Recruiting Thread 2017
- Thread starter Scholz
- Start date
Junior Day Feb 27th List:
QB – Sam Ehlinger – Austin Westlake
QB – Jalen Mayden – Sachse (2018 class)
RB – Eno Benjamin – Wylie East
WR – Camron Buckley – Cedar Hill
WR – Damion Miller – John Tyler
WR – Drue Jackson – Sachse (2018 class)
OL – Tyrese Robinson – McKinney Boyd
OL – Grayson Reed – Cy Creek
ATH – Montrell Estell – Hooks
TE – Major Tennison - Bullard
DE – Taquon Graham - Temple
DE – LaGaryonn Carson – Liberty Eylau
DE – Alex Duke – Bellaire
LB – Kenneth Murray – Elkins
LB – Levi Jones – Austin Westlake
LB – Baron Browning – Kennedale
LB – Anthony Hines – Plano East
LB – Loren Mondy – Mansfield Lake Ridge
DB – Darrion Green – Woodrow Wilson
DB – Josh Thompson – Nacogdoches
Maybe Attending
RB – JK Dobbins – La Grange
WR – Mannie Netherly - Crosby
DB – Derrick Tucker – Manvel
Not Attending
WR – Tylan Wallace – Fort Worth South Hills
DT – Marvin Wilson – Bellaire Episcopal
QB – Sam Ehlinger – Austin Westlake
QB – Jalen Mayden – Sachse (2018 class)
RB – Eno Benjamin – Wylie East
WR – Camron Buckley – Cedar Hill
WR – Damion Miller – John Tyler
WR – Drue Jackson – Sachse (2018 class)
OL – Tyrese Robinson – McKinney Boyd
OL – Grayson Reed – Cy Creek
ATH – Montrell Estell – Hooks
TE – Major Tennison - Bullard
DE – Taquon Graham - Temple
DE – LaGaryonn Carson – Liberty Eylau
DE – Alex Duke – Bellaire
LB – Kenneth Murray – Elkins
LB – Levi Jones – Austin Westlake
LB – Baron Browning – Kennedale
LB – Anthony Hines – Plano East
LB – Loren Mondy – Mansfield Lake Ridge
DB – Darrion Green – Woodrow Wilson
DB – Josh Thompson – Nacogdoches
Maybe Attending
RB – JK Dobbins – La Grange
WR – Mannie Netherly - Crosby
DB – Derrick Tucker – Manvel
Not Attending
WR – Tylan Wallace – Fort Worth South Hills
DT – Marvin Wilson – Bellaire Episcopal
Quote from a source close to DE Taquon Graham of Temple (24/7):
“He loves Texas,” the source said. “It’s basically a done deal. He wants to have some fun with the recruiting process, but I wouldn’t be surprised if just ends it and makes a commitment. He loves the coaches and wants to keep playing with Davion Curtis.”
Earnest Brown: What of the hottest prospects in the state has been 2017 DE, Earnest Brown (Denton, TX). Brown picked up an Oklahoma offer on a trip to Norman over the weekend. That was followed up yesterday by offers from Ole Miss and Texas.
Brown said he plans on taking a visit to Austin next weekend with his family for jr day. Brown also has trips planned to Northwestern and Duke in March. Brown is a high academic athlete and in talking to the family I don’t see a decision coming anytime soon. They’ve told me that they would like to make sure they see as many schools as possible. – (Super K)
– Kary Vincent: 2017 CB, Kary Vincent is another in-state guy who has seen his recruitment expand recently picking up SEC offers like Ole Miss and Arkansas. Vincent is a fast, technical cornerback who, before it’s all said and done, should have his choice of schools. Both TCU and Oklahoma have been recruiting him hard for quite some time.
Vincent was invited to next week’s Texas jr day but said he won’t be able to attend due to a conflict with his own birthday. But Vincent did say that he plans on making it to the next jr day. – (Andrew & Super K)
– Matthew Huhn: 2017 offensive lineman, Matthew Huhn (San Antonio, TX) tells us that he will also be in attendance for next week’s Texas jr. day. Huhn holds an offer from Baylor and is hoping for a Texas offer on his visit.
– Player Note | Deandre McNeal: With the new offensive system about to be installed, the wide receivers are preparing themselves for an open competition. A guy I’m told is putting in lot of time to improve this off-season and it is starting to show is Sophomore WR DeAndre McNeal. I was told McNeal has slimmed down and is looking good this off-season. He obviously feels like being in this offense he will have a chance to make plays.
Also, continue to hear good things about Kai Locksley. – (Andrew)
“He loves Texas,” the source said. “It’s basically a done deal. He wants to have some fun with the recruiting process, but I wouldn’t be surprised if just ends it and makes a commitment. He loves the coaches and wants to keep playing with Davion Curtis.”
Earnest Brown: What of the hottest prospects in the state has been 2017 DE, Earnest Brown (Denton, TX). Brown picked up an Oklahoma offer on a trip to Norman over the weekend. That was followed up yesterday by offers from Ole Miss and Texas.
Brown said he plans on taking a visit to Austin next weekend with his family for jr day. Brown also has trips planned to Northwestern and Duke in March. Brown is a high academic athlete and in talking to the family I don’t see a decision coming anytime soon. They’ve told me that they would like to make sure they see as many schools as possible. – (Super K)
– Kary Vincent: 2017 CB, Kary Vincent is another in-state guy who has seen his recruitment expand recently picking up SEC offers like Ole Miss and Arkansas. Vincent is a fast, technical cornerback who, before it’s all said and done, should have his choice of schools. Both TCU and Oklahoma have been recruiting him hard for quite some time.
Vincent was invited to next week’s Texas jr day but said he won’t be able to attend due to a conflict with his own birthday. But Vincent did say that he plans on making it to the next jr day. – (Andrew & Super K)
– Matthew Huhn: 2017 offensive lineman, Matthew Huhn (San Antonio, TX) tells us that he will also be in attendance for next week’s Texas jr. day. Huhn holds an offer from Baylor and is hoping for a Texas offer on his visit.
– Player Note | Deandre McNeal: With the new offensive system about to be installed, the wide receivers are preparing themselves for an open competition. A guy I’m told is putting in lot of time to improve this off-season and it is starting to show is Sophomore WR DeAndre McNeal. I was told McNeal has slimmed down and is looking good this off-season. He obviously feels like being in this offense he will have a chance to make plays.
Also, continue to hear good things about Kai Locksley. – (Andrew)
Looks like UT players (or soon to be in this case) recruiting others to Austin is continuing. This pleases me. Apparently Carson just created this twitter account so he could recruit other players like Browning to Strong's program.
Looks like Carson is this class's ring leader. Working hard already.
247: Here are Wednesday's notes on Texas targets.
— Four-star Cy Creek offensive lineman Grayson Reed will be in attendance for Texas junior day on February 27. Reed currently has a Top 3 of TCU, Texas and Texas A&M.
— Temple safety Ashton Logan, who picked up his first offer from Arizona State today, will also be Texas junior day later this month. Logan visited UT in the fall and has high interest.
— Arizona State also put an offer on the table for Cedar Hill wide receiver Camron Buckley. The four-star prospect will be at Texas junior day.
— Both Ohio State and Tennessee extended offers to four-star La Grange running back J.K. Dobbins. He is a "maybe" for Texas junior day.
— Manvel safety Derrick Tucker notched a new offer from Iowa State today. Tucker is also a "maybe" for Texas junior day.
— Galena Park North Shore defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson received a new offer from Florida State. Chaisson will not be at UT junior day.
— Four-star Cy Creek offensive lineman Grayson Reed will be in attendance for Texas junior day on February 27. Reed currently has a Top 3 of TCU, Texas and Texas A&M.
— Temple safety Ashton Logan, who picked up his first offer from Arizona State today, will also be Texas junior day later this month. Logan visited UT in the fall and has high interest.
— Arizona State also put an offer on the table for Cedar Hill wide receiver Camron Buckley. The four-star prospect will be at Texas junior day.
— Both Ohio State and Tennessee extended offers to four-star La Grange running back J.K. Dobbins. He is a "maybe" for Texas junior day.
— Manvel safety Derrick Tucker notched a new offer from Iowa State today. Tucker is also a "maybe" for Texas junior day.
— Galena Park North Shore defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson received a new offer from Florida State. Chaisson will not be at UT junior day.
OB War Room
Recently hired Texas running backs coach Anthony Johnson is so happy to be back with the Longhorns, you get the feeling there is no amount of Austin traffic that can get him down.
The majority of Longhorn fans are familiar with Johnson’s football career in Texas. Johnson was a member of the football team from 2001 to 2005, but he battled several injuries throughout his time in Austin. He eventually went into coaching, a career that appears to be his destiny.
After talking to several people about Johnson, I discovered he has been fascinated with the technical aspect of football since playing the sport in junior high school. Johnson was never content with just playing junior high school football. Instead, he was always in his coach’s office begging to watch film and learning how to diagram plays. He even diagrammed a reverse play while in junior high school.
His love of learning continued in high school, and his reputation as a “student of the game” continued to grow. Johnson was a talented football player, but like the kid who takes apart his dad’s radio, he always wanted to know how things worked.
That is why when Johnson’s playing career at Texas was derailed, he dedicated himself to becoming a coach.
After graduating from Texas in 2005, Johnson became an assistant coach at Jefferson High in Texas. He eventually served on the quality control staff at Texas under Mack Brown from 2007 to 2009. Johnson worked as an assistant to the running backs coach, plus he helped analyze video and broke down opposing defensive reports. He was also on the staff when Texas played against Alabama in the 2009 national championship game.
Johnson’s contributions to that 2009 season is one of the many reasons why people speak so highly of him. Many within the building believe Johnson knows how to win. They believe his winning attitude will be contagious in the running backs room. Everyone is excited to know Johnson has been around success in his career.
Since Johnson has been hired, his excitement has been contagious.
Johnson has shown up to Sterlin Gilbert’s offense every day with a notepad and pen because he wants to learn the new offense. From what I have told, Johnson has picked the brain of offensive line coach Matt Mattox and Gilbert to absorb as much as he can.
