The 2017 class is interesting. It could be REALLY good or we could be scrambling just for a decent one. If strong has a good year and build on the momentum he's got right now it could be one of the best in the country. If we have another 5-6 win year we've probably got a new coach and he's scrambling to salvage a solid class. Obviously let's hope we can build on the momentum
Recruiting Thread 2017
- Thread starter Scholz
- Start date
I don't think there will be enough spots in next year's class for the possibility of making the top 5. Likely 20 kids or less in '17.
Early on it looks like it has the makings of a small class.
But attrition will take its toll.
17 class could be something really special for Strong. I think he is already off to a very good start. All 3 of these guys will get huge bumps in the ratings. Ehlinger to a 4 star and Carson to a 5.
Don't we have 4 commits for '17? Unless I missed a de commit.
Miller, Tennison, Carson, and Ehlinger.
Damn, see. I'm already slipping! Need sleep and a beach to rejuvenate my worn out crootin habit.
Before this week concludes, an updated 2017 LSR Top 100 list will be released, but as we did a week ago, I wanted to create a primer for the top prospects in the state of Texas, as we begin our transition to the new recruiting year in a week. After taking a look at the offensive side of the ball in last week's War Room, now we take a look at the defensive side of the ball.
Defensive tackles
Marvin Wilson (DT/Houston Episcopal)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Five-stars/6.1), LSR (No.1 overall)Junior HighlightsandFuture50 1-on 1's
Current offers:Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA and USC
Where UT Stands:There’s no question that Wilson is a fan of the Texas coaching staff, but this has the looks of an old school WWE Royal Rumble, as every powerhouse in the nation is making its move and Wilson seems incredibly open to taking a close look at numerous options. With Junior Day visits already scheduled for A&M and Florida State in the next month, this has a chance to be a long recruiting war filled with numerous battles.
Quotable: “I like coach Bedford, like him a lot. I got to go on an unofficial visit there, got to watch them practice. I like how he coaches his players. He gets in your grill, makes you want to get better. I want a coach who is going to get on me. He makes his players think, makes them work hard. That’s the kind of coach I want. Also Charlie Strong, he’s one of the best coaches out there. Those are the kinds of guys I want to surround myself around.”
Defensive ends
LaGaryonn Carson (DE/Texarkana Liberty-Eylau)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.127 overall nationally), LSR (No.1 overall)
Junior Highlights
Current status:Committed to Texas
Where UT Stands:An early commitment in the Class of 2017 for the Longhorns, you can make a very good case that Carson is the best defensive line prospect that has ever committed/signed with Charlie Strong since he’s been a head coach. He’s an early massive get for the Texas staff.
K'Lavon Chaisson (NorthShore)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.226 overall nationally), LSR (No.48)
Junior Highlights
Current offers:Texas, Arizona State, Baylor, Houston, LSU, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands:The Longhorns joined the offer party for one of the fastest-rising prospects in the state on January 7th when it offered Chaisson. Baylor and LSU are thought to be two of the early standouts for the North Shore star, but he’s taking Junior Day trips to Texas A&M and Houston this weekend, and it would appear that his recruitment is just starting to heat up. Expect the Longhorns to be a factor.
Taquon Graham (DE/Temple)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Three-stars/5.7/No.39 in Texas), LSR (No.17)
Junior Highlights
Current offers:Texas, Baylor, Georgia, Nebraska and TCU
Where UT Stands:His recruitment is just now starting to heat up, but he’s had his eye on Texas for years and it helps that the Longhorns were among the first schools to offer. He’s mentioned staying close to home could be a factor and I’d think the early smart money would be on the Longhorns, although TCU and Baylor are definitely factors as well.
Quotable*Via OB on 11/13) Of course, I'm a Texas kid. I grew up watching them, just had a chance to go Saturday. You see how the tradition is, how they have die-hard fans, how deep the fan base is. It was pretty ridiculous.
