Recruiting Thread 2017
- Thread starter Scholz
- Start date
The only way they get released is if their non release gets gains traction and the media goes in again at Baylor. The NCAA isn't going to do anything barring the report uncovering player payments in which case nothing will be done short term. Right now no one outside of message boards is talking about Baylor not releasing 2016 LOIs, so I doubt those guys get any relief.
This has been building for a year now in the public, so all of those 2016 guys signed LOIs fully aware that there was a dark underbelly to the Baylor program, so at some point I don't feel that bad for those guys. Not that they aren't good players or good people, but the facts were right in front of them that Briles was scum, and they signed anyways.
This has been building for a year now in the public, so all of those 2016 guys signed LOIs fully aware that there was a dark underbelly to the Baylor program, so at some point I don't feel that bad for those guys. Not that they aren't good players or good people, but the facts were right in front of them that Briles was scum, and they signed anyways.
Would these guys want out if Briles were still there and this report was released?
Agreed. I thought sure we were going to get Hudson because if the brewing controversy. When he still chose Baylor, I was pretty surprised. Thought it was a pretty risky move, and not very smart. There absolutely had to be somebody around him that brought it up. Which means he completely ignored the warning. Dumb. Yeah I don't feel sorry for them either.
Here are Tuesday's notes on Texas targets (Horns 247):
— Five-star Houston Bellaire Episcopal defensive tackle Marvin Wilson made an unofficial visit to Alabama on Tuesday. The Crimson Tide are high on his list along with Florida State, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas and Texas A&M.
— Plano East defensive tackle Deiontae Watts picked up a new offer from Missouri. The three-star recruit holds a Texas offer and might visit this summer. Oklahoma is considered the favorite in his recruitment.
— South Carolina is the latest school to extend an offer to IMG Academy (Fla.) defensive back Grant Delpit. Texas did not make Delpit’s Top 12 but isn’t completely out of the mix. We’ll have more tomorrow.
— Carrollton Ranchview athlete Dayo Odeyingbo continues to rise on the recruiting trail. His latest offer comes from Kansas State. Texas is showing interest in Odeyingbo and could offer soon.
— Dallas Woodrow Wilson cornerback Darrion Green notched a new offer from New Mexico State. Green plans to camp with Texas at some point this summer and is on the radar.
War room:
Incoming freshman defensive tackle Marcel Southall recently told me he expected to enroll at Texas after attending classes in summer school. Southall was not planning to hit campus with the rest of the 2016 class in a few weeks, but was optimistic he would eventually join the team this summer. Honestly, Southall did not seem too concerned about eventually meeting UT’s entrance requirements.
That being said, Southall apparently has a Plan B in place if things do not go according to his plan.
Southall signed with Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College this week as a backup plan in case he is unable to attend UT this year, according to multiple sources. The junior college recently began recruiting Southall, and he decided to sign.
From what I was told, there is still a lot of optimism in the building about Southall’s chances to qualify. People believe he is close to qualifying and can take care of his grades this summer. I asked one source to put a percentage on Southall eventually making it into UT, and was told he had a 50-50 chance.
Southall’s strategy is a smart one. Texas signed tight end Devonaire Clarington in 2015, but he was never able to get the test score necessary to attend UT. Clarington did not attend a school last season and signed with Blinn College last month. Southall’s decision to sign with a junior college will prevent him from not playing football anywhere this year.
Meanwhile, former Texas signee Du’Vonta Lampkin struggled in the classroom, but found a loophole by not taking the necessary Spanish class needed to attend UT. Lampkin eventually signed with Oklahoma. Southall previously told me he did not need to take a language class to summer. Instead, Southall said he needed to catch up academically.
Texas definitely needs the Ducanville High standout to qualify and eventually enroll. Jordan Elliott, Chris Daniels, Gerald Wilbon and DeAndre Christmas-Giles and Southall are the five defensive tackles who signed with the Longhorns earlier this year. Each player is expected to compete for playing time this season because the Longhorns are thin in that room. The appeal of immediate playing time as a freshman led to their commitments. Southall has the ability to play defensive tackle and defensive end, which potentially gives him the chance to compete at two positions.
We will continue to monitor Southall’s situation and keep you posted. (Richardson)
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Since we are on the subject of grades, there are a lot of concerns in the building about Manor defensive end/linebacker Erick Fowler’s academic situation.
Fowler, like Southall, has work to do to become eligible at UT. The 5-star linebacker recently told Jason Suchomel he was optimistic about attending the first UT summer session. Everyone in the building is optimistic, but they are mentally preparing for the worst-case scenario.