Another attribute many within the building have noticed is Johnson’s pride in being a Texas Ex. He is genuinely excited to be on campus and a part of the program. Everyone who has been face-to-face with Johnson has been able to sense his UT pride.
In addition, Johnson’s charisma has stood out. He has been described to me as a bright young man with a lot of Texas connections. Nobody doubts that Johnson will do in recruiting this year. In fact, most people within the building expect Johnson to have a connection with his recruits because of his genuine excitement and sincerity.
Overall, Johnson’s enthusiasm has been contagious so far. (Richardson)
******
I spoke with a few Dallas-area and Arkansas sources regarding new Texas DBs coach Clay Jennings:
Jennings' recruiting area at Arkansas, where he spent the last two seasons, was Texas. Jennings was responsible for oversight in the recruitments of three 2016 players who ended up leaving the Lone Star State for Fayetteville: Micahh Smith (2-star safety; Marshall, TX), Jonathan Marshall (3-star DE; Shepherd,TX) and was the lead-man for big-time Texas RB target, 4-star Devwah Whaley from Beaumont. For the 2015 class, Jennings' first at Arkansas, he's credited with the recruitment of Willie Sykes (3-star CB; Spring, TX) and Nate Dalton (3-star CB, Houston).
"He did a good job recruiting," one person close to the Arkansas program said. "He's personable, he's nice. Really well-liked.
"He recruited Texas along with three or four other guys," the person said, "(Jennings' responsibility) was Dallas, Houston-area and Central Texas."
With oversight of the two most important hotbeds of the entire state, it's clear to see that the Arkansas staff viewed Jennings as its Texas ace. It makes you wonder what areas those three others handled because outside of Jennings', there aren't many other areas to recruit in Texas.
In looking further into his recruitment processes, Jennings seems to have a recruiting style that will mesh with the one Strong and company have brought to Texas. Jennings is known as a low-pressure guy through the process who uses the time to continue recruiting and building the relationship - then helping the staff to close aggressively in the weeks between official visit-time and national signing day. If 2016 shows anything, it's that he's a late closer - all three of the Texas commitments he was heavily involved with signed late in the process.
Said another person of Jennings as a coach, "he came in in year two under Bielema and that was the year the defense had a big leap forward in team defense rankings. The defense took a step backwards in 2015, the big reason for the struggle in the secondary had to do with the linebackers. No bodies, it hurt everything, (Arkansas) had a freshman playing linebacker and the pass-rush wasn't getting home as often. D.J. (Dean, a starting corner) was hurt, it was a lot to overcome."
Jennings is credited with the comeback-story-type development of Tevin Mitchel. "He came in as a big-time recruit," one Arkansas source said of Mitchel, "sophomore year, he got a neck injury, a lot of people thought he wasn't going to get over it because he wasn't the same until his senior year (which was Jennings' first at Arkansas). Jennings moved him inside to nickel and he got drafted."
On why Jennings left Arkansas for Texas, one source indicated the obvious, that it probably had to do with money. However, it wasn't like Jennings was making chicken-scratch in Fayetteville, one source with knowledge of his deal said Jennings was making $320,000 per year and left on his own accord.
By all accounts, Jennings seems like a coach who will assimilate into the culture at Texas easily and make a quick impression on his athletes. No one I spoke with even had a slightly bad thing to say about the guy. However, one member of the Texas 2016 class may have a bit of an awkward reintroduction to his new position coach.
"(Eric) Cuffee, that's an interesting story," one source said. "He was a Jennings recruit that came in for an official visit in January. After the first day, coach heard (Cuffee) was using the trip to recruit kids to go to Texas so (Jennings) sent him right home."
Quick Facts on Clay Jennings
Coaching Overview:
2014-2015 - Arkansas (DBs)
2008 - 2013 - TCU (CBs)
2007 - Baylor (CBs)
2005-2006 - Houston (Safeties)
2003-2004 - Louisiana Lafayette (DBs)
2001-2002 - Sam Houston State (DBs)
2000 - Southern Arkansas (DBs)
1999 - Morningside (DBs)
1998 - Morehouse (DBs)
1997 - North Texas (GA)
- Has coached and developed NFL DBs including Jason Verrett (Chargers), Jordan Babineaux (Seahawks/Titans), Tevin Mitchel (Redskins), Alan Turner (Chiefs), Kevin White (Falcons), Greg McCoy (Bears), Malcolm Williams (Patriots), Rafael Priest (Falcons), Keith Davis (Cowboys), Antwain Spann (Patriots), C.C. Brown (Texans) and Michael Adams (Cardinals).
- In 2014, coached an Arkansas secondary that limited one of the best receivers in recent college football history, Amari Cooper, to 22 yards on 2 receptions, a season-low.
- Was part of the 2014 Arkansas staff that saw his unit finish 10th nationally in total defense.
- In his first three seasons at TCU, was part of the only defensive staff to ever finish with the No. 1 total defense in football three times in a row. (Dunlap)
******
I was able to catch up with a few people to get a little background on recently-hred Texas wide receivers coach Charlie Williams, two of which are college coaches who know Williams well and another who is a reporter who covered Williams during one of his collegiate stints.
The common thread in all three of my conversations is that Williams is basically a terrific human being and it's pretty much impossible to not like the guy.
Some highlights from my conversations ...
"As a coach, a veteran coach, he's been there, done it. He's handled high-profile players. He has a great rapport with the players. He understands the position, has great experience," said one college coach. "He's a really good technician, but the best thing Charlie does, he's really good with the room. He's really good in terms of managing the room, really good at the overall understanding of the wide receiver position and technique."
Williams' ability to "manage the wide receiver room" could be invaluable for a Texas offensive staff that is very young across the board and still gaining experience. One coach I talked to thought Williams' veteran presence will make him the perfect addition to Texas' current staff.
Of course, with Williams having been out of college football the past four years while he was with the Indianapolis Colts, it's his ability as a recruiter that has the curiosity of Texas fans. Williams isn't necessarily regarded as an "ace" recruiter in terms of national perception, but everyone I spoke with said he'll do just fine in reeling in talent, especially at a school with the resources Texas has.
"He was guy Butch Davis had working with him at Miami," said a reporter who covered Williams during his days at North Carolina. "He's very a friendly guy, really a personable guy with the media.
"He did get some highly rated receivers when he was the wide receiver coach. ... Charlie Williams was noted for having a lot of integrity. He's just a so lid guy. I wouldn't sit here and say he's the best recruiter in the country, but he's a good recruiter because he's such a friendly, warm, personable man.
"He probably has more of a reputation being a solid coach and good guy than he necessarily does being a great recruiter. But he's been at some solid programs, he has a good overall reputation. He's known more as just a good solid man more than a great recruiter. But he has that too."
Another comment from a college coach who is very familiar with Williams' work as a recruiter.
"He's recruited big-time players before. He was at Miami for three years and recruited big-time players. He's recruited Texas before. He's been at Arizona. He's been at North Carolina. The one year at North Carolina, he had Hakeem Nix. He had three guys that were drafted on one team at North Carolina. He's been around big-time players, has recruited well, has a vast amount of experience in Texas. He's such a likeable guy, high school coaches in Texas are going to love him. He's a straight shooter, very humble and down to earth person." (Suchomel)
******
Texas QB commitment Sam Ehlinger will be at UT's junior day next weekend, and the Westlake product plans to do a little recruiting while also getting more familiar with the new Texas offensive coaches.
"Obviously I already have seen all the coaches, met all the coaches, seen all the facilities. I'm looking forward to meeting some of the guys we're trying to recruit, putting a good image into their head about the environment and people they'd be playing with at the University of Texas," Ehlinger said.
And what will his sales pitch be?
"I don't really know yet, to be honest. I haven't really gone to a junior day," Ehlinger said. "I'm not like a college recruiter, so I don't know how to do it the best way. I'll just introduce myself, get to know them, let them know if they want to go the best university in the country, Texas is the place."
As a high-profile quarterback and an early commitment, Ehlinger is viewed by many as a potential ringleader for the Longhorns' 2017 recruiting class. He's comfortable in that role.
"My whole life, I've kind of been a leader of every group I'm in. I'm more than happy to lead this group to great places," Ehlinger said.
During the visitation periods, Sterlin Gilbert has stopped by Westlake four or five times, Ehlinger said. Ehlinger has been invited to attend every single spring practice and film session if he desires, and he said he'll likely be at several of the Longhorns' workouts.
Ehlinger also plans to graduate in December, making him an early enrollee next January.
Though he and Gilbert have gotten to know each other since Gilbert's hiring, they haven't really had a chance to go through any chalk talk. That will change this spring.
"I've only got to know him as a person so far. We haven't really talked much football," Ehlinger said. "From what I've learned, he's a great guy. I really like him. He reminds me a lot of coach Dodge.
"I haven't watched much of the offense at all. I think I saw one play at Tulsa, and it was one of the plays we ran for a touchdown. That got me pretty pumped. It would be nice to run some of the same stuff we run right now.
As for his commitment to Texas, Ehlinger said he still feels very good about it and honoring his late father was a factor in his decision.
"Just growing up in Austin, knowing how great the city is, it's one of the greatest cities in the United States," Ehlinger said. "It was one of my dad's dreams. He passed away, and I know this is something that would make my family happy, make him happy." (Suchomel)
******
Temple defensive end Taquon Graham will be at UT's junior day next weekend. The Longhorns are in good shape here, but Graham said he's in no hurry to make a decision.
Graham has already attended a junior day at Baylor, and he gave that trip high marks.
"They put a lot of money into their program, you can just tell," Graham said. "The program looks pretty cool and amazing. It was just a great visit, talked to a lot of coaches, just trying to get the feeling up there."
As for the UT visit, Graham said he's just "trying to get a vibe" on the UT coaches to see how he fits in.
The 6-4, 240-pounder doesn't have a formal list of favorites, but he did tell me Texas "fits in at the top" in his recruitment. TCU was also mentioned as a school that's high on his list.
"It's close to home," Graham said of Texas. "I always grew up watching them, so it's kind of fulfilling a dream a little."
