- Jerrod Heard was the first QB up in team drills Thursday.
- Team drills go by at a break-neck pace and include substitution after substitution. (QBs still included at this time.) You see when watching new OC Sterlin Gilbert's Tulsa offense that substitutions were lightning-quick to get to four WRs in on passing downs. This pace in practice not only teaches the skill personnel the frantic nature of the offense but also gives the coaches the opportunity to filter through a few QBs per drive and get more reps on tape.
- As mentioned previously, four QBs got work in team drills: Tyrone Swoopes, Jerrod Heard, Shane Buechele and Matthew Merrick. It seems reasonable at this time to speculate that Kai Locksley may be headed for a conversation with Charlie Strong about a position change sometime down the road.
- Swoopes, Heard and Buechele all looked comparable as passers on Thursday. Locksley and Merrick appeared on a different level below these three. Locksley throws a natural and catchable ball at times but is inconsistent. Merrick may throw a more accurate, yet somehow less-catchable ball than Locksley and still will need to refine his delivery.
- The starting offensive line remained the same (L to R)
Williams - Hodges - Shackelford - Vahe - Perkins
- Let's just go down the list of notes scribbled down about true freshman C Zach Shackelford. It was an important day to watch him as it was the first in full pads and his power has been a major consideration. These are the notes I have Shackelford mentioned in, they should tell a good story:
"Shack picking fights."
Shackelford was vocal in his play and took to full contact like a duck to water. He was instigating fights and showing a mean streak.
"Shack needs to work on pad level."
And he does. It will be the most important thing to monitor. I'm actually less worried about his feet than I am about him playing too high at times. Thankfully for Texas, pad level is much more easily correctable.
"Shack pancakes Jake McMillon"
Pretty self-explanatory.
"Shack opens huge hole for Foreman up middle vs. Chris Nelson"
Pretty self-explanatory.
In all, the lack of bad reports about C Zach Shackelford through three practices have been a bright spot. In fact, the reports are actually good bordering on very impressive. He's a nice player for Texas, if still young and raw. Power will come along in Shackelford but it's serviceable at least to start.
- Speaking of bright spots, you can't talk about a Texas spring practice without mentioning WR Collin Johnson apparently. He continues to get worked like a player who will be starting from Day 1 at Texas and an instant contributor. Johnson separated in two ways versus stud sophomore CB Davante Davis (by far Texas' most efficient ballhawk): 1) via dirty stemming and footwork at the line of scrimmage that got Davis off balance to start and; 2) by length-of-body alone in tight bail-coverage downfield. Johnson is going to be special for Texas.
- One interesting thing on offense Thursday was a few instances of WR John Burt lining up in the slot. Burt looks smoother and less gangly as a sophomore.
- LB Breckyn Hager had a few big-time splash plays in the Oklahoma drill where he looked like he was shot out of a cannon. It's a safe bet to say he's going to start or at least get major run for Texas at some point.
- Other defensive guys who made huge run-stuffs in this, the most physical drill of the day were: S Jason Hall vs. WR Dorian Leonard and also CB Antuwan Davis vs. WR Deandre McNeal.
- WR Ryan Newsome is known as a speed demon, but nickel PJ Locke had no trouble keeping up with him on vertical routes out of the slot on Thursday.
- Just a small note about the feel of practice, but ... it's hard to imagine to more different personalities as coaches than Matt Mattox and Joe Wickline. This offensive line is likely having a whale of a time re-adjusting to someone who's less crotchety, abrasive and loud. Not that there's anything wrong with an OL coach being crotchety, abrasive and loud.
- There were a few former Longhorns players in attendance on Wednesday in (at least) Johnathan Gray, Quan Cosby and Peter Jinkens. Gray is walking with a noticeable limp after his post-senior-season achilles tear but is no longer on crutches.
- DE Charles Omenihu wins the smack-talker of the day award. He has not been an overly exuberant player to start his career at Texas but was fired up Thursday and started a pretty wooly altercation with LT Tristan Nickelson after the whistle. By the looks of the competition in spring it is in no way crazy to project Omenihu as starting at the SDE position by season's end in 2016.
- Speaking of smack-talkers, let's just say LB Demarco Boyd takes after his brother Kris in that department ...
- For additional notes from Thursday's practice, including a couple injury updates, click here. (Dunlap)
******
It is too early for Texas coach Charlie Strong to give quarterback Tyrone Swoopes the starting job.
