Recruiting Thread 2018
- Thread starter Iitbhorn3
- Start date
Per EJ @ 247
— I checked in with the Anthony Cook's family, and there still is no firm date on when the five-star cornerback out of Houston Lamar wants to decide. However, he does hope to do it in the next couple of weeks, and the Cook family is exploring options to have a commitment video made. I am still siding with Texas here, but LSU remains a legitimate contender.
— Bossier City (La.) Parkway wide receiver Terrace Marshall made an official visit over the weekend. So how did it go? Well, Texas did a great job impressing Marshall and his parents during their stay in Austin. The Longhorns have been hitting home runs on their official visits and definitely made up some ground here. However, despite all the Twitter chatter, I have checked in with sources and Texas is still on the outside looking in for now. LSU is still the frontrunner.
— That doesn't mean that Texas doesn't feel like it has a legitimate shot after the visit. Texas wide receivers coach Drew Mehringer was working the phone and actually got in contact with Marshall's trainer, Margin Hooks, who spent a couple of years in the NFL. Mehringer covered the basics with Hooks, who told our Mike Roach that he really likes Mehringer and what he brings to the table as a recruiter and coach. This was a good avenue for Mehringer to explore. Having Hooks on board can only help with Marshall.
— One Texas player that has been helping in the recruitment of Marshall is Lil'Jordan Humphrey, who trained with Hooks during his time in high school and still does in the offseason. Humphrey has spoken with Marshall about Mehringer, the Texas offense and the future of the program. It seems like the two are building a nice friendship.
— I checked in with the Anthony Cook's family, and there still is no firm date on when the five-star cornerback out of Houston Lamar wants to decide. However, he does hope to do it in the next couple of weeks, and the Cook family is exploring options to have a commitment video made. I am still siding with Texas here, but LSU remains a legitimate contender.
— Bossier City (La.) Parkway wide receiver Terrace Marshall made an official visit over the weekend. So how did it go? Well, Texas did a great job impressing Marshall and his parents during their stay in Austin. The Longhorns have been hitting home runs on their official visits and definitely made up some ground here. However, despite all the Twitter chatter, I have checked in with sources and Texas is still on the outside looking in for now. LSU is still the frontrunner.
— That doesn't mean that Texas doesn't feel like it has a legitimate shot after the visit. Texas wide receivers coach Drew Mehringer was working the phone and actually got in contact with Marshall's trainer, Margin Hooks, who spent a couple of years in the NFL. Mehringer covered the basics with Hooks, who told our Mike Roach that he really likes Mehringer and what he brings to the table as a recruiter and coach. This was a good avenue for Mehringer to explore. Having Hooks on board can only help with Marshall.
— One Texas player that has been helping in the recruitment of Marshall is Lil'Jordan Humphrey, who trained with Hooks during his time in high school and still does in the offseason. Humphrey has spoken with Marshall about Mehringer, the Texas offense and the future of the program. It seems like the two are building a nice friendship.
While Texas continues to load up on DBs and WRs, fans continue to be concerned about the beef upfront. While DL recruiting isn't a strength, the major concern is on the O-line, where the horns have struggled so much this season.
Guys we have:
4 star TE - Malcolm Epps - at 6'6" and 220, he is a bean pole. His impact probably won't come until after a redshirt year. Maybe as a pass catcher next season but needs some beef to be able to block a DE.
4 star OT - Rafiti Ghirmai - an athletic 6'4" 290, potential to have an early impact, possibly at a guard position. Though, like most OL, a year of development would probably serve him best.
3 star OT - Reese Moore - a current TE, the 6'6" 265 Moore, almost certainly will require a year of development to play tackle. He has the skills to be a blocking TE early in his career and that could be an option depending on how the TE position shakes out next season.
Guys we are after:
4 star TE - Luke Ford - The number 2 TE in the nation would be an instant impact player for Texas. He has decent size to serve as an inline blocker and has good speed and pass catching to be effective in the passing game. He was recently on campus and Texas is making a strong push. Georgia is the favorite by far at this point.
3 star TE - Nic McTear - a more raw prospect at this point but would partner well with Epps. He has more of a blocking mold and could partner with the slender pass catching Epps.
4 star OT - Junior Angilau - Junior is a similar player to Rafiti and getting the pair would be nice as I could seem both player guard or tackle down the road. He is from Utah and the Utes are our biggest competition here. We hold 67% of the crystals balls currently and Junior will be in Austin next weekend . Getting him on campus is huge as he is our best high school option at this time.
4 star JUCO OT - Badara Traore - at 6'8" 315, this is a full grown man who would be ready to take a tackle spot from day one. Watch his film and you will see why he is the top JUCO tackle. LSU seems to be the landing spot right now but Texas and Auburn are also in the running here. Given his ability to fill in from day one, he would be a huge get.
3 star LSU Commit - Cameron Wire - Texas continues to be in contact with Wire and he hasn't completely shut things down. A coaching change at LSU could make things interesting but it is always hard to get kids out of LA.
4 star LSU Commit - Chasen Hines - Hines was considered a guard for most of his recruitment but clearly favored defense and committed to LSU as a DT. Texas has offered him as both a DT and OG and he could be a solid pick up at either position. With the needs on the offensive line, Texas will continue working on him and could use him on either side of the ball.
In conclusion: Texas currently has a OT/OG combo commit who could be called upon early if needed and a project OT and TE.
We are in need of a blocking TE and Ford could fill that role from day one while McTear would probably need a year as well.
We will pursue 2-3 more linemen and Traore would be the biggest get as he could help for sure next season. Angilau would provide quality spring depth and could find early snaps if needed as could Chasen Hines. Flip candidate Cam Wire would be another project tackle who could help down the road.
The staff will expand offers as needed depending on what the above players decide to do.
Guys we have:
4 star TE - Malcolm Epps - at 6'6" and 220, he is a bean pole. His impact probably won't come until after a redshirt year. Maybe as a pass catcher next season but needs some beef to be able to block a DE.
4 star OT - Rafiti Ghirmai - an athletic 6'4" 290, potential to have an early impact, possibly at a guard position. Though, like most OL, a year of development would probably serve him best.
3 star OT - Reese Moore - a current TE, the 6'6" 265 Moore, almost certainly will require a year of development to play tackle. He has the skills to be a blocking TE early in his career and that could be an option depending on how the TE position shakes out next season.
Guys we are after:
4 star TE - Luke Ford - The number 2 TE in the nation would be an instant impact player for Texas. He has decent size to serve as an inline blocker and has good speed and pass catching to be effective in the passing game. He was recently on campus and Texas is making a strong push. Georgia is the favorite by far at this point.
3 star TE - Nic McTear - a more raw prospect at this point but would partner well with Epps. He has more of a blocking mold and could partner with the slender pass catching Epps.
4 star OT - Junior Angilau - Junior is a similar player to Rafiti and getting the pair would be nice as I could seem both player guard or tackle down the road. He is from Utah and the Utes are our biggest competition here. We hold 67% of the crystals balls currently and Junior will be in Austin next weekend . Getting him on campus is huge as he is our best high school option at this time.
4 star JUCO OT - Badara Traore - at 6'8" 315, this is a full grown man who would be ready to take a tackle spot from day one. Watch his film and you will see why he is the top JUCO tackle. LSU seems to be the landing spot right now but Texas and Auburn are also in the running here. Given his ability to fill in from day one, he would be a huge get.
3 star LSU Commit - Cameron Wire - Texas continues to be in contact with Wire and he hasn't completely shut things down. A coaching change at LSU could make things interesting but it is always hard to get kids out of LA.
4 star LSU Commit - Chasen Hines - Hines was considered a guard for most of his recruitment but clearly favored defense and committed to LSU as a DT. Texas has offered him as both a DT and OG and he could be a solid pick up at either position. With the needs on the offensive line, Texas will continue working on him and could use him on either side of the ball.
In conclusion: Texas currently has a OT/OG combo commit who could be called upon early if needed and a project OT and TE.
We are in need of a blocking TE and Ford could fill that role from day one while McTear would probably need a year as well.
We will pursue 2-3 more linemen and Traore would be the biggest get as he could help for sure next season. Angilau would provide quality spring depth and could find early snaps if needed as could Chasen Hines. Flip candidate Cam Wire would be another project tackle who could help down the road.
The staff will expand offers as needed depending on what the above players decide to do.
OB War Room:
Coming into last weekend’s official visit, the thought was that Texas would have to knock it out of the park to have any shot of landing five-star wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. The overwhelming sentiment coming into the UT visit was that the Bossier City (LA) Parkway product would stay in-state and sign with LSU unless Texas was able to blow Marshall and his family away last weekend.
After talking to Marshall’s father this week, I think it’s safe to say that Texas did in fact make a tremendous on the entire family, and the guess here is that this one is much closer than it was at this time last week. Will it be enough in the end? I’m not ready to predict the Longhorns in a major upset just yet (and one LSU source told me on Monday that LSU feels Marshall is “all LSU”), but Texas definitely put itself in consideration.
Along with the UT visit, Marshall has already taken visits to Florida State and Texas A&M. He’ll visit LSU next weekend. Officially, all four schools are still in the mix, but this one is down to LSU and Texas and it’s a pretty close race for that top spot. LSU getting the last visit may ultimately be too much to overcome, but Marshall Sr. said anyone thinking his son is locked into LSU is misreading the situation.
“Being from Louisiana, being the top player in Louisiana, sometimes people speculate that a player pretty much leans towards LSU. In Terrace’s perspective, he’s not, he’s just looking for the place where he fits best,” Marshall Sr. said.
After his LSU visit, the plan is for Marshall and his family to get together and discuss his options before Marshall announces his final decision on December 22. If he decides to go out-of-state, Marshall Sr. said, he’ll have his family’s full support, and the opportunity to develop him for the NFL will be a huge factor.
“We’re going to sit down, talk as a family - me, him and his mom. We’ll kind of go over everything that we took in, wherever he decides out of those schools, where he wants to play the next three or four years,” Marshall Sr. said. “Wherever is going to get him to the next level.” (Suchomel)
******
Richland linebacker DaShaun White has been committed to Texas A&M for a while, but after a recent visit to Oklahoma, there was a lot of chatter that White could be close to flipping to the Sooners. Last weekend, White took an official visit to Texas, and while he remains committed to A&M, it’s now the Longhorns who have picked up some steam.
"The biggest thing for me would have to be the feel I got for coach Orlando and coach Herman," White said. "I had a good feel before, but getting around them, their families, the film room, watching coach Orlando coach, the mistakes and the good plays, was really big for me."
White’s visit spanned from Saturday until Monday. Good friend and UT commitment Byron Hobbs came in town for the game, and he and his mother actually stuck around until Sunday night, spending a lot of time with White and the UT coaches on Sunday. White said he really connected with the UT coaches and got some key questions answered, including why UT offered a bit later than other programs.
“It was like a numbers game. He said originally they were only going to take three linebackers. One of the linebackers got hurt this year and then it goes to four. Now it looks like Jefferson may not go back. Who knows? It’s his own decision, but with him maybe being gone, they’re going to try to take five, if you include Demarvion (Overshown). They have three now with Dele (Adeoye), Byron (Hobbs) and Demarvion.”
White has maintained all along that he’d wait to see what happens with the Texas A&M staff before making any final decisions, and he said he’s “still in the same spot” following his UT visit. He’ll visit Texas A&M on December 8 and would like to sign in the December signing period if possible, but said he will wait until February if some issues are still unresolved.
As for where things stand right now?
“I would say it’s pretty close. Texas made a really good impression on me. I got a really good feel for a lot of things I didn’t have a feel for yet,” White said. “It likes on me to do my research now, find out what benefits me the most.”
The Texas coaches compared White to Gary Johnson and feel he could fill a similar type of role. One thing that could wind up helping the Longhorns’ chances is White’s friendship with Hobbs and some other players in the UT class.
“It does, it does (help). You want to play with people like him. Even a lot of the other guys in that class I’m friends with, B.J., Caden. I feel like they have such good talents and are good people to be around. It’s almost second nature playing with guys like them, it’s going to make things better.” (Suchomel)
******
As mentioned above, UT linebacker commitment Byron Hobbs came in for the Kansas game last weekend, and then he and his mother stuck around until Sunday night so he could get some extra time with the coaches, DaShaun White and Terrace Marshall.
Hobbs got in a little late for the game since his team played on Saturday and while he enjoyed the Texas victory, he understands that there’s room for improvement.
“I feel like there are some holes that need to be filled. Talking with coach Orlando (on Sunday), listening to him talk, he definitely hit it on the dot with everything he said. They’re just trying to find what they need to find to be successful,” Hobbs said.
