Recruiting Thread 2017
- Thread starter Scholz
- Start date
We offered Cade Brewer TE from Lake Travis.
Omar Manning is rumored to be trending our way.
Omar Manning is rumored to be trending our way.
Brewer looked awesome in that win over Westlake. Made a spectacular one-handed catch over the middle. Big and fast TE.
From TFB
– Cade Brewer: This past weekend, Texas offered 2017 SMU TE commit, Cade Brewer (Austin, TX). Brewer is an athletic TE that can flex out but has no problem showing a man the dirt in the run game.
Brewer said, “I’ve always liked UT” and added that being an Austin native he has visited the campus before. I asked if a visit would happen and he said he wasn’t sure yet. I’d be surprised to if it didn’t happen, however, Brewer has held firm to his commitment to SMU even with offers from OU as well as Texas A&M so we’ll have to wait and see if Herman and co. can make this happen. – (Super K)
– Chuck Filiaga: Texas hosted one of their top offensive line targets this past weekend, Chuck Filiaga (Aledo, TX). Filiaga came away impressed with the new staff, “the new coaching staff are great guys…they have a great mindset to turn things around, not (just) for them but also for the players”.
Filiaga has officially visited a few school including Oklahoma and Michigan who we are the current leaders. This return trip to Texas under the new staff seems to have strengthened Texas’ position. It isn’t a coincidence that Filiaga was one of the first offensive linemen the new staff went after or that Filiaga wasted no time in getting back down to Austin to meet the new staff.
Filiaga tells us he is scheduled to announce his decision about a month from now on January 7th. – (Super K)
– Official Visits: After talking to a few Texas commits, it sounds like the weekend of January 22nd will be the weekend they all officially visit Texas. It will be interesting to see if Tom Herman has the same approach as Charlie Strong and brings in most of his top recruits all on the same weekend, or if he spreads things out. The only current commit that I don’t expect to visit that weekend is Sam Ehlinger, because as I reported last week he plans to enroll early and will officially visit Texas this weekend before the dead period begins and he enrolls. – (Andrew)
– Omar Manning: I know some have asked me about Lancaster (TX) TCU WR commit Omar Manning recently and how solid he is to TCU. Now I won’t tell you he’s going to flip to Texas, but there seems to be some real smoke around his commitment to the Horned Frogs. But it would seem like if Manning didn’t end up at TCU, I’d say Texas has a better shot at landing him over Texas A&M and Oklahoma as of today. As I’ve reported before there are some members of the football program at Lancaster that are pro-Texas.
It has become widely known that the TCU coaching staff’s method to fighting off other schools to hold onto their commits is can sometimes come off as negative recruiting. As some of you remember there was a lot of that towards Texas when it came to one time TCU CB commit Josh Thompson, who is now committed to Texas. It will be interesting to see if they use that same technique with Manning. And when it comes to Manning and Texas, lets just see if he officially visits Austin first. – (Andrew)
– Joshua/Jordan Moore: Coach Jason Washington and Tom Herman will be at Yoakum HS either today or Tuesday to see 2018 WR Joshua Moore and DB Jordan Moore. The highly recruited twins have a Texas connection as their mother went to UT, and they were very high on the Longhorns under Charlie Strong. That interest hasn’t seemed to drop off much since Tom Herman took over.
Right now Jordan plans to commit this month on Christmas Eve, and Joshua doesn’t have a date set to commit at the moment.
– Cade Brewer: This past weekend, Texas offered 2017 SMU TE commit, Cade Brewer (Austin, TX). Brewer is an athletic TE that can flex out but has no problem showing a man the dirt in the run game.
Brewer said, “I’ve always liked UT” and added that being an Austin native he has visited the campus before. I asked if a visit would happen and he said he wasn’t sure yet. I’d be surprised to if it didn’t happen, however, Brewer has held firm to his commitment to SMU even with offers from OU as well as Texas A&M so we’ll have to wait and see if Herman and co. can make this happen. – (Super K)
– Chuck Filiaga: Texas hosted one of their top offensive line targets this past weekend, Chuck Filiaga (Aledo, TX). Filiaga came away impressed with the new staff, “the new coaching staff are great guys…they have a great mindset to turn things around, not (just) for them but also for the players”.
Filiaga has officially visited a few school including Oklahoma and Michigan who we are the current leaders. This return trip to Texas under the new staff seems to have strengthened Texas’ position. It isn’t a coincidence that Filiaga was one of the first offensive linemen the new staff went after or that Filiaga wasted no time in getting back down to Austin to meet the new staff.
Filiaga tells us he is scheduled to announce his decision about a month from now on January 7th. – (Super K)
– Official Visits: After talking to a few Texas commits, it sounds like the weekend of January 22nd will be the weekend they all officially visit Texas. It will be interesting to see if Tom Herman has the same approach as Charlie Strong and brings in most of his top recruits all on the same weekend, or if he spreads things out. The only current commit that I don’t expect to visit that weekend is Sam Ehlinger, because as I reported last week he plans to enroll early and will officially visit Texas this weekend before the dead period begins and he enrolls. – (Andrew)
– Omar Manning: I know some have asked me about Lancaster (TX) TCU WR commit Omar Manning recently and how solid he is to TCU. Now I won’t tell you he’s going to flip to Texas, but there seems to be some real smoke around his commitment to the Horned Frogs. But it would seem like if Manning didn’t end up at TCU, I’d say Texas has a better shot at landing him over Texas A&M and Oklahoma as of today. As I’ve reported before there are some members of the football program at Lancaster that are pro-Texas.
