IT -- Inside Scoop 7/3/17
Eric Nahlin, Justin Wells, and Joe Cook
This week's Scoop dives deep into last weekend's HS recruiting scene. From The Opening in Oregon, to the State 7v7 in College Station, IT has all your bases covered. News, notes, and quotes from Texas commits, targets, and more. Before you start celebrating our country's birthday, get some Scoop.
From: Eric Nahlin
Something I wrote a while back started to hit me this week in Beaverton. Houston kids want to see Texas win. While Tom Herman has been able to easily win over many out-of-state players, he's having a bit tougher time in Houston. That isn't to say those priority targets are not excited about the new direction of Texas, they certainly are, but there is still a bit of skepticism.
To be sure, many know where they plan on committing, but part of Tom Herman playing the leverage game so aggressively is he'll have to deal with some players taking visits after they commit to Texas (assuming they do). Kids love Texas and don't want to lose their spot, but because Texas hasn't won in so long Herman doesn't have these players cornered in checkmate.
I feel a measure of the skepticism is coming from parents. I talked to one mother who said Texas hadn't one her over like some other schools. While her son will still likely pick UT, until mom is won over that recruitment will bear watching, especially if the player takes visits.
One thing mom's love, however, is proximity. I've only seen a mother want her son to get away from home on a couple of occasions, usually because of the negative influence of the streets. Proximity should play a positive factor for Texas.
In the end, UT is in great shape for the Houston players but there could be a bump or two in the road as the cycle plays out.
D'SHAWN JAMISON
I spent a great deal of time talking with the parents of 'DJ'. Given my fondness of him for over a year now, it's a bit surprising it took that long to finally get to know them, but we made up for lost time.
If you don't follow recruiting much and aren't familiar with who the Houston Lamar defensive back is, his evaluation is he's lightning; he moves and strikes like it.
His interviews are kind of choppy, so transcribing them will confuse you. I'll bullet point it.
- Texas is still in the lead, but TCU is still pushing hard
- His best relationship is with the TCU staff, "they've been recruiting me for two years." He mentioned coach Gonzalez by name
- Numbers are something he has some concern about (probably directly related to the bullet point above) and he was able to talk to the staff about that at the pool party. He also stated, "I'm not trying to put any pressure on how they handle their recruiting process." In other words, he's not being a diva about it.
- He wants to be able to touch the ball in the return game and both Texas and TCU have said he'd get a look on kick and punt return.
- He intents do announce in mid-August some time. Texas is the initial pick but the staff will have to recruit him hard because we know TCU won't be backing off.
BJ FOSTER
The Texas safety commit was a bit tight in day-1 action but that's to be expected given how long it's been since he competed against "normal" competition, much less the level of talent in Oregon. He says his knee feels fine, however.
Q: It's been a while since you've competed. How do you feel physically?
A: I feel great, matter of fact I feel better than before I got hurt.
Q: You're not nervous or anything to move around on it?
A: Nah, nah.
Q: What are your plans for the rest of summer?
A: I'll get back to them soon but I don't know when yet.
Q: How often do you talk to Texas?
A: Every day. I talk to Coach Naivar a lot.
Q: Who are you going to try and recruit to Texas out here?
A: I'm not sure yet, I gotta see how they do first.
RONDALE MOORE
The newest Texas commit was the second fastest player in attendance and it showed Day 1 during the 1 on 1 session.
Despite being new to the class, he's already recruiting on behalf of Texas, even for his own position. He was even talking to Brennan Eagles and Al'vonte Woodard before The Opening via group message.
As you might expect, he had positives to say about his trip to Austin.
Q: What did you see that impressed you so much?
A: Austin is just a great city to live in first and foremost. Second of all, McCombs, the business school. It stood out to me when I got down there. Then we started talking about offense and how I fit in their offense and how I'll be used at the H. It was just great for me and my uncle, we both went up there. He felt it was great. I talked to my coaches, my trainer, and my family when we got home and we felt like it was the right decision.
Q: When did you really know you might commit?
A: I had a general idea on the way down there. I had been doing my research before I went down there. Before they even offered me we had been talking a good month or two, so I had been doing my research that whole time.
Q: Elaborate on how they said they'd use you on offense.
A: Coach Tom Herman is very intelligent -- a guru on the offensive end. The way he'll just move me around and puts me on guys who don't want to be on me, you know as far as linebackers....or line me up in the backfield, or getting me in 1 on 1s to the backside.
Q: How solid is your commitment. Any other visits?
A: 100%. No other visits.
Q: A lot of Texas fans are concerned about Ohio State. How often do you hear from them?
A: Before I committed probably every day. When I committed I actually called every one of my top six and just thanked them for offering me a scholarship and believing in me, and just being able to talk to them and thank them, but that conversation [with Ohio State] was pretty fast. I'm not sure how they'll react now that I'm committed.
Q: Talk about your game. What do you bring to the table?
A: I'm very versatile. I believe with the Jet game I can get other guys open just because people are so focused on the Jet game that leaves verticals open as far as safeties looking down and linebackers looking at me. Just being versatile. The return game, that's something I specialize in, something I got to get better at, but something I plan on doing at the next level.
Pretty impressive kid.
I have no memory of Eric Metcalf in Austin, but when I met him I said, "I'll never forget you taking to punts to the house versus the Steelers." He followed that with, "man, that was a great day."
From a movement standpoint Metcalf might be the most apropos comparison for Moore. I think he's a combination of a few guys, including Marquise Goodwin and Daje Johnson.
From: Justin Wells
RONNIE PERKINS
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound defensive tackle out of St. Louis (Lutheran North) couldn't contain himself with the chance to come and compete at "football heaven" known as The Opening in Oregon. He's got an infectious smile to go with great personality and genuine humbleness about himself. Texas targeted a good one here.
