Texas listed the Assistant Athletics Director for Football Operations position this week, looking to replace the spot previously held by George Wynn. For those that missed it, Wynn, a key person behind the scenes in the Longhorn program, left last week to take a job at Florida.
With Wynn gone and Cleve Bryant still on a leave of absence, the Texas football support staff is missing two key components. There’s been speculation that Marcus Tubbs is a candidate to fill Wynn’s position (and possibly even Bryant’s depending on how his situation eventually plays out). Tubbs has been helping fill the void of late, but one other name worth remember may be that of Arthur Johnson, the person who Wynn replaced in 2005 when Johnson took the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations position at Georgia, a position he still holds.
Moving in a person familiar with the workings of the football program would make for a smoother and quicker transition, and Johnson was spotted at UT’s basketball game against Arkansas earlier this week.
******
We checked with a few different Longhorn commitments on Thursday to get their thoughts on the new UT coaching hires. For the most part, the commits have not yet had a chance to meet or talk to the new staff members. Chet Moss is one of the exceptions.
The Cedar Park linebacker met with new Longhorn defensive coordinator Manny Diaz on Thursday. To say Moss liked what he heard from Diaz would be an understatement.
“The first thing I told my mom and dad when I talked to them on the phone, I love the guy. He's awesome. If there was a perfect person to fit the as defensive coordinator at this time, it would be him,” Moss said.
Moss also talked to Jackson Jeffcoat about Diaz, and the freshman DE said he and the rest of the team are also very excited about their new defensive leader.
“Jackson is fired up, from what he's heard. Everybody just wants to meet him, hear it for themselves, experience what I did,” Moss said. “It got me fired up. He (Diaz) was getting fired up talking about it. He’s very passionate.
“We’re all so excited for him. It’s a great opportunity and we’re going to make the most of it.”
And what was it about Diaz that impressed Moss the most?
“When we were talking, he was explaining his defensive philosophy, it’s a lot different than anything I've ever heard. We’re going to come out and confuse the quarterback and he was talking about how fun his defense is to play, coming downhill, blitzing. That's what I'm looking for. For me, personally, I think it'll be great for Texas,” Moss said. “Everyone is going to have a lot of fun, everyone will be making plays. It’s a defense meant for all positions to make plays, not just linebackers.”
Moss, who will report to Texas next weekend, has been working out like a madman of late to get himself ready for life as a Longhorn, and he’s ready to take the next step in his academic/playing career.
“I'm not really anxious. I know how to work. I’ve been working out three times a day, I’ve been doing yoga. I’ve been working my tail off so I can come in prepared. I’ve been too busy doing all my stuff to get too worried about anything.” (Suchomel)
******
Most of the Horns’ other commitments have not heard from the new coaches because they’ve been busy at all star games or the hires are so new, but Miles Onyegbule did get a chance to meet with new wide receivers coach Darrell Wyatt earlier this week.
“He said they'll get me a workout plan once I sign. He told me everything I needed to do in order to be successful with him coaching. I was really excited about it. He seems like a really cool guy,” Onyegbule said. “Basically, he said you’re coming to Texas with athletes who are just as good. You have to study the playbook, study film, stay out of trouble. Don't be lazy when you clock in for football. Once you clock in, don't have lazy mindset. Be ready to work.
“It was exciting. You knew we were going to have good coaches. That wasn't surprising, but I'm kind of excited. I was looking at the other coaches. We’re going to have a great staff. They’re all great coaches.”
Onyegbule battled a hamstring injury during the summer and turf toe late in the 2010 season, but he said he’s now at 100 percent and working to get stronger and faster. He’ll sign in about a month and he couldn’t be more ready.
“I'm so ready,” Onyegbule said. “It’s probably going to be the happiest day of my life. I’m excited for our class. Coming down on the (official) visit, seeing the guys and the numbers they put up this year, I think we're going to be solid for a few years. It’ll be official now. It’s one thing to walk around and tell people you’re committed, but signing that paper makes it official.” (Suchomel)
******
One of the top prospects in the Lone Star State for the 2012 class is Denton Ryan defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. For those unfamiliar with Edwards Jr's background, he's the son of former FSU star corner Mario Edwards, who had NFL stints with the Cowboys, Buccaneers and Dolphins.