If all goes well, Fowler will achieve the necessary SAT score and enroll in UT this summer. If Fowler does not achieve the necessary score on the test he recently took, the linebacker will have to re-take the test in June and wait.
This is another situation we will monitor in the upcoming weeks (Richardson).
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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)
— Five-star Houston Bellaire Episcopal defensive tackle Marvin Wilson made an unofficial visit to Alabama on Tuesday. The Crimson Tide are high on his list along with Florida State, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas and Texas A&M.
— Plano East defensive tackle Deiontae Watts picked up a new offer from Missouri. The three-star recruit holds a Texas offer and might visit this summer. Oklahoma is considered the favorite in his recruitment.
— South Carolina is the latest school to extend an offer to IMG Academy (Fla.) defensive back Grant Delpit. Texas did not make Delpit’s Top 12 but isn’t completely out of the mix. We’ll have more tomorrow.
— Carrollton Ranchview athlete Dayo Odeyingbo continues to rise on the recruiting trail. His latest offer comes from Kansas State. Texas is showing interest in Odeyingbo and could offer soon.
— Dallas Woodrow Wilson cornerback Darrion Green notched a new offer from New Mexico State. Green plans to camp with Texas at some point this summer and is on the radar.
War room:
Incoming freshman defensive tackle Marcel Southall recently told me he expected to enroll at Texas after attending classes in summer school. Southall was not planning to hit campus with the rest of the 2016 class in a few weeks, but was optimistic he would eventually join the team this summer. Honestly, Southall did not seem too concerned about eventually meeting UT’s entrance requirements.
That being said, Southall apparently has a Plan B in place if things do not go according to his plan.
Southall signed with Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College this week as a backup plan in case he is unable to attend UT this year, according to multiple sources. The junior college recently began recruiting Southall, and he decided to sign.
From what I was told, there is still a lot of optimism in the building about Southall’s chances to qualify. People believe he is close to qualifying and can take care of his grades this summer. I asked one source to put a percentage on Southall eventually making it into UT, and was told he had a 50-50 chance.
Southall’s strategy is a smart one. Texas signed tight end Devonaire Clarington in 2015, but he was never able to get the test score necessary to attend UT. Clarington did not attend a school last season and signed with Blinn College last month. Southall’s decision to sign with a junior college will prevent him from not playing football anywhere this year.
Meanwhile, former Texas signee Du’Vonta Lampkin struggled in the classroom, but found a loophole by not taking the necessary Spanish class needed to attend UT. Lampkin eventually signed with Oklahoma. Southall previously told me he did not need to take a language class to summer. Instead, Southall said he needed to catch up academically.
Texas definitely needs the Ducanville High standout to qualify and eventually enroll. Jordan Elliott, Chris Daniels, Gerald Wilbon and DeAndre Christmas-Giles and Southall are the five defensive tackles who signed with the Longhorns earlier this year. Each player is expected to compete for playing time this season because the Longhorns are thin in that room. The appeal of immediate playing time as a freshman led to their commitments. Southall has the ability to play defensive tackle and defensive end, which potentially gives him the chance to compete at two positions.
We will continue to monitor Southall’s situation and keep you posted. (Richardson)
******
Since we are on the subject of grades, there are a lot of concerns in the building about Manor defensive end/linebacker Erick Fowler’s academic situation.
Fowler, like Southall, has work to do to become eligible at UT. The 5-star linebacker recently told Jason Suchomel he was optimistic about attending the first UT summer session. Everyone in the building is optimistic, but they are mentally preparing for the worst-case scenario.
If all goes well, Fowler will achieve the necessary SAT score and enroll in UT this summer. If Fowler does not achieve the necessary score on the test he recently took, the linebacker will have to re-take the test in June and wait.
This is another situation we will monitor in the upcoming weeks (Richardson).
******
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)
******
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)
******
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)
******
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)
******
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)
******
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)
******
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)
Ketchum:
The Patrick Hudson situation ...In the aftermath of Art Briles’ dismissal on Thursday, the foundation of what was a top-20 recruiting class in February appears to be re-thinking the idea of attending school in Waco, as numerous players who signed with Briles nearly four months ago have asked to be released from their letters of intent.
The crowned jewel of the entire bunch is Silsbee offensive lineman Patrick Hudson and it looks like he’s among the players who want out after Thursday’s events, as a source close to the player confirmed he won’t be enrolling in school this week.
