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Recruiting Thread 2017

OB War Room

Notes on 2017 as well as a little blurb about possible Baylor 2016 and current players

After spending weeks on the road recruiting, the staff has been back in Austin this week.

Texas coach Charlie Strong had his staff on the road for nearly a month hitting every school in Texas, including select spots out of state. The staff’s main goal was to blanket this state and hit as many schools as possible during the evaluation period.

Not only did the staff hit schools with notable recruits, but it intentionally visited places without highly coveted athletes. Strong wanted his staff to strengthen UT’s relationships with the high school coaches in Texas. The coaches believe even if a program did not have a highly recruited player, establishing a good relationship with all coaches may pay off if that school ever lands a player Texas may want to sign.

In addition, the staff opened its doors to high school coaches. The coaches wanted high school coaches to know they are welcome to visit UT’s campus in the future, which was just another way of strengthening their relationships throughout the state. (Richardson)

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Hooks ATH Montrell Estell surprised a lot of people when he committed to Texas last Friday.

I caught up with Estell this week to get more details on his decision, and it sounds like even he was a bit surprised at how things turned out.

Early last week, a lot of people had Estell pegged as a likely Texas A&M commit, but it was the Longhorns who won out. Texas is recruiting Estell to play DB, and that's the biggest reason he's currently on UT's commitment list.

Key quote: "It flipped," Estell said, noting he had been leaning towards committing to A&M. "I thought, you know what, a lot of players play wide receiver that are as tall and as big as me. There aren't a lot of players at DB as big and fast as me. Texas offered me as a safety, and Texas was best for me. Texas puts safeties in the NFL. If I was going to play wide receiver, I was going to A&M. But I think I'll be better at safety."

Background on his commitment: Estell told me he knew during the day on Friday that he was going to commit to Texas, but he wasn't sure when.

"I was at lunch talking to my friend and he said 'What are you waiting for?' So I called coach Strong. I was nervous at first, what do I say, how do I say it? But I was just happy.

"I feel good, feel proud of myself for making my decision, the decision to go to UT."

Upcoming plans: Estell, who told me he's 6-1 1/2 and 180 pounds barefoot and runs in the low 4.4 range, said he's been in touch with UT assistant coach Jeff Traylor since his decision. He also spoke with Texas A&M wide receivers coach Aaron Morehead after making his decision.

"He asked what happened, how I changed my mind so fast. I told him if I was going to play wide receiver, I was going to him. But I've changed my mind to play safety," Estell said. "He said he understood, said to keep my head up, hit him up if I change my mind."

Estell will still visit Texas A&M, as previously planned, on June 11. He expects A&M will put a hard sell on him during that trip.

"They're going to try their hardest to recruit me. I'll give them a chance just like anybody else," Estell said.

What could change things?: With his recruitment having shifted quickly and Estell keeping the door open just a crack, I asked him what would have to happen for him to really give A&M a chance.

For starters, Estell said, the Aggies would have to convince him they're going to be good on defense next year and have good defensive backs.

"I'm 100 percent. It would be pretty tough," Estell said. "I don't want to play anything else (besides DB). There's not much of a chance for me to change my mind."

Thoughts on Texas: Estell is trying to get to Austin on June 5 for the Longhorns' first mini-camp. He's not planning to work out, but wants to get to town to see the UT coaches and other Texas targets. That trip, along with the stop at A&M, are the only ones on the calendar.

Along with the Horns' history of producing defensive backs, Estell said it's the mentality of the UT coaches, including Charlie Strong, that stands out the most.

"Coach strong doesn't play. He tells you how it is. He gets with his kids, doesn't sugarcoat anything," Estell said. "I liked that when we went to visit. He makes sure you take care of business and go to classes like men are supposed to do." (Suchomel)

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For the last few weeks, Texas recruiting fans were expecting big news to break this Friday night.

Temple defensive end Taquon Graham had been planned to announce his commitment after his team's spring game on May 27, with Texas a heavy favorite to land the four-star prospect. On Monday evening, Graham announced that he wasn't quite ready and was going to push things back a bit.

"I kind of felt a little pushed. Not by anybody else, I more pushed by myself," Graham said. "I need to try to make a decision for myself. I realize I need to take my time, be smart about the situation. It's one of the bigger choices I've ever made. I'm trying to be mature about that."

Graham said he began having doubts about making a commitment a couple weeks ago. In talking to other coaches outside the state, the seed was planted that he should take his time and see some places. Graham agreed.

"I was just thinking about it. Some of the other schools recruiting me, as they were talking to me, I wasn't really listening to their recruiting pitch," Graham said. "I was listening to them saying I haven't gone anywhere else outside of Texas. I think I should explore more options, compare and contrast what all is out there."

Before pushing back his decision, Texas was believed to be the clear front-runner. TCU and Baylor were also being considered and Oklahoma was in the mix. Graham said this week that he had not yet completely settled on a school.

"I would say every school in Texas was under consideration. Oklahoma was. A couple others were under consideration too. It wasn't a solid 'Let's go with one team.' I always had some doubt. I wasn't 100 percent locked in," Graham said.

Graham said he's pretty sure he'd like to visit Oklahoma this summer. He doesn't have anything set up as far as camps or unofficial visit.

The 6-4, 240-pounder has talked to the coaches who have been recruiting him about his decision to delay his commitment. All of them were supportive, he said.

"I talked to some of them, especially Texas, TCU and Baylor," Graham said. "With me being so close and heavily recruited by them, they hit me up on a daily basis. They knew though. They were all cool about it, told me to take my time."

