Recruiting Thread 2017
- Thread starter Scholz
- Start date
I don't think any changes will happen at the beginning of the year.
LT - Connor Williams
LG - Brandon Hodges
C - Zach Shackleford
RG - Patrick Vahe
RT - Kent Perkins
By the end of the season I could see Denzel Okafur winning a starting position, or possibly Jean Delance.
Ideally what I'd like to see is someone win the RT spot and move Kent Perkins back to his natural position of LG.
The WR position is going to see several exits.
My official new wish list for the 2017 class. Not including who we already have committed.
RB - JK Dobbins
WR - Tyrell Shavers
OL - Walker Little, Tyrese Robinson
TE - Brock Wright
DT - Marvin Wilson
DE - Isiah Buggs
LB - Barron Browning, Anthony Hines, Dylan Moses
DB - Jeffrey Okudah, Chevin Calloway
Now that would be a hell of a class. To get that I think Texas would have to make the playoffs, or possibly the championship game.
RB - JK Dobbins
WR - Tyrell Shavers
OL - Walker Little, Tyrese Robinson
TE - Brock Wright
DT - Marvin Wilson
DE - Isiah Buggs
LB - Barron Browning, Anthony Hines, Dylan Moses
DB - Jeffrey Okudah, Chevin Calloway
Now that would be a hell of a class. To get that I think Texas would have to make the playoffs, or possibly the championship game.
Yeah, we just picked up 4 more guys. Maybe as few as 15 in the next class. I'd rather have the bird in the hand now though.
I think you're letting your distaste for the guy cloud your judgment of his record, which is at present unmatched by any of the other Texas recruiting "gurus."
He didn't actually say that Hudson wasn't coming for certain -- he just said that he got info that made him think it was much less likely than before. Yesterday he was back to saying Hudson was more likely than not on board, but that he still didn't feel very confident about it. Judging by what the other sites were also reporting, it was a fluid situation with multiple people exerting influence over Hudson's decision.
If you look at the recruiting threads on shaggy where people compile all of the recruiting info from the six main sites, consensus is pretty strong among the shaggy regulars that Higdon made everyone but IT look pretty bad over the last two recruiting cycles. Who knows if his lottery numbers are crap (no one has even figured out what they mean)? He was pretty nails with them last cycle with several months until NSD.
That's what she said.
For real though, there will be some attrition to help the # out.
Hell we had attrition last summer with guys Strong recruited (see the FL 5). Not to mention those falling behind in the depth chart that Mack recruited. And guys graduating early and giving up ball.
We have four JR WR who are never going to do a damn thing here. A couple of OL too.
Please go help out SHSU or Texas State, fellas!
He's even hedging on Fowler so he can be right for those that like him and pay for his services. The lottery number crap is hilarious. He's a few sammiches short of a picnic...
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I always thought Jake and Joe were avg kids. I was kinda disappointed with Bonney. Davis has been injury prone. Leonard is a kid who looks like a stud but his hands were terrible and running routes were way off. I don't see a problem with those 5 moving on at all.
As far as I can tell, every site is saying that Fowler has work left to do and that nothing is guaranteed. No one will be in a position to say they were "right" about anything, because only Fowler is in control of how things will go from here. The lottery number games are annoying, but I don't see how that amounts to an indictment of his credibility. He certainly called it accurately the last time around -- and long before any of the other sites' writers stopped running around with their hair on fire, crying about how Charlie only had seven commitments and was headed toward a disaster of a recruiting class.
Anyway, this conversation is boring. Every single one of these recruiting site writers is annoying in some way or other, but looking at all of their reports over the last couple of years makes it clear that some (like Higdon and, to a lesser extent, Nahlin) are much more plugged-in than others.
Higdon makes his money off vague information that he twists into positives and or teeters on the fence about, he is fed from the table, but... honestly, I'm not sure why folks pay for memberships to any sites. The kid signed his paperwork on Monday, I'm glad we got him.
There in lies the problem with all of this stuff. It's either vague so they can always claim they were right, or they change their prediction four times in a week and hope that one of the claims they made plays out.
All week these bloggers were tripping on themselves to make an excuse because they thought Hudson wasn't coming to Texas and needed to explain it away. There was an easy explination for the OU visit but they were too quick to change their tune.
Really liked Joe's blocking last year. Guy never quit on a play. I'd like to see him make it bigger this year.
I'm with ya. Good with keeping Joe around. Hard worker on and off the field. Has some talent.
Some of the RS JRs will fall back on the depth chart this year and will graduate early and xfer as grads next season and come off the books. You saw it this year with Raulerson and others.
OB War Room
In case you missed it on Wednesday, Oklahoma offered UT offensive line commitment Xavier Newman.
We mentioned in the War Room last week that this could be close to happening, and if it did, it would be a situation worth watching closely. Newman was considering an OU visit last weekend but didn't make it to Norman, and he told us last week that he still considers himself committed but his recruitment "is still open."
I haven't connected with Newman directly since the OU offer came in, but in talking to a source in DeSoto, it sounds like the Longhorns are facing an uphill battle to hold on to his commitment. Newman has been sporting some OU gear of late, and with Texas adding two offensive linemen to the roster in the last week (Hudson and J.P. Urquidez), that would probably cloud the situation even more.
Newman will be at The Opening next week so I'll have a chance to catch up with him there, but I would say it's safe to officially put him on flip watch. (Suchomel)
******
Texas defensive backs commitment Kobe Boyce has maintained all along that he'd probably take visits despite giving UT a pledge back in April.
Last weekend, Boyce took an unofficial visit to Iowa and that trip made a pretty strong impression.
“The visit was really nice. I enjoyed it a lot and liked the town and stuff,” Boyce said.
Boyce has been in touch with Charlie Strong and Charlie Williams since the visit.
“They were telling me how great it is to be a Longhorn,” Boyce said.
The Lake Dallas product said he’s planning to take a few more visits later in July. He added that he remains committed to Texas but just wants to go around and take all of his visits.
Texas' was Boyce's dream school even before he picked up the Texas offer, so the Longhorns should have a pretty good shot of holding onto his commitment, but things could get dicey as he continues to take other visits. Boyce will at The Opening next week. (Suchomel)
******
Speaking of The Opening, OB will be in Beaverton, Ore. next week to cover that event yet again. A quick rundown of the players on UT's radar who will be competing:
LB Baron Browning – We saw him a few weeks ago at the Five-Star Challenge. I’m not expecting any fireworks here. Texas is still very much in the mix, but Ohio State is a team to watch closely.
RB Toneil Carter – I don’t think Texas has much of chance here, but worth checking in.