It has become widely known that the TCU coaching staff’s method to fighting off other schools to hold onto their commits is can sometimes come off as negative recruiting. As some of you remember there was a lot of that towards Texas when it came to one time TCU CB commit Josh Thompson, who is now committed to Texas. It will be interesting to see if they use that same technique with Manning. And when it comes to Manning and Texas, lets just see if he officially visits Austin first. – (Andrew)
– Joshua/Jordan Moore: Coach Jason Washington and Tom Herman will be at Yoakum HS either today or Tuesday to see 2018 WR Joshua Moore and DB Jordan Moore. The highly recruited twins have a Texas connection as their mother went to UT, and they were very high on the Longhorns under Charlie Strong. That interest hasn’t seemed to drop off much since Tom Herman took over.
Right now Jordan plans to commit this month on Christmas Eve, and Joshua doesn’t have a date set to commit at the moment.
No. He's Bama all the way. But they're also still looking at Chase Rogers out of MS at TE. Meekins is trying to setup an in-home with Rogers so that door isn't closed by any means. Should probably take 2 if possible (since Herman uses the TE in the passing game quite a bit).
Here's the TE depth chart after next year: Peyton Aucoin. That's it. That's the list.
That's what happens when every in state school sucks on the field. These kids want to play for Championships.
Yep, lost Whiteley to medical, have Beck to return with Aucoin....they had moved Bluiett to TE and he graduated over the weekend.
Previous staff had moved Vasser (jr) to TE and there is no telling what the new staff will do with Lil'Jordan.
Burton:
Texas' scholarship offer over the weekend to tight end Cade Brewer of Lake Travis is a direct sign of a change in philosophy on offense for Texas.
The Longhorns' offense under new coach Tom Herman will need a tight end that can flex out but also play in-line. The staff wants someone who can stretch the defense down the middle of the field at times.
While it's great news for Brewer, currently an SMU commit, it may have a similarly negative effect on Coy McMillon at Abilene High.
McMillon is the brother of Texas starting center/guard Jake. The previous staff had already decided to offer a scholarship to Coy, who is committed to Tulsa, at the end of the Horns' regular season.
But the former Texas staff never got that far because of their firing.
It's too early to Texas if the new Texas staff will circle back on Coy McMillon because, like his brother, I think Coy's one of those players who will eventually find his way on to the field.
**
Texas is expected to host a few official visitors this weekend.
At this point, the total number of recruits is uncertain, but you can expect Westlake QB Sam Ehlinger to be one of them.
**
Finishing what I started last week, here's what I was given by various former Texas coaches on defensive players.
Defensive line
Overall - "They [the new staff] are going to look at this group and think they hit the lottery. They're lucky, no doubt."
Poona Ford - "We said it when we recruited him. I just wish he was 30 pounds heavier and three inches taller. He'd be a first rounder. Great kid to be around."
Jordan Elliott - "He can just take you and sling you."
Charles Omenihu - "He was a really good listener (about what the coaches wanted)."
D'Andre Christmas - "I think he's a perfect five technique for this league. He doesn't have enough moves to really use that quickness yet but if he works, man we were really happy with him."
Marcel Southall - "I wish we would have played him this year. I think he could have helped us."
Chris Daniels - "I don't want to say he's a loafer but it's like the light bulb still hasn't come on."
Gerald Wilbon - "He carries the lunch bucket to practice. Needs to pop the center better (on pass rush)."
Chris Nelson - "He's a good kid. We were always trying to get him a little more mean."
Linebackers
Malcolm Roach - "Special player in my book. We had no clue he was going to be who he is."
Malik Jefferson - "Sometimes he'd play hard, physical. Sometimes Charmin. K-State was just damn bizarre."
Jeff McCulloch - "He surprised us some. You're getting more with him. He's mentally tough."
Edwin Freeman - "He made more plays than any linebacker we had. He gets caught in the wash (in the run game) but he really helped late (in the season)."
Anthony Wheeler - "We went with Ed (Freeman) when we started playing these teams that just threw it every down."
Breckyn Hager - "He just has a complete disregard for his body."
Erick Fowler - "Sometimes you have freshmen you know you have to play or you're going to lose them (mentally). He really showed some things at Mike (linebacker) but he was just so raw. He needs a full spring (practice)."
Secondary
Kris Boyd - "Hell, I thought he was the only one who cared back there sometimes."
Dylan Haines - "We could really help hide him as a sophomore but as he got older he just got more and more exposed. Quandre Diggs and Mykkele Thompson are hell of a lot different than John Bonney and Jason Hall."
John Bonney - "Yeah, he's limited but he got what we were trying to do."
Holton Hill - "Weirdest six-game suspension ever. Really talented."
Jason Hall - "Solid guy. We knew we had to get him closer to the line of scrimmage."
Brandon Jones - "Every time they (an opponent) would beat us in the secondary, I'd look over there and see him not playing and just think. It was dumb not to play him more, to get him ready."
P.J. Locke - "Loves ball. He or Kris make one of those INTs against Kansas and we may still be around."