The 6-4, 250 pound end previously built a bit of a relationship with former Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp because of Muschamp's relationship with Edwards Sr. There has been some buzz that when Muschamp departed to Florida, it had an effect on Texas' chances with Edwards Jr. Is that true? Probably to an extent. How big of an impact Muschamp's departure had on the Longhorns' chances remains to be seen, but it didn't help the cause.
There's also been some buzz that FSU has pulled well into the lead for Edwards' services. I spoke with a couple sources that indicated the Seminoles have made a very, very strong push in the Edwards recruitment and that at this point FSU should be considered to be in the driver's seat. It was pointed out that Mario Sr. has a very close relationship with former Seminole player and one of FSU's chief recruiters Lawrence Dawsey. Along with being close to Dawsey, FSU's wide receivers coach, the Edwards family is very familiar with current defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins, who was a coach on the FSU staff when Mario Sr. was a standout corner. Apparently, the trust in those two coaches and the stability of the coaching staff seems to be playing a factor.
As for the talk about a possible commitment happening soon, it would seem a bit soon for Edwards Jr. to go public with any sort of announcement, especially because there's basically been no time for Texas, a school that was in great standing with him earlier this year, to introduce the new staff. You would think that Texas would at least get a chance to re-establish its standing in the recruitment before a commitment because the Longhorns were arguably in the lead for some time. That being said, I do know that there is some serious smoke coming from Tallahassee about Edwards, and it is nothing but positive. It may not seem likely, but a possible commitment shouldn't be ruled out. (McComas)
******
It has been wild times on the 40 Acres with the Mack Brown shuffle having everyone chasing the story. There has been some good news recently with the hiring of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz from Mississippi St., and there is already some buzz about him from the defensive recruits.
San Antonio Sam Houston defensive tackle Quincy Russell said via text “It’s a great thing and he’s a great coach.” He said he had not talked or been in contact with coach Diaz yet.
Cleveland, Texas defensive end Cedric Reed was also looking forward to getting to know the new defensive coordinator.
“I don’t know that much about him, but I bet he’s a pretty good coach,” Reed said.
******
Thursday was Junior Combine check-in day in San Antonio and there were a ton of guys from all over the country who came through.
Houston Second Baptist quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe is one name that is familiar to Texas fans, and the 2012 QB is gearing up for busy spring on the recruiting front.
He already holds an offer from Baylor with Texas A&M and Ole Miss is showing strong interest. He plans to attend the Texas A&M Junior Day, and also plans to attend Junior Days at Texas and Baylor.
When it comes to Texas, he has been keeping an eye on what has been happening in Austin.
“Things have been a little bit crazy now just figuring everything out with UT, but it’s fine I still have contact with Major Applewhite,” Briscoe said. “I keep in close touch with Major Applewhite and Connor (Wood) and despite everything that has happened that’s been able to keep me close.”
He listed Texas among his favorites with the likes of A&M, TCU, and Ole Miss.
Briscoe is not playing baseball this spring and summer and will instead focus on football and the recruiting process.
“I’ve thought about trying to graduate early a little bit depending on where I decide to go to school, so I would like to know this summer at the latest,” he said. “I would like to know before the start of my senior season.”
What is he looking for in a school?
“Probably just a place that makes me feel comfortable and feel wanted and a place I’ll be proud to go to school there whether I get to play my freshman year or not until my senior year,” Briscoe said. “It’s just where I would feel comfortable and where I would be proud to go to school.” (Howell)
******
Harker Heights offensive tackle Camrhon Hughes was one of the bigger offensive linemen to check in on Wednesday and already holds a Baylor offer.
He has been invited to the Georgia Junior Day and plans to attend the Texas A&M Junior Day and it appears A&M could be close to an offer.
He was on the Texas radar before Muschamp’s move to Florida, since then he has not heard much from Texas but Florida has contacted the school.
Hughes is high on Texas and listed Texas as a dream school on Thursday.
“I’ll always want to go to Texas, but there’s a lot of good schools out there and I couldn’t complain about any of them,” Hughes said.
On the field with Hughes, it’s easy to see just what has attracted the attention of college coaches.
“I try to do my assignment and help people out a little bit,” he said. “I’m more of an intensity type guy. I go out and hit people and try to just pump the team up as much as I can and give it my all.” (Howell)
******
Texas was able to tap into Spring Westfield for the services of Desmond Jackson. In the 2012 class Westfield defensive tackle Anthony Smith (6-1, 290) has already attracted an offer from Baylor and plans to attend Junior Days at Texas A&M and TCU.
