Recruiting Thread 2018
- Thread starter Iitbhorn3
- Start date
He's actually the third, it's been awhile. Real sees real. Most are as solid as it gets in today's recruiting.
I'd be very happy with Nic McTear from Frisco as a TE replacement. I've read good things. He also has a pretty good offer list: Aub, Mia, TCU, LSU, OSU, etc. He was high on Texas previously and de-committed from OSU.
https://247sports.com/player/nic-mctear-46036132
https://247sports.com/player/nic-mctear-46036132
I've saw him in 7 on 7 this summer, dudes a freak. Very underrated. I don't know anything about him as a blocker though.
Also if DWA goes to Bama, then we may be back in the running for Luke Ford.
Also if DWA goes to Bama, then we may be back in the running for Luke Ford.
Decomits happen. All part of the process. Nothing is set in stone till that paper is faxed in(amazing they still use fax). Looks like we’re going to still do very well in the 18 class. Also gonna be a ton of coaching movement this year I think. May pick up a couple or lose one or two from all that.
i've been trying to find out where Hill is currently projected to be drafted and had no luck...
think Hill returns to improve his draft stock unless he is a projected to be out by the end of the 3rd round.
do not think Hill returning would bother Cook.. Cook probably realizes he needs to bulkup/increase strength to reduce risk of injury while getting a feel for this level of competition his freshman year.
think Hill returns to improve his draft stock unless he is a projected to be out by the end of the 3rd round.
do not think Hill returning would bother Cook.. Cook probably realizes he needs to bulkup/increase strength to reduce risk of injury while getting a feel for this level of competition his freshman year.
I do not want to watch more freshman having to be broke in. It took two years for Hill to finally play up to his potential. I hope all the Juniors stay, if not then we're back to where we were two years ago. Starting a bunch of freshman, the never ending cycle. I feel like until we can redshirt a bunch players, we're just spinning our wheels.
agree...
but i do not think that if Hill decide's to come back it will stop Cook from coming here. like you said above, i'm sure this is something that is being discussed between Hill/Cook.. these two will stay on the same page.
I don't think there is going to be much return to improve your stock going on anymore. Once a kid is projected to be drafted I think you can pretty assume he's gone.
Agreed. The rookie salary cap has made it where there isn't a huge difference between being a late 1st round pick and a 4th round pick. Plus the big money comes in the second contract. Players are wanting to be a year younger when it's time to sign that deal.
did not think about the rookie salary cap.. good point_ seems to tie in with what bubba was alluding too.
From IT:
With the de-commitment of Juco tight end Dominick Wood-Anderson, the staff is back to 18 pledges. I won't lose any sleep over Wood-Anderson, even when he likely ends up at OU, but tight end has been a question mark on the field and in the class. Hold that thought.
Over midway through the season we're able to see with clarity where the holes in talent, depth or both are. We'll add that to the equation too since it plays the biggest factor in allocating positions in a class.
Texas has about seven slots remaining.
QUARTERBACK
Roster: Depth was a big question going into the season and both Shane Buechele and Sam Ehlinger have played starter's snaps. The team can win with either, the team can lose with either. Nagging injuries or serious issues (concussion) have plagued each. Help can't arrive soon enough, and depth needs to always remain a priority as long as these two are atop the roster.
Commits: Casey Thompson, Cameron Rising
Needs: Done, assuming Rising and Thompson stand pat.
Closing: Get this class signed, hold on to Roschon Johnson while continuing to assess the roster and options in '19.
RUNNING BACK
Roster: This has been beaten to depth. There are five scholarship running backs currently but each one of them has significant questions. UT likely needs this roster to turn over some while adding front-line talent. My belief is Daniel Young will have the most productive career of the bunch but Toneil Carter can't be written off.
Commits: Keaontay Ingram
Needs: Done. It would be nice to take another one but the last thing the roster needs is a warm body. Keep the numbers somewhat lean and use that to sell Noah Cain.
Closing: I love Ingram and think he's been wildly underrated. Some think he'll play immediately, and he could, but we've seen how the staff operates. He'll have to earn Drayton's trust.
WIDE RECEIVER
Roster: Wide receivers are the last part added to a sports car on an assembly line. If the engine isn't working the assembly line comes to a halt. If you don't have a steering wheel there's no driving it out of the factory. Receivers are flashy aftermarket rims and tires. Texas has all the talent it needs at the position to have a very productive grouping, even if some individual players have questions. The problem is the factory is in lockout/tagout as bigger issues have it shut down. Coaching at the position could probably be justifiably questioned; guys aren't getting off man or blocking particularly well.