Graham said he'll likely make his decision sometime in the summer. (Suchomel)
******
Cedar Hill wide receiver Camron Buckley will also be at UT's junior day. Like Graham, his objective on the visit is to get a feel for the UT staff and the entire Longhorn program.
"I just want to get up there, see the field and campus," Buckley said. "The last time I was up there was at the camp. I just want to come up there and get a feel for it myself."
Buckley said he's hoping to attend several junior days this spring, but he has yet to set up his plans, other than the UT visit.
His list ...
"Texas is definitely in the top five, I would say. I like that it's a growing program, I like coach Strong."
As for who else is in the top five, we'll have to wait. Buckley said he plans to formally release his top five at some point this spring.
Buckley said he currently stands at a shade over 6-1 and weighs in at 189 pounds. His goal this spring and over the summer is to continue getting bigger, stronger and faster. Texas offered him after the Under the Lights camp last summer and he's currently holding about eight scholarship offers.
"I'm dynamic. I just know the game, can play it different ways," Buckley said. "I can always improve on learning the game more, reading defenses and just getting open." (Suchomel)
******
A quick note on Wylie East running back Eno Benjamin ...
Texas hasn't offered yet, but Benjamin does want to make a fairly early commitment, so that could change soon. He's thinking he wants to have his decision out of the way sometime this spring or summer. (Suchomel)
Recently hired Texas running backs coach Anthony Johnson is so happy to be back with the Longhorns, you get the feeling there is no amount of Austin traffic that can get him down.
The majority of Longhorn fans are familiar with Johnson’s football career in Texas. Johnson was a member of the football team from 2001 to 2005, but he battled several injuries throughout his time in Austin. He eventually went into coaching, a career that appears to be his destiny.
After talking to several people about Johnson, I discovered he has been fascinated with the technical aspect of football since playing the sport in junior high school. Johnson was never content with just playing junior high school football. Instead, he was always in his coach’s office begging to watch film and learning how to diagram plays. He even diagrammed a reverse play while in junior high school.
His love of learning continued in high school, and his reputation as a “student of the game” continued to grow. Johnson was a talented football player, but like the kid who takes apart his dad’s radio, he always wanted to know how things worked.
That is why when Johnson’s playing career at Texas was derailed, he dedicated himself to becoming a coach.
After graduating from Texas in 2005, Johnson became an assistant coach at Jefferson High in Texas. He eventually served on the quality control staff at Texas under Mack Brown from 2007 to 2009. Johnson worked as an assistant to the running backs coach, plus he helped analyze video and broke down opposing defensive reports. He was also on the staff when Texas played against Alabama in the 2009 national championship game.
Johnson’s contributions to that 2009 season is one of the many reasons why people speak so highly of him. Many within the building believe Johnson knows how to win. They believe his winning attitude will be contagious in the running backs room. Everyone is excited to know Johnson has been around success in his career.
Since Johnson has been hired, his excitement has been contagious.
Johnson has shown up to Sterlin Gilbert’s offense every day with a notepad and pen because he wants to learn the new offense. From what I have told, Johnson has picked the brain of offensive line coach Matt Mattox and Gilbert to absorb as much as he can.
Another attribute many within the building have noticed is Johnson’s pride in being a Texas Ex. He is genuinely excited to be on campus and a part of the program. Everyone who has been face-to-face with Johnson has been able to sense his UT pride.
In addition, Johnson’s charisma has stood out. He has been described to me as a bright young man with a lot of Texas connections. Nobody doubts that Johnson will do in recruiting this year. In fact, most people within the building expect Johnson to have a connection with his recruits because of his genuine excitement and sincerity.
Overall, Johnson’s enthusiasm has been contagious so far. (Richardson)
******
I spoke with a few Dallas-area and Arkansas sources regarding new Texas DBs coach Clay Jennings:
Jennings' recruiting area at Arkansas, where he spent the last two seasons, was Texas. Jennings was responsible for oversight in the recruitments of three 2016 players who ended up leaving the Lone Star State for Fayetteville: Micahh Smith (2-star safety; Marshall, TX), Jonathan Marshall (3-star DE; Shepherd,TX) and was the lead-man for big-time Texas RB target, 4-star Devwah Whaley from Beaumont. For the 2015 class, Jennings' first at Arkansas, he's credited with the recruitment of Willie Sykes (3-star CB; Spring, TX) and Nate Dalton (3-star CB, Houston).
"He did a good job recruiting," one person close to the Arkansas program said. "He's personable, he's nice. Really well-liked.
"He recruited Texas along with three or four other guys," the person said, "(Jennings' responsibility) was Dallas, Houston-area and Central Texas."
With oversight of the two most important hotbeds of the entire state, it's clear to see that the Arkansas staff viewed Jennings as its Texas ace. It makes you wonder what areas those three others handled because outside of Jennings', there aren't many other areas to recruit in Texas.
In looking further into his recruitment processes, Jennings seems to have a recruiting style that will mesh with the one Strong and company have brought to Texas. Jennings is known as a low-pressure guy through the process who uses the time to continue recruiting and building the relationship - then helping the staff to close aggressively in the weeks between official visit-time and national signing day. If 2016 shows anything, it's that he's a late closer - all three of the Texas commitments he was heavily involved with signed late in the process.
Said another person of Jennings as a coach, "he came in in year two under Bielema and that was the year the defense had a big leap forward in team defense rankings. The defense took a step backwards in 2015, the big reason for the struggle in the secondary had to do with the linebackers. No bodies, it hurt everything, (Arkansas) had a freshman playing linebacker and the pass-rush wasn't getting home as often. D.J. (Dean, a starting corner) was hurt, it was a lot to overcome."
Jennings is credited with the comeback-story-type development of Tevin Mitchel. "He came in as a big-time recruit," one Arkansas source said of Mitchel, "sophomore year, he got a neck injury, a lot of people thought he wasn't going to get over it because he wasn't the same until his senior year (which was Jennings' first at Arkansas). Jennings moved him inside to nickel and he got drafted."
On why Jennings left Arkansas for Texas, one source indicated the obvious, that it probably had to do with money. However, it wasn't like Jennings was making chicken-scratch in Fayetteville, one source with knowledge of his deal said Jennings was making $320,000 per year and left on his own accord.
By all accounts, Jennings seems like a coach who will assimilate into the culture at Texas easily and make a quick impression on his athletes. No one I spoke with even had a slightly bad thing to say about the guy. However, one member of the Texas 2016 class may have a bit of an awkward reintroduction to his new position coach.
"(Eric) Cuffee, that's an interesting story," one source said. "He was a Jennings recruit that came in for an official visit in January. After the first day, coach heard (Cuffee) was using the trip to recruit kids to go to Texas so (Jennings) sent him right home."
Quick Facts on Clay Jennings
Coaching Overview:
2014-2015 - Arkansas (DBs)
2008 - 2013 - TCU (CBs)
2007 - Baylor (CBs)
2005-2006 - Houston (Safeties)
2003-2004 - Louisiana Lafayette (DBs)
2001-2002 - Sam Houston State (DBs)
2000 - Southern Arkansas (DBs)
1999 - Morningside (DBs)
1998 - Morehouse (DBs)
1997 - North Texas (GA)
- Has coached and developed NFL DBs including Jason Verrett (Chargers), Jordan Babineaux (Seahawks/Titans), Tevin Mitchel (Redskins), Alan Turner (Chiefs), Kevin White (Falcons), Greg McCoy (Bears), Malcolm Williams (Patriots), Rafael Priest (Falcons), Keith Davis (Cowboys), Antwain Spann (Patriots), C.C. Brown (Texans) and Michael Adams (Cardinals).
- In 2014, coached an Arkansas secondary that limited one of the best receivers in recent college football history, Amari Cooper, to 22 yards on 2 receptions, a season-low.
- Was part of the 2014 Arkansas staff that saw his unit finish 10th nationally in total defense.
- In his first three seasons at TCU, was part of the only defensive staff to ever finish with the No. 1 total defense in football three times in a row. (Dunlap)
******
I was able to catch up with a few people to get a little background on recently-hred Texas wide receivers coach Charlie Williams, two of which are college coaches who know Williams well and another who is a reporter who covered Williams during one of his collegiate stints.
The common thread in all three of my conversations is that Williams is basically a terrific human being and it's pretty much impossible to not like the guy.
Some highlights from my conversations ...
"As a coach, a veteran coach, he's been there, done it. He's handled high-profile players. He has a great rapport with the players. He understands the position, has great experience," said one college coach. "He's a really good technician, but the best thing Charlie does, he's really good with the room. He's really good in terms of managing the room, really good at the overall understanding of the wide receiver position and technique."
Williams' ability to "manage the wide receiver room" could be invaluable for a Texas offensive staff that is very young across the board and still gaining experience. One coach I talked to thought Williams' veteran presence will make him the perfect addition to Texas' current staff.
Of course, with Williams having been out of college football the past four years while he was with the Indianapolis Colts, it's his ability as a recruiter that has the curiosity of Texas fans. Williams isn't necessarily regarded as an "ace" recruiter in terms of national perception, but everyone I spoke with said he'll do just fine in reeling in talent, especially at a school with the resources Texas has.
"He was guy Butch Davis had working with him at Miami," said a reporter who covered Williams during his days at North Carolina. "He's very a friendly guy, really a personable guy with the media.
"He did get some highly rated receivers when he was the wide receiver coach. ... Charlie Williams was noted for having a lot of integrity. He's just a so lid guy. I wouldn't sit here and say he's the best recruiter in the country, but he's a good recruiter because he's such a friendly, warm, personable man.
"He probably has more of a reputation being a solid coach and good guy than he necessarily does being a great recruiter. But he's been at some solid programs, he has a good overall reputation. He's known more as just a good solid man more than a great recruiter. But he has that too."
Another comment from a college coach who is very familiar with Williams' work as a recruiter.