Davante Davis - "He got so down on himself. More of a safety."
Eric Cuffee - "I didn't like his attitude. Something about him rubbed me the wrong way."
Texas' scholarship offer over the weekend to tight end Cade Brewer of Lake Travis is a direct sign of a change in philosophy on offense for Texas.
The Longhorns' offense under new coach Tom Herman will need a tight end that can flex out but also play in-line. The staff wants someone who can stretch the defense down the middle of the field at times.
While it's great news for Brewer, currently an SMU commit, it may have a similarly negative effect on Coy McMillon at Abilene High.
McMillon is the brother of Texas starting center/guard Jake. The previous staff had already decided to offer a scholarship to Coy, who is committed to Tulsa, at the end of the Horns' regular season.
But the former Texas staff never got that far because of their firing.
It's too early to Texas if the new Texas staff will circle back on Coy McMillon because, like his brother, I think Coy's one of those players who will eventually find his way on to the field.
**
Texas is expected to host a few official visitors this weekend.
At this point, the total number of recruits is uncertain, but you can expect Westlake QB Sam Ehlinger to be one of them.
**
Finishing what I started last week, here's what I was given by various former Texas coaches on defensive players.
Defensive line
Overall - "They [the new staff] are going to look at this group and think they hit the lottery. They're lucky, no doubt."
Poona Ford - "We said it when we recruited him. I just wish he was 30 pounds heavier and three inches taller. He'd be a first rounder. Great kid to be around."
Jordan Elliott - "He can just take you and sling you."
Charles Omenihu - "He was a really good listener (about what the coaches wanted)."
D'Andre Christmas - "I think he's a perfect five technique for this league. He doesn't have enough moves to really use that quickness yet but if he works, man we were really happy with him."
Marcel Southall - "I wish we would have played him this year. I think he could have helped us."
Chris Daniels - "I don't want to say he's a loafer but it's like the light bulb still hasn't come on."
Gerald Wilbon - "He carries the lunch bucket to practice. Needs to pop the center better (on pass rush)."
Chris Nelson - "He's a good kid. We were always trying to get him a little more mean."
Linebackers
Malcolm Roach - "Special player in my book. We had no clue he was going to be who he is."
Malik Jefferson - "Sometimes he'd play hard, physical. Sometimes Charmin. K-State was just damn bizarre."
Jeff McCulloch - "He surprised us some. You're getting more with him. He's mentally tough."
Edwin Freeman - "He made more plays than any linebacker we had. He gets caught in the wash (in the run game) but he really helped late (in the season)."
Anthony Wheeler - "We went with Ed (Freeman) when we started playing these teams that just threw it every down."
Breckyn Hager - "He just has a complete disregard for his body."
Erick Fowler - "Sometimes you have freshmen you know you have to play or you're going to lose them (mentally). He really showed some things at Mike (linebacker) but he was just so raw. He needs a full spring (practice)."
Secondary
Kris Boyd - "Hell, I thought he was the only one who cared back there sometimes."
Dylan Haines - "We could really help hide him as a sophomore but as he got older he just got more and more exposed. Quandre Diggs and Mykkele Thompson are hell of a lot different than John Bonney and Jason Hall."
John Bonney - "Yeah, he's limited but he got what we were trying to do."
Holton Hill - "Weirdest six-game suspension ever. Really talented."
Jason Hall - "Solid guy. We knew we had to get him closer to the line of scrimmage."
Brandon Jones - "Every time they (an opponent) would beat us in the secondary, I'd look over there and see him not playing and just think. It was dumb not to play him more, to get him ready."
P.J. Locke - "Loves ball. He or Kris make one of those INTs against Kansas and we may still be around."
Davante Davis - "He got so down on himself. More of a safety."
Eric Cuffee - "I didn't like his attitude. Something about him rubbed me the wrong way."
Just offered aggy TE commit Camron Horry
http://247sports.com/player/camron-horry-83578
RB Eno Benjamin (Wylie East)
http://247sports.com/player/camron-horry-83578
RB Eno Benjamin (Wylie East)
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Toniel ( I cant spell a damned thing...currently a UGA commit) has cancelled his OV this weekend.......But 247 says they have a confirmed report that it was Texas that cancelled the visit...The staff thinks they have a better option....a certain in State recruit that we like better. That would be some nice news...
Not buying the, Texas coach called my brother and told me not to come, quote from Howe.
Do they really think that's how Herman would have handled it?
Saddest thing about 5-7 is they didn't get Jones experience for next year. This guy is a stud. Use him!
I can see him already silent committing and recruiting behind the scenes for us. He plans to announce at the All-American game on Jan 7th. That would give us some nice on air exposure. He's also very close with a lot recruits. I mean he recruited like 5 TX guys to commit to freaking Iowa with him. Imagine what he can go for UT.
if he thinks they have no shot then do not waste the money brining anybody in. Catering to the " Divas" has to end. We had enough of that so yea, if you don't have a shot...end it now and find somebody that wants to be here.
That sounds like utopia, but unfortunately there is no closing Pandora's box of recruiting. Not dealing with divas is great if you have accepted KSU esque success, but if you want anything more you are going to have to play the recruiting game.
For this year Tom just needs to concentrate on filling the needs, don't get too excited about trying to land the huge fish, get what you need and move on.