The Fort Worth Eastern Hills product missed a good chunk of his senior year with an injury and his team didn’t qualify for the playoffs, so Hobbs’ high school football career has come to an end. He said he’ll now turn his attention towards adding weight to his frame while also playing basketball.
“I want to get up to 215 and play basketball at 215,” Hobbs said
Always a pro-Texas recruiter, Hobbs said he “definitely did some heavy recruiting on (White) and (Marshall),” but he didn’t want to speculate on where each guy might be leaning. Whatever the case, expect Hobbs to continue his recruiting efforts.
Hobbs plans to sign with Texas on December 22. (Suchomel)
******Luke Ford hasn’t done many interviews, if any, since his UT official visit other than talking to Rivals.com regional recruiting analyst Josh Helmholdt, so I checked in with Helmholdt to get his assessment of where things stand.
Ford, the nation’s No. 1-ranked tight end prospect, still has visits left to take to Auburn, Alabama and Georgia. Normally, getting the first visit for a player who is strongly considering other schools isn’t the ideal situation, but Ford said he’s looking at it like Texas set the standard to which others will have to measure up.
“Honestly, I was on the Orangebloods message board and people were asking, is this early official a negative? I took that directly to him,” Helmholdt said. “He said no, not at all. He looks at it like it was a chance to get out and set the bar and set it really high. He was generally pretty jazzed about the visit.”
Ford was accompanied on the visit by his mother and brother. His father was unable to attend due to a conflict.
“It’s not like dad not going shows that they’re not seriously considering Texas. I wouldn’t worry about that one bit if I’m Texas,” Helmholdt said. “Dad would have been down there if he could. And he didn’t just take one free parent trip, they sent his brother down there too.
“At the end of the day, Luke runs the recruitment. He’s not a puppet. He genuinely values his family’s input, but it’s Luke’s decision.”
One of Texas’ biggest selling points, obviously, is the opportunity to play early. The staff did a good job of stressing that point during Ford’s visit.
“What they did with him, they sat him down and showed him old stuff from Herman’s previous stops to show him ‘Hey, we do use the tight end.’ He seemed to feel very comfortable with how Texas would utilize him, how much they would utilize him. They went back through old stuff, I’m assuming at Houston and Ohio State, and showed him ‘Hey, we do throw to the tight end.’”
Coming into the UT visit, the thought was that Georgia and Alabama were the two teams to beat. Helmhold said he feels Texas may have put itself in that top tier, but he still thinks it’ll be hard to hold off the two SEC powers in the end.
“That’s going to be the trick. Going into the visit, Georgia and Alabama were 1-2. He also throws in auburn, but I always thought it was Georgia-Alabama, then Texas in the next tier, auburn maybe in the third tier,” Helmholdt said. “Did this pull Texas all the way to the top? It had to for them to have any chance. I think for now it has. But obviously he’s going to enjoy his time at Georgia and Alabama. I think some things have to break Texas’ way, but I think they’re in the ball game.
“If I had to pick today, would I pick Texas? Probably not. But I wouldn’t say that there’s no chance. I just think things have to break their way. He’s legitimately excited about it. There’s recruiting that has to be done, but I think Texas is in the ball game.”
Ford plans to commit at the Army All-American Bowl, at the earliest. It’s not out of the question that he could take his decision all the way until the February signing day. (Suchomel)
******
Tight end Nic McTear was one of the more intriguing uncommitted prospects at the game on Saturday. Texas has not offered the Frisco Heritage product and former Oklahoma State commitment, but this one feels like it would quickly trend UT’s way if that was to change at some point.
McTear told us this was his third time visiting UT and he got to the game a little later than expected, so only had a few minutes to talk to tight ends coach Corby Meekins and Director of High School Relations Bob Shipley.
“We talked briefly because I was a little late and it was pre-game. He (Meekins) was glad that I came,” McTear said. “I hear things that they might offer, or they’re looking at me. Anything offer wise, I didn’t really hear anything on that.”
McTear is hopeful he can make it to the Longhorns’ game against Texas Tech next week. If he gets invited he said he’ll “definitely” try to make it in. While the Longhorns haven’t offered, the 6-4, 220-pound McTear said Texas is high on his list.
“They would probably be around top three right now,” McTear said. “Houston and TCU (would be the other two). I still have Auburn still reaching out. I’m from Alabama, so that’s a connection right there. Also, Purdue has been reaching out to me too.”
McTear plans to take some official visits before deciding. He said he’d “hopefully” get to take one to Texas and mentioned TC, Houston and Auburn as other places he’d probably hit.
On what he likes about Texas … “The new staff. I like the way they use the tight ends. Austin’s not too far from home, not too close to home. There’s lots of tradition. It’s a big-time program, big-time school. And it has great education.”
McTear said he actually could commit as early as this week but may decide to wait things out. He’s scheduled to re-take his ACT in December, which he feels could open up some other doors for him. (Suchomel)
******
Houston Lamar defensive tackle Joshua Landry has been tough to track down after his visit for the Kansas game, but this one has felt for a long time like it’s a potential flip should Texas offer.
Going back to this summer, when Landry was already committed to Baylor, he mentioned that Texas was the only other school he was considering and he camped at UT despite his Baylor pledge. In fact, a Baylor source told me this week he believes Landry flips if Texas does answer. Texas will continue to monitor Landry as it manages its numbers.
LSU offensive line/defensive line commitment Chasen Hines made it in for the game last week, but was actually tweeting pro-LSU stuff while still in Austin, before the UT game ever ended. Not a good sign for UT’s chances. (Suchomel)
Coming into last weekend’s official visit, the thought was that Texas would have to knock it out of the park to have any shot of landing five-star wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. The overwhelming sentiment coming into the UT visit was that the Bossier City (LA) Parkway product would stay in-state and sign with LSU unless Texas was able to blow Marshall and his family away last weekend.
After talking to Marshall’s father this week, I think it’s safe to say that Texas did in fact make a tremendous on the entire family, and the guess here is that this one is much closer than it was at this time last week. Will it be enough in the end? I’m not ready to predict the Longhorns in a major upset just yet (and one LSU source told me on Monday that LSU feels Marshall is “all LSU”), but Texas definitely put itself in consideration.
Along with the UT visit, Marshall has already taken visits to Florida State and Texas A&M. He’ll visit LSU next weekend. Officially, all four schools are still in the mix, but this one is down to LSU and Texas and it’s a pretty close race for that top spot. LSU getting the last visit may ultimately be too much to overcome, but Marshall Sr. said anyone thinking his son is locked into LSU is misreading the situation.
“Being from Louisiana, being the top player in Louisiana, sometimes people speculate that a player pretty much leans towards LSU. In Terrace’s perspective, he’s not, he’s just looking for the place where he fits best,” Marshall Sr. said.
After his LSU visit, the plan is for Marshall and his family to get together and discuss his options before Marshall announces his final decision on December 22. If he decides to go out-of-state, Marshall Sr. said, he’ll have his family’s full support, and the opportunity to develop him for the NFL will be a huge factor.
“We’re going to sit down, talk as a family - me, him and his mom. We’ll kind of go over everything that we took in, wherever he decides out of those schools, where he wants to play the next three or four years,” Marshall Sr. said. “Wherever is going to get him to the next level.” (Suchomel)
******
Richland linebacker DaShaun White has been committed to Texas A&M for a while, but after a recent visit to Oklahoma, there was a lot of chatter that White could be close to flipping to the Sooners. Last weekend, White took an official visit to Texas, and while he remains committed to A&M, it’s now the Longhorns who have picked up some steam.
"The biggest thing for me would have to be the feel I got for coach Orlando and coach Herman," White said. "I had a good feel before, but getting around them, their families, the film room, watching coach Orlando coach, the mistakes and the good plays, was really big for me."
White’s visit spanned from Saturday until Monday. Good friend and UT commitment Byron Hobbs came in town for the game, and he and his mother actually stuck around until Sunday night, spending a lot of time with White and the UT coaches on Sunday. White said he really connected with the UT coaches and got some key questions answered, including why UT offered a bit later than other programs.
“It was like a numbers game. He said originally they were only going to take three linebackers. One of the linebackers got hurt this year and then it goes to four. Now it looks like Jefferson may not go back. Who knows? It’s his own decision, but with him maybe being gone, they’re going to try to take five, if you include Demarvion (Overshown). They have three now with Dele (Adeoye), Byron (Hobbs) and Demarvion.”
White has maintained all along that he’d wait to see what happens with the Texas A&M staff before making any final decisions, and he said he’s “still in the same spot” following his UT visit. He’ll visit Texas A&M on December 8 and would like to sign in the December signing period if possible, but said he will wait until February if some issues are still unresolved.
As for where things stand right now?
“I would say it’s pretty close. Texas made a really good impression on me. I got a really good feel for a lot of things I didn’t have a feel for yet,” White said. “It likes on me to do my research now, find out what benefits me the most.”
The Texas coaches compared White to Gary Johnson and feel he could fill a similar type of role. One thing that could wind up helping the Longhorns’ chances is White’s friendship with Hobbs and some other players in the UT class.
“It does, it does (help). You want to play with people like him. Even a lot of the other guys in that class I’m friends with, B.J., Caden. I feel like they have such good talents and are good people to be around. It’s almost second nature playing with guys like them, it’s going to make things better.” (Suchomel)
******
As mentioned above, UT linebacker commitment Byron Hobbs came in for the Kansas game last weekend, and then he and his mother stuck around until Sunday night so he could get some extra time with the coaches, DaShaun White and Terrace Marshall.
Hobbs got in a little late for the game since his team played on Saturday and while he enjoyed the Texas victory, he understands that there’s room for improvement.
“I feel like there are some holes that need to be filled. Talking with coach Orlando (on Sunday), listening to him talk, he definitely hit it on the dot with everything he said. They’re just trying to find what they need to find to be successful,” Hobbs said.
The Fort Worth Eastern Hills product missed a good chunk of his senior year with an injury and his team didn’t qualify for the playoffs, so Hobbs’ high school football career has come to an end. He said he’ll now turn his attention towards adding weight to his frame while also playing basketball.
“I want to get up to 215 and play basketball at 215,” Hobbs said
Always a pro-Texas recruiter, Hobbs said he “definitely did some heavy recruiting on (White) and (Marshall),” but he didn’t want to speculate on where each guy might be leaning. Whatever the case, expect Hobbs to continue his recruiting efforts.
Hobbs plans to sign with Texas on December 22. (Suchomel)
******Luke Ford hasn’t done many interviews, if any, since his UT official visit other than talking to Rivals.com regional recruiting analyst Josh Helmholdt, so I checked in with Helmholdt to get his assessment of where things stand.
Ford, the nation’s No. 1-ranked tight end prospect, still has visits left to take to Auburn, Alabama and Georgia. Normally, getting the first visit for a player who is strongly considering other schools isn’t the ideal situation, but Ford said he’s looking at it like Texas set the standard to which others will have to measure up.
“Honestly, I was on the Orangebloods message board and people were asking, is this early official a negative? I took that directly to him,” Helmholdt said. “He said no, not at all. He looks at it like it was a chance to get out and set the bar and set it really high. He was generally pretty jazzed about the visit.”
Ford was accompanied on the visit by his mother and brother. His father was unable to attend due to a conflict.
“It’s not like dad not going shows that they’re not seriously considering Texas. I wouldn’t worry about that one bit if I’m Texas,” Helmholdt said. “Dad would have been down there if he could. And he didn’t just take one free parent trip, they sent his brother down there too.
“At the end of the day, Luke runs the recruitment. He’s not a puppet. He genuinely values his family’s input, but it’s Luke’s decision.”
One of Texas’ biggest selling points, obviously, is the opportunity to play early. The staff did a good job of stressing that point during Ford’s visit.
“What they did with him, they sat him down and showed him old stuff from Herman’s previous stops to show him ‘Hey, we do use the tight end.’ He seemed to feel very comfortable with how Texas would utilize him, how much they would utilize him. They went back through old stuff, I’m assuming at Houston and Ohio State, and showed him ‘Hey, we do throw to the tight end.’”
Coming into the UT visit, the thought was that Georgia and Alabama were the two teams to beat. Helmhold said he feels Texas may have put itself in that top tier, but he still thinks it’ll be hard to hold off the two SEC powers in the end.
“That’s going to be the trick. Going into the visit, Georgia and Alabama were 1-2. He also throws in auburn, but I always thought it was Georgia-Alabama, then Texas in the next tier, auburn maybe in the third tier,” Helmholdt said. “Did this pull Texas all the way to the top? It had to for them to have any chance. I think for now it has. But obviously he’s going to enjoy his time at Georgia and Alabama. I think some things have to break Texas’ way, but I think they’re in the ball game.