However, after one week of practice, Swoopes is clearly the man to beat.
Swoopes entered spring practice as the No. 1 quarterback. He will head into spring break as the passer on whom Strong and offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert continue to lean. Swoopes has received the majority of first-team reps during the two practices media members were allowed to watch this week. There are four other quarterbacks competing, but Swoopes is ahead of his competitors right now.
To be honest, Swoopes is seemingly only competing against Jerrod Heard and Shane Buechele right now. Kai Locksley and Matthew Merrick are on the roster, but neither player is receiving many reps during team drills. In fact, Merrick saw limited action during team drills on Thursday, but Locksley did not receive any reps during 11-on-11 activities.
“We’re still evaluating that position,” Strong said. “Tyrone, just because he has experience. He’s been there. But you watch him, he’s making throws. He’s getting us in the right place and plays. Also, with Jerrod, he’s doing a really good job. He had a couple of breakaways where you could see him break it and go a long ways with it.
“Just to watch Shane. He’s still learning. The good thing about it is he knows where to put the ball. Now it’s all about just placing it and just making the good throws.”
Swoopes made most of the essential throws on Thursday. The majority of throws were short passes, which is something Longhorn fans should expect this season. Gilbert is using an up-tempo offenses full of quick passes – and runs – that are designed to set up shots down the field. The offense is designed to keep opposing defenses off balance, and Swoopes has the arm strength to make all of the necessary throws.
Texas receivers John Burt and Collin Johnson are emerging as the top receiving targets this spring. Swoopes has been able to find both players during practice. Each receiver has the ability to haul in high passes. They are also very easy targets for Swoopes to find.
The biggest thing working for Swoopes right now is his increased confidence. Most Longhorn fans remember the Swoopes who looked lost as a starter in 2014. He was a guy who lacked confidence, publically admitted he did not like contact, and it appeared Swoopes would not play again.
However, Swoopes was given the opportunity to play in the season opener against Notre Dame. Swoopes excelled during offseason practice, and former offensive coordinator Shawn Watson believed his quarterback could get the job done. After that embarrassing loss, Watson was demoted, and Swoopes was benched.
However, former play-called Jay Norvell believed Swoopes could be effective as a running quarterback. Norvell created a package for Swoopes designed to utilize his big body. Swoopes slowly began to build confidence as he ran over opposing players and was fully embraced by the fan base and teammates. Swoopes was arguably a better option to help Texas win games down the stretch than Heard.
That is one reason why Swoopes has an edge this spring.
Swoopes clearly has more confidence than ever. He is usually bouncing around during practice. He is the first person to congratulate receivers after a good catch. Swoopes is often laughing with teammates, and enjoys pumping up members of his offense during drills. There was a time when Swoopes was barely noticeable on the field. Now, it is hard to miss Swoopes because he is so animated.
“You look at him now,” Strong said. “He’s been here. He’s a senior, so know you see it (confidence). Last year, the package that we put in for him, he had some success with it. More than anything, that helped him with his overall attitude, just how he really feels about himself. Now, we you watch him take the field, he has that confidence about him, which I didn’t think he had last season. That confidence factor is there. It’s more or less now, ‘Hey, I know I can do this. It’s about me going to get it done.’"
When asked if it surprised him, Strong said, “No. It doesn’t surprise me. I knew it would take a little time, but it doesn’t surprise me. You like the way he’s going about it now, and just his overall attitude. He works really hard. You just want to see good things happen for him.”
The best thing happening for Swoopes is he is competing against only two quarterbacks.
Heard was expected to be in the mix, but Buechele has surpassed Locksley on the depth chart. Locksley does participate in individual drills. He just is not a factor in the quarterback competition, and it appears he will be faced with the decision to play receiver this season, or transfer after the spring game if his situation does not change soon. (Richardson)
******
Zach Shackelford is a freshman who has not played a down at Texas. That being said, he is receiving the praise of an upperclassman.
Shackelford was handed the starting center job on day one. He is expected to replace Taylor Doyle, and so far players and coaches are raving about his playing ability.
“Shack is amazing,” Texas offensive lineman Kent Perkins said. “I feel like Shack has worked his butt off. He’s stayed humble through the whole process. That’s always something you like to see. I feel like Shack is a future all-American. His work ethic is crazy. He does things the right way. If he doesn’t, he fixes it. He just a great player.”
