- Players seem to like new S&C coach Yancy McKnight more than they liked ex-strength coach Pat Moorer. "The way he seemed wasn't an act," one person said of Moorer. Moorer was famously portrayed by most media as a never-smiling, drill-sergeant type with sadistic tendencies. While McKnight's workouts have reportedly been just as tough, McKnight is much more personable with the players and reportedly more likable when the workouts are done. The players seem to like him more.
- This seems true of all the assistant coaches. This next part isn't a direct quote from any one source, but the general vibe we've gotten from many we have spoken to: Herman has employed a bit of a "good cop/bad cop" dynamic where the assistants are all very much beginning to embrace their players and show warm personalities while Herman himself is still more distanced and prickly as the head coach. This is a dynamic everyone should expect to change - after all, this is a coach who, in the past, has felt so close to players that he kissed them before games. It's safe to say that Herman's initial plan for setting the tone of how things will be at Texas doesn't involve any kissy stuff from the head coach just yet, though.
- There's been a lot of talk on the forums about QB depth and the likelihood that WR Jerrod Heard could move back to the QB position. From what we're told at this point, a permanent move does not seem imminent. One person said that there could be packages where Heard's used as a QB-like offensive weapon, but there aren't currently talks under way to get him to switch back permanently. This could change as we get into spring, but reports saying this has already occurred are inaccurate.
- We asked one person where Heard would get work within the WR group with Devin Duvernay looking to handle most of the slot work, and were quickly corrected and told that it's actually Armanti Foreman who the staff thinks is likely to be the main slot guy - at least to start. Clearly, this is all subject to change, but the person said in a 3-wide set it would likely be Collin Johnson, Armanti Foreman in the slot and Dorian Leonard on the other side. It was said that Foreman could get moved around as the staff thinks he's fine to play outside as well. It's possible you could see Foreman bump over to Leonard's spot during games to make room for Duvernay in the slot. Also, as the team will run a number of 4-WR sets, Heard and Duvernay will be in play for the fourth slot. I asked where RS FR Davion Curtis fit into this mix and was told that he'll play outside.
- On the subject of QBs, Alex Dunlap talked to Westlake HC/AD Todd Dodge at Stephan Zabie and Levi Jones' announcements Wednesday and one thing he asked is if Dodge had heard anything about how his ex-QB Sam Ehlinger is liking life as a Longhorn so far. Dodge said Ehlinger has been ready to get to Texas for the last semester. "We always talked about it," Dodge said, "he's been ready to get (to Texas) this whole season, the plan that we talked about was always about getting there early (early-enrolling). He knows, it's like we always talk about, you only get one chance to make a first impression and getting (to Texas) early lets him come in and establish himself early on (as the presence he'd like to be)."
- In following up with a source close to the team about how Ehlinger is asserting himself in winter workouts, he said "they aren't even throwing yet, but you can tell (Ehlinger) is going to push (Shane Buechele). (Ehlinger) is bigger than you think like a Big Ben." While comparing Ehlinger to Ben Roethlisberger probably isn't the most accurate or telling comp, it's just a sign that he's come in being a great big, impressive kid and looking the part of a big-time QB.
- One bit of good news is that RS FR OL Patrick Hudson - who suffered a lower-leg injury in the 2016 season and was not able to practice for most of the campaign - is seemingly back to full-speed and is getting his first real work with the team as a full-participant. It was a major disappointment that Hudson (who had tremendous strength but sloppy feet as a prospect) did not get to use his redshirt season to work on developing his feet, balance and mobility. However, it appears now that he's on the mend and that his development in these areas can now get underway. Of all the players on the 2017 team, Hudson may have one of the biggest opportunities ahead of him as depth along the interior offensive line is one of the thinner position-groups when surveying the roster as a whole. (Staff reports)
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From the moment Texas coach Tom Herman received a verbal commitment from junior college linebacker Gary Johnson, it became clear there would be a shakeup at that room this year.
When most coaches sign junior college players, those athletes are expected to play right away. They are not viewed as developmental athletes, but guys who can fill an immediate void. Johnson was recruited to play middle linebacker at Texas, which meant Longhorn fans would probably see a different lineup with defensive coordinator Todd Orlando than they witnessed with Charlie Strong and Vance Bedford.
Herman was asked if he saw Johnson as a middle linebacker on signing day and said, “I don't know. And I'm not being coy. I really haven't watched one snap of film. Now the defensive and offensive staffs have because they've got to know where to put guys in what position. And I'm not going to. Because I have the final say on the depth chart. And that depth chart, the first day of spring ball, is going to be earned in January and February. So I don't know necessarily where we exactly are lacking or where we exactly need to move guys around. But I'm confident that Coach Orlando and his staff will put the pieces in the right place. They've been pretty good at that in the past.”
The buzz we have been hearing this week does not directly involve Malik Jefferson or Johnson, but outside linebacker/defensive end Breckyn Hager.
From what we have been told, there have been discussions in the building about moving Hager to middle linebacker when spring football begins. This is not done deal at all. Just an idea that is being tossed around right now.
No matter what, it appears Jefferson’s days as a middle linebacker are numbered.
Even if Hager is not moved to middle linebacker and Johnson eventually earns the job, it is clear Herman’s staff believes Jefferson might be better suited to play outside linebacker. Throughout the past two years, Jefferson has excelled when he could rush the passer and be on the edge. He struggled while being limited in the middle and having to fight off offensive guards.
This is definitely a potential position change we will monitor during the offseason (Orangebloods staff)
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Tom Herman discussed in yesterday’s press conference plans to renovate Texas’ locker rooms, like we mentioned in a War Room weeks back. A couple of tidbits on that:
Look for the commons areas in Moncrief to get a makeover in the form of new graphics, design, and things of that nature. The locker rooms will be redone, and there are discussions to also update the tunnels, including the one the players walk through to enter the stadium. Maybe more importantly, by jumping on the ball early, Herman should be able to see the first renovations and updates completed in time for the summer recruiting cycle. So when Texas brings a lot of prospects on campus for summer visits, it should be able to show off some new digs.
Again, it's safe to say Herman is pushing for change in all areas on the 40 Acres. And he's getting stuff done. (McComas)
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With the 2017 class finalized, the Texas coaches will now turn their attention to the class of 2018 on the recruiting trail. In fact, the Longhorns will host its first Junior Day under Tom Herman on February 25 where a collection of prospects from the upcoming class will visit Austin.
One prospect planning to making the visit is Arp safety DeMarvion Overshown, who the Longhorns offered in December.
The Longhorns were one of Overshown’s first offers, which may bode well for them when Overshown makes his decision. In addition to being one of his first offers, Texas was also one of Overshown’s favorite teams growing up.
“Texas has been one of my favorite teams since I was a little boy,” Overshown told OB in December after receiving his offer. “My Pee Wee football coach was a huge Texas fan and my dad was [too]. I grew up hearing nothing but Texas.”
Obviously there is a long time to go in this recruitment, but securing a junior day visit for Overshown is a step in the right direction for the Texas staff. (Larkin)
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A quick note on Hebron cornerback Verone McKinley III …
Although McKinley told me he was unsure yet if he would attend Texas Junior Day (the Longhorns haven’t offered yet), he told me he had been hearing a lot from quality control assistant Michael Huff about potentially visiting Austin.
