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It looks like it will be an interesting weekend for the Longhorns on the defensive backs recruiting front, with Texas expected to host a number of DBs for Sunday’s spring game of both the in-state and out-of-state variety.
2013 in-state studs Cole Luke will be making a three-day visit to Austin.
Rossville (GA) Ridgeland safety Vonn Bell will be arriving on Sunday, and we touched base with the blue-chip DB to get some details.
Bell told us that he and his family sat down recently and compiled a list of some schools that he’d like to visit during his spring break. After narrowing it down, the family will be making a tour of campuses that includes the following (in order of scheduled visit): Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame and Ohio State. The plan is to hit the road on Saturday and arrive in Austin on Sunday before the Orange-White game. Bell said he and his family will likely depart Austin on Sunday night.
“We’re just hoping to see the environment, meet the coaching staff, see the academics, get in the classroom and see how everything goes at these campuses,” Bell said.
Bell spoke with UT coaches Duane Akina and Mack Brown on Wednesday to finalize the details of the Texas visit.
“It will be a very quick visit but he was very excited,” Bell said, referring to Akina. “I got a chance to talk to coach Mack Brown also. They’re very excited about me coming up. I’m an out-of-state guy, so it’s a very big deal to them. We're excited to meet with the coaching staff.”
In recent weeks, Bell has taken unofficial visits to Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. At this point, he’s not ready to name any leaders but he said he could move in that direction after his spring break tour of campuses.
“I guess after this spring break, the big world tour as I call it, I’m going to try to trim the list and see how it goes,” Bell said.
As far as a final decision, Bell said if things go well, he’ll make a commitment over the course of the summer. But with so many options now on the table, he didn’t rule out the possibility of taking his recruitment into his senior year.
“I told everybody I'd try to do it before my senior year. At this time, when you have all those offers, you really have to get detailed with those colleges. You can't just make a quick decision,” Bell said. “You want to stay faithful to your word when you do commit. So it might carry into my senior season. I’m just going to play it out and see how it goes.”
Bell lived in Texas during the early portion of his childhood, up until about first grade, so he does have some familiarity with the Texas program. He still has some family in the Dallas area but said those factors will not factor into his decision.
“They have good tradition and everything. Coach Akina, he’s one of top DB coaches in football today,” Bell said. “I used to live in Dallas. My mom and them liked Austin. We didn't make it to UT games, but we made it to a couple Cowboys games. We know about the Longhorns.
“That really doesn't play a role. It's a business trip. I’m just waiting for the college that's good for me, that will make me feel at home and be the best situation for me.”
Bell said he can’t really single out any favorites at this time. Texas hasn’t talked in detail about how he could fit into UT’s defensive plans, but that topic will likely be addressed over the weekend. One factor that will weigh heavily in Bell’s eventual decision is academics.
“My mom is a teacher. She's looking at things too. She’s big-time into education, talking grades first. That's probably her first question she’ll have for the head coach,” Bell said.
Texas has extended a verbal offer to Bell. A formal offer will almost certainly be presented on his visit this weekend. (Suchomel)
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One DB who will not be able to attend is Tulsa East Central's Stanvon Taylor.
The versatile athlete was invited by Akina and was hoping to attend, but he has limited access to transportation. Taylor and his coach talked earlier this week and calculated up the cost of making the round-trip drive, in addition to a hotel, meals, etc and they decided the trip wasn't in the cards at the moment.
"We talked to coach Akina. He said he'd be here in May so there's no hurry," Taylor said.
The 5-11, 166-pound Taylor is hoping to make a Texas camp in June. He's keeping his list open at this point and said he'd like to have his decision made towards the middle of his senior season.
As for Texas ...
"Really, it's always been one of my childhood favorite schools growing up and I always hear great things about them. So I really want to go check them out," Taylor said. (Suchomel)
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Sunday is shaping up to be a big day for the Longhorns as they hit the ground running with some top targets in the 2014 class. Add the names of a couple of elite players from Mansfield Timberview to the list, and they'll be accompanied by two 2013 prospects who were also invited to attend.
On Thursday, the Texas coaches reached out to the Timberview coaches and invited 2014 DB Josh Smith.