“If I had to pick today, would I pick Texas? Probably not. But I wouldn’t say that there’s no chance. I just think things have to break their way. He’s legitimately excited about it. There’s recruiting that has to be done, but I think Texas is in the ball game.”
Ford plans to commit at the Army All-American Bowl, at the earliest. It’s not out of the question that he could take his decision all the way until the February signing day. (Suchomel)
******
Tight end Nic McTear was one of the more intriguing uncommitted prospects at the game on Saturday. Texas has not offered the Frisco Heritage product and former Oklahoma State commitment, but this one feels like it would quickly trend UT’s way if that was to change at some point.
McTear told us this was his third time visiting UT and he got to the game a little later than expected, so only had a few minutes to talk to tight ends coach Corby Meekins and Director of High School Relations Bob Shipley.
“We talked briefly because I was a little late and it was pre-game. He (Meekins) was glad that I came,” McTear said. “I hear things that they might offer, or they’re looking at me. Anything offer wise, I didn’t really hear anything on that.”
McTear is hopeful he can make it to the Longhorns’ game against Texas Tech next week. If he gets invited he said he’ll “definitely” try to make it in. While the Longhorns haven’t offered, the 6-4, 220-pound McTear said Texas is high on his list.
“They would probably be around top three right now,” McTear said. “Houston and TCU (would be the other two). I still have Auburn still reaching out. I’m from Alabama, so that’s a connection right there. Also, Purdue has been reaching out to me too.”
McTear plans to take some official visits before deciding. He said he’d “hopefully” get to take one to Texas and mentioned TC, Houston and Auburn as other places he’d probably hit.
On what he likes about Texas … “The new staff. I like the way they use the tight ends. Austin’s not too far from home, not too close to home. There’s lots of tradition. It’s a big-time program, big-time school. And it has great education.”
McTear said he actually could commit as early as this week but may decide to wait things out. He’s scheduled to re-take his ACT in December, which he feels could open up some other doors for him. (Suchomel)
******
Houston Lamar defensive tackle Joshua Landry has been tough to track down after his visit for the Kansas game, but this one has felt for a long time like it’s a potential flip should Texas offer.
Going back to this summer, when Landry was already committed to Baylor, he mentioned that Texas was the only other school he was considering and he camped at UT despite his Baylor pledge. In fact, a Baylor source told me this week he believes Landry flips if Texas does answer. Texas will continue to monitor Landry as it manages its numbers.
LSU offensive line/defensive line commitment Chasen Hines made it in for the game last week, but was actually tweeting pro-LSU stuff while still in Austin, before the UT game ever ended. Not a good sign for UT’s chances. (Suchomel)
You can watch Joseph Ossai tonight against Horn on FloFootball.com.
Kickoff at 7 PM CT, here's the link to our stream: http://bit.ly/2hzcrWg
Kickoff at 7 PM CT, here's the link to our stream: http://bit.ly/2hzcrWg
You can watch Jacob Doddridge live when Southlake Carroll plays Desoto tonight.
Kickoff at 7 PM, here's a link to watch the game live: http://bit.ly/2B1pm7p
Kickoff at 7 PM, here's a link to watch the game live: http://bit.ly/2B1pm7p
By: Eric Nahlin and Justin Wells
In the days after the loss to TCU, I eschewed writing a team portion in the Scoop and instead did a Q&A. It's easier to parse words Q&A style than when writing freely, and I wasn't hearing much good at the time.
I'm going to write what I'm hearing for the most part but still have to handle it delicately for a few reasons, a couple big ones being: "firing" people on the internet from a nobody writer is callous, I don't like talking about transfers before they happen, and negativity less than a month before a huge early signing period is not good. There's a time and place for information to come out, whether it's here or a happy hour.
After a horrendous loss capped an at times heartbreaking season, fans are wild to observe. They want changes to occur immediately. Change for the sake of change is the work of government, not football programs or healthily run organizations.
You don't have an epiphany for a business idea then run out the next day and buy $20,000 worth of office furniture. Which sort of reminds of an idea similar to Amazon I had long ago. I hit @Scipio Tex on his pager and he called me back from a pay phone in front of K-Mart and blurted out WE NEED DRONES!
Slow down, people.
Despite some fans thinking Herman has office furniture - or maybe a drone in the older sense of the word - in some coaching positions, Herman doesn't see it that way and there's likely no pressing need to split attention into a third coaching search column with the bowl game and early signing period looming shortly.
One source said it thusly regarding any potential staff moves, "He'll probably slow things down and think about it. Time is on his side. Go win a bowl game and think things through. If he decides to make a move he'll probably get with his agent and others he trusts to go over options."
If any moves were to be made we believe they would happen after a bowl, but the big question is, will they?
After talking with a few people with keen insight I feel confident one or two moves will be made but the decision isn't as easy for Herman as it is for fans. Herman (and most football coaches in general) is acutely aware of the devastating impact injuries had on his offensive line as well as at quarterback. Youth also wasn't on the offense's side.
As stated, I still think moves will be made. I know some are encouraging an outside the box approach with a potential new hire, even perhaps a coach from the Air Raid tree. I asked if that would work with Herman and heard back, "oh yeah, as long as the coach instills toughness and runs the ball." [Someone in mid-January remind me about this section]
While Herman isn't feeling the heat from the school to make any changes, that may change and he may be encouraged to make a change in the same way players are encouraged to make voluntary workouts. Would that require a new Athletic Director? Perhaps, and one may be in place relatively soon [no names at the moment].
Bottom line: I expect one or two changes but nothing is set in stone and if anything is set to happen, it will likely come after the bowl/early signing period.
DEPARTURES
The coaches are making a strong push to retain DeShon Elliott, Malik Jefferson, Charles Omenihu, and Holton Hill. They know Connor Williams is gone. Of these players only Omenihu has a solid chance of returning. Elliott would need to get back a worse draft grade than he's expecting.
Speaking of Connor, we've seen the last of him. He won't play in the bowl game. I'm unsure about the others at this point.
We've been expecting multiple early entrees since the USC game but didn't know how many. That answer appears to be 4-6. Wait, six? Yep, for the first time I'm hearing Michael $#@!son is considering leaving a year early. The coaches will definitely work on him. "Look, you're a punter (it's even your name!) and can play until you're 40. Get your degree."
Let's look at who else is leaving:
The biggest loss appears to be Jake McMillon. He's going to enter the real world and work for his dad, I believe. The coaches tried to keep him.
Terrell Cuney, Alex Anderson, and Garrett Thomas are all graduating early and forgoing their final year of eligibility. Cuney saw the writing on the wall next year and I don't think it was worth another offseason to him. Anderson is going into the real world too because he has a family to feed. The writing was on the wall with Thomas regarding playing time, and he's a smart kid with interests lying elsewhere.
Another player who may retire is Ed Freeman.
Other players I feel are likely to transfer are the Duvernay brothers and Chris Warren.
There are others, and one I just heard this morning would be a very bad loss (needs to be kept at all costs), but I'll go into each one individually as they happen, if they happen.
I'm going to leave my portion there for now. That's a bit to digest.
From: Justin Wells
One of the positives of hosting prospects during a home loss is the opportunity factor. Kids, ultimately, want to play early, and when they see guys in the field making mistakes, they see opportunity.
At this moment, Texas and coach Tom Herman have one goal; regenerate that recruiting momentum like they did last spring and summer. While the Tech loss may knock some luster off the 2018 class, you wouldn't know it talking to players and parents. When we say this class is really close, that's an understatement. This 2018 bunch sees the bigger picture, and in this day and age, that's rare and refreshing.
The best way to get over a loss is to get back to work. And that's exactly what the UT staff is doing this week. Well, they actually started last night.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Rafiti Ghirmai (Frisco Wakeland) and Ronnie Perkins (Lutheran North - St, Louis) received in-home visits last night. Coach Warehime was in Frisco to touch base with UT's top OL commit, while Oscar Giles went to visit Perkins, the defensive lineman pledged to OU. Texas feels good they'll keep Ghirmai and like Herman has demonstrated before, just because a particular target - Perkins - is committed elsewhere doesn't mean they won't continue to fight for him.
The most impressive item this week will be the frequent flier miles and windshield time. Texas is set to see every commit, and almost every remaining target over the next 5-7 days.
Today, the staff will see Keaontay Ingram (Carthage/Drayton), Vernon Jackson (Boling/Giles), Luke Ford (Carterville, IL/Meekins), Rondale Moore (Louisville, KY/Mehringer), Cam Rising (Newbury Park, CA/Beck), D'Shawn Jamison (Houston Lamar/Washington), Byron Hobbs (FW Western Hills/Orlando) and Caden Sterns (Cibolo Steele/Naivar). Of note, Jackson took an OV to Oklahoma last weekend so getting in front of him within 24 hours of his trip is smart.
Other pledges the staff intends on seeing this week are BJ Foster (Angleton), DeMarvion Overshown (Arp), Malcom Epps (Spring Dekaney), Casey Thompson (Newcastle, OK) Keondre Coburn (Spring Westfield), Jalen Green (Houston Heights), and Ayodele Adeoye (IMG, Florida). All maintain they are solid so this is a chance for Texas to see them once more before the early signing period and bowl practices begin.
Later this week defensive coordinator Todd Orlando will do in-home visits with linebackers Nik Bonitto (St. Thomas Aquinas/FL) and DaShaun White (Richland Hills). He'll also see Conroe Oak Ridge 4-star Joseph Ossai. We've maintained A&M holds the edge here as Texas has slowly chipped away. But with Sumlin's ouster, this remains a possibility. Every time Ossai or his family would ask Sumlin about his future, his response was always how he had outlasted two Texas coaches, never giving any type of straight answer. Color me shocked.
Ossai's parents want a resolute answer in College Station. It would behoove the UT staff to pounce before A&M names its next coach.
Wide receiver coach Drew Mehringer will stop by to see Brennan Eagles (Alief Taylor), Al'Vonte Woodard (Houston Lamar) and Jaylen Waddle (Bellaire Episcopal). I can see Texas taking one more pass-catcher if his name is Waddle. Otherwise, they might close up shop with what they've got.
Cornerbacks coach Jason Washington is also supposed to see the top remaining DB target, Anthony Cook. This one still has a Texas feel to it and until that changes, I think UT has put themselves in the best position to sign the top secondary in the 2018 class. Nationally.
Defensive line coach Oscar Giles will do an in-home with A&M DL commit Bobby Brown (Arlington Lamar), but we're hearing A&M's next coach might keep Terry Price, which might render that visit useless. With Texas offering Louisville DE commit Jarrett Jackson (Palm Beach, FL) this weekend, I think we can see who the staff is prioritizing.
Another guy Texas is still in on is Katy Taylor 4-star DE Max Wright. The Texas A&M commit has long told me he intends on getting back to Austin for an official visit. A day after Kevin Sumlin's ouster, Wright is still wanting to get back to the 40 Acres.
"Most likely I'll take an OV," said Wright, about returning to the ATX after a spring trip. "I just have to find a day to get back there. I'm still (committed to A&M), nothing has really changed, just sucks that (Sumlin) is leaving."
VISTORS POST-TECH
Texas hosted a handful of guys last Friday, notably Salt Lake City OL Junior Angilau. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Army All-American brought his family to Austin and left happier than when he arrived. A source close to the recruitment told me the visit," couldn't have gone any better." We've expounded on Angilau's family and how they're seriously considering a move to TX.
UT held the slight lead for the 4-star from Utah, but it's safe to say after this visit, that advantage has increased. Ultimately, he loved the trip and the red carpet treatment. And his family might have had more fun. Warehime has done a tremendous job building this relationship and continues to maintain it. A decision from Angilau looks to happen at the Army Bowl. UT will also do an in-home with Angilau later this week. I've had a good feeling here and nothing last weekend changed that.
Palm Beach (FL) DE Jarrett Jackson also had positive reviews from his visit. "It was great," said Jackson, who agreed the trip made a good impression on him. The more I see of Jackson, the more I think he's the meaner, more consistent version of Bobby Brown. At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, he's a 'get off the bus first' type. The other prospects in attendance were impressed with his size and demeanor. Texas may have uncovered a gem here. I also expect Giles to see him again soon.
The Southern Lab HS (Baton Rouge) LB and LSU pledge, Damone Clark, also left Austin with a good taste in his mouth. Like Angilau, this trip was set in motion after a visit earlier in the year. Getting them to Austin is one thing, getting them back is another. Clark raved about the players, coaches, and the overall vibe. At 6-foot-3, 220, Clark fits that ILB need, and where the Horns wind up with DaShaun White will probably have some bearing here. UT will likely do an in-home with Clark later this week.