With multiple offers out to different defensive backs, Texas may be waiting a little to make a move on the four-star prospect. (Larkin)
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I spoke with Allen center Trey Stratford yesterday, and he confirmed to me that he would be attending Junior Day on February 25.
Texas offered Stratford back in December, and the Longhorns will figure to be a player in his services until he makes his final decision.
“I am very excited and honestly blessed to receive an offer from Texas,” Stratford told OB in December. “They have always been a team I have followed and liked.” (Larkin)
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The state of Texas boasts a strong defensive back class in 2018, which is good news for Tom Herman and Texas as they intend to prioritize the position during this year’s recruiting cycle.
In fact, the Longhorns have already targeted a handful of defensive back prospects, including Cy Springs safety Leon O’Neal, who they offered last month.
Holding offers from the likes of Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and UCLA, O’Neal knows the Texas offer is another step in a recruiting process that’s beginning to heat up.
“It’s just another step in making that change,” O’Neal said. “It’s just amazing and a blessing to have, I’m very excited.”
As for what the Texas coaches said to him, the Houston product said the staff wants to see him continue to grow as a player.
“They told me to stay focused, and they gave me a lot of motivation,” O’Neal said. “[The Texas offer] meant a lot.”
O’Neal is no stranger to the Longhorns staff. When Tom Herman was at Houston, his staff recruited him heavily, and O’Neal even took a visit to Houston during his junior season.
“I visited for the Louisville game, and I loved it,” O’Neal said. “I know what [Herman] can do as a coach; they have a great staff. [Longhorns] fans should be excited about what they have.”
This month, O’Neal is planning to visit some of the schools he’s interested in, including Oklahoma on the 18 and then Austin on the 25 for Texas Junior Day.
As for cutting his list, the Cy Springs safety says he’s going to take his time and see where he fits the best.
“I just want to visit these schools and see the right fit,” O’Neal said. “I know coaches won’t be there forever, so it’s all about going to these schools and seeing them.” (Larkin)
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2018 Sachse quarterback Jalen Mayden has been thought to be a potential offer by many Texas fans thanks to his dual-threat capabilities that would seemingly fit well in Tom Herman’s offense.
Right now, however, things are pretty quiet between Texas and the Sachse quarterback.
Earlier this week, Mayden told Orangebloods that he hadn’t heard much from the Tom Herman’s staff since he took over. Mayden said that the schools contacting him the most have been Baylor, Mississippi State, Miami, Minnesota, Utah, Nebraska, and N.C. State.
The Longhorns have already extended three offers to out-of-state quarterbacks in the 2018 recruiting class, so it’s very possible the Texas coaches will wait and see how they fair in those recruitments before turning their attention to quarterbacks within the state like Mayden. Of note, Herman and staff did offer Mayden at Houston. (Larkin)
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Don’t be surprised if Smithson Valley Athlete Trevon Moehrig-Woodard’s recruitment begins to take off very soon.
Multiple teams have showed interest in the three-star prospect over the past month, including offers from Northwestern, Oklahoma State, Missouri and Virginia. Stanford jumped in the mix for his services on Thursday, extending an offer.
While the Longhorns haven’t yet offered Moehrig-Woodard, he says he continually hears from the Texas coaches.
“I’ve heard from Coach (Jason) Washington, Coach (Michael) Huff and Coach (Craig) Naivar, and they were just telling me how excited they are to having me wearing burnt orange,” Moehrig-Woodard said.
Moehrig-Woodard said he didn’t have much familiarity with Tom Herman and his staff before they reached Austin, but he’s always followed the Longhorns growing up.
“Texas has always been a school I’ve followed, especially since they are so close,” Moehrig-Woodard said.
For now, Moehrig-Woodard is taking the process slowly and beginning to look around the state. Over the next two weekends, the Smithson Valley product is planning to take unofficial visits to TCU and Texas (possibly this weekend), respectively. (Larkin)
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It's a deep year for wide receivers in the state in the 2018 class (five players in the top 13 of the 2018 LSR), and Alief Taylor's Brennan Eagles stacks up with the best of the bunch.
Eagles (No. 4 on the LSR), was offered by Texas recently. Florida and Ohio State also recently threw their hats into the ring. Eagles is taking all the attention in stride and says it's a product of hard work.
"It's just really telling me all my hard work has paid off. All the work I put in the off season, on weekends, everything is paying off and coaches are noticing me."
Eagles goes 6-4 and is up to 210 pounds. Texas offered Eagles in early January and Eagles keeps in very close contact with UT head coach Tom Herman.
"Tom Herman actually came by a couple weeks ago to our track practice. He watched me for a few," Eagles said. "After that, he talked to my head coach about me and offered. Me and him have a good relationship. I talk to him every other day on the phone."
Eagles plans to take things slowly, but the Longhorns will definitely be in the mix.
"Texas is close to home. It's definitely going to be a top school for sure when I do narrow down my top schools," Eagles said.
The Rivals100 member will be at OU's next junior day and UT's Junior Day on February 25. (Suchomel)
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Another top in-state receiver holding a UT offer is Houston Episcopal's Jaylen Waddle.
"It's going really well right now," Waddle said of early recruiting. "I'm fresh and excited off a UT offer and Wisconsin offer this past week, so things are really going well for me in recruiting."
Waddle plans to hit Nike and UnderArmour regional camps. He's not sure if he'll be able to make any junior days due to basketball commitments. Texas, A&M, TCU, OU and Oklahoma State have all invited him.
Waddle's thoughts on Texas ...
"I know they're a big football town. They're rebuilding right now. I know coach Herman from when he was at U of H. He's a winner."
Texas has a nice sales pitch in this one because Houston was Waddle's first offer back when Herman was there. Waddle says he's wide open at this point
Waddle is a cousin of former A&M wide receiver Percy Waddle. A Rivals250 member, Waddle goes 5-10 and 165.
"I think getting the ball in space, turning short passes into big plays is one of my strong points," Waddle said. "What I need to work on is staying focused at the end of the game and route running." (Suchomel)
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A couple National Signing Day notes before we officially move on ...
I spoke with someone at North Shore on Thursday morning, and that person confirmed that K'Lavon Chaissson had committed to Texas but things went sideways and Chaisson began having second thoughts on Tuesday morning, the day before NSD.
Also, all the focus was on Chaisson, Stephon Zabie and Jordan Pouncey on National Signing Day, but I heard a few other letters of intents were sent to players Texas was hoping they might flip at the last minute, including Omar Manning, one A&M commitment and a couple other guys UT missed on late in the process. (Suchomel)
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A few weeks ago, I provided a 2018 primer for everyone based on the Rivals Top 20 in the Lone Star State. I thought it might be a better idea to go through the same breakdown again, instead focusing on the in-state players that the Longhorns have offered thus far in the 2018 class. Buckle up.
Running Backs
Keaontay Ingram (Carthage)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Three-stars/5.6/NR in Rivals Texas rankings)
Current key offers: Texas, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Arkansas, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech
Where UT Stands: Ingram's stock is red hot this week with offers from the Longhorns, Notre Dame and UCLA in the last three days. Although there has been discussion behind the scenes that Texas will be at the forefront of his recruitment, it's probably too soon to make any definitive statements because he might have offers from coast to coast before the next War Room.