Paris said he's been hearing from a lot of SEC schools, but this is the first real interest from Texas. The 6-2, 188-pounder has offers from Clemson, LSU, Mississippi, Purdue, SMU, UCLA and Washington State.
Last weekend, he and Simmons took unofficial visits to UCLA and USC.
"I'm just keeping things open. First I have to see things, get a feel for the school, the atmosphere. I also need to know education wise," Paris said.
Paris grew up in Louisiana and moved to Texas after Hurricane Katrina. This weekend will be his first opportunity to get a really good look at the UT program.
"I'm not really familiar with any of the Texas schools. When I come down there, I'll keep my eyes open, see if I like anything," Paris said. "I do know Vince Young. When I first moved down here, he was very popular."
So far, Paris, ranked No. 8 on the Lone Star Recruiting Top 100, has taken unofficial visits to Auburn, LSU, UCLA, USC, SMU, TCU, Texas Tech and Georgia
2013 S Trevor Walker put on a strong show at last week's Dallas Nike Camp and he's hoping to get to know the Texas coaches this weekend.
"They contacted our coach this week, actually today," Walker said. "They invited me, two of our 2014 DBs and our running back. They said they like all of us. I was going to send my tape in but they said they've already seen it.
"I would love to play football at Texas. I really haven't thought about it because it's like a dream school," Walker said. "But of course I'd love to go there and play football there. I've been looking at their 2013 commits to see who I'd have to compete with." (Suchomel)
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Quick note on Torrodney Prevot ...
Davis will be at UT's spring game on Sunday and he'll be joined by his whole family.
Prevot, as of Thursday afternoon, was undecided on whether or not he'd be in attendance. He's still planning to hit LSU's spring game on Saturday, but could still join some teammates in Austin for the Horns' Orange-White game on Sunday. (Suchomel)
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It’s time for the Texas spring game and that means it’s time for several prospects from around the state of Texas to make their way to Austin.
Just about all of the 2013 commitments are planning to be in attendance, but the list does not stop there. Let’s take a look.
2013 Targets
Vonn Bell, S, Rossville (Ga.) Ridgeland - Texas gets a treat as they host one of the nation’s top defensive backs. He has offers from everywhere and Texas was quick to jump on board. He is not naming any leaders but it certainly says something that he would make the trip to Austin on his own dime.
Cole Luke, CB, Chandler (Ariz.) Hamilton - As one of the most highly sought defensive backs in the country Luke already holds offers from many of the nation's top programs. Texas has not offered, but with him making his way to Austin it appears an offer could come very soon. Luke plans to take the recruiting process slowly and is not planning to make a decision while in Austin. He is the nephew of former all-pro Darren Woodson
Justin Manning, DT, Dallas Kimball - When it comes to d-tackles in the state of Texas, Manning is up there with anyone. He can flat out dominate and there is no question why he was one of the first offers by the Longhorns. Texas has some ground to make up in this one. He has planned to attend the spring game and right now that visit is up in the air. Tonight we were told by one source they didn’t know if Manning would make it in or not. We shall see, but that's better for Texas than an all out no.
Torrodney Prevot, DE, Alief Taylor - There has not been a hotter prospect in the state of Texas. Before attending the second Texas junior day Prevot started to see his offer list grow. Now it is as impressive as anyone’s in the state of Texas. Why? He is the quickest defensive end and top pass rushing d-end in the state of Texas. The Longhorns are in good shape and if there’s a guy who commits this weekend I think it’s probably Prevot. However, he has said he will not decide this weekend so that does not appear likely. Prevot is also planning to attend the LSU spring game on Saturday.
Dontre Wilson, RB, DeSoto - Wilson is one of the most highly sought running backs in the country and a member of the Rivals250. He holds offers from each of his favorites and was a first junior day invitee and attendee. He was one of the first 2013 prospects offered, officially receiving an offer at the first Texas junior day. He has Texas in his list of top schools with Oregon, Oklahoma St., and Ohio St. He is not expected to make a decision this weekend but does have Texas high on his list.
Antwuan Davis, CB, Bastrop - No doubt about it Antwuan Davis brings speed to the table. He also brings size. Coming into 2011 he was considered by many to be the top 2013 defensive back, but injuries hampered his season and his stock slipped. Now he is showing he is back and college coaches have come calling from near and far. Texas has not offered and the Longhorns are being real thorough with their defensive back offers for 2013. He is definitely a guy Texas is watching.