He also said he plans to attend the Texas Junior Day and has been keeping in touch with coach Oscar Giles
“It’s been pretty strong,” Smith said of the Texas interest,” and I was checking and if I get there it will be mostly juniors and sophomores on the d-line so I could have a pretty good chance to play as a freshman.” (Howell)
******
Pearland Dawson defensive back Jarell Crenshaw has been receiving the most interest from LSU, Texas A&M, and Arizona, and plans to attend Junior Days at Texas A&M and LSU in the near future. He also said he believes he will be attending a Texas Junior Day in the future.
He did not name a favorite, but did comment on his interest in Texas. “My interest is I’ve always liked Texas since the Vince Young-era, so I’ve been looking at them since I was a little kid,” Crenshaw said.
Fort Bend Elkins athlete Corey Thompson has been receiving interest from Alabama, LSU, Oregon, Oregon St., Nebraska, Oklahoma St., Oklahoma, and Texas A&M and a little bit from Texas.
Thompson is not claiming a favorite and is being recruited by schools at both receiver and safety. (Howell)
******
Well, everyone seems to be playing the waiting game right now with DeAndre Daniels. Various outlets expected a decision and announcement to be made by Daniels already. And so did each source I spoke with. Now, here we are expecting something to go down on Friday.
As for Friday, that's a key day from one person I talked to. If you remember one of my updates earlier this week, you'll recall that I said the longer this thing plays out, the better it is for Texas. Today, I still feel that way, and a source I spoke with tonight indicated that if this thing lasts past Friday, Texas becomes on par with Kansas and Kentucky.
There has been some buzz that DeAndre is still communicating with Texas as of this week. I still think that DeAndre likes Texas a little more than the other schools, but that Kansas still has the overall approval from those involved.
Kentucky has fallen out of the conversation a bit, and I still believe the wheels are in motion for him to eventually select Kansas. But if Friday passes by with no announcement, things could get interesting.
With all of that being said, no school has been eliminated per his two AAU coaches, and no one is sure what happens one way or another. Don't get your hopes up yet, but keep an eye on this one because it's not over. (McComas)
With Wynn gone and Cleve Bryant still on a leave of absence, the Texas football support staff is missing two key components. There’s been speculation that Marcus Tubbs is a candidate to fill Wynn’s position (and possibly even Bryant’s depending on how his situation eventually plays out). Tubbs has been helping fill the void of late, but one other name worth remember may be that of Arthur Johnson, the person who Wynn replaced in 2005 when Johnson took the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations position at Georgia, a position he still holds.
Moving in a person familiar with the workings of the football program would make for a smoother and quicker transition, and Johnson was spotted at UT’s basketball game against Arkansas earlier this week.
******
We checked with a few different Longhorn commitments on Thursday to get their thoughts on the new UT coaching hires. For the most part, the commits have not yet had a chance to meet or talk to the new staff members. Chet Moss is one of the exceptions.
The Cedar Park linebacker met with new Longhorn defensive coordinator Manny Diaz on Thursday. To say Moss liked what he heard from Diaz would be an understatement.
“The first thing I told my mom and dad when I talked to them on the phone, I love the guy. He's awesome. If there was a perfect person to fit the as defensive coordinator at this time, it would be him,” Moss said.
Moss also talked to Jackson Jeffcoat about Diaz, and the freshman DE said he and the rest of the team are also very excited about their new defensive leader.
“Jackson is fired up, from what he's heard. Everybody just wants to meet him, hear it for themselves, experience what I did,” Moss said. “It got me fired up. He (Diaz) was getting fired up talking about it. He’s very passionate.
“We’re all so excited for him. It’s a great opportunity and we’re going to make the most of it.”
And what was it about Diaz that impressed Moss the most?
“When we were talking, he was explaining his defensive philosophy, it’s a lot different than anything I've ever heard. We’re going to come out and confuse the quarterback and he was talking about how fun his defense is to play, coming downhill, blitzing. That's what I'm looking for. For me, personally, I think it'll be great for Texas,” Moss said. “Everyone is going to have a lot of fun, everyone will be making plays. It’s a defense meant for all positions to make plays, not just linebackers.”