DL K'Lavon Chaisson – Texas is down his list, but another guy worth checking on.
DB Grant Delpit – He’s supposed to announce at The Opening. LSU looks to be the choice.
RB J.K. Dobbins – Committed to Ohio State, but Texas is very much in the mix here.
QB Sam Ehlinger – Obviously, watching Ehlinger will be a top priority. Can’t wait to see how he does.
DB B.J. Foster (2018) – A top Texas target for 2018. He told us at the Five-Star Challenge he wants to visit Texas this summer.
DB Deangelo Gibbs – Not happening, but he has a UT offer.
LB Anthony Hines – Hines may be trimming his list at The Opening. Texas will make the list. Don’t expect a lot of fireworks, but Texas and OU are in good shape.
OL Walker Little – Another guy we saw at the Five-Star Challenge. Not much new going on here, but Texas is very much in this one. Stanford and LSU are other top contenders.
WR Omar Manning – He’ll be a top priority, like Ehlinger. Manning doesn’t talk much and he’s a top target of UT’s.
LB Dylan Moses – He announced this week that he’ll take an official visit to Texas. Beyond that, don’t expect much excitement but we’ll check with him while we’re in Oregon.
OL Xavier Newman – Touched on him above. It’ll be interesting to hear his thoughts after picking up the OU offer.
DB Jeffrey Okudah – He should be narrowing his list soon. Ohio State continues to lead.
WR Jalen Reagor – Committed to Oklahoma, but I want to ask him if he plans on taking any other visits. Texas really likes him, but I haven’t heard anything indicating he has much interest in UT. I’ll check in just to be sure.
DB Stanford Samuels – Not happening but has a UT offer.
WR Tyrell Shavers – Committed to Alabama, but this is one that Texas will continue to recruit. Does he have much interest? Not sure but I’ll try to find out.
WR Devonta Smith - Probably not happening, but does hold a UT offer.
DT Marvin Wilson - Texas made his top 10 which he released at the Five-Star Challenge. Wilson told me at that time he'd be back in Austin for UT's Under The Lights camp, which should take place later this month. He'll obviously be high on the priority list. (Suchomel)
In case you missed it on Wednesday, Oklahoma offered UT offensive line commitment Xavier Newman.
We mentioned in the War Room last week that this could be close to happening, and if it did, it would be a situation worth watching closely. Newman was considering an OU visit last weekend but didn't make it to Norman, and he told us last week that he still considers himself committed but his recruitment "is still open."
I haven't connected with Newman directly since the OU offer came in, but in talking to a source in DeSoto, it sounds like the Longhorns are facing an uphill battle to hold on to his commitment. Newman has been sporting some OU gear of late, and with Texas adding two offensive linemen to the roster in the last week (Hudson and J.P. Urquidez), that would probably cloud the situation even more.
Newman will be at The Opening next week so I'll have a chance to catch up with him there, but I would say it's safe to officially put him on flip watch. (Suchomel)
******
Texas defensive backs commitment Kobe Boyce has maintained all along that he'd probably take visits despite giving UT a pledge back in April.
Last weekend, Boyce took an unofficial visit to Iowa and that trip made a pretty strong impression.
“The visit was really nice. I enjoyed it a lot and liked the town and stuff,” Boyce said.
Boyce has been in touch with Charlie Strong and Charlie Williams since the visit.
“They were telling me how great it is to be a Longhorn,” Boyce said.
The Lake Dallas product said he’s planning to take a few more visits later in July. He added that he remains committed to Texas but just wants to go around and take all of his visits.
Texas' was Boyce's dream school even before he picked up the Texas offer, so the Longhorns should have a pretty good shot of holding onto his commitment, but things could get dicey as he continues to take other visits. Boyce will at The Opening next week. (Suchomel)
******
Speaking of The Opening, OB will be in Beaverton, Ore. next week to cover that event yet again. A quick rundown of the players on UT's radar who will be competing:
LB Baron Browning – We saw him a few weeks ago at the Five-Star Challenge. I’m not expecting any fireworks here. Texas is still very much in the mix, but Ohio State is a team to watch closely.
RB Toneil Carter – I don’t think Texas has much of chance here, but worth checking in.
DL K'Lavon Chaisson – Texas is down his list, but another guy worth checking on.
DB Grant Delpit – He’s supposed to announce at The Opening. LSU looks to be the choice.
RB J.K. Dobbins – Committed to Ohio State, but Texas is very much in the mix here.
QB Sam Ehlinger – Obviously, watching Ehlinger will be a top priority. Can’t wait to see how he does.
DB B.J. Foster (2018) – A top Texas target for 2018. He told us at the Five-Star Challenge he wants to visit Texas this summer.
DB Deangelo Gibbs – Not happening, but he has a UT offer.
LB Anthony Hines – Hines may be trimming his list at The Opening. Texas will make the list. Don’t expect a lot of fireworks, but Texas and OU are in good shape.
OL Walker Little – Another guy we saw at the Five-Star Challenge. Not much new going on here, but Texas is very much in this one. Stanford and LSU are other top contenders.
WR Omar Manning – He’ll be a top priority, like Ehlinger. Manning doesn’t talk much and he’s a top target of UT’s.
LB Dylan Moses – He announced this week that he’ll take an official visit to Texas. Beyond that, don’t expect much excitement but we’ll check with him while we’re in Oregon.
OL Xavier Newman – Touched on him above. It’ll be interesting to hear his thoughts after picking up the OU offer.
DB Jeffrey Okudah – He should be narrowing his list soon. Ohio State continues to lead.
WR Jalen Reagor – Committed to Oklahoma, but I want to ask him if he plans on taking any other visits. Texas really likes him, but I haven’t heard anything indicating he has much interest in UT. I’ll check in just to be sure.
DB Stanford Samuels – Not happening but has a UT offer.
WR Tyrell Shavers – Committed to Alabama, but this is one that Texas will continue to recruit. Does he have much interest? Not sure but I’ll try to find out.
WR Devonta Smith - Probably not happening, but does hold a UT offer.
DT Marvin Wilson - Texas made his top 10 which he released at the Five-Star Challenge. Wilson told me at that time he'd be back in Austin for UT's Under The Lights camp, which should take place later this month. He'll obviously be high on the priority list. (Suchomel)
Bobby Burton Recruiting Notes [waste of time except for the Charlie Williams note]
I wasn't sure whether receivers coach Charlie Williams would be a good hire or not for the Longhorns. Williams, with his NFL pedigree, certainly had the coaching credentials, so it was never about his ability to coach. Rather, I was more concerned about how well he would take to getting back on the recruiting trail. Frankly, some former NFL coaches just don't put in much work necessary on the recruiting trail when they return to the college game. But I'm hearing very good things about Charlie Williams on the recruiting trail. Williams has an area of the DFW Metroplex and is working overtime this summer on several recruits. Williams is effectively diffusing some of the stereotype against former NFL assistants returning to the college game.