Maurice Smith, CB, Fort Bend Dulles - Like Prevot, Smith shot up recruiting boards and rankings a like as his film hit the scene. He is does not have an offer from the Longhorns but did attend the second Texas junior day and has held Texas in high regard. Texas is evaluating their DB options but Smith is a guy who definitely seems to figure into that mix.
Vincent Taylor, DT, San Antonio Madison - Texas has let Taylor know they will be keeping an eye on him in the spring and Taylor has let Texas know his interest in Texas is extremely high. He has put on some good weight and is working on improving his overall game. He was invited to the first Texas junior day before car trouble kept him and his family from making the trip. Taylor did attend the second junior day.
Jeremiah Gaines (Gaines will not be in attendance). He likes Texas a lot. He is a versatile target and attended the second Texas junior day.
Chevoski Collins, ATH, Livingston - Collins is a weapon who can hurt you so many different ways. He can flat out turn the tables in a heart beat whether it’s on offense, defense, or special teams. He is a guy that is being looked at as a corner or a receiver and will likely have his option. Texas is very interested. He plans to attend LSU’s spring game on Saturday and is hoping to make the trip to Austin on Sunday.
Ra’Shaad Samples, WR, Dallas Skyline - Samples has decided not to attend the Texas spring game. He does plan to make an unofficial visit to Texas soon.
2014 Prospects
Hoza Scott, LB/DE, La Porte - He is a freak of nature on the football field. He is the top prospect on the LSR. He just gets the game of football and the fact that he’s huge and fast doesn’t hurt.
Nick Harvey, ATH, Lancaster - He may not be the biggest, but he is definitely one of the biggest playmakers whether he is on offense, defense, or special teams
Darrion Johnson, CB, Brenham - Looking for a natural lockdown cornerback, stop here and take a look. He has the goods.
Solomon Thomas, DE, Coppell - Thomas is big and athletic. He has potential to roll down to d-tackle but the athleticism to stay at d-end too.
Varshaun Nixon, RB, Lake Travis - speed, he has it. The No. 1 RB in Texas for 2014 right now.
Edward Paris[/URL], DB, Mansfield Timberview - big defensive back capable of playing either corner or safety.
Brandon Simmons, S, Mansfield Timberview - another big DB in the Timberview defensive backfield
Jerrod Heard, QB, Denton Guyer - he has all the goods when it comes to the QB position. One of the state’s finest.
Cedric Collins, CB, Dallas Skyline - Collins has been a mainstay in one of the top high school defensive backfields since his freshman year. He knows how to do it all.
Derrick Dixon, S, Dallas Skyline - Like Collins he found his way into the mix early on at Skyline and has some nice tape.
Victor Evans, DE, Dallas Skyline - He is tall and athletic. He is skinny now but give him some time to grow into his frame and look out. He is also on the Skyline track team.
Tye Barrett, OL, Dallas Skyline - Barrett is a big body. He plays basketball and moves well. This spring is going to be a big one for him.
Marquaveon Jones, LB, Dallas Skyline - he’s the next Skyline linebacker in line for primetime.
Keenen Brown, WR, Alief Taylor - a big receiver who is already reeling in offers.
Chris Hardeman, CB, Alief Taylor - he’s small but he’s very very very very very fast.
Cameron Hampton, LB, Dallas Carter - remember the name. He’s doing big things as a Dallas Carter Cowboys that has those around the program bringing up some of the Carter great linebackers
Armanti Foreman, WR, Texas City - He’s one of my favorites in the 2014 class. Great hands and precise routes to go along with a smooth delivery.
D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas City - Armanti’s brother D’Onta is not to be overlooked with colleges also giving him a long long look
Kealvin Davis, OL, Garland Lakeview Centennial - He is called Tank for a reason. He is raw, but he has the tools that could make him special when it’s all said and done.
Willie Ivery, WR, Sulphur Springs - East Texas speed, gotta love it and gotta have it.
Nick Watkins, CB, Dallas Bishop Dunne - Watkins can throw the breaks on anyone out there.
Jovan Pruitt, OL, Dallas Bishop Dunne - One of the biggest of the big.