Moss, who will report to Texas next weekend, has been working out like a madman of late to get himself ready for life as a Longhorn, and he’s ready to take the next step in his academic/playing career.
“I'm not really anxious. I know how to work. I’ve been working out three times a day, I’ve been doing yoga. I’ve been working my tail off so I can come in prepared. I’ve been too busy doing all my stuff to get too worried about anything.” (Suchomel)
******
Most of the Horns’ other commitments have not heard from the new coaches because they’ve been busy at all star games or the hires are so new, but Miles Onyegbule did get a chance to meet with new wide receivers coach Darrell Wyatt earlier this week.
“He said they'll get me a workout plan once I sign. He told me everything I needed to do in order to be successful with him coaching. I was really excited about it. He seems like a really cool guy,” Onyegbule said. “Basically, he said you’re coming to Texas with athletes who are just as good. You have to study the playbook, study film, stay out of trouble. Don't be lazy when you clock in for football. Once you clock in, don't have lazy mindset. Be ready to work.
“It was exciting. You knew we were going to have good coaches. That wasn't surprising, but I'm kind of excited. I was looking at the other coaches. We’re going to have a great staff. They’re all great coaches.”
Onyegbule battled a hamstring injury during the summer and turf toe late in the 2010 season, but he said he’s now at 100 percent and working to get stronger and faster. He’ll sign in about a month and he couldn’t be more ready.
“I'm so ready,” Onyegbule said. “It’s probably going to be the happiest day of my life. I’m excited for our class. Coming down on the (official) visit, seeing the guys and the numbers they put up this year, I think we're going to be solid for a few years. It’ll be official now. It’s one thing to walk around and tell people you’re committed, but signing that paper makes it official.” (Suchomel)
******
One of the top prospects in the Lone Star State for the 2012 class is Denton Ryan defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. For those unfamiliar with Edwards Jr's background, he's the son of former FSU star corner Mario Edwards, who had NFL stints with the Cowboys, Buccaneers and Dolphins.
The 6-4, 250 pound end previously built a bit of a relationship with former Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp because of Muschamp's relationship with Edwards Sr. There has been some buzz that when Muschamp departed to Florida, it had an effect on Texas' chances with Edwards Jr. Is that true? Probably to an extent. How big of an impact Muschamp's departure had on the Longhorns' chances remains to be seen, but it didn't help the cause.
There's also been some buzz that FSU has pulled well into the lead for Edwards' services. I spoke with a couple sources that indicated the Seminoles have made a very, very strong push in the Edwards recruitment and that at this point FSU should be considered to be in the driver's seat. It was pointed out that Mario Sr. has a very close relationship with former Seminole player and one of FSU's chief recruiters Lawrence Dawsey. Along with being close to Dawsey, FSU's wide receivers coach, the Edwards family is very familiar with current defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins, who was a coach on the FSU staff when Mario Sr. was a standout corner. Apparently, the trust in those two coaches and the stability of the coaching staff seems to be playing a factor.
As for the talk about a possible commitment happening soon, it would seem a bit soon for Edwards Jr. to go public with any sort of announcement, especially because there's basically been no time for Texas, a school that was in great standing with him earlier this year, to introduce the new staff. You would think that Texas would at least get a chance to re-establish its standing in the recruitment before a commitment because the Longhorns were arguably in the lead for some time. That being said, I do know that there is some serious smoke coming from Tallahassee about Edwards, and it is nothing but positive. It may not seem likely, but a possible commitment shouldn't be ruled out. (McComas)
******
It has been wild times on the 40 Acres with the Mack Brown shuffle having everyone chasing the story. There has been some good news recently with the hiring of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz from Mississippi St., and there is already some buzz about him from the defensive recruits.
San Antonio Sam Houston defensive tackle Quincy Russell said via text “It’s a great thing and he’s a great coach.” He said he had not talked or been in contact with coach Diaz yet.
Cleveland, Texas defensive end Cedric Reed was also looking forward to getting to know the new defensive coordinator.
“I don’t know that much about him, but I bet he’s a pretty good coach,” Reed said.
******
Thursday was Junior Combine check-in day in San Antonio and there were a ton of guys from all over the country who came through.
Houston Second Baptist quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe is one name that is familiar to Texas fans, and the 2012 QB is gearing up for busy spring on the recruiting front.