Here is what Strong said about the freshman:
“Very competitive. He has a little attitude to him. I remember one day I was out there watching him, and we were outside, and we have those competitive drills. I forgot who he was going against. He was almost about to lose and you see him kind of come … guys are running side-by-side, and he kind of nudges his guy and tries to push him down to go win it. I just started laughing because you knew then he had a little different attitude to him.” (Richardson)
******
In case you missed our note earlier on Thursday, Texas tight end commitment Major Tennison will take an unofficial visit to Alabama this weekend.
This is obviously a big development for Tennison, who has been committed to Texas since October of last year, but it shouldn't come as a complete shock. Tennison, out of Bullard, has been pretty open about the fact that he is still evaluating other programs and he has mentioned for a while that he may take some other visits.
In December, after he picked up a Nebraska offer, Tennison mentioned the possibility of a Nebraska visit. A couple weeks ago, while leaving a UT Junior Day, Tennison said he had a good visit but also noted that he would be taking a Michigan visit at some point, likely this spring.
Alabama entered the picture with an offer on Monday of last week, and Tennison wasted little time in setting up a visit with the Crimson Tide.
The interest in other programs is obviously legitimate, and while it's not good news for the Longhorns, all hope is not lost.
Tennison has been honest about his strong feelings for Texas, but he has also been upfront about some concerns he has about the Texas program and the UT offense as it goes through transition. He committed very early, before his stock really started to pick up, and he's probably just not starting to realize what a coveted recruit he is. Add it all up and he is looking around and doing as much research as possible.
In my conversations with Tennison, the vibe I've always picked up (and he's pretty much said it verbatim) is that if Texas throws the ball to the tight ends, and wins more ball games in 2016, he'll likely wind up a Longhorn. If not, there's a strong chance Texas loses him.
Tennison heard all the right things from the Texas coaches during his UT Junior Day visit, but he wants to see those words actually come to fruition on the field. It won't shock me to see him officially open up his recruitment after the Alabama visit, but this one probably won't be settled until well into the fall. (Suchomel)
******
A quick update on UT defensive end commitment LaGaryonn Carson.
The Texarkana Liberty-Eylau standout was unable to attend UT's Junior Day a couple weekends ago, but there's no reason to worry about Carson's commitment.
"I didn't have a way up there," Carson told OB this week. "I wish I could have found a ride up there."
Carson said he's just "laying low" right now but will be in Austin for UT's spring game next month. Other schools are continuing to recruit him, as one would expect, but Carson still feels good about his UT commitment.
"Everybody is still trying to recruit me. But I'm sticking with the Longhorns," Carson said.
Along with QB Sam Ehlinger, Carson is one of the more recognizable players on UT's commitment list, and two of the better-known 2017 prospects in the entire state of Texas. Carson has been actively recruiting for Texas on social media and he said he's fine with being viewed as one of the ringleaders of the Longhorns' recruiting class.
"I think that's a good role I can fill," Carson said. "I've been doing it the past four years at my high school. I think I have good leadership in me."
The primary guy Carson is working on is five-star athlete Dylan Moses. (Suchomel)
******
It certainly wasn't the best recruiting news for Texas on Sunday when La Grange running back J.K. Dobbins committed to Ohio State. Dobbins, of course, is one of UT's top overall targets for the 2017 class and was an early offer for Texas.
The 5-10, 195-pound speedster has yet to visit Ohio State, but said he'll be in Columbus in a few weeks for a first-hand look at the Buckeye program.
His thoughts on his commitment ...
"First and foremost, my heart felt like that was the right place. Then, after that, I just looked at some of the stuff, coach (Urban) Meyer is a great, great coach, they have great player development over there at Ohio State," Dobbins said. "I want to go and get developed as a better player and as a man. And then the tradition they have, they compete for a national championship almost every year, and I want to play in those big games."
Dobbins went on to say that the decision to commit kind of hit him out of the blue, but he does feel good about his choice. The timing came as a surprise and ultimately so did the decision, since most thought Dobbins would wind up staying closer to home. He told me this week the distance stuff is being overstated and moving away from home wasn't a factor at all.
So is this one dead? Not really.
With Dobbins having yet to set foot on the Ohio State campus, it's a pretty unique situation for a kid to pull the trigger on an early commitment. When I talked to him this week, he respectfully declined to comment on if he was completely locking down his recruitment, since his commitment to Ohio State was so fresh.
