Smart showing him on a computer the places he’d fit into what they do on offense and defense.
“It was everywhere I like to play and score,” he said.
When he was interacting with Texas players, O’Bannon noticed one thing in particular.
“I was hanging out with the guys that night. They’re pretty cool. I noticed no one had anything negative to say,” said O’Bannon. “Everything I asked was all positive.”
O’Bannon isn’t planning on taking any other visits anytime soon as Bishop Gorman gets ready for a playoff run, and he also has the beginning of the EYBL circuit on the horizon. A lot of teams are recruiting the 6-6 scoring-machine, but this was his response when I asked what schools along with Texas are recruiting him the most right now:
“Nobody is recruiting me as much as Texas is right now,” he said, before listing UCLA, USC, Cal, and Washington as schools that are also recruiting him.
You’ll notice the heavy West Coast flavor there, but the four-star guard doesn’t sound like a prospect that’s married to that area.
“Not at all. Quick two-hour flight non-stop,” he said about the trip to Texas, which was his first time in Austin. “It was easy.” (McComas)