Commits: Brennan Eagles, Al'Vonte Woodard, Rondale Moore
Needs: On paper these guys fit all the requirements of their projected position, but I'd like to see a dynamic athlete added, whether that's Tommy Bush or Jaylen Waddle.
Closing: Eagles is over-ranked in my opinion. He doesn't play to his testing numbers. I do like his floor, however, thanks to size and ball skills. Woodard's speed might get him on the field soon. ZWR's haven't done much this year, other than Burt's tightrope versus Ok. St. Moore should be licking his chops watching Reggie Hemphill-Mapps.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Roster: Lots of attrition and lots of injuries have left this unit temporarily depleted, and in the process has rendered the outlook more grim than it actually is. Texas needs help in the immediate and that's not coming. Last week I wrote about the future of the o-line. If you want to re-discuss that old chestnut, that's the thread for it.
Commits: Reese Moore, Rafiti Ghirmai
Needs: The needs are more bodies with size and athleticism. Another pure tackle with LT upside is a must. A Juco would be nice and Texas just received a visit from Badara Traore. I like Frank Filip at OT, and would cut off a thumb for Sione Angilau out of Utah. Texas should be looking at guys with center versatility and that's what really makes Waco Midway's Kaitori Leveston a possible take.
Closing: Moore is an LT/RT with the chance of being a guard depending on the roster. Ghirmai is a RT/OG. That's a good start but this position is far from being done and how it shakes out is anybody's guess. I like the guys Texas is in the mix for.
TIGHT END
Roster: Similar to o-line, this position will be in much better shape a calendar from now. You'll have Brewer, Leitao, Beck, Gray, and Epps. Red-shirting Epps might be an option but it's also a possibility he's athletically gifted and big enough to play early. If Beck gets and stays healthy this will be a very improved group.
Commits: Malcolm Epps
Needs: I'd like to see one more.
Closing: Texas seems in no hurry to reach at the position. Because there will be three very solid options next year and two more for depth maybe this becomes a position Texas robs from to fill other needs or go BPA. That won't be popular on the board but if the question is to carry six TE's next year or add an outright stud or a player at a greater position of need I know what I'd do.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Roster: Texas will miss Poona Ford but other than that every other player should return. That buys the staff a bit of time to add some top-level talent, or at least get guys in the program who can be developed into the quality line we've seen this year. Remember, the top-four players on the d-line were all three-stars (very bad network evaluations, imo).
Commits: Keondre Coburn
Needs: One DL out of 18 commits isn't the best ratio but Texas is in position to add some more, especially with the defense performing at a high level. Ronnie Perkins is probably the most likely addition to the class. Bobby Brown is almost certainly going to pick A&M a week from now but the staff will work on him until signing day. The early signing period will be a nightmare for him.
Closing: Texas has to get this class to three if it can and if it fits. More offers thrown out on the d-line will tell us how Texas feels about its options. So far the staff has been holding firm to chasing only a handful of targets.
LINEBACKER
Roster: If I were betting I'd put a lot of money on Jefferson leaving. That's going to sting because of his versatility and production but thankfully Gary Johnson will fill his position. The question will be what happens at Mac. It's not a very deep group, though help is on the way.
Commits: Byron Hobbs, Ayodele Adeoye
Needs: One more pure linebacker like DaShaun White would be nice. Texas also continues to work on B-backer stud Joseph Ossai.
Closing: Ideally the closing number here is four. Hobbs could be a Rover or B-backer. Adeoye may see the field early at Mac. White could play either Mac (most likely) or Rover. Texas has to flip him from A&M. I covered Ossai yesterday. He's the beast to unlock the position in ways we haven't seen yet.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Roster: Holton Hill is probably gone. DeShon Elliott might leave, but that's certainly not a done deal. Texas will have everyone back excluding Jason Hall, who has barely played anyway. Texas will also be adding a couple of players who red-shirted this year. The talent and bodies are there, they just need to continue to be developed.