Dobbins is extremely happy with his decision, but if Texas plays well in 2016 and stays on him, I'm fully expecting a couple twists in this road before he signs in February. (Suchomel)
******
Galena Park North Shore defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson is one of the nation's top prospects (Rivals250 member) but he's not a player who has grabbed a lot of headlines since he stays pretty quiet. We were able to catch up with Chaisson, who holds a UT offer, to get an update. There's not a ton of action in his recruitment, but Chaison did have an interesting quote about UT QB commit Sam Ehlinger after facing Ehlinger in the state title game, won by North Shore, 21-14, in overtime.
Key quote: "Honestly, me and Texas haven't spoken a lot. But really I haven't spoken with anyone from any school lately. Texas has been trying to keep in touch, but my schedule is just so busy, I can't really give anyone my attention right now. I'm more just worried about myself right now."
Thoughts on Ehlinger: Chaison had a big game against Westlake, recording 2 1/2 sacks on Ehlinger. And while Ehlinger didn't have his best statistical game in the state title game, Chaison came away extremely impressed.
"Honestly, he's the best quarterback I ever went against," Chaison said. "He's so accurate. When you think you get pressure to him, you turn around and you see the wide receiver catching the ball 20 yards downfield and you just throw your hands up. He's a smart player, very smart."
Focused on the weight room: Chaison said he's not worried about recruiting right now. Instead, he's trying to improve his game by hitting the weights.
"I know I want to get stronger, especially in the upper body area," Chaison said. "I'm a little behind everybody else. I just haven't really focused on it, other than just building my body, other than working out."
Chaison has attended junior days at Houston and Texas A&M. He said he has no other plans for visits right now and plans to take recruiting at a very slow pace.
Huge junior season: Chaison said he finished 2015 with 20.5 sacks, 21 TFL, 87 total tackles, 5 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.
"I know I'm more of a pass rusher," Chaison said. "I feel like I can't be stopped in the pass rushing game, especially if I'm coming full momentum. I can get better though - learn plays more, play recognition, just watch film more." (Suchomel)
******
A quick note on Baton Rouge University Laboratory School OL Adrian Ealy, a Rivals250 member ...
He told another Rivals reporter last week that he plans to visit Texas this spring. We'll keep an eye on that one to see if anything develops. Ealy holds a UT offer. (Suchomel)
- Team drills go by at a break-neck pace and include substitution after substitution. (QBs still included at this time.) You see when watching new OC Sterlin Gilbert's Tulsa offense that substitutions were lightning-quick to get to four WRs in on passing downs. This pace in practice not only teaches the skill personnel the frantic nature of the offense but also gives the coaches the opportunity to filter through a few QBs per drive and get more reps on tape.
- As mentioned previously, four QBs got work in team drills: Tyrone Swoopes, Jerrod Heard, Shane Buechele and Matthew Merrick. It seems reasonable at this time to speculate that Kai Locksley may be headed for a conversation with Charlie Strong about a position change sometime down the road.
- Swoopes, Heard and Buechele all looked comparable as passers on Thursday. Locksley and Merrick appeared on a different level below these three. Locksley throws a natural and catchable ball at times but is inconsistent. Merrick may throw a more accurate, yet somehow less-catchable ball than Locksley and still will need to refine his delivery.
- The starting offensive line remained the same (L to R)
Williams - Hodges - Shackelford - Vahe - Perkins
- Let's just go down the list of notes scribbled down about true freshman C Zach Shackelford. It was an important day to watch him as it was the first in full pads and his power has been a major consideration. These are the notes I have Shackelford mentioned in, they should tell a good story:
"Shack picking fights."
Shackelford was vocal in his play and took to full contact like a duck to water. He was instigating fights and showing a mean streak.
"Shack needs to work on pad level."
And he does. It will be the most important thing to monitor. I'm actually less worried about his feet than I am about him playing too high at times. Thankfully for Texas, pad level is much more easily correctable.
"Shack pancakes Jake McMillon"
Pretty self-explanatory.
"Shack opens huge hole for Foreman up middle vs. Chris Nelson"
Pretty self-explanatory.
In all, the lack of bad reports about C Zach Shackelford through three practices have been a bright spot. In fact, the reports are actually good bordering on very impressive. He's a nice player for Texas, if still young and raw. Power will come along in Shackelford but it's serviceable at least to start.