"He's recruited big-time players before. He was at Miami for three years and recruited big-time players. He's recruited Texas before. He's been at Arizona. He's been at North Carolina. The one year at North Carolina, he had Hakeem Nix. He had three guys that were drafted on one team at North Carolina. He's been around big-time players, has recruited well, has a vast amount of experience in Texas. He's such a likeable guy, high school coaches in Texas are going to love him. He's a straight shooter, very humble and down to earth person." (Suchomel)
******
Texas QB commitment Sam Ehlinger will be at UT's junior day next weekend, and the Westlake product plans to do a little recruiting while also getting more familiar with the new Texas offensive coaches.
"Obviously I already have seen all the coaches, met all the coaches, seen all the facilities. I'm looking forward to meeting some of the guys we're trying to recruit, putting a good image into their head about the environment and people they'd be playing with at the University of Texas," Ehlinger said.
And what will his sales pitch be?
"I don't really know yet, to be honest. I haven't really gone to a junior day," Ehlinger said. "I'm not like a college recruiter, so I don't know how to do it the best way. I'll just introduce myself, get to know them, let them know if they want to go the best university in the country, Texas is the place."
As a high-profile quarterback and an early commitment, Ehlinger is viewed by many as a potential ringleader for the Longhorns' 2017 recruiting class. He's comfortable in that role.
"My whole life, I've kind of been a leader of every group I'm in. I'm more than happy to lead this group to great places," Ehlinger said.
During the visitation periods, Sterlin Gilbert has stopped by Westlake four or five times, Ehlinger said. Ehlinger has been invited to attend every single spring practice and film session if he desires, and he said he'll likely be at several of the Longhorns' workouts.
Ehlinger also plans to graduate in December, making him an early enrollee next January.
Though he and Gilbert have gotten to know each other since Gilbert's hiring, they haven't really had a chance to go through any chalk talk. That will change this spring.
"I've only got to know him as a person so far. We haven't really talked much football," Ehlinger said. "From what I've learned, he's a great guy. I really like him. He reminds me a lot of coach Dodge.
"I haven't watched much of the offense at all. I think I saw one play at Tulsa, and it was one of the plays we ran for a touchdown. That got me pretty pumped. It would be nice to run some of the same stuff we run right now.
As for his commitment to Texas, Ehlinger said he still feels very good about it and honoring his late father was a factor in his decision.
"Just growing up in Austin, knowing how great the city is, it's one of the greatest cities in the United States," Ehlinger said. "It was one of my dad's dreams. He passed away, and I know this is something that would make my family happy, make him happy." (Suchomel)
******
Temple defensive end Taquon Graham will be at UT's junior day next weekend. The Longhorns are in good shape here, but Graham said he's in no hurry to make a decision.
Graham has already attended a junior day at Baylor, and he gave that trip high marks.
"They put a lot of money into their program, you can just tell," Graham said. "The program looks pretty cool and amazing. It was just a great visit, talked to a lot of coaches, just trying to get the feeling up there."
As for the UT visit, Graham said he's just "trying to get a vibe" on the UT coaches to see how he fits in.
The 6-4, 240-pounder doesn't have a formal list of favorites, but he did tell me Texas "fits in at the top" in his recruitment. TCU was also mentioned as a school that's high on his list.
"It's close to home," Graham said of Texas. "I always grew up watching them, so it's kind of fulfilling a dream a little."
Graham said he'll likely make his decision sometime in the summer. (Suchomel)
******
Cedar Hill wide receiver Camron Buckley will also be at UT's junior day. Like Graham, his objective on the visit is to get a feel for the UT staff and the entire Longhorn program.
"I just want to get up there, see the field and campus," Buckley said. "The last time I was up there was at the camp. I just want to come up there and get a feel for it myself."
Buckley said he's hoping to attend several junior days this spring, but he has yet to set up his plans, other than the UT visit.
His list ...
"Texas is definitely in the top five, I would say. I like that it's a growing program, I like coach Strong."
As for who else is in the top five, we'll have to wait. Buckley said he plans to formally release his top five at some point this spring.
Buckley said he currently stands at a shade over 6-1 and weighs in at 189 pounds. His goal this spring and over the summer is to continue getting bigger, stronger and faster. Texas offered him after the Under the Lights camp last summer and he's currently holding about eight scholarship offers.
"I'm dynamic. I just know the game, can play it different ways," Buckley said. "I can always improve on learning the game more, reading defenses and just getting open." (Suchomel)
******
A quick note on Wylie East running back Eno Benjamin ...
Texas hasn't offered yet, but Benjamin does want to make a fairly early commitment, so that could change soon. He's thinking he wants to have his decision out of the way sometime this spring or summer. (Suchomel)
JR Day list 2/27.
There will definitely be a lot of talent there.
So far, some of the guys I've seen that will be there (list will get much longer):
R100 LB Baron Browning
R100 OL Tyrese Robinson (OU commit)
R100 OL Walker Little
R250 LB Anthony Hines
R250 DE LaGaryonn Carson (Texas commit)
R250 OL Grayson Reed
R250 WR Damion Miller (Texas commit)
R250 WR Octavius Evans
QB Sam Ehlinger (Texas commit)
4* RB Eno Benjamin
4* Bryan Jones
DE Taquon Graham
LB Mohamed Sanogo
OL Matthew Huhn (look at offer list already)
DE Troy Porche
DB Darrion Green
'18 QB Jalen Mayden (nice early offer list)
LB Kenneth Murray
DE Alex Duke
TE Major Tennison (Texas commit)
WR Montrell Estell
WR Camron Buckley
'18 WR Drue Jackson
WR Herb Sparks
OL Brenden Jaimes
DB Josh Thompson
DE Earnest Brown
DB Ashton Logan
DB Kobe Boyce
There will definitely be a lot of talent there.
So far, some of the guys I've seen that will be there (list will get much longer):
R100 LB Baron Browning
R100 OL Tyrese Robinson (OU commit)
R100 OL Walker Little
R250 LB Anthony Hines
R250 DE LaGaryonn Carson (Texas commit)
R250 OL Grayson Reed
R250 WR Damion Miller (Texas commit)
R250 WR Octavius Evans
QB Sam Ehlinger (Texas commit)
4* RB Eno Benjamin
4* Bryan Jones
DE Taquon Graham
LB Mohamed Sanogo
OL Matthew Huhn (look at offer list already)
DE Troy Porche
DB Darrion Green
'18 QB Jalen Mayden (nice early offer list)
LB Kenneth Murray
DE Alex Duke
TE Major Tennison (Texas commit)
WR Montrell Estell
WR Camron Buckley
'18 WR Drue Jackson
WR Herb Sparks
OL Brenden Jaimes
DB Josh Thompson
DE Earnest Brown
DB Ashton Logan
DB Kobe Boyce
I have never been impressed with Ehrlinger....I doubt that he does much more than hold a clipboard on the 40
I'm 180 from that. His skill set is perfect for the new offense. Plus Todd Dodge QBs have a good track record in college.
You are the only one.
At least spell his name correctly when spouting your drivel.
Sorry,he did not look that bad on film to me,in fact,a tough and competitive kid and I wonder how many thought that way on Drew Brees coming out of the same school.
It's almost silly to try and project how a QB will do on the next level. You just never know, for every Andrew Luck I can find a Garrett Gilbert.
Erlinger might be the second coming of Drew Brees, or he might be the second coming of Shea Morenz.
Erlinger might be the second coming of Drew Brees, or he might be the second coming of Shea Morenz.
I will tell you right now that kid is special. One of the best QB's I've seen in awhile. He's the size of a LB playing QB. He brings speed and power on every run, very strong arm as well. I can say This bc I've seen him up close and personal, and broke down all of his film.
His stats alone are insane. 50 TD passing 20 TD rushing, all 2ith 5 INTs. This kid should be a top 50 player in the nation.
He'll be a very high 4 star by the end of this cycle, if not a 5 star. He just had a 100 spot jump in the rankings from the review of his junior film. After the camp circuits this summer he'll rise more and after senior year he'll rise again. Should be very highly ranked by the time next NSD rolls around.
24/7 reporting CB Kobe Boyce of Lake Dallas could receive and offer, and make a commitment, at UT's Junior Day on the 27th. Rumored to be very physical and a tall CB like Strong wants
http://247sports.com/Player/Kobe-Boyce-88362
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5500849/kobe-boyce
Jeff Howe: Longhorns not changing recruiting strategy for 2017 cycle
The Texas Longhorns are set to host a junior day for 2017 prospects next Saturday, and for Charlie Strong and his staff it officially kicks off the start of the new recruiting cycle. It’s a cycle where Longhorns are on equal footing with every other program that recruits the state like no other time in Strong’s tenure. The current crop of rising seniors had just finished up their freshman seasons on the gridiron when Strong took over the Texas program. The Longhorns were able to extend early offers to some of the state’s top recruits like Kennedale linebacker Baron Browning, Houston Episcopal defensive tackle Marvin Wilson and La Grange running back J.K. Dobbins with the same time to evaluate the class as their rivals on the recruiting trail.
Nevertheless, the greater degree of familiarity with the class of 2017 doesn’t mean there will be a philosophical change in regards to how the staff recruits. Recruiting coordinator Brian Jean-Mary said recently Texas won’t change its approach from the way the staff has gone about things during their first two full cycles on the Forty Acres. “I’ve gotten a chance to see a lot of these kids this year the same way I was with Jeffrey McCulloch last year at this time, the same way I went to see Erick Fowler, I got a chance to go see Jean Delance and those guys,” Jean-Mary said. “So our philosophy is not going to change.”
That includes the staff’s stance on taking verbal commitments. Austin Westlake quarterback Sam Ehlinger, John Tyler wide receiver Damion Miller, Bullard tight end Major Tennison and Texarkana Liberty-Eylau defensive end Lagaryonn Carson gave their commitments to the Longhorns without being pressured by the staff to do so. It will be that way for anyone else who decides to jump in the boat, Jean-Mary said. “It’s going to be low pressure on their part,” Jean-Mary said. “If they decide they want to be Longhorns they’ll make that decision without us pressuring them.”
Jean-Mary further explained why Strong and the staff don’t like pressuring recruits to make early commitments. It’s a strategy that has everything to do with wanting commitments to be all-in as much as they can be before jumping onboard. “We don’t believe in backing them into a corner and forcing them into making a decision,” Jean-Mary said. “It’s like coach Strong says, if someone can force you to make a decision it’s very easy for another person to come out and make you change your mind about what you just did.”