In addition to that little tidbit, the same dialed-in source mentioned that Hudson was “leaning towards Texas.”
Whoa.
When the spring game ended and it was clear the Longhorns not only need help in the way of depth, but the program likely needed someone else to step up at the starting left guard position, you could have never guessed that a national top-50 prospect might become available to fill perhaps the only void among the starters. Yet, we’re two months away from the team reporting in August and it feels like a critical recruitment is about to begin.
After finishing as the bridesmaid on Signing Day, Charlie Strong could have a chance to get his favorite offensive lineman from the 2015 class after all and the impact of landing Hudson can’t be underestimated because you can make a case he would arrive as a day-one starter.
That makes the free-for-all that might take place if these players are officially released from their letters of intent critically important.
Perhaps it appears a little dirty to be poaching players from a dumpster fire, but college coaches all over the country are going to be involved in trying to scoop up a few elite pieces of talent and you can bet Strong will be one of them.
With a possible immediate starter, one who Strong could potentially pencil in for 40-50 starts over the next three or four years, can you blame him? It’s not Charlie’s fault that Briles was exposed as a dangerous, rape-enabling monster.
Go get your starting left guard, Charlie.
Scattershooting on the Longhorns ...
… Prediction: Because we’re talking about waiting on a test score and then submitting it to the NCAA Clearinghouse, I’m not sure we’ll know by the time the team reports whether five-star freshman linebacker Erick Fowler will be ruled eligible or ineligible. Twenty years of being in this business tells me there will be some breath-holding in August.
… I still think Texas lands 2017 Temple defensive end Taquon Graham … no need to worry at this point.
… If Kam Martin wants in, I’m letting him in if I’m Charlie Strong.
The Patrick Hudson situation ...In the aftermath of Art Briles’ dismissal on Thursday, the foundation of what was a top-20 recruiting class in February appears to be re-thinking the idea of attending school in Waco, as numerous players who signed with Briles nearly four months ago have asked to be released from their letters of intent.
The crowned jewel of the entire bunch is Silsbee offensive lineman Patrick Hudson and it looks like he’s among the players who want out after Thursday’s events, as a source close to the player confirmed he won’t be enrolling in school this week.
In addition to that little tidbit, the same dialed-in source mentioned that Hudson was “leaning towards Texas.”
Whoa.
When the spring game ended and it was clear the Longhorns not only need help in the way of depth, but the program likely needed someone else to step up at the starting left guard position, you could have never guessed that a national top-50 prospect might become available to fill perhaps the only void among the starters. Yet, we’re two months away from the team reporting in August and it feels like a critical recruitment is about to begin.
After finishing as the bridesmaid on Signing Day, Charlie Strong could have a chance to get his favorite offensive lineman from the 2015 class after all and the impact of landing Hudson can’t be underestimated because you can make a case he would arrive as a day-one starter.
That makes the free-for-all that might take place if these players are officially released from their letters of intent critically important.
Perhaps it appears a little dirty to be poaching players from a dumpster fire, but college coaches all over the country are going to be involved in trying to scoop up a few elite pieces of talent and you can bet Strong will be one of them.
With a possible immediate starter, one who Strong could potentially pencil in for 40-50 starts over the next three or four years, can you blame him? It’s not Charlie’s fault that Briles was exposed as a dangerous, rape-enabling monster.
Go get your starting left guard, Charlie.
Scattershooting on the Longhorns ...
… Prediction: Because we’re talking about waiting on a test score and then submitting it to the NCAA Clearinghouse, I’m not sure we’ll know by the time the team reports whether five-star freshman linebacker Erick Fowler will be ruled eligible or ineligible. Twenty years of being in this business tells me there will be some breath-holding in August.
… I still think Texas lands 2017 Temple defensive end Taquon Graham … no need to worry at this point.
… If Kam Martin wants in, I’m letting him in if I’m Charlie Strong.
Kam - its going to hurt getting this thing removed.
http://usatodayhss.com/2015/baylor-...pped-reuben-foster-with-massive-school-tattoo
From our conversation yesterday, Burton of 24/7 gives his take on getting a release from an LOI.
Step 1
A recruits sends a request to the NCAA asking out of his LOI.
Step 2
The NCAA notifies the institution in question and the institution is given 30 days to rule on this request.
Step 3
Release is given by school or denied by school.
Step 4
If denied, then the NCAA asks school why release was not granted.
Step 5
NCAA then decides whether or not to grant release regardless of what university had decided. The NCAA, not Baylor, has the final say.
In all, you're looking at a 30-45 day process unless Baylor changes its current course.