- Speaking of bright spots, you can't talk about a Texas spring practice without mentioning WR Collin Johnson apparently. He continues to get worked like a player who will be starting from Day 1 at Texas and an instant contributor. Johnson separated in two ways versus stud sophomore CB Davante Davis (by far Texas' most efficient ballhawk): 1) via dirty stemming and footwork at the line of scrimmage that got Davis off balance to start and; 2) by length-of-body alone in tight bail-coverage downfield. Johnson is going to be special for Texas.
- One interesting thing on offense Thursday was a few instances of WR John Burt lining up in the slot. Burt looks smoother and less gangly as a sophomore.
- LB Breckyn Hager had a few big-time splash plays in the Oklahoma drill where he looked like he was shot out of a cannon. It's a safe bet to say he's going to start or at least get major run for Texas at some point.
- Other defensive guys who made huge run-stuffs in this, the most physical drill of the day were: S Jason Hall vs. WR Dorian Leonard and also CB Antuwan Davis vs. WR Deandre McNeal.
- WR Ryan Newsome is known as a speed demon, but nickel PJ Locke had no trouble keeping up with him on vertical routes out of the slot on Thursday.
- Just a small note about the feel of practice, but ... it's hard to imagine to more different personalities as coaches than Matt Mattox and Joe Wickline. This offensive line is likely having a whale of a time re-adjusting to someone who's less crotchety, abrasive and loud. Not that there's anything wrong with an OL coach being crotchety, abrasive and loud.
- There were a few former Longhorns players in attendance on Wednesday in (at least) Johnathan Gray, Quan Cosby and Peter Jinkens. Gray is walking with a noticeable limp after his post-senior-season achilles tear but is no longer on crutches.
- DE Charles Omenihu wins the smack-talker of the day award. He has not been an overly exuberant player to start his career at Texas but was fired up Thursday and started a pretty wooly altercation with LT Tristan Nickelson after the whistle. By the looks of the competition in spring it is in no way crazy to project Omenihu as starting at the SDE position by season's end in 2016.
- Speaking of smack-talkers, let's just say LB Demarco Boyd takes after his brother Kris in that department ...
- For additional notes from Thursday's practice, including a couple injury updates, click here. (Dunlap)
******
It is too early for Texas coach Charlie Strong to give quarterback Tyrone Swoopes the starting job.
However, after one week of practice, Swoopes is clearly the man to beat.
Swoopes entered spring practice as the No. 1 quarterback. He will head into spring break as the passer on whom Strong and offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert continue to lean. Swoopes has received the majority of first-team reps during the two practices media members were allowed to watch this week. There are four other quarterbacks competing, but Swoopes is ahead of his competitors right now.
To be honest, Swoopes is seemingly only competing against Jerrod Heard and Shane Buechele right now. Kai Locksley and Matthew Merrick are on the roster, but neither player is receiving many reps during team drills. In fact, Merrick saw limited action during team drills on Thursday, but Locksley did not receive any reps during 11-on-11 activities.
“We’re still evaluating that position,” Strong said. “Tyrone, just because he has experience. He’s been there. But you watch him, he’s making throws. He’s getting us in the right place and plays. Also, with Jerrod, he’s doing a really good job. He had a couple of breakaways where you could see him break it and go a long ways with it.
“Just to watch Shane. He’s still learning. The good thing about it is he knows where to put the ball. Now it’s all about just placing it and just making the good throws.”
Swoopes made most of the essential throws on Thursday. The majority of throws were short passes, which is something Longhorn fans should expect this season. Gilbert is using an up-tempo offenses full of quick passes – and runs – that are designed to set up shots down the field. The offense is designed to keep opposing defenses off balance, and Swoopes has the arm strength to make all of the necessary throws.
Texas receivers John Burt and Collin Johnson are emerging as the top receiving targets this spring. Swoopes has been able to find both players during practice. Each receiver has the ability to haul in high passes. They are also very easy targets for Swoopes to find.
The biggest thing working for Swoopes right now is his increased confidence. Most Longhorn fans remember the Swoopes who looked lost as a starter in 2014. He was a guy who lacked confidence, publically admitted he did not like contact, and it appeared Swoopes would not play again.
However, Swoopes was given the opportunity to play in the season opener against Notre Dame. Swoopes excelled during offseason practice, and former offensive coordinator Shawn Watson believed his quarterback could get the job done. After that embarrassing loss, Watson was demoted, and Swoopes was benched.
