Texas football coach Tom Herman has endured a week of highs and lows.
The week began with Herman learning incoming freshman tight end Reese Leitao’s felony charge of intent to distribute a controlled substance was reduced to a charge of possession of a schedule IV drug, a misdemeanor. The reduction will likely mean Leitao would be able to keep his scholarship at UT and play football this season. Tight end is a position of need, and Leitao has a chance to compete for a starting spot.
That same day, we learned Texas linebacker Erick Fowler is expected to transfer because of academic reasons. Fowler’s likely departure left one less body in the room, and he is the third player from the 2016 class to part ways with Texas (Jordan Elliott and Marcel Southall are the other athletes).
Well, add Syracuse tight end Kendall Moore situation to the list of setbacks this week.
Moore was expected to graduate from Syracuse with a communications degree, enroll in Texas next week and begin summer workouts with his new team.
However, I was told Moore did not graduate because he is two credits shy of Texas’ grad school entry requirements (he intends to major in sports management), which means he may not join the team until June or July.
“It was a mis-advisement by Syracuse,” Moore told me. “I just have to enroll in the summer class and enroll in Texas (after I) finish up. I was actually two credits short, which is crazy to me that I was allowed to go the whole semester. We have seven academic football advisors who do that. I’m a conspiracy (theorist) … I think it was just ‘Alright, Kendall is leaving. Let’s just let him do his own thing.’
“The coaches (at Texas), we have been working overtime to make sure everything is taken care of. I’m not too worried about it. I’m already enrolled and ready to get to work.”
Moore said he is currently enrolled in an online class at Syracuse. Once he finishes that class, the final graduation transcript will be sent to Texas, and he plans to enroll at UT.
However, Moore cannot officially participate in the summer program until he has enrolled in Texas. Instead, he plans to arrive in Austin on Monday and find Longhorn players to work out with (unofficially) until he is cleared. According to Moore, he should be enrolled before Texas’ second summer session, which begins on July 10. He hopes to be admitted between mid-June and early July.
“I was more than disappointed when I found out because it just pushed everything back,” Moore said. “Imagine you think you’re on course to graduate, ready to show up at a new school, and now you have to call and explain to them what’s going on. Now you’re coming with baggage. They’re probably wondering who is this guy and what was going on at Syracuse? A lot of unanswered questions from their end and perspective.
“We called and got in straightened out. They (UT staff) understand what was happening.”
Moore was working out on campus with Syracuse teammates who were leaving the program (they were not allowed to use the football facility). Now, he must find way to work out in Austin before stepping on UT’s campus.
“Voluntary workouts is something that I definitely will be doing,” Moore said. “Having a semester off from football will definitely set you back. Maybe not set you back, but not give you a chance to advance to get as strong as you could be with the team. Obviously, a D-I program, when you’re eating meals, and you’re getting protein shakes, that can’t compare to working out on your own and eating on your own. That is the only thing I see right now as the hump. Just getting there and getting adjusted and getting back into tip-top shape.
“(As far as the playbook), I also played center at Syracuse one spring, and I got super football smart that way. I’ve played in three offenses, from no-huddle to huddle to the triple option. I feel like the offense is not going to be a problem. I never had a problem learning the offense, even as a freshman coming in. It’s the same concepts after a while, just different names.” (Richardson)
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This could end up being the last update you read about former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire in the War Room.
Sure, Texas is technically still one of Zaire’s grad transfer options. There is a chance Zaire could eventually land in Austin. Theoretically, Zaire could compete against Shane Buechele this summer and have a chance to start against Maryland in the season.
However, after a conversation with a member of Zaire’s camp on Thursday, I think it is safe to say the quarterback is all chips in on Florida, and he'd better hope the SEC reverses its grad transfer rule. If Zaire cannot attend Florida, I am not convinced he will land at Texas.
When I spoke to a member of Zaire’s camp, I asked that person about their interest in Florida. The person’s immediate response was to reiterate to me Zaire’s interest in Texas.
“I really think he is considering Texas because of the opportunity to come and start,” I was told. “The Florida deal is a wait-and-see, and also see what they have to offer overall school wise. Hell, you know these young people. You just don't know until it happens sometimes ... He really wants to play at the next level and finding the offense that could expose him is the key. I think I know where but I don't want to misspeak.”
It sounds good, but the facts of this situation say otherwise.
As I previously reported, Zaire’s potential transfer to Florida is contingent on the SEC altering a grad transfer rule. Two previous graduate transfers to land at Florida — OT Mason Halter and LB Anthony Harrell — did not meet academic requirements during their time in Gainesville. As a result, the SEC rule restricted Florida from taking any more graduate transfers for three years, starting in 2016.
However, if the league amends the restriction to one year, Zaire could be free to enroll at Florida and compete for the starting quarterback job this fall. The SEC meetings will be held May 30 through June 2 at the Hilton Sandestin in Destin, Florida.
Now, here is why it seems unlikely Zaire will transfer to Texas.
Summer school at UT begins on June 1.
In fact, incoming players are expected to be on campus Memorial Day weekend.
That means Texas will start summer classes and conditioning drills on June 1 while Zaire is still waiting to hear from the SEC.
To make matters worse for Texas, Zaire has not applied for entry into UT's grad program. In addition, I was told Zaire wants to make campus visits before announcing a final decision.