Open Post - Brainiacs - 2/22
– Player Note | Tristen Nickelson: The offensive line returns 3 starters from last years team, senior Kent Perkins and sophomores Connor Williams and Patrick Vahe. If Perkins plays his natural position at guard in 2016, a guy who some expect to really challenge for the starting right tackle position is junior Tristen Nickelson. Perkins missed a few games in 2015 and Nickelson started for him in most of those and did a good job. I have been told that Connor Williams has been looking really good at tackle in 1-on-1 drills, but who is really surprised to hear that? What is exciting to hear is that the second name being brought up by folks behind the scenes as an offensive lineman who has looked good this off-season is none other than Tristen Nickelson. Nickelson is also just a huge guy, last I was told he is up to 6’7 320 pounds. If that’s not an intimidater, I don’t know what is. – (Andrew)
– Coach Note | Matt Mattox: I also heard that the offensive lineman really like the new OL coach Matt Mattox. I was told he is so much more relatable to his players compared to Joe Wickline. I even had one person say he was the “anti-Wickline”. The workouts for the lineman, and everyone else have been very up-tempo so I think that confirms what we all know which is the new coaches will expect the new offense to move very fast. – (Andrew)
– Jeffrey Okudah: This past weekend I caught up with everyone’s top 2017 defensive back target, Jeffrey Okudah (Grand Prairie, TX). Okudah released a top 10 that did not include Texas but in talking to Okudah it’s clear that things continue to move around for him. “That recruiting class that coach Strong brought in really made me rethink things with regard to Texas…it gives you reason to believe that things are moving in the right direction”.
Okudah visited Texas once last spring and tells me that he will make a return trip to Austin this upcoming weekend for the Texas jr day. Okudah tells me he wants to play for a major football program but also said that, “academics are an emphasis for me and my family”. Many may not know this but Okudah isn’t just one of the premier football players in the country, he’s also an excellent student in the classroom. – (Super K)
– Another Visitor | Andre Johnson: Okudah isn’t the only South Grand Prairie visitor expected to make the trip to Austin this weekend. SGP running back, Andre Johnson is also expected to be in attendance for this weekend’s jr day. We will try to have more with him later this week. – (Super K)
http://247sports.com/Player/Kobe-Boyce-88362
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5500849/kobe-boyce
Jeff Howe: Longhorns not changing recruiting strategy for 2017 cycle
The Texas Longhorns are set to host a junior day for 2017 prospects next Saturday, and for Charlie Strong and his staff it officially kicks off the start of the new recruiting cycle. It’s a cycle where Longhorns are on equal footing with every other program that recruits the state like no other time in Strong’s tenure. The current crop of rising seniors had just finished up their freshman seasons on the gridiron when Strong took over the Texas program. The Longhorns were able to extend early offers to some of the state’s top recruits like Kennedale linebacker Baron Browning, Houston Episcopal defensive tackle Marvin Wilson and La Grange running back J.K. Dobbins with the same time to evaluate the class as their rivals on the recruiting trail.
Nevertheless, the greater degree of familiarity with the class of 2017 doesn’t mean there will be a philosophical change in regards to how the staff recruits. Recruiting coordinator Brian Jean-Mary said recently Texas won’t change its approach from the way the staff has gone about things during their first two full cycles on the Forty Acres. “I’ve gotten a chance to see a lot of these kids this year the same way I was with Jeffrey McCulloch last year at this time, the same way I went to see Erick Fowler, I got a chance to go see Jean Delance and those guys,” Jean-Mary said. “So our philosophy is not going to change.”
That includes the staff’s stance on taking verbal commitments. Austin Westlake quarterback Sam Ehlinger, John Tyler wide receiver Damion Miller, Bullard tight end Major Tennison and Texarkana Liberty-Eylau defensive end Lagaryonn Carson gave their commitments to the Longhorns without being pressured by the staff to do so. It will be that way for anyone else who decides to jump in the boat, Jean-Mary said. “It’s going to be low pressure on their part,” Jean-Mary said. “If they decide they want to be Longhorns they’ll make that decision without us pressuring them.”
Jean-Mary further explained why Strong and the staff don’t like pressuring recruits to make early commitments. It’s a strategy that has everything to do with wanting commitments to be all-in as much as they can be before jumping onboard. “We don’t believe in backing them into a corner and forcing them into making a decision,” Jean-Mary said. “It’s like coach Strong says, if someone can force you to make a decision it’s very easy for another person to come out and make you change your mind about what you just did.”
Open Post - Brainiacs - 2/22
– Player Note | Tristen Nickelson: The offensive line returns 3 starters from last years team, senior Kent Perkins and sophomores Connor Williams and Patrick Vahe. If Perkins plays his natural position at guard in 2016, a guy who some expect to really challenge for the starting right tackle position is junior Tristen Nickelson. Perkins missed a few games in 2015 and Nickelson started for him in most of those and did a good job. I have been told that Connor Williams has been looking really good at tackle in 1-on-1 drills, but who is really surprised to hear that? What is exciting to hear is that the second name being brought up by folks behind the scenes as an offensive lineman who has looked good this off-season is none other than Tristen Nickelson. Nickelson is also just a huge guy, last I was told he is up to 6’7 320 pounds. If that’s not an intimidater, I don’t know what is. – (Andrew)
– Coach Note | Matt Mattox: I also heard that the offensive lineman really like the new OL coach Matt Mattox. I was told he is so much more relatable to his players compared to Joe Wickline. I even had one person say he was the “anti-Wickline”. The workouts for the lineman, and everyone else have been very up-tempo so I think that confirms what we all know which is the new coaches will expect the new offense to move very fast. – (Andrew)
– Jeffrey Okudah: This past weekend I caught up with everyone’s top 2017 defensive back target, Jeffrey Okudah (Grand Prairie, TX). Okudah released a top 10 that did not include Texas but in talking to Okudah it’s clear that things continue to move around for him. “That recruiting class that coach Strong brought in really made me rethink things with regard to Texas…it gives you reason to believe that things are moving in the right direction”.
Okudah visited Texas once last spring and tells me that he will make a return trip to Austin this upcoming weekend for the Texas jr day. Okudah tells me he wants to play for a major football program but also said that, “academics are an emphasis for me and my family”. Many may not know this but Okudah isn’t just one of the premier football players in the country, he’s also an excellent student in the classroom. – (Super K)
– Another Visitor | Andre Johnson: Okudah isn’t the only South Grand Prairie visitor expected to make the trip to Austin this weekend. SGP running back, Andre Johnson is also expected to be in attendance for this weekend’s jr day. We will try to have more with him later this week. – (Super K)
Saw Boyce play last year and had no idea who he was, I came away from that game asking everybody who that corner was. Long and lanky kid with blazing speed.
Is Stanford a legit threat here? Seems like we can beat most every school there is, except for Stanford.
I don't know. They've offered. So has Bama. He can go anywhere he wants in the country.
Let's be honest though. If my kid were offered a free ride at Stanford, I'd have a hard time telling him to turn that down.
Agreed! Standford has so much to offer, it's ridiculous. Throw in that they are playing really good football and it would be really hard to turn them down.
IT-This is what I expect a Charlie Strong Junior Day to look like because it's a mix of national elites, some sleepers, and contingency plans who we may or may not hear from down the road.
With Strong's emphasis on evaluating senior film, who knows how some of the lesser known kids will materialize as targets 8-10 months from now? At last year's J-Day I recall talking to Rahssan Thornton who was about to blow up as a prospect, as well as Zach Shackelford who ended up having a great senior year and becoming a Texas priority. A year later and he's already on campus.
2017
QB Sam Ehlinger, Westlake (Austin, TX) - TEXAS
RB Eno Benjamin, Wylie East (Wylie, TX) - Possible offer
RB JK Dobbins, La Grange (La Grange, TX) - Holds offer
RB Kelon Wilson, Sachse (Sachse, TX)
WR Judah Bell, Bishop TK Gorman (Tyler, TX)
WR Camron Buckley, Cedar Hill (Cedar Hill, TX) - Holds offer
WR Octavius Evans, Center (Center, TX)
WR Damion Miller, John Tyler (Tyler, TX) - TEXAS
WR Dhailon Phillips, Lufkin (Lufkin, TX)
WR Herb Sparks, Wilmer-Hutchins (Dallas, TX)
TE Chance McLeod, Victoria East (Victoria, TX)
TE Major Tennison, Bullard (Bullard, TX) - TEXAS
OL Matthew Huhn, Jay (San Antonio, TX) - Looks like a possible offer to me
OL Brenden Jaimes, Lake Travis (Austin, TX)
OL Walker Little, Episcopal (Bellaire, TX) - Holds offer
OL Grayson Reed, Cypress Creek (Houston, TX) - Holds offer
OL Tyrese Robinson, Boyd (McKinney, TX) - OU: Holds offer
DE Earnest Brown, Ryan (Denton, TX) - Holds offer
DE Lagaryonn Carson, Liberty-Eylau (Texarkana, TX) - TEXAS
DE Alexander Duke, Bellaire (Bellaire, TX) - HOUSTON
DE Taquon Graham, Temple (Temple, TX) - Holds offer
DE Bryan Jones, Madison Prep Academy (Baton Rouge, LA) - Possible offer
DE Troy Porche, Lamar (Houston, TX)
DL Nelson Mbanasor, Hendrickson (Pflugerville, TX)
LB Baron Browning, Kennedale (Kennedale, TX) - Holds offer
LB Anthony Hines, Plano East (Plano, TX) - Holds offer
LB Riko Jeffers, Sachse (Sachse, TX) - An offer in many other cycles
LB Loren Mondy, Lake Ridge (Mansfield, TX)
LB Kenneth Murray, Fort Bend Elkins (Missouri City, TX)
LB Mohamed Sanogo, Plano West (Plano, TX)
CB Kobe Boyce, Lake Dallas (Lake Dallas, TX)
CB Darrion "Speedy" Green, Wilson (Dallas, TX)
CB Josh Thompson, Nacogdoches (Nacogdoches, TX)
S Ashton Logan, Temple (Temple, TX)
S Jeffrey Okudah, South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, TX) - Holds offer
S Derrick Tucker, Manvel (Manvel, TX) - Holds offer
ATH Montrell Estell, Hooks (Hooks, TX) - Possible offer
ATH Trestan Ebner, Henderson (Henderson, TX) - SMU
2018
QB Jalen Mayden, Sachse (Sachse, TX)
WR Drue Jackson, Sachse (Sachse, TX)
DE Zach Gilson, Sachse (Sachse, TX)
DB Isaiah Humphries, Sachse (Sachse, TX)
Along with the momentum of the 2016 class, Texas will also have the excitement of having each of its stellar 2017 commits on campus.