WHAT ABOUT JUCOs?
The massive OT from ASA College (Brooklyn, NY), Badara Traore took his official visit to LSU last weekend. With the Tigers adding JUCO OL Damien Lewis on Saturday, you have to start looking at the offensive line numbers if you're Coach Orgeron. While Traore maintains he really enjoyed Baton Rouge, I'm hearing it's still a Texas-LSU battle.
If/when UT makes it up to New York to see Traore, they key sell is immediate playing time. Not all junior college prospects are created equal, and some need a redshirt just like a HS prospect. Thankfully the 6-foot-7, 350-pound tackle won't require a shirt. Sell him on cracking the two-deep in Spring and let the chips fall as they may. He'll be an early signing period guy and enroll in January. He's a 2-to-play-2 guy.
Texas is still interested in Arizona Western OL Jahmir Johnson too, but he doesn't have the upside of Traore. That recruitment is still in wait-and-see mode. With the offensive line issues, coupled with the departures - Jake McMillon and Terrell Cuney - you'd think UT would be on more junior college guys. But again, some don't bring the ability to step right in and contribute. You have to find the right fit, not just because he's a couple years more mature than a high schooler.
In the days after the loss to TCU, I eschewed writing a team portion in the Scoop and instead did a Q&A. It's easier to parse words Q&A style than when writing freely, and I wasn't hearing much good at the time.
I'm going to write what I'm hearing for the most part but still have to handle it delicately for a few reasons, a couple big ones being: "firing" people on the internet from a nobody writer is callous, I don't like talking about transfers before they happen, and negativity less than a month before a huge early signing period is not good. There's a time and place for information to come out, whether it's here or a happy hour.
After a horrendous loss capped an at times heartbreaking season, fans are wild to observe. They want changes to occur immediately. Change for the sake of change is the work of government, not football programs or healthily run organizations.
You don't have an epiphany for a business idea then run out the next day and buy $20,000 worth of office furniture. Which sort of reminds of an idea similar to Amazon I had long ago. I hit @Scipio Tex on his pager and he called me back from a pay phone in front of K-Mart and blurted out WE NEED DRONES!
Slow down, people.
Despite some fans thinking Herman has office furniture - or maybe a drone in the older sense of the word - in some coaching positions, Herman doesn't see it that way and there's likely no pressing need to split attention into a third coaching search column with the bowl game and early signing period looming shortly.
One source said it thusly regarding any potential staff moves, "He'll probably slow things down and think about it. Time is on his side. Go win a bowl game and think things through. If he decides to make a move he'll probably get with his agent and others he trusts to go over options."
If any moves were to be made we believe they would happen after a bowl, but the big question is, will they?
After talking with a few people with keen insight I feel confident one or two moves will be made but the decision isn't as easy for Herman as it is for fans. Herman (and most football coaches in general) is acutely aware of the devastating impact injuries had on his offensive line as well as at quarterback. Youth also wasn't on the offense's side.
As stated, I still think moves will be made. I know some are encouraging an outside the box approach with a potential new hire, even perhaps a coach from the Air Raid tree. I asked if that would work with Herman and heard back, "oh yeah, as long as the coach instills toughness and runs the ball." [Someone in mid-January remind me about this section]
While Herman isn't feeling the heat from the school to make any changes, that may change and he may be encouraged to make a change in the same way players are encouraged to make voluntary workouts. Would that require a new Athletic Director? Perhaps, and one may be in place relatively soon [no names at the moment].
Bottom line: I expect one or two changes but nothing is set in stone and if anything is set to happen, it will likely come after the bowl/early signing period.
DEPARTURES
The coaches are making a strong push to retain DeShon Elliott, Malik Jefferson, Charles Omenihu, and Holton Hill. They know Connor Williams is gone. Of these players only Omenihu has a solid chance of returning. Elliott would need to get back a worse draft grade than he's expecting.
Speaking of Connor, we've seen the last of him. He won't play in the bowl game. I'm unsure about the others at this point.
We've been expecting multiple early entrees since the USC game but didn't know how many. That answer appears to be 4-6. Wait, six? Yep, for the first time I'm hearing Michael $#@!son is considering leaving a year early. The coaches will definitely work on him. "Look, you're a punter (it's even your name!) and can play until you're 40. Get your degree."
Let's look at who else is leaving:
The biggest loss appears to be Jake McMillon. He's going to enter the real world and work for his dad, I believe. The coaches tried to keep him.
Terrell Cuney, Alex Anderson, and Garrett Thomas are all graduating early and forgoing their final year of eligibility. Cuney saw the writing on the wall next year and I don't think it was worth another offseason to him. Anderson is going into the real world too because he has a family to feed. The writing was on the wall with Thomas regarding playing time, and he's a smart kid with interests lying elsewhere.
Another player who may retire is Ed Freeman.
Other players I feel are likely to transfer are the Duvernay brothers and Chris Warren.
There are others, and one I just heard this morning would be a very bad loss (needs to be kept at all costs), but I'll go into each one individually as they happen, if they happen.
I'm going to leave my portion there for now. That's a bit to digest.
From: Justin Wells
One of the positives of hosting prospects during a home loss is the opportunity factor. Kids, ultimately, want to play early, and when they see guys in the field making mistakes, they see opportunity.
At this moment, Texas and coach Tom Herman have one goal; regenerate that recruiting momentum like they did last spring and summer. While the Tech loss may knock some luster off the 2018 class, you wouldn't know it talking to players and parents. When we say this class is really close, that's an understatement. This 2018 bunch sees the bigger picture, and in this day and age, that's rare and refreshing.
The best way to get over a loss is to get back to work. And that's exactly what the UT staff is doing this week. Well, they actually started last night.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Rafiti Ghirmai (Frisco Wakeland) and Ronnie Perkins (Lutheran North - St, Louis) received in-home visits last night. Coach Warehime was in Frisco to touch base with UT's top OL commit, while Oscar Giles went to visit Perkins, the defensive lineman pledged to OU. Texas feels good they'll keep Ghirmai and like Herman has demonstrated before, just because a particular target - Perkins - is committed elsewhere doesn't mean they won't continue to fight for him.
The most impressive item this week will be the frequent flier miles and windshield time. Texas is set to see every commit, and almost every remaining target over the next 5-7 days.
Today, the staff will see Keaontay Ingram (Carthage/Drayton), Vernon Jackson (Boling/Giles), Luke Ford (Carterville, IL/Meekins), Rondale Moore (Louisville, KY/Mehringer), Cam Rising (Newbury Park, CA/Beck), D'Shawn Jamison (Houston Lamar/Washington), Byron Hobbs (FW Western Hills/Orlando) and Caden Sterns (Cibolo Steele/Naivar). Of note, Jackson took an OV to Oklahoma last weekend so getting in front of him within 24 hours of his trip is smart.
Other pledges the staff intends on seeing this week are BJ Foster (Angleton), DeMarvion Overshown (Arp), Malcom Epps (Spring Dekaney), Casey Thompson (Newcastle, OK) Keondre Coburn (Spring Westfield), Jalen Green (Houston Heights), and Ayodele Adeoye (IMG, Florida). All maintain they are solid so this is a chance for Texas to see them once more before the early signing period and bowl practices begin.
Later this week defensive coordinator Todd Orlando will do in-home visits with linebackers Nik Bonitto (St. Thomas Aquinas/FL) and DaShaun White (Richland Hills). He'll also see Conroe Oak Ridge 4-star Joseph Ossai. We've maintained A&M holds the edge here as Texas has slowly chipped away. But with Sumlin's ouster, this remains a possibility. Every time Ossai or his family would ask Sumlin about his future, his response was always how he had outlasted two Texas coaches, never giving any type of straight answer. Color me shocked.
Ossai's parents want a resolute answer in College Station. It would behoove the UT staff to pounce before A&M names its next coach.
Wide receiver coach Drew Mehringer will stop by to see Brennan Eagles (Alief Taylor), Al'Vonte Woodard (Houston Lamar) and Jaylen Waddle (Bellaire Episcopal). I can see Texas taking one more pass-catcher if his name is Waddle. Otherwise, they might close up shop with what they've got.
Cornerbacks coach Jason Washington is also supposed to see the top remaining DB target, Anthony Cook. This one still has a Texas feel to it and until that changes, I think UT has put themselves in the best position to sign the top secondary in the 2018 class. Nationally.
Defensive line coach Oscar Giles will do an in-home with A&M DL commit Bobby Brown (Arlington Lamar), but we're hearing A&M's next coach might keep Terry Price, which might render that visit useless. With Texas offering Louisville DE commit Jarrett Jackson (Palm Beach, FL) this weekend, I think we can see who the staff is prioritizing.
Another guy Texas is still in on is Katy Taylor 4-star DE Max Wright. The Texas A&M commit has long told me he intends on getting back to Austin for an official visit. A day after Kevin Sumlin's ouster, Wright is still wanting to get back to the 40 Acres.
"Most likely I'll take an OV," said Wright, about returning to the ATX after a spring trip. "I just have to find a day to get back there. I'm still (committed to A&M), nothing has really changed, just sucks that (Sumlin) is leaving."
VISTORS POST-TECH
Texas hosted a handful of guys last Friday, notably Salt Lake City OL Junior Angilau. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Army All-American brought his family to Austin and left happier than when he arrived. A source close to the recruitment told me the visit," couldn't have gone any better." We've expounded on Angilau's family and how they're seriously considering a move to TX.
UT held the slight lead for the 4-star from Utah, but it's safe to say after this visit, that advantage has increased. Ultimately, he loved the trip and the red carpet treatment. And his family might have had more fun. Warehime has done a tremendous job building this relationship and continues to maintain it. A decision from Angilau looks to happen at the Army Bowl. UT will also do an in-home with Angilau later this week. I've had a good feeling here and nothing last weekend changed that.
Palm Beach (FL) DE Jarrett Jackson also had positive reviews from his visit. "It was great," said Jackson, who agreed the trip made a good impression on him. The more I see of Jackson, the more I think he's the meaner, more consistent version of Bobby Brown. At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, he's a 'get off the bus first' type. The other prospects in attendance were impressed with his size and demeanor. Texas may have uncovered a gem here. I also expect Giles to see him again soon.
The Southern Lab HS (Baton Rouge) LB and LSU pledge, Damone Clark, also left Austin with a good taste in his mouth. Like Angilau, this trip was set in motion after a visit earlier in the year. Getting them to Austin is one thing, getting them back is another. Clark raved about the players, coaches, and the overall vibe. At 6-foot-3, 220, Clark fits that ILB need, and where the Horns wind up with DaShaun White will probably have some bearing here. UT will likely do an in-home with Clark later this week.
WHAT ABOUT JUCOs?
The massive OT from ASA College (Brooklyn, NY), Badara Traore took his official visit to LSU last weekend. With the Tigers adding JUCO OL Damien Lewis on Saturday, you have to start looking at the offensive line numbers if you're Coach Orgeron. While Traore maintains he really enjoyed Baton Rouge, I'm hearing it's still a Texas-LSU battle.
If/when UT makes it up to New York to see Traore, they key sell is immediate playing time. Not all junior college prospects are created equal, and some need a redshirt just like a HS prospect. Thankfully the 6-foot-7, 350-pound tackle won't require a shirt. Sell him on cracking the two-deep in Spring and let the chips fall as they may. He'll be an early signing period guy and enroll in January. He's a 2-to-play-2 guy.
Texas is still interested in Arizona Western OL Jahmir Johnson too, but he doesn't have the upside of Traore. That recruitment is still in wait-and-see mode. With the offensive line issues, coupled with the departures - Jake McMillon and Terrell Cuney - you'd think UT would be on more junior college guys. But again, some don't bring the ability to step right in and contribute. You have to find the right fit, not just because he's a couple years more mature than a high schooler.
Per EJ @ 247
— I'm told the in-home visit with four-star defensive lineman Bobby Brown went well tonight. And there is definitely a possibility that he makes his way to campus for an official visit. Brown is waiting to see how things play out with A&M and Terry Price.
— LSU is slated to make an in-home visit with Texas cornerback commit Jalen Green this week. However, I am told that he is extremely solid to Texas and that LSU would really have to blow him away to have a chance.
— Illinois made an in-home visit with Texas inside linebacker commit Ayodele Adeoye. The Illini have been working extremely hard on Adeoye, but I'm told they are not serious contenders at this time.
— Obviously, offensive line is still a remaining need this recruiting cycle. The Longhorns currently hold commitments from Rafiti Ghirmai and Reese Moore. So how many more will the Longhorns take? According to a source, it's likely going to be a class of five. It can be six depending on how the cards fall, but I would expect Texas to take three more at the position.