I informed that member of Zaire’s camp of the start of Texas’ summer school, and said if he missed that deadline, the quarterback would have to wait for the second summer school session to being on July 10.
What was the response?
“Interesting,” I was told. “Didn't know that.”
If Zaire was really interested in Texas, everyone in his camp would know that. This would not be brand new information. Instead, this was the first time anyone realized their Plan B could be taken off the table if Zaire remains all chips in on Florida.
Zaire might be a good quarterback, but it is hard - not impossible - to hit campus in July and be ready to start in a month-and-a-half. Not only did Buechele start in 12 games last season, he has been studying the playbook and developing a relationship with the coaching staff since offseason workouts began in January. Zaire wants a chance to start this season, and it seems unlikely he will have that chance at Texas if he misses the start of summer school next week.
After speaking with the Zaire camp for months, the one thing they have not factored into this decision is the SEC’s pettiness.
This is a league that did everything in its power to get rid of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh’s satellite camps in its backyard. LSU recently led a successful campaign to rid its state of satellite camps from several schools, including Texas. Now, the Zaire’s are optimistic this conference will reverse a rule that will help Florida obtain a viable quarterback. It could happen, but Zaire is definitely taking a leap of faith.
Florida’s first summer school session began on May 8, which is when the Gators began their summer conditioning program. The second session begins on June 26. A source in Gainesville said 17 incoming players will enroll in that session. That is likely the time frame Zaire is hoping to arrive in Gainesville.
In fact, the source in Gainesville confirmed that Florida is Zaire’s top choice, and Texas is the backup plan.
If Zaire is unable to attend Florida, it would take a major scramble for him to get into Texas next month. He could be forced to wait until July.
When I presented this scenario to that person in Zaire’s camp, they double-downed.
“Well, he is conditioning now and has been since February, and he is smart enough to learn the O (offense),” I was told.
When I pointed out the challenge of overthrowing Buechele, he has a major head start on Zaire, that person was unfazed.
“True, but that's why they call it practice and putting in some extra work, and he doesn't mind that,” I was told.
Just in case you were wondering, Harvard begins summer school on June 17, while Wisconsin starts on June 19.
Honestly, unless the SEC reverses its grad transfer rule, or Zaire has an unforeseen change of heart, there is nothing left to write from a Texas perspective. Texas football coach Tom Herman tried to acquire LSU grad transfer quarterback Brandon Harris and Zaire. Harris was unable to get into Texas’ grad program and landed at North Carolina, while the Longhorns are currently Zaire’s backup option. Herman has tried to strengthen the quarterback room, and he may have to rely on freshman Sam Ehlinger and Buechele this season until Cameron Rising and Casey Thompson hit campus next year.
We will see what happens during the SEC meetings next week. (Richardson)
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Spring Dekaney tight end Malcolm Epps has been pretty open on social media about his strong feelings for Texas, and he tweeted this week that he'll be attending a UT mini-camp in a couple weeks.
We caught up with Epps, who said he'll attend the camp with his little brother and Dekaney teammate. Epps was unsure if he would actually work out.
Epps, who will visit UCLA this weekend while in Cali with his AAU hoops team, has had people talking all spring because he continues to rock UT gear at various events. I asked Epps if he knew he had people buzzing about his attire, or if it was a conscious decision.
"I'm just rocking the gear I've got. I've got a lot of UT stuff," he said.
The 6-6, 225-pound Epps said "everybody that has offered" is high on his list, but he admits the Longhorns are drawing strong consideration.
"Texas, it's just at home, my people can come see me," Epps said. "I'll be at home more than if I was out of state."
Epps said he has a "very close" relationship with the UT staff and he talks to Corby Meekins regularly.
"He says he's going to treat me right," Epps said. "He knows where I'm from, and they'll use me in the right way."
This one is trending UT's way and it feels like there's a chance it could end sooner rather than later, but Epps did say this week that he won't make any final decisions until National Signing Day. One of the big questions with UT's tight end recruiting for next year's class is if the Longhorns can land both Epps and Mustapha Muhammad. I posed that question to Epps, wondering if having Muhammad on the market could influence the timing of his decision. Epps said the two are close, but they've talked about not playing together in college.
So what does Epps bring to the table if Texas lands him?
"I don't think of myself as a tight end, more of a slower receiver. I like blocking though. I can flex out, can run routes like a receiver, I'm hard to guard in open space one on one," Epps said. "It's getting to the point I'm hard to guard with two people too."
Recently, Epps tweeted that he had picked up a UT hoops scholarship. He clarified when I talked to him this week, saying he was offered a chance to walk on and play. He does want to go to a school that will allow him the opportunity to play both sports. (Suchomel)
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Texas extended an offer to Louisville Trinity wide receiver Rondale Moore this week. On the surface, the offer seemed interesting considering Texas already has one slot-type of receiver commitment in Justin Watkins and the Longhorns are in on other similar top prospects in the state. Then you put on the tape and see Moore racing up and down the field and the offer makes perfect sense.
I caught up with the 5-9, 175-pound speedster to get some details on the offer. Moore said when his coach relayed word of the offer, he was "pretty excited about that one."