Commits: BJ Foster, Caden Sterns, Jalen Green, D'Shawn Jamison, DeMarvion Overshown
Needs: Another Corner; Anthony Cook
Closing: Cook announces next Monday and I'm holding fast on Texas getting the call. We'll see. This class is loaded with elite talent and versatile fits. Overshown could grow into a Rover, but the numbers will be perfectly fine in the secondary if he does.
TO FINISH THE CLASS
From a numbers standpoint here's a possible finish. To the right of their position I'll add who the BPA's are that you have to make room for. These best players available are good enough to force the staff to re-work the numbers.
QB: 2
RB: 1
WR: 4 -- Jaylen Waddle
OL: 4 -- Badara Traore, Sione Angilau, Cameron Wire
TE: 1 -- Mustapha Muhammad (very, very unlikely)
DL: 3 -- Max Wright, Bobby Brown
LB: 4 -- Joseph Ossai
DB: 6 -- Anthony Cook (if they miss on Cook they should remain at five and use the slot elswhere)
If I could pick the finish to the class within reason here's my magnificent seven:
CB Anthony Cook, DL Bobby Brown, OL Cameron Wire, OL Sione Angilau, OL Badara Traore, LB Joseph Ossai, WR Jaylen Waddle.
That isn't to say I don't want Tommy Bush, Ronnie Perkins, or DaShaun White in the class because I do if they fit.
That's how things appear to be shaping up. The staff is in some big-time dogfights away from the field too.
With the de-commitment of Juco tight end Dominick Wood-Anderson, the staff is back to 18 pledges. I won't lose any sleep over Wood-Anderson, even when he likely ends up at OU, but tight end has been a question mark on the field and in the class. Hold that thought.
Over midway through the season we're able to see with clarity where the holes in talent, depth or both are. We'll add that to the equation too since it plays the biggest factor in allocating positions in a class.
Texas has about seven slots remaining.
QUARTERBACK
Roster: Depth was a big question going into the season and both Shane Buechele and Sam Ehlinger have played starter's snaps. The team can win with either, the team can lose with either. Nagging injuries or serious issues (concussion) have plagued each. Help can't arrive soon enough, and depth needs to always remain a priority as long as these two are atop the roster.
Commits: Casey Thompson, Cameron Rising
Needs: Done, assuming Rising and Thompson stand pat.
Closing: Get this class signed, hold on to Roschon Johnson while continuing to assess the roster and options in '19.
RUNNING BACK
Roster: This has been beaten to depth. There are five scholarship running backs currently but each one of them has significant questions. UT likely needs this roster to turn over some while adding front-line talent. My belief is Daniel Young will have the most productive career of the bunch but Toneil Carter can't be written off.
Commits: Keaontay Ingram
Needs: Done. It would be nice to take another one but the last thing the roster needs is a warm body. Keep the numbers somewhat lean and use that to sell Noah Cain.
Closing: I love Ingram and think he's been wildly underrated. Some think he'll play immediately, and he could, but we've seen how the staff operates. He'll have to earn Drayton's trust.
WIDE RECEIVER
Roster: Wide receivers are the last part added to a sports car on an assembly line. If the engine isn't working the assembly line comes to a halt. If you don't have a steering wheel there's no driving it out of the factory. Receivers are flashy aftermarket rims and tires. Texas has all the talent it needs at the position to have a very productive grouping, even if some individual players have questions. The problem is the factory is in lockout/tagout as bigger issues have it shut down. Coaching at the position could probably be justifiably questioned; guys aren't getting off man or blocking particularly well.
Commits: Brennan Eagles, Al'Vonte Woodard, Rondale Moore
Needs: On paper these guys fit all the requirements of their projected position, but I'd like to see a dynamic athlete added, whether that's Tommy Bush or Jaylen Waddle.
Closing: Eagles is over-ranked in my opinion. He doesn't play to his testing numbers. I do like his floor, however, thanks to size and ball skills. Woodard's speed might get him on the field soon. ZWR's haven't done much this year, other than Burt's tightrope versus Ok. St. Moore should be licking his chops watching Reggie Hemphill-Mapps.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Roster: Lots of attrition and lots of injuries have left this unit temporarily depleted, and in the process has rendered the outlook more grim than it actually is. Texas needs help in the immediate and that's not coming. Last week I wrote about the future of the o-line. If you want to re-discuss that old chestnut, that's the thread for it.