We need 2 RBs, 2 olinemen, Kyle Allen if he wants to xfer in, 1 more CB and a linebacker.
If I had a wish list it for right now I'd want to keep what we have and fill in the needs with:
Eno Benjamin
Walker Little
one other olinemen
Kyle Allen
Chevin Calloway
Omar Manning
K'Lavon Chaisson
Zacchaeus McKinney
a linebacker
That to me would be a full class and then we can take extra next year.
We need 2 RBs, 2 olinemen, Kyle Allen if he wants to xfer in, 1 more CB and a linebacker.
If I had a wish list it for right now I'd want to keep what we have and fill in the needs with:
Eno Benjamin
Walker Little
one other olinemen
Kyle Allen
Chevin Calloway
Omar Manning
K'Lavon Chaisson
Zacchaeus McKinney
a linebacker
That to me would be a full class and then we can take extra next year.
He'll be a SR. We should have some solid depth on the interior, but Strong didn't land too many DEs.
DT should have Some depth finally. Poona, Nelson and the freshman from this year. Depends on scheme but the outside guys are Roach, Hagar, Hughes, Ominehu and Fowler. I don't know if we much depth as a true 7 technique SDE. Area of need is SDE, TE, RB, and depth at OL.
Who are we after the LB and the RB? I wouldn't think this hiring would affect our chances too much. Major is a good recruiter so he could have a strong relationship with them, but we pretty much took the rest of Houston's staff so unless they specifically bonded with Major I wouldn't think it comes into play. Now we may not get them for other reasons.
Texas Official Visitor List for this weekend:
Reese Leitao TE
Sam Ehlinger QB
Eno Benjamin RB
Jayden Peevy DT/OT
Omar Manning WR
Salvatore Cannella JUCO TE/WR
Reese Leitao TE
Sam Ehlinger QB
Eno Benjamin RB
Jayden Peevy DT/OT
Omar Manning WR
Salvatore Cannella JUCO TE/WR
War room
In case you weren't around the computer on Thursday, a brief recap of yet another busy day of recruiting action for the Longhorns.
Texas extended several new offers on Thursday:
Wylie East RB Eno Benjamin
Richmond Foster WR Cedarian Lamb (OU commitment)
Houston Westfield RB Daniel Young (Houston commitment)
2018 Arp WR/DB DeMarvion Overshown
Caldwell DB Devin Morris (Texas A&M commitment)
--- Benjamin has been waiting for an offer from Texas for more than a year, and this one has the feel that it will almost certainly fall UT's way. The former Iowa commitment will take an official visit to UT this weekend. He has taken previous visits to Missouri and Arizona State. Anyone thinking he goes to one of those over Texas? Benjamin's plan is to announce at the Army All-American game, which is interesting timing considering he's an early enrollee, but a commitment on national television would be a good thing for Texas.
--- Lamb has seen his stock blow up after an incredible senior season. Unfortunately for Texas, it sounds like he's planning on sticking with his OU commitment.
"You'll see me in crimson and cream when it's said and done,” Lamb told SoonerScoop's Josh McCuistion.
--- Young remains committed to Houston (more on him in a bit), but like Benjamin, that one just makes too much sense. At Texas, he's getting a chance to play on football's biggest stage and he'd be coming to play for coaches with whom he is very familiar. Everyone can do the math here.
--- Morris, if you believe what he's putting out on Twitter, looks like he'll stick with A&M.
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Houston Westfield RB Daniel Young picked up his UT offer on Thursday night, but said it wasn't exactly a total shock.
"It didn't necessarily catch me by surprise. I thought there was a chance I'd get the offer," Young said. "I was kind of anticipating it really."
Young says he's kind of in a holding pattern at this point as he waits to see what is going to happen with the Houston coaching staff, and with the remainder of the Texas coaching staff.
He does plan to take a visit to Texas after the dead period, but does not have a date set up yet. Texas and Houston are the only schools he's going to consider.
Young is well-aware that Texas also offered Eno Benjamin on Thursday, but he said competition doesn't bother him. In fact, when I asked him how many RBs Houston has committed, he didn't even know (the answer is three).
"I'm not scared of competition. Competition is what made me who I am, so who would I be to back down now?," Young said.
With former Westfield head coach Corby Meekins now on the UT staff, that should be an obvious bump for the Longhorns' chances.
"It might help a little bit. Me and coach Meekins have a really close relationship," Young said. "He got me where I am today. I just have to wait and see what happens." (Suchomel)
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John Tyler QB Bryson Smith, who was offered by Texas this week as a receiver, finds himself in a similar position to Young. Basically, he's waiting to see how things unfold with the Texas and Houston coaching staffs, and then he'll make a decision from there.
Key quotes:"Ever since that offer, everything has gotten crazy. A lot of people are asking about my decision. I'm not trying to stress about it. It's my life. Wherever I go, it's up to me. I'm going to be the one that has to deal with everything that comes wit my decision.
"As far as the offer or decommitting or anything, I haven't thought about decommitting. But anything can happen. You always have to take things into consideration."
Wide receiver or quarterback?:Smith was offered as a quarterback by the staff while the coaches were at Houston, but the Texas offer is as a receiver, or probably more accurately. That stuff will probably sort itself out in time, but Smith does want a shot to play quarterback first.