**
Needs in the 2017 recruiting class...
- Quarterback. The Horns need at least one. Obviously, Sam Ehlinger is that guy.
- Receiver. The Horns need to continue to add firepower to the offense. That means Texas needs a future NFL receiver, hopefully one with a combo of size and speed. And it's possible John Burt will be headed to the NFL after his junior year.
- Tight end. With Caleb Bluiett leaving after this season, Texas must add a TE ready to play from day one because the next TE in line, Andrew Beck, is serviceable but he's far from a plus player.
- Offensive line. I think the Horns have the beginnings of a dominant OL in the making. But if Texas can add two legit NFL possible guys, then the depth will continue to build at an appropriate level.
- Pass rusher. I think the Horns need pass rushers more than just run stoppers right now. Given the proclivity in the Big 12 to throw the ball so much of the time, a great pass rusher can be worth his weight in gold.
- Corner. Looking ahead, it's possible both Holton Hill and Davante Davis would leave after their junior years. That means Texas has just one year to get a second corner on campus to go beside Kris Boyd.
- Safety. I feel pretty strongly that Brandon Jones will man a safety spot for at least the next three years. And I think PJ Locke has a chance to either be a safety or play the nickel. But that other safety spot is up for grabs for the right guy if the Horns can find him.
Of course, the Horns have other needs as well. And there is always -- ALWAYS -- room for a difference maker at any position.
I wasn't sure whether receivers coach Charlie Williams would be a good hire or not for the Longhorns. Williams, with his NFL pedigree, certainly had the coaching credentials, so it was never about his ability to coach. Rather, I was more concerned about how well he would take to getting back on the recruiting trail. Frankly, some former NFL coaches just don't put in much work necessary on the recruiting trail when they return to the college game. But I'm hearing very good things about Charlie Williams on the recruiting trail. Williams has an area of the DFW Metroplex and is working overtime this summer on several recruits. Williams is effectively diffusing some of the stereotype against former NFL assistants returning to the college game.
**
Needs in the 2017 recruiting class...
- Quarterback. The Horns need at least one. Obviously, Sam Ehlinger is that guy.
- Receiver. The Horns need to continue to add firepower to the offense. That means Texas needs a future NFL receiver, hopefully one with a combo of size and speed. And it's possible John Burt will be headed to the NFL after his junior year.
- Tight end. With Caleb Bluiett leaving after this season, Texas must add a TE ready to play from day one because the next TE in line, Andrew Beck, is serviceable but he's far from a plus player.
- Offensive line. I think the Horns have the beginnings of a dominant OL in the making. But if Texas can add two legit NFL possible guys, then the depth will continue to build at an appropriate level.
- Pass rusher. I think the Horns need pass rushers more than just run stoppers right now. Given the proclivity in the Big 12 to throw the ball so much of the time, a great pass rusher can be worth his weight in gold.
- Corner. Looking ahead, it's possible both Holton Hill and Davante Davis would leave after their junior years. That means Texas has just one year to get a second corner on campus to go beside Kris Boyd.
- Safety. I feel pretty strongly that Brandon Jones will man a safety spot for at least the next three years. And I think PJ Locke has a chance to either be a safety or play the nickel. But that other safety spot is up for grabs for the right guy if the Horns can find him.
Of course, the Horns have other needs as well. And there is always -- ALWAYS -- room for a difference maker at any position.
IT Inside Scoop
By: Eric Nahlin, Tim Preston, and Justin Wells
We explore the up-and-down nature of recruiting, a few Texas pledges on de-commit watch, and how Devin Duvernay could be the final piece to Charlie Strong and winning in Austin. It's the first of the month and the Inside Scoop.
From: Eric Nahlin
I'm going to leave you with this somewhat negative information and then abandon you for a few days in Tahoe with the family. Enjoy!
I trust you'll understand this is really nothing to worry about in the long run and the only reason I'm mentioning it is because I don't like you guys......being caught off guard in recruiting.
Recruiting is a bit like the stock market. There are ups, there are downs. A down period often isn't anything to worry about if you're playing the long game. There are short plays, like recent positions on Devin Duvernay, Patrick Hudson, et al, and there are long plays, like gambling on the overall class finish six months ahead of time. Recruiting in June/July is still a long play. Further, Strong isn't the latest tech or pharmaceutical offering. His recruiting is tried and true, brick and mortar. The trend over the long-haul is upward and that's really all that matters at this time.
I can't stress enough not to worry - many of you will, hell you worried about finding free money just earlier this week - but you'll only end up feeling foolish if you do.
I held numerous conversations with some prospects and coaches of varying types in-state. The main takeaways are, Kobe Boyce, Xavier Newman, and very likely Major Tennison, are coin-flips to put it optimistically.
All I heard was there were three guys thinking very hard about leaving the class, and I think the third is Tennison. The first two are Boyce and Newman. Justin caught up with Tennison as you'll read below.
OG/C Xavier Newman, Desoto (Desoto, TX): Newman picked up the OU offer he's really been wanting -- the one I warned about last week. Previously I heard room with OU was tight but things opened up when Oklahoma prep, Creed Humphrey, selected A&M on Wednesday.
[note on Humphrey: I heard he actually visited Texas earlier this month and UT finished 3rd for his services. One look at his Twitter avatar - a young man and his horse - rendered this one an Aggie lock]
Obviously the OU class is currently the greatest recruiting force in the region. That class will be well represented at The Opening and will be working on Newman a ton. Another point to ponder: I hear his OL coach at Desoto played baseball at OU. I'm not trying to imply said coach is pushing his player in any direction, just that he certainly won't be an ally of Texas.
Newman states he won't make a hasty decision (note that he's actually 'deciding') but with the pressure of the Sooner contingent I wouldn't be surprised if he opened things up in July.
Good news here would be if Newman makes an effort to make it to Under the Lights on July 23rd, two weeks after The Opening and the coaches can get him over this OU flirtation.
CB Kobe Boyce, Lake Dallas (Lake Dallas, TX): Word was making the rounds last week that Boyce was REALLY enjoying his trip to Iowa and might flip. Yes, the Iowa located in Iowa. Texas found out and talked him off the ledge.