"They were pretty hyped up from the get-go, the stadium was full. People couldn't really even find seats. Some of them were trying to sit in with the recruits and they kept having to tell them it was full. It was crazy."
Linebackers
Anthony Hines (LB/Plano East)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.202 overall nationally), LSR (No.14)
Junior Highlights
Current offers:Alabama, Baylor, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands:The top-flight national prospect has visited Austin quite a bit in the last year and he clearly has a good relationship with Charlie Strong, so you can safely put the Longhorns near the top of his list.
Quotable:“I’m building a relationship with coach Norvell. And I really like coach Strong. He’s a high-energy guy and he really stays true to his principles. I like that.”
“(UT's) definitely, as a whole, the program that fits me. Not only on the field, but academically and socially.”
Baron Browning (LB/Kennedale)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/6.0/No.4 overall nationally), LSR (No.8)
Junior Highlights
Current status:Committed to Baylor
Where UT Stands:Browning visited UT back in May and it was clear the Longhorns were in the mix, but the state’s top linebacker pulled the string on the Bears on the day of UT’s Under the Lights camp, seemingly as a way to steal the top headline from the Longhorns on its big day. Since he committed to Baylor, Browning has been quite vocal in his love for the green and gold, but there are still a number of people that believe his recruitment will heat up before we get to next February.
Quotable:"I caught (Art Briles) off guard,'' Browning said. "I don't think he was expecting it. I thought he was going to have a heart attack he was so excited. He said he was so excited he said he was going to run a 4.3 in the 40.''
“My favorite part of the visit was talking with Coach Strong. We talked for about 45 minutes. He’s the first coach to talk to me for that long. Most coaches will rarely speak to guys on campus or will just say hi because they are too busy. He’s the type of coach who wants to get to know his players on a personal level. He’s a really cool guy. I really like him.”
Defensive backs
Robert Barnes (SL Carroll)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.149 overall nationally), LSR (No.27)
Junior Highlights
Current status:Committed to Oklahoma
Where UT Stands:Barnes was a guy that definitely had an interest in the Texas program, but at the end of the day, he bleeds OU blood and his early commitment reflects that.
Chevin Calloway (Dallas Bishop Dunne)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.105 overall nationally), LSR (No.12)
Junior Highlights
Current offers:Alabama, Baylor, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, TCU and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands:The Longhorns were right at the top of Calloway's list after his visit to Austin during the state track meet weekend, but a few other schools would appear to have the early poll position, including Baylor and Oklahoma. Expect this to be a hotly tested recruitment.
Quotable:”There really aren't any schools that I'm focusing on. The schools that are showing a lot of love - Baylor and TCU.They're showing me a lot of love, contacting my coaches, things like that. I'll be able to really know who wants me once the season starts, once they can call. Once fall season comes, I'll really know who wants me."
"They'd definitely be one of the top ones," Calloway said when asked where UT fits in. "I like the school, the team. They would be up there. Then again, it depends on how they approach me, how much they come to school. As far as the defense, I like what they run."
"I want a school with a good graduation rate and good alumni. I also want the football team to be hardworking and competitive, a defense I can fit in well. Players that are on the team and the players in their recruiting class, coaches that put players in the league, good environment, and a good business and engineering school are all important too."
Jeffrey Okudah (South Grand Prairie)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Five-stars/6.1/No.9 overall nationally), LSR (No.3)
Junior HighlightsandRivals Camp Series (Dallas)
Current offers:Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands:Never say never, but this one just doesn’t look good for Texas, as the schools that represent the apple of his eye are elsewhere.
Terry Petry (Ridge Point)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.204 overall nationally), LSR (No.28)
Junior Highlights
Current status:Committed to Houston
Where UT Stands:It remains to be seen, as he hasn’t emerged as a top target yet for the Longhorns or any other true national power at this stage.