"I don't mind playing receiver. But I'd rather get recruited and offered as a quarterback, then if that doesn't work out, then move me to wide receiver. If you offer me as a wide receiver, then move me to quarterback, it kind of feels like you're a leftover."
Thoughts on his two favorites:Smith weighed in on what he likes about both Texas and Houston.
Texas - "It's Texas, man. You're on the biggest stage, playing against the best, practicing against the best. There's so much legacy behind Texas. Earl Campbell is from my high school and he went there. It's a prestigious college. It's really a blessing to go there, for them to consider me to go to that school."
Houston - "They were there. It's the same staff at Texas, but they offered me at Houston. Houston was first. They've got something good at Houston - like the feel, you just feel like home. That's one of the main things I'm taking into consideration when I'm choosing which college I want to go to. Houston is Houston regardless of who is there, who is not. And they have shown over the years, - Ware, Keenum, Ward - they can make you a superstar."
No visits set up:Smith hasn't locked down any dates for visits, but said he'll take an official visit to Houston and a visit to Texas is "a possibility."
Damion Miller connection:Smith's teammate, wide receiver Damion Miller, has been a long-time Texas pledge. Having Miller on UT's commitment list weighs in Texas' favor, but it's not going to have a major impact on Smith's decision.
"Damion has been committed to Texas forever. We were just getting into high school and he committed to Texas. It would be nice for us to play on the same team, but at end of the day, I'm not going to college based off his decision. I feel like I can pave my own way." (Suchomel)
******Zacchaeus McKinney isn't bashful about admitting where Texas stands with him. The Weatherford defensive tackle and former Kansas commitment is taking an official visit to Texas the weekend of January 20. If Texas offers, this one is over.
Key quote:"I'll commit on the spot. I've been talking to these coaches for a while. Besides the fact I've been talking to the guys, I watched them turn the whole (Houston) program around, visited them at Houston. I just like it, want to be a part of what they're about to do at the University of Texas. They're about to do some big things for sure."
Familiar faces and visit plans:McKinney has been talking to the new UT staff for a while going back to their time at Houston. Oscar Giles and Derek Warehime both did visits over the last two weeks.
As of right now, the Texas visit is the only one on McKinney's schedule. He said things have been pretty quiet because he had been committed to Kansas and had cut off communication with everyone but the (then) Houston staff.
McKinney is confident a UT offer will come at some point.
"I don't know when I'm going to get it, but I'm pretty sure it's coming," he said.
If he's right, he'll be a quick addition to UT's commit list. (Suchomel)
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Oscar Giles did an in-home visit with Baton Rouge Madison Prep DE Bryan Jones this week, and Jones will e taking a UT visit on January 28. He'll visit A&M on January 21.
Key quote:"The in-home went great. Coach Giles is a great person, a great person to be around. He's just a great person all around," Jones said. "I got to know to know him at Houston a lot. He was saying I have a chance to come in, work hard and the possibility of playing early. He just gold me to stay on top of my grades and finish the year off strong."
Dead heat:Jones said Texas and Texas A&M are tied atop his leader board. Those are the only two visits he has planned.
"Right now, I think Texas and A&M are on top. They're pretty much tied up right now."
Thoughts on Texas:"What I know about Texas, no matter your classification, you can come in and play early, like my brother (teammate) did, Malcom Roach. What I like about Texas, they don't sugar coat anything. Whoever works the hardest, there's no favoritism, whoever the best player is going to play."
Roach's influence:Jones is the former high school teammate of UT freshman Malcolm Roach. Roach has given him positive reviews of his first year in Austin, but isn't pressuring Jones to pick the Longhorns.
"He just says take my time, just wherever I feel like home, that's where I'll go," Jones said. (Suchomel)
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Quick update on a couple JUCO targets ...
Scottsdale Community College tight end Sal Cannella will be in Austin on Saturday and Sunday for his official visit. He's down to Texas, Auburn and Maryland.
JUCO LB Mike McGinnis talked to the UT coaches today. He was told the coaches like what they've seen but they want to wait until a LB coach is on staff before deciding if they'll bring him in for a visit and offer.
Speaking of that, interesting quote from McGinnis ... "They said if all goes as planned he should be hired by the end of the weekend. Will know more early next week." (Suchomel)
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We mentioned last Friday that former Longhorn all-American and Thorpe Award winner Michael Huff was at the Westlake-Lake Travis game on Friday with the current UT assistants, and Huff joined the coaches on Wednesday for the in-home visit with Walker Little.
Huff has been on the road for a few stops this week and he's actually been around the program quite a bit this year (he was at some of the open practices earlier in the year hanging around the DBs). He's officially listed as a "quality control coach" in the UT directory but his twitter bio lists him as an assistant DB coach.
Pretty cool having a guy like Huff around the program, and able to talk to recruits this week about what it's like to be a student-athlete at UT.
Huff is able to be on the road because Texas has yet to fill out its coaching staff. Once the entire group of assistants is in place, he can still be involved in recruiting, but it will have to be on campus. (Suchomel)
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With Herman hitting as many spots as possible before the dead period begins, team news has been pretty quiet of late. When the staff is in place, there will be more things going on behind the scenes. For now, there is a not a lot of news to report, but a few small things worth passing along.