A little background: Boyce made the trip with WR Gavin Holmes (recently de-committed from Duke), CB Matt Hankins, and Iowa commit, RB Eno Benjamin. Both Holmes and Hankins committed to the Hawkeyes. I think Boyce came close to doing the same.
Boyce caught some bad luck when he found out a lingering hand injury will keep him from The Opening. In his place will be Nacogdoches' Josh Thompson, a TCU commit, and the third consecutive Dragon DB headed to Oregon joining Brandon Jones (Texas) and Jaylon Lane (UTSA).
The bottom line on these two: They're tempting fate a little bit. OU is a cool destination again to many of the state's best, so Newman may not care about missing out on UT's class, but Boyce might want to get some altitude. Boyce is turning out to be easily influenced by misdirection from other staffs, notably that Texas doesn't really want him and that's why they've offered other corners. Talk about the easiest pitch ever to counter.
From: Justin Wells
TEXAS ADDS THE FINAL PIECE TO THE PUZZLE
When Strong arrived in Austin in January of 2014, he had a ton of housecleaning ahead of him.
He had to rid the locker room of a culture of entitlement, laziness, bad attitudes, and kids that took partying to another level. These were all things that had to happen before he could start to rebuild. 'Burn it down', as @W.W. McClyde would say. This was imperative before he could start adding the necessary talent and pieces that fit his idea of the perfect program.
After removing malcontents that were almost a 1/5 of the roster that Mack Brown left him, he started recruiting 'his' guys. The types of players that would work hard, put the team first, and most importantly, have the talent needed to win in this day and age of CFB.
First, it was the Class of 2015 - Malikmas started it all. Joining Jefferson who were critical to the puzzle - Connor Williams, Davante Davis, Chris Warren, and John Burt were the corner pieces; Holton Hill, Patrick Vahe, and Kris Boyd were the middle section after building from within.
Next, was the staffing. To me, this goes unnoticed more than anything. By adapting to his surroundings, Strong started to let go of some of his control issues and allow the right men to do the right job. In my opinion, not one hire was more important than Jeff Traylor. Just from a recruiting and energy standpoint, he's been magnificent. Then bringing on Sterlin Gilbert was another example of learning on the go - the best programs in college football have the best assistants - that's inarguable. After seeing Gilbert and Matt Mattox worked their magic this Spring, Strong is more convinced than ever that he made the right decision. From the defensive side, I think Clay Jennings will be huge in maintaining DBU.
Lastly was the 2016 class, which just wrapped up in June of all months. Brandon Jones, Jordan Elliott, and Shane Buechele were those pieces of the puzzle that look similar to the others, but really have a natural fit and place. The staff was prepared by carefully managing the roster scholarships (I'm looking at you, Dan Wolken). When they lost Dontavious Jackson and Stephon Taylor, a few transfers - Adrian Colbert and Dalton Santos - coupled with a few potential medical redshirts, the mass exodus from Waco was the final piece that, as Eazy E so eloquently stated, aligned the stars deep in the heart of Austin.
After the Orange-White scrimmage, one thing was clear - Texas had its QB. It had its RB tandem; ForeWarrened. It had the budding offensive line. It had one of the best and youngest secondary's in all of CFB. And they stockpiled defensive linemen like an eager buyer at a stockyard. All that was missing was a slot receiver to go with Burt and Collin Johnson. Devin Duvernay, the Garland Sachse 5-star, come on down (in my best Rod Roddy voice).
"It feels great really," said Devin after inking with UT late last week. "We can do something special at Texas. The coaches, the players; everybody in that locker room is on the same page."
But what sold Duvernay was more than just football. It was the relationships and the environment.
"I just loved the coaching staff and the city of Austin," Devin said. "And feel like I have great opportunity here. I can be a natural fit in what we're trying to run offensively. That sold me."
When Baylor botched Devin's paperwork for enrollment, that allowed Strong, Traylor, and Gilbert the small crack in the door to bust it down. It was almost like it was meant to be; a screenplay waiting to happen. Devin wants Michael B. Jordan (Creed star) to play him in the movie, "Flipping Texas; the story of how the Longhorns retook the state of football."
Devin will be on campus for Summer Session II and start working out with the team for 7-on-7 work in less than a week.
And he'll be the final piece of the puzzle. All that's left is winning and Strong and his staff have put themselves in the best position imaginable. Back-to-Back Top 10 classes and core values will do that.
HOLDING ON
As Eric alluded to, there's always an ebb and flow to college recruiting. Sometimes landing a 5-star OG means you could lose a 4-star OL in the next class. Or grabbing a 5-star WR could scare off a 4-star pass-catcher from 2017. That's just how it goes sometimes.
But the recruitment of Bullard's Major Tennison is entirely different. Texas is literally not pursuing any other TEs. None. Zero. Zilch.
When Tennison pledged Texas late last year, Strong and Traylor told him and his family that's it, they're done. They'll only take one TE in 2017 and he's from East Texas. For awhile, that was perfect. Strong was so sure of retaining of Tennison, when Major's recruitment started its upward trend, the UT head coach even told the Tennisons after Junior Day to take other visits, see other places, and enjoy the recruiting process. Strong is a little crazy like that but he feels like with early commits, if you show them you trust them, they'll usually stick with you. Plus, Strong wants kids to enjoy the process.
Well, LSU, Georgia, and Oregon offered Tennison, who never imagined he'd land offers of that caliber, even though we at IT did. And Alabama called.
When Nick Saban dials your number, you answer. When he invites you to visit, you make travel plans to visit Lynard Skynard's backyard. That's how recruits view the Crimson Tide. Four titles in seven years affords you that luxury.
So the Tennisons tripped to Tuscaloosa a few months ago and enjoyed their unofficial. Now, Major is going back. He'll take yet another unofficial later this month and that has me slightly worried. So I asked him if Bama is the factor we presume they are.
"I'd say any school I visit is a factor, I'm not making these trips to lead people on or waste anyone's time," said Tennison.
I respect Major's honesty; he's always been upfront with me during his recruitment for well over a year now. But I'm not sure he realizes what Alabama presents. A loaded a depth chart, next to no TE targets in the passing game, and the possibility he'll be primarily a lead blocker or worse, a future RT.
Tennison is too talented for that. He's the prototypical pass-catching TE that exceled in basketball which translates to a beast in the passing game; the Antonio Gates/Jimmy Graham effect. He's a walking mismatch.
I know he's a little worried that UT won't use the TE in Gilbert's veer and shoot. The problem is Texas doesn't have a TE to use of his caliber on campus right now. Gilbert, and Strong for that matter, have a history of finding targets for their tight ends, when they have talented tight ends to throw to.