My thoughts: This one looked like it was all but locked in for Texas earlier in the week. Graham obviously has some hesitation about making a decision, which is never a good thing. Texas needs to hope that small hesitation doesn't grow into a bigger concern. If it doesn't, I'd still think the Longhorns are in a good spot to land him at some point. (Suchomel)

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In case you missed it, Rivals.com regional recruiting analyst Woody Womack confirmed for us on Thursday afternoon that highly sought-after linebacker Tyler Taylor will take an unofficial visit to Texas this weekend. Taylor, out of Sugar Hill (GA) Lanier, was at Oklahoma State on Thursday for a visit.

The 6-3, 220-pound Taylor is ranked as only a three-star prospect, but he has a lengthy offer list from schools all over the country, including Texas.

I checked with a source with some knowledge of Taylor's status and was told the following: "Probably staying in the Southeast although he is out taking visits."

The source went on to note that while Taylor is expected to stay closer to home, he is keeping an open mind and his family has the types of resources that would make traveling to an out-of-the-region school less of a hurdle.

For a little more background, here's what we were told when we checked on Taylor a few weeks ago ...

"It's interesting, they play in Texas' uniforms. You'll see him walking around in Longhorn gear, but it's rip-off of Texas' gear. He kind of came out of nowhere. Schools wereslow to get on him. If they (Texas) can get him to come down and visit they have a chance. But his mom is from the country in south Georgia. He feels like the classic Auburn/Georgia type guy."

Getting him on campus is the first step for the Longhorns to have any chance at all. That will happen this weekend, and we'll be following up to see how the trip goes. (Suchomel)

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Nothing new to report on potential walk-on kicker Chris Naggar's situation. As of Thursday afternoon, Naggar was still waiting to get more info on his status as a possible early enrollee.

Naggar fully plans to attempt to make the team, but at this point it's looking more and more like he won't be enrolling until the falls semester and will have to make the team via tryout. (Suchomel)

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As luck would have it, my timing in connecting with Missouri City Elkins LB Kenneth Murray was one day too early. I spoke with Murray this week and he things were fairly quiet between him and Texas in terms of direct contact. The next day, he picked up a UT offer.

Vance Bedford stopped by to evaluate Murray in the spring and Brick Haley had been in contact as well, but Murray wasn't sure early in the week if Texas would be offering. That changed on Wednesday, with Murray picking up what he called a "HUGE" offer from the Longhorns.

Murray told me he doesn't have any camps or visits set up for this summer, but mentioned that he'd like to take trips to Oklahoma, A&M and Baylor. You can probably add Texas into that mix as well.

As it stands right now, Murray says he's keeping an open mind and not looking to rush into a decision.

"I'm pretty open to everybody right now. I'm just trying to stay focused, go see the schools I need to see and go from there," he said. "I'm just taking it slowly."

We haven't reconnected with Murray since the UT offer but we'll try to catch up with the three-star prospect this weekend for a follow-up. (Suchomel)

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A quick note on Shawnee (OK) center Creed Humphrey, who holds a Texas offer.

Humphrey doesn't say much, but there's some chatter behind the scenes that he could be ready to make a decision as early as next week. The Longhorns, from what we're told, are one of the teams drawing strong consideration but Creed will likely wind up elsewhere. A&M and Oklahoma are heavily involved, as is Alabama. (Suchomel)

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Last on the football recruiting front, but certainly not least, are a few notes of interest from the Baylor bombshell that dropped on Thursday.

I'm hearing from my contacts that numerous Baylor 2016 signees are interested in testing the waters for potential transfers. In fact, I have it on good authority that one recruit has already sent in an appeal of his LOI to the NCAA.

From what I'm hearing in talking to numerous people, it's not a case that players are looking to automatically jump ship, but several are, at the very least, wanting to explore their options.

The same goes for current team members. I've heard today that a number of Baylor players are exploring the idea of requesting a release from their scholarship. Texas has been rumored as a potential option for at least one of those players.

We'll dive a little deeper into this story when the time is appropriate, or if things heat up between any players and Texas, but I can say with confidence that a handful of Baylor signees and current players are already exploring other options, and Texas is one of the schools being discussed by a few players. (Suchomel)


EJ Holland: Where Texas stands with K'Lavon Chaisson

To say Galena Park North Shore defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson is quiet would be an understatement. The four-star prospect likes to keep to himself when it comes to recruiting. In fact, Chaisson hardly does interviews and won’t even respond to coaches on a regular basis. “Recruiting is going well,” Chaisson said. “I try to keep things on the low and stay out of the media. I don’t really like all the attention like that. I just play ball and do what I do.”

It’s not that Chaisson doesn’t take recruiting seriously. He simply walks to the beat of his own drum. And there is no denying his talent. One of the state’s top overall recruits, Chaisson has reported more than 20 offers — he might actually have more but doesn’t really put all of them out in public. Texas extended an offer in early January, shortly after Chaisson helped Galena Park North Shore capture a state title and took home Defensive MVP honors. His talks with UT have been off and on, but he recently had an opportunity to meet his new area recruiter.

“Coach (Anthony) Johnson came by and introduced himself,” Chaisson said. “He’s the new running backs coach, and he’s going to start to recruit me. I don’t really respond to people, so it’s my fault. But I want to keep in touch with him and build a better relationship.” Chaisson added that he has a ‘good’ existing relationship with Brick Haley, who coached his father in college.

Chaisson plans to release his Top 10 schools early this summer. He said Texas is definitely in the mix, mostly because of its defensive scheme. “I like the Fox end position," he said. "That’s what’s really interesting about it. I think it fits me well. I want to make a visit down there this summer to see exactly how I would be used, how they can help me and things like that.” Baylor, LSU and Texas A&M are some of the other schools Chaisson wants to visit in coming months. He does not plan on making any kind of decision until National Signing Day. At 6-foot-4, 211 pounds, Chaisson is ranked as the No. 7 weak-side defensive end in the country and No. 13 overall prospect in the state, according to 247Sports Composite.