Cedric Gambrell, OL, Cleveland - Cedric Reed’s little brother is ready to start attracting attention of his own. That will not be hard at his size. That size is 6-6, 235.
Mount Pleasant receiver KD Cannon said he was invited to the spring game but will not be able to attend.(Howell)
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This weekend Texas will host several unofficial visitors for the Orange-White spring football game, but the Texas football staff will be busy all weekend with several prospects in town for the Texas Relays.
Texas Relay weekend is always a crazy weekend for Austin and brings quite a bit of football talent into the capital city. Over the course of Friday and Saturday several Texas football signees, commitments, and prospects will be in town showing their stuff on the track.
Signees Curtis Riser (DeSoto) are all scheduled to compete over the course of the weekend. Vaccaro will compete in the 4x200 and 4x100 as will Colbert who will also run in the 4x400. Gray will run the 100 and 4x100 for Aledo. Echols will compete in the 4x100 and 4x200 for DeSoto and Riser will throw the shot put.
Thomas Johnson (Dallas Skyline/Texas A&M signee) will also represent the 2012 class.
In the 2013 class Mike Mitchell will also be competing as a member of the 4x100 squad.
The 2014 class will be represented well too. Wylie’s Aaron Sharp are prospects to keep an eye on. Shaw will be competing in the 4x100 and 4x200 while Sharp will be in the 4x200 and the 4x400.
Also do not miss San Antonio East Central who will have Nick Coleman all in competition this weekend. (Howell)
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All of a sudden, the UT hoops scholarship numbers could potentially get tight for the 2012 group. With the return of Myck Kabongo, that means that currently there are 10 scholarships locked up. Now with the news that J’Covan Brown could potentially return to school, Brown would make 11.
In Chicago, five-star big man and McDonald’s All American told anyone that would listen that he’s signing with Texas. Ridley even stated he had no idea where the 2013 rumor came from. Ridley is a genuine kid that doesn’t do a lot of interviews, and there is no reason not to believe him. So, according to the big fella himself, he’ll be signing in the next period. That’s 12.
Texas is still firmly in the race to land five-star small forward Devonta Pollard of Mississippi. Recently, Pollard and Kentucky basically parted ways. The Mississippi product is down to Alabama, Georgetown, Missouri, Mississippi State, and Texas. He’ll be officially visiting Alabama and Georgetown in April, and he already visited Texas officially in January. The plan is still for Pollard to make it back to Austin at some point for another visit, and if that did happen, you’d have to love Texas’ chances. If Texas ultimately did win out on Pollard ? the Horns have done a great job recruiting the athletic wing, but it’s unclear if he’ll want to stay close to home ? he would be the 13th scholarship, which would take Texas to the limit.
With the news of Danny Manning being the new head coach at Tulsa, the buzz surrounding Tulsa’s leading scorer, and San Antonio native Jordan Clarkson, is that Clarkson is leaning towards transferring. Texas and Arizona are the two schools that have been mentioned the most, but it feels like UT would be tough to beat at this point.
All of that adds up to 14. What would happen if Texas had to move someone around to make 13? I’m not sure. But this is a problem Texas probably won’t have to worry about because you’re assuming that Brown comes back (still seems a little unlikely), Pollard picked Texas over home schools and immediate time at Mizzou, and Clarkson decided to transfer and picked Texas.
It’s just something to keep an eye on as Pollard nears a decision, Brown announces his intentions on Tuesday, and Clarkson decides his intentions soon. Again, unlikely that it all works out in Texas’ favor and it has to deal with this, but the dominoes should drop soon.
As for the 2013 recruiting, Julius Randle and Keith Frazier feel like the top dogs right now, and while other offers are being extended, the chances of them being committable ones right now are probably slim. Keep an eye on Chicago combo-guard Kendrick Nunn, who was once a Texas A&M commit. The Longhorns have kept a close eye on him. Texas needs to figure out first who comes back this year, who it adds to finish the year, and then go from there. Randle continues to say the right things, and isn’t tipping his hand. Texas needs to get him on campus in the summer if possible because I think that trip out to see Duke and UNC did a number on him. Plus, Matt Jones being a Duke commit isn’t helping Texas’ chances with Randle. (McComas)
This post was edited on 3/30 7:54 AM by Jason Howell
It looks like it will be an interesting weekend for the Longhorns on the defensive backs recruiting front, with Texas expected to host a number of DBs for Sunday’s spring game of both the in-state and out-of-state variety.