Texas has been in touch for a while, and a member of the Texas staff (presumably Drew Mehringer but not positive on that) stopped by his school this week, watched him work out and told one of his coaches he liked what he's seen
"Honestly, they can't talk (during the school visit). He had just told my offensive coordinator he liked my speed, my work ethic, how I got everything done," Moore said. "We had been talking for a while, so I kind of knew I was probably getting an offer."
Where does Texas now fit on his list?
"They're definitely high. Honestly, playing in Austin, Texas, and offensively, they like to run four wide, five wide - like to get the offense out and going," Moore said.
At The Opening regionals in Chicago, Moore turned in the nation's third-highest Nike Football Rating (trailing only Baylor DB commit Christian Morgan and ucommitted DB Kenneth Dicks). He also clocked the fastest 40 time in the nation at 4.33.
Moore told me he does not have a list of favorites right now, and he doesn't plan on committing until close to National Signing Day. The good news for Texas is that he has a genuine interest and said he will "definitely" get to Austin this summer for a visit.
Moore missed most of his junior year due to transfer rules and only got to play in the final four games of his team's season. In those four contests, he made 20 catches for 464 yards and recorded 10 scores.
"I feel like I'm just a versatile player, a moveable piece in the offense," Moore said. "I'm very good in the return game, punt returns, kickoffs. One aspect in my game I can improve on is my blocking."
We'll follow up with Moore later in the summer to see if he does in fact wind up visiting Texas. (Suchomel)
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Some quick-hitter notes a number of the Horns' top targets for 2018 ...
--- There's been talk of Texas making a run at Marshall offensive lineman and LSU commitment Chasen Hines. I connected with Hines this week via text to see if he might be hitting a UT camp. He said he's not. I asked Hines if Texas was still in the picture or if he's 100 percent committed to LSU?
"110 percent," Hines said.
--- Safety Leon O'Neal told Rivals.com's Nick Krueger recently that Texas is still very much under consideration for his commitment, but I'm hearing you can pretty much shut that one down. The Longhorns have one defensive back commitment from do-everything DB Caden Sterns and with Texas looking very good with B.J. Foster, who will be announcing his decision on June 5, don't look for the UT staff to push for O'Neal.
--- In case you missed it in our football recruiting thread earlier this week, top tight end target Mustapha Muhammad told us he'll likely be hitting Texas for a camp in June, or for an unofficial visit in early summer.
Recently, Muhammad and I exchanged texts about coaches stopping by his school in the spring. When we signed off, I wished him well, and Mustapha responded with a Hook'em hand signal emoji. Probably doesn't mean much, but it can't be a bad thing.
Texas has made up a ton of ground in this one but the guess here is Muhammad's decision will come down to how well the Longhorns play in the fall and how the Texas recruiting class is shaping up.
--- Nothing really new to report on B.J. Foster, other than his June 5 commitment date. Foster told me this week he will not be attending a UT camp before that, but this one still looks great for Texas, as it has from the jump. A decision for anyone but the Longhorns would be a huge shock.
--- Conroe Oak Ridge defensive end Joseph Ossai has felt like an A&M lean for a while, but Texas did a great job of closing that gap when he visited earlier this spring. Ossai will be back in Austin very soon for an unofficial visit
--- Rivals 100 LB Amari Gainer is set to announce his commitment tomorrow out of a final four that includes Texas, Florida State, Miami and Alabama. This one looks like the hometown Seminoles will land the Tallahassee Chiles standout, but Gainer told us on Thursday he'll still be visiting Texas this summer.
"I'm for sure visiting," he said. "We have a college bus tour and going to a bunch of schools."
Don't be surprised to see Gainer in Austin for an official visit in the fall either, according to Rivals.com's Rob Cassidy. (Suchomel)
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Can Shaka Smart pull off another gigantic, late recruiting get?
La Lumiere (La Porte, Indiana via Saginaw, Michigan) small forward Brian Bowen became a popular hoops prospect in Longhorn Land again this week following CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reporting that Texas was again a real option to land the five-star wing. And after checking around, we reported that what once was non-existent – Texas and Bowen – was suddenly existent again. But how much?
Everything I’ve heard recently makes me believe there still isn’t a significant chance Bowen ends up at Texas. The recruitment was given a recent jolt following the news of Mohamed Bamba signing with Texas and Andrew Jones returning to the 40 Acres. However, it doesn’t sound like that jolt has led to much else at the moment.
Is Bowen still worth following? Sure. After all, we’re discussing a kid that’s “planned” on committing more times than anyone in the 2017 class, and probably by a wide margin; he is the roller coaster of the 2017 class. But I still think Longhorn fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. (McComas)
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Let’s go through an updated overview of Texas’s 2018 hoops recruiting:
Keldon Johnson (guard/wing)
Ranking: No. 32 overall
High school: Huntington Prep (Huntington, West Virginia)
AAU: Boo Williams (Nike)
Synopsis: Probably the top priority for Texas among any 2018 recruit, Johnson hears from Texas more than any other school. North Carolina has started sniffing around, but I believe Texas is the team to beat right now.
He’s tough, extremely competitive, can score, can defend, and is probably going to end up a five-star prospect if the perimeter game progresses.