Da scoop - By: Eric Nahlin, Tim Preston, and Justin Wells

We dive straight into the deep waters that are Baylor Football and how it affects Texas moving forward. We add recruiting notes/quotes on future visitors and new offers. We also drop the news that a current Texas coach is on BU's radar to replace Art Briles. The Inside Scoop never disappoints.

From: Eric Nahlin

Has this been a wild offseason or what? Since the second the final whistle blew at Baylor this has been a whirlwind. My goodness. Speaking of Baylor, we'll get to that in a bit.

TYLER TAYLOR TO VISIT

Who? We've only talked about the Buford, Georgia native long enough for me to coin him Buford T. Justice. That alone makes me want him in the class but that's a long ways off.

I don't know much about him to be honest. I usually don't get serious about OOS players until they show genuine interest in Texas. That starts now.

Taylor is a big (6-foot-3, 220 pound linebacker) Mike 'backer who my guy Andrew Spivey says is leaning to Georgia or Tennessee. Spivey also says Taylor's a good player but a bit stiff. Most big Mike's are a bit stiff but Taylor moves well enough.

He visited Oklahoma on Thursday, and hitting up Stillwater (OSU) today so he's making the rounds. OU already dipped into Georgia this cycle with 4-star running back, Trey Sermon from Marietta.

He says he and his mother will be in Austin on Saturday.

"I've been talking to Texas a lot recently," said Taylor. "I had a good time in Norman, but am looking forward to seeing Austin."

The fact that Taylor will be a tough pull is ideal. Texas has three slots and will hold spots for Baron Browning and Anthony Hines until the end so what you want is a group of 4-5 guys down the stretch you've built strong relationships with. That's where Kenneth Murray comes in as well.

KENNETH MURRAY

The Elkins linebacker was offered this week. We wrote about him a couple of weeks ago after Vance Bedford went to watch him practice. Bedford was heard on the phone talking to someone at Texas trying to figure out why they haven't offered Murray yet. That's a good sign.

I caught up with Murray on Wednesday and it went like this:

IT: Congrats, man. I know that's one you wanted along with OU which you already had. I'm guessing it didn't come as a surprise?

KM: It was kind of a surprise that it happened when it did but I thought it was coming. Coach Haley called me and said he had some news for me and then he handed the phone to Coach Strong who offered. Then I talked to Coach BJ and Bedford as well. I talked to them for a while.

IT: Nice. Any plans to visit?

KM: Nothing is set but I'll definitely try to get up there soon.

IT: What about a timeline for a decision?

KM: I might try and decide before the season if I'm comfortable with my choice but it could go longer.

This is where it gets interesting. I think Murray is UT's to lose at this point. His closet must look like the UT equipment room because every time I see him he's in burnt orange. Normally I don't put that much stock in it but he's different. Murray knows Texas is holding spots for Browning and Hines and that he can't afford to wait too long if Texas is his choice for fear of losing his spot. His recruitment should be an interesting one to watch.

ANOTHER LONGHORN AT THE OPENING

If you could send anyone to represent the school at the highly publicized July event who would it be? No, I mean ANYONE.

Keeping in mind the amount of targets who will be participating I'd want a known recruiter whose name carries a lot of sway with prospects. Yep, Malik Jefferson will be a camp counselor. I'm not saying it's a game changer with any recruits - by no means am I saying that - but I am saying it won't suck having him work with Baron Browning, Anthony Hines, and others in drills. He's just a great ambassador in general.

WACO: THE DAY AFTER - PART I

You could probably tell IT kept a low profile on the Baylor stuff. The whole ordeal was so unseemly and had nothing to do with Texas we took a pass on it other than trying to hint a little here and there and point some journalists in the right direction. You could probably tell we were hearing stuff last Thursday when we started a thread wondering who would be a good hire to replace Art Briles. I'll unwind that a little bit.

Last Thursday within an hour of each other Justin and I started hearing from entirely different people that Briles would be out. Earlier this week Justin heard Ken Starr would be redeployed in a new position, that Ian McCaw would be publicly reprimanded and that Phil Bennett would be named interim head coach. Basically Justin's information was better than the entire Waco market's combined over the last year. Better in that it was honest, and better in that it was accurate. Good job, Justin.

Hopefully the entirety of Briles' misdeeds come out, and I don't just mean while in Waco. There are skeletons in Houston and Stephenville. Knowing this is why it's sickening to see people come to his defense, especially members of the media.

With that said, we'll get back to covering the very minor football aspects of these circumstances.

Justin has stated names he's heard to replace Briles are Sonny Dykes as well as David Bailiff. There's a third but I'll let Wells crack open that chestnut if he wishes.

The biggest crossover news between Baylor and Texas is what will happen with Baylor's 2016 signees. We've hard those signees will be able to get out of their letters of intent and one parent I talked to said they fully expect to be able to go where they wish. Said he, "I'm at work now but the second the news hit (Briles being fired) my phone was ringing with college coaches." Now, I'm not even sure if that's legal until the players get an official release. The parent said they hadn't heard from Texas yet but we expect they will.

Texas would welcome four Baylor refugees but wouldn't have room for all of them. That works out well because it doesn't have a chance for one of them.

The big name of course is Patrick Hudson. I steadfastly denied UT had a chance to get him before NSD. If he does in fact get out of his LOI, I'll be altering my stance on him.

UT has been watching this situation intently for a week.

WACO: THE DAY AFTER - PART II

Eric laid the foundation, now here's a little more. College coaches fully expect BU's Class of 2016 to be released from their LOI. The NCAA will get involved at some point, but to expedite the process, I think Baylor releases them on its own since it's time sensitive. These players were moving to Waco in a week. Talk about timing.