At Bama, Tennison sits for at least two years. At Texas, he starts Day 1. At Bama, he's likely a primary blocker, which I know turns him off. At Texas, with Burt, Collin, and Devin on the field, he's a mismatch waiting to happen and future all-conference teamer.
Sam Ehlinger, Damion Miller, and the Texas staff are working to keep the 4-star's future on the 40 Acres.
"I think we'll be at Under the Lights," said Tennison." Right now, my days and focus are filled with working out and getting better. We arrive at the field house at 6:30am every morning and I'm just trying to get better everyday."
As I said, I'm slightly worried at this point and hope Tennison sees the bigger picture. If he waits a little longer, he'll see the Texas offense in full bloom. If not, Texas will have to pursue another TE for the 2017 class. I don't have any names at the moment, but I will if it comes to that. Hopefully, it won't.
STATE 7-ON-7 and THE OPENING
Eric and I are headed to The Opening on Monday while the precocious Joe Cook will be in attendance for the State 7-on-7 next weekend. We'll have full previews early next week as well as recruiting content from Oregon.
QUOTABLE QUOTE:
"I like Patrick, because he’s not a kid who is going to be getting in trouble or someone you have to worry about. He’s a big boy, like myself, and he’s using that size and strength to his advantage, like myself." - Former WWF star and Austin resident Mark Henry, on newly inked OL Patrick Hudson
By: Eric Nahlin, Tim Preston, and Justin Wells
We explore the up-and-down nature of recruiting, a few Texas pledges on de-commit watch, and how Devin Duvernay could be the final piece to Charlie Strong and winning in Austin. It's the first of the month and the Inside Scoop.
From: Eric Nahlin
I'm going to leave you with this somewhat negative information and then abandon you for a few days in Tahoe with the family. Enjoy!
I trust you'll understand this is really nothing to worry about in the long run and the only reason I'm mentioning it is because I don't like you guys......being caught off guard in recruiting.
Recruiting is a bit like the stock market. There are ups, there are downs. A down period often isn't anything to worry about if you're playing the long game. There are short plays, like recent positions on Devin Duvernay, Patrick Hudson, et al, and there are long plays, like gambling on the overall class finish six months ahead of time. Recruiting in June/July is still a long play. Further, Strong isn't the latest tech or pharmaceutical offering. His recruiting is tried and true, brick and mortar. The trend over the long-haul is upward and that's really all that matters at this time.
I can't stress enough not to worry - many of you will, hell you worried about finding free money just earlier this week - but you'll only end up feeling foolish if you do.
I held numerous conversations with some prospects and coaches of varying types in-state. The main takeaways are, Kobe Boyce, Xavier Newman, and very likely Major Tennison, are coin-flips to put it optimistically.
All I heard was there were three guys thinking very hard about leaving the class, and I think the third is Tennison. The first two are Boyce and Newman. Justin caught up with Tennison as you'll read below.
OG/C Xavier Newman, Desoto (Desoto, TX): Newman picked up the OU offer he's really been wanting -- the one I warned about last week. Previously I heard room with OU was tight but things opened up when Oklahoma prep, Creed Humphrey, selected A&M on Wednesday.
[note on Humphrey: I heard he actually visited Texas earlier this month and UT finished 3rd for his services. One look at his Twitter avatar - a young man and his horse - rendered this one an Aggie lock]
Obviously the OU class is currently the greatest recruiting force in the region. That class will be well represented at The Opening and will be working on Newman a ton. Another point to ponder: I hear his OL coach at Desoto played baseball at OU. I'm not trying to imply said coach is pushing his player in any direction, just that he certainly won't be an ally of Texas.
Newman states he won't make a hasty decision (note that he's actually 'deciding') but with the pressure of the Sooner contingent I wouldn't be surprised if he opened things up in July.
Good news here would be if Newman makes an effort to make it to Under the Lights on July 23rd, two weeks after The Opening and the coaches can get him over this OU flirtation.
CB Kobe Boyce, Lake Dallas (Lake Dallas, TX): Word was making the rounds last week that Boyce was REALLY enjoying his trip to Iowa and might flip. Yes, the Iowa located in Iowa. Texas found out and talked him off the ledge.
A little background: Boyce made the trip with WR Gavin Holmes (recently de-committed from Duke), CB Matt Hankins, and Iowa commit, RB Eno Benjamin. Both Holmes and Hankins committed to the Hawkeyes. I think Boyce came close to doing the same.
Boyce caught some bad luck when he found out a lingering hand injury will keep him from The Opening. In his place will be Nacogdoches' Josh Thompson, a TCU commit, and the third consecutive Dragon DB headed to Oregon joining Brandon Jones (Texas) and Jaylon Lane (UTSA).
The bottom line on these two: They're tempting fate a little bit. OU is a cool destination again to many of the state's best, so Newman may not care about missing out on UT's class, but Boyce might want to get some altitude. Boyce is turning out to be easily influenced by misdirection from other staffs, notably that Texas doesn't really want him and that's why they've offered other corners. Talk about the easiest pitch ever to counter.
From: Justin Wells
TEXAS ADDS THE FINAL PIECE TO THE PUZZLE
When Strong arrived in Austin in January of 2014, he had a ton of housecleaning ahead of him.
He had to rid the locker room of a culture of entitlement, laziness, bad attitudes, and kids that took partying to another level. These were all things that had to happen before he could start to rebuild. 'Burn it down', as @W.W. McClyde would say. This was imperative before he could start adding the necessary talent and pieces that fit his idea of the perfect program.
After removing malcontents that were almost a 1/5 of the roster that Mack Brown left him, he started recruiting 'his' guys. The types of players that would work hard, put the team first, and most importantly, have the talent needed to win in this day and age of CFB.
First, it was the Class of 2015 - Malikmas started it all. Joining Jefferson who were critical to the puzzle - Connor Williams, Davante Davis, Chris Warren, and John Burt were the corner pieces; Holton Hill, Patrick Vahe, and Kris Boyd were the middle section after building from within.
Next, was the staffing. To me, this goes unnoticed more than anything. By adapting to his surroundings, Strong started to let go of some of his control issues and allow the right men to do the right job. In my opinion, not one hire was more important than Jeff Traylor. Just from a recruiting and energy standpoint, he's been magnificent. Then bringing on Sterlin Gilbert was another example of learning on the go - the best programs in college football have the best assistants - that's inarguable. After seeing Gilbert and Matt Mattox worked their magic this Spring, Strong is more convinced than ever that he made the right decision. From the defensive side, I think Clay Jennings will be huge in maintaining DBU.
