We're officially in the home stretch of the 2016 recruiting season.
Rather than bore you all with some drawn-out stories, I'm going to get to the meat and potatoes of what I'm hearing and where I think things stand with the remaining targets on UT's board.
Before I get to that, a note on one of the biggest stories we'll be monitoring this weekend ...
Texas defensive end commitment Malcolm Roach will take an official visit to South Carolina this weekend. Roach has been so pro-Texas since committing that I wouldn't go off the deep end with this one just yet, but any time a commit is taking a last-minute visit, alarm bells have to go off to some degree.
Not to mention Texas did an in-home this week after South Carolina did and Roach still decided to take the visit. That would seem to indicate that the interest in South Carolina is pretty legit, although Roach himself told me tonight that South Carolina would have to blow him away to get him to flip.
Some comments from Roach ...
On the South Carolina visit: "The coaching staff is making a late push on me. I just feel like I'll go enjoy a visit. During the whole recruiting process, I only took one visit to Texas. I feel like I haven't really enjoyed the process like I should have."
Will Muschamp and Travaris Robinson are recruiting Roach for South Carolina. Those coaches did a visit on Monday night, and Texas went by on Tuesday. Roach said the Texas coaches told him they were okay with the visit once he explained why he was wanting to take it.
What would South Carolina have to do to get him to consider a flip?
"They'd have to show me a lot of stuff. I'd have to feel at home. It would have to be better than Texas and that's going to be hard," Roach said.
Towards the end of our conversation, Roach said he is "still planning on signing with Texas." I expect that will happen, but we'll keep an eye on this one just in case. (Suchomel)
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A quick note on DT target Jordan Elliott ...
There were some rumors late this week that the Houston Westside DT may take a visit somewhere this weekend, but Elliott told me tonight he has no plans for a visit.
In fact, he said Charlie Strong will be doing an in-home on Saturday. (Suchomel)
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My thoughts on UT's remaining undecided targets ...
Kyle Porter - He'll visit Arkansas this weekend but all the talk is on TCU and Texas. Most of the buzz is on TCU but I have heard that he has really clicked with Charlie Strong, so that's giving Texas a chance. This one's damn near impossible to predict but I lean slightly to TCU.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey - There are rumors that he's already in the bag. Cal was his co-finalist and he cancelled the Cal visit for last weekend and replaced it with Wisconsin (there's talk Cal was full). He's not going to Wisconsin. He'll announce on Saturday and he's about as close to a Texas lock as you can get.
Irvin Smith - In case you missed it, he cancelled his in-home with Charlie Strong for Thursday night. Nick Saban was at the school during the day on Thursday and was expected to do an in-home Thursday night. Alabama wins, and he may very well announce before this thing goes to press. This is a tough loss for Texas because prior to his Alabama visit last weekend, Smith was telling people behind the scenes that he's coming to Texas.
Patrick Hudson - It's hard to get much concrete info on this one, but here's what I've been told this week. One person I talked to tonight said Hudson's visit to UT really was a terrific visit. In fact, the person I spoke with thought Hudson, in his heart, favors Texas over Baylor. That being said, people at Baylor are very confident that Art Briles locked Hudson back in when he met with Hudson and his mother this week. Unconfirmed rumor ... I heard this week some speculation that Baylor is giving his sister a partial track scholarship. Texas is not able to do that, so if that is true (and I still haven't confirmed), that would lock it up for Baylor. Bottom line, Hudson really likes Texas so anything is possible in the next six days, but I think he sticks with Baylor.
Kelvin Lucky - Not expected to take his visit to Texas this weekend.
Mark Jackson - Another one that's tough to predict. And another that I think is genuinely undecided at this point. Jackson is still committed to A&M and had a good visit there last weekend. He had a good visit to Texas two weekends ago and popped up on campus last Friday for a tour of the McCombs School of Businesss. I can't ignore that. This weekend, he'll visit Oklahoma, the school he actually favors. One note worth mentioning ... I'm told A&M has already admitted Jackson into its business school. Texas can't do that. Not sure if that will be a factor. I truly don't have a feel for how this one will play out.
D'andre Christmas-Giles - Been saying for a while this one looks great for Texas. In fact, I said last weekend I heard UT's lead was so big that DCG had already crossed the finish line. I'm sticking to that. He has a top three of Texas, LSU and TCU but everything I'm hearing behind the scenes is that he's in the bag. That being said, he is a New Orleans kid and LSU is in play, so nothing is official until he announces for Texas publicly.
Stephon Taylor - He's supposed to drive with his family to South Carolina this weekend, but this one is likely a Texas-FSU battle. I actually think Taylor wants to be at Texas based on everything I'm hearing, but I can't help but wonder if UT's big DT class might not push him to FSU.
Marcel Southall - There's very little buzz about this one. He seems to be down to Texas, OU and Miami. Southall has some academic work to do, and I'm just not feeling him to Texas. I'll go OU or Miami.
Jordan Elliott - Him decommitting from Michigan this week pretty much locked this one in for Texas, IMO.
Chris Daniels - Sticking to my guns here. I think Texas gets him over A&M and Oklahoma.
Michael Williams - I view him similar to Stephon Taylor. He's still committed to Stanford but I know he really, really liked his UT visit. But ultimately, I think he sticks with Stanford due in part to UT's DT numbers in this class.
Jeffrey McCulloch - I've felt good about this one for a while, and that's not changing. The talk of a "silent commitment" during his UT visit a couple weekends ago is impossible to ignore.
Dontavious Jackson - Bottom line, if he makes it to UT this weekend for an unofficial visit, I feel confident Texas gets him. If not, FSU gets him. I expect him to make the visit, and I expect Texas to win out. I confirmed with a source this week that Alabama doesn't have room right now, so the Tide isn't an option.