Commits: Reese Moore, Rafiti Ghirmai
Needs: The needs are more bodies with size and athleticism. Another pure tackle with LT upside is a must. A Juco would be nice and Texas just received a visit from Badara Traore. I like Frank Filip at OT, and would cut off a thumb for Sione Angilau out of Utah. Texas should be looking at guys with center versatility and that's what really makes Waco Midway's Kaitori Leveston a possible take.
Closing: Moore is an LT/RT with the chance of being a guard depending on the roster. Ghirmai is a RT/OG. That's a good start but this position is far from being done and how it shakes out is anybody's guess. I like the guys Texas is in the mix for.
TIGHT END
Roster: Similar to o-line, this position will be in much better shape a calendar from now. You'll have Brewer, Leitao, Beck, Gray, and Epps. Red-shirting Epps might be an option but it's also a possibility he's athletically gifted and big enough to play early. If Beck gets and stays healthy this will be a very improved group.
Commits: Malcolm Epps
Needs: I'd like to see one more.
Closing: Texas seems in no hurry to reach at the position. Because there will be three very solid options next year and two more for depth maybe this becomes a position Texas robs from to fill other needs or go BPA. That won't be popular on the board but if the question is to carry six TE's next year or add an outright stud or a player at a greater position of need I know what I'd do.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Roster: Texas will miss Poona Ford but other than that every other player should return. That buys the staff a bit of time to add some top-level talent, or at least get guys in the program who can be developed into the quality line we've seen this year. Remember, the top-four players on the d-line were all three-stars (very bad network evaluations, imo).
Commits: Keondre Coburn
Needs: One DL out of 18 commits isn't the best ratio but Texas is in position to add some more, especially with the defense performing at a high level. Ronnie Perkins is probably the most likely addition to the class. Bobby Brown is almost certainly going to pick A&M a week from now but the staff will work on him until signing day. The early signing period will be a nightmare for him.
Closing: Texas has to get this class to three if it can and if it fits. More offers thrown out on the d-line will tell us how Texas feels about its options. So far the staff has been holding firm to chasing only a handful of targets.
LINEBACKER
Roster: If I were betting I'd put a lot of money on Jefferson leaving. That's going to sting because of his versatility and production but thankfully Gary Johnson will fill his position. The question will be what happens at Mac. It's not a very deep group, though help is on the way.
Commits: Byron Hobbs, Ayodele Adeoye
Needs: One more pure linebacker like DaShaun White would be nice. Texas also continues to work on B-backer stud Joseph Ossai.
Closing: Ideally the closing number here is four. Hobbs could be a Rover or B-backer. Adeoye may see the field early at Mac. White could play either Mac (most likely) or Rover. Texas has to flip him from A&M. I covered Ossai yesterday. He's the beast to unlock the position in ways we haven't seen yet.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Roster: Holton Hill is probably gone. DeShon Elliott might leave, but that's certainly not a done deal. Texas will have everyone back excluding Jason Hall, who has barely played anyway. Texas will also be adding a couple of players who red-shirted this year. The talent and bodies are there, they just need to continue to be developed.
Commits: BJ Foster, Caden Sterns, Jalen Green, D'Shawn Jamison, DeMarvion Overshown
Needs: Another Corner; Anthony Cook
Closing: Cook announces next Monday and I'm holding fast on Texas getting the call. We'll see. This class is loaded with elite talent and versatile fits. Overshown could grow into a Rover, but the numbers will be perfectly fine in the secondary if he does.
TO FINISH THE CLASS
From a numbers standpoint here's a possible finish. To the right of their position I'll add who the BPA's are that you have to make room for. These best players available are good enough to force the staff to re-work the numbers.
QB: 2
RB: 1
WR: 4 -- Jaylen Waddle
OL: 4 -- Badara Traore, Sione Angilau, Cameron Wire
TE: 1 -- Mustapha Muhammad (very, very unlikely)
DL: 3 -- Max Wright, Bobby Brown
LB: 4 -- Joseph Ossai
DB: 6 -- Anthony Cook (if they miss on Cook they should remain at five and use the slot elswhere)
If I could pick the finish to the class within reason here's my magnificent seven:
CB Anthony Cook, DL Bobby Brown, OL Cameron Wire, OL Sione Angilau, OL Badara Traore, LB Joseph Ossai, WR Jaylen Waddle.
That isn't to say I don't want Tommy Bush, Ronnie Perkins, or DaShaun White in the class because I do if they fit.