- As most Longhorn fans know, Herman is waiting to see who replaces him at Houston before hiring a defensive and offensive coordinator at Texas. Current Houston offensive coordinator Major Applewhite is in contention to replace Herman, even though Lane Kiffin reportedly has the job. If Applewhite does not remain in Houston, he is expected to join Herman’s staff at Texas, along with defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. I was told Herman does have backup plans, but I was not given those names at this moment.
- Two names to keep an eye on are Chicago Bears running backs coach Stan Drayton and Iowa State running backs coach Louis Ayeni. Both guys are candidates to coach the same position at Texas. Drayton previously was a running backs coach at Ohio State under Herman, and I was told he is the first choice. If Drayton decides to remain in the NFL, then Ayeni has a chance to fill that position.
- Before Herman hit the road, he did meet with a handful of players to discuss his expectations and try to get them on board. I was told the meeting went well, but it also occurred not long after Charlie Strong was fired, so their emotions were running pretty high. I do know Herman met with Malik Jefferson and Breckyn Hager, while Chip Brown reported there was also a meeting with Malcolm Roach.
- That being said, Herman and Texas receiver/quarterback Kai Locksley have not spoken since the coach was hired. Unless they speak soon, it appears Locksley will continue his transfer process and find another school to play for.
- Since Herman does not have a staff in place right now, players are working out on their own. They are not having informal group workouts at this point. Instead, they appear to be waiting for a strength and conditioning coach before working out together as a team.
- None of Strong’s assistants from this year’s team have landed new jobs, but as new coaches are being hired, you should expect to see most of them land in new spots.
- I spoke to a high-ranking Texas official this week and was told there is no longer a rush to replace athletic director Mike Perrin. When it appeared Herman might sign with LSU, there were several people behind the scenes ready to express their dissatisfaction to president Greg Fenves. However, Fenves and Perrin were able to obtain Herman, and even though the plan was to find a new athletic director in the spring, the sense of urgency is no longer there. I was told, “The football coach, baseball coach and basketball coach are in place. There’s nothing left for him to do, so Fenves can take his time.” We will see how Fenves addresses the position in 2017. (Richardson)
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With the completion of the LSR Top 100 list on Thursday, I thought I'd crunch the numbers a little to give everyone an idea of how the breakdown of talent is taking place.
Top 10
(3) Uncommitted
(2) Ohio State
(1) Alabama
(1) Notre Dame
(1) Oklahoma
(1) Texas
(1) Texas A&M
Top 25
(6) Uncommitted
(4) Texas
(3) Oklahoma
(3) TCU
(2) Alabama
(2) LSU
(2) Ohio State
(1) Georgia
(1) Notre Dame
(1) Texas A&M
Top 50
(10) Uncommitted
(8) Texas A&M
(6) Texas
(5) Oklahoma
(4) LSU
(4) TCU
(3) Alabama
(2) Notre Dame
(2) Ohio State
(1) Georgia
(1) Houston
(1) Northwestern
(1) Oklahoma State
(1) SMU
(1) Texas Tech
Top 100
(24) Uncommitted
(11) Texas A&M
(8) Houston
(7) Oklahoma
(7) Texas
(5) Texas Tech
(4) LSU
(4) TCU
(4) Oklahoma State
(3) Alabama
(3) Colorado
(3) Notre Dame
(2) MIssouri
(2) Ohio State
(2) SMU
(2) Utah
(1) Baylor
(1) Bowling Green
(1) Georgia
(1) Iowa
(1) Kansas
(1) Nebraska
(1) Northwestern
(1) USC
(1) Vanderbilt
Here's a breakdown of Top 100 commitments by conference:
(29) Big 12
(22) SEC
(10) American
(6) Pac-12
(5) Big 10
(3) Independents
(1) MAC
In case you weren't around the computer on Thursday, a brief recap of yet another busy day of recruiting action for the Longhorns.
Texas extended several new offers on Thursday:
Wylie East RB Eno Benjamin
Richmond Foster WR Cedarian Lamb (OU commitment)
Houston Westfield RB Daniel Young (Houston commitment)
2018 Arp WR/DB DeMarvion Overshown
Caldwell DB Devin Morris (Texas A&M commitment)
--- Benjamin has been waiting for an offer from Texas for more than a year, and this one has the feel that it will almost certainly fall UT's way. The former Iowa commitment will take an official visit to UT this weekend. He has taken previous visits to Missouri and Arizona State. Anyone thinking he goes to one of those over Texas? Benjamin's plan is to announce at the Army All-American game, which is interesting timing considering he's an early enrollee, but a commitment on national television would be a good thing for Texas.
--- Lamb has seen his stock blow up after an incredible senior season. Unfortunately for Texas, it sounds like he's planning on sticking with his OU commitment.
"You'll see me in crimson and cream when it's said and done,” Lamb told SoonerScoop's Josh McCuistion.
--- Young remains committed to Houston (more on him in a bit), but like Benjamin, that one just makes too much sense. At Texas, he's getting a chance to play on football's biggest stage and he'd be coming to play for coaches with whom he is very familiar. Everyone can do the math here.
--- Morris, if you believe what he's putting out on Twitter, looks like he'll stick with A&M.
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Houston Westfield RB Daniel Young picked up his UT offer on Thursday night, but said it wasn't exactly a total shock.
"It didn't necessarily catch me by surprise. I thought there was a chance I'd get the offer," Young said. "I was kind of anticipating it really."