He already holds an offer from Baylor with Texas A&M and Ole Miss is showing strong interest. He plans to attend the Texas A&M Junior Day, and also plans to attend Junior Days at Texas and Baylor.
When it comes to Texas, he has been keeping an eye on what has been happening in Austin.
“Things have been a little bit crazy now just figuring everything out with UT, but it’s fine I still have contact with Major Applewhite,” Briscoe said. “I keep in close touch with Major Applewhite and Connor (Wood) and despite everything that has happened that’s been able to keep me close.”
He listed Texas among his favorites with the likes of A&M, TCU, and Ole Miss.
Briscoe is not playing baseball this spring and summer and will instead focus on football and the recruiting process.
“I’ve thought about trying to graduate early a little bit depending on where I decide to go to school, so I would like to know this summer at the latest,” he said. “I would like to know before the start of my senior season.”
What is he looking for in a school?
“Probably just a place that makes me feel comfortable and feel wanted and a place I’ll be proud to go to school there whether I get to play my freshman year or not until my senior year,” Briscoe said. “It’s just where I would feel comfortable and where I would be proud to go to school.” (Howell)
******
Harker Heights offensive tackle Camrhon Hughes was one of the bigger offensive linemen to check in on Wednesday and already holds a Baylor offer.
He has been invited to the Georgia Junior Day and plans to attend the Texas A&M Junior Day and it appears A&M could be close to an offer.
He was on the Texas radar before Muschamp’s move to Florida, since then he has not heard much from Texas but Florida has contacted the school.
Hughes is high on Texas and listed Texas as a dream school on Thursday.
“I’ll always want to go to Texas, but there’s a lot of good schools out there and I couldn’t complain about any of them,” Hughes said.
On the field with Hughes, it’s easy to see just what has attracted the attention of college coaches.
“I try to do my assignment and help people out a little bit,” he said. “I’m more of an intensity type guy. I go out and hit people and try to just pump the team up as much as I can and give it my all.” (Howell)
******
Texas was able to tap into Spring Westfield for the services of Desmond Jackson. In the 2012 class Westfield defensive tackle Anthony Smith (6-1, 290) has already attracted an offer from Baylor and plans to attend Junior Days at Texas A&M and TCU.
He also said he plans to attend the Texas Junior Day and has been keeping in touch with coach Oscar Giles
“It’s been pretty strong,” Smith said of the Texas interest,” and I was checking and if I get there it will be mostly juniors and sophomores on the d-line so I could have a pretty good chance to play as a freshman.” (Howell)
******
Pearland Dawson defensive back Jarell Crenshaw has been receiving the most interest from LSU, Texas A&M, and Arizona, and plans to attend Junior Days at Texas A&M and LSU in the near future. He also said he believes he will be attending a Texas Junior Day in the future.
He did not name a favorite, but did comment on his interest in Texas. “My interest is I’ve always liked Texas since the Vince Young-era, so I’ve been looking at them since I was a little kid,” Crenshaw said.
Fort Bend Elkins athlete Corey Thompson has been receiving interest from Alabama, LSU, Oregon, Oregon St., Nebraska, Oklahoma St., Oklahoma, and Texas A&M and a little bit from Texas.
Thompson is not claiming a favorite and is being recruited by schools at both receiver and safety. (Howell)
******
Well, everyone seems to be playing the waiting game right now with DeAndre Daniels. Various outlets expected a decision and announcement to be made by Daniels already. And so did each source I spoke with. Now, here we are expecting something to go down on Friday.
As for Friday, that's a key day from one person I talked to. If you remember one of my updates earlier this week, you'll recall that I said the longer this thing plays out, the better it is for Texas. Today, I still feel that way, and a source I spoke with tonight indicated that if this thing lasts past Friday, Texas becomes on par with Kansas and Kentucky.
There has been some buzz that DeAndre is still communicating with Texas as of this week. I still think that DeAndre likes Texas a little more than the other schools, but that Kansas still has the overall approval from those involved.
Kentucky has fallen out of the conversation a bit, and I still believe the wheels are in motion for him to eventually select Kansas. But if Friday passes by with no announcement, things could get interesting.
With all of that being said, no school has been eliminated per his two AAU coaches, and no one is sure what happens one way or another. Don't get your hopes up yet, but keep an eye on this one because it's not over. (McComas)