2013 in-state studs Cole Luke will be making a three-day visit to Austin.
Rossville (GA) Ridgeland safety Vonn Bell will be arriving on Sunday, and we touched base with the blue-chip DB to get some details.
Bell told us that he and his family sat down recently and compiled a list of some schools that he’d like to visit during his spring break. After narrowing it down, the family will be making a tour of campuses that includes the following (in order of scheduled visit): Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame and Ohio State. The plan is to hit the road on Saturday and arrive in Austin on Sunday before the Orange-White game. Bell said he and his family will likely depart Austin on Sunday night.
“We’re just hoping to see the environment, meet the coaching staff, see the academics, get in the classroom and see how everything goes at these campuses,” Bell said.
Bell spoke with UT coaches Duane Akina and Mack Brown on Wednesday to finalize the details of the Texas visit.
“It will be a very quick visit but he was very excited,” Bell said, referring to Akina. “I got a chance to talk to coach Mack Brown also. They’re very excited about me coming up. I’m an out-of-state guy, so it’s a very big deal to them. We're excited to meet with the coaching staff.”
In recent weeks, Bell has taken unofficial visits to Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. At this point, he’s not ready to name any leaders but he said he could move in that direction after his spring break tour of campuses.
“I guess after this spring break, the big world tour as I call it, I’m going to try to trim the list and see how it goes,” Bell said.
As far as a final decision, Bell said if things go well, he’ll make a commitment over the course of the summer. But with so many options now on the table, he didn’t rule out the possibility of taking his recruitment into his senior year.
“I told everybody I'd try to do it before my senior year. At this time, when you have all those offers, you really have to get detailed with those colleges. You can't just make a quick decision,” Bell said. “You want to stay faithful to your word when you do commit. So it might carry into my senior season. I’m just going to play it out and see how it goes.”
Bell lived in Texas during the early portion of his childhood, up until about first grade, so he does have some familiarity with the Texas program. He still has some family in the Dallas area but said those factors will not factor into his decision.
“They have good tradition and everything. Coach Akina, he’s one of top DB coaches in football today,” Bell said. “I used to live in Dallas. My mom and them liked Austin. We didn't make it to UT games, but we made it to a couple Cowboys games. We know about the Longhorns.
“That really doesn't play a role. It's a business trip. I’m just waiting for the college that's good for me, that will make me feel at home and be the best situation for me.”
Bell said he can’t really single out any favorites at this time. Texas hasn’t talked in detail about how he could fit into UT’s defensive plans, but that topic will likely be addressed over the weekend. One factor that will weigh heavily in Bell’s eventual decision is academics.
“My mom is a teacher. She's looking at things too. She’s big-time into education, talking grades first. That's probably her first question she’ll have for the head coach,” Bell said.
Texas has extended a verbal offer to Bell. A formal offer will almost certainly be presented on his visit this weekend. (Suchomel)
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One DB who will not be able to attend is Tulsa East Central's Stanvon Taylor.
The versatile athlete was invited by Akina and was hoping to attend, but he has limited access to transportation. Taylor and his coach talked earlier this week and calculated up the cost of making the round-trip drive, in addition to a hotel, meals, etc and they decided the trip wasn't in the cards at the moment.
"We talked to coach Akina. He said he'd be here in May so there's no hurry," Taylor said.
The 5-11, 166-pound Taylor is hoping to make a Texas camp in June. He's keeping his list open at this point and said he'd like to have his decision made towards the middle of his senior season.
As for Texas ...
"Really, it's always been one of my childhood favorite schools growing up and I always hear great things about them. So I really want to go check them out," Taylor said. (Suchomel)
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Sunday is shaping up to be a big day for the Longhorns as they hit the ground running with some top targets in the 2014 class. Add the names of a couple of elite players from Mansfield Timberview to the list, and they'll be accompanied by two 2013 prospects who were also invited to attend.
On Thursday, the Texas coaches reached out to the Timberview coaches and invited 2014 DB Josh Smith.