That's how things appear to be shaping up. The staff is in some big-time dogfights away from the field too.
We really, really need quality OL and DL in a bad way.
i've seen OT commit R.Moore from SeminoleTx play football & basketball.
he is built for the OT position, playing TE in high school its hard to get a feel what his progression is going to be.
as a junior on the basketball court.. he was quick, fast, agile and aggressive. As far as the mental stuff, guys from Seminole, Odessa, Monahans area are tough & scrappy.
he is built for the OT position, playing TE in high school its hard to get a feel what his progression is going to be.
as a junior on the basketball court.. he was quick, fast, agile and aggressive. As far as the mental stuff, guys from Seminole, Odessa, Monahans area are tough & scrappy.
Five-star cornerback Anthony Cook is still slated to make his commitment on Monday, and it sounds like this one is still unresolved. I checked in with a source close to the situation on Thursday to get an update on where things stand, and I’m told Cook is still working through is options and has yet to finalize a decision. It does sound like Texas and LSU have climbed out in front, but Ohio State is still in the mix.
The Houston Lamar standout, as of Thursday afternoon, is really struggling with his final decision, and the person I talked with said it really is coming down to the wire. In fact, it’s not out of the question that Cook can’t come to a final resolution by Monday, which could alter his plans … but as of right now he’s still hoping to stick to his October 30 date for a commitment. For now.
Some thoughts on Cook’s favorites, from the source I spoke with:
LSU – “I think he’s more intrigued with the opportunity to play early. When he visited, the presented him their depth chart, really showed him the opportunity to play early. They really made a strong move on his official visit. They did close the gap.”
Texas – “First of all, it’s his home state. He would enjoy playing for Texas. Also, I think he sees he has an opportunity to play early with Texas as well. That’s the draw there.”
Ohio State – “He’s looking at it more as a long-term development thing. He thinks he could develop more overall long-term, has a chance to go to the NFL if he goes there.”
Texas has commitments from Cook’s teammates, Al’Vonte Woodard and D’Shawn Jamison, but as we’ve maintained for a while, Cook is unlikely to be swayed by anyone else’s decisions.
“He’s a very independent thinker. He knows what he wants and feels like he needs to go to the school that’s best for him and he can get the most out of it. He knows exactly what he wants. It has to be a good situation for him and he has to decide what is best for himself.”
If things go according to plan, we’ll have our answer to this one at some point on Monday, and it’s entirely possible that Cook may not even have his decision until right before he makes it public. Or he could very well push things back as he tries to work through his final decision. I joked with the person I spoke with that I had it at 51/49 in UT’s favor right now, and he told me my guess is probably pretty accurate. This one really is that close. (Suchomel)
******
Texas hosted four official visitors last weekend, including UT quarterback commitment Cameron Rising. According to Rising, the visit went off perfectly (aside from the outcome of the game against Oklahoma State).
“I loved it. I wasn’t too happy with the loss, but everything besides that was good,” Rising said.
Rising actually flew in on a redeye flight on Saturday night, putting him in Austin just in time to grab a couple hours sleep before making his way to campus for the game. After watching the Texas offense struggle to put points on the board, Rising said he feels he could have a chance to come in and compete for playing time right away, but he also noted that the UT quarterbacks are playing against a stacked deck due to injuries up front.
“They’re dealing with a lot of losses on the line and stuff. In football, you eed to have a good line to do anything,” Rising said.
The Newbury Park (CA) product was hosted by Max Cummins and said he spent most of his time hanging out with Cummins and Jordan Pouncey. He also got to catch up with the UT quarterbacks again and of course, got quite a bit of time with the coaches.
“I always love spending time with the coaches, being around the players. That was good,” Rising said. “I got to know a few of the players, so that was good. I just enjoyed myself, got to see a few different parts of Austin.”
The Texas staff told Rising that the quarterback position, like all others, will be an open competition when he gets on campus, and he could bring an element to the position that is different than the others.
“They just told me that I have a good chance to come here and compete, just really change the dynamic of the program type deal, with me bringing a different type of aspect to the quarterback spot, since I’m more of a passer that can run” Rising said.
Other schools, including LSU, Arizona State and Oregon, continue to recruit Rising. Michigan has been talking to him a little bit as well. Right now, Rising seems happy with his decision, but he said he may still take some other visits.