Erick Fowler - Man, I am truly conflicted on this one. I hear one thing that makes me think Texas gets him, then I'll hear something else a few minutes later that makes me think he sticks with LSU. LSU did an in-home on Thursday and I expect Texas will do the same on Friday or Saturday. I lean every so slightly to him going with his childhood favorite and sticking with LSU, but this one could go either way.
Brandon Jones - I think it's Texas, but I give Baylor a better shot that most do to make a huge impression this weekend during his official visit and make it interesting. Jones really likes Art Briles and he probably knows the path to early PT would be easier at Baylor. I feel pretty good that Texas gets him, but do not completely count out the Bears. Or A&M for that matter, although I think they're running third.
Deontay Anderson - All signs continue to point to Ole Miss and I'm sticking with that.
Chris Brown - He's not saying much, but I feel very confident Texas wins out here. Which should help with Dontavious Jackson, although the two aren't exactly tied together. (Suchomel)
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You have my opinions, now it's time for Rivals.com regional recruiting analyst Jason Howell's ...
Kyle Porter - It's the same three - TCU, Arkansas, Texas. There's a lot of TCU smoke. Looking at the depth chart, it makes you feel like Texas may have a better shot that's being indicated right now. They've been on him forever. He's a hard one to read, so anyone who is getting anything isn't getting it directly from him.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey - This one really just seems to point to Austin. It was pretty much Cal and Texas and then he visited Wisconsin last week. Texas is the one that's been there the longest.
Patrick Hudson - Texas really tried to give it a go and really went full court it sounds like the last month, but the word I'm hearing is he's going to stick with Baylor.
Mark Jackson - I get the sense it's not going to be A&M and he's going to flip to one of the two Big 12 teams. Oklahoma has kind of been rumored as the leader at different times, he's taking his last visit to Oklahoma. I have a feeling it's going to be Oklahoma in the end.
D'andre Christmas-Giles - All signs seem to be point to Texas. And what a huge get that would be out of the state of Louisiana.
Stephon Taylor - I don't know for sure. He's supposed to be taking his final visit this weekend to South Carolina. Florida State and even TCU would be probably the two biggest competition for Texas and they both have commitments from his teammates. I think Texas is definitely in there, but that one is tough to call. Gun to my head, I'm going to go with Florida State. He has a teammate out there and family in the southeast in Alabama and Atlanta.
Marcel Southall - I really don't know with him. He could pick a lot of schools. I don't really have a gut feel on that one. Maybe Miami takes him, I don't know.
Jordan Elliott - Decommitting at this time of year, it's really looking like Texas.
Chris Daniels - Man, I think that one comes down to Texas and OU. I flip flop back and forth, but I'm going to go to Oklahoma with it just because they've been there the longest, they've been loyal to them and that's a big thing for him.
Michael Williams - I think he sticks with Stanford.
Jeffrey McCulloch - The momentum seemed to be Texas coming out of that A&M visit, and that's usually a good sign when it seems to reaffirm what people have been saying. It's looking good for Texas there.
Dontavious Jackson - Him and McCulloch, I think they're an unofficial package deal. I think he's Texas. They're good friends, I think they wind up recruiting each other to Texas.
Erick Fowler - I think he sticks with LSU. Texas is definitely giving it everything they've got, but I think at the end o the day, he sticks with the Tigers.
Brandon Jones - I will readily admit that I feel like I've been wrong on this one. I've been A&M for a long time, but I'm finally coming around. Texas it is. Baylor is making a good push too but I think it's Texas.
Deontay Anderson - This one has been feeling like Ole Miss for a long time. Shea Patterson and Greg Little get their guy.
Chris Brown - I don't' even know who else he's looking at. I'd say Texas.
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There has not been an official announcement regarding the contract renewals of defensive coordinator Vance Bedford, linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary and defensive backs coach Chris Vaughn, but that appears to be a formality.
From what I have been told, each coach has new deals. I am still working to find out the length of their contracts, but my sources have said each person should be with the Longhorns this year.
The retention of each coach should not come as a surprise.
Texas coach Charlie Strong made it clear he would not re-sign quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson and offensive coordinator Joe Wickline after last season. Watson led an offense that struggled under his leadership and Jay Norvell became the play-caller after a season-opening loss against Notre Dame. Strong wanted to retain running backs coach Tommie Robinson, but he recently took a job at USC.
In addition, strength and conditioning coach Pat Moorer, who is currently leading offseason workouts, will be retained.
Lastly, it appears Strong will begin looking for Robinson’s replacement after signing day. Strong has been focused on recruiting and it does not appear there is a concrete list of candidates. Even though people close to former Maryland offensive coordinator Mike Locksley told me he is interested in the job, people within the building have told me Strong is not high on hiring a coach who has a son (quarterback Kai Locksley) on the team. (Richardson)
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Here are a few notes I've picked up through the week in Mobile, Al. at Senior Bowl practices pertaining to the Longhorns. While no Texas players are in attendance for the game, numerous sources had thoughts on the program.
- No scout I've spoken with (and there have been more than a few over the week) has any good feel or idea for what to make of former Texas DT Hassan Ridgeway's pro potential or possible draft slotting. In fact, those conversations usually just ended up with scouts and team reps drilling me on my thoughts. The one thing I think is safe to say is that Ridgeway is not currently in any sort of early-round discussion, and, as predicted, it's going to take a big combine to get that hype-train going despite folks within Ridgeway's camp already predicting a first or second-round outcome.