Paris said he's been hearing from a lot of SEC schools, but this is the first real interest from Texas. The 6-2, 188-pounder has offers from Clemson, LSU, Mississippi, Purdue, SMU, UCLA and Washington State.
Last weekend, he and Simmons took unofficial visits to UCLA and USC.
"I'm just keeping things open. First I have to see things, get a feel for the school, the atmosphere. I also need to know education wise," Paris said.
Paris grew up in Louisiana and moved to Texas after Hurricane Katrina. This weekend will be his first opportunity to get a really good look at the UT program.
"I'm not really familiar with any of the Texas schools. When I come down there, I'll keep my eyes open, see if I like anything," Paris said. "I do know Vince Young. When I first moved down here, he was very popular."
So far, Paris, ranked No. 8 on the Lone Star Recruiting Top 100, has taken unofficial visits to Auburn, LSU, UCLA, USC, SMU, TCU, Texas Tech and Georgia
2013 S Trevor Walker put on a strong show at last week's Dallas Nike Camp and he's hoping to get to know the Texas coaches this weekend.
"They contacted our coach this week, actually today," Walker said. "They invited me, two of our 2014 DBs and our running back. They said they like all of us. I was going to send my tape in but they said they've already seen it.
"I would love to play football at Texas. I really haven't thought about it because it's like a dream school," Walker said. "But of course I'd love to go there and play football there. I've been looking at their 2013 commits to see who I'd have to compete with." (Suchomel)
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Quick note on Torrodney Prevot ...
Davis will be at UT's spring game on Sunday and he'll be joined by his whole family.
Prevot, as of Thursday afternoon, was undecided on whether or not he'd be in attendance. He's still planning to hit LSU's spring game on Saturday, but could still join some teammates in Austin for the Horns' Orange-White game on Sunday. (Suchomel)
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It’s time for the Texas spring game and that means it’s time for several prospects from around the state of Texas to make their way to Austin.
Just about all of the 2013 commitments are planning to be in attendance, but the list does not stop there. Let’s take a look.
2013 Targets
Vonn Bell, S, Rossville (Ga.) Ridgeland - Texas gets a treat as they host one of the nation’s top defensive backs. He has offers from everywhere and Texas was quick to jump on board. He is not naming any leaders but it certainly says something that he would make the trip to Austin on his own dime.
Cole Luke, CB, Chandler (Ariz.) Hamilton - As one of the most highly sought defensive backs in the country Luke already holds offers from many of the nation's top programs. Texas has not offered, but with him making his way to Austin it appears an offer could come very soon. Luke plans to take the recruiting process slowly and is not planning to make a decision while in Austin. He is the nephew of former all-pro Darren Woodson
Justin Manning, DT, Dallas Kimball - When it comes to d-tackles in the state of Texas, Manning is up there with anyone. He can flat out dominate and there is no question why he was one of the first offers by the Longhorns. Texas has some ground to make up in this one. He has planned to attend the spring game and right now that visit is up in the air. Tonight we were told by one source they didn’t know if Manning would make it in or not. We shall see, but that's better for Texas than an all out no.
Torrodney Prevot, DE, Alief Taylor - There has not been a hotter prospect in the state of Texas. Before attending the second Texas junior day Prevot started to see his offer list grow. Now it is as impressive as anyone’s in the state of Texas. Why? He is the quickest defensive end and top pass rushing d-end in the state of Texas. The Longhorns are in good shape and if there’s a guy who commits this weekend I think it’s probably Prevot. However, he has said he will not decide this weekend so that does not appear likely. Prevot is also planning to attend the LSU spring game on Saturday.
Dontre Wilson, RB, DeSoto - Wilson is one of the most highly sought running backs in the country and a member of the Rivals250. He holds offers from each of his favorites and was a first junior day invitee and attendee. He was one of the first 2013 prospects offered, officially receiving an offer at the first Texas junior day. He has Texas in his list of top schools with Oregon, Oklahoma St., and Ohio St. He is not expected to make a decision this weekend but does have Texas high on his list.
Antwuan Davis, CB, Bastrop - No doubt about it Antwuan Davis brings speed to the table. He also brings size. Coming into 2011 he was considered by many to be the top 2013 defensive back, but injuries hampered his season and his stock slipped. Now he is showing he is back and college coaches have come calling from near and far. Texas has not offered and the Longhorns are being real thorough with their defensive back offers for 2013. He is definitely a guy Texas is watching.