Quentin Grimes (combo guard)
Ranking: No. 12 overall
High School: College Park (The Woodlands)
AAU: Basketball University (adidas)
Synopsis: Smart and Jai Lucas have done their best to make sure Grimes knows he’s a top priority, but the Longhorns are competing against the likes of Kentucky, Arizona, a host of other big names, and Duke will probably offer in the future. I’m still of the opinion the chances of Texas pulling Grimes away from the national bluebloods are low. But with the run Smart is on, don’t ever count him out.
David McCormack (center)
Ranking: No. 60 overall
High School: Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia)
AAU: Team Loaded VA (adidas)
Synopsis: A very close friend of future Texas point guard Matt Coleman, McCormack is emerging as one of the best bigs in the 2018 class. He’s also landed on a ton of programs’ recruiting lists. The Longhorns have done a good job getting in on him early, and staying on him consistently. He’s definitely one of the highest priorities for Texas, but he probably will be for a large list of top programs. I think Texas is in solid shape right now, but too early to know how strong of a position it is in.
Gerald Liddell (wing/forward)
Ranking: No. 22 overall
High School: Cibolo Steele (Cibolo)
AAU: RM5 Elite (Nike)
Synopsis: After spending some time talking to Liddell, a 6-7 wing with three-level scoring ability in the future, it’s clear that he and Jai Lucas have a tight relationship, and that Lucas has spent a ton of time recruiting him. Liddell is a tough guy to figure out because he’s almost avoided listing the Texas schools in the past, but if the Longhorns aren’t in his top group, then he fooled me.
“Oh, I have a real tight relationship with that program. Probably a 10 out of 10. I talk to coach Lucas and coach Smart. We (him and Lucas) have a tight relationship; more brother to brother. Those are the guys I really deal with over there. It’s right down the road. It’s like 45 minutes away, so it’s easy to get to. I’ve been there a lot of times. I have a real tight relationship with that staff and players. ally all the time.”
Matthew Mayer (wing/forward)
Ranking: No. 76 overall
High School: Westlake (Austin)
AAU: Houston Hoops (Nike)
Synopsis: He told OB in Atlanta he hears from Texas, Baylor and Texas A&M the most. I think he’s a guy that will pop up on campus a couple of times over the summer (he said he plans to make some visits and play in open gyms), but I also think he’s much more likely to end up at Texas A&M and Baylor than Texas right now.
Jaedon LeDee (wing/forward)
Ranking: No. 64 overall
High School: Kinkaid School (Houston)
AAU: Texas Pro (adidas)
Synopsis: At 6-8, 225 pounds, LeDee is another intriguing forward-type that could profile as an inside-outside presence at the next level. His recruitment will come down to which schools make him the biggest priority, and I’m not sure who those schools are at the moment. He’s a prospect that’s heard from a lot of schools for a long time, but outside of someone like Marquette, it’s unclear who has him at the top of the list.
Brock Cunningham
Ranking: Three-star prospect
High School: Westlake (Austin)
AAU: Urban ASAK (adidas)
Synopsis: After kicking ass all weekend in Dallas during the first April evaluation period, Cunningham received an offer from the Longhorns during a visit. Oklahoma got in on Cunningham a little earlier as a high-major recruiting him intensely, and could remain a threat. However, Cunningham has Texas ties (his father is Ed Cunningham, a former All-American along the UT offensive line), and grew up following the Longhorns.
Keep a close eye on Cunningham. It seems like Texas really, really likes him and that he’s emerged as a priority.
Dwayne Cohill
Ranking: No. 66 overall
High School: Holy Name (Cleveland, Ohio)
AAU: Ohio Basketball Club (adidas)
Synopsis: An intriguing combo guard with some point guard skill, Cohill really likes Texas, and Texas remains in contact. But I’m of the opinion he’ll be prioritized and recruited harder by other programs, like Xavier and West Virginia. Texas adding Elijah Long as a transfer takes pressure of it adding a point guard, or someone that could potentially play point, in the 2018 class.
Kaden Archie
Ranking: Three-star prospect
High School: Midlothian (Midlothian)
AAU: Urban DFW Elite
Synopsis: Like Cunningham, Archie was offered quickly after a fantastic performance during the first April evaluation period. And like Cunningham, he should be followed closely. I think it could end up being a LSU/Texas battle, but it’s early. Archie is the kind of aggressive, tenacious guard/wing Texas needs more of.
Jared Butler
Ranking: Three-star prospect
High School: Riverside Academy (Reserve, Louisiana)
AAU: Mississippi Express
Synopsis: Texas and Alabama are seemingly out in front for Butler after talking to him in person. He wants to visit both this summer, and Texas offered after seeing him up close in April.
Butler is a tough, playmaking guard that could legitimately play point guard. It would be a surprise if Texas didn’t get him on campus for a visit. He's been one of the better guards on the Nike EYBL Circuit thus far after not playing basketball last summer (meniscus injury).
Kamaka Hepa
Ranking: No. 35 overall
High School: Jefferson (Portland, Oregon)
AAU: Portland Basketball Club
Synopsis: A 6-8 forward, Hepa is smart, skilled, a team player, and very competitive. After seeing him up close, I know why Shaka Smart is interested. He’s the kind of forward, teammate, and competitor Texas likes.
Hepa’s recruitment is tough to get a feel for at the moment, but the Longhorns are following closely. And they offered a long time ago.
Other names to follow: Kyler Edwards, Brandon Johns, Aaron Wiggins.