Texas has two, maybe three scholarships saved just in case this outcome occurred. They were informed of the possibility last week and have been putting contingencies in place. There are four guys they'd consider:

Patrick Hudson. Brandon Bowen. Parrish Cobb. Devin Duvernay.

A source close to the staff said this about each:

Hudson: They feel really good about Patrick. Thought they had him a week before NSD, and might still grab one of the nation's top OL. Percentages: 75%.

Bowen: They were first told Brandon might stick with Baylor. He also wants to run track and BU's T&F program is one of the best. But this morning, they were informed the Bowen's maybe more interested now. Percentages: 45%.

Cobb: Eric told me the best way to land Parrish is using the Cuffee angle, Jennings closeness, and his father's affection for Strong. Eric might get the hat trick. I'm told all three will be factors. Percentages: 65%.

Duvernay: Devin was adamant about playing college ball with his brother, Donovan. Texas wouldn't take both, so they ultimately chose Baylor. It seems the Duvernays still want to play together, and if UT barely has room for one, they definitely don't have room for two. There's still a chance, but my guess would be they land in Fort Worth with the Horny Frogs. Percentages: 25%.

And the damage in Waco might not be over just yet. Don't be surprised to see a few players dismissed, and a few more coaches. KD Cannon is name I'm hearing, as well as OC Kendal Briles. As of right now, both are still Baylor Bears. But that might change very soon.

That Pepper Hamilton Report exposed more than just the covering up of sexual assaults at BU. The corruption could go deeper including bag men in ETX. When I can confirm more, I'll post more.

One more tidbit is besides the names we've heard as new head coaching possibilities at BU down the line; Dykes, Bailiff, Montgomery (Tulsa), and Dino Babers (Syracuse), the name Jeff Traylor is being mentioned. Yes, the Texas TE/ST coach with zero head coaching experience is on their radar.

The BOR see Traylor as the up-and-coming coach in all of CFB. They love his background (TX HS football), his insane ability to recruit, his knowledge in running a spread offense, and his overall demeanor. He's the good ol' boy in boots without the heinous crimes and cover ups attached.

Traylor would be a home run for Baylor, and I think he'd interview for the position, just for the practice. But I also think the BOR would ultimately go with a more experienced coach. Still, it shows how popular UT's recruiting guru is and how it's only a matter of time before he's a head coach at this level.

NOBODY KNOWS MORE THAN MOMMA

2. It goes without saying, but I wouldn't worry about losing John Tyler's Damion Miller anymore. I mentioned this was trending nicely after his ETSN Combine interview, but after speaking to his mom, I'm even more convinced.

Mrs. Shemekia Miller (Damion's mom) loves talking about her son. She beams with pride whenever he's discussed.

"I'm very proud of him," said Miller. He's my heartbeat."

She's a big fan of Charlie Strong and what he's trying to accomplish in Austin. Baylor and A&M have been diligent in their pursuit of her 4-star son, but I think it's safe to say the Bears are no longer an option. She didn't come out and say it, but sometimes body language is everything. And this was before yesterday's nuclear bomb in Waco.

Damion loves Texas, his future teammates - especially Sam, Major, and Montrell, and is excited about the new offense in Austin. Texas will continue to recruit Miller as if he's not committed , and that's exactly what you're supposed to do. Plant the seed with the player and parent, and harvest on NSD.

He and newly pledged Montrell Estell (Hooks 4-star safety) might visit A&M this summer and I wouldn't worry about it one bit.

QUOTABLE QUOTE:

"It’s like a childhood dream. Being so close, you walk into the store and there is Cowboys stuff and Longhorns stuff. That’s everything you see around here. I grew up watching it at my house. Also, the coaches. When they recruit you, it’s an all in effort.” - Taquon Graham, Temple 4-star DE, on Texas
 
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WACO: THE DAY AFTER - PART II

Eric laid the foundation, now here's a little more. College coaches fully expect BU's Class of 2016 to be released from their LOI. The NCAA will get involved at some point, but to expedite the process, I think Baylor releases them on its own since it's time sensitive. These players were moving to Waco in a week. Talk about timing.

Texas has two, maybe three scholarships saved just in case this outcome occurred. They were informed of the possibility last week and have been putting contingencies in place. There are four guys they'd consider:

Patrick Hudson. Brandon Bowen. Parrish Cobb. Devin Duvernay.

A source close to the staff said this about each:

Hudson: They feel really good about Patrick. Thought they had him a week before NSD, and might still grab one of the nation's top OL. Percentages: 75%.

Bowen: They were first told Brandon might stick with Baylor. He also wants to run track and BU's T&F program is one of the best. But this morning, they were informed the Bowen's maybe more interested now. Percentages: 45%.

Cobb: Eric told me the best way to land Parrish is using the Cuffee angle, Jennings closeness, and his father's affection for Strong. Eric might get the hat trick. I'm told all three will be factors. Percentages: 65%.

Duvernay: Devin was adamant about playing college ball with his brother, Donovan. Texas wouldn't take both, so they ultimately chose Baylor. It seems the Duvernays still want to play together, and if UT barely has room for one, they definitely don't have room for two. There's still a chance, but my guess would be they land in Fort Worth with the Horny Frogs. Percentages: 25%.
Nahlin:

"TCU: I think they get the Duvernay's. They'd still press for Omar, yes, he's that good. They think they have a shot for Bowen.

UT: Don't want y'all getting too excited but numbers could be a real concern. TCU is pushing for Cobb as well but I think it will be UT. Hudson looks good as Justin said but not sure what's up with the sister angle. He definitely wants out bad and mom wants him out bad. I'm not sure who mom had at 2nd place but that could be a factor.
"
 
From TFB...