Maurice Smith, CB, Fort Bend Dulles - Like Prevot, Smith shot up recruiting boards and rankings a like as his film hit the scene. He is does not have an offer from the Longhorns but did attend the second Texas junior day and has held Texas in high regard. Texas is evaluating their DB options but Smith is a guy who definitely seems to figure into that mix.
Vincent Taylor, DT, San Antonio Madison - Texas has let Taylor know they will be keeping an eye on him in the spring and Taylor has let Texas know his interest in Texas is extremely high. He has put on some good weight and is working on improving his overall game. He was invited to the first Texas junior day before car trouble kept him and his family from making the trip. Taylor did attend the second junior day.
Jeremiah Gaines (Gaines will not be in attendance). He likes Texas a lot. He is a versatile target and attended the second Texas junior day.
Chevoski Collins, ATH, Livingston - Collins is a weapon who can hurt you so many different ways. He can flat out turn the tables in a heart beat whether it’s on offense, defense, or special teams. He is a guy that is being looked at as a corner or a receiver and will likely have his option. Texas is very interested. He plans to attend LSU’s spring game on Saturday and is hoping to make the trip to Austin on Sunday.
Ra’Shaad Samples, WR, Dallas Skyline - Samples has decided not to attend the Texas spring game. He does plan to make an unofficial visit to Texas soon.
2014 Prospects
Hoza Scott, LB/DE, La Porte - He is a freak of nature on the football field. He is the top prospect on the LSR. He just gets the game of football and the fact that he’s huge and fast doesn’t hurt.
Nick Harvey, ATH, Lancaster - He may not be the biggest, but he is definitely one of the biggest playmakers whether he is on offense, defense, or special teams
Darrion Johnson, CB, Brenham - Looking for a natural lockdown cornerback, stop here and take a look. He has the goods.
Solomon Thomas, DE, Coppell - Thomas is big and athletic. He has potential to roll down to d-tackle but the athleticism to stay at d-end too.
Varshaun Nixon, RB, Lake Travis - speed, he has it. The No. 1 RB in Texas for 2014 right now.
Edward Paris[/URL], DB, Mansfield Timberview - big defensive back capable of playing either corner or safety.
Brandon Simmons, S, Mansfield Timberview - another big DB in the Timberview defensive backfield
Jerrod Heard, QB, Denton Guyer - he has all the goods when it comes to the QB position. One of the state’s finest.
Cedric Collins, CB, Dallas Skyline - Collins has been a mainstay in one of the top high school defensive backfields since his freshman year. He knows how to do it all.
Derrick Dixon, S, Dallas Skyline - Like Collins he found his way into the mix early on at Skyline and has some nice tape.
Victor Evans, DE, Dallas Skyline - He is tall and athletic. He is skinny now but give him some time to grow into his frame and look out. He is also on the Skyline track team.
Tye Barrett, OL, Dallas Skyline - Barrett is a big body. He plays basketball and moves well. This spring is going to be a big one for him.
Marquaveon Jones, LB, Dallas Skyline - he’s the next Skyline linebacker in line for primetime.
Keenen Brown, WR, Alief Taylor - a big receiver who is already reeling in offers.
Chris Hardeman, CB, Alief Taylor - he’s small but he’s very very very very very fast.
Cameron Hampton, LB, Dallas Carter - remember the name. He’s doing big things as a Dallas Carter Cowboys that has those around the program bringing up some of the Carter great linebackers
Armanti Foreman, WR, Texas City - He’s one of my favorites in the 2014 class. Great hands and precise routes to go along with a smooth delivery.
D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas City - Armanti’s brother D’Onta is not to be overlooked with colleges also giving him a long long look
Kealvin Davis, OL, Garland Lakeview Centennial - He is called Tank for a reason. He is raw, but he has the tools that could make him special when it’s all said and done.
Willie Ivery, WR, Sulphur Springs - East Texas speed, gotta love it and gotta have it.
Nick Watkins, CB, Dallas Bishop Dunne - Watkins can throw the breaks on anyone out there.
Jovan Pruitt, OL, Dallas Bishop Dunne - One of the biggest of the big.