Wide Receivers
Brennan Eagles (Alief Taylor)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.50 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights and Top off-season plays
Has Texas offered: Yes
Current offers: Florida, Georgia, Houston, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, Tennessee and Texas.
Where UT Stands: Texas seems to be his in-state favorite (ahead of Baylor), while Tennessee and Oklahoma are the primary out of state schools he claims to want to visit in the coming weeks and months. The Sooners are a real team to watch because he mentions OU assistant Dennis Simmons as a key recruiter for him and Dede Westbrook as his favorite player.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/12) “Really I’m just waiting for the season to start,” he said. “At U of H, Coach (Tom) Herman threw the ball more, so I’m just waiting to see the season play out and see if UT is going to use more spread.”
“It opens up my eyes as a matter of fact. It’s close to home, my mom likes it there, so it will definitely be one of my top schools when I decide to narrow some stuff down. It’s not far, family can come see me play and that’s a big deal – you always want moms right there by your side.”
Joshua Moore (Yoakum)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.107 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights and Underclassmen Challenge Highlights
Current offers: Arkansas, Baylor, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Houston, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and USC
Where UT Stands: With his brother's recent commitment to Texas A&M, it's going to be an uphill battle for the Longhorns, but they've got 12 months to work some magic. It's hard to believe that the Moore bothers would go separate ways, but Joshua has always liked the Longhorns.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 12/30) “Relationships are big to me, man,. Right now, in my opinion, I think I have the biggest relationship with Coach (Todd) Lyght out of all the coaches that I know. “
(Via Rivals on 12/13) “A few hours after he got hired, him and Coach (Oscar) Giles texted me saying ‘Guess who just got the new job at Texas?’ When they told me, they said they have a great spot for me to come in and show all my skills in this new offense. They told me this is where your mother went to college, why not come home?
“For them to reach out to me and tell me that is a great feeling.”
(Via OB on 9/5 following the Notre Dame game) "Overall experience was great! Spent time with a lot of big time recruits and the whole coaching staff! The atmosphere was crazy the WHOLE game!!"
Jalen Preston (Manvel)
Current recruiting grades: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.113 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights and RCS One on Ones
Current Offers: Baylor, Georgia, Houston, LSU, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: It seems like his recruiting process is just getting started, but the Longhorns are behind LSU and Texas A&M in the early stages.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/19) “I think the program is looking great right now,. Now that everything is stable there, I haven’t had a chance to talk to (Ed Orgeron) yet, but they’re going to be a player - they’re real good. They just want to get me down there to that junior day.”
“I’ve been talking with Coach (Aaron) Moorehead. He’s actually been trying to get to some of my basketball games, but I have a real strong relationship with him.”
“Coach (Tom) Herman is going to turn the team around. They had an alright year last year, but I think Coach Herman is just a great coach and knows how to win.”
Jaylen Waddle (Houston Episcopal)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.217 in Rivals250)
Rivals Profile Analysis
Current key offers: Texas, Florida State, Houston, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU and Texas A&M.
Where UT Stands: Waddle was a key target for Herman and Co. at Houston (first school to offer Waddle), so he's wasted little time in making Waddle a key target in the 2018 class. With offers coming in by the day, Waddle's recruitment might just be getting started, but he visited the Longhorns last fall and it would be a surprise at all if Herman and Co. have the pole position in February.
Al'Vonte Woodard (Houston Lamar)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Four-stars/6.0/No.27 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights and RCS Analysis
Has Texas offered: Yes
Current offers: Arizona, Houston, Kansas, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Texas, Texas A&M and West Virginia (among others)
Where UT Stands: With the recent offer he picked up from the Texas staff, it seems like the Longhorns are right in the thick of his early favorites, along with Texas A&M, Arkansas and Ole Miss. This could evolve over time into an in-state showdown between the Longhorns/Aggies.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/16): “It’s a huge offer,. They already said they were coming for me, but they had to see what else they had to offer in the class of 2017. So it wasn’t so much of a surprise for me, but it’s a real big offer.”
“When I get out there, I’m just hoping to get a look at how they’re trying to change the program,” he said. “I’m wanting to see how they’re planning to get themselves into bigger games - bigger bowl games. I expect for them to do the same sort of thing I saw them do at U of H; air it out, run the ball, and just have a balanced offense.”
Tight ends
Malcolm Epps (Spring DeKaney)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.160 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Alabama (committed), Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Where UT Stands: Epps is committed to Alabama, but has said that he will take visits throughout the next 12 months. The Longhorns are not in his top five at the moment, so there's work to be done.
Quotable: (Via Rivals 1/4) “I cried when I heard about (the Alabama offer). I never thought a kid out of Texas would be able to get that offer as his first one.”
“With Michigan, Jim Harbaugh puts tight ends in the league. Florida State is Florida, period. With Ohio State, since I’ve been a little kid I’ve played with them on NCAA.”
Mustapha Muhammad (FB Ridge Point)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.235 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, Tennessee and Texas A&M.
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns are kind of in a bunch right now, as we're talking about a kid with offers from virtually all the big boys. During the fall, he took trips to Oklahoma, LSU, Houston, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Georgia and TCU. Clearly, the Longhorns have to get him on campus and hope they can survive the early cuts.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/9) “I have a good relationship with coach (Tom) Herman and coach (Corby) Meekins. I’ve been in contact with them. I was close with them at Houston so that’s a good thing with them. I think coach Herman is going to do all right there because he’s a really good coach.”
Offensive linemen
Barton Clement (FB Marshall)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.228 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Auburn, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns are in his top five, but they trail Texas A&M at this juncture.
Rafiti Ghirmai (Frisco Wakeland)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Three-stars/5.6/NR in Rivals Texas Rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Colorado, Houston, TCU and Texas Tech
Where UT Stands: Plans to take Junior Day visits to Texas, Ohio State and LSU this spring after visiting Oklahoma and Texas A&M last fall. It feels like his recruitment is just getting started in earnest.
Chasen Hines (Marshall)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Three-stars/5.7/No.42 in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Baylor, Minnesota, Oklahoma, LSU and TCU
Where UT Stands: Hines is a kid that we need to get an update, but he has described LSU as his dream offer in the past and Ed Oregeron offered on Tuesday.
Trey Stratford (Allen)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Three-stars/5.7/No.52 in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Houston, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, TCU and UCLA
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns have to be considered among the favorites to land the Allen lineman.
Defensive Tackles
Calvin Avery (Dallas Bishop Dunne)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.125 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Has Texas offered: Yes
Current offers: Baylor, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: Although he camped at Texas last summer and the Longhorns were thought to be in a great position at that time, the Longhorns probably have some ground to make up at this point in his recruiting process. One person I spoke with this week believes that his recruitment will really start to heat up in the coming weeks as he starts to set up his spring visit plans. Basically, there's a long way to go for a player that plans on announcing on signing day a year from now.