— Both Mike Roach and I put in our Crystal Ball picks for new JUCO offensive line target Mikey Grandy today. Mike spoke to Grandy, and I spoke to a source, and we both feel confident that the Longhorns are in a great position here. Texas will also have the opportunity to host him for his final official visit on Dec. 15.
— I still feel good about UT’s chances of landing both Kaitori Leveston and Junior Angilau. Like I reported a couple of days ago, Leveston will make a final decision in the next couple of weeks. Texas made a great impression on Angilau on his official visit over the weekend and will be making an in-home this week. The full court press is definitely on there.
— Lastly, I had an update on Badara Traore, the nation’s top offensive lineman, earlier today. And while I feel like there is a scenario where Texas can get him, I believe LSU is the likely landing spot. From talking to various sources, the Tigers feel confident about where they stand. Texas, however, is doing everything it can to make a push this week.
— I'm told the in-home visit with four-star defensive lineman Bobby Brown went well tonight. And there is definitely a possibility that he makes his way to campus for an official visit. Brown is waiting to see how things play out with A&M and Terry Price.
— LSU is slated to make an in-home visit with Texas cornerback commit Jalen Green this week. However, I am told that he is extremely solid to Texas and that LSU would really have to blow him away to have a chance.
— Illinois made an in-home visit with Texas inside linebacker commit Ayodele Adeoye. The Illini have been working extremely hard on Adeoye, but I'm told they are not serious contenders at this time.
— Obviously, offensive line is still a remaining need this recruiting cycle. The Longhorns currently hold commitments from Rafiti Ghirmai and Reese Moore. So how many more will the Longhorns take? According to a source, it's likely going to be a class of five. It can be six depending on how the cards fall, but I would expect Texas to take three more at the position.
— Both Mike Roach and I put in our Crystal Ball picks for new JUCO offensive line target Mikey Grandy today. Mike spoke to Grandy, and I spoke to a source, and we both feel confident that the Longhorns are in a great position here. Texas will also have the opportunity to host him for his final official visit on Dec. 15.
— I still feel good about UT’s chances of landing both Kaitori Leveston and Junior Angilau. Like I reported a couple of days ago, Leveston will make a final decision in the next couple of weeks. Texas made a great impression on Angilau on his official visit over the weekend and will be making an in-home this week. The full court press is definitely on there.
— Lastly, I had an update on Badara Traore, the nation’s top offensive lineman, earlier today. And while I feel like there is a scenario where Texas can get him, I believe LSU is the likely landing spot. From talking to various sources, the Tigers feel confident about where they stand. Texas, however, is doing everything it can to make a push this week.
He better be because he isn’t worth a damn at his primary job lol.
Herman and Co. need to be on a plane yesterday visiting the OL recruits for Arkansas and FSU. Both of their classes are falling apart. Several highly rated O-linemen might willing to listen to Texas.
We’re a little less than three weeks from the early signing period, and Texas is still pursuing a number of in-state prospects. Interesting times with coaches on the road, new offers going out, the current Texas roster changing by the day and Texas A&M appearing like it will be hiring Jimbo Fisher any moment.
I checked in with Rivals.com’s Nick Krueger, who does a great job of covering recruiting in the state of Texas, to get his thoughts on some of the Horns’ top remaining in-state prospects.
DB Anthony Cook – Krueger: “He said at his (Army) jersey presentation he would commit within two weeks from then but he hasn’t done it yet so I don’t really know. Once he didn’t commit when was supposed to, I thought LSU had made the biggest push with him leading up to that. But now, you have to assume everyone is still in it. Who does that favor that he hasn’t committed? I’m not sure.”
My thoughts: Cook continues to evaluate three, but this one is pretty much a two-team race between Texas and LSU barring some last-minute change. Houston Lamar is still alive in the playoffs so it’s possible that Cook is waiting for his senior season to end before announcing, but with him planning to sign early (December 20-22), he has to make a decision pretty soon. This one feels like it’s close to a push but with the possibility that Holton Hill is leaving (I’ve heard his mind is pretty much made up), Cook will have a chance to play from day one, which is important to him. My biggest reason for pause is Texas’ struggles on the field and LSU’s late success, but I still think he’ll side with the Longhorns.
LB Joseph Ossai – Krueger: “I don’t think the (Kevin) Sumlin thing factored into his consideration of A&M. When he’s ready to commit, especially if they get (Jimbo) Fisher in there, I’m not sure the head coach makes as big a difference as it would to someone like DaShaun White. I still think it’s between Texas and A&M but I’m not sure he knows yet.”
My thoughts: Ossai doesn’t say much so it’s hard to get a clear read on him. Repeated visits to A&M down the stretch had me thinking the Aggies were the obvious choice, but Ossai nearly attended the UT-Tech game so that makes me think he’s still undecided. I agree with Krueger that Sumlin’s firing may not have moved the needle much on this one and if Jimbo Fisher is the hire, he may be a big enough name to seal the deal with this one.
DE Joshua Landry – Krueger: “If they would offer him already, I think he’ll commit. He hasn’t been shy about expressing his interest in Texas. If they’re willing to host him on an official it might come down to Texas offering.”
My thoughts: Landry remains committed to Baylor, but Texas is showing interest. If the Longhorns offer, I’m in agreement with Krueger that Landry is a likely flip. He’s been pretty open about his interest in Texas going way back to the summer, right after he had committed to Baylor. Texas taking this one slowly makes sense if the coaches think they have a chance at players who are higher on their board since Landry feels like a candidate for a last-minute flip.
WR Jaylen Waddle – Krueger: “Oregon has let him know he is their number one guy on their board. I think they’re hanging around now. If Fisher lands at A&M, that really benefits A&M’s case since they’ve kind of been in limbo with all the other teams in the mix. When I talked to him, the only one he really seems to show some emotion for is Texas. Assuming Fisher comes in at A&M, I still think it’s very much a three-horse race. I think if he wanted to commit to Alabama, that might have been the case by now but Alabama seems to be re-thinking some of their targets. If Fisher comes to A&M, I think it’s a three-horse race between Oregon, Texas and Texas A&M. But anyone who comes away from a conversation with Waddle and says they know what he’s thinking is lying.”
My thoughts: Interesting to hear that Krueger is higher on UT’s chances than just about anyone else I’ve heard from. Alabama seems to be the popular pick but Florida State has always been a major player. If Fisher is the hire at A&M, I’d have to think Waddle gives the Aggies his fifth visit, which would pretty much slam the door on UT’s chances.
DE Bobby Brown – Krueger: “If Terry Price stays (at A&M), he sticks. He told Price he was committed to A&M way ahead of his commitment. There’s been a lot of loyalty developed between him and Price during that time. I think the bond is pretty strong there. His initial reaction to seeing A&M the first time he was out there, he felt the campus connection, so to speak. That doesn’t mean he’s a lock to stay at A&M, but he’s willing to let the cards fall (with the coaching search) first.”
My thoughts: Texas continues to go after Brown and did an in-home this week, but this one just has the feel that Brown will stick with A&M.
DE Vernon Jackson – Krueger: “You tell me a small town guy wants to stay closer to home, I’ll take that bet every day of the week. At the same time, when he committed to Alabama, he kind of compared it to small town living. He doesn’t have designs on playing any specific position. If he changes his mind, I think it will be a personal decision instead of necessarily being football related.”
My thoughts: In talking to Jackson this week, he sounds like he’s pretty open. He’ll visit Texas in January and may visit Oklahoma in December. I asked Jackson if he wanted to stay closer to home and though he said that’s not a big factor, something tells me this one may fall UT’s way. Jackson visited for the Kansas game and now will take an official … that’s pretty strong interest that’s tough to ignore. (Suchomel)
******
Richland LB DaShaun White continues to evaluate his options between A&M (currently committed), Texas and Oklahoma. In talking to White this week, it doesn’t sound like he’s made a final decision and he’s trying not to stress too much over recruiting while his team is still alive in the playoffs. I asked White if Texas’ struggles on the field this year had any impact on his thinking, and White said he’s still very confident That Texas is heading in the right direction.
“Not really. I’m more focused on, I see a big future for them,” White said. “I was actually reading something a few nights ago, a lot of coaches in their first season, their first season hasn’t been great, programs like Alabama and Nick Saban. Anything can happen. They’re starting with the right class coming in.” (Suchomel)
******
Texas made an in-home visit with Boling athlete Vernon Jackson this week and the Alabama commitment told OB he’ll take a UT official visit in January.
Jackson told us he’s “pretty solid right now,” but with him taking an unofficial visit for the Kansas game, hosting UT assistants this week and planning to visit Texas in January, he’s clearly keeping an open mind.
Oscar Giles and Craig Naiver did the in-home this week. Jackson said it was mostly just the two sides catching up, and he said he’s not sure yet what it would take for a school like Texas to pull him away from ‘Bama.
“I don’t know. I’ve just got to feel differently I guess,” Jackson said. “Something on a visit would have to be better.”
Jackson said there are “a lot of things” he likes about Texas, including Oscar Giles and the Longhorns’ current recruiting class. He said he liked the atmosphere when he visited for the Kansas game and wants to give UT a visit just to cover all his bases.
“I just want to be sure. Me and my family have basically just discussed, make sure to look at all the options, look at every place to make sure,” Jackson said. (Suchomel)
******
Palm Beach Gardens (FL) defensive end Jarrett Jackson took an official visit to Texas last weekend. Jackson is still committed to Louisville and isn’t really tipping his hand on what he’s thinking, but he did say the UT visit made an impression.
“It was a good visit. I liked the whole visit to be honest,” Jackson said.
Louisville did an in-home visit this week and Jackson thought Texas was coming in on Friday.
His thoughts on his Louisville commitment …
“I still feel pretty good. I’m just taking things slowly, just enjoying the process right now,” Jackson said. “(Early) signing day, everything will be final and everyone will know.
“Obviously, it’s a tough decision. It’s a decision that’s going to affect me for the rest of my life.”
Jackson will visit Louisville on December 8. From there, he said he’ll pray about his options before coming to a final decision. Texas is pretty new to the race after starting talking to Jackson about four weeks ago, and should he choose the Longhorns, Jackson feels he can bring a different element to the Texas defense.
“I feel like I bring a different type of d-end. I’m not your average d-end. Especially Texas football, one thing I can say different between Texas football and Florida football, and I’m not doubting Texas football because there’s lots of talent, but I feel like I have a lot different skill set and different talent than most. Which is what coach Giles said is why he’s recruiting me. Texas is the biggest state in the country, you can find any position in Texas, but he said they’re recruiting me because I’m different than any player in Texas. I feel like I bring run stopping and pass rush together, like J.J. Watt. I’m quick twitch, athletic, can chase down plays, read and react to plays, can break down plays before they happen.” (Suchomel)
******
Texas put an offer on the table for JUCO OL Mikey Grandy this week, and this one is quickly trending UT’s way.
UT offensive line coach Derek Warehime visited Grandy at College of San Mateo (CA) this week and quickly made the offer. Grandy said he feels his versatility was a big selling point.
“I think it was the ability to play other positions. I’m playing left tackle right now, but he sees me playing right guard,” Grandy said.
UT’s sales pitch?
“He just told me that a lot of their guys are seniors. Once the seniors leave, it’s going to be a really young team. Really the whole team is young but I guess especially on the line. I think they have a couple returners, like the left guard. But right guard looks to be open.”
Grandy said the timing is interesting because his aunt, cousin and his cousin’s family are all moving to Austin and he’s always been curious about the city.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Texas. I’ve always thought that’s where I’d be living when I was done with college and everything,” Grandy said. “I’ve lived in California my whole life.”
Grandy will visit Texas on December 14 and that’s the only trip he has set up. Don’t be shocked if he commits on or shortly after that UT visit.
“I haven’t set up any visit, haven’t talked about any other visits with other schools. This is only one that’s really on my radar,” Grandy said. “If other schools come up, I’ll check them out. But Texas is definitely at the top of my list right now.”
Grandy took an interesting path to San Mateo. He was receiving recruiting interest as a junior, but had a knee injury as a senior and played only one game. San Jose State and Idaho were his only offers after the injury, so he went ahead and committed to San Jose State. But Grandy felt he could open eyes if he went JUCO, so he basically took a greyshirt and took the fall off before enrolling at San Mateo last year. In the semester he took off, he spent his time working out with is friend and taking MMA lessons to stay in shape.
“I would just spar in practice. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but the most fun thing I’ve ever done,” Grandy said.