Baylor officials have told recruits that they are unwilling to grant recruits a release. At least one such meeting occurred between a Baylor official and the parent of a recruit yesterday.
Baylor is setting itself up for the worst possible kind of PR move.
Baylor would be better off giving a full release to any and all players -- both recruits and current players on their own team -- than try to restrict any student-athlete from moving elsewhere. That would help the Bears during the penalty phase of the NCAA because that is coming in a big, big way. To think otherwise is a fools errand.
If Baylor gave full releases, Baylor would likely keep most of its current players, at least the ones that really matter, and keep some of their recruits. By doing so, they would also look like they are being helpful to kids instead of forcing rules on kids that didn't sign up for this coach or a program and university that is in disarray.
Instead, Baylor is going to try to play hardball with recruits and its student-athletes and they're likely going to get spanked by the NCAA's paddle even harder.
I don't know who is advising Baylor on its tactics with recruits and its football program, but they are setting Baylor up for an even harder fall. Really not smart people.
Who is Jessica Morey? I have to say - this blog sounds like a bunch of garbage re: PR. I agree whole heartedly that it would be nice to allow the recruits to leave. But to worry about "the worst possible kind of PR move" in light of covering up rapes? So covering up a rape is no big deal, but boy, holding a kid to a contract is just unconscionable! "Forcing rules on kids that didn't sign up for this coach or program"??? Doesn't this happen every time a coach changes schools or is fired? Baylor is "going to get spanked by the NCAA's paddle even harder"??? If THAT is what pushes the punishment over the top ... good grief! To be honest, I'm surprised any other school would touch any of the BU players or recruits, seeing as how Briles recruited thugs, rapists and other undesirables - why introduce that it into your locker room?
The innocent kids shouldn't have to go down with that sinking ship. But maybe the NCAA doesn't force Baylor's hand to release kids from their LOIs. I think this whole thing is going to get worse.
If them not granting releases gains any traction with the media they will eventually be forced to do it. It's a terrible look for Baylor. As far as these kids being innocent, they signed up to play for Briles a few months ago with public consensus that Baylor was covering up rapes. They bought their ticket
Valid. And I do think Baylor will continue to do what they've been doing, wait to act until absolutely forced to. The optics or PR or whatever are definitely going to get worse.
They should try the George Costanza method of decision making. Do the opposite of what their instincts say to do.
They should try the George Costanza method of decision making. Do the opposite of what their instincts say to do.
It is clearly a lose-lose for Baylor. If they do right by these new recruits and release them, they lose a lot of their future talent. This could of course help mend their broken public image, at least to some degree. This is the best option for them and the kids.
If they don't release, they add another mark on their record (and a mark that will be associated with the new coaching/AD group). On top of that, the NCAA may grant the releases, which means they lose that talent anyways. Even if they do find a way to force these kids to stay, how committed do you think they will be? It's like an employee who wants to quit but isn't allowed to because of their contract. They may acquiesce and stay but you can bet that they won't be your hardest worker.
If they don't release, they add another mark on their record (and a mark that will be associated with the new coaching/AD group). On top of that, the NCAA may grant the releases, which means they lose that talent anyways. Even if they do find a way to force these kids to stay, how committed do you think they will be? It's like an employee who wants to quit but isn't allowed to because of their contract. They may acquiesce and stay but you can bet that they won't be your hardest worker.
Ooooh...Sam rubbing some salt on the gaping wounds.
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Higdon said a while back that Kam wanted in during #errrbody and was rebuffed.
Already one of my favorite players and he is a year away from campus!
Per TFB:
– JP Urquidez: In case you missed it, yesterday the father of 2016 Baylor OT signee, JP Urquidez released the following statement:
View image on Twitter
In speaking to a source close to Urquidez, we are told that if granted a release Urquidez’s interest lie between Texas and Oklahoma. We have confirmed that Oklahoma is interested. We know that Texas is very interested in Patrick Hudson. We have not however, confirmed just yet what degree of interest Texas has in Urquidez. The source seemed to indicate that the Urquidez family is under the impression that Texas is an option so they may have been given that impression via a third party.
But again, we have not been able to confirm that through our Texas sources just yet. – (Super K)
– Donovan Stiner: Bellaire (TX) DB Donovan Stiner decommitted from Baylor last week after Art Briles was fired. Stiner doesn’t have an offer from Texas but has shown interest in the Longhorns even when he was committed to Baylor.