Derrick Tucker(Manvel)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.107 overall nationally), LSR (No.25)
Junior Highlights
Current offers:Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and TCU
Where UT Stands:Tucker has admitted that he has considered committing early to the Longhorns and UT is his childhood favorite, but he seems to want to take some time in the recruiting process.
Key Quotes:"I thought about it," Tucker said of committing early. "I was thinking about it a lot one day but I decided I was going to wait. It was right after Texas offered." (Ketch)
Defensive tackles
Marvin Wilson (DT/Houston Episcopal)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Five-stars/6.1), LSR (No.1 overall)Junior HighlightsandFuture50 1-on 1's
Current offers:Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA and USC
Where UT Stands:There’s no question that Wilson is a fan of the Texas coaching staff, but this has the looks of an old school WWE Royal Rumble, as every powerhouse in the nation is making its move and Wilson seems incredibly open to taking a close look at numerous options. With Junior Day visits already scheduled for A&M and Florida State in the next month, this has a chance to be a long recruiting war filled with numerous battles.
Quotable: “I like coach Bedford, like him a lot. I got to go on an unofficial visit there, got to watch them practice. I like how he coaches his players. He gets in your grill, makes you want to get better. I want a coach who is going to get on me. He makes his players think, makes them work hard. That’s the kind of coach I want. Also Charlie Strong, he’s one of the best coaches out there. Those are the kinds of guys I want to surround myself around.”
Defensive ends
LaGaryonn Carson (DE/Texarkana Liberty-Eylau)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.127 overall nationally), LSR (No.1 overall)
Junior Highlights
Current status:Committed to Texas
Where UT Stands:An early commitment in the Class of 2017 for the Longhorns, you can make a very good case that Carson is the best defensive line prospect that has ever committed/signed with Charlie Strong since he’s been a head coach. He’s an early massive get for the Texas staff.
K'Lavon Chaisson (NorthShore)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.226 overall nationally), LSR (No.48)
Junior Highlights
Current offers:Texas, Arizona State, Baylor, Houston, LSU, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands:The Longhorns joined the offer party for one of the fastest-rising prospects in the state on January 7th when it offered Chaisson. Baylor and LSU are thought to be two of the early standouts for the North Shore star, but he’s taking Junior Day trips to Texas A&M and Houston this weekend, and it would appear that his recruitment is just starting to heat up. Expect the Longhorns to be a factor.
Taquon Graham (DE/Temple)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Three-stars/5.7/No.39 in Texas), LSR (No.17)
Junior Highlights
Current offers:Texas, Baylor, Georgia, Nebraska and TCU
Where UT Stands:His recruitment is just now starting to heat up, but he’s had his eye on Texas for years and it helps that the Longhorns were among the first schools to offer. He’s mentioned staying close to home could be a factor and I’d think the early smart money would be on the Longhorns, although TCU and Baylor are definitely factors as well.
Quotable*Via OB on 11/13) Of course, I'm a Texas kid. I grew up watching them, just had a chance to go Saturday. You see how the tradition is, how they have die-hard fans, how deep the fan base is. It was pretty ridiculous.
"They were pretty hyped up from the get-go, the stadium was full. People couldn't really even find seats. Some of them were trying to sit in with the recruits and they kept having to tell them it was full. It was crazy."
Linebackers
Anthony Hines (LB/Plano East)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.202 overall nationally), LSR (No.14)
Junior Highlights
Current offers:Alabama, Baylor, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands:The top-flight national prospect has visited Austin quite a bit in the last year and he clearly has a good relationship with Charlie Strong, so you can safely put the Longhorns near the top of his list.
Quotable:“I’m building a relationship with coach Norvell. And I really like coach Strong. He’s a high-energy guy and he really stays true to his principles. I like that.”
“(UT's) definitely, as a whole, the program that fits me. Not only on the field, but academically and socially.”