Grandy, who goes 6-5 and 315 pounds, was a full qualifier out of high school, which allows him to transfer to a Division I school after one season of JUCO ball. He’ll have four years to play there seasons of Division I ball. (Suchomel)
******
Texas extended an offer to JUCO OT Jahmir Johnson on Thursday. I was able to catch up with the Arizona Western Community College product for an update (full report this weekend) and he said he has a definite interest in the UT offer.
Johnson has already visited Arkansas. He’ll visit Missouri on December 8. Arizona Western plays in the 2017 NJCAA National Football Championship this weekend, and Johnson said after that he’ll figure out his other visits and let everyone know which schools he’ll see. He told me Texas is under strong consideration for one of his trips.
Interestingly, Johnson said it was OL coach Derek Warehime and tight ends coach Corby Meekins who visited his school this week. With Meekins being out there, that would seem to indicate that former tight end commitment Dominick Anderson is still in play for the Longhorns. Johnson confirmed that thinking and said Texas is still an option for Anderson. If you’re wondering about the possibility of Anderson and Johnson being some sort of package deal, it doesn’t sound like one will impact the other. The two are teammates but Johnson said they’re not extremely close off the field.
I checked in with Rivals.com’s Nick Krueger, who does a great job of covering recruiting in the state of Texas, to get his thoughts on some of the Horns’ top remaining in-state prospects.
DB Anthony Cook – Krueger: “He said at his (Army) jersey presentation he would commit within two weeks from then but he hasn’t done it yet so I don’t really know. Once he didn’t commit when was supposed to, I thought LSU had made the biggest push with him leading up to that. But now, you have to assume everyone is still in it. Who does that favor that he hasn’t committed? I’m not sure.”
My thoughts: Cook continues to evaluate three, but this one is pretty much a two-team race between Texas and LSU barring some last-minute change. Houston Lamar is still alive in the playoffs so it’s possible that Cook is waiting for his senior season to end before announcing, but with him planning to sign early (December 20-22), he has to make a decision pretty soon. This one feels like it’s close to a push but with the possibility that Holton Hill is leaving (I’ve heard his mind is pretty much made up), Cook will have a chance to play from day one, which is important to him. My biggest reason for pause is Texas’ struggles on the field and LSU’s late success, but I still think he’ll side with the Longhorns.
LB Joseph Ossai – Krueger: “I don’t think the (Kevin) Sumlin thing factored into his consideration of A&M. When he’s ready to commit, especially if they get (Jimbo) Fisher in there, I’m not sure the head coach makes as big a difference as it would to someone like DaShaun White. I still think it’s between Texas and A&M but I’m not sure he knows yet.”
My thoughts: Ossai doesn’t say much so it’s hard to get a clear read on him. Repeated visits to A&M down the stretch had me thinking the Aggies were the obvious choice, but Ossai nearly attended the UT-Tech game so that makes me think he’s still undecided. I agree with Krueger that Sumlin’s firing may not have moved the needle much on this one and if Jimbo Fisher is the hire, he may be a big enough name to seal the deal with this one.
DE Joshua Landry – Krueger: “If they would offer him already, I think he’ll commit. He hasn’t been shy about expressing his interest in Texas. If they’re willing to host him on an official it might come down to Texas offering.”
My thoughts: Landry remains committed to Baylor, but Texas is showing interest. If the Longhorns offer, I’m in agreement with Krueger that Landry is a likely flip. He’s been pretty open about his interest in Texas going way back to the summer, right after he had committed to Baylor. Texas taking this one slowly makes sense if the coaches think they have a chance at players who are higher on their board since Landry feels like a candidate for a last-minute flip.
WR Jaylen Waddle – Krueger: “Oregon has let him know he is their number one guy on their board. I think they’re hanging around now. If Fisher lands at A&M, that really benefits A&M’s case since they’ve kind of been in limbo with all the other teams in the mix. When I talked to him, the only one he really seems to show some emotion for is Texas. Assuming Fisher comes in at A&M, I still think it’s very much a three-horse race. I think if he wanted to commit to Alabama, that might have been the case by now but Alabama seems to be re-thinking some of their targets. If Fisher comes to A&M, I think it’s a three-horse race between Oregon, Texas and Texas A&M. But anyone who comes away from a conversation with Waddle and says they know what he’s thinking is lying.”
My thoughts: Interesting to hear that Krueger is higher on UT’s chances than just about anyone else I’ve heard from. Alabama seems to be the popular pick but Florida State has always been a major player. If Fisher is the hire at A&M, I’d have to think Waddle gives the Aggies his fifth visit, which would pretty much slam the door on UT’s chances.
DE Bobby Brown – Krueger: “If Terry Price stays (at A&M), he sticks. He told Price he was committed to A&M way ahead of his commitment. There’s been a lot of loyalty developed between him and Price during that time. I think the bond is pretty strong there. His initial reaction to seeing A&M the first time he was out there, he felt the campus connection, so to speak. That doesn’t mean he’s a lock to stay at A&M, but he’s willing to let the cards fall (with the coaching search) first.”
My thoughts: Texas continues to go after Brown and did an in-home this week, but this one just has the feel that Brown will stick with A&M.
DE Vernon Jackson – Krueger: “You tell me a small town guy wants to stay closer to home, I’ll take that bet every day of the week. At the same time, when he committed to Alabama, he kind of compared it to small town living. He doesn’t have designs on playing any specific position. If he changes his mind, I think it will be a personal decision instead of necessarily being football related.”
My thoughts: In talking to Jackson this week, he sounds like he’s pretty open. He’ll visit Texas in January and may visit Oklahoma in December. I asked Jackson if he wanted to stay closer to home and though he said that’s not a big factor, something tells me this one may fall UT’s way. Jackson visited for the Kansas game and now will take an official … that’s pretty strong interest that’s tough to ignore. (Suchomel)
******
Richland LB DaShaun White continues to evaluate his options between A&M (currently committed), Texas and Oklahoma. In talking to White this week, it doesn’t sound like he’s made a final decision and he’s trying not to stress too much over recruiting while his team is still alive in the playoffs. I asked White if Texas’ struggles on the field this year had any impact on his thinking, and White said he’s still very confident That Texas is heading in the right direction.
“Not really. I’m more focused on, I see a big future for them,” White said. “I was actually reading something a few nights ago, a lot of coaches in their first season, their first season hasn’t been great, programs like Alabama and Nick Saban. Anything can happen. They’re starting with the right class coming in.” (Suchomel)
******
Texas made an in-home visit with Boling athlete Vernon Jackson this week and the Alabama commitment told OB he’ll take a UT official visit in January.
Jackson told us he’s “pretty solid right now,” but with him taking an unofficial visit for the Kansas game, hosting UT assistants this week and planning to visit Texas in January, he’s clearly keeping an open mind.
Oscar Giles and Craig Naiver did the in-home this week. Jackson said it was mostly just the two sides catching up, and he said he’s not sure yet what it would take for a school like Texas to pull him away from ‘Bama.
“I don’t know. I’ve just got to feel differently I guess,” Jackson said. “Something on a visit would have to be better.”
Jackson said there are “a lot of things” he likes about Texas, including Oscar Giles and the Longhorns’ current recruiting class. He said he liked the atmosphere when he visited for the Kansas game and wants to give UT a visit just to cover all his bases.
“I just want to be sure. Me and my family have basically just discussed, make sure to look at all the options, look at every place to make sure,” Jackson said. (Suchomel)
******
Palm Beach Gardens (FL) defensive end Jarrett Jackson took an official visit to Texas last weekend. Jackson is still committed to Louisville and isn’t really tipping his hand on what he’s thinking, but he did say the UT visit made an impression.
“It was a good visit. I liked the whole visit to be honest,” Jackson said.
Louisville did an in-home visit this week and Jackson thought Texas was coming in on Friday.
His thoughts on his Louisville commitment …
“I still feel pretty good. I’m just taking things slowly, just enjoying the process right now,” Jackson said. “(Early) signing day, everything will be final and everyone will know.
“Obviously, it’s a tough decision. It’s a decision that’s going to affect me for the rest of my life.”
Jackson will visit Louisville on December 8. From there, he said he’ll pray about his options before coming to a final decision. Texas is pretty new to the race after starting talking to Jackson about four weeks ago, and should he choose the Longhorns, Jackson feels he can bring a different element to the Texas defense.
“I feel like I bring a different type of d-end. I’m not your average d-end. Especially Texas football, one thing I can say different between Texas football and Florida football, and I’m not doubting Texas football because there’s lots of talent, but I feel like I have a lot different skill set and different talent than most. Which is what coach Giles said is why he’s recruiting me. Texas is the biggest state in the country, you can find any position in Texas, but he said they’re recruiting me because I’m different than any player in Texas. I feel like I bring run stopping and pass rush together, like J.J. Watt. I’m quick twitch, athletic, can chase down plays, read and react to plays, can break down plays before they happen.” (Suchomel)
******
Texas put an offer on the table for JUCO OL Mikey Grandy this week, and this one is quickly trending UT’s way.
UT offensive line coach Derek Warehime visited Grandy at College of San Mateo (CA) this week and quickly made the offer. Grandy said he feels his versatility was a big selling point.
“I think it was the ability to play other positions. I’m playing left tackle right now, but he sees me playing right guard,” Grandy said.
UT’s sales pitch?
“He just told me that a lot of their guys are seniors. Once the seniors leave, it’s going to be a really young team. Really the whole team is young but I guess especially on the line. I think they have a couple returners, like the left guard. But right guard looks to be open.”
Grandy said the timing is interesting because his aunt, cousin and his cousin’s family are all moving to Austin and he’s always been curious about the city.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Texas. I’ve always thought that’s where I’d be living when I was done with college and everything,” Grandy said. “I’ve lived in California my whole life.”
Grandy will visit Texas on December 14 and that’s the only trip he has set up. Don’t be shocked if he commits on or shortly after that UT visit.
“I haven’t set up any visit, haven’t talked about any other visits with other schools. This is only one that’s really on my radar,” Grandy said. “If other schools come up, I’ll check them out. But Texas is definitely at the top of my list right now.”
Grandy took an interesting path to San Mateo. He was receiving recruiting interest as a junior, but had a knee injury as a senior and played only one game. San Jose State and Idaho were his only offers after the injury, so he went ahead and committed to San Jose State. But Grandy felt he could open eyes if he went JUCO, so he basically took a greyshirt and took the fall off before enrolling at San Mateo last year. In the semester he took off, he spent his time working out with is friend and taking MMA lessons to stay in shape.
“I would just spar in practice. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but the most fun thing I’ve ever done,” Grandy said.
Grandy, who goes 6-5 and 315 pounds, was a full qualifier out of high school, which allows him to transfer to a Division I school after one season of JUCO ball. He’ll have four years to play there seasons of Division I ball. (Suchomel)
******
Texas extended an offer to JUCO OT Jahmir Johnson on Thursday. I was able to catch up with the Arizona Western Community College product for an update (full report this weekend) and he said he has a definite interest in the UT offer.
Johnson has already visited Arkansas. He’ll visit Missouri on December 8. Arizona Western plays in the 2017 NJCAA National Football Championship this weekend, and Johnson said after that he’ll figure out his other visits and let everyone know which schools he’ll see. He told me Texas is under strong consideration for one of his trips.
Interestingly, Johnson said it was OL coach Derek Warehime and tight ends coach Corby Meekins who visited his school this week. With Meekins being out there, that would seem to indicate that former tight end commitment Dominick Anderson is still in play for the Longhorns. Johnson confirmed that thinking and said Texas is still an option for Anderson. If you’re wondering about the possibility of Anderson and Johnson being some sort of package deal, it doesn’t sound like one will impact the other. The two are teammates but Johnson said they’re not extremely close off the field.
Per EJ @ 247
— Per our Steve Wiltfong, Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm made an in-home visit with Texas wide receiver commit Rondale Moore on Tuesday. According to Steve, Purdue is still a major threat to pull Moore away from Texas. Longhorns wide receiver coach Drew Mehringer also made an in-home visit this week and is doing everything he can to keep him in the fold. It looks good for Texas that there has been a delay since the flip chatter months ago, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he does ending up switching.
— Texas put an offer on the table for junior college offensive tackle Jahmir Johnson today. This one should come as no surprise. We had mentioned Johnson for a couple of weeks as being on the radar and Derek Warehime made a stop at his school on Tuesday. So do the Longhorns have a chance? It’s a little late, but Texas is definitely going with the press, and he is interested. [Note: EJ followed it up saying the biggest threats for Johnson are Arizona, Louisville, and UCLA.]
— Texas safeties coach Craig Naivar stopped by Mansfield Legacy today to check in on four-star 2019 safety Jalen Catalon. While it doesn’t seem like his interest in Texas is super high early on, Naivar is making him a priority for next cycle, and the Longhorns should move up his list with time.