Keondre Coburn (Spring Westfield)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.179 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Arkansas, Baylor, Colorado, Houston, Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
Where UT Stands: A former player under Texas tight ends coach Corby Meekins, the Longhorns have identified Coburn a key target, but they've got some work to do after starting behind some other schools in the region.
Defensive Ends
Jarell Cherry (Dallas Carter)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.119 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns were considered the early favorite and in some estimations remain the team to beat, but this is a recruitment that is about to turn into a battle royal, as Ed Orgeron personally plans to lead the recruitment of Cherry, while the likes Oklahoma and Texas A&M are ready to throw its heavy hitters at him as well.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 7/27) "Even though people are forgetting about what Texas is, how they have a strong mentality as a football team and they’ve been doing it for a long time now.”
“I talk to Coach B.J. [Brian Jean-Mary] and when I am out here I do talk to Coach Strong, I can talk to him. They tell me keep working at it, rest my legs, don’t overwork things and they say ‘your gift is very special,’ and to ‘keep up with it.’”
Max Wright (Katy Taylor)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.79 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Arkansas, Baylor, Georgia, Houston, LSU, Oklahoma, Stanford, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech
Where UT Stands: Wright's recruitment is just getting started, so it's hard to handicap the field at this point, but his sister not only attends Arkansas, but she's a football recruiting host. Just a note to file away for the future.
Quotable: (Via Hawgsports.com on 1/17) "I think (Arkansas) is a great program,. I like the school and the campus a lot, and I want to get to know the coaches more."
Linebackers
Alston Orji (Rockwall)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.81 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Arkansas, Baylor, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: Good news ... Orji has indicated a preference to stay close to home. Although he hasn't scheduled a visit to Texas yet, he visited Texas during the 2016 season and the Longhorns will be a major factor in his recruitment, as will the Aggies.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/10) "I'm going to A&M junior day but other than that nothing specifically planned but I would like to get out to a lot of the schools that have offered me. A&M junior day is coming up here in a few weeks and I'd like to get out and see the schools nearby that have offered me since I still have my responsibilities to my school I want to stay around the area; TCU, OU, A&M, Arkansas, Texas and other schools nearby."
(Via OB on 9/5 following the Notre Dame game) "It was crazy to be a part of! Great game, lost most of my voice! Some of the most loyal fans to the very end."
Defensive backs
Anthony Cook (Houston Lamar)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Four-stars/6.0/No.23 in the Rivals250)
Junior Highlights and RCS Analysis
Current offers: Errrrybody.
Where UT Stands: In 2016, Cook visited Texas for a camp, the Under The Lights Camp and the Notre Dame. Along with Texas, Cook lists LSU, Clemson, Ohio State and Georgia as schools he wants to visit in the coming months. Of the in-state schools, the Longhorns definitely seem to have the edge and Cook seems to have the profile of a kid that is going to give the Longhorns every chance to impress him. Given the circumstances, Tom Herman and his staff start out in an excellent position.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on December 31st) "Nothing but good things (on Tom Herman). I think Tom Herman at Texas is really going to turn the program around. I'm looking forward to see what he's going to do."
(Via OB on 9/5 after attending Texas/Notre Dame,) "It was amazing. I've never been to a college game and the feeling was unexplainable."
B.J. Foster (Angleton)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Four-stars/6.0/No.22 on Rivals 250)
Junior Highlights and Rivals Camp Series Highlights
Current key offers: Basically errrrbody.
Where UT Stands: Like Cook, Foster is going to give the Longhorns every chance possible to impress him. Foster is fairly close with former Longhorns cornerback Quandre Diggs and has a high opinion of the Texas brand. As things currently stand, the Longhorns are in his current top five and seemingly in as good of a position as you would expect, given the circumstances.
Quotable: (Via OB on 12/15) “No, it hasn’t [affected where they stand],” Foster said about the coaching change. “[Texas] is a good program and they make great young men and football players.”
“Coach Herman is a nice guy. They recruited me [when he was at Houston], but I didn’t hear too much from him.”
(Via OB on 7/19) "I'm liking Texas pretty good. Quandre Diggs talks really highly about them," Foster said. "They're definitely up there."
Jalen Green (Houston Heights)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9 grade/No.119 on Rivals250)
Sophomore Highlights and RCS One on Ones
Current offers: Baylor, Clemson, Georgia, Houston, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: The new Texas staff offered less than a month ago and the Longhorns expect to have their hands full with the likes of LSU, Texas A&M and other national elite programs. The best news is that there's a feeling that his recruitment is just starting to take off and the Longhorns will have plenty of chances to fight its way to the front.
D'Shawn Jamison (Houston Lamar)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8 grade/No.33 in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Baylor, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee and TCU
Where UT Stands: Michigan, TCU and Tennessee are his current top three, but the Longhorns are knocking on the door after its offer in January.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/11) https://n.r“With Michigan, they produce a lot of great DBs. That’s what I like about them. With Jim Harbaugh, he’s a great coach and he cares only about their future and how they become better men and better football players.
“With the TCU coaching staff, they’re always there to help you with anything. By them doing that, it could be a great fit for me.”
Leon O'Neal (Cy Springs)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8 grade/NR in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Alabama, Colorado, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas A&M and UCLA
Where UT Stands: O'Neal is another guy we need to get into contact with, but he hasn't listed the Longhorns much among his favorites early in the recruiting process.
DeMarvion Overshown (Arp)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Three-stars/5.7 grade/NR in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma State and TCU
Where UT Stands: Although his offer list is starting to shoot into the stratosphere, the Longhorns were one of the very first schools to offer and figure to be a major factor in his recruitment.
Caden Sterns (Cibolo Steele)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.8/No.48 overall nationally)
Sophomore Highlights
Current Key Offers: LSU (Committed), Baylor, Houston, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas Tech and UCLA
Where UT Stands: Sterns showed some interest in the Longhorns throughout the summer and early into last season, but he became Ed Orgeron's first commitment at LSU and there are no signs of him backing off that pledge at this time.
Quotable: “(LSU's) always been my dream school really. I just took a visit when they played Alabama and it was everything I expected and more. It’s a wonderful place and felt like family. Everybody’s close.”
Atanza Vongor (South Grand Prairie)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.151 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Baylor, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, TCU, Texas and Wisconsin.
Where UT Stands: Texas was in his top three as of a few months ago, along with Houston and TCU. Vongor really had a strong relationship with the old Texas staff, but his relationship with Herman and Co. at Houston should help the Longhorns in this recruitment.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 10/8) “I’m getting to see Texas, TCU, but I’m really just trying to focus on the season and take it week by week.”
Athletes
Jaquayln Crawford (Rockdale)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Three-stars/5.7/NR in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Houston, Missouri, TCU and Texas Tech
Where UT Stands: Lot of people from the Rockdale area believe that the Longhorns are the team to beat. He's a priority update for us in the coming week.
Jordan Moore (Yoakum)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.180 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Baylor, Colorado, Florida State, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma and UCLA.
Where UT Stands: Moore committed to Texas A&M on Christmas Eve, but don't expect the Longhorns to give up any time soon.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 12/24): “I am still going to allow (others) to recruit me - I still want to take all of my official visits. I’m solid on A&M, but I have friends everywhere. I still want to take my visits and get a chance to hang out with them and enjoy the recruiting process.”