– UPDATE (3:08 pm): I spoke to a second source who confirmed that Texas is in fact interested in a name outside of the offensive line group…Parrish Cobb. I’m told that Cobb will also seek a release and the schools he is considering are Texas, TCU and Georgia.
 
Wow, even with 1 or 2 or those 2016 transfers, that recruiting class would be a cornerstone for CS and Texas!

Any word on 2017 guys? Kedrick James, who decommitted already? Hezekiah Jones?
 
I think I feel giddy about the idea of Hudson coming to UT.

The last time I honestly felt giddy, I was about to lose my virginity.
 
Wow, just Hudson and Cobb alone, that would be huge. Wonder where that would put this class in the rankings.

Am I the only one wondering if Stidham leaves? If he does, wouldn't Texas be a great fit since we're basically going to be running the same offense?
 
Wow, just Hudson and Cobb alone, that would be huge. Wonder where that would put this class in the rankings.

Am I the only one wondering if Stidham leaves? If he does, wouldn't Texas be a great fit since we're basically going to be running the same offense?
Adding Hudson and Cobb would jump us from 11 to 8 in the 2016 class rankings.
 
Wow, just Hudson and Cobb alone, that would be huge. Wonder where that would put this class in the rankings.

Am I the only one wondering if Stidham leaves? If he does, wouldn't Texas be a great fit since we're basically going to be running the same offense?

This. Let's get 2 real QBs competing for the spot. Move Heard to WR and suddenly our QB situation looks really really good.
 
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This. Let's get 2 real QBs competing for the spot. Move Heard to WR and suddenly our QB situation looks really really good.

Any concern that it would change the situation for Buchele and Ehlinger too much? I just think back to points when it looked like we might be lining up 3 or more top-tier QBs to be at UT at the same time in the recent past, and the messes that came out of those situations. I get that a good QB shouldn't be scared of competition, but outside of Ohio State's recent situation, there is a point where which ever player isn't getting their playing time probably is at least going to be looking around, even if it doesn't become the mess that Texas is just now recovering from finally.
 
Any concern that it would change the situation for Buchele and Ehlinger too much? I just think back to points when it looked like we might be lining up 3 or more top-tier QBs to be at UT at the same time in the recent past, and the messes that came out of those situations. I get that a good QB shouldn't be scared of competition, but outside of Ohio State's recent situation, there is a point where which ever player isn't getting their playing time probably is at least going to be looking around, even if it doesn't become the mess that Texas is just now recovering from finally.
 
He had his chance to come to Texas, lets stick with those who really want to be here. \m/

Who are you talking about? All of them?

I really couldn't disagree more. If we have a chance to get better because a talented player with a good head on his shoulders now wants to come on board -- someone who never misled or played games with our coaches -- then turning him away just because we didn't win out the first time around strikes me as ridiculous beyond words. I'll never understand why Texas fans in particular are so afflicted with this excessively prideful way of thinking.

If Hudson or Cobb signs with us, then they will "really want to be here."
 
Who are you talking about? All of them?."

He quoted in one reply and then commented in a second one, but if I'm not mistaken, he's probably replying to the comment he quoted, meaning, to this chain of comments:

Am I the only one wondering if Stidham leaves? If he does, wouldn't Texas be a great fit since we're basically going to be running the same offense?

This. Let's get 2 real QBs competing for the spot. Move Heard to WR and suddenly our QB situation looks really really good.

Any concern that it would change the situation for Buchele and Ehlinger too much? I just think back to points when it looked like we might be lining up 3 or more top-tier QBs to be at UT at the same time in the recent past, and the messes that came out of those situations. I get that a good QB shouldn't be scared of competition, but outside of Ohio State's recent situation, there is a point where which ever player isn't getting their playing time probably is at least going to be looking around, even if it doesn't become the mess that Texas is just now recovering from finally.

He had his chance to come to Texas, lets stick with those who really want to be here. \m/

I'm all for welcoming a few guys into our roster, and if the Stidham possibility could be broached without too much upheaval, then cool, but I'm pretty happy with having Buchele this year and Ehlinger coming in next year, and I still have nightmares about the dissent and attrition in our QB ranks, basically starting with not playing Gilbert during Colt's last year and continuing through pretty much the seconds before Shane Buchele signed his LOI. Yes, some of it was recruits not panning out, and yes some was probably a lack of developing what was there, and of course injuries played a role... but man, we also had people leave the program left and right, and they weren't even proven commodities. And that's not to mention how many QBs we've seen transfer out of various schools we're pretty familiar with. So yeah, any talk about messing with the even pace we're recruiting QBs at right now is going to make me a little nervous. At least until we prove that we're a QB-developing factory that everyone is good waiting in line for.

That said, highly rated OL? DL? DB? WR? Special teams? I'm up for hearing who's available for any of those, definitely.
 
24/7 saying LB Kenneth Murray of Fort Bend Elkins will attend Texas' satellite camp in Houston.


Cameron Brock: Rising OL Matthew Huhn on UT's radar

San Antonio Jay offensive lineman Matthew Huhn has 28 offers, including six from Power Five schools. Texas is not one of those schools, but if it offered he would definitely be intrigued. “It’s pretty close to home and a Power Five school," Huhn said. "I would be pretty interested." The 6-foot-7, 280 pounder has garnered some interest from Texas. Defensive coordinator Vance Bedford paid him a visit about a month ago. The conversation was brief. “He watched the entire practice, and I spoke with him afterwards,” Huhn said of Bedford’s visit. “He wanted me to call the next day. I called him and he said there might be an offer sometime in the future. Other than that, it was pretty quick.”