Baron Browning (LB/Kennedale)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/6.0/No.4 overall nationally), LSR (No.8)
Junior Highlights
Current status:Committed to Baylor
Where UT Stands:Browning visited UT back in May and it was clear the Longhorns were in the mix, but the state’s top linebacker pulled the string on the Bears on the day of UT’s Under the Lights camp, seemingly as a way to steal the top headline from the Longhorns on its big day. Since he committed to Baylor, Browning has been quite vocal in his love for the green and gold, but there are still a number of people that believe his recruitment will heat up before we get to next February.
Quotable:"I caught (Art Briles) off guard,'' Browning said. "I don't think he was expecting it. I thought he was going to have a heart attack he was so excited. He said he was so excited he said he was going to run a 4.3 in the 40.''
“My favorite part of the visit was talking with Coach Strong. We talked for about 45 minutes. He’s the first coach to talk to me for that long. Most coaches will rarely speak to guys on campus or will just say hi because they are too busy. He’s the type of coach who wants to get to know his players on a personal level. He’s a really cool guy. I really like him.”
Defensive backs
Robert Barnes (SL Carroll)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.149 overall nationally), LSR (No.27)
Junior Highlights
Current status:Committed to Oklahoma
Where UT Stands:Barnes was a guy that definitely had an interest in the Texas program, but at the end of the day, he bleeds OU blood and his early commitment reflects that.
Chevin Calloway (Dallas Bishop Dunne)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.105 overall nationally), LSR (No.12)
Junior Highlights
Current offers:Alabama, Baylor, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, TCU and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands:The Longhorns were right at the top of Calloway's list after his visit to Austin during the state track meet weekend, but a few other schools would appear to have the early poll position, including Baylor and Oklahoma. Expect this to be a hotly tested recruitment.
Quotable:”There really aren't any schools that I'm focusing on. The schools that are showing a lot of love - Baylor and TCU.They're showing me a lot of love, contacting my coaches, things like that. I'll be able to really know who wants me once the season starts, once they can call. Once fall season comes, I'll really know who wants me."
"They'd definitely be one of the top ones," Calloway said when asked where UT fits in. "I like the school, the team. They would be up there. Then again, it depends on how they approach me, how much they come to school. As far as the defense, I like what they run."
"I want a school with a good graduation rate and good alumni. I also want the football team to be hardworking and competitive, a defense I can fit in well. Players that are on the team and the players in their recruiting class, coaches that put players in the league, good environment, and a good business and engineering school are all important too."
Jeffrey Okudah (South Grand Prairie)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Five-stars/6.1/No.9 overall nationally), LSR (No.3)
Junior HighlightsandRivals Camp Series (Dallas)
Current offers:Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M
Where UT Stands:Never say never, but this one just doesn’t look good for Texas, as the schools that represent the apple of his eye are elsewhere.
Terry Petry (Ridge Point)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.8/No.204 overall nationally), LSR (No.28)
Junior Highlights
Current status:Committed to Houston
Where UT Stands:It remains to be seen, as he hasn’t emerged as a top target yet for the Longhorns or any other true national power at this stage.
Derrick Tucker(Manvel)
Current recruiting grade:Rivals (Four-stars/5.9/No.107 overall nationally), LSR (No.25)
Junior Highlights
Current offers:Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and TCU
Where UT Stands:Tucker has admitted that he has considered committing early to the Longhorns and UT is his childhood favorite, but he seems to want to take some time in the recruiting process.
Key Quotes:"I thought about it," Tucker said of committing early. "I was thinking about it a lot one day but I decided I was going to wait. It was right after Texas offered." (Ketch)
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Heading into our 1st Jr day here in a few weeks, the 2017 class is already off to an excellent start with 4 players: QB Sam Ehlinger, WR Damion Miller, TE Major Tennison and SDE Lagaryonn Carson.
QB(1) - Got one of the best in Texas in Sam Ehlinger
RB(2) - J.K. Dobbins is probably back to being a heavy Texas lean, Eno Benjamin is probably another kid that Texas could get today with an offer.