Lastly was the 2016 class, which just wrapped up in June of all months. Brandon Jones, Jordan Elliott, and Shane Buechele were those pieces of the puzzle that look similar to the others, but really have a natural fit and place. The staff was prepared by carefully managing the roster scholarships (I'm looking at you, Dan Wolken). When they lost Dontavious Jackson and Stephon Taylor, a few transfers - Adrian Colbert and Dalton Santos - coupled with a few potential medical redshirts, the mass exodus from Waco was the final piece that, as Eazy E so eloquently stated, aligned the stars deep in the heart of Austin.
After the Orange-White scrimmage, one thing was clear - Texas had its QB. It had its RB tandem; ForeWarrened. It had the budding offensive line. It had one of the best and youngest secondary's in all of CFB. And they stockpiled defensive linemen like an eager buyer at a stockyard. All that was missing was a slot receiver to go with Burt and Collin Johnson. Devin Duvernay, the Garland Sachse 5-star, come on down (in my best Rod Roddy voice).
"It feels great really," said Devin after inking with UT late last week. "We can do something special at Texas. The coaches, the players; everybody in that locker room is on the same page."
But what sold Duvernay was more than just football. It was the relationships and the environment.
"I just loved the coaching staff and the city of Austin," Devin said. "And feel like I have great opportunity here. I can be a natural fit in what we're trying to run offensively. That sold me."
When Baylor botched Devin's paperwork for enrollment, that allowed Strong, Traylor, and Gilbert the small crack in the door to bust it down. It was almost like it was meant to be; a screenplay waiting to happen. Devin wants Michael B. Jordan (Creed star) to play him in the movie, "Flipping Texas; the story of how the Longhorns retook the state of football."
Devin will be on campus for Summer Session II and start working out with the team for 7-on-7 work in less than a week.
And he'll be the final piece of the puzzle. All that's left is winning and Strong and his staff have put themselves in the best position imaginable. Back-to-Back Top 10 classes and core values will do that.
HOLDING ON
As Eric alluded to, there's always an ebb and flow to college recruiting. Sometimes landing a 5-star OG means you could lose a 4-star OL in the next class. Or grabbing a 5-star WR could scare off a 4-star pass-catcher from 2017. That's just how it goes sometimes.
But the recruitment of Bullard's Major Tennison is entirely different. Texas is literally not pursuing any other TEs. None. Zero. Zilch.
When Tennison pledged Texas late last year, Strong and Traylor told him and his family that's it, they're done. They'll only take one TE in 2017 and he's from East Texas. For awhile, that was perfect. Strong was so sure of retaining of Tennison, when Major's recruitment started its upward trend, the UT head coach even told the Tennisons after Junior Day to take other visits, see other places, and enjoy the recruiting process. Strong is a little crazy like that but he feels like with early commits, if you show them you trust them, they'll usually stick with you. Plus, Strong wants kids to enjoy the process.
Well, LSU, Georgia, and Oregon offered Tennison, who never imagined he'd land offers of that caliber, even though we at IT did. And Alabama called.
When Nick Saban dials your number, you answer. When he invites you to visit, you make travel plans to visit Lynard Skynard's backyard. That's how recruits view the Crimson Tide. Four titles in seven years affords you that luxury.
So the Tennisons tripped to Tuscaloosa a few months ago and enjoyed their unofficial. Now, Major is going back. He'll take yet another unofficial later this month and that has me slightly worried. So I asked him if Bama is the factor we presume they are.
"I'd say any school I visit is a factor, I'm not making these trips to lead people on or waste anyone's time," said Tennison.
I respect Major's honesty; he's always been upfront with me during his recruitment for well over a year now. But I'm not sure he realizes what Alabama presents. A loaded a depth chart, next to no TE targets in the passing game, and the possibility he'll be primarily a lead blocker or worse, a future RT.
Tennison is too talented for that. He's the prototypical pass-catching TE that exceled in basketball which translates to a beast in the passing game; the Antonio Gates/Jimmy Graham effect. He's a walking mismatch.
I know he's a little worried that UT won't use the TE in Gilbert's veer and shoot. The problem is Texas doesn't have a TE to use of his caliber on campus right now. Gilbert, and Strong for that matter, have a history of finding targets for their tight ends, when they have talented tight ends to throw to.
At Bama, Tennison sits for at least two years. At Texas, he starts Day 1. At Bama, he's likely a primary blocker, which I know turns him off. At Texas, with Burt, Collin, and Devin on the field, he's a mismatch waiting to happen and future all-conference teamer.
Sam Ehlinger, Damion Miller, and the Texas staff are working to keep the 4-star's future on the 40 Acres.
"I think we'll be at Under the Lights," said Tennison." Right now, my days and focus are filled with working out and getting better. We arrive at the field house at 6:30am every morning and I'm just trying to get better everyday."
As I said, I'm slightly worried at this point and hope Tennison sees the bigger picture. If he waits a little longer, he'll see the Texas offense in full bloom. If not, Texas will have to pursue another TE for the 2017 class. I don't have any names at the moment, but I will if it comes to that. Hopefully, it won't.
STATE 7-ON-7 and THE OPENING
Eric and I are headed to The Opening on Monday while the precocious Joe Cook will be in attendance for the State 7-on-7 next weekend. We'll have full previews early next week as well as recruiting content from Oregon.
QUOTABLE QUOTE:
"I like Patrick, because he’s not a kid who is going to be getting in trouble or someone you have to worry about. He’s a big boy, like myself, and he’s using that size and strength to his advantage, like myself." - Former WWF star and Austin resident Mark Henry, on newly inked OL Patrick Hudson
Its like a weatherman on Tv,He or she states a 10% to 90% chance of rain rarely 100% so if anything occurs they told you.
Inside Texas -- Under the Lights attendees
We're still three weeks away from UT's Under the Lights Camp - July 23rd - but we've already confirmed a few names and a handful of probables.
We'll have a full roster closer to the big night, because these things tend to be fluid, but already things are trending nicely for the Horns.
Baron Browning, LB - Kennedale
Lagaryonn Carson, DL - Liberty Eylau (probable)
Omar Manning, WR - Lancaster
Damion Miller, WR - John Tyler
Montrell Estell, S - Hooks
Sam Ehlinger, QB - Austin Westlake
Kobe Boyce, CB - Lake Dallas
Joshua Moore, WR - Yoakum (tells me maybe ATX or Oklahoma State, and only because he's visited Texas four times in five months. That kid is a Texas lean at the moment. Jordan would come as well.)