(McComas)
The week began with Herman learning incoming freshman tight end Reese Leitao’s felony charge of intent to distribute a controlled substance was reduced to a charge of possession of a schedule IV drug, a misdemeanor. The reduction will likely mean Leitao would be able to keep his scholarship at UT and play football this season. Tight end is a position of need, and Leitao has a chance to compete for a starting spot.
That same day, we learned Texas linebacker Erick Fowler is expected to transfer because of academic reasons. Fowler’s likely departure left one less body in the room, and he is the third player from the 2016 class to part ways with Texas (Jordan Elliott and Marcel Southall are the other athletes).
Well, add Syracuse tight end Kendall Moore situation to the list of setbacks this week.
Moore was expected to graduate from Syracuse with a communications degree, enroll in Texas next week and begin summer workouts with his new team.
However, I was told Moore did not graduate because he is two credits shy of Texas’ grad school entry requirements (he intends to major in sports management), which means he may not join the team until June or July.
“It was a mis-advisement by Syracuse,” Moore told me. “I just have to enroll in the summer class and enroll in Texas (after I) finish up. I was actually two credits short, which is crazy to me that I was allowed to go the whole semester. We have seven academic football advisors who do that. I’m a conspiracy (theorist) … I think it was just ‘Alright, Kendall is leaving. Let’s just let him do his own thing.’
“The coaches (at Texas), we have been working overtime to make sure everything is taken care of. I’m not too worried about it. I’m already enrolled and ready to get to work.”
Moore said he is currently enrolled in an online class at Syracuse. Once he finishes that class, the final graduation transcript will be sent to Texas, and he plans to enroll at UT.
However, Moore cannot officially participate in the summer program until he has enrolled in Texas. Instead, he plans to arrive in Austin on Monday and find Longhorn players to work out with (unofficially) until he is cleared. According to Moore, he should be enrolled before Texas’ second summer session, which begins on July 10. He hopes to be admitted between mid-June and early July.
“I was more than disappointed when I found out because it just pushed everything back,” Moore said. “Imagine you think you’re on course to graduate, ready to show up at a new school, and now you have to call and explain to them what’s going on. Now you’re coming with baggage. They’re probably wondering who is this guy and what was going on at Syracuse? A lot of unanswered questions from their end and perspective.
“We called and got in straightened out. They (UT staff) understand what was happening.”
Moore was working out on campus with Syracuse teammates who were leaving the program (they were not allowed to use the football facility). Now, he must find way to work out in Austin before stepping on UT’s campus.
“Voluntary workouts is something that I definitely will be doing,” Moore said. “Having a semester off from football will definitely set you back. Maybe not set you back, but not give you a chance to advance to get as strong as you could be with the team. Obviously, a D-I program, when you’re eating meals, and you’re getting protein shakes, that can’t compare to working out on your own and eating on your own. That is the only thing I see right now as the hump. Just getting there and getting adjusted and getting back into tip-top shape.
“(As far as the playbook), I also played center at Syracuse one spring, and I got super football smart that way. I’ve played in three offenses, from no-huddle to huddle to the triple option. I feel like the offense is not going to be a problem. I never had a problem learning the offense, even as a freshman coming in. It’s the same concepts after a while, just different names.” (Richardson)
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This could end up being the last update you read about former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire in the War Room.
Sure, Texas is technically still one of Zaire’s grad transfer options. There is a chance Zaire could eventually land in Austin. Theoretically, Zaire could compete against Shane Buechele this summer and have a chance to start against Maryland in the season.
However, after a conversation with a member of Zaire’s camp on Thursday, I think it is safe to say the quarterback is all chips in on Florida, and he'd better hope the SEC reverses its grad transfer rule. If Zaire cannot attend Florida, I am not convinced he will land at Texas.
When I spoke to a member of Zaire’s camp, I asked that person about their interest in Florida. The person’s immediate response was to reiterate to me Zaire’s interest in Texas.
“I really think he is considering Texas because of the opportunity to come and start,” I was told. “The Florida deal is a wait-and-see, and also see what they have to offer overall school wise. Hell, you know these young people. You just don't know until it happens sometimes ... He really wants to play at the next level and finding the offense that could expose him is the key. I think I know where but I don't want to misspeak.”
It sounds good, but the facts of this situation say otherwise.
As I previously reported, Zaire’s potential transfer to Florida is contingent on the SEC altering a grad transfer rule. Two previous graduate transfers to land at Florida — OT Mason Halter and LB Anthony Harrell — did not meet academic requirements during their time in Gainesville. As a result, the SEC rule restricted Florida from taking any more graduate transfers for three years, starting in 2016.
However, if the league amends the restriction to one year, Zaire could be free to enroll at Florida and compete for the starting quarterback job this fall. The SEC meetings will be held May 30 through June 2 at the Hilton Sandestin in Destin, Florida.
Now, here is why it seems unlikely Zaire will transfer to Texas.
Summer school at UT begins on June 1.
In fact, incoming players are expected to be on campus Memorial Day weekend.
That means Texas will start summer classes and conditioning drills on June 1 while Zaire is still waiting to hear from the SEC.
To make matters worse for Texas, Zaire has not applied for entry into UT's grad program. In addition, I was told Zaire wants to make campus visits before announcing a final decision.