- I mentioned on the board that Shawn Watson is in Mobile looking for a job as it's literally the best place on earth to network about employment. My feeling is that he could have been here politicking for a position on the Minnesota staff to reunite with Teddy Bridgewater but I don't think it will be happening.
- Another person here looking to network about opportunities for professional growth is former Texas DT Rod Wright who has now been coaching the DL at Sam Houston State for the last three years. Wright will be moving up in the college coaching world soon enough.
- I asked Baylor DL Shawn Oakman (who I've decided is sure to be a bust in the NFL) about going up against freshman OT Connor Williams this season:
"Good build, he has a lot of things to work on, but he's going to be good."
I asked what he needs to work on the most:
"He's got to be consistent. It's a consistency game. If you mess up once, you can't mess up like that more than one time, you know, it's the consistency of the game, once he gets his consistency down, he'll be a great player."
I asked if he noticed any difference between going against the OL in 2015 vs. 2014:
"They had more confidence (in 2015), it's hard to start off a season with a new coach, it was two years with him now, so, the line just had a lot more confidence."
I asked who the toughest Big 12 player he went against in 2015 was and got a surprising answer, completely unsolicited. You would have thought a defensive lineman would mention an OL, but ...
"The running back from Texas, the freshman (Chris Warren). The big one. Tough, tough kid. He's hard to tackle and a hard runner. Downhill runner. Hard runner. I like him, well ... we don't like him, but we respect him. After playing him, (the whole Baylor defense) respect(s) his game."
- Baylor has four players at the event so I spoke with WR Jay Lee about going up against the freshman corners (Holton Hill and Davante Davis) of Texas:
"Coach Strong has worked really hard with those freshman corners, and they've done a good job and they've improved the whole time throughout the year. You know, trying to be physical players and I mean - well, it showed in the game. They limited us. We just had to try and battle it out."
- I spoke with OU DE Charles Tapper about going up against the Texas offensive line:
"I played against them all four years ... I lined up on the left tackle (Connor Williams) a lot (in 2015), very physical guy. I guess Texas preaches physicality, but their O-line is definitely a physical O-line, don't let anyone tell you different. (Patrick Vahe), (Williams), (Taylor Doyle), when they get their hands on you, they're trying to finish you on every play, so they can open up lanes for those two great running backs. They're very good. You know what - they are very young, so they'll be even better next year. There are going to be a lot of people down the line who're gonna wanna pay them money." (Dunlap)
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Before this week concludes, an updated 2017 LSR Top 100 list will be released, but as we did a week ago, I wanted to create a primer for the top prospects in the state of Texas, as we begin our transition to the new recruiting year in a week. After taking a look at the offensive side of the ball in last week's War Room, now we take a look at the defensive side of the ball.
Defensive tackles
Marvin Wilson (DT/Houston Episcopal)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Five-stars/6.1), LSR (No.1 overall)
Junior Highlights and Future50 1-on 1's
Current offers: Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA and USC
Where UT Stands: There’s no question that Wilson is a fan of the Texas coaching staff, but this has the looks of an old school WWE Royal Rumble, as every powerhouse in the nation is making its move and Wilson seems incredibly open to taking a close look at numerous options. With Junior Day visits already scheduled for A&M and Florida State in the next month, this has a chance to be a long recruiting war filled with numerous battles.
Quotable: “I like coach Bedford, like him a lot. I got to go on an unofficial visit there, got to watch them practice. I like how he coaches his players. He gets in your grill, makes you want to get better. I want a coach who is going to get on me. He makes his players think, makes them work hard. That’s the kind of coach I want. Also Charlie Strong, he’s one of the best coaches out there. Those are the kinds of guys I want to surround myself around.”
Defensive ends
LaGaryonn Carson (DE/Texarkana Liberty-Eylau)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.127 overall nationally), LSR (No.1 overall)
Junior Highlights
Current status: Committed to Texas
Where UT Stands: An early commitment in the Class of 2017 for the Longhorns, you can make a very good case that Carson is the best defensive line prospect that has ever committed/signed with Charlie Strong since he’s been a head coach. He’s an early massive get for the Texas staff.
K'Lavon Chaisson (NorthShore)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.226 overall nationally), LSR (No.48)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Texas, Arizona State, Baylor, Houston, LSU, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns joined the offer party for one of the fastest-rising prospects in the state on January 7th when it offered Chaisson. Baylor and LSU are thought to be two of the early standouts for the North Shore star, but he’s taking Junior Day trips to Texas A&M and Houston this weekend, and it would appear that his recruitment is just starting to heat up. Expect the Longhorns to be a factor.
Taquon Graham (DE/Temple)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Three-stars/5.7/No.39 in Texas), LSR (No.17)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Texas, Baylor, Georgia, Nebraska and TCU
Where UT Stands: His recruitment is just now starting to heat up, but he’s had his eye on Texas for years and it helps that the Longhorns were among the first schools to offer. He’s mentioned staying close to home could be a factor and I’d think the early smart money would be on the Longhorns, although TCU and Baylor are definitely factors as well.
Quotable *Via OB on 11/13) Of course, I'm a Texas kid. I grew up watching them, just had a chance to go Saturday. You see how the tradition is, how they have die-hard fans, how deep the fan base is. It was pretty ridiculous.
"They were pretty hyped up from the get-go, the stadium was full. People couldn't really even find seats. Some of them were trying to sit in with the recruits and they kept having to tell them it was full. It was crazy."
Linebackers
Anthony Hines (LB/Plano East)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.202 overall nationally), LSR (No.14)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Alabama, Baylor, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: The top-flight national prospect has visited Austin quite a bit in the last year and he clearly has a good relationship with Charlie Strong, so you can safely put the Longhorns near the top of his list.