(Ketch)
- This seems true of all the assistant coaches. This next part isn't a direct quote from any one source, but the general vibe we've gotten from many we have spoken to: Herman has employed a bit of a "good cop/bad cop" dynamic where the assistants are all very much beginning to embrace their players and show warm personalities while Herman himself is still more distanced and prickly as the head coach. This is a dynamic everyone should expect to change - after all, this is a coach who, in the past, has felt so close to players that he kissed them before games. It's safe to say that Herman's initial plan for setting the tone of how things will be at Texas doesn't involve any kissy stuff from the head coach just yet, though.
- There's been a lot of talk on the forums about QB depth and the likelihood that WR Jerrod Heard could move back to the QB position. From what we're told at this point, a permanent move does not seem imminent. One person said that there could be packages where Heard's used as a QB-like offensive weapon, but there aren't currently talks under way to get him to switch back permanently. This could change as we get into spring, but reports saying this has already occurred are inaccurate.
- We asked one person where Heard would get work within the WR group with Devin Duvernay looking to handle most of the slot work, and were quickly corrected and told that it's actually Armanti Foreman who the staff thinks is likely to be the main slot guy - at least to start. Clearly, this is all subject to change, but the person said in a 3-wide set it would likely be Collin Johnson, Armanti Foreman in the slot and Dorian Leonard on the other side. It was said that Foreman could get moved around as the staff thinks he's fine to play outside as well. It's possible you could see Foreman bump over to Leonard's spot during games to make room for Duvernay in the slot. Also, as the team will run a number of 4-WR sets, Heard and Duvernay will be in play for the fourth slot. I asked where RS FR Davion Curtis fit into this mix and was told that he'll play outside.
- On the subject of QBs, Alex Dunlap talked to Westlake HC/AD Todd Dodge at Stephan Zabie and Levi Jones' announcements Wednesday and one thing he asked is if Dodge had heard anything about how his ex-QB Sam Ehlinger is liking life as a Longhorn so far. Dodge said Ehlinger has been ready to get to Texas for the last semester. "We always talked about it," Dodge said, "he's been ready to get (to Texas) this whole season, the plan that we talked about was always about getting there early (early-enrolling). He knows, it's like we always talk about, you only get one chance to make a first impression and getting (to Texas) early lets him come in and establish himself early on (as the presence he'd like to be)."
- In following up with a source close to the team about how Ehlinger is asserting himself in winter workouts, he said "they aren't even throwing yet, but you can tell (Ehlinger) is going to push (Shane Buechele). (Ehlinger) is bigger than you think like a Big Ben." While comparing Ehlinger to Ben Roethlisberger probably isn't the most accurate or telling comp, it's just a sign that he's come in being a great big, impressive kid and looking the part of a big-time QB.
- One bit of good news is that RS FR OL Patrick Hudson - who suffered a lower-leg injury in the 2016 season and was not able to practice for most of the campaign - is seemingly back to full-speed and is getting his first real work with the team as a full-participant. It was a major disappointment that Hudson (who had tremendous strength but sloppy feet as a prospect) did not get to use his redshirt season to work on developing his feet, balance and mobility. However, it appears now that he's on the mend and that his development in these areas can now get underway. Of all the players on the 2017 team, Hudson may have one of the biggest opportunities ahead of him as depth along the interior offensive line is one of the thinner position-groups when surveying the roster as a whole. (Staff reports)
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From the moment Texas coach Tom Herman received a verbal commitment from junior college linebacker Gary Johnson, it became clear there would be a shakeup at that room this year.
When most coaches sign junior college players, those athletes are expected to play right away. They are not viewed as developmental athletes, but guys who can fill an immediate void. Johnson was recruited to play middle linebacker at Texas, which meant Longhorn fans would probably see a different lineup with defensive coordinator Todd Orlando than they witnessed with Charlie Strong and Vance Bedford.
Herman was asked if he saw Johnson as a middle linebacker on signing day and said, “I don't know. And I'm not being coy. I really haven't watched one snap of film. Now the defensive and offensive staffs have because they've got to know where to put guys in what position. And I'm not going to. Because I have the final say on the depth chart. And that depth chart, the first day of spring ball, is going to be earned in January and February. So I don't know necessarily where we exactly are lacking or where we exactly need to move guys around. But I'm confident that Coach Orlando and his staff will put the pieces in the right place. They've been pretty good at that in the past.”
The buzz we have been hearing this week does not directly involve Malik Jefferson or Johnson, but outside linebacker/defensive end Breckyn Hager.
From what we have been told, there have been discussions in the building about moving Hager to middle linebacker when spring football begins. This is not done deal at all. Just an idea that is being tossed around right now.
No matter what, it appears Jefferson’s days as a middle linebacker are numbered.
Even if Hager is not moved to middle linebacker and Johnson eventually earns the job, it is clear Herman’s staff believes Jefferson might be better suited to play outside linebacker. Throughout the past two years, Jefferson has excelled when he could rush the passer and be on the edge. He struggled while being limited in the middle and having to fight off offensive guards.
This is definitely a potential position change we will monitor during the offseason (Orangebloods staff)
*****
Tom Herman discussed in yesterday’s press conference plans to renovate Texas’ locker rooms, like we mentioned in a War Room weeks back. A couple of tidbits on that:
Look for the commons areas in Moncrief to get a makeover in the form of new graphics, design, and things of that nature. The locker rooms will be redone, and there are discussions to also update the tunnels, including the one the players walk through to enter the stadium. Maybe more importantly, by jumping on the ball early, Herman should be able to see the first renovations and updates completed in time for the summer recruiting cycle. So when Texas brings a lot of prospects on campus for summer visits, it should be able to show off some new digs.
Again, it's safe to say Herman is pushing for change in all areas on the 40 Acres. And he's getting stuff done. (McComas)
*****
With the 2017 class finalized, the Texas coaches will now turn their attention to the class of 2018 on the recruiting trail. In fact, the Longhorns will host its first Junior Day under Tom Herman on February 25 where a collection of prospects from the upcoming class will visit Austin.
One prospect planning to making the visit is Arp safety DeMarvion Overshown, who the Longhorns offered in December.
The Longhorns were one of Overshown’s first offers, which may bode well for them when Overshown makes his decision. In addition to being one of his first offers, Texas was also one of Overshown’s favorite teams growing up.
“Texas has been one of my favorite teams since I was a little boy,” Overshown told OB in December after receiving his offer. “My Pee Wee football coach was a huge Texas fan and my dad was [too]. I grew up hearing nothing but Texas.”
Obviously there is a long time to go in this recruitment, but securing a junior day visit for Overshown is a step in the right direction for the Texas staff. (Larkin)
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A quick note on Hebron cornerback Verone McKinley III …
Although McKinley told me he was unsure yet if he would attend Texas Junior Day (the Longhorns haven’t offered yet), he told me he had been hearing a lot from quality control assistant Michael Huff about potentially visiting Austin.
With multiple offers out to different defensive backs, Texas may be waiting a little to make a move on the four-star prospect. (Larkin)
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I spoke with Allen center Trey Stratford yesterday, and he confirmed to me that he would be attending Junior Day on February 25.