I informed that member of Zaire’s camp of the start of Texas’ summer school, and said if he missed that deadline, the quarterback would have to wait for the second summer school session to being on July 10.
What was the response?
“Interesting,” I was told. “Didn't know that.”
If Zaire was really interested in Texas, everyone in his camp would know that. This would not be brand new information. Instead, this was the first time anyone realized their Plan B could be taken off the table if Zaire remains all chips in on Florida.
Zaire might be a good quarterback, but it is hard - not impossible - to hit campus in July and be ready to start in a month-and-a-half. Not only did Buechele start in 12 games last season, he has been studying the playbook and developing a relationship with the coaching staff since offseason workouts began in January. Zaire wants a chance to start this season, and it seems unlikely he will have that chance at Texas if he misses the start of summer school next week.
After speaking with the Zaire camp for months, the one thing they have not factored into this decision is the SEC’s pettiness.
This is a league that did everything in its power to get rid of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh’s satellite camps in its backyard. LSU recently led a successful campaign to rid its state of satellite camps from several schools, including Texas. Now, the Zaire’s are optimistic this conference will reverse a rule that will help Florida obtain a viable quarterback. It could happen, but Zaire is definitely taking a leap of faith.
Florida’s first summer school session began on May 8, which is when the Gators began their summer conditioning program. The second session begins on June 26. A source in Gainesville said 17 incoming players will enroll in that session. That is likely the time frame Zaire is hoping to arrive in Gainesville.
In fact, the source in Gainesville confirmed that Florida is Zaire’s top choice, and Texas is the backup plan.
If Zaire is unable to attend Florida, it would take a major scramble for him to get into Texas next month. He could be forced to wait until July.
When I presented this scenario to that person in Zaire’s camp, they double-downed.
“Well, he is conditioning now and has been since February, and he is smart enough to learn the O (offense),” I was told.
When I pointed out the challenge of overthrowing Buechele, he has a major head start on Zaire, that person was unfazed.
“True, but that's why they call it practice and putting in some extra work, and he doesn't mind that,” I was told.
Just in case you were wondering, Harvard begins summer school on June 17, while Wisconsin starts on June 19.
Honestly, unless the SEC reverses its grad transfer rule, or Zaire has an unforeseen change of heart, there is nothing left to write from a Texas perspective. Texas football coach Tom Herman tried to acquire LSU grad transfer quarterback Brandon Harris and Zaire. Harris was unable to get into Texas’ grad program and landed at North Carolina, while the Longhorns are currently Zaire’s backup option. Herman has tried to strengthen the quarterback room, and he may have to rely on freshman Sam Ehlinger and Buechele this season until Cameron Rising and Casey Thompson hit campus next year.
We will see what happens during the SEC meetings next week. (Richardson)
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Spring Dekaney tight end Malcolm Epps has been pretty open on social media about his strong feelings for Texas, and he tweeted this week that he'll be attending a UT mini-camp in a couple weeks.
We caught up with Epps, who said he'll attend the camp with his little brother and Dekaney teammate. Epps was unsure if he would actually work out.
Epps, who will visit UCLA this weekend while in Cali with his AAU hoops team, has had people talking all spring because he continues to rock UT gear at various events. I asked Epps if he knew he had people buzzing about his attire, or if it was a conscious decision.
"I'm just rocking the gear I've got. I've got a lot of UT stuff," he said.
The 6-6, 225-pound Epps said "everybody that has offered" is high on his list, but he admits the Longhorns are drawing strong consideration.
"Texas, it's just at home, my people can come see me," Epps said. "I'll be at home more than if I was out of state."
Epps said he has a "very close" relationship with the UT staff and he talks to Corby Meekins regularly.
"He says he's going to treat me right," Epps said. "He knows where I'm from, and they'll use me in the right way."
This one is trending UT's way and it feels like there's a chance it could end sooner rather than later, but Epps did say this week that he won't make any final decisions until National Signing Day. One of the big questions with UT's tight end recruiting for next year's class is if the Longhorns can land both Epps and Mustapha Muhammad. I posed that question to Epps, wondering if having Muhammad on the market could influence the timing of his decision. Epps said the two are close, but they've talked about not playing together in college.
So what does Epps bring to the table if Texas lands him?
"I don't think of myself as a tight end, more of a slower receiver. I like blocking though. I can flex out, can run routes like a receiver, I'm hard to guard in open space one on one," Epps said. "It's getting to the point I'm hard to guard with two people too."
Recently, Epps tweeted that he had picked up a UT hoops scholarship. He clarified when I talked to him this week, saying he was offered a chance to walk on and play. He does want to go to a school that will allow him the opportunity to play both sports. (Suchomel)
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Texas extended an offer to Louisville Trinity wide receiver Rondale Moore this week. On the surface, the offer seemed interesting considering Texas already has one slot-type of receiver commitment in Justin Watkins and the Longhorns are in on other similar top prospects in the state. Then you put on the tape and see Moore racing up and down the field and the offer makes perfect sense.
I caught up with the 5-9, 175-pound speedster to get some details on the offer. Moore said when his coach relayed word of the offer, he was "pretty excited about that one."