However, former play-called Jay Norvell believed Swoopes could be effective as a running quarterback. Norvell created a package for Swoopes designed to utilize his big body. Swoopes slowly began to build confidence as he ran over opposing players and was fully embraced by the fan base and teammates. Swoopes was arguably a better option to help Texas win games down the stretch than Heard.
That is one reason why Swoopes has an edge this spring.
Swoopes clearly has more confidence than ever. He is usually bouncing around during practice. He is the first person to congratulate receivers after a good catch. Swoopes is often laughing with teammates, and enjoys pumping up members of his offense during drills. There was a time when Swoopes was barely noticeable on the field. Now, it is hard to miss Swoopes because he is so animated.
“You look at him now,” Strong said. “He’s been here. He’s a senior, so know you see it (confidence). Last year, the package that we put in for him, he had some success with it. More than anything, that helped him with his overall attitude, just how he really feels about himself. Now, we you watch him take the field, he has that confidence about him, which I didn’t think he had last season. That confidence factor is there. It’s more or less now, ‘Hey, I know I can do this. It’s about me going to get it done.’"
When asked if it surprised him, Strong said, “No. It doesn’t surprise me. I knew it would take a little time, but it doesn’t surprise me. You like the way he’s going about it now, and just his overall attitude. He works really hard. You just want to see good things happen for him.”
The best thing happening for Swoopes is he is competing against only two quarterbacks.
Heard was expected to be in the mix, but Buechele has surpassed Locksley on the depth chart. Locksley does participate in individual drills. He just is not a factor in the quarterback competition, and it appears he will be faced with the decision to play receiver this season, or transfer after the spring game if his situation does not change soon. (Richardson)
******
Zach Shackelford is a freshman who has not played a down at Texas. That being said, he is receiving the praise of an upperclassman.
Shackelford was handed the starting center job on day one. He is expected to replace Taylor Doyle, and so far players and coaches are raving about his playing ability.
“Shack is amazing,” Texas offensive lineman Kent Perkins said. “I feel like Shack has worked his butt off. He’s stayed humble through the whole process. That’s always something you like to see. I feel like Shack is a future all-American. His work ethic is crazy. He does things the right way. If he doesn’t, he fixes it. He just a great player.”
Here is what Strong said about the freshman:
“Very competitive. He has a little attitude to him. I remember one day I was out there watching him, and we were outside, and we have those competitive drills. I forgot who he was going against. He was almost about to lose and you see him kind of come … guys are running side-by-side, and he kind of nudges his guy and tries to push him down to go win it. I just started laughing because you knew then he had a little different attitude to him.” (Richardson)
******
In case you missed our note earlier on Thursday, Texas tight end commitment Major Tennison will take an unofficial visit to Alabama this weekend.
This is obviously a big development for Tennison, who has been committed to Texas since October of last year, but it shouldn't come as a complete shock. Tennison, out of Bullard, has been pretty open about the fact that he is still evaluating other programs and he has mentioned for a while that he may take some other visits.
In December, after he picked up a Nebraska offer, Tennison mentioned the possibility of a Nebraska visit. A couple weeks ago, while leaving a UT Junior Day, Tennison said he had a good visit but also noted that he would be taking a Michigan visit at some point, likely this spring.
Alabama entered the picture with an offer on Monday of last week, and Tennison wasted little time in setting up a visit with the Crimson Tide.
The interest in other programs is obviously legitimate, and while it's not good news for the Longhorns, all hope is not lost.
Tennison has been honest about his strong feelings for Texas, but he has also been upfront about some concerns he has about the Texas program and the UT offense as it goes through transition. He committed very early, before his stock really started to pick up, and he's probably just not starting to realize what a coveted recruit he is. Add it all up and he is looking around and doing as much research as possible.
In my conversations with Tennison, the vibe I've always picked up (and he's pretty much said it verbatim) is that if Texas throws the ball to the tight ends, and wins more ball games in 2016, he'll likely wind up a Longhorn. If not, there's a strong chance Texas loses him.
Tennison heard all the right things from the Texas coaches during his UT Junior Day visit, but he wants to see those words actually come to fruition on the field. It won't shock me to see him officially open up his recruitment after the Alabama visit, but this one probably won't be settled until well into the fall. (Suchomel)
******
A quick update on UT defensive end commitment LaGaryonn Carson.
The Texarkana Liberty-Eylau standout was unable to attend UT's Junior Day a couple weekends ago, but there's no reason to worry about Carson's commitment.
"I didn't have a way up there," Carson told OB this week. "I wish I could have found a ride up there."