WR(2) - Damion Miller is a great start, need to an elite WR here to complement this class. If the new offense takes off, shouldn't be too hard to get one.
TE(1) - Major Tennison could be the dual threat TE, Texas hasn't had since the days of Scaife and Thomas.
OL(4) - This should start with OTs Austin Deculus, Walker Little and Grayson Reed. Then add one more elite guy.
DL(3) - WDE Taquon Graham is a heavy lean, Lagaryonn Carson is already a commit. Leaving the 1 true difference maker along the DL. Texas MUST sign DT Marvin Wilson.
LB(3) - This where Texas can take their time between OLBs Dylan Moses, Baron Browning and Levi Jones and ILB Anthony Hines. Texas has those 4 elite options.
CB(2-3) - Need to restock the pipeline. Getting William Poole III from Georgia is going to take work, but Texas could do it.
S(1-2) - Derrick Tucker is pretty close to joining this class. He could be the lone take, but you also work on Jeffrey Okudah until Feb. 2017.
Depth-wise, we might be the best we have been in 10 years. It's really across the board. DL was a major weakness, and it was addressed heavily. Now, it's just about keeping balanced in the classes as we move forward. Think about 22 starters and 25 recruits per year, and go 1 extra at QB and 1 extra big body (OL or DL). Draft a new team every year, unless there is some year where there is a supreme advantage. So essentially, you want to address:
1-2 QB
2 RB
4 WR/TE
5 OL
3 DT
2 DE
3 LB
2 C
2 S
2017
QB - Probably set with Ehlinger http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3185948/sam-ehlinger, unless there is a transfer. Other options are Robinson (not happening), Mond (IMG - not happening), and someone off the radar like a Merrick-type.
RB - if you don't go get Eno Benjamin, you will regret it. www.hudl.com/athlete/3381839/eno-benjamin. JK Dobbins http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3378902/jk-dobbins is similar, but different, and he will be an absolute take as well. Toeneil Carter http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2893060/toneil-carter is there as well. It's a long shot, and I don't think he's better than Benjamin and Dobbins.
TE - Tennison http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3698393/major-tennison is there. Does he fit? Maybe like a better version of that Amaro kid from Tech? I don't think he will be there at the end, unless he is projected to move to tackle. I have been wrong before, but I don't see his style as being needed. However, there ain't crap in the state, and TE is hard to project. Maybe it sticks.
WR - Damion Miller http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4125599/...s/313971426/v3 is on the board, and he is good. The Singleton kid from Brother Martin http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2603770/jeremy-singleton is unreal. His speed wins you games. If you can get him, you go get him. Tylan Wallace http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3673025/...s/212492375/v3 is another in-state prospect. I know that he played against $#@!, played with $#@!, and was probably coached by $#@!. But he could move to corner, and he likes to hit. I am intrigued.
OL - You have to start thinking about replacing Conner Williams. That sounds crazy to me. Maybe Delance was the answer. Maybe he wasn't. Grayson Reed (kin to Ced Reed) http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3243526/grayson-reed, Deculus http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4331154/...s/316081419/v3 (size), and Walker Little (my favorite) http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2913981/...s/221082376/v3 are the best of the bunch at tackle. You take two, and I would go with Reed and Little. Tyrese Robinson http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4720790/...s/210210396/v3 committed to OU, but he will end up at Texas. He is the best guard in the state, and you can tell Jack Anderson's http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3067076/...s/304892390/v3 punk ass I said so. Harris from Aledo http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2596337/...s/205049379/v3 is undersized in my opinion. You could go get the Ingram kid from Desoto, but, boy, he is a project http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4809257/...s/229588376/v3. He could be very, very good, and we have the type of depth now to take a flyer or two. Which gets us to center...Deaton from Frisco High is good. He will get made fun of by the Moob contingent, but he's better than Anderson from the film I have seen. That was one game, but I was floored with how good he was, compared to what I was expecting. When I watched his film, I was even more pleased http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4824843/...s/285886402/v3 Your in-state and out-of-state options are limited here. Maybe you recruit an extra guard and convert him. And if you are thinking "easy enough", then you haven't been asked to play center. Totally different skill set is needed.