“I love UT. I’m glad I’m a Longhorn, but I have been told by some other players that I know that it’s good to take other visits,” he said. “Not necessarily to be recruited, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go do that. You’ll never have these coaches wanting you as bad as you do know. I have no idea what I’m going to do.”
Obviously, we’ll have to see where this one goes over the next couple months. Rising is set to enroll in January, and while he still may squeeze in another visit or two, he said last week’s trip to Texas has him feeling good about his decision.
“I think it strengthened things,” Rising said. “I got to know a lot more players, and I think that’s going to help with the transition from high school to college.”
One other note … Rising said he was “shocked” by the decommitment of tight end Dominick Anderson, and he was planning to talk to Anderson to see if he could help bring him back into the fold. Probably a longshot, but worth a try. (Suchomel)
******
Another key visitor from last weekend was JUCO offensive tackle Badara Traore. Like Rising, Traore said he had a great 48-hour stay in Austin.
“I loved it. I had a good time,” Traore said. “I enjoyed myself in Austin, Texas. Texas is a good place. It was great.”
Traore has already visited Auburn and told me he wants to take visits to LSU and Oklahoma, but has yet to set those up. As for the Longhorns, they solidified their spot as one of his favorites after last weekend’s visit.
“Texas, they did help themselves. They’re pretty high right now,” Traore said.
The ASA College (Brooklyn, NY) product was hosted by fellow JUCO transfer Gary Johnson. He also spent a lot of time talking to Tom Herman and Derek Warehime.
“They said they need an impact player, an impact tackle at offensive line,” Traore said. “I’m that guy they need to come in, and I’m the only (JUCO o-lineman) they’ve offered, so they think I can come and help right away.
“They do need some help. The team looked great, they lost at the last second, but they do need some key players.”
Interestingly, when I spoke to Traore a couple months ago, when Texas first started recruiting him, he was told by the UT staff that the Longhorns needed a JUCO offensive tackle because Connor Williams was heading to the NFL in 2018. Traore said he was now told Williams’ decision is up in the air.
“They’re just waiting for Connor Williams to decide what he is going to do after this year,” Williams said when asked if Texas was recruiting specifically for left tackle or if he could play on the right side as well.
Traore will graduate in December and enroll at the school of his choice in January. Look for him to take those other visits before deciding, but Texas should be in this one until the very end.
“I don’t have an actual list, but they’re up there,” Traore said.
******
A quick update on Texas wide receiver commitment Rondale Moore, who was also in Austin last weekend for his official visit ...
Moore has gone silent of late and that didn’t change this week. As most of you know, the Louisville (KY) Trinity product has been wavering some on his UT pledge, with Purdue being the most likely choice should Moore decide he wants to stay closer to home. I’m hoping to talk to Moore next week to get his thoughts on the UT visit, but a person close to Moore told another Rivals.com reporter this week that he still feels there’s a very strong chance that Moore flips his commitment at some point. (Suchomel)
******
Last but not least, defensive end/linebacker Nikolas Bonitto was also on a UT official visit last weekend. The Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas product, like the others, gave the visit high marks.
“It was really good. Just being around the players and the other commits, juts the environment was really amazing,” Bonitto said. “The environment was great. Throughout the whole game, the team really showed toughness right up to the very end. It was really unfortunate the last play of the game, ended the way it did.”
Bonitto has already visited Louisville. He may take a visit to Oklahoma and is also considering Miami for an official visit. I asked him to compare Louisville and Texas after having taken official visits to both schools.
“Both schools are great. There’s nothing like Austin, but both coaching staffs were showing me a lot of love when I’ve been there,” Bonitto said.
The 6-4, 210-pound Bonitto said he has no timeframe on when he’d like to make a commitment. During his UT visit, Texas talked to him about playing a role similar to Malik Jefferson but said he could also fill a role similar to Naashon Hushes.
“They talked about academics also. But also told me if I wind up coming there, I would have an opportunity to play early depending on how I’d do,” Bonitto said. “Malik Jefferson is a stud, may go to the league next year. So playing time is on the board, it’s just a matter of how I play and have to earn the moments.”
Bonitto said he had a “great time” with the other recruits who were visited and he said all four official visitors can all visualize themselves playing together. He doesn’t have an actual pecking order and though Texas didn’t push for a pledge during the visit, I expect Texas to be squarely in the mix when he does finally decide if the Longhorns do push for his commitment.