This is a very early list, but notable when you see Browning, who is skipping his OSU visit, and Carson, who is doing really well this summer, and Manning who might be the state's top WR.
If we confirm bigger names, we'll add accordingly.
We're still three weeks away from UT's Under the Lights Camp - July 23rd - but we've already confirmed a few names and a handful of probables.
We'll have a full roster closer to the big night, because these things tend to be fluid, but already things are trending nicely for the Horns.
Baron Browning, LB - Kennedale
Lagaryonn Carson, DL - Liberty Eylau (probable)
Omar Manning, WR - Lancaster
Damion Miller, WR - John Tyler
Montrell Estell, S - Hooks
Sam Ehlinger, QB - Austin Westlake
Kobe Boyce, CB - Lake Dallas
Joshua Moore, WR - Yoakum (tells me maybe ATX or Oklahoma State, and only because he's visited Texas four times in five months. That kid is a Texas lean at the moment. Jordan would come as well.)
This is a very early list, but notable when you see Browning, who is skipping his OSU visit, and Carson, who is doing really well this summer, and Manning who might be the state's top WR.
If we confirm bigger names, we'll add accordingly.
See the classy comment an aggy fan made to Kobe Boyce when he committed to Texas.
The Eyes of Texas: 2017 Recruiting (Horns247)
We might be in a recruiting dead period but, as any recruitnik knows, the process never stops. Texas has hit somewhat of a lull on the trail and some of the staff is enjoying vacation. But UT’s annual Under The Lights camp has been set for July 23, and there will be some key dates coming up for the Longhorns. Here are three days to circle on your calendar over the next week:
July 7 — Anthony Hines will narrow his list down to 10 schools on the first day of The Opening in Oregon this week. The four-star outside linebacker out of Plano East holds around 90 total offers, so getting it down to 10 schools might be more difficult than you think. Texas is pretty much a lock to survive the cut. Hines and his father both love Charlie Strong and have made multiple visits to Austin. UT is considered a frontrunner along with Oklahoma. Texas A&M is also squarely in the mix.
July 10 — [Note: Vincent will no longer be deciding on July 10. Good news for us, because his pick wouldn't have been Texas.] This arguably the most important date of the three as four-star Port Arthur Memorial cornerback Kary Vincent will make a verbal commitment on Sunday. A Texas A&M legacy, Vincent told Horns247 that he grew up rooting for the Longhorns and was ecstatic when he received a UT offer this offseason. Vincent made an unofficial visit to Texas in May and gave it glowing reviews. He also has a great relationship with Clay Jennings, who recruited him prior to his arrival in Austin. With all of this said, LSU is the heavy favorite in the race for Vincent’s services.
July 11 — It’s tough to say exactly where Texas stands with South Grand Prairie defensive back Jeffrey Okudah. The Longhorns initially were left out of his Top 10 in January. But after UT reeled in a stellar 2016 class — one that included close friend Eric Cuffee — and hired new defensive backs coach Clay Jennings, Okudah said the Longhorns were definitely back in the mix. Okudah made it to Texas junior day but hasn’t been back to campus since. It should also be noted that Jennings and Okudah’s personal trainer don’t have the relationship they used to have, which could impact things a great deal. Texas is far from a lock to make Okudah’s Top 6 next Monday. (Holland)
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The recruitment of Lake Dallas Kobe Boyce has been a big topic of conversation as of late, so the Texas commit agreed to answer some abnormal questions about the recruiting process. Here is our candid conversation with Boyce.
Horns247: What’s the best part of the recruiting process?
KB: Just seeing the schools on TV that are interested in you or have offered you because you know you have an opportunity to play there. It’s just surreal. And talking to coaches that you see on TV. It’s just cool because they’re kind of like celebrities that want you to join them.
Horns247: What’s the worst part of the recruiting process?
KB: The fans. If you say something, they see it the wrong way. Or if you want to take a visit, they see it the wrong way. I understand they love their school and they want you to go there. If you don’t, they give you words about it. I find it funny sometimes, but that’s the worst part of it.
Horns247: What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
KB: "I hope you blow your knees out." A Texas A&M fan told me that when I committed to Texas.
Horns247: Have you ever had a creepy fan experience?
KB: When I tweet things, it will be the same people that comment about a school. I’ll tweet that I’m hungry and really want some waffles then those fans will tweet at me saying there are some good waffles in Austin. Like bro, I’m just trying to get to Waffle House. I think it’s funny at the end of the day.
Horns247: What’s the biggest reason you made an early commitment to Texas?
KB: Just their style. I love Austin, the city. I have good friends that live down there. I love the atmosphere. Being able to play in front of 100,000 fans is cool. That was my thing. I like the food! I went to a steakhouse like 15-20 minutes away from downtown. It was amazing.
Horns247: So does Austin have better food than Dallas?
KB: (Laughs) Dallas has some good places too.
Horns247: Where is the best place to eat in Dallas?
KB: South Dallas Café for sure.
Horns247: What do you say to the people that say you’re not really committed because you’re taking other visits?
KB: You never know what can happen. What if I fall in love with another school that I would have never even thought of? Nothing is 100 percent until you really sign. I just think taking visits is a big plus.
Horns247: Who is the best receiver you’ve gone up against in the state?
KB: Omar Manning. The first time I went up against him, I didn’t realize how strong he was. This man put his arms on my shoulders, threw me and ran a slant. He’s a heck of a receiver.
Horns247: How do you deal with reporters?
KB: It depends. Some twist up your words, and I don’t like that. I only give people interviews that I’m really familiar with. I just don’t like when they twist up your words. (Holland)
The Eyes of Texas: 2017 Recruiting (Horns247)
We might be in a recruiting dead period but, as any recruitnik knows, the process never stops. Texas has hit somewhat of a lull on the trail and some of the staff is enjoying vacation. But UT’s annual Under The Lights camp has been set for July 23, and there will be some key dates coming up for the Longhorns. Here are three days to circle on your calendar over the next week:
July 7 — Anthony Hines will narrow his list down to 10 schools on the first day of The Opening in Oregon this week. The four-star outside linebacker out of Plano East holds around 90 total offers, so getting it down to 10 schools might be more difficult than you think. Texas is pretty much a lock to survive the cut. Hines and his father both love Charlie Strong and have made multiple visits to Austin. UT is considered a frontrunner along with Oklahoma. Texas A&M is also squarely in the mix.