Quotable: “I’m building a relationship with coach Norvell. And I really like coach Strong. He’s a high-energy guy and he really stays true to his principles. I like that.”
“(UT's) definitely, as a whole, the program that fits me. Not only on the field, but academically and socially.”
Baron Browning (LB/Kennedale)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/6.0/No.4 overall nationally), LSR (No.8)
Junior Highlights
Current status: Committed to Baylor
Where UT Stands: Browning visited UT back in May and it was clear the Longhorns were in the mix, but the state’s top linebacker pulled the string on the Bears on the day of UT’s Under the Lights camp, seemingly as a way to steal the top headline from the Longhorns on its big day. Since he committed to Baylor, Browning has been quite vocal in his love for the green and gold, but there are still a number of people that believe his recruitment will heat up before we get to next February.
Quotable: "I caught (Art Briles) off guard,'' Browning said. "I don't think he was expecting it. I thought he was going to have a heart attack he was so excited. He said he was so excited he said he was going to run a 4.3 in the 40.''
“My favorite part of the visit was talking with Coach Strong. We talked for about 45 minutes. He’s the first coach to talk to me for that long. Most coaches will rarely speak to guys on campus or will just say hi because they are too busy. He’s the type of coach who wants to get to know his players on a personal level. He’s a really cool guy. I really like him.”
Defensive backs
Robert Barnes (SL Carroll)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.149 overall nationally), LSR (No.27)
Junior Highlights
Current status: Committed to Oklahoma
Where UT Stands: Barnes was a guy that definitely had an interest in the Texas program, but at the end of the day, he bleeds OU blood and his early commitment reflects that.
Chevin Calloway (Dallas Bishop Dunne)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.105 overall nationally), LSR (No.12)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Alabama, Baylor, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, TCU and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns were right at the top of Calloway's list after his visit to Austin during the state track meet weekend, but a few other schools would appear to have the early poll position, including Baylor and Oklahoma. Expect this to be a hotly tested recruitment.
Quotable: ”There really aren't any schools that I'm focusing on. The schools that are showing a lot of love - Baylor and TCU.They're showing me a lot of love, contacting my coaches, things like that. I'll be able to really know who wants me once the season starts, once they can call. Once fall season comes, I'll really know who wants me."
"They'd definitely be one of the top ones," Calloway said when asked where UT fits in. "I like the school, the team. They would be up there. Then again, it depends on how they approach me, how much they come to school. As far as the defense, I like what they run."
"I want a school with a good graduation rate and good alumni. I also want the football team to be hardworking and competitive, a defense I can fit in well. Players that are on the team and the players in their recruiting class, coaches that put players in the league, good environment, and a good business and engineering school are all important too."
Jeffrey Okudah (South Grand Prairie)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Five-stars/6.1/No.9 overall nationally), LSR (No.3)
Junior Highlights and Rivals Camp Series (Dallas)
Current offers: Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: Never say never, but this one just doesn’t look good for Texas, as the schools that represent the apple of his eye are elsewhere.
Terry Petry (Ridge Point)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.204 overall nationally), LSR (No.28)
Junior Highlights
Current status: Committed to Houston
Where UT Stands: It remains to be seen, as he hasn’t emerged as a top target yet for the Longhorns or any other true national power at this stage.
Derrick Tucker (Manvel)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.107 overall nationally), LSR (No.25)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and TCU
Where UT Stands: Tucker has admitted that he has considered committing early to the Longhorns and UT is his childhood favorite, but he seems to want to take some time in the recruiting process.
Key Quotes: "I thought about it," Tucker said of committing early. "I was thinking about it a lot one day but I decided I was going to wait. It was right after Texas offered." (Ketch)
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There is one thing for sure we know about the Texas Longhorns when it comes to 2016 recruiting: They really want St. Stephen’s (Austin) five-star big man Jarrett Allen. Fortunately for them, he’s made showing up home games a recent routine.
Does that mean good things for Texas? Yes.
Are those that are dialed into the recruitment still almost completely unsure where he’s going to end up? Yes. And that might not completely change until his decision is made, which continues to make this recruitment a tough one to get a firm grip on.
In the meantime, we reached out to a couple of sources with knowledge of the recruitment after Allen, the nation’s No. 20 prospect overall, visited for Tuesday’s Texas home game against TCU. A few notes from those conversations:
--- Texas is making progress, especially recently. Allen is growing comfortable with making it to Texas home games.
--- One person felt like what Shaka Smart has been able to do with Prince Ibeh and Shaquille Cleare is making an impact.
“Before they could say, ‘oh, well, Cameron Ridley was a McDonald’s All-American.’ Now what can they say? Shaka is developing all these big guys and playing through them,” said one person about Texas’ frontcourt beyond Ridley turning heads lately.
The same person pointed out that people in the race for Allen could use Smart’s past as a possible tool to get a leg up on Texas. Instead, what Smart is now doing has completely flipped that around, and this is going on while Kansas’ two five-star freshmen bigs can barely get on the floor. Meanwhile, Texas’ freshmen play no matter what.
--- A couple months ago, the teams you heard associated the most with Allen were Texas, Kansas, and Houston. That still seems to be the case. There was a point in time when Kentucky was whispered a lot, but that hasn’t been the case as much recently. Could that change? Of course. Kentucky lurking is always a factor, and he did take an official there.
Today, Kansas received a commitment from five-star big Udoka Azubuike, and is still heavily involved with another five-star big, Marques Bolden. Kansas desperately needed a big, so it makes the pressure to gain Allen less than what it was.