“Mostly they were just trying to get me to see everything Texas has to offer. They weren’t really pressuring me, since they’re just now starting to recruit me hard,” Bonitto said. “They said they’re going to start getting into that as time goes on.” (Suchomel)
******
Arlington Lamar defensive tackle/defensive end Bobby Brown is slated to announce his commitment on Friday. Texas gave it a run, but Brown won’t be choosing the Longhorns. (Suchomel)
The Houston Lamar standout, as of Thursday afternoon, is really struggling with his final decision, and the person I talked with said it really is coming down to the wire. In fact, it’s not out of the question that Cook can’t come to a final resolution by Monday, which could alter his plans … but as of right now he’s still hoping to stick to his October 30 date for a commitment. For now.
Some thoughts on Cook’s favorites, from the source I spoke with:
LSU – “I think he’s more intrigued with the opportunity to play early. When he visited, the presented him their depth chart, really showed him the opportunity to play early. They really made a strong move on his official visit. They did close the gap.”
Texas – “First of all, it’s his home state. He would enjoy playing for Texas. Also, I think he sees he has an opportunity to play early with Texas as well. That’s the draw there.”
Ohio State – “He’s looking at it more as a long-term development thing. He thinks he could develop more overall long-term, has a chance to go to the NFL if he goes there.”
Texas has commitments from Cook’s teammates, Al’Vonte Woodard and D’Shawn Jamison, but as we’ve maintained for a while, Cook is unlikely to be swayed by anyone else’s decisions.
“He’s a very independent thinker. He knows what he wants and feels like he needs to go to the school that’s best for him and he can get the most out of it. He knows exactly what he wants. It has to be a good situation for him and he has to decide what is best for himself.”
If things go according to plan, we’ll have our answer to this one at some point on Monday, and it’s entirely possible that Cook may not even have his decision until right before he makes it public. Or he could very well push things back as he tries to work through his final decision. I joked with the person I spoke with that I had it at 51/49 in UT’s favor right now, and he told me my guess is probably pretty accurate. This one really is that close. (Suchomel)
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Texas hosted four official visitors last weekend, including UT quarterback commitment Cameron Rising. According to Rising, the visit went off perfectly (aside from the outcome of the game against Oklahoma State).
“I loved it. I wasn’t too happy with the loss, but everything besides that was good,” Rising said.
Rising actually flew in on a redeye flight on Saturday night, putting him in Austin just in time to grab a couple hours sleep before making his way to campus for the game. After watching the Texas offense struggle to put points on the board, Rising said he feels he could have a chance to come in and compete for playing time right away, but he also noted that the UT quarterbacks are playing against a stacked deck due to injuries up front.
“They’re dealing with a lot of losses on the line and stuff. In football, you eed to have a good line to do anything,” Rising said.
The Newbury Park (CA) product was hosted by Max Cummins and said he spent most of his time hanging out with Cummins and Jordan Pouncey. He also got to catch up with the UT quarterbacks again and of course, got quite a bit of time with the coaches.
“I always love spending time with the coaches, being around the players. That was good,” Rising said. “I got to know a few of the players, so that was good. I just enjoyed myself, got to see a few different parts of Austin.”
The Texas staff told Rising that the quarterback position, like all others, will be an open competition when he gets on campus, and he could bring an element to the position that is different than the others.
“They just told me that I have a good chance to come here and compete, just really change the dynamic of the program type deal, with me bringing a different type of aspect to the quarterback spot, since I’m more of a passer that can run” Rising said.
Other schools, including LSU, Arizona State and Oregon, continue to recruit Rising. Michigan has been talking to him a little bit as well. Right now, Rising seems happy with his decision, but he said he may still take some other visits.
“I love UT. I’m glad I’m a Longhorn, but I have been told by some other players that I know that it’s good to take other visits,” he said. “Not necessarily to be recruited, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go do that. You’ll never have these coaches wanting you as bad as you do know. I have no idea what I’m going to do.”
Obviously, we’ll have to see where this one goes over the next couple months. Rising is set to enroll in January, and while he still may squeeze in another visit or two, he said last week’s trip to Texas has him feeling good about his decision.
“I think it strengthened things,” Rising said. “I got to know a lot more players, and I think that’s going to help with the transition from high school to college.”