Young says he's kind of in a holding pattern at this point as he waits to see what is going to happen with the Houston coaching staff, and with the remainder of the Texas coaching staff.
He does plan to take a visit to Texas after the dead period, but does not have a date set up yet. Texas and Houston are the only schools he's going to consider.
Young is well-aware that Texas also offered Eno Benjamin on Thursday, but he said competition doesn't bother him. In fact, when I asked him how many RBs Houston has committed, he didn't even know (the answer is three).
"I'm not scared of competition. Competition is what made me who I am, so who would I be to back down now?," Young said.
With former Westfield head coach Corby Meekins now on the UT staff, that should be an obvious bump for the Longhorns' chances.
"It might help a little bit. Me and coach Meekins have a really close relationship," Young said. "He got me where I am today. I just have to wait and see what happens." (Suchomel)
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John Tyler QB Bryson Smith, who was offered by Texas this week as a receiver, finds himself in a similar position to Young. Basically, he's waiting to see how things unfold with the Texas and Houston coaching staffs, and then he'll make a decision from there.
Key quotes:"Ever since that offer, everything has gotten crazy. A lot of people are asking about my decision. I'm not trying to stress about it. It's my life. Wherever I go, it's up to me. I'm going to be the one that has to deal with everything that comes wit my decision.
"As far as the offer or decommitting or anything, I haven't thought about decommitting. But anything can happen. You always have to take things into consideration."
Wide receiver or quarterback?:Smith was offered as a quarterback by the staff while the coaches were at Houston, but the Texas offer is as a receiver, or probably more accurately. That stuff will probably sort itself out in time, but Smith does want a shot to play quarterback first.
"I don't mind playing receiver. But I'd rather get recruited and offered as a quarterback, then if that doesn't work out, then move me to wide receiver. If you offer me as a wide receiver, then move me to quarterback, it kind of feels like you're a leftover."
Thoughts on his two favorites:Smith weighed in on what he likes about both Texas and Houston.
Texas - "It's Texas, man. You're on the biggest stage, playing against the best, practicing against the best. There's so much legacy behind Texas. Earl Campbell is from my high school and he went there. It's a prestigious college. It's really a blessing to go there, for them to consider me to go to that school."
Houston - "They were there. It's the same staff at Texas, but they offered me at Houston. Houston was first. They've got something good at Houston - like the feel, you just feel like home. That's one of the main things I'm taking into consideration when I'm choosing which college I want to go to. Houston is Houston regardless of who is there, who is not. And they have shown over the years, - Ware, Keenum, Ward - they can make you a superstar."
No visits set up:Smith hasn't locked down any dates for visits, but said he'll take an official visit to Houston and a visit to Texas is "a possibility."
Damion Miller connection:Smith's teammate, wide receiver Damion Miller, has been a long-time Texas pledge. Having Miller on UT's commitment list weighs in Texas' favor, but it's not going to have a major impact on Smith's decision.
"Damion has been committed to Texas forever. We were just getting into high school and he committed to Texas. It would be nice for us to play on the same team, but at end of the day, I'm not going to college based off his decision. I feel like I can pave my own way." (Suchomel)
******Zacchaeus McKinney isn't bashful about admitting where Texas stands with him. The Weatherford defensive tackle and former Kansas commitment is taking an official visit to Texas the weekend of January 20. If Texas offers, this one is over.
Key quote:"I'll commit on the spot. I've been talking to these coaches for a while. Besides the fact I've been talking to the guys, I watched them turn the whole (Houston) program around, visited them at Houston. I just like it, want to be a part of what they're about to do at the University of Texas. They're about to do some big things for sure."
Familiar faces and visit plans:McKinney has been talking to the new UT staff for a while going back to their time at Houston. Oscar Giles and Derek Warehime both did visits over the last two weeks.
As of right now, the Texas visit is the only one on McKinney's schedule. He said things have been pretty quiet because he had been committed to Kansas and had cut off communication with everyone but the (then) Houston staff.
McKinney is confident a UT offer will come at some point.
"I don't know when I'm going to get it, but I'm pretty sure it's coming," he said.
If he's right, he'll be a quick addition to UT's commit list. (Suchomel)
******
Oscar Giles did an in-home visit with Baton Rouge Madison Prep DE Bryan Jones this week, and Jones will e taking a UT visit on January 28. He'll visit A&M on January 21.
Key quote:"The in-home went great. Coach Giles is a great person, a great person to be around. He's just a great person all around," Jones said. "I got to know to know him at Houston a lot. He was saying I have a chance to come in, work hard and the possibility of playing early. He just gold me to stay on top of my grades and finish the year off strong."
Dead heat:Jones said Texas and Texas A&M are tied atop his leader board. Those are the only two visits he has planned.
"Right now, I think Texas and A&M are on top. They're pretty much tied up right now."
Thoughts on Texas:"What I know about Texas, no matter your classification, you can come in and play early, like my brother (teammate) did, Malcom Roach. What I like about Texas, they don't sugar coat anything. Whoever works the hardest, there's no favoritism, whoever the best player is going to play."
Roach's influence:Jones is the former high school teammate of UT freshman Malcolm Roach. Roach has given him positive reviews of his first year in Austin, but isn't pressuring Jones to pick the Longhorns.
"He just says take my time, just wherever I feel like home, that's where I'll go," Jones said. (Suchomel)
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Quick update on a couple JUCO targets ...