2018 four-star QB Jalen Mayden, 2017 LB Riko Jeffers, 2017 RB Kelon Wilson, 2018 WR Drue Jackson, 2018 DE Zach Gilson and 2018 DB Isaiah Humphries.. All from Sachse.
With Strong's emphasis on evaluating senior film, who knows how some of the lesser known kids will materialize as targets 8-10 months from now? At last year's J-Day I recall talking to Rahssan Thornton who was about to blow up as a prospect, as well as Zach Shackelford who ended up having a great senior year and becoming a Texas priority. A year later and he's already on campus.
2017
QB Sam Ehlinger, Westlake (Austin, TX) - TEXAS
RB Eno Benjamin, Wylie East (Wylie, TX) - Possible offer
RB JK Dobbins, La Grange (La Grange, TX) - Holds offer
RB Kelon Wilson, Sachse (Sachse, TX)
WR Judah Bell, Bishop TK Gorman (Tyler, TX)
WR Camron Buckley, Cedar Hill (Cedar Hill, TX) - Holds offer
WR Octavius Evans, Center (Center, TX)
WR Damion Miller, John Tyler (Tyler, TX) - TEXAS
WR Dhailon Phillips, Lufkin (Lufkin, TX)
WR Herb Sparks, Wilmer-Hutchins (Dallas, TX)
TE Chance McLeod, Victoria East (Victoria, TX)
TE Major Tennison, Bullard (Bullard, TX) - TEXAS
OL Matthew Huhn, Jay (San Antonio, TX) - Looks like a possible offer to me
OL Brenden Jaimes, Lake Travis (Austin, TX)
OL Walker Little, Episcopal (Bellaire, TX) - Holds offer
OL Grayson Reed, Cypress Creek (Houston, TX) - Holds offer
OL Tyrese Robinson, Boyd (McKinney, TX) - OU: Holds offer
DE Earnest Brown, Ryan (Denton, TX) - Holds offer
DE Lagaryonn Carson, Liberty-Eylau (Texarkana, TX) - TEXAS
DE Alexander Duke, Bellaire (Bellaire, TX) - HOUSTON
DE Taquon Graham, Temple (Temple, TX) - Holds offer
DE Bryan Jones, Madison Prep Academy (Baton Rouge, LA) - Possible offer
DE Troy Porche, Lamar (Houston, TX)
DL Nelson Mbanasor, Hendrickson (Pflugerville, TX)
LB Baron Browning, Kennedale (Kennedale, TX) - Holds offer
LB Anthony Hines, Plano East (Plano, TX) - Holds offer
LB Riko Jeffers, Sachse (Sachse, TX) - An offer in many other cycles
LB Loren Mondy, Lake Ridge (Mansfield, TX)
LB Kenneth Murray, Fort Bend Elkins (Missouri City, TX)
LB Mohamed Sanogo, Plano West (Plano, TX)
CB Kobe Boyce, Lake Dallas (Lake Dallas, TX)
CB Darrion "Speedy" Green, Wilson (Dallas, TX)
CB Josh Thompson, Nacogdoches (Nacogdoches, TX)
S Ashton Logan, Temple (Temple, TX)
S Jeffrey Okudah, South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, TX) - Holds offer
S Derrick Tucker, Manvel (Manvel, TX) - Holds offer
ATH Montrell Estell, Hooks (Hooks, TX) - Possible offer
ATH Trestan Ebner, Henderson (Henderson, TX) - SMU
2018
QB Jalen Mayden, Sachse (Sachse, TX)
WR Drue Jackson, Sachse (Sachse, TX)
DE Zach Gilson, Sachse (Sachse, TX)
DB Isaiah Humphries, Sachse (Sachse, TX)
Along with the momentum of the 2016 class, Texas will also have the excitement of having each of its stellar 2017 commits on campus.
2018 four-star QB Jalen Mayden, 2017 LB Riko Jeffers, 2017 RB Kelon Wilson, 2018 WR Drue Jackson, 2018 DE Zach Gilson and 2018 DB Isaiah Humphries.. All from Sachse.
Shaping up to be a great mix of talent. Excited to see what happens, if we throw an offer out to several of these kids I think they pull the trigger right then and there.
My Top 10 wish list from this weekend:
1- OL Walker Little, Episcopal (Bellaire, TX) - Holds offer
2- LB Baron Browning, Kennedale (Kennedale, TX) - Holds offer
3- S Jeffrey Okudah, South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, TX) - Holds offer
4- RB JK Dobbins, La Grange (La Grange, TX) - Holds offer
5- S Derrick Tucker, Manvel (Manvel, TX) - Holds offer
6- OL Tyrese Robinson, Boyd (McKinney, TX) - OU: Holds offer
7- DE Taquon Graham, Temple (Temple, TX) - Holds offer
8- LB Anthony Hines, Plano East (Plano, TX) - Holds offer
9- OL Grayson Reed, Cypress Creek (Houston, TX) - Holds offer
10- ATH Montrell Estell, Hooks (Hooks, TX) - Possible offer
1- OL Walker Little, Episcopal (Bellaire, TX) - Holds offer
2- LB Baron Browning, Kennedale (Kennedale, TX) - Holds offer
3- S Jeffrey Okudah, South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, TX) - Holds offer
4- RB JK Dobbins, La Grange (La Grange, TX) - Holds offer
5- S Derrick Tucker, Manvel (Manvel, TX) - Holds offer
6- OL Tyrese Robinson, Boyd (McKinney, TX) - OU: Holds offer
7- DE Taquon Graham, Temple (Temple, TX) - Holds offer
8- LB Anthony Hines, Plano East (Plano, TX) - Holds offer
9- OL Grayson Reed, Cypress Creek (Houston, TX) - Holds offer
10- ATH Montrell Estell, Hooks (Hooks, TX) - Possible offer
That 2018 Sachse must be off the top. Don't recall that many players from one class that stacked..not sure, maybe Manvel.
Well, maybe, what was the team from the late 1980's from Houston that had 19 players that had Div 1 offers...think it was Houston Yates. They played Odessa Permian in the playoff's. Permian kept it semi-close for a lot longer than I expected.
Got a kick a kick out off Permian during that era...160 pound lb's, 180 lb lineman, 145lb defensive backs.
Well, maybe, what was the team from the late 1980's from Houston that had 19 players that had Div 1 offers...think it was Houston Yates. They played Odessa Permian in the playoff's. Permian kept it semi-close for a lot longer than I expected.
Got a kick a kick out off Permian during that era...160 pound lb's, 180 lb lineman, 145lb defensive backs.
Horns247 Nightly Notes: Big junior day updates
Here are Monday's notes on Texas targets.
— South Grand Prairie safety Jeffrey Okudah has been upgraded to a for sure for Texas junior day this weekend. The five-star prospect left Texas off his Top 10 list last month but is reconsidering the Longhorns.
— Austin Westlake outside linebacker Levi Jones informed that he would likely not be able to attend Texas junior day this weekend. Jones still has high interest in the Longhorns and will visit at a later date.
— Bishop TK Gorman wide receiver Judah Bell will be in attendance for Texas junior day this weekend. The three-star prospect camped with Texas in the summer and holds offers from Bowling Green, Houston and SMU.
— South Grand Prairie running back Andre Johnson is expected to be in attendance for Texas junior day as well. Johnson is unranked and does not hold any offers but is the teammate of the aforementioned Okudah.
— Texas will also host 2018 Sachse defensive back Isaiah Humphries for Texas junior day this weekend. Humphries already holds offers from Houston, Oklahoma, Penn State and SMU and is a prospect to watch.
— Lake Dallas cornerback Kobe Boyce picked up his third offer from Colorado State today. Boyce will be at Texas junior day this weekend.
Here are Monday's notes on Texas targets.
— South Grand Prairie safety Jeffrey Okudah has been upgraded to a for sure for Texas junior day this weekend. The five-star prospect left Texas off his Top 10 list last month but is reconsidering the Longhorns.
— Austin Westlake outside linebacker Levi Jones informed that he would likely not be able to attend Texas junior day this weekend. Jones still has high interest in the Longhorns and will visit at a later date.
— Bishop TK Gorman wide receiver Judah Bell will be in attendance for Texas junior day this weekend. The three-star prospect camped with Texas in the summer and holds offers from Bowling Green, Houston and SMU.
— South Grand Prairie running back Andre Johnson is expected to be in attendance for Texas junior day as well. Johnson is unranked and does not hold any offers but is the teammate of the aforementioned Okudah.
— Texas will also host 2018 Sachse defensive back Isaiah Humphries for Texas junior day this weekend. Humphries already holds offers from Houston, Oklahoma, Penn State and SMU and is a prospect to watch.
— Lake Dallas cornerback Kobe Boyce picked up his third offer from Colorado State today. Boyce will be at Texas junior day this weekend.
HornSports Burnt Ends: This week's edition will provide an updated list of upcoming Junior day attendees and a short synopsis on where things stand with those particular recruits and the Longhorns.
Let's get started.
QB – Sam Ehlinger – Austin Westlake
The leader of the 2017 class will be in Austin to do some recruiting. Ehlinger is one of the recruits in this class leading the charge to land other players to the cause. Ehlinger is well liked and other players believe in him after a monster junior season.