One other note … Rising said he was “shocked” by the decommitment of tight end Dominick Anderson, and he was planning to talk to Anderson to see if he could help bring him back into the fold. Probably a longshot, but worth a try. (Suchomel)
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Another key visitor from last weekend was JUCO offensive tackle Badara Traore. Like Rising, Traore said he had a great 48-hour stay in Austin.
“I loved it. I had a good time,” Traore said. “I enjoyed myself in Austin, Texas. Texas is a good place. It was great.”
Traore has already visited Auburn and told me he wants to take visits to LSU and Oklahoma, but has yet to set those up. As for the Longhorns, they solidified their spot as one of his favorites after last weekend’s visit.
“Texas, they did help themselves. They’re pretty high right now,” Traore said.
The ASA College (Brooklyn, NY) product was hosted by fellow JUCO transfer Gary Johnson. He also spent a lot of time talking to Tom Herman and Derek Warehime.
“They said they need an impact player, an impact tackle at offensive line,” Traore said. “I’m that guy they need to come in, and I’m the only (JUCO o-lineman) they’ve offered, so they think I can come and help right away.
“They do need some help. The team looked great, they lost at the last second, but they do need some key players.”
Interestingly, when I spoke to Traore a couple months ago, when Texas first started recruiting him, he was told by the UT staff that the Longhorns needed a JUCO offensive tackle because Connor Williams was heading to the NFL in 2018. Traore said he was now told Williams’ decision is up in the air.
“They’re just waiting for Connor Williams to decide what he is going to do after this year,” Williams said when asked if Texas was recruiting specifically for left tackle or if he could play on the right side as well.
Traore will graduate in December and enroll at the school of his choice in January. Look for him to take those other visits before deciding, but Texas should be in this one until the very end.
“I don’t have an actual list, but they’re up there,” Traore said.
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A quick update on Texas wide receiver commitment Rondale Moore, who was also in Austin last weekend for his official visit ...
Moore has gone silent of late and that didn’t change this week. As most of you know, the Louisville (KY) Trinity product has been wavering some on his UT pledge, with Purdue being the most likely choice should Moore decide he wants to stay closer to home. I’m hoping to talk to Moore next week to get his thoughts on the UT visit, but a person close to Moore told another Rivals.com reporter this week that he still feels there’s a very strong chance that Moore flips his commitment at some point. (Suchomel)
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Last but not least, defensive end/linebacker Nikolas Bonitto was also on a UT official visit last weekend. The Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas product, like the others, gave the visit high marks.
“It was really good. Just being around the players and the other commits, juts the environment was really amazing,” Bonitto said. “The environment was great. Throughout the whole game, the team really showed toughness right up to the very end. It was really unfortunate the last play of the game, ended the way it did.”
Bonitto has already visited Louisville. He may take a visit to Oklahoma and is also considering Miami for an official visit. I asked him to compare Louisville and Texas after having taken official visits to both schools.
“Both schools are great. There’s nothing like Austin, but both coaching staffs were showing me a lot of love when I’ve been there,” Bonitto said.
The 6-4, 210-pound Bonitto said he has no timeframe on when he’d like to make a commitment. During his UT visit, Texas talked to him about playing a role similar to Malik Jefferson but said he could also fill a role similar to Naashon Hushes.
“They talked about academics also. But also told me if I wind up coming there, I would have an opportunity to play early depending on how I’d do,” Bonitto said. “Malik Jefferson is a stud, may go to the league next year. So playing time is on the board, it’s just a matter of how I play and have to earn the moments.”
Bonitto said he had a “great time” with the other recruits who were visited and he said all four official visitors can all visualize themselves playing together. He doesn’t have an actual pecking order and though Texas didn’t push for a pledge during the visit, I expect Texas to be squarely in the mix when he does finally decide if the Longhorns do push for his commitment.
“Mostly they were just trying to get me to see everything Texas has to offer. They weren’t really pressuring me, since they’re just now starting to recruit me hard,” Bonitto said. “They said they’re going to start getting into that as time goes on.” (Suchomel)
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Arlington Lamar defensive tackle/defensive end Bobby Brown is slated to announce his commitment on Friday. Texas gave it a run, but Brown won’t be choosing the Longhorns. (Suchomel)
White flipping to OU from aggy
Our LB Ayodele may flip to OU
O'Neal may flip to OU from aggy
Not good....
Our LB Ayodele may flip to OU
O'Neal may flip to OU from aggy
Not good....
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