Stiner visited Texas in February for their JR Day and told me he plans to camp at Texas 1st mini camp this weekend, in hopes to get an offer. I’m not sure how much the staff likes Stiner as of today, but if he impresses at their camp, anything could happen. – (Andrew)
– Jake Raulerson: I know there has been some talk about Center Jake Raulerson returning to Texas in 2016 even after he decided to transfer. But as of today I wouldn’t expect that to happen. – (Andrew)
– Damion Miller: Baylor seemed to be the biggest threat to flip John Tyler (TX) Texas WR commit Damion Miller, and they were pushing hard. There was some pro-Baylor parts of the John Tyler coaching staff also that could’ve been helping Baylor. All of those chances seem to be gone with all the drama going on in Waco right now.
That would leave Ole Miss and Texas A&M as the biggest threats for Miller. Ole Miss is obviously dealing with NCAA investigation issues and the tweets from Aaron Moorehead slowed the Aggies momentum with Miller.
In light of all that, I stand by my previous prediction that if the Texas offense improves in 2016, Miller will sign with Texas. – (Andrew)
– JP Urquidez: In case you missed it, yesterday the father of 2016 Baylor OT signee, JP Urquidez released the following statement:
View image on Twitter
In speaking to a source close to Urquidez, we are told that if granted a release Urquidez’s interest lie between Texas and Oklahoma. We have confirmed that Oklahoma is interested. We know that Texas is very interested in Patrick Hudson. We have not however, confirmed just yet what degree of interest Texas has in Urquidez. The source seemed to indicate that the Urquidez family is under the impression that Texas is an option so they may have been given that impression via a third party.
But again, we have not been able to confirm that through our Texas sources just yet. – (Super K)
– Donovan Stiner: Bellaire (TX) DB Donovan Stiner decommitted from Baylor last week after Art Briles was fired. Stiner doesn’t have an offer from Texas but has shown interest in the Longhorns even when he was committed to Baylor.
Stiner visited Texas in February for their JR Day and told me he plans to camp at Texas 1st mini camp this weekend, in hopes to get an offer. I’m not sure how much the staff likes Stiner as of today, but if he impresses at their camp, anything could happen. – (Andrew)
– Jake Raulerson: I know there has been some talk about Center Jake Raulerson returning to Texas in 2016 even after he decided to transfer. But as of today I wouldn’t expect that to happen. – (Andrew)
– Damion Miller: Baylor seemed to be the biggest threat to flip John Tyler (TX) Texas WR commit Damion Miller, and they were pushing hard. There was some pro-Baylor parts of the John Tyler coaching staff also that could’ve been helping Baylor. All of those chances seem to be gone with all the drama going on in Waco right now.
That would leave Ole Miss and Texas A&M as the biggest threats for Miller. Ole Miss is obviously dealing with NCAA investigation issues and the tweets from Aaron Moorehead slowed the Aggies momentum with Miller.
In light of all that, I stand by my previous prediction that if the Texas offense improves in 2016, Miller will sign with Texas. – (Andrew)
Baylor is making themselves look pretty bad over the LOIs. I don't understand what they are trying to accomplish. Say the NCAA doesn't do anything, so now you have 7 freshman players on your team that don't want to play for you. What good is that? I guess they are just trying to make it as difficult as possible for these guys because they are likely going to end up at other big 12 schools.
I think the players and parents are full of it with the we had no idea stuff, but the media is definitely going to side with the players. I generally side with athletes on transferring rules. I know you sign up to play for the school not the coach, but we know full well that a lot of our guys are here because of Strong and not The University.
I think the players and parents are full of it with the we had no idea stuff, but the media is definitely going to side with the players. I generally side with athletes on transferring rules. I know you sign up to play for the school not the coach, but we know full well that a lot of our guys are here because of Strong and not The University.
I'd say about 98% of our players are here bc of Coach Strong or other coaches on staff and not bc of the University. It's all about relationships.
Kind of surprised to see KD Cannon on that list, from all accounts he is a stand up dude. Don't know anything about the other two, but hmm
I have seen a few people saying similar things. I don't think it's exactly fair. Rewind to February and what was really known about Briles? Sure, there had been several incidents that were public at that time, but it is easy to see those as isolated occurrences. Return to the present, and now we know that there was a systemic cover up and institutional mishandling of rape allegations among other disciplinary issues.
When these players signed LOIs, there may have been a lot of smoke but no fire quite yet (heck, even the BOR didn't have enough evidence to make a move to fire Briles et al). Now the fire is raging. Baylor keeps adding fuel by preventing these players from transferring.