DT - Marvin Wilson http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2914209/...s/327996390/v3. I might personally consider this class a failure if we didn't get him. Wilson and Carson are the best two players in the state. If Charlie has to get his mom pregnant to secure the commitment, you reverse that vasectomy and you flip into breeding mode ASAP. You pair him up with Deiontae Wattshttp://www.hudl.com/athlete/3109716/...s/301945381/v3 from Plano East (especially if it helps with Hines), and you rest easy knowing that you will be trotting them (with the class of 2016 kids that are still around) out to play against LSU when they come to Austin in 2019. They could have Fournette 2.0 in 2019, and we will still pack their $#@! tight.
DE - Carson http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5095116/...s/247059375/v3. My favorite player in the state. I watched him on film as a sophomore against Argyle, and I was floored. I had to do a search to find out who the kid was. If JMad learned to play better and was a little quicker, he would be Carson. All of the rankings need to figure out that he is the best player in Texas. Pair him up with Taquon Graham from Temple http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4634607/...s/315676378/v3 on the other side, and tee tee runs down the leg of Shawn Robinson and whichever Baylor QB wants their neck broke.
S - Okudah http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3197943/...s/313513467/v3 and Tucker http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1337318/...s/319414385/v3. Very similar in how they play. Both good. Okudah is a long shot, but I've learned to stop doubting Charlie. Tucker could happen soon, and that would be a good thing. Don't tell OU, but I like Robert Barnes. I think our chances would be better if we had gotten Eboh. But we didn't.
C - Calloway? Yeah, he kinda gets my $#@! hard. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2791187/...s/293123433/v3 That's the best in-state option of a bad class. In my opinion, you go to Brother Martin and get Tre Swilling (son of Pat Swilling), especially if it will help with Singleton. His change of direction is smooth. Very smooth. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3489783/...s/211385375/v3
LB - ah yes...LB. Dylan Moses has been getting headlines for years. They love Charlie. Love him. He likes Texas. He won't be coming here. I'm not even going to get your hopes up and post his Hudl. Instead...focus on two kids that will make you forget about DJax. Anthony Hines from Plano East http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3917043/...s/289105383/v3 is so good. He likes Texas. He will be a Longhorn if Charlie is here (not trying to draw in the fire Charlie crowd). Baron Browning is so, so good. I'm putting up the link to his powerlifting totals...http://www.thspa.us/athleteresults.a...hleteID=279400. 630 lb deadlift at 220lbs is very impressive. His 1485 powerlifting total is pretty good, but he has an outside chance to break the 242lb deadlift record this year or next, and he is giving up 18lbs in the weight class. He is a Baylor commit, but that won't last. It just won't. When a LB has a chance to play with the meat we have in front of him, he will get to make plays. Plays get you to the NFL. The NFL gets you paid. Period. Here is the Hudl...proceed to Level 6. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2510669/...s/323346404/v3
QB(1) - Got one of the best in Texas in Sam Ehlinger
RB(2) - J.K. Dobbins is probably back to being a heavy Texas lean, Eno Benjamin is probably another kid that Texas could get today with an offer.
WR(2) - Damion Miller is a great start, need to an elite WR here to complement this class. If the new offense takes off, shouldn't be too hard to get one.
TE(1) - Major Tennison could be the dual threat TE, Texas hasn't had since the days of Scaife and Thomas.
OL(4) - This should start with OTs Austin Deculus, Walker Little and Grayson Reed. Then add one more elite guy.