July 10 — [Note: Vincent will no longer be deciding on July 10. Good news for us, because his pick wouldn't have been Texas.] This arguably the most important date of the three as four-star Port Arthur Memorial cornerback Kary Vincent will make a verbal commitment on Sunday. A Texas A&M legacy, Vincent told Horns247 that he grew up rooting for the Longhorns and was ecstatic when he received a UT offer this offseason. Vincent made an unofficial visit to Texas in May and gave it glowing reviews. He also has a great relationship with Clay Jennings, who recruited him prior to his arrival in Austin. With all of this said, LSU is the heavy favorite in the race for Vincent’s services.
July 11 — It’s tough to say exactly where Texas stands with South Grand Prairie defensive back Jeffrey Okudah. The Longhorns initially were left out of his Top 10 in January. But after UT reeled in a stellar 2016 class — one that included close friend Eric Cuffee — and hired new defensive backs coach Clay Jennings, Okudah said the Longhorns were definitely back in the mix. Okudah made it to Texas junior day but hasn’t been back to campus since. It should also be noted that Jennings and Okudah’s personal trainer don’t have the relationship they used to have, which could impact things a great deal. Texas is far from a lock to make Okudah’s Top 6 next Monday. (Holland)
************************************************** **********************
The recruitment of Lake Dallas Kobe Boyce has been a big topic of conversation as of late, so the Texas commit agreed to answer some abnormal questions about the recruiting process. Here is our candid conversation with Boyce.
Horns247: What’s the best part of the recruiting process?
KB: Just seeing the schools on TV that are interested in you or have offered you because you know you have an opportunity to play there. It’s just surreal. And talking to coaches that you see on TV. It’s just cool because they’re kind of like celebrities that want you to join them.
Horns247: What’s the worst part of the recruiting process?
KB: The fans. If you say something, they see it the wrong way. Or if you want to take a visit, they see it the wrong way. I understand they love their school and they want you to go there. If you don’t, they give you words about it. I find it funny sometimes, but that’s the worst part of it.
Horns247: What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
KB: "I hope you blow your knees out." A Texas A&M fan told me that when I committed to Texas.
Horns247: Have you ever had a creepy fan experience?
KB: When I tweet things, it will be the same people that comment about a school. I’ll tweet that I’m hungry and really want some waffles then those fans will tweet at me saying there are some good waffles in Austin. Like bro, I’m just trying to get to Waffle House. I think it’s funny at the end of the day.
Horns247: What’s the biggest reason you made an early commitment to Texas?
KB: Just their style. I love Austin, the city. I have good friends that live down there. I love the atmosphere. Being able to play in front of 100,000 fans is cool. That was my thing. I like the food! I went to a steakhouse like 15-20 minutes away from downtown. It was amazing.
Horns247: So does Austin have better food than Dallas?
KB: (Laughs) Dallas has some good places too.
Horns247: Where is the best place to eat in Dallas?
KB: South Dallas Café for sure.
Horns247: What do you say to the people that say you’re not really committed because you’re taking other visits?
KB: You never know what can happen. What if I fall in love with another school that I would have never even thought of? Nothing is 100 percent until you really sign. I just think taking visits is a big plus.
Horns247: Who is the best receiver you’ve gone up against in the state?
KB: Omar Manning. The first time I went up against him, I didn’t realize how strong he was. This man put his arms on my shoulders, threw me and ran a slant. He’s a heck of a receiver.
Horns247: How do you deal with reporters?
KB: It depends. Some twist up your words, and I don’t like that. I only give people interviews that I’m really familiar with. I just don’t like when they twist up your words. (Holland)
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E.J. Holland: Tuesday's VIP recruiting notes
— Riverdale (La.) outside linebacker Josh Clarke recently made a verbal commitment to Ole Miss. But he isn’t done with the recruiting process. Clarke informed me that he is still going to take a look at some other schools, including Texas. Don’t be surprised if he makes his way to Austin.
— I’ve been told that there is a ‘really good chance’ that DeSoto offensive lineman Xavier Newman will flip to Oklahoma. With Patrick Hudson and JP Urquidez now in the fold and a stacked 2016 class, opportunities may be limited up front for Newman. And Oklahoma was an offer he was really waiting for.
— One name that resurfaced this weekend was John Marshall (OK) cornerback Justin Broiles. I’m told Broiles wasn’t too happy with OU adding Parrish Cobb. I think Broiles sticks with the Sooners, but if he doesn’t, Texas would be a major player in his recruitment. He really liked UT early in the process.
— As I reported this past weekend, 2018 Dallas Carter defensive end Jarell Cherry will be at UT’s Under The Lights camp on July 23. If he has a good performance, there is a strong chance Cherry will receive an offer. The staff loved him at the satellite camp in Dallas.
— Very quick note: I’m told Liberty-Eylau defensive end and Texas commit Lagaryonn Carson is still making progress this summer. Definitely positive news for UT.
— Riverdale (La.) outside linebacker Josh Clarke recently made a verbal commitment to Ole Miss. But he isn’t done with the recruiting process. Clarke informed me that he is still going to take a look at some other schools, including Texas. Don’t be surprised if he makes his way to Austin.
— I’ve been told that there is a ‘really good chance’ that DeSoto offensive lineman Xavier Newman will flip to Oklahoma. With Patrick Hudson and JP Urquidez now in the fold and a stacked 2016 class, opportunities may be limited up front for Newman. And Oklahoma was an offer he was really waiting for.
— One name that resurfaced this weekend was John Marshall (OK) cornerback Justin Broiles. I’m told Broiles wasn’t too happy with OU adding Parrish Cobb. I think Broiles sticks with the Sooners, but if he doesn’t, Texas would be a major player in his recruitment. He really liked UT early in the process.
— As I reported this past weekend, 2018 Dallas Carter defensive end Jarell Cherry will be at UT’s Under The Lights camp on July 23. If he has a good performance, there is a strong chance Cherry will receive an offer. The staff loved him at the satellite camp in Dallas.
— Very quick note: I’m told Liberty-Eylau defensive end and Texas commit Lagaryonn Carson is still making progress this summer. Definitely positive news for UT.
Charlie was killing it in recruiting before this.... after the wins he puts up this year it will only get better... and then the domination of CFB will begin and our evil plan can be unleashed on the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was asking because an article I read from the 247Horns staff writers was pretty critical of Charlie in recruiting for '17 & '18. They have them ranked 43rd with only 7 commits, only four 4* & three 3* ? Most of the major programs have 13-17 guys by now. They (247) are predicting a class well outside the top 20 in '17 & said '18 already got off to a rough start.
Was wondering if you agree with their assessment or not? Seems like people are happy with his recruiting here?
247sports.com
Texas 2017 Football Commits (7)