--- There are some people that believe Texas is on the path to being the lead team, but as one person told me, “Who truly knows? There is still a long way to go.” (McComas)
Rather than bore you all with some drawn-out stories, I'm going to get to the meat and potatoes of what I'm hearing and where I think things stand with the remaining targets on UT's board.
Before I get to that, a note on one of the biggest stories we'll be monitoring this weekend ...
Texas defensive end commitment Malcolm Roach will take an official visit to South Carolina this weekend. Roach has been so pro-Texas since committing that I wouldn't go off the deep end with this one just yet, but any time a commit is taking a last-minute visit, alarm bells have to go off to some degree.
Not to mention Texas did an in-home this week after South Carolina did and Roach still decided to take the visit. That would seem to indicate that the interest in South Carolina is pretty legit, although Roach himself told me tonight that South Carolina would have to blow him away to get him to flip.
Some comments from Roach ...
On the South Carolina visit: "The coaching staff is making a late push on me. I just feel like I'll go enjoy a visit. During the whole recruiting process, I only took one visit to Texas. I feel like I haven't really enjoyed the process like I should have."
Will Muschamp and Travaris Robinson are recruiting Roach for South Carolina. Those coaches did a visit on Monday night, and Texas went by on Tuesday. Roach said the Texas coaches told him they were okay with the visit once he explained why he was wanting to take it.
What would South Carolina have to do to get him to consider a flip?
"They'd have to show me a lot of stuff. I'd have to feel at home. It would have to be better than Texas and that's going to be hard," Roach said.
Towards the end of our conversation, Roach said he is "still planning on signing with Texas." I expect that will happen, but we'll keep an eye on this one just in case. (Suchomel)
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A quick note on DT target Jordan Elliott ...
There were some rumors late this week that the Houston Westside DT may take a visit somewhere this weekend, but Elliott told me tonight he has no plans for a visit.
In fact, he said Charlie Strong will be doing an in-home on Saturday. (Suchomel)
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My thoughts on UT's remaining undecided targets ...
Kyle Porter - He'll visit Arkansas this weekend but all the talk is on TCU and Texas. Most of the buzz is on TCU but I have heard that he has really clicked with Charlie Strong, so that's giving Texas a chance. This one's damn near impossible to predict but I lean slightly to TCU.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey - There are rumors that he's already in the bag. Cal was his co-finalist and he cancelled the Cal visit for last weekend and replaced it with Wisconsin (there's talk Cal was full). He's not going to Wisconsin. He'll announce on Saturday and he's about as close to a Texas lock as you can get.
Irvin Smith - In case you missed it, he cancelled his in-home with Charlie Strong for Thursday night. Nick Saban was at the school during the day on Thursday and was expected to do an in-home Thursday night. Alabama wins, and he may very well announce before this thing goes to press. This is a tough loss for Texas because prior to his Alabama visit last weekend, Smith was telling people behind the scenes that he's coming to Texas.
Patrick Hudson - It's hard to get much concrete info on this one, but here's what I've been told this week. One person I talked to tonight said Hudson's visit to UT really was a terrific visit. In fact, the person I spoke with thought Hudson, in his heart, favors Texas over Baylor. That being said, people at Baylor are very confident that Art Briles locked Hudson back in when he met with Hudson and his mother this week. Unconfirmed rumor ... I heard this week some speculation that Baylor is giving his sister a partial track scholarship. Texas is not able to do that, so if that is true (and I still haven't confirmed), that would lock it up for Baylor. Bottom line, Hudson really likes Texas so anything is possible in the next six days, but I think he sticks with Baylor.
Kelvin Lucky - Not expected to take his visit to Texas this weekend.
Mark Jackson - Another one that's tough to predict. And another that I think is genuinely undecided at this point. Jackson is still committed to A&M and had a good visit there last weekend. He had a good visit to Texas two weekends ago and popped up on campus last Friday for a tour of the McCombs School of Businesss. I can't ignore that. This weekend, he'll visit Oklahoma, the school he actually favors. One note worth mentioning ... I'm told A&M has already admitted Jackson into its business school. Texas can't do that. Not sure if that will be a factor. I truly don't have a feel for how this one will play out.
D'andre Christmas-Giles - Been saying for a while this one looks great for Texas. In fact, I said last weekend I heard UT's lead was so big that DCG had already crossed the finish line. I'm sticking to that. He has a top three of Texas, LSU and TCU but everything I'm hearing behind the scenes is that he's in the bag. That being said, he is a New Orleans kid and LSU is in play, so nothing is official until he announces for Texas publicly.
Stephon Taylor - He's supposed to drive with his family to South Carolina this weekend, but this one is likely a Texas-FSU battle. I actually think Taylor wants to be at Texas based on everything I'm hearing, but I can't help but wonder if UT's big DT class might not push him to FSU.
Marcel Southall - There's very little buzz about this one. He seems to be down to Texas, OU and Miami. Southall has some academic work to do, and I'm just not feeling him to Texas. I'll go OU or Miami.
Jordan Elliott - Him decommitting from Michigan this week pretty much locked this one in for Texas, IMO.
Chris Daniels - Sticking to my guns here. I think Texas gets him over A&M and Oklahoma.
Michael Williams - I view him similar to Stephon Taylor. He's still committed to Stanford but I know he really, really liked his UT visit. But ultimately, I think he sticks with Stanford due in part to UT's DT numbers in this class.
Jeffrey McCulloch - I've felt good about this one for a while, and that's not changing. The talk of a "silent commitment" during his UT visit a couple weekends ago is impossible to ignore.
Dontavious Jackson - Bottom line, if he makes it to UT this weekend for an unofficial visit, I feel confident Texas gets him. If not, FSU gets him. I expect him to make the visit, and I expect Texas to win out. I confirmed with a source this week that Alabama doesn't have room right now, so the Tide isn't an option.