Texas offered Stratford back in December, and the Longhorns will figure to be a player in his services until he makes his final decision.
“I am very excited and honestly blessed to receive an offer from Texas,” Stratford told OB in December. “They have always been a team I have followed and liked.” (Larkin)
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The state of Texas boasts a strong defensive back class in 2018, which is good news for Tom Herman and Texas as they intend to prioritize the position during this year’s recruiting cycle.
In fact, the Longhorns have already targeted a handful of defensive back prospects, including Cy Springs safety Leon O’Neal, who they offered last month.
Holding offers from the likes of Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and UCLA, O’Neal knows the Texas offer is another step in a recruiting process that’s beginning to heat up.
“It’s just another step in making that change,” O’Neal said. “It’s just amazing and a blessing to have, I’m very excited.”
As for what the Texas coaches said to him, the Houston product said the staff wants to see him continue to grow as a player.
“They told me to stay focused, and they gave me a lot of motivation,” O’Neal said. “[The Texas offer] meant a lot.”
O’Neal is no stranger to the Longhorns staff. When Tom Herman was at Houston, his staff recruited him heavily, and O’Neal even took a visit to Houston during his junior season.
“I visited for the Louisville game, and I loved it,” O’Neal said. “I know what [Herman] can do as a coach; they have a great staff. [Longhorns] fans should be excited about what they have.”
This month, O’Neal is planning to visit some of the schools he’s interested in, including Oklahoma on the 18 and then Austin on the 25 for Texas Junior Day.
As for cutting his list, the Cy Springs safety says he’s going to take his time and see where he fits the best.
“I just want to visit these schools and see the right fit,” O’Neal said. “I know coaches won’t be there forever, so it’s all about going to these schools and seeing them.” (Larkin)
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2018 Sachse quarterback Jalen Mayden has been thought to be a potential offer by many Texas fans thanks to his dual-threat capabilities that would seemingly fit well in Tom Herman’s offense.
Right now, however, things are pretty quiet between Texas and the Sachse quarterback.
Earlier this week, Mayden told Orangebloods that he hadn’t heard much from the Tom Herman’s staff since he took over. Mayden said that the schools contacting him the most have been Baylor, Mississippi State, Miami, Minnesota, Utah, Nebraska, and N.C. State.
The Longhorns have already extended three offers to out-of-state quarterbacks in the 2018 recruiting class, so it’s very possible the Texas coaches will wait and see how they fair in those recruitments before turning their attention to quarterbacks within the state like Mayden. Of note, Herman and staff did offer Mayden at Houston. (Larkin)
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Don’t be surprised if Smithson Valley Athlete Trevon Moehrig-Woodard’s recruitment begins to take off very soon.
Multiple teams have showed interest in the three-star prospect over the past month, including offers from Northwestern, Oklahoma State, Missouri and Virginia. Stanford jumped in the mix for his services on Thursday, extending an offer.
While the Longhorns haven’t yet offered Moehrig-Woodard, he says he continually hears from the Texas coaches.
“I’ve heard from Coach (Jason) Washington, Coach (Michael) Huff and Coach (Craig) Naivar, and they were just telling me how excited they are to having me wearing burnt orange,” Moehrig-Woodard said.
Moehrig-Woodard said he didn’t have much familiarity with Tom Herman and his staff before they reached Austin, but he’s always followed the Longhorns growing up.
“Texas has always been a school I’ve followed, especially since they are so close,” Moehrig-Woodard said.
For now, Moehrig-Woodard is taking the process slowly and beginning to look around the state. Over the next two weekends, the Smithson Valley product is planning to take unofficial visits to TCU and Texas (possibly this weekend), respectively. (Larkin)
*****
It's a deep year for wide receivers in the state in the 2018 class (five players in the top 13 of the 2018 LSR), and Alief Taylor's Brennan Eagles stacks up with the best of the bunch.
Eagles (No. 4 on the LSR), was offered by Texas recently. Florida and Ohio State also recently threw their hats into the ring. Eagles is taking all the attention in stride and says it's a product of hard work.
"It's just really telling me all my hard work has paid off. All the work I put in the off season, on weekends, everything is paying off and coaches are noticing me."
Eagles goes 6-4 and is up to 210 pounds. Texas offered Eagles in early January and Eagles keeps in very close contact with UT head coach Tom Herman.
"Tom Herman actually came by a couple weeks ago to our track practice. He watched me for a few," Eagles said. "After that, he talked to my head coach about me and offered. Me and him have a good relationship. I talk to him every other day on the phone."
Eagles plans to take things slowly, but the Longhorns will definitely be in the mix.
"Texas is close to home. It's definitely going to be a top school for sure when I do narrow down my top schools," Eagles said.
The Rivals100 member will be at OU's next junior day and UT's Junior Day on February 25. (Suchomel)
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Another top in-state receiver holding a UT offer is Houston Episcopal's Jaylen Waddle.
"It's going really well right now," Waddle said of early recruiting. "I'm fresh and excited off a UT offer and Wisconsin offer this past week, so things are really going well for me in recruiting."
Waddle plans to hit Nike and UnderArmour regional camps. He's not sure if he'll be able to make any junior days due to basketball commitments. Texas, A&M, TCU, OU and Oklahoma State have all invited him.
Waddle's thoughts on Texas ...
"I know they're a big football town. They're rebuilding right now. I know coach Herman from when he was at U of H. He's a winner."
Texas has a nice sales pitch in this one because Houston was Waddle's first offer back when Herman was there. Waddle says he's wide open at this point
Waddle is a cousin of former A&M wide receiver Percy Waddle. A Rivals250 member, Waddle goes 5-10 and 165.
"I think getting the ball in space, turning short passes into big plays is one of my strong points," Waddle said. "What I need to work on is staying focused at the end of the game and route running." (Suchomel)
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A couple National Signing Day notes before we officially move on ...
I spoke with someone at North Shore on Thursday morning, and that person confirmed that K'Lavon Chaissson had committed to Texas but things went sideways and Chaisson began having second thoughts on Tuesday morning, the day before NSD.
Also, all the focus was on Chaisson, Stephon Zabie and Jordan Pouncey on National Signing Day, but I heard a few other letters of intents were sent to players Texas was hoping they might flip at the last minute, including Omar Manning, one A&M commitment and a couple other guys UT missed on late in the process. (Suchomel)
*****
A few weeks ago, I provided a 2018 primer for everyone based on the Rivals Top 20 in the Lone Star State. I thought it might be a better idea to go through the same breakdown again, instead focusing on the in-state players that the Longhorns have offered thus far in the 2018 class. Buckle up.
Running Backs
Keaontay Ingram (Carthage)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Three-stars/5.6/NR in Rivals Texas rankings)
Current key offers: Texas, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Arkansas, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech
Where UT Stands: Ingram's stock is red hot this week with offers from the Longhorns, Notre Dame and UCLA in the last three days. Although there has been discussion behind the scenes that Texas will be at the forefront of his recruitment, it's probably too soon to make any definitive statements because he might have offers from coast to coast before the next War Room.
Wide Receivers
Brennan Eagles (Alief Taylor)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.50 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights and Top off-season plays
Has Texas offered: Yes
Current offers: Florida, Georgia, Houston, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, Tennessee and Texas.