QB – Jalen Mayden – Sachse (2018 class)
Mayden will be one of the top targets for the 2018 class, and an offer to him this weekend could go a long way to sending the message about his importance to Texas. If Texas offers it could put them in a strong position with one of the top passers in the 2018 class.
RB – Eno Benjamin – Wylie East
Benjamin is one of the top options on the Texas board at running back, but Texas has yet to extend an offer to the Wylie East back. Benjamin recently named Michigan and Iowa as two schools standing out to him, and he might want to make a decision soon. If Texas wants to get involved, they will need to come with an offer soon.
WR – Camron Buckley – Cedar Hill
Buckley is one of the top targets at wide receiver for the Longhorns, but the Cedar Hill pass catcher named Houston as his leader when we spoke to him last month. Texas definitely has a chance here, and they can pick up some ground if Buck likes what he sees.
WR – Damion Miller – John Tyler
The lone Texas wide receiver commit is still open to other schools, so this weekend is a good opportunity to draw him in. Miller is part of an east Texas trio of recruits, and this is the first chance for the entire recruiting class to really spend some time together. Miller is an important piece of the class so far, and this weekend is an important step in this recruitment.
WR – Drue Jackson – Sachse (2018 class)
Jackson is close with Mayden, and he’s been to Texas multiple times. It’s difficult to tell if he’s a priority for Texas for right now, but It’s a good chance for Texas to establish some early ground in this recruitment.
OL – Tyrese Robinson – McKinney Boyd
Robinson is committed to Oklahoma, but he’s still choosing to make a trip to Austin this weekend. While our sources indicate his Oklahoma pledge is firm, but anything can happen when you get a player on campus.
OL – Grayson Reed – Cy Creek
Reed is one of the top Texas offensive line targets, and he’s recently started to blow up from a recruiting standpoint. Reed is a Texas legacy, and he told us at the Army All-American combine that Texas was standing out for him. Reed has a great relationship with Matt Mattox, and Texas could come out of this weekend with a strong lead for the Cy-Creek lineman.
OL – Walker Little – Bellaire Episcopal
The state’s top tackle is a maybe to attend, and while whispers behind the scenes point to a SEC recruitment, Texas put themselves in a good position by offering Little first. Little making it to Austin would be big for Texas in this recruitment.
ATH – Montrell Estell – Hooks
If I had to pick a candidate I felt most strongly about getting a Texas offer this weekend, Estell would be high on my list. The big east Texas athlete has yet to be noticed on the national scene, but a look at his film will show you some of what made former Texas receiver Malcolm Williams such a coveted prospect.
TE – Major Tennison – Bullard
Much like Damion Miller, Texas needs to do some work in this recruitment. Tennison is committed to Texas, but he has some concerns about the new Texas offense and his role as a tight end. Sterlin Gilbert and Jeff Traylor will need to sell Tennison on his role in Austin.
DE – Taquon Graham – Temple
Graham likes Texas, but they haven’t been showing him the love the Temple defender would like to see. That lack of attention has TCU on top for Graham, but things can definitely change this weekend if Texas goes all in for Graham.
DE – LaGaryonn Carson – Liberty Eylau
The most vocal recruiter in the Texas class has a chance to make an impact this weekend and get some folks on board. Carson is a strong commit, and should be quite a tool for the Texas class going forward.
DE – Alex Duke – Bellaire
The Houston commit has yet to be offered by Texas, but if the Longhorns get involved they could make some noise with the Houston area defender.
LB/DE – Kenneth Murray – Elkins
Murray is one of the most versatile defenders in the state, and Texas has kept in steady contact with him. He’s another dark horse to receive an offer this weekend, and if that were to happen I’d say there’s a good chance he commits.
LB – Levi Jones – Austin Westlake
Jones will be one of the current Texas offers on campus this weekend. While interest is piquing from all over the nation, Jones is close with his teammate Sam Ehlinger, and the tealeaves say Texas sits in the lead.
LB – Baron Browning – Kennedale
Browning recently de-committed from Baylor, and he’s always had a love for Charlie strong and Texas. There is a lot of positive vibes floating for Texas and Browning, but this will probably be a long recruitment. Texas has a chance to put their best foot forward this weekend.
LB – Anthony Hines – Plano East
Hines has offers from over 80 schools, but he’s fond of Texas and is the top inside linebacker target for Texas. The Longhorns are trying to put together a third straight stellar linebacking class, and Hines is an essential piece to that.
LB – Loren Mondy – Mansfield Lake Ridge
The Arizona State commit has been to Austin a few times, and an offer from Texas could cause him to open up his recruitment. Mondy can play inside at backer or on the edge as a pass rusher.
DB – Darrion Green – Woodrow Wilson
“Speedy” Green has been on the Texas radar since last spring, and he’ll be making another trip to Austin for junior day. He can play on either side of the ball, but probably projects as a corner at the next level. He’s high on Texas and Oklahoma at this point.
DB – Josh Thompson – Nacogdoches
Thompson is a teammate of Brandon Jones, and he’s starting to stand out as one of the top corners in the 2017 class. Contact between Texas and Thompson picked up recently, and he could be in line for an offer at junior day. If Texas does offer it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Thompson jump all over it.
DB – Kobe Boyce – Lake Dallas
Boyce is starting to pick up steam as one of the top corners in the state. He’s had a string of recent offers and has been in contact with Texas coaches. There’s some thought Boyce could be in line for an offer this week, and if that happens he’s almost a slam dunk to commit.
OL – Matthew Huhn – San Antonio Jay
Huhn is a massive OL prospect flying under the radar right now. Texas has a few other targets in front of him, but keep an eye on Huhn as a prospect for down the line.
DE - Bryan Jones – Madison Prep (Louisiana)
Jones is a teammate of Texas signee Malcolm Roach, and his film looks good enough to justify an offer. With Roach already on board, look for Texas to lead if that happens, but never count out LSU for a Louisiana kid.
DE – Earnest Brown – Denton Ryan
The newest Texas offer doesn’t know much about the program or college football in general. Texas is one of his biggest offers, so they have a chance to create some distance this weekend.
LB - Mohamed Sanogo – Plano West
Sanogo might be a victim of crowded numbers at the linebacker position, but the Plano West prospect can flat out play. If Texas does offer they should sit pretty high for Sanogo.
DB – Derrick Tucker – Manvel
Tucker has been close to committing a few times, and Texas is among his top schools along with Houston. Reggie Hemphill will be working on Tucker in his remaining months at Manvel, and Texas could get him locked down this week. Tucker has a good relationship with Clay Jennings who was recruiting him at Arkansas.
+++++
We had a chance to talk with a couple of sources about Hardee McCrary, who was announced as the new High School Relations Director. The early returns were positive from the older coaches in the state who knew McCrary first as a Texas player and then as a coach under Mack Brown’s staff. In short, the coaches who know him love him and think he was the perfect choice for the position. He’s more popular with older high school coaches in the state, but they told us his ability to relate with people shouldn’t make it hard for him to establish strong relationships with coaches who don’t know who he is. Those we spoke to thought this was a big step for Texas going forward.
Scout on Coaching Hires
After getting a chance to talk to new receivers coach Charlie Williams and new running backs coach Anthony Johnson it sounds like Charlie Strong really is ready to change everything about the offense, including the practice tempo (to try to rep 150 to 200 plays per practice).
I immediately went to Charlie Williams, who spent the past four years with the Indianapolis Colts, to gather his impressions of Sterlin Gilbert and the new offense he's now representing:
"It's about learning to play fast," Williams said. "After talking to Sterlin, it didn't take long for me to want to be a part of it. Listening to Sterlin and (OL coach) Matt (Mattox) talk and then watching the film they presented, you could see it was going to be exciting once all these guys (players) get it."
On the tempo of the offense (trying to run plays every 12 seconds), even in practice:
"It's a great new challenge. I like it because you move down the field so fast. I call it fast-break offense. We're trying to see if we can get those defensive players to bend over with their hands on their knees. And if we can get them to that point, we'll be all right."
On Williams' first impression of Gilbert:
"My first impression was, 'Wow. He's moved up the ranks fast.' But then you watch his offense and you know why - because it moves the ball down the field and scores points."
On Gilbert's personality:
"Sterlin's a great guy. He and this whole staff are about being around the players when they are in the building and letting them know how much we care. And sometimes it's not even about football. Just talking to these guys and being there for them."
As far as the offense from a practice standpoint, Williams said:
"It's totally different. We won't huddle. In the NFL, we huddled. It's about playing fast. I'm getting more and more comfortable with it each day. It's a lot of fun. Watching Sterlin rattle off the play and then we go through it, it's getting better and better every day.
"These guys know what they want to do, because they've done it, and it's proven. Now, I'm just a another piece of the puzzle."
Why was Williams inclined to leave the NFL for the college game and year-round recruiting?
"Teaching these guys how to play and play the way they're supposed to play and then watching these guys grow as a football player and as a student-athlete, so they're ready for their next chapter, that appealed to me," Williams said.
Even the year-round recruiting?
"Absolutely," Williams said.
Williams said one of the first impressions he had of Gilbert and the offensive staff was, "No egos. We all have the same goal - to win."
On John Burt: "I know he runs fast and has been productive. He ran track, so I know he runs fast."
On Armanti Foreman: "I know Armanti has been productive. People have their opinions of Armanti, but so far, so good, and I think it's going to be good."
On what he has to work with as a group at the WR position: "We'll be playing musical chairs and looking at everyone - probably right up until we play Notre Dame."
New running backs coach Anthony Johnson said he's familiar with the tempo Gilbert will be seeking in practice because the Toledo offense (where Johnson coached the past two years under Matt Campbell sought to rep 150 to 200 plays per practice).
"Eventually, it becomes second nature," Johnson said. "That's what spring practice is for."
We just offered 3-star Plano East DT Deiontae Watts: http://247sports.com/Player/Deiontae-Watts-86600
http://texas.247sports.com/Bolt/Texa...a-DT--43875763
Let's get started.
QB – Sam Ehlinger – Austin Westlake
The leader of the 2017 class will be in Austin to do some recruiting. Ehlinger is one of the recruits in this class leading the charge to land other players to the cause. Ehlinger is well liked and other players believe in him after a monster junior season.