Erick Fowler - Man, I am truly conflicted on this one. I hear one thing that makes me think Texas gets him, then I'll hear something else a few minutes later that makes me think he sticks with LSU. LSU did an in-home on Thursday and I expect Texas will do the same on Friday or Saturday. I lean every so slightly to him going with his childhood favorite and sticking with LSU, but this one could go either way.
Brandon Jones - I think it's Texas, but I give Baylor a better shot that most do to make a huge impression this weekend during his official visit and make it interesting. Jones really likes Art Briles and he probably knows the path to early PT would be easier at Baylor. I feel pretty good that Texas gets him, but do not completely count out the Bears. Or A&M for that matter, although I think they're running third.
Deontay Anderson - All signs continue to point to Ole Miss and I'm sticking with that.
Chris Brown - He's not saying much, but I feel very confident Texas wins out here. Which should help with Dontavious Jackson, although the two aren't exactly tied together. (Suchomel)
******
You have my opinions, now it's time for Rivals.com regional recruiting analyst Jason Howell's ...
Kyle Porter - It's the same three - TCU, Arkansas, Texas. There's a lot of TCU smoke. Looking at the depth chart, it makes you feel like Texas may have a better shot that's being indicated right now. They've been on him forever. He's a hard one to read, so anyone who is getting anything isn't getting it directly from him.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey - This one really just seems to point to Austin. It was pretty much Cal and Texas and then he visited Wisconsin last week. Texas is the one that's been there the longest.
Patrick Hudson - Texas really tried to give it a go and really went full court it sounds like the last month, but the word I'm hearing is he's going to stick with Baylor.
Mark Jackson - I get the sense it's not going to be A&M and he's going to flip to one of the two Big 12 teams. Oklahoma has kind of been rumored as the leader at different times, he's taking his last visit to Oklahoma. I have a feeling it's going to be Oklahoma in the end.
D'andre Christmas-Giles - All signs seem to be point to Texas. And what a huge get that would be out of the state of Louisiana.
Stephon Taylor - I don't know for sure. He's supposed to be taking his final visit this weekend to South Carolina. Florida State and even TCU would be probably the two biggest competition for Texas and they both have commitments from his teammates. I think Texas is definitely in there, but that one is tough to call. Gun to my head, I'm going to go with Florida State. He has a teammate out there and family in the southeast in Alabama and Atlanta.
Marcel Southall - I really don't know with him. He could pick a lot of schools. I don't really have a gut feel on that one. Maybe Miami takes him, I don't know.
Jordan Elliott - Decommitting at this time of year, it's really looking like Texas.
Chris Daniels - Man, I think that one comes down to Texas and OU. I flip flop back and forth, but I'm going to go to Oklahoma with it just because they've been there the longest, they've been loyal to them and that's a big thing for him.
Michael Williams - I think he sticks with Stanford.
Jeffrey McCulloch - The momentum seemed to be Texas coming out of that A&M visit, and that's usually a good sign when it seems to reaffirm what people have been saying. It's looking good for Texas there.
Dontavious Jackson - Him and McCulloch, I think they're an unofficial package deal. I think he's Texas. They're good friends, I think they wind up recruiting each other to Texas.
Erick Fowler - I think he sticks with LSU. Texas is definitely giving it everything they've got, but I think at the end o the day, he sticks with the Tigers.
Brandon Jones - I will readily admit that I feel like I've been wrong on this one. I've been A&M for a long time, but I'm finally coming around. Texas it is. Baylor is making a good push too but I think it's Texas.
Deontay Anderson - This one has been feeling like Ole Miss for a long time. Shea Patterson and Greg Little get their guy.
Chris Brown - I don't' even know who else he's looking at. I'd say Texas.
******
There has not been an official announcement regarding the contract renewals of defensive coordinator Vance Bedford, linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary and defensive backs coach Chris Vaughn, but that appears to be a formality.
From what I have been told, each coach has new deals. I am still working to find out the length of their contracts, but my sources have said each person should be with the Longhorns this year.
The retention of each coach should not come as a surprise.
Texas coach Charlie Strong made it clear he would not re-sign quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson and offensive coordinator Joe Wickline after last season. Watson led an offense that struggled under his leadership and Jay Norvell became the play-caller after a season-opening loss against Notre Dame. Strong wanted to retain running backs coach Tommie Robinson, but he recently took a job at USC.
In addition, strength and conditioning coach Pat Moorer, who is currently leading offseason workouts, will be retained.
Lastly, it appears Strong will begin looking for Robinson’s replacement after signing day. Strong has been focused on recruiting and it does not appear there is a concrete list of candidates. Even though people close to former Maryland offensive coordinator Mike Locksley told me he is interested in the job, people within the building have told me Strong is not high on hiring a coach who has a son (quarterback Kai Locksley) on the team. (Richardson)
******
Here are a few notes I've picked up through the week in Mobile, Al. at Senior Bowl practices pertaining to the Longhorns. While no Texas players are in attendance for the game, numerous sources had thoughts on the program.
- No scout I've spoken with (and there have been more than a few over the week) has any good feel or idea for what to make of former Texas DT Hassan Ridgeway's pro potential or possible draft slotting. In fact, those conversations usually just ended up with scouts and team reps drilling me on my thoughts. The one thing I think is safe to say is that Ridgeway is not currently in any sort of early-round discussion, and, as predicted, it's going to take a big combine to get that hype-train going despite folks within Ridgeway's camp already predicting a first or second-round outcome.