Where UT Stands: Texas seems to be his in-state favorite (ahead of Baylor), while Tennessee and Oklahoma are the primary out of state schools he claims to want to visit in the coming weeks and months. The Sooners are a real team to watch because he mentions OU assistant Dennis Simmons as a key recruiter for him and Dede Westbrook as his favorite player.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/12) “Really I’m just waiting for the season to start,” he said. “At U of H, Coach (Tom) Herman threw the ball more, so I’m just waiting to see the season play out and see if UT is going to use more spread.”
“It opens up my eyes as a matter of fact. It’s close to home, my mom likes it there, so it will definitely be one of my top schools when I decide to narrow some stuff down. It’s not far, family can come see me play and that’s a big deal – you always want moms right there by your side.”
Joshua Moore (Yoakum)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.107 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights and Underclassmen Challenge Highlights
Current offers: Arkansas, Baylor, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Houston, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and USC
Where UT Stands: With his brother's recent commitment to Texas A&M, it's going to be an uphill battle for the Longhorns, but they've got 12 months to work some magic. It's hard to believe that the Moore bothers would go separate ways, but Joshua has always liked the Longhorns.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 12/30) “Relationships are big to me, man,. Right now, in my opinion, I think I have the biggest relationship with Coach (Todd) Lyght out of all the coaches that I know. “
(Via Rivals on 12/13) “A few hours after he got hired, him and Coach (Oscar) Giles texted me saying ‘Guess who just got the new job at Texas?’ When they told me, they said they have a great spot for me to come in and show all my skills in this new offense. They told me this is where your mother went to college, why not come home?
“For them to reach out to me and tell me that is a great feeling.”
(Via OB on 9/5 following the Notre Dame game) "Overall experience was great! Spent time with a lot of big time recruits and the whole coaching staff! The atmosphere was crazy the WHOLE game!!"
Jalen Preston (Manvel)
Current recruiting grades: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.113 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights and RCS One on Ones
Current Offers: Baylor, Georgia, Houston, LSU, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: It seems like his recruiting process is just getting started, but the Longhorns are behind LSU and Texas A&M in the early stages.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/19) “I think the program is looking great right now,. Now that everything is stable there, I haven’t had a chance to talk to (Ed Orgeron) yet, but they’re going to be a player - they’re real good. They just want to get me down there to that junior day.”
“I’ve been talking with Coach (Aaron) Moorehead. He’s actually been trying to get to some of my basketball games, but I have a real strong relationship with him.”
“Coach (Tom) Herman is going to turn the team around. They had an alright year last year, but I think Coach Herman is just a great coach and knows how to win.”
Jaylen Waddle (Houston Episcopal)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.217 in Rivals250)
Rivals Profile Analysis
Current key offers: Texas, Florida State, Houston, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU and Texas A&M.
Where UT Stands: Waddle was a key target for Herman and Co. at Houston (first school to offer Waddle), so he's wasted little time in making Waddle a key target in the 2018 class. With offers coming in by the day, Waddle's recruitment might just be getting started, but he visited the Longhorns last fall and it would be a surprise at all if Herman and Co. have the pole position in February.
Al'Vonte Woodard (Houston Lamar)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Four-stars/6.0/No.27 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights and RCS Analysis
Has Texas offered: Yes
Current offers: Arizona, Houston, Kansas, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Texas, Texas A&M and West Virginia (among others)
Where UT Stands: With the recent offer he picked up from the Texas staff, it seems like the Longhorns are right in the thick of his early favorites, along with Texas A&M, Arkansas and Ole Miss. This could evolve over time into an in-state showdown between the Longhorns/Aggies.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/16): “It’s a huge offer,. They already said they were coming for me, but they had to see what else they had to offer in the class of 2017. So it wasn’t so much of a surprise for me, but it’s a real big offer.”
“When I get out there, I’m just hoping to get a look at how they’re trying to change the program,” he said. “I’m wanting to see how they’re planning to get themselves into bigger games - bigger bowl games. I expect for them to do the same sort of thing I saw them do at U of H; air it out, run the ball, and just have a balanced offense.”
Tight ends
Malcolm Epps (Spring DeKaney)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.160 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Alabama (committed), Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Where UT Stands: Epps is committed to Alabama, but has said that he will take visits throughout the next 12 months. The Longhorns are not in his top five at the moment, so there's work to be done.
Quotable: (Via Rivals 1/4) “I cried when I heard about (the Alabama offer). I never thought a kid out of Texas would be able to get that offer as his first one.”
“With Michigan, Jim Harbaugh puts tight ends in the league. Florida State is Florida, period. With Ohio State, since I’ve been a little kid I’ve played with them on NCAA.”
Mustapha Muhammad (FB Ridge Point)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.235 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, Tennessee and Texas A&M.
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns are kind of in a bunch right now, as we're talking about a kid with offers from virtually all the big boys. During the fall, he took trips to Oklahoma, LSU, Houston, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Georgia and TCU. Clearly, the Longhorns have to get him on campus and hope they can survive the early cuts.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/9) “I have a good relationship with coach (Tom) Herman and coach (Corby) Meekins. I’ve been in contact with them. I was close with them at Houston so that’s a good thing with them. I think coach Herman is going to do all right there because he’s a really good coach.”
Offensive linemen
Barton Clement (FB Marshall)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.228 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Auburn, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns are in his top five, but they trail Texas A&M at this juncture.
Rafiti Ghirmai (Frisco Wakeland)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Three-stars/5.6/NR in Rivals Texas Rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Colorado, Houston, TCU and Texas Tech
Where UT Stands: Plans to take Junior Day visits to Texas, Ohio State and LSU this spring after visiting Oklahoma and Texas A&M last fall. It feels like his recruitment is just getting started in earnest.
Chasen Hines (Marshall)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Three-stars/5.7/No.42 in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Baylor, Minnesota, Oklahoma, LSU and TCU
Where UT Stands: Hines is a kid that we need to get an update, but he has described LSU as his dream offer in the past and Ed Oregeron offered on Tuesday.
Trey Stratford (Allen)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Three-stars/5.7/No.52 in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Houston, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, TCU and UCLA
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns have to be considered among the favorites to land the Allen lineman.
Defensive Tackles
Calvin Avery (Dallas Bishop Dunne)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.125 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Has Texas offered: Yes
Current offers: Baylor, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: Although he camped at Texas last summer and the Longhorns were thought to be in a great position at that time, the Longhorns probably have some ground to make up at this point in his recruiting process. One person I spoke with this week believes that his recruitment will really start to heat up in the coming weeks as he starts to set up his spring visit plans. Basically, there's a long way to go for a player that plans on announcing on signing day a year from now.
Keondre Coburn (Spring Westfield)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.179 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Arkansas, Baylor, Colorado, Houston, Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
Where UT Stands: A former player under Texas tight ends coach Corby Meekins, the Longhorns have identified Coburn a key target, but they've got some work to do after starting behind some other schools in the region.