DL(3) - WDE Taquon Graham is a heavy lean, Lagaryonn Carson is already a commit. Leaving the 1 true difference maker along the DL. Texas MUST sign DT Marvin Wilson.
LB(3) - This where Texas can take their time between OLBs Dylan Moses, Baron Browning and Levi Jones and ILB Anthony Hines. Texas has those 4 elite options.
CB(2-3) - Need to restock the pipeline. Getting William Poole III from Georgia is going to take work, but Texas could do it.
S(1-2) - Derrick Tucker is pretty close to joining this class. He could be the lone take, but you also work on Jeffrey Okudah until Feb. 2017.
Depth-wise, we might be the best we have been in 10 years. It's really across the board. DL was a major weakness, and it was addressed heavily. Now, it's just about keeping balanced in the classes as we move forward. Think about 22 starters and 25 recruits per year, and go 1 extra at QB and 1 extra big body (OL or DL). Draft a new team every year, unless there is some year where there is a supreme advantage. So essentially, you want to address:
1-2 QB
2 RB
4 WR/TE
5 OL
3 DT
2 DE
3 LB
2 C
2 S
2017
QB - Probably set with Ehlinger http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3185948/sam-ehlinger, unless there is a transfer. Other options are Robinson (not happening), Mond (IMG - not happening), and someone off the radar like a Merrick-type.
RB - if you don't go get Eno Benjamin, you will regret it. www.hudl.com/athlete/3381839/eno-benjamin. JK Dobbins http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3378902/jk-dobbins is similar, but different, and he will be an absolute take as well. Toeneil Carter http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2893060/toneil-carter is there as well. It's a long shot, and I don't think he's better than Benjamin and Dobbins.
TE - Tennison http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3698393/major-tennison is there. Does he fit? Maybe like a better version of that Amaro kid from Tech? I don't think he will be there at the end, unless he is projected to move to tackle. I have been wrong before, but I don't see his style as being needed. However, there ain't crap in the state, and TE is hard to project. Maybe it sticks.
WR - Damion Miller http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4125599/...s/313971426/v3 is on the board, and he is good. The Singleton kid from Brother Martin http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2603770/jeremy-singleton is unreal. His speed wins you games. If you can get him, you go get him. Tylan Wallace http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3673025/...s/212492375/v3 is another in-state prospect. I know that he played against $#@!, played with $#@!, and was probably coached by $#@!. But he could move to corner, and he likes to hit. I am intrigued.
OL - You have to start thinking about replacing Conner Williams. That sounds crazy to me. Maybe Delance was the answer. Maybe he wasn't. Grayson Reed (kin to Ced Reed) http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3243526/grayson-reed, Deculus http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4331154/...s/316081419/v3 (size), and Walker Little (my favorite) http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2913981/...s/221082376/v3 are the best of the bunch at tackle. You take two, and I would go with Reed and Little. Tyrese Robinson http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4720790/...s/210210396/v3 committed to OU, but he will end up at Texas. He is the best guard in the state, and you can tell Jack Anderson's http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3067076/...s/304892390/v3 punk ass I said so. Harris from Aledo http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2596337/...s/205049379/v3 is undersized in my opinion. You could go get the Ingram kid from Desoto, but, boy, he is a project http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4809257/...s/229588376/v3. He could be very, very good, and we have the type of depth now to take a flyer or two. Which gets us to center...Deaton from Frisco High is good. He will get made fun of by the Moob contingent, but he's better than Anderson from the film I have seen. That was one game, but I was floored with how good he was, compared to what I was expecting. When I watched his film, I was even more pleased http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4824843/...s/285886402/v3 Your in-state and out-of-state options are limited here. Maybe you recruit an extra guard and convert him. And if you are thinking "easy enough", then you haven't been asked to play center. Totally different skill set is needed.