San Antonio Jay did not hold spring practices, so they will have an extra week of two-a-days in the fall. During the season, the Longhorns plan to evaluate Huhn and that could lead to a potential offer. The three-star prospect took a visit to Texas for Junior Day in February. Huhn said he enjoyed his time on the Forty Acres. “It was nice,” Huhn said. “We got to go around the campus and get a feel for the coaching staff. They’ve got a beautiful weight room.”

Huhn currently holds offers from Baylor, Colorado, llinois, Iowa State, Michigan, Oregon State and others. He hopes to narrow down his list by mid-June and release a Top 10. There is no timetable on a commitment, but he mentioned one could come in early September. Huhn is ranked as the No. 82 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 108 overall prospect in the state of Texas, according to 247Sports Composite.
 
Per TFB:
I’ve spoken to a source close to the Texas program and I’ve been told that Texas is not likely to pursue any of the 2016 Baylor signees outside of an offensive lineman. The specific name mentioned was, as you’d expect, Patrick Hudson. I am assuming there would be interest in Urquidez as well but his name was not specifically mentioned.

Yesterday, Taylor Hamm of 247sports reported that Hudson, “is seriously considering asking for a release from his letter of intent.”

I spoke to one of Hudson’s family member’s today who said Hudson, “will be transferring”. So, it sounds as though a decision has been made. The source also confirmed that they have begun the process however the process is still ongoing of course and with the NCAA there is no telling how this will play out.

The source mentioned that if a release is granted the four possible landing spots for Hudson are Texas, Georgia, Texas A&M and Alabama.

UPDATE (3:08 pm): I spoke to a second source who confirmed that Texas is in fact interested in a name outside of the offensive line group…Parrish Cobb. I’m told that Cobb will also seek a release and the schools he is considering are Texas, TCU and Georgia.

UPDATE (4:06 pm): I continue to gather information and as expected some of it is going to change or be slightly different depending on the source. I’m told by sources close to the OU program that if Cobb is release, OU is a program he is considering as well.

UPDATE (Sun. 3;28 pm): I was just told by OT JP Urqiudez that he has done everything he needs to do to get his release from his Baylor NLI. Right now he is just waiting to hear if Baylor will release him. It will be interesting to see if Texas pursues.
 
The Eyes of Texas - Recruiting Notes

Texas hasn’t extended many offers as of late, but the Longhorns did decide to get in the mix four four-star Mansfield athlete Saiid Adebo a few weeks ago. At 6-foot, 180 pounds, Adebo is one of the most versatile players in the state. As a junior at Mansfield, he played cornerback, safety, wide receiver and quarterback and earned all-district honors on both sides of the ball. Adebo works with personal trainer Christian White, who goes by Coach Flight, in the offseason. Flight also works with Texas cornerback commit Kobe Boyce and had nothing but high praise for Adebo. “Paulson is a very athletic, rangy cornerback,” Coach Flight said. “I love him at all defensive back positions. I think he prefers corner. He has elite speed. That plays into him coming out of his breaks. His length and long arms help. He’s a very smart kid as well.”

So where exactly does Coach Flight see Adebo playing at the next level? “I definitely see him as a cornerback,” Coach Flight said. “It’s more of a matchup program. A guy with his size and his speed that can cover on the outside needs to be at cornerback. He can shut down half the field by himself.” Texas is recruiting Adebo as a cornerback. In a weak year at the position in the state of Texas, Adebo is an important target for the Longhorns this cycle. He is currently high on Notre Dame, Baylor, TCU and Texas. If the Longhorns do find a way to snag him, Flight said he would be a great fit in UT’s defensive scheme. “Last year, they played a lot of catch-man, and I think that fits perfect into his skillset,” Coach Flight said. “He’s a guy that can reach out a couple of yards and get contact with you. He’s got elite speed. I think he would fit in very well there.” (Holland)

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With the spring evaluation period over and done with, recruiting is starting to really heat up, and that means Texas could be on the verge of extending new offers. Here is a closer look at five prospects the Longhorns could offer this summer.

Dayo Odeyingbo, ATH, Carrollton Ranchview (6-4, 235) — One of the hottest prospects in the state, Odeyingbo has recently notched offers from Baylor, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and others. Texas assistant Charlie Williams stopped by to see Odeyingbo this spring and fellow assistant Jeff Traylor has been in contact with him over the last month. An intriguing athlete, Texas is looking at Odeyingbo as a tight end, but he’s a versatile player that could end up playing defensive end or linebacker. Odeyingbo is interested in Texas, which would be a big player in his recruitment if it decides to extend a scholarship.

Stephan Zabie, OL, Austin Westlake (6-5, 290) — Zabie visited Texas for the spring game and has been on the Longhorns radar for quite some time. Texas offensive line coach Matt Mattox visited Zabie school during the evaluation period and told him good news could be on the way. The four-star prospect has blown up on the recruiting trail in recent months, earning offers from the likes of Arkansas, Ole Miss and USC. Texas might only take three or four offensive linemen in this class, so it makes sense that the staff is taking things slow with Zabie, but he could be next in line.

Charleston Rambo, WR, Cedar Hill (6-2, 170) — Rambo might be committed to Oklahoma, but the four-star prospect has made it clear that he is still weighing some of his other options. If Texas offers, Rambo recently told Horns247 that the Longhorns would be high on his mind. He plans to camp with UT at its satellite camp in Dallas in mid-June. Remember, Rambo works with Margin Hooks, who played for new wide receivers coach Charlie Williams in the NFL. Hooks has talked to Williams about Rambo and a strong camp performance could finally lead to an offer.