— Texas tight ends coach Corby Meekins made his way to Houston Strake Jesuit to see 2019 tight end Thomas Gordon. With the Longhorns losing out on Grayson Boomer and not showing much interest in Austin Stogner, Gordon is a prospect that could be in line for an offer this offseason. UT would be the frontrunner if it does extend a scholarship.
— Per our Steve Wiltfong, Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm made an in-home visit with Texas wide receiver commit Rondale Moore on Tuesday. According to Steve, Purdue is still a major threat to pull Moore away from Texas. Longhorns wide receiver coach Drew Mehringer also made an in-home visit this week and is doing everything he can to keep him in the fold. It looks good for Texas that there has been a delay since the flip chatter months ago, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he does ending up switching.
— Texas put an offer on the table for junior college offensive tackle Jahmir Johnson today. This one should come as no surprise. We had mentioned Johnson for a couple of weeks as being on the radar and Derek Warehime made a stop at his school on Tuesday. So do the Longhorns have a chance? It’s a little late, but Texas is definitely going with the press, and he is interested. [Note: EJ followed it up saying the biggest threats for Johnson are Arizona, Louisville, and UCLA.]
— Texas safeties coach Craig Naivar stopped by Mansfield Legacy today to check in on four-star 2019 safety Jalen Catalon. While it doesn’t seem like his interest in Texas is super high early on, Naivar is making him a priority for next cycle, and the Longhorns should move up his list with time.
— Texas tight ends coach Corby Meekins made his way to Houston Strake Jesuit to see 2019 tight end Thomas Gordon. With the Longhorns losing out on Grayson Boomer and not showing much interest in Austin Stogner, Gordon is a prospect that could be in line for an offer this offseason. UT would be the frontrunner if it does extend a scholarship.
per Wiltfong
Salt Lake City (Utah) East Top247 offensive tackle Junior Angilau returned to Texas for his official visit last weekend.
“They’re still the team to beat,” the U.S. Army All-American told 247Sports.
“It was nice. I really liked it over there.”
Also considering the likes of Oregon, USC and Utah, the 6-foot-6, 297-pound Angilau last visited the Longhorns in the spring.
“I really loved the coaches,” he said of both visits. Assistant Derek Warehime went in-home with Angilau on Thursday as well. “The coaches like Coach (Tom) Herman, he really reminds me of my head coach. On my unofficial I first saw him Coach and I was like dang that’s tight how he’s coaching and motivating the players to grow.”
Ranked by 247Sports as the nation’s No. 14 offensive tackle, this was Angilau’s first official visit. It was also his dad’s first time checking out Austin.
“My dad loved it,” he said. “He really enjoyed it over there.”
Angilau also had his sister with him, and the two got a chance to play basketball at Herman’s house. Angilau said her opinion is important as well.
“She liked it,” Angilau said.
Angilau had some highlights as well.
“I really liked their weight room,” he said. “Their weight room was really something. I really liked the technology they have.”
The Longhorns hosted Texas Tech in their regular season finale.
“The game was really tight. That was my first game that I went to, it was crazy. Everything was packed. They did the whole marching band thing.”
Angilau vibes well with the players.
“We hung out a lot,” he said. “Me and Patrick Vahe are cousins. We talked a lot. I went with some of the other people like Patrick (Hudson) and Denzel (Okafor). They showed me a good time and told me about the program. They showed the good qualities.”
Angilau said Oregon will likely get the next official visit although it’s not scheduled.
Wiltfong: "I still like Texas here."
Salt Lake City (Utah) East Top247 offensive tackle Junior Angilau returned to Texas for his official visit last weekend.
“They’re still the team to beat,” the U.S. Army All-American told 247Sports.
“It was nice. I really liked it over there.”
Also considering the likes of Oregon, USC and Utah, the 6-foot-6, 297-pound Angilau last visited the Longhorns in the spring.
“I really loved the coaches,” he said of both visits. Assistant Derek Warehime went in-home with Angilau on Thursday as well. “The coaches like Coach (Tom) Herman, he really reminds me of my head coach. On my unofficial I first saw him Coach and I was like dang that’s tight how he’s coaching and motivating the players to grow.”
Ranked by 247Sports as the nation’s No. 14 offensive tackle, this was Angilau’s first official visit. It was also his dad’s first time checking out Austin.
“My dad loved it,” he said. “He really enjoyed it over there.”
Angilau also had his sister with him, and the two got a chance to play basketball at Herman’s house. Angilau said her opinion is important as well.
“She liked it,” Angilau said.
Angilau had some highlights as well.
“I really liked their weight room,” he said. “Their weight room was really something. I really liked the technology they have.”
The Longhorns hosted Texas Tech in their regular season finale.
“The game was really tight. That was my first game that I went to, it was crazy. Everything was packed. They did the whole marching band thing.”
Angilau vibes well with the players.
“We hung out a lot,” he said. “Me and Patrick Vahe are cousins. We talked a lot. I went with some of the other people like Patrick (Hudson) and Denzel (Okafor). They showed me a good time and told me about the program. They showed the good qualities.”
Angilau said Oregon will likely get the next official visit although it’s not scheduled.
Wiltfong: "I still like Texas here."
By: Justin Wells and Joe Cook
Lots of recruiting. Coaches on the road again, official visit weekend coming up, and the latest on top targets. The Scoop.
From: Justin Wells
TANNER MCKEE
Texas' pursuit of the 5-star McKee continues. The Centennial (CA) signal-caller opened his home to Tim Beck last week and really enjoyed the visit.
“The in-home visit was great,” McKee explained. “We talked about this year and the things they need to improve on going into next year. They are moving in the right direction, and coach Beck is a good guy.”
For McKee, he's got his pick of school between Stanford, Washington, and BYU. But Texas keeps building the relationship on the 2018 signee and future Class of 2020 enrollee - remember his religion puts him on a 2-year mission trip after graduation.
"I have always said I would keep my options open until the end of January," said McKee. "I wouldn’t waste their time if I wasn’t interested. I’m going to go a lot on what feels right to me. They are all good schools academically. They all have great coaching staffs. I think at the end of January one of them will feel like it’s the best fit and I will go with that feel."
At the moment, UT might be on the outside looking in. But don't tell McKee or Herman that. They're in this until they aren't.
LUKE FORD
Texas taking one TE in 2018 - Malcolm Epps - would make the staff perfectly content. But when one of the best in the country continues to keep UT close, Herman and TE coach Corby Meekins take notice.
“Really a great visit,” said the 4-star from Carterville, IL. “So awesome that coach Meekins was my first in-home. I really like our relationship and what Texas is building."
He's got some ties to Austin as well.
“My dad’s a UT graduate,” Ford said. “I loved watching Texas growing up and got a good relationship with Corby (Meekins). And also they have a great recruiting class. That’s too cool.”
It’s getting close to a decision for Ford. Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn are all in pursuit. What is it about Texas gives them a shot?
Familiarity, opportunity to play early, the City of Austin, and the Class of 2018. UT's current commits really resonates with fellow targets. Either way, UT's going to shoot its shot here.
ROAD RAGE
Despite holding bowl practices to prep for Mizzou and the Texas Bowl, the UT staff will also be on the road seeing more prospects, some for the second time in two weeks.
It started last night when WR coach Drew Mehringer attended Trinity's (KY) 6A state championship game to see UT pledge Rondale Moore. The 5-foot-10 mighty mite put on a show for the ages. My dude Jonathan Wells broke it down. Cliff Notes; Moore destroyed in the biggest game of his HS career.
OL coach Derek Warehime will likely visit LSU OL pledge Cameron Wire this week. He's also set to see Kaitori Leveston, the Waco Midway OL and K-State commit. Herman could make the Waco trip. JUCO target (ASA College, NY) Badara Traore will see Warehime (and maybe Herman) this week too, and Rafiti Ghirmai as well. UCLA is still in the mix, but barely.
DL coach Oscar Giles will be on the road catching up with Arlington Lamar DL and A&M pledge Bobby Brown III. There's still a chance he might OV to Austin in the next few months. Giles will also see Conroe Oak Ridge OLB Joseph Ossai.
Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando is slated to see LSU LB pledge Damone Clark, but it's not set in stone just yet. One visit he'll definitely make is an in-home with Richland Hills LB and A&M pledge DaShaun White tonight. It's still a three-way battle between UT, OU, and the Aggies.
Angleton 5-star BJ Foster received another in-home last night, with Tom Herman in attendance. More on him from PJC.
DEC SIGNEES, FEB SIGNEES LIST
Here's a quick breakdown of who might ink in December and who could in February.
EARLY: Casey Thompson, Cam Rising, Malcolm Epps, Caden Sterns, BJ Foster, Cameron $#@!er, Reese Moore, Al'Vonte Woodard, Byron Hobbs, D'Shawn Jamison, and DeMarvion Overshown.
LATE: Keoantay Ingram, Rafiti Ghirmai, Jalen Green, Keondre Coburn, Rondale Moore, Brennan Eagles, and Ayodele Adeoye.
This is the definition of fluid. We're hitting uncharted territory with the new early signing period. This list could change and likely will. Just giving you guys and gals an idea of what the commits might be thinking today. Again, this is a fluid situation.
With Texas set to host a number of commits this weekend (12/8), that number could change. Expected to appear on the 40 Acres this Friday are:
Al'Vonte Woodard, D'Shawn Jamison, Rafiti Ghirmai, Jalen Green, Ayodele Adeoye, Reese Moore, and Malcolm Epps.
We'll have the full list later this week. Any commits that don't visit this weekend will likely be in Austin on 12/15. One name for the 15th visit could be Donaldsville (LA) 3-star DT Tahj Brown.
QUICK NOTE ON V-JACK
The Boling ATH and Alabama commit Vernon Jackson just knocked out East Bernard on Friday night. His goal is to get back to AT&T Stadium for another chance at gold. That's his focus, not recruiting.
Despite numerous reports he's set to take an official visit to Austin this weekend, that's simply not true. He's got two schools in mind as of today; Bama and Texas.
He's got an OV set for Tuscaloosa on 1/19 and tentatively set for UT on 1/12. The Horns and Horned Frogs are recruiting him the hardest right now, and he still might see Texas A&M before it's said and done.
But for now, his only worry is preparing for the 4th round of the TX HS football playoffs.
From: Joe Cook
When 2018 Angleton S BJ Foster committed to Texas in June, he explained in his commitment that Tom Herman’s #revolUTion18 had begun.
Now, seven months later, Foster’s high school portion of his career is winding down, and his UT career is just around the corner.
Before all of that, Foster and his Angleton Wildcats had to take care of Corpus Christi Flour Bluff in the 5A region 4 semifinals. Foster has played mostly running back this year for the Wildcats’ run-centric offense. The Wildcats easily took down the Hornets 56-14, with Foster adding two punishing rushing touchdowns.
“I tried to make sure my legs would be alright and hold up out there,” Foster said. “Once I had the feeling, I got going.”
However, Foster got a handful of plays at his college position (safety) during the game.
“I was going to play a little corner and a little safety to help us out over the top on No. 1,” Foster said. “He’s a good receiver. He gave us a run for our money, but we planned for that.”
The next month will be a busy time for Foster. He’ll finish his high school career, then play in the Under Armour All-American game with fellow commits Malcolm Epps, D’Shawn Jamison, Al’vonte Woodard, DeMarvion Overshown, Keondre Coburn, and Ayodele Adeoye. After that?
“I’ll be at UT next semester.”
Foster recently welcomed safeties coach Craig Naivar for a visit, and welcomed both Naivar and Tom Herman last night for barbecue during his in-home.
The Angleton All-American said Friday he and Naivar had not talked specifically about what safety position the Longhorns intend to use Foster at, but they had a very good reason why.
“He’s working on DeShon (Elliott), and DeShon is going for the Thorpe Award right now,” Foster said. “They’re working on him right now. We’re going to talk about that later when I get up there.”
For Foster, it’s no big deal, as Elliott is one of the players he has a close connection with.
“When I go down there, DeShon is usually the one I stay with,” Foster said. “We hang out and all that, and he tells me how the coaches be, how they be in practice and how the plays develop and all that.”
Asked about the rest of his class, Foster made it clear that the class of 2018 was ready to get to campus and help the Longhorns where they can.
After a 6-6 year, Foster and the rest of the class aren’t looking at it from a perspective of ‘what’s wrong,’ but rather ‘where can we help.’
“We just can’t wait ‘til we get there,” Foster said. “We’re going to show them what we want to do when we get there.”
He also knows his future coaches share the same dedication to improvement as the 2018 class.