QB – Jalen Mayden – Sachse (2018 class)
Mayden will be one of the top targets for the 2018 class, and an offer to him this weekend could go a long way to sending the message about his importance to Texas. If Texas offers it could put them in a strong position with one of the top passers in the 2018 class.
RB – Eno Benjamin – Wylie East
Benjamin is one of the top options on the Texas board at running back, but Texas has yet to extend an offer to the Wylie East back. Benjamin recently named Michigan and Iowa as two schools standing out to him, and he might want to make a decision soon. If Texas wants to get involved, they will need to come with an offer soon.
WR – Camron Buckley – Cedar Hill
Buckley is one of the top targets at wide receiver for the Longhorns, but the Cedar Hill pass catcher named Houston as his leader when we spoke to him last month. Texas definitely has a chance here, and they can pick up some ground if Buck likes what he sees.
WR – Damion Miller – John Tyler
The lone Texas wide receiver commit is still open to other schools, so this weekend is a good opportunity to draw him in. Miller is part of an east Texas trio of recruits, and this is the first chance for the entire recruiting class to really spend some time together. Miller is an important piece of the class so far, and this weekend is an important step in this recruitment.
WR – Drue Jackson – Sachse (2018 class)
Jackson is close with Mayden, and he’s been to Texas multiple times. It’s difficult to tell if he’s a priority for Texas for right now, but It’s a good chance for Texas to establish some early ground in this recruitment.
OL – Tyrese Robinson – McKinney Boyd
Robinson is committed to Oklahoma, but he’s still choosing to make a trip to Austin this weekend. While our sources indicate his Oklahoma pledge is firm, but anything can happen when you get a player on campus.
OL – Grayson Reed – Cy Creek
Reed is one of the top Texas offensive line targets, and he’s recently started to blow up from a recruiting standpoint. Reed is a Texas legacy, and he told us at the Army All-American combine that Texas was standing out for him. Reed has a great relationship with Matt Mattox, and Texas could come out of this weekend with a strong lead for the Cy-Creek lineman.
OL – Walker Little – Bellaire Episcopal
The state’s top tackle is a maybe to attend, and while whispers behind the scenes point to a SEC recruitment, Texas put themselves in a good position by offering Little first. Little making it to Austin would be big for Texas in this recruitment.
ATH – Montrell Estell – Hooks
If I had to pick a candidate I felt most strongly about getting a Texas offer this weekend, Estell would be high on my list. The big east Texas athlete has yet to be noticed on the national scene, but a look at his film will show you some of what made former Texas receiver Malcolm Williams such a coveted prospect.
TE – Major Tennison – Bullard
Much like Damion Miller, Texas needs to do some work in this recruitment. Tennison is committed to Texas, but he has some concerns about the new Texas offense and his role as a tight end. Sterlin Gilbert and Jeff Traylor will need to sell Tennison on his role in Austin.
DE – Taquon Graham – Temple
Graham likes Texas, but they haven’t been showing him the love the Temple defender would like to see. That lack of attention has TCU on top for Graham, but things can definitely change this weekend if Texas goes all in for Graham.
DE – LaGaryonn Carson – Liberty Eylau
The most vocal recruiter in the Texas class has a chance to make an impact this weekend and get some folks on board. Carson is a strong commit, and should be quite a tool for the Texas class going forward.
DE – Alex Duke – Bellaire
The Houston commit has yet to be offered by Texas, but if the Longhorns get involved they could make some noise with the Houston area defender.
LB/DE – Kenneth Murray – Elkins
Murray is one of the most versatile defenders in the state, and Texas has kept in steady contact with him. He’s another dark horse to receive an offer this weekend, and if that were to happen I’d say there’s a good chance he commits.
LB – Levi Jones – Austin Westlake
Jones will be one of the current Texas offers on campus this weekend. While interest is piquing from all over the nation, Jones is close with his teammate Sam Ehlinger, and the tealeaves say Texas sits in the lead.
LB – Baron Browning – Kennedale
Browning recently de-committed from Baylor, and he’s always had a love for Charlie strong and Texas. There is a lot of positive vibes floating for Texas and Browning, but this will probably be a long recruitment. Texas has a chance to put their best foot forward this weekend.
LB – Anthony Hines – Plano East
Hines has offers from over 80 schools, but he’s fond of Texas and is the top inside linebacker target for Texas. The Longhorns are trying to put together a third straight stellar linebacking class, and Hines is an essential piece to that.
LB – Loren Mondy – Mansfield Lake Ridge
The Arizona State commit has been to Austin a few times, and an offer from Texas could cause him to open up his recruitment. Mondy can play inside at backer or on the edge as a pass rusher.
DB – Darrion Green – Woodrow Wilson
“Speedy” Green has been on the Texas radar since last spring, and he’ll be making another trip to Austin for junior day. He can play on either side of the ball, but probably projects as a corner at the next level. He’s high on Texas and Oklahoma at this point.
DB – Josh Thompson – Nacogdoches
Thompson is a teammate of Brandon Jones, and he’s starting to stand out as one of the top corners in the 2017 class. Contact between Texas and Thompson picked up recently, and he could be in line for an offer at junior day. If Texas does offer it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Thompson jump all over it.
DB – Kobe Boyce – Lake Dallas
Boyce is starting to pick up steam as one of the top corners in the state. He’s had a string of recent offers and has been in contact with Texas coaches. There’s some thought Boyce could be in line for an offer this week, and if that happens he’s almost a slam dunk to commit.
OL – Matthew Huhn – San Antonio Jay
Huhn is a massive OL prospect flying under the radar right now. Texas has a few other targets in front of him, but keep an eye on Huhn as a prospect for down the line.
DE - Bryan Jones – Madison Prep (Louisiana)
Jones is a teammate of Texas signee Malcolm Roach, and his film looks good enough to justify an offer. With Roach already on board, look for Texas to lead if that happens, but never count out LSU for a Louisiana kid.
DE – Earnest Brown – Denton Ryan
The newest Texas offer doesn’t know much about the program or college football in general. Texas is one of his biggest offers, so they have a chance to create some distance this weekend.
LB - Mohamed Sanogo – Plano West
Sanogo might be a victim of crowded numbers at the linebacker position, but the Plano West prospect can flat out play. If Texas does offer they should sit pretty high for Sanogo.
DB – Derrick Tucker – Manvel
Tucker has been close to committing a few times, and Texas is among his top schools along with Houston. Reggie Hemphill will be working on Tucker in his remaining months at Manvel, and Texas could get him locked down this week. Tucker has a good relationship with Clay Jennings who was recruiting him at Arkansas.
+++++
We had a chance to talk with a couple of sources about Hardee McCrary, who was announced as the new High School Relations Director. The early returns were positive from the older coaches in the state who knew McCrary first as a Texas player and then as a coach under Mack Brown’s staff. In short, the coaches who know him love him and think he was the perfect choice for the position. He’s more popular with older high school coaches in the state, but they told us his ability to relate with people shouldn’t make it hard for him to establish strong relationships with coaches who don’t know who he is. Those we spoke to thought this was a big step for Texas going forward.
Scout on Coaching Hires
After getting a chance to talk to new receivers coach Charlie Williams and new running backs coach Anthony Johnson it sounds like Charlie Strong really is ready to change everything about the offense, including the practice tempo (to try to rep 150 to 200 plays per practice).
I immediately went to Charlie Williams, who spent the past four years with the Indianapolis Colts, to gather his impressions of Sterlin Gilbert and the new offense he's now representing:
"It's about learning to play fast," Williams said. "After talking to Sterlin, it didn't take long for me to want to be a part of it. Listening to Sterlin and (OL coach) Matt (Mattox) talk and then watching the film they presented, you could see it was going to be exciting once all these guys (players) get it."
On the tempo of the offense (trying to run plays every 12 seconds), even in practice:
"It's a great new challenge. I like it because you move down the field so fast. I call it fast-break offense. We're trying to see if we can get those defensive players to bend over with their hands on their knees. And if we can get them to that point, we'll be all right."
On Williams' first impression of Gilbert:
"My first impression was, 'Wow. He's moved up the ranks fast.' But then you watch his offense and you know why - because it moves the ball down the field and scores points."
On Gilbert's personality:
"Sterlin's a great guy. He and this whole staff are about being around the players when they are in the building and letting them know how much we care. And sometimes it's not even about football. Just talking to these guys and being there for them."
As far as the offense from a practice standpoint, Williams said:
"It's totally different. We won't huddle. In the NFL, we huddled. It's about playing fast. I'm getting more and more comfortable with it each day. It's a lot of fun. Watching Sterlin rattle off the play and then we go through it, it's getting better and better every day.
"These guys know what they want to do, because they've done it, and it's proven. Now, I'm just a another piece of the puzzle."
Why was Williams inclined to leave the NFL for the college game and year-round recruiting?
"Teaching these guys how to play and play the way they're supposed to play and then watching these guys grow as a football player and as a student-athlete, so they're ready for their next chapter, that appealed to me," Williams said.
Even the year-round recruiting?
"Absolutely," Williams said.
Williams said one of the first impressions he had of Gilbert and the offensive staff was, "No egos. We all have the same goal - to win."
On John Burt: "I know he runs fast and has been productive. He ran track, so I know he runs fast."
On Armanti Foreman: "I know Armanti has been productive. People have their opinions of Armanti, but so far, so good, and I think it's going to be good."
On what he has to work with as a group at the WR position: "We'll be playing musical chairs and looking at everyone - probably right up until we play Notre Dame."
New running backs coach Anthony Johnson said he's familiar with the tempo Gilbert will be seeking in practice because the Toledo offense (where Johnson coached the past two years under Matt Campbell sought to rep 150 to 200 plays per practice).
"Eventually, it becomes second nature," Johnson said. "That's what spring practice is for."
We just offered 3-star Plano East DT Deiontae Watts: http://247sports.com/Player/Deiontae-Watts-86600
http://texas.247sports.com/Bolt/Texa...a-DT--43875763
Latest posts
-
-
Just a Bit Outside: Recruiting at UT keeps getting better and better- Latest: Travis Galey
-