- I mentioned on the board that Shawn Watson is in Mobile looking for a job as it's literally the best place on earth to network about employment. My feeling is that he could have been here politicking for a position on the Minnesota staff to reunite with Teddy Bridgewater but I don't think it will be happening.
- Another person here looking to network about opportunities for professional growth is former Texas DT Rod Wright who has now been coaching the DL at Sam Houston State for the last three years. Wright will be moving up in the college coaching world soon enough.
- I asked Baylor DL Shawn Oakman (who I've decided is sure to be a bust in the NFL) about going up against freshman OT Connor Williams this season:
"Good build, he has a lot of things to work on, but he's going to be good."
I asked what he needs to work on the most:
"He's got to be consistent. It's a consistency game. If you mess up once, you can't mess up like that more than one time, you know, it's the consistency of the game, once he gets his consistency down, he'll be a great player."
I asked if he noticed any difference between going against the OL in 2015 vs. 2014:
"They had more confidence (in 2015), it's hard to start off a season with a new coach, it was two years with him now, so, the line just had a lot more confidence."
I asked who the toughest Big 12 player he went against in 2015 was and got a surprising answer, completely unsolicited. You would have thought a defensive lineman would mention an OL, but ...
"The running back from Texas, the freshman (Chris Warren). The big one. Tough, tough kid. He's hard to tackle and a hard runner. Downhill runner. Hard runner. I like him, well ... we don't like him, but we respect him. After playing him, (the whole Baylor defense) respect(s) his game."
- Baylor has four players at the event so I spoke with WR Jay Lee about going up against the freshman corners (Holton Hill and Davante Davis) of Texas:
"Coach Strong has worked really hard with those freshman corners, and they've done a good job and they've improved the whole time throughout the year. You know, trying to be physical players and I mean - well, it showed in the game. They limited us. We just had to try and battle it out."
- I spoke with OU DE Charles Tapper about going up against the Texas offensive line:
"I played against them all four years ... I lined up on the left tackle (Connor Williams) a lot (in 2015), very physical guy. I guess Texas preaches physicality, but their O-line is definitely a physical O-line, don't let anyone tell you different. (Patrick Vahe), (Williams), (Taylor Doyle), when they get their hands on you, they're trying to finish you on every play, so they can open up lanes for those two great running backs. They're very good. You know what - they are very young, so they'll be even better next year. There are going to be a lot of people down the line who're gonna wanna pay them money." (Dunlap)
*****
Before this week concludes, an updated 2017 LSR Top 100 list will be released, but as we did a week ago, I wanted to create a primer for the top prospects in the state of Texas, as we begin our transition to the new recruiting year in a week. After taking a look at the offensive side of the ball in last week's War Room, now we take a look at the defensive side of the ball.
Defensive tackles
Marvin Wilson (DT/Houston Episcopal)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Five-stars/6.1), LSR (No.1 overall)
Junior Highlights and Future50 1-on 1's
Current offers: Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA and USC
Where UT Stands: There’s no question that Wilson is a fan of the Texas coaching staff, but this has the looks of an old school WWE Royal Rumble, as every powerhouse in the nation is making its move and Wilson seems incredibly open to taking a close look at numerous options. With Junior Day visits already scheduled for A&M and Florida State in the next month, this has a chance to be a long recruiting war filled with numerous battles.
Quotable: “I like coach Bedford, like him a lot. I got to go on an unofficial visit there, got to watch them practice. I like how he coaches his players. He gets in your grill, makes you want to get better. I want a coach who is going to get on me. He makes his players think, makes them work hard. That’s the kind of coach I want. Also Charlie Strong, he’s one of the best coaches out there. Those are the kinds of guys I want to surround myself around.”
Defensive ends
LaGaryonn Carson (DE/Texarkana Liberty-Eylau)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.127 overall nationally), LSR (No.1 overall)
Junior Highlights
Current status: Committed to Texas
Where UT Stands: An early commitment in the Class of 2017 for the Longhorns, you can make a very good case that Carson is the best defensive line prospect that has ever committed/signed with Charlie Strong since he’s been a head coach. He’s an early massive get for the Texas staff.
K'Lavon Chaisson (NorthShore)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.226 overall nationally), LSR (No.48)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Texas, Arizona State, Baylor, Houston, LSU, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns joined the offer party for one of the fastest-rising prospects in the state on January 7th when it offered Chaisson. Baylor and LSU are thought to be two of the early standouts for the North Shore star, but he’s taking Junior Day trips to Texas A&M and Houston this weekend, and it would appear that his recruitment is just starting to heat up. Expect the Longhorns to be a factor.
Taquon Graham (DE/Temple)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Three-stars/5.7/No.39 in Texas), LSR (No.17)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Texas, Baylor, Georgia, Nebraska and TCU
Where UT Stands: His recruitment is just now starting to heat up, but he’s had his eye on Texas for years and it helps that the Longhorns were among the first schools to offer. He’s mentioned staying close to home could be a factor and I’d think the early smart money would be on the Longhorns, although TCU and Baylor are definitely factors as well.
Quotable *Via OB on 11/13) Of course, I'm a Texas kid. I grew up watching them, just had a chance to go Saturday. You see how the tradition is, how they have die-hard fans, how deep the fan base is. It was pretty ridiculous.
"They were pretty hyped up from the get-go, the stadium was full. People couldn't really even find seats. Some of them were trying to sit in with the recruits and they kept having to tell them it was full. It was crazy."
Linebackers
Anthony Hines (LB/Plano East)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.202 overall nationally), LSR (No.14)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Alabama, Baylor, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: The top-flight national prospect has visited Austin quite a bit in the last year and he clearly has a good relationship with Charlie Strong, so you can safely put the Longhorns near the top of his list.