Cedric Gambrell, OL, Cleveland - Cedric Reed’s little brother is ready to start attracting attention of his own. That will not be hard at his size. That size is 6-6, 235.
Mount Pleasant receiver KD Cannon said he was invited to the spring game but will not be able to attend.(Howell)
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This weekend Texas will host several unofficial visitors for the Orange-White spring football game, but the Texas football staff will be busy all weekend with several prospects in town for the Texas Relays.
Texas Relay weekend is always a crazy weekend for Austin and brings quite a bit of football talent into the capital city. Over the course of Friday and Saturday several Texas football signees, commitments, and prospects will be in town showing their stuff on the track.
Signees Curtis Riser (DeSoto) are all scheduled to compete over the course of the weekend. Vaccaro will compete in the 4x200 and 4x100 as will Colbert who will also run in the 4x400. Gray will run the 100 and 4x100 for Aledo. Echols will compete in the 4x100 and 4x200 for DeSoto and Riser will throw the shot put.
Thomas Johnson (Dallas Skyline/Texas A&M signee) will also represent the 2012 class.
In the 2013 class Mike Mitchell will also be competing as a member of the 4x100 squad.
The 2014 class will be represented well too. Wylie’s Aaron Sharp are prospects to keep an eye on. Shaw will be competing in the 4x100 and 4x200 while Sharp will be in the 4x200 and the 4x400.
Also do not miss San Antonio East Central who will have Nick Coleman all in competition this weekend. (Howell)
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All of a sudden, the UT hoops scholarship numbers could potentially get tight for the 2012 group. With the return of Myck Kabongo, that means that currently there are 10 scholarships locked up. Now with the news that J’Covan Brown could potentially return to school, Brown would make 11.
In Chicago, five-star big man and McDonald’s All American told anyone that would listen that he’s signing with Texas. Ridley even stated he had no idea where the 2013 rumor came from. Ridley is a genuine kid that doesn’t do a lot of interviews, and there is no reason not to believe him. So, according to the big fella himself, he’ll be signing in the next period. That’s 12.
Texas is still firmly in the race to land five-star small forward Devonta Pollard of Mississippi. Recently, Pollard and Kentucky basically parted ways. The Mississippi product is down to Alabama, Georgetown, Missouri, Mississippi State, and Texas. He’ll be officially visiting Alabama and Georgetown in April, and he already visited Texas officially in January. The plan is still for Pollard to make it back to Austin at some point for another visit, and if that did happen, you’d have to love Texas’ chances. If Texas ultimately did win out on Pollard ? the Horns have done a great job recruiting the athletic wing, but it’s unclear if he’ll want to stay close to home ? he would be the 13th scholarship, which would take Texas to the limit.
With the news of Danny Manning being the new head coach at Tulsa, the buzz surrounding Tulsa’s leading scorer, and San Antonio native Jordan Clarkson, is that Clarkson is leaning towards transferring. Texas and Arizona are the two schools that have been mentioned the most, but it feels like UT would be tough to beat at this point.
All of that adds up to 14. What would happen if Texas had to move someone around to make 13? I’m not sure. But this is a problem Texas probably won’t have to worry about because you’re assuming that Brown comes back (still seems a little unlikely), Pollard picked Texas over home schools and immediate time at Mizzou, and Clarkson decided to transfer and picked Texas.
It’s just something to keep an eye on as Pollard nears a decision, Brown announces his intentions on Tuesday, and Clarkson decides his intentions soon. Again, unlikely that it all works out in Texas’ favor and it has to deal with this, but the dominoes should drop soon.
As for the 2013 recruiting, Julius Randle and Keith Frazier feel like the top dogs right now, and while other offers are being extended, the chances of them being committable ones right now are probably slim. Keep an eye on Chicago combo-guard Kendrick Nunn, who was once a Texas A&M commit. The Longhorns have kept a close eye on him. Texas needs to figure out first who comes back this year, who it adds to finish the year, and then go from there. Randle continues to say the right things, and isn’t tipping his hand. Texas needs to get him on campus in the summer if possible because I think that trip out to see Duke and UNC did a number on him. Plus, Matt Jones being a Duke commit isn’t helping Texas’ chances with Randle. (McComas)
This post was edited on 3/30 7:54 AM by Jason Howell