Defensive Ends
Jarell Cherry (Dallas Carter)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.119 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech
Where UT Stands: The Longhorns were considered the early favorite and in some estimations remain the team to beat, but this is a recruitment that is about to turn into a battle royal, as Ed Orgeron personally plans to lead the recruitment of Cherry, while the likes Oklahoma and Texas A&M are ready to throw its heavy hitters at him as well.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 7/27) "Even though people are forgetting about what Texas is, how they have a strong mentality as a football team and they’ve been doing it for a long time now.”
“I talk to Coach B.J. [Brian Jean-Mary] and when I am out here I do talk to Coach Strong, I can talk to him. They tell me keep working at it, rest my legs, don’t overwork things and they say ‘your gift is very special,’ and to ‘keep up with it.’”
Max Wright (Katy Taylor)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.79 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Arkansas, Baylor, Georgia, Houston, LSU, Oklahoma, Stanford, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech
Where UT Stands: Wright's recruitment is just getting started, so it's hard to handicap the field at this point, but his sister not only attends Arkansas, but she's a football recruiting host. Just a note to file away for the future.
Quotable: (Via Hawgsports.com on 1/17) "I think (Arkansas) is a great program,. I like the school and the campus a lot, and I want to get to know the coaches more."
Linebackers
Alston Orji (Rockwall)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9/No.81 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Arkansas, Baylor, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: Good news ... Orji has indicated a preference to stay close to home. Although he hasn't scheduled a visit to Texas yet, he visited Texas during the 2016 season and the Longhorns will be a major factor in his recruitment, as will the Aggies.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/10) "I'm going to A&M junior day but other than that nothing specifically planned but I would like to get out to a lot of the schools that have offered me. A&M junior day is coming up here in a few weeks and I'd like to get out and see the schools nearby that have offered me since I still have my responsibilities to my school I want to stay around the area; TCU, OU, A&M, Arkansas, Texas and other schools nearby."
(Via OB on 9/5 following the Notre Dame game) "It was crazy to be a part of! Great game, lost most of my voice! Some of the most loyal fans to the very end."
Defensive backs
Anthony Cook (Houston Lamar)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Four-stars/6.0/No.23 in the Rivals250)
Junior Highlights and RCS Analysis
Current offers: Errrrybody.
Where UT Stands: In 2016, Cook visited Texas for a camp, the Under The Lights Camp and the Notre Dame. Along with Texas, Cook lists LSU, Clemson, Ohio State and Georgia as schools he wants to visit in the coming months. Of the in-state schools, the Longhorns definitely seem to have the edge and Cook seems to have the profile of a kid that is going to give the Longhorns every chance to impress him. Given the circumstances, Tom Herman and his staff start out in an excellent position.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on December 31st) "Nothing but good things (on Tom Herman). I think Tom Herman at Texas is really going to turn the program around. I'm looking forward to see what he's going to do."
(Via OB on 9/5 after attending Texas/Notre Dame,) "It was amazing. I've never been to a college game and the feeling was unexplainable."
B.J. Foster (Angleton)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Four-stars/6.0/No.22 on Rivals 250)
Junior Highlights and Rivals Camp Series Highlights
Current key offers: Basically errrrbody.
Where UT Stands: Like Cook, Foster is going to give the Longhorns every chance possible to impress him. Foster is fairly close with former Longhorns cornerback Quandre Diggs and has a high opinion of the Texas brand. As things currently stand, the Longhorns are in his current top five and seemingly in as good of a position as you would expect, given the circumstances.
Quotable: (Via OB on 12/15) “No, it hasn’t [affected where they stand],” Foster said about the coaching change. “[Texas] is a good program and they make great young men and football players.”
“Coach Herman is a nice guy. They recruited me [when he was at Houston], but I didn’t hear too much from him.”
(Via OB on 7/19) "I'm liking Texas pretty good. Quandre Diggs talks really highly about them," Foster said. "They're definitely up there."
Jalen Green (Houston Heights)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.9 grade/No.119 on Rivals250)
Sophomore Highlights and RCS One on Ones
Current offers: Baylor, Clemson, Georgia, Houston, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands: The new Texas staff offered less than a month ago and the Longhorns expect to have their hands full with the likes of LSU, Texas A&M and other national elite programs. The best news is that there's a feeling that his recruitment is just starting to take off and the Longhorns will have plenty of chances to fight its way to the front.
D'Shawn Jamison (Houston Lamar)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8 grade/No.33 in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Baylor, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee and TCU
Where UT Stands: Michigan, TCU and Tennessee are his current top three, but the Longhorns are knocking on the door after its offer in January.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 1/11) https://n.r“With Michigan, they produce a lot of great DBs. That’s what I like about them. With Jim Harbaugh, he’s a great coach and he cares only about their future and how they become better men and better football players.
“With the TCU coaching staff, they’re always there to help you with anything. By them doing that, it could be a great fit for me.”
Leon O'Neal (Cy Springs)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8 grade/NR in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Alabama, Colorado, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas A&M and UCLA
Where UT Stands: O'Neal is another guy we need to get into contact with, but he hasn't listed the Longhorns much among his favorites early in the recruiting process.
DeMarvion Overshown (Arp)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Three-stars/5.7 grade/NR in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma State and TCU
Where UT Stands: Although his offer list is starting to shoot into the stratosphere, the Longhorns were one of the very first schools to offer and figure to be a major factor in his recruitment.
Caden Sterns (Cibolo Steele)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Mid Four-stars/5.8/No.48 overall nationally)
Sophomore Highlights
Current Key Offers: LSU (Committed), Baylor, Houston, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas Tech and UCLA
Where UT Stands: Sterns showed some interest in the Longhorns throughout the summer and early into last season, but he became Ed Orgeron's first commitment at LSU and there are no signs of him backing off that pledge at this time.
Quotable: “(LSU's) always been my dream school really. I just took a visit when they played Alabama and it was everything I expected and more. It’s a wonderful place and felt like family. Everybody’s close.”
Atanza Vongor (South Grand Prairie)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.151 on Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Baylor, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, TCU, Texas and Wisconsin.
Where UT Stands: Texas was in his top three as of a few months ago, along with Houston and TCU. Vongor really had a strong relationship with the old Texas staff, but his relationship with Herman and Co. at Houston should help the Longhorns in this recruitment.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 10/8) “I’m getting to see Texas, TCU, but I’m really just trying to focus on the season and take it week by week.”
Athletes
Jaquayln Crawford (Rockdale)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (High Three-stars/5.7/NR in Texas rankings)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Houston, Missouri, TCU and Texas Tech
Where UT Stands: Lot of people from the Rockdale area believe that the Longhorns are the team to beat. He's a priority update for us in the coming week.
Jordan Moore (Yoakum)
Current recruiting grade: Rivals (Low Four-stars/5.8/No.180 in Rivals250)
Junior Highlights
Current key offers: Texas, Baylor, Colorado, Florida State, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma and UCLA.
Where UT Stands: Moore committed to Texas A&M on Christmas Eve, but don't expect the Longhorns to give up any time soon.
Quotable: (Via Rivals on 12/24): “I am still going to allow (others) to recruit me - I still want to take all of my official visits. I’m solid on A&M, but I have friends everywhere. I still want to take my visits and get a chance to hang out with them and enjoy the recruiting process.”
(Ketch)
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