Troy James, DL, Baton Rouge (La.) Madison Prep (6-4, 250) — Texas struck out with Madison Prep defensive end Bryan Jones, but it could start to recruit his teammate even harder. James is a bit of tweener that can play defensive end or grow into a defensive tackle. Texas defensive line coach Brick Haley watched James in action this spring and will be keeping an eye on him this summer. Haley has had plenty of success recruiting the state of Louisiana and pulled in Malcolm Roach from Madison Prep last cycle. James is not as highly touted as the aforementioned Jones, but his recruitment has picked up with recent offers from Indiana, Kansas and Wake Forest.

Josh Thompson, CB, Nacogdoches (6-0, 186) — Once a big sleeper, Thompson has popped on recruiting radars everywhere with recent offers from Missouri, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech and others. Thompson has been on UT’s radar since last year and plans to camp with the Longhorns this summer. He was recently on campus for the Longhorns’ spring game in April and is a former teammate of 2016 signee Brandon Jones. If Texas does offer Thompson, the Longhorns would immediately move to the top of his list. (Holland)

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Houston Bellaire Episcopal offensive lineman Walker Little agreed to answer some abnormal questions about the recruiting process. Here is our candid conversation with Little:

Horns247: What your favorite part about the recruiting process?

Little: Probably the coaches and kids I’ve met — all these cool guys. They’re guys I obviously wouldn’t have met without the whole recruiting process. Also, I’ve been able to go to a lot of different schools and places. And definitely the camps. I get to meet a lot of kids and get better. But the best part is just the people. Obviously, you get along well with a lot of them because you have the same interest with football. You learn a lot of great things from them.

Horns247: What’s the worst part of the recruiting process?

Little: I’m not a big social media guy, so I feel like a lot of these coaches feel like I’m dumping them if I don’t respond. They get hoarse about it. That’s probably the worst part — just the constant pressure to keep in contact with all these coaches from across the country. The coaches I get along with best know I’m more of a laid back guy. If I need to talk about something, I’ll let them know.

Horns247: I feel you on that. I try to leave you, Marvin (Wilson), Baron (Browning) and guys like that alone for the most part unless y’all visit or something like that because I know you’re getting hit up constantly.

Little: That makes sense. I don’t get mad about it or anything. But it’s more so with coaches when they just hit me up at random times and don’t even have anything to talk about. They just ask me about my day and get angry if I don’t respond to them. I was hanging out with my friends and don’t have anything to talk to you about (laughs).

Horns247: Do you have a weird story from the recruiting process?

Little: Everyone knows Les Miles is kind of a cooky guy. One of the first conversations I ever had with him, he talked to me for like 20 minutes about a piece of artwork. He took an art class in school and was talking about it, and I was like ‘I don’t even know what you’re talking about anymore.’ It was my parents and I. We were talking about academics and my interests, and he said his interest was art. I told him I wasn’t a big art guy, but he told us about his art history class and how one of his professors explained that everyone thought one piece of artwork was a hill, but it was really a girl’s butt. It was a weird conversation. I had a great visit out there, but he’s a different guy.

Horns247: I know you’re not a big social media guy, but how do you try to handle yourself on Twitter?

Little: It’s fun. But a lot of times, you don’t pay attention to it. You have all these random people that tag you in tweets and say we want you here. I just saw one from Georgia telling me ‘Dawg Nation! You should be here!’ You just have to take it with a grain of salt because these guys are doing for a lot of people. But it’s definitely a lot of fun.

Horns247: Have you had a creepy experience with a fan on Twitter?

Little: For a while, this guy from Ole Miss kept tagging me and my parents in tweets and started getting really personal. He said ‘have a good night’s rest.’ I was like ‘what!?’ We don’t know him. It was getting really weird.

Horns247: What’s the most exciting part of the process?

Little: Just being around some of these big-time guys like Christian McCaffrey. When I was at Ole Miss, I was around Shea Patterson. When you go around these towns, they’re kind of like gods. You have all these people and kids coming up to them all the time. You get to be around these mini superstars in all these cities. It’s really cool. It’s a really fun atmosphere to be around. (Holland)


Steve Wiltfong: Elite 11 Finalists Are Set

The 24 finalists for this weekend’s Elite 11 finals are set. Rutgers quarterback commit Johnathan Lewis of Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s Prep and Texas A&M commit Connor Blumrick of Pearland (Texas) High secured the final two invites Monday for the prestigious event to be held in Los Angeles. The best of the best attend Elite 11 as 10 of the past 11 quarterbacks to have won the Heisman Trophy attended the Elite 11 Finals or an Elite 11 regional and 35 of the top 49 NFL passers in 2014 attended the Elite 11 finals or an Elite 11 regional. The complete list set to compete at the 2016 finals here. All rankings are per the 247Sports Composite.

- The nation’s No. 1 pro-style passer in Michigan commit Dylan McCaffrey of Littleton (Colo.) Valor Christian. McCaffrey is a U.S. Army All-American.
- The No. 1 dual-threat passer in the land Tate Martell of Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman. Ohio State is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite. Martell is a U.S. Army All-American.
- The No. 2 pro-style quarterback in the country, Hunter Johnson, a Clemson pledge from Brownsburg (Ind.) High. 247Sports ranks Johnson as the No. 1 overall quarterback in the country. He is a U.S. Army All-American.
- The country’s No. 2 dual-threat quarterback and Alabama commit Tua Tagovailoa from Honolulu (Hawaii) St. Louis.
- The No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the nation Shawn Robinson of DeSoto (Texas) High is committed to TCU. Robinson is a U.S. Army All-American.
- Georgia bound talent Jake Fromm of Warner Robbins (Ga.) Houston County will arrive as the nation’s No. 3 pro-style quarterback. He is a U.S. Army All-American.
- Stanford commit Davis Mills of Norcross (Ga.) Greater Atlanta Christian ranks as the No. 4 pro-styler passer in the nation. He is a U.S. Army All-American.
- Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy passer and Texas native Kellen Mond is the No. 4 dual-threat quarterback. The Baylor commit is also strongly considering Auburn and Ohio State.