“They’re going to compete no matter what,” Foster said on the coaches. “They’re not going to give up. They’re going to keep fighting, so that’s what I like about them.”
From: Eric Nahlin
I'm gathering team and practice info at the moment. I'll have a report in the AM.
Lots of recruiting. Coaches on the road again, official visit weekend coming up, and the latest on top targets. The Scoop.
From: Justin Wells
TANNER MCKEE
Texas' pursuit of the 5-star McKee continues. The Centennial (CA) signal-caller opened his home to Tim Beck last week and really enjoyed the visit.
“The in-home visit was great,” McKee explained. “We talked about this year and the things they need to improve on going into next year. They are moving in the right direction, and coach Beck is a good guy.”
For McKee, he's got his pick of school between Stanford, Washington, and BYU. But Texas keeps building the relationship on the 2018 signee and future Class of 2020 enrollee - remember his religion puts him on a 2-year mission trip after graduation.
"I have always said I would keep my options open until the end of January," said McKee. "I wouldn’t waste their time if I wasn’t interested. I’m going to go a lot on what feels right to me. They are all good schools academically. They all have great coaching staffs. I think at the end of January one of them will feel like it’s the best fit and I will go with that feel."
At the moment, UT might be on the outside looking in. But don't tell McKee or Herman that. They're in this until they aren't.
LUKE FORD
Texas taking one TE in 2018 - Malcolm Epps - would make the staff perfectly content. But when one of the best in the country continues to keep UT close, Herman and TE coach Corby Meekins take notice.
“Really a great visit,” said the 4-star from Carterville, IL. “So awesome that coach Meekins was my first in-home. I really like our relationship and what Texas is building."
He's got some ties to Austin as well.
“My dad’s a UT graduate,” Ford said. “I loved watching Texas growing up and got a good relationship with Corby (Meekins). And also they have a great recruiting class. That’s too cool.”
It’s getting close to a decision for Ford. Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn are all in pursuit. What is it about Texas gives them a shot?
Familiarity, opportunity to play early, the City of Austin, and the Class of 2018. UT's current commits really resonates with fellow targets. Either way, UT's going to shoot its shot here.
ROAD RAGE
Despite holding bowl practices to prep for Mizzou and the Texas Bowl, the UT staff will also be on the road seeing more prospects, some for the second time in two weeks.
It started last night when WR coach Drew Mehringer attended Trinity's (KY) 6A state championship game to see UT pledge Rondale Moore. The 5-foot-10 mighty mite put on a show for the ages. My dude Jonathan Wells broke it down. Cliff Notes; Moore destroyed in the biggest game of his HS career.
OL coach Derek Warehime will likely visit LSU OL pledge Cameron Wire this week. He's also set to see Kaitori Leveston, the Waco Midway OL and K-State commit. Herman could make the Waco trip. JUCO target (ASA College, NY) Badara Traore will see Warehime (and maybe Herman) this week too, and Rafiti Ghirmai as well. UCLA is still in the mix, but barely.
DL coach Oscar Giles will be on the road catching up with Arlington Lamar DL and A&M pledge Bobby Brown III. There's still a chance he might OV to Austin in the next few months. Giles will also see Conroe Oak Ridge OLB Joseph Ossai.
Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando is slated to see LSU LB pledge Damone Clark, but it's not set in stone just yet. One visit he'll definitely make is an in-home with Richland Hills LB and A&M pledge DaShaun White tonight. It's still a three-way battle between UT, OU, and the Aggies.
Angleton 5-star BJ Foster received another in-home last night, with Tom Herman in attendance. More on him from PJC.
DEC SIGNEES, FEB SIGNEES LIST
Here's a quick breakdown of who might ink in December and who could in February.
EARLY: Casey Thompson, Cam Rising, Malcolm Epps, Caden Sterns, BJ Foster, Cameron $#@!er, Reese Moore, Al'Vonte Woodard, Byron Hobbs, D'Shawn Jamison, and DeMarvion Overshown.
LATE: Keoantay Ingram, Rafiti Ghirmai, Jalen Green, Keondre Coburn, Rondale Moore, Brennan Eagles, and Ayodele Adeoye.
This is the definition of fluid. We're hitting uncharted territory with the new early signing period. This list could change and likely will. Just giving you guys and gals an idea of what the commits might be thinking today. Again, this is a fluid situation.
With Texas set to host a number of commits this weekend (12/8), that number could change. Expected to appear on the 40 Acres this Friday are:
Al'Vonte Woodard, D'Shawn Jamison, Rafiti Ghirmai, Jalen Green, Ayodele Adeoye, Reese Moore, and Malcolm Epps.
We'll have the full list later this week. Any commits that don't visit this weekend will likely be in Austin on 12/15. One name for the 15th visit could be Donaldsville (LA) 3-star DT Tahj Brown.
QUICK NOTE ON V-JACK
The Boling ATH and Alabama commit Vernon Jackson just knocked out East Bernard on Friday night. His goal is to get back to AT&T Stadium for another chance at gold. That's his focus, not recruiting.
Despite numerous reports he's set to take an official visit to Austin this weekend, that's simply not true. He's got two schools in mind as of today; Bama and Texas.
He's got an OV set for Tuscaloosa on 1/19 and tentatively set for UT on 1/12. The Horns and Horned Frogs are recruiting him the hardest right now, and he still might see Texas A&M before it's said and done.
But for now, his only worry is preparing for the 4th round of the TX HS football playoffs.
From: Joe Cook
When 2018 Angleton S BJ Foster committed to Texas in June, he explained in his commitment that Tom Herman’s #revolUTion18 had begun.
Now, seven months later, Foster’s high school portion of his career is winding down, and his UT career is just around the corner.
Before all of that, Foster and his Angleton Wildcats had to take care of Corpus Christi Flour Bluff in the 5A region 4 semifinals. Foster has played mostly running back this year for the Wildcats’ run-centric offense. The Wildcats easily took down the Hornets 56-14, with Foster adding two punishing rushing touchdowns.
“I tried to make sure my legs would be alright and hold up out there,” Foster said. “Once I had the feeling, I got going.”
However, Foster got a handful of plays at his college position (safety) during the game.
“I was going to play a little corner and a little safety to help us out over the top on No. 1,” Foster said. “He’s a good receiver. He gave us a run for our money, but we planned for that.”
The next month will be a busy time for Foster. He’ll finish his high school career, then play in the Under Armour All-American game with fellow commits Malcolm Epps, D’Shawn Jamison, Al’vonte Woodard, DeMarvion Overshown, Keondre Coburn, and Ayodele Adeoye. After that?
“I’ll be at UT next semester.”
Foster recently welcomed safeties coach Craig Naivar for a visit, and welcomed both Naivar and Tom Herman last night for barbecue during his in-home.
The Angleton All-American said Friday he and Naivar had not talked specifically about what safety position the Longhorns intend to use Foster at, but they had a very good reason why.
“He’s working on DeShon (Elliott), and DeShon is going for the Thorpe Award right now,” Foster said. “They’re working on him right now. We’re going to talk about that later when I get up there.”
For Foster, it’s no big deal, as Elliott is one of the players he has a close connection with.
“When I go down there, DeShon is usually the one I stay with,” Foster said. “We hang out and all that, and he tells me how the coaches be, how they be in practice and how the plays develop and all that.”
Asked about the rest of his class, Foster made it clear that the class of 2018 was ready to get to campus and help the Longhorns where they can.
After a 6-6 year, Foster and the rest of the class aren’t looking at it from a perspective of ‘what’s wrong,’ but rather ‘where can we help.’
“We just can’t wait ‘til we get there,” Foster said. “We’re going to show them what we want to do when we get there.”
He also knows his future coaches share the same dedication to improvement as the 2018 class.
“They’re going to compete no matter what,” Foster said on the coaches. “They’re not going to give up. They’re going to keep fighting, so that’s what I like about them.”
From: Eric Nahlin
I'm gathering team and practice info at the moment. I'll have a report in the AM.
PER EJ @ 247
— Per Andrew Ivins at our Miami site, the Hurricanes are starting to make a push for three-star defensive lineman Daniel Carson. Miami was in-home today and will host him for an OV this weekend. Carson is wide open in his recruitment, and Texas is very much in it. The Longhorns will be by to see him on Wednesday. Remember, Carson already used his official visit on Texas back in September.
— There has been a lot of chatter about JUCO offensive lineman Trevor Elbert. Right now, he does not have an offer, and his official visit is still being planned out despite another report. Texas is definitely evaluating him, though, especially with UCLA offering Mikey Grandy (I think he might ultimately end up there), LSU leading for Badara Traore and Jahmir Johnson being a May grad.
— Lake Highlands defensive end Trumane Bell informed me that UT defensive line coach Oscar Giles is continuing to stay in contact with him. Giles actually swung by his school last week. Bell said the staff loves his film but added that Tom Herman still needs to watch it. Bell hopes he will be invited for an official visit.
— A name to know as an athlete is four-star Crosby product Craig Williams. According to a source, Texas is starting to show interest in Williams, who is currently committed to Baylor. Stan Drayton recently stopped Crosby and inquired about him. Williams played exclusively at running back this year and rushed for close to 2,000 yards. He is a guy that could be used in the slot or the backfield at Texas.
— Per Andrew Ivins at our Miami site, the Hurricanes are starting to make a push for three-star defensive lineman Daniel Carson. Miami was in-home today and will host him for an OV this weekend. Carson is wide open in his recruitment, and Texas is very much in it. The Longhorns will be by to see him on Wednesday. Remember, Carson already used his official visit on Texas back in September.
— There has been a lot of chatter about JUCO offensive lineman Trevor Elbert. Right now, he does not have an offer, and his official visit is still being planned out despite another report. Texas is definitely evaluating him, though, especially with UCLA offering Mikey Grandy (I think he might ultimately end up there), LSU leading for Badara Traore and Jahmir Johnson being a May grad.
— Lake Highlands defensive end Trumane Bell informed me that UT defensive line coach Oscar Giles is continuing to stay in contact with him. Giles actually swung by his school last week. Bell said the staff loves his film but added that Tom Herman still needs to watch it. Bell hopes he will be invited for an official visit.
— A name to know as an athlete is four-star Crosby product Craig Williams. According to a source, Texas is starting to show interest in Williams, who is currently committed to Baylor. Stan Drayton recently stopped Crosby and inquired about him. Williams played exclusively at running back this year and rushed for close to 2,000 yards. He is a guy that could be used in the slot or the backfield at Texas.
Doubt it matters very much but apparently Fisher has rattled the feathers of the THSCA already... lol
I've got an aggie buddy that is the HC of a current 5A program and he thinks it was a bad look. Politics Jimbo will have to learn to deal with in the state.
Being a HS coach and a huge fan of recruiting, I see both sides of it...
I see the HS coaches side where we are trying to fight and keep our sport from becoming like HS bball and how AAU took over that sport. And anytime a college coach puts those 7on7 "coaches" in front of us in the pecking order is a threat to our job and livelihood. We spend 12 plus hours a day with those kids, and interact with them on a day to day basis, and very rarely try to sway or influence them which school to attend and try to just help them understand the process and make the best decision for them and their families. When these 7on7 "coaches" are being paid by their sponsors (adidas) and get free gear to give to their athletes, and get more gear and money from adidas if those kids go to adiads schools. Some of them become handlers and are getting payoffs on the side for which recruits go to which school, etc. (this doesn't always happen, but I have had it happen twice in three years) Bottom line, HS coaches don't like them.
Now being a fan of recruiting, these 7on7 "coaches" definitely have a lot sway with these kids. And if you are trying to stay with the times as a college coach you need to have these guys on your side and helping you push your school every chance they get.
I don't disagree as far as the 7v7 impact on recruiting and the future, but long before 7v7 became the monster it is today, we've been reading about how important it is to stroke the egos of these guys under the guise that they have the ability to sway recruits. That may not be the case but that's certainly the optics. I have no idea why they want to be associated with such bad optics.
I don't necessarily think that's the case, and to label an entire association of over 30,000 members for a few bad eggs is a bit of a stretch. I will admit I am going to be bias on this topic, and I've always enjoyed your posting @bubba2023 but I'm going to have to disagree with you on that. Also who doesn't have an ego? We've got the best hs sport in the U.S., the best system, the best pay, the best facilities, the best support, the best fans, etc... lol a little recognition from time to time doesn't hurt anyone hahaha
Maybe it's just the reporting of it then, but if the THSCA is 30k members, then how can they all be collectively upset at Jimbo or any other coach for that matter? Why are they always referred to as a single entity? Is there a spokesperson that issues the official stance of the organization? What does it mean to be in the good graces of the THSCA vs the bad?
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