Quotable: “I’m building a relationship with coach Norvell. And I really like coach Strong. He’s a high-energy guy and he really stays true to his principles. I like that.”
“(UT's) definitely, as a whole, the program that fits me. Not only on the field, but academically and socially.”
Baron Browning (LB/Kennedale)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/6.0/No.4 overall nationally), LSR (No.8)
Junior Highlights
Current status: Committed to Baylor
Where UT Stands: Browning visited UT back in May and it was clear the Longhorns were in the mix, but the state’s top linebacker pulled the string on the Bears on the day of UT’s Under the Lights camp, seemingly as a way to steal the top headline from the Longhorns on its big day. Since he committed to Baylor, Browning has been quite vocal in his love for the green and gold, but there are still a number of people that believe his recruitment will heat up before we get to next February.
Quotable: "I caught (Art Briles) off guard,'' Browning said. "I don't think he was expecting it. I thought he was going to have a heart attack he was so excited. He said he was so excited he said he was going to run a 4.3 in the 40.''
“My favorite part of the visit was talking with Coach Strong. We talked for about 45 minutes. He’s the first coach to talk to me for that long. Most coaches will rarely speak to guys on campus or will just say hi because they are too busy. He’s the type of coach who wants to get to know his players on a personal level. He’s a really cool guy. I really like him.”
Defensive backs
Robert Barnes (SL Carroll)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.149 overall nationally), LSR (No.27)
Junior Highlights
Current status: Committed to Oklahoma
Where UT Stands: Barnes was a guy that definitely had an interest in the Texas program, but at the end of the day, he bleeds OU blood and his early commitment reflects that.
Chevin Calloway (Dallas Bishop Dunne)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.105 overall nationally), LSR (No.12)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Alabama, Baylor, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, TCU and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns were right at the top of Calloway's list after his visit to Austin during the state track meet weekend, but a few other schools would appear to have the early poll position, including Baylor and Oklahoma. Expect this to be a hotly tested recruitment.
Quotable: ”There really aren't any schools that I'm focusing on. The schools that are showing a lot of love - Baylor and TCU.They're showing me a lot of love, contacting my coaches, things like that. I'll be able to really know who wants me once the season starts, once they can call. Once fall season comes, I'll really know who wants me."
"They'd definitely be one of the top ones," Calloway said when asked where UT fits in. "I like the school, the team. They would be up there. Then again, it depends on how they approach me, how much they come to school. As far as the defense, I like what they run."
"I want a school with a good graduation rate and good alumni. I also want the football team to be hardworking and competitive, a defense I can fit in well. Players that are on the team and the players in their recruiting class, coaches that put players in the league, good environment, and a good business and engineering school are all important too."
Jeffrey Okudah (South Grand Prairie)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Five-stars/6.1/No.9 overall nationally), LSR (No.3)
Junior Highlights and Rivals Camp Series (Dallas)
Current offers: Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: Never say never, but this one just doesn’t look good for Texas, as the schools that represent the apple of his eye are elsewhere.
Terry Petry (Ridge Point)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.204 overall nationally), LSR (No.28)
Junior Highlights
Current status: Committed to Houston
Where UT Stands: It remains to be seen, as he hasn’t emerged as a top target yet for the Longhorns or any other true national power at this stage.
Derrick Tucker (Manvel)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.107 overall nationally), LSR (No.25)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and TCU
Where UT Stands: Tucker has admitted that he has considered committing early to the Longhorns and UT is his childhood favorite, but he seems to want to take some time in the recruiting process.
Key Quotes: "I thought about it," Tucker said of committing early. "I was thinking about it a lot one day but I decided I was going to wait. It was right after Texas offered." (Ketch)
*****
There is one thing for sure we know about the Texas Longhorns when it comes to 2016 recruiting: They really want St. Stephen’s (Austin) five-star big man Jarrett Allen. Fortunately for them, he’s made showing up home games a recent routine.
Does that mean good things for Texas? Yes.
Are those that are dialed into the recruitment still almost completely unsure where he’s going to end up? Yes. And that might not completely change until his decision is made, which continues to make this recruitment a tough one to get a firm grip on.
In the meantime, we reached out to a couple of sources with knowledge of the recruitment after Allen, the nation’s No. 20 prospect overall, visited for Tuesday’s Texas home game against TCU. A few notes from those conversations:
--- Texas is making progress, especially recently. Allen is growing comfortable with making it to Texas home games.
--- One person felt like what Shaka Smart has been able to do with Prince Ibeh and Shaquille Cleare is making an impact.
“Before they could say, ‘oh, well, Cameron Ridley was a McDonald’s All-American.’ Now what can they say? Shaka is developing all these big guys and playing through them,” said one person about Texas’ frontcourt beyond Ridley turning heads lately.
The same person pointed out that people in the race for Allen could use Smart’s past as a possible tool to get a leg up on Texas. Instead, what Smart is now doing has completely flipped that around, and this is going on while Kansas’ two five-star freshmen bigs can barely get on the floor. Meanwhile, Texas’ freshmen play no matter what.
--- A couple months ago, the teams you heard associated the most with Allen were Texas, Kansas, and Houston. That still seems to be the case. There was a point in time when Kentucky was whispered a lot, but that hasn’t been the case as much recently. Could that change? Of course. Kentucky lurking is always a factor, and he did take an official there.
Today, Kansas received a commitment from five-star big Udoka Azubuike, and is still heavily involved with another five-star big, Marques Bolden. Kansas desperately needed a big, so it makes the pressure to gain Allen less than what it was.
--- There are some people that believe Texas is on the path to being the lead team, but as one person told me, “Who truly knows? There is still a long way to go.” (McComas)
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