Scottsdale Community College tight end Sal Cannella will be in Austin on Saturday and Sunday for his official visit. He's down to Texas, Auburn and Maryland.
JUCO LB Mike McGinnis talked to the UT coaches today. He was told the coaches like what they've seen but they want to wait until a LB coach is on staff before deciding if they'll bring him in for a visit and offer.
Speaking of that, interesting quote from McGinnis ... "They said if all goes as planned he should be hired by the end of the weekend. Will know more early next week." (Suchomel)
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We mentioned last Friday that former Longhorn all-American and Thorpe Award winner Michael Huff was at the Westlake-Lake Travis game on Friday with the current UT assistants, and Huff joined the coaches on Wednesday for the in-home visit with Walker Little.
Huff has been on the road for a few stops this week and he's actually been around the program quite a bit this year (he was at some of the open practices earlier in the year hanging around the DBs). He's officially listed as a "quality control coach" in the UT directory but his twitter bio lists him as an assistant DB coach.
Pretty cool having a guy like Huff around the program, and able to talk to recruits this week about what it's like to be a student-athlete at UT.
Huff is able to be on the road because Texas has yet to fill out its coaching staff. Once the entire group of assistants is in place, he can still be involved in recruiting, but it will have to be on campus. (Suchomel)
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With Herman hitting as many spots as possible before the dead period begins, team news has been pretty quiet of late. When the staff is in place, there will be more things going on behind the scenes. For now, there is a not a lot of news to report, but a few small things worth passing along.
- As most Longhorn fans know, Herman is waiting to see who replaces him at Houston before hiring a defensive and offensive coordinator at Texas. Current Houston offensive coordinator Major Applewhite is in contention to replace Herman, even though Lane Kiffin reportedly has the job. If Applewhite does not remain in Houston, he is expected to join Herman’s staff at Texas, along with defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. I was told Herman does have backup plans, but I was not given those names at this moment.
- Two names to keep an eye on are Chicago Bears running backs coach Stan Drayton and Iowa State running backs coach Louis Ayeni. Both guys are candidates to coach the same position at Texas. Drayton previously was a running backs coach at Ohio State under Herman, and I was told he is the first choice. If Drayton decides to remain in the NFL, then Ayeni has a chance to fill that position.
- Before Herman hit the road, he did meet with a handful of players to discuss his expectations and try to get them on board. I was told the meeting went well, but it also occurred not long after Charlie Strong was fired, so their emotions were running pretty high. I do know Herman met with Malik Jefferson and Breckyn Hager, while Chip Brown reported there was also a meeting with Malcolm Roach.
- That being said, Herman and Texas receiver/quarterback Kai Locksley have not spoken since the coach was hired. Unless they speak soon, it appears Locksley will continue his transfer process and find another school to play for.
- Since Herman does not have a staff in place right now, players are working out on their own. They are not having informal group workouts at this point. Instead, they appear to be waiting for a strength and conditioning coach before working out together as a team.
- None of Strong’s assistants from this year’s team have landed new jobs, but as new coaches are being hired, you should expect to see most of them land in new spots.
- I spoke to a high-ranking Texas official this week and was told there is no longer a rush to replace athletic director Mike Perrin. When it appeared Herman might sign with LSU, there were several people behind the scenes ready to express their dissatisfaction to president Greg Fenves. However, Fenves and Perrin were able to obtain Herman, and even though the plan was to find a new athletic director in the spring, the sense of urgency is no longer there. I was told, “The football coach, baseball coach and basketball coach are in place. There’s nothing left for him to do, so Fenves can take his time.” We will see how Fenves addresses the position in 2017. (Richardson)
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With the completion of the LSR Top 100 list on Thursday, I thought I'd crunch the numbers a little to give everyone an idea of how the breakdown of talent is taking place.
Top 10
(3) Uncommitted
(2) Ohio State
(1) Alabama
(1) Notre Dame
(1) Oklahoma
(1) Texas
(1) Texas A&M
Top 25
(6) Uncommitted
(4) Texas
(3) Oklahoma
(3) TCU
(2) Alabama
(2) LSU
(2) Ohio State
(1) Georgia
(1) Notre Dame
(1) Texas A&M
Top 50
(10) Uncommitted
(8) Texas A&M
(6) Texas
(5) Oklahoma
(4) LSU
(4) TCU
(3) Alabama
(2) Notre Dame
(2) Ohio State
(1) Georgia
(1) Houston
(1) Northwestern
(1) Oklahoma State
(1) SMU
(1) Texas Tech
Top 100
(24) Uncommitted
(11) Texas A&M
(8) Houston
(7) Oklahoma
(7) Texas
(5) Texas Tech
(4) LSU
(4) TCU
(4) Oklahoma State
(3) Alabama
(3) Colorado
(3) Notre Dame
(2) MIssouri
(2) Ohio State
(2) SMU
(2) Utah
(1) Baylor
(1) Bowling Green
(1) Georgia
(1) Iowa
(1) Kansas
(1) Nebraska
(1) Northwestern
(1) USC
(1) Vanderbilt
Here's a breakdown of Top 100 commitments by conference:
(29) Big 12
(22) SEC
(10) American
(6) Pac-12
(5) Big 10
(3) Independents
(1) MAC