Texas has been in touch for a while, and a member of the Texas staff (presumably Drew Mehringer but not positive on that) stopped by his school this week, watched him work out and told one of his coaches he liked what he's seen
"Honestly, they can't talk (during the school visit). He had just told my offensive coordinator he liked my speed, my work ethic, how I got everything done," Moore said. "We had been talking for a while, so I kind of knew I was probably getting an offer."
Where does Texas now fit on his list?
"They're definitely high. Honestly, playing in Austin, Texas, and offensively, they like to run four wide, five wide - like to get the offense out and going," Moore said.
At The Opening regionals in Chicago, Moore turned in the nation's third-highest Nike Football Rating (trailing only Baylor DB commit Christian Morgan and ucommitted DB Kenneth Dicks). He also clocked the fastest 40 time in the nation at 4.33.
Moore told me he does not have a list of favorites right now, and he doesn't plan on committing until close to National Signing Day. The good news for Texas is that he has a genuine interest and said he will "definitely" get to Austin this summer for a visit.
Moore missed most of his junior year due to transfer rules and only got to play in the final four games of his team's season. In those four contests, he made 20 catches for 464 yards and recorded 10 scores.
"I feel like I'm just a versatile player, a moveable piece in the offense," Moore said. "I'm very good in the return game, punt returns, kickoffs. One aspect in my game I can improve on is my blocking."
We'll follow up with Moore later in the summer to see if he does in fact wind up visiting Texas. (Suchomel)
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Some quick-hitter notes a number of the Horns' top targets for 2018 ...
--- There's been talk of Texas making a run at Marshall offensive lineman and LSU commitment Chasen Hines. I connected with Hines this week via text to see if he might be hitting a UT camp. He said he's not. I asked Hines if Texas was still in the picture or if he's 100 percent committed to LSU?
"110 percent," Hines said.
--- Safety Leon O'Neal told Rivals.com's Nick Krueger recently that Texas is still very much under consideration for his commitment, but I'm hearing you can pretty much shut that one down. The Longhorns have one defensive back commitment from do-everything DB Caden Sterns and with Texas looking very good with B.J. Foster, who will be announcing his decision on June 5, don't look for the UT staff to push for O'Neal.
--- In case you missed it in our football recruiting thread earlier this week, top tight end target Mustapha Muhammad told us he'll likely be hitting Texas for a camp in June, or for an unofficial visit in early summer.
Recently, Muhammad and I exchanged texts about coaches stopping by his school in the spring. When we signed off, I wished him well, and Mustapha responded with a Hook'em hand signal emoji. Probably doesn't mean much, but it can't be a bad thing.
Texas has made up a ton of ground in this one but the guess here is Muhammad's decision will come down to how well the Longhorns play in the fall and how the Texas recruiting class is shaping up.
--- Nothing really new to report on B.J. Foster, other than his June 5 commitment date. Foster told me this week he will not be attending a UT camp before that, but this one still looks great for Texas, as it has from the jump. A decision for anyone but the Longhorns would be a huge shock.
--- Conroe Oak Ridge defensive end Joseph Ossai has felt like an A&M lean for a while, but Texas did a great job of closing that gap when he visited earlier this spring. Ossai will be back in Austin very soon for an unofficial visit
--- Rivals 100 LB Amari Gainer is set to announce his commitment tomorrow out of a final four that includes Texas, Florida State, Miami and Alabama. This one looks like the hometown Seminoles will land the Tallahassee Chiles standout, but Gainer told us on Thursday he'll still be visiting Texas this summer.
"I'm for sure visiting," he said. "We have a college bus tour and going to a bunch of schools."
Don't be surprised to see Gainer in Austin for an official visit in the fall either, according to Rivals.com's Rob Cassidy. (Suchomel)
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Can Shaka Smart pull off another gigantic, late recruiting get?
La Lumiere (La Porte, Indiana via Saginaw, Michigan) small forward Brian Bowen became a popular hoops prospect in Longhorn Land again this week following CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reporting that Texas was again a real option to land the five-star wing. And after checking around, we reported that what once was non-existent – Texas and Bowen – was suddenly existent again. But how much?
Everything I’ve heard recently makes me believe there still isn’t a significant chance Bowen ends up at Texas. The recruitment was given a recent jolt following the news of Mohamed Bamba signing with Texas and Andrew Jones returning to the 40 Acres. However, it doesn’t sound like that jolt has led to much else at the moment.
Is Bowen still worth following? Sure. After all, we’re discussing a kid that’s “planned” on committing more times than anyone in the 2017 class, and probably by a wide margin; he is the roller coaster of the 2017 class. But I still think Longhorn fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. (McComas)
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Let’s go through an updated overview of Texas’s 2018 hoops recruiting:
Keldon Johnson (guard/wing)
Ranking: No. 32 overall
High school: Huntington Prep (Huntington, West Virginia)
AAU: Boo Williams (Nike)
Synopsis: Probably the top priority for Texas among any 2018 recruit, Johnson hears from Texas more than any other school. North Carolina has started sniffing around, but I believe Texas is the team to beat right now.
He’s tough, extremely competitive, can score, can defend, and is probably going to end up a five-star prospect if the perimeter game progresses.