- The No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the country in LSU commit Lowell Narcisse of Saint James (La.) St. James.
- Texas commit Sam Ehlinger of Austin (Texas) Westlake, ranked as the No. 6 dual-threat passer in America.
- The No. 7 pro-style quarterback in Oklahoma commit Chris Robison of Mesquite (Texas) Horn.
- Notre Dame commit and the country’s No. 8 dual-threat quarterback Avery Davis from Cedar Hill (Texas) High.
- Florida commit Jake Allen of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas is the No. 9 pro-style recruit in the nation.
- Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier passer and Penn State commit Sean Clifford checks in as the No. 10 pro-style passer in America.
- Clemson pledge Chase Brice of Loganville (Ga.) Grayson is the No. 11 pro-style recruit in America.
- The No. 14 pro-style quarterback in Jack Sears from San Clemente (Calif.) High. UCLA is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite. Other contenders include Duke, Tennessee, Utah, Cal, USC and Washington.
- Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles quarterback and Kentucky commit Mac Jones is the nation’s No. 15 rated pro-style quarterback.

- The No. 15 dual-threat passer in the country Rocky Lombardi of West Des Moines (Iowa) Valley. Lombardi is a verbal to Michigan State.
- LSU commit Myles Brennan, the country’s No. 16 pro-style quarterback out of Bay Saint Louis (Miss.) St. Stanislaus.
- The nation’s No. 17 dual-threat quarterback Johnathan Lewis is a Rutgers commit from Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter’s Prep.
- The country’s No. 21 pro-style quarterback Chase Garbers of Newport Beach (Calif.) Corona Del Mar. Washington is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite.
- Texas A&M commit Connor Blumrick of Pearland (Texas) High is the nation’s No. 44 pro-style recruit.
- The country’s No. 47 pro-style quarterback Jake Haener from Daville (Calif.) Monte Vista. His offers include Akron, Hawaii and Toledo.
- Syracuse commit Tommy Devito of Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco Prep, the No. 70 pro-style guy in the country.

In A Nutshell: Both Clemson quarterback commits are in in Johnson and Brice. Johnson will fly out to California and compete, fly back to Indianapolis for the Track and Field state championships where he runs the first leg of the 1600-meter relay that is seeded No. 1 to win the championship, and then fly back to California to finish up the Elite 11 competition. Both LSU commits are in in Narcisse and Brennan. Six hail from Texas in Robinson (TCU), Mond (Baylor), Ehlinger (Texas), Robison (Oklahoma), Davis (Notre Dame) and Blumrick (Texas A&M). Three come from Georgia in Fromm (Georgia), Mills (Stanford) and Brice (Clemson). Three will also represent California in Sears, Garbers and Haener. Two hail from Florida in Allen (Florida) and Jones (Kentucky) and two from New Jersey in Lewis (Rutgers) and Devito (Syracuse).
 
bad news on Fowler....word on the street is that he might not qualify

this from Hornsports:....


On the bad (or mixed) news front, we’ve heard some things about Erick Fowler that don’t bode well for his chances. Early on we were told that Fowler had a bit of work to do, but he should be on target to finish up in the summer. Yesterday we were given some mixed signals on Fowler’s chances. One source indicated that Fowler was merely trying to up a test score against his GPA on a sliding scale. A second source indicated that Fowler’s situation was far more perilous than that. Frankly, the information is so scattered that we are having a hard time getting an accurate read on the situation. This will certainly be an interesting situation to watch, but the information we are receiving doesn’t look positive at this point.
 
bad news on Fowler....word on the street is that he might not qualify

this from Hornsports:....


On the bad (or mixed) news front, we’ve heard some things about Erick Fowler that don’t bode well for his chances. Early on we were told that Fowler had a bit of work to do, but he should be on target to finish up in the summer. Yesterday we were given some mixed signals on Fowler’s chances. One source indicated that Fowler was merely trying to up a test score against his GPA on a sliding scale. A second source indicated that Fowler’s situation was far more perilous than that. Frankly, the information is so scattered that we are having a hard time getting an accurate read on the situation. This will certainly be an interesting situation to watch, but the information we are receiving doesn’t look positive at this point.

Bummer
 
Well he has all summer to study up and get a good test score and take whatever classes he lacks to get credit. He can do it if he really tries! Hope he makes it in
 
guys moving in....




what I want to know is which guy got Strong to caddy for him?...THAT is the dude I expect lots from!
 
Not if the NCAA steps in, however they usually don't do anything in a hurry... so only time will tell.
I don't see the NCAA getting involved. If they do, it will be the end of Baylor in it's current state because they will loose a ton of players with an huge uphill battle to overcome in recruiting.
 
I do not expect any 2016 LOI guys to be released. our LOI guys werent released when Mack was fired. At this point there isnt much difference. Now if the Ncaa steps in and sanctions are put in place that is a different deal altogether, but the NCAA at it's galacial pace might not do that for 2 years.


Now before yall go all indignant on me....I mean there is no difference until the NCAA gets involved....and that is never quick
 
I do not expect any 2016 LOI guys to be released. our LOI guys werent released when Mack was fired. At this point there isnt much difference. Now if the Ncaa steps in and sanctions are put in place that is a different deal altogether, but the NCAA at it's galacial pace might not do that for 2 years.


Now before yall go all indignant on me....I mean there is no difference until the NCAA gets involved....and that is never quick
Except, oldhorn, there was no community-wide rape-abetting-and-coverup scandal associated with Mack's departure. So there is a HUGE difference. Something stinks in Waco. The only thing that stunk in Austin was Mack's W-L record.
 
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