DT - Marvin Wilson http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2914209/...s/327996390/v3. I might personally consider this class a failure if we didn't get him. Wilson and Carson are the best two players in the state. If Charlie has to get his mom pregnant to secure the commitment, you reverse that vasectomy and you flip into breeding mode ASAP. You pair him up with Deiontae Wattshttp://www.hudl.com/athlete/3109716/...s/301945381/v3 from Plano East (especially if it helps with Hines), and you rest easy knowing that you will be trotting them (with the class of 2016 kids that are still around) out to play against LSU when they come to Austin in 2019. They could have Fournette 2.0 in 2019, and we will still pack their $#@! tight.
DE - Carson http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5095116/...s/247059375/v3. My favorite player in the state. I watched him on film as a sophomore against Argyle, and I was floored. I had to do a search to find out who the kid was. If JMad learned to play better and was a little quicker, he would be Carson. All of the rankings need to figure out that he is the best player in Texas. Pair him up with Taquon Graham from Temple http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4634607/...s/315676378/v3 on the other side, and tee tee runs down the leg of Shawn Robinson and whichever Baylor QB wants their neck broke.
S - Okudah http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3197943/...s/313513467/v3 and Tucker http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1337318/...s/319414385/v3. Very similar in how they play. Both good. Okudah is a long shot, but I've learned to stop doubting Charlie. Tucker could happen soon, and that would be a good thing. Don't tell OU, but I like Robert Barnes. I think our chances would be better if we had gotten Eboh. But we didn't.
C - Calloway? Yeah, he kinda gets my $#@! hard. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2791187/...s/293123433/v3 That's the best in-state option of a bad class. In my opinion, you go to Brother Martin and get Tre Swilling (son of Pat Swilling), especially if it will help with Singleton. His change of direction is smooth. Very smooth. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3489783/...s/211385375/v3
LB - ah yes...LB. Dylan Moses has been getting headlines for years. They love Charlie. Love him. He likes Texas. He won't be coming here. I'm not even going to get your hopes up and post his Hudl. Instead...focus on two kids that will make you forget about DJax. Anthony Hines from Plano East http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3917043/...s/289105383/v3 is so good. He likes Texas. He will be a Longhorn if Charlie is here (not trying to draw in the fire Charlie crowd). Baron Browning is so, so good. I'm putting up the link to his powerlifting totals...http://www.thspa.us/athleteresults.a...hleteID=279400. 630 lb deadlift at 220lbs is very impressive. His 1485 powerlifting total is pretty good, but he has an outside chance to break the 242lb deadlift record this year or next, and he is giving up 18lbs in the weight class. He is a Baylor commit, but that won't last. It just won't. When a LB has a chance to play with the meat we have in front of him, he will get to make plays. Plays get you to the NFL. The NFL gets you paid. Period. Here is the Hudl...proceed to Level 6. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2510669/...s/323346404/v3
Still think Marvin Wilson ends up at $EC school somewhere. We would really have to have a great year to pull him in.
dang Scholz...that's a possible top 5 class if not higher.
Combine the 2015 class, 2016 class then the 2017 class -- amazing.
Combine the 2015 class, 2016 class then the 2017 class -- amazing.
You also have way too much time on your hands, but hey, the extensive analysis is always appreciated.
Hmm, I think he balances his time quite well between a full time job, all this recruiting info, and his salamander crusades.
Agreed. This 2017 class should put the finishing touches on the rebuild. We're about to freaking roll.
Hey Scholz, could you say who the authors of these two takes are?
God damn, I love the way Charlie evaluates and recruits. I love not wasting a third of our scholarship on Mack Brown Specials and other low-hanging fruit that will never help Texas be elite. Every player his staff targets just makes sense. If we can just show real progress on the field this year, Texas recruiting is going to get f***ing frightening -- like top-five-rated classes annually, assembled with Charlie's outstanding evaluation abilities.
Sure. Two guys over on the shag: utgrad97 and coachkiss. All I ever do is take info on other sites and share it over here for discussion.
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