Carson said he's just "laying low" right now but will be in Austin for UT's spring game next month. Other schools are continuing to recruit him, as one would expect, but Carson still feels good about his UT commitment.
"Everybody is still trying to recruit me. But I'm sticking with the Longhorns," Carson said.
Along with QB Sam Ehlinger, Carson is one of the more recognizable players on UT's commitment list, and two of the better-known 2017 prospects in the entire state of Texas. Carson has been actively recruiting for Texas on social media and he said he's fine with being viewed as one of the ringleaders of the Longhorns' recruiting class.
"I think that's a good role I can fill," Carson said. "I've been doing it the past four years at my high school. I think I have good leadership in me."
The primary guy Carson is working on is five-star athlete Dylan Moses. (Suchomel)
******
It certainly wasn't the best recruiting news for Texas on Sunday when La Grange running back J.K. Dobbins committed to Ohio State. Dobbins, of course, is one of UT's top overall targets for the 2017 class and was an early offer for Texas.
The 5-10, 195-pound speedster has yet to visit Ohio State, but said he'll be in Columbus in a few weeks for a first-hand look at the Buckeye program.
His thoughts on his commitment ...
"First and foremost, my heart felt like that was the right place. Then, after that, I just looked at some of the stuff, coach (Urban) Meyer is a great, great coach, they have great player development over there at Ohio State," Dobbins said. "I want to go and get developed as a better player and as a man. And then the tradition they have, they compete for a national championship almost every year, and I want to play in those big games."
Dobbins went on to say that the decision to commit kind of hit him out of the blue, but he does feel good about his choice. The timing came as a surprise and ultimately so did the decision, since most thought Dobbins would wind up staying closer to home. He told me this week the distance stuff is being overstated and moving away from home wasn't a factor at all.
So is this one dead? Not really.
With Dobbins having yet to set foot on the Ohio State campus, it's a pretty unique situation for a kid to pull the trigger on an early commitment. When I talked to him this week, he respectfully declined to comment on if he was completely locking down his recruitment, since his commitment to Ohio State was so fresh.
Dobbins is extremely happy with his decision, but if Texas plays well in 2016 and stays on him, I'm fully expecting a couple twists in this road before he signs in February. (Suchomel)
******
Galena Park North Shore defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson is one of the nation's top prospects (Rivals250 member) but he's not a player who has grabbed a lot of headlines since he stays pretty quiet. We were able to catch up with Chaisson, who holds a UT offer, to get an update. There's not a ton of action in his recruitment, but Chaison did have an interesting quote about UT QB commit Sam Ehlinger after facing Ehlinger in the state title game, won by North Shore, 21-14, in overtime.
Key quote: "Honestly, me and Texas haven't spoken a lot. But really I haven't spoken with anyone from any school lately. Texas has been trying to keep in touch, but my schedule is just so busy, I can't really give anyone my attention right now. I'm more just worried about myself right now."
Thoughts on Ehlinger: Chaison had a big game against Westlake, recording 2 1/2 sacks on Ehlinger. And while Ehlinger didn't have his best statistical game in the state title game, Chaison came away extremely impressed.
"Honestly, he's the best quarterback I ever went against," Chaison said. "He's so accurate. When you think you get pressure to him, you turn around and you see the wide receiver catching the ball 20 yards downfield and you just throw your hands up. He's a smart player, very smart."
Focused on the weight room: Chaison said he's not worried about recruiting right now. Instead, he's trying to improve his game by hitting the weights.
"I know I want to get stronger, especially in the upper body area," Chaison said. "I'm a little behind everybody else. I just haven't really focused on it, other than just building my body, other than working out."
Chaison has attended junior days at Houston and Texas A&M. He said he has no other plans for visits right now and plans to take recruiting at a very slow pace.
Huge junior season: Chaison said he finished 2015 with 20.5 sacks, 21 TFL, 87 total tackles, 5 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.
"I know I'm more of a pass rusher," Chaison said. "I feel like I can't be stopped in the pass rushing game, especially if I'm coming full momentum. I can get better though - learn plays more, play recognition, just watch film more." (Suchomel)
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A quick note on Baton Rouge University Laboratory School OL Adrian Ealy, a Rivals250 member ...
He told another Rivals reporter last week that he plans to visit Texas this spring. We'll keep an eye on that one to see if anything develops. Ealy holds a UT offer. (Suchomel)