Quentin Grimes (combo guard)
Ranking: No. 12 overall
High School: College Park (The Woodlands)
AAU: Basketball University (adidas)
Synopsis: Smart and Jai Lucas have done their best to make sure Grimes knows he’s a top priority, but the Longhorns are competing against the likes of Kentucky, Arizona, a host of other big names, and Duke will probably offer in the future. I’m still of the opinion the chances of Texas pulling Grimes away from the national bluebloods are low. But with the run Smart is on, don’t ever count him out.
David McCormack (center)
Ranking: No. 60 overall
High School: Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia)
AAU: Team Loaded VA (adidas)
Synopsis: A very close friend of future Texas point guard Matt Coleman, McCormack is emerging as one of the best bigs in the 2018 class. He’s also landed on a ton of programs’ recruiting lists. The Longhorns have done a good job getting in on him early, and staying on him consistently. He’s definitely one of the highest priorities for Texas, but he probably will be for a large list of top programs. I think Texas is in solid shape right now, but too early to know how strong of a position it is in.
Gerald Liddell (wing/forward)
Ranking: No. 22 overall
High School: Cibolo Steele (Cibolo)
AAU: RM5 Elite (Nike)
Synopsis: After spending some time talking to Liddell, a 6-7 wing with three-level scoring ability in the future, it’s clear that he and Jai Lucas have a tight relationship, and that Lucas has spent a ton of time recruiting him. Liddell is a tough guy to figure out because he’s almost avoided listing the Texas schools in the past, but if the Longhorns aren’t in his top group, then he fooled me.
“Oh, I have a real tight relationship with that program. Probably a 10 out of 10. I talk to coach Lucas and coach Smart. We (him and Lucas) have a tight relationship; more brother to brother. Those are the guys I really deal with over there. It’s right down the road. It’s like 45 minutes away, so it’s easy to get to. I’ve been there a lot of times. I have a real tight relationship with that staff and players. ally all the time.”
Matthew Mayer (wing/forward)
Ranking: No. 76 overall
High School: Westlake (Austin)
AAU: Houston Hoops (Nike)
Synopsis: He told OB in Atlanta he hears from Texas, Baylor and Texas A&M the most. I think he’s a guy that will pop up on campus a couple of times over the summer (he said he plans to make some visits and play in open gyms), but I also think he’s much more likely to end up at Texas A&M and Baylor than Texas right now.
Jaedon LeDee (wing/forward)
Ranking: No. 64 overall
High School: Kinkaid School (Houston)
AAU: Texas Pro (adidas)
Synopsis: At 6-8, 225 pounds, LeDee is another intriguing forward-type that could profile as an inside-outside presence at the next level. His recruitment will come down to which schools make him the biggest priority, and I’m not sure who those schools are at the moment. He’s a prospect that’s heard from a lot of schools for a long time, but outside of someone like Marquette, it’s unclear who has him at the top of the list.
Brock Cunningham
Ranking: Three-star prospect
High School: Westlake (Austin)
AAU: Urban ASAK (adidas)
Synopsis: After kicking ass all weekend in Dallas during the first April evaluation period, Cunningham received an offer from the Longhorns during a visit. Oklahoma got in on Cunningham a little earlier as a high-major recruiting him intensely, and could remain a threat. However, Cunningham has Texas ties (his father is Ed Cunningham, a former All-American along the UT offensive line), and grew up following the Longhorns.
Keep a close eye on Cunningham. It seems like Texas really, really likes him and that he’s emerged as a priority.
Dwayne Cohill
Ranking: No. 66 overall
High School: Holy Name (Cleveland, Ohio)
AAU: Ohio Basketball Club (adidas)
Synopsis: An intriguing combo guard with some point guard skill, Cohill really likes Texas, and Texas remains in contact. But I’m of the opinion he’ll be prioritized and recruited harder by other programs, like Xavier and West Virginia. Texas adding Elijah Long as a transfer takes pressure of it adding a point guard, or someone that could potentially play point, in the 2018 class.
Kaden Archie
Ranking: Three-star prospect
High School: Midlothian (Midlothian)
AAU: Urban DFW Elite
Synopsis: Like Cunningham, Archie was offered quickly after a fantastic performance during the first April evaluation period. And like Cunningham, he should be followed closely. I think it could end up being a LSU/Texas battle, but it’s early. Archie is the kind of aggressive, tenacious guard/wing Texas needs more of.
Jared Butler
Ranking: Three-star prospect
High School: Riverside Academy (Reserve, Louisiana)
AAU: Mississippi Express
Synopsis: Texas and Alabama are seemingly out in front for Butler after talking to him in person. He wants to visit both this summer, and Texas offered after seeing him up close in April.
Butler is a tough, playmaking guard that could legitimately play point guard. It would be a surprise if Texas didn’t get him on campus for a visit. He's been one of the better guards on the Nike EYBL Circuit thus far after not playing basketball last summer (meniscus injury).
Kamaka Hepa
Ranking: No. 35 overall
High School: Jefferson (Portland, Oregon)
AAU: Portland Basketball Club
Synopsis: A 6-8 forward, Hepa is smart, skilled, a team player, and very competitive. After seeing him up close, I know why Shaka Smart is interested. He’s the kind of forward, teammate, and competitor Texas likes.
Hepa’s recruitment is tough to get a feel for at the moment, but the Longhorns are following closely. And they offered a long time ago.
Other names to follow: Kyler Edwards, Brandon Johns, Aaron Wiggins.
(McComas)