"It's a dream come true," said Perkins. "I've been watching this camp my whole life basically. Just thankful for the opportunity to be here."
Perkins didn't name any specifically, but was looking forward to matching his skills with others in his class. He's more of a 3-tech than 4i, which is good because Texas needs both.
"It's just fun to compete with all these o-linemen and am excited to match up with them," Perkins said. "You get to up against so many great guys, then see how the other d-linemen do and to see who's the best. It shows you where you're out and where you need to be."
When the subject of recruiting came up, Perkins talked about a few of the top schools on his list right now. One of those; Texas.
"Coach Giles and coach Herman are really great," said Perkins. "Coach Herman was a great coach at Houston, I mean he turned them around like real quick. It's evident that he's a great coach. Both (Giles and Herman) are doing a great job recruiting me. I've got a real good relationship with Coach Giles.
As for when Perkins will finally see the 40 Acres in Austin, it'll come sometime this month when UT pledge and fellow St. Louis resident, Ayodele Adeoye, accompanies him to flagship school in Texas.
"Ayodele is going down on July 21st," Perkins said. "Nine times out of 10, I'll be with him."
As for the other suitors, Perkins named OU, LSU, Georgia, and home-state Missouri as schools he also has interest in. As my interview concluded, one certain Sporting News preseason All-American linebacker walked up and started selling the virtues of playing for Tom Herman and the Longhorns. It was Malik Jefferson, and still after three years, his presence around high school athletes still resonates today.
When Jefferson spoke, Perkins listened. Texas fans won't full grasp how much positive effect Malik made at Texas for years and years.
ANTHONY COOK
One of the nation's top CBs grew up a little in Oregon.
"It's just a great experience and the atmosphere is really competitive," said Cook. "I want to go up against the best and you can do that here."
One of the things I wanted to see from Cook was his physicality or lack thereof. After almost coming to blows with one WR during the 1-on-1's, where Cook's jersey was ripped off and still made the play in the ball. Guys like Foster, Green, Jamison, and Sterns have that dog in them. Apparently, when his buttons are pushed, Cook does too.
Cook has probably seen the UT campus more than any other recruit in the 2018 class. He started visiting Austin over two years ago and has always enjoyed his trips to the ATX and DKR.
"I've been talking to coach Washington (Texas CB coach) a lot lately," Cook said. "He's been coming at me really hard. The whole Texas coaching staff has been coming at me hard."
There's been a this notion that Texas has to win relatively big in 2017 to garner his pledge. He quickly debunked that theory.
"Not really," said Cook. "I mean I would like to see how they do and stuff like that, but it won't really factor into my decision. I'll be committed around October so the season will have just really got going."
There's been a prevailing sentiment that Cook prefers Ohio State, but after spending a few days with him, that narrative may be slightly exaggerated.
"Texas will be in it until the end," Cook said with a smile.
FINAL NOTES FROM OREGON
1. Rondale Moore - One of the best WRs early on, but the bigger DBs used a physicality he wasn't used to. He still managed to snag a couple TDs yesterday. Still, his speed, quickness, precise routes, and hands were on display for the slot from Kentucky. Texas got a good one.
2. Jalen Green - He looked like the best CB from Texas, and one of the best in the country. He had two INTs, one returned for a TD in yesterday's action. And Texas still looks great here. The scuttle of him looking at A&M was squashed when he told reporters College Station wasn't for him.
3. BJ Foster - A little sluggish, naturally, on his first day quickly evaporated with each snap during 7-on-7. Each rep, he got more confident. Each game, he made a few more plays than before. He even talked to me about being rusty. He mentioned though he wouldn't use it as an excuse. There's just so much to like about this kid.
4. Caden Sterns - The 4-star from Cibolo Steele and UT commit is a better football player than 7-on-7 player. And he still managed a pick-6 off Trevor Lawrence yesterday. His instincts are uncanny. And he just wants to hit someone.
5. Tommy Bush - After a great first day (without DBs), Bush regressed the mean when facing some of the nation's best defensive backs during the 7-on-7 portion. His natural ability gives him potential you can't coach. His feet and route-running are things that can be coached. Still a take in my book.
6. Al'Vonte Woodard - If Waddle isn't the state's top WR, Woodard is. Based off athletic ability and upside, he's a player. He didn't have any 'wow' moments, but caught almost everything and was consistent during the 7-on-7 sessions. You take Woodard, work him to the bone, and produce a future All-Big 12 receiver.
7. Brennan Eagles - I've got good news and bad news. The bad news is Eagles was slightly underwhelming most the weekend, but still had his bright moments. The good news is this kid has OBJ hands. The one-handed catches are simply incredible. He's a possession receiver with a little more speed. Teach him some better techniques, sign him up for Jazzercise (for flexibility), and you've got a baller.
8. D'Shawn Jamison - This guy can start and stop on a dime, flip his hips like he's doing the twist, and packs a punch in such a small package. He feared nobody and it showed. One of the better CBs during the 7-on-7 sessions. Texas could get a good one here.
9. Tanner McKee - The 5-star from Corona (CA) has probably never had a Corona. After an average first day, he got better in the next few evenings. He's got a great arm (68 yards on the distance competition) and showed some nice touch during 7-on-7's. I still think his mechanics need tweaking and he needs to up his caloric intake by 1,000 or so calories a day. But he's better than Rising and Thompson, and I can see what Herman sees. A potential star.
10. Luke Ford - The best tight end in Oregon by a decent margin. He's your prototype; can block on the line, or run routes lined out and catch the pigskin. I don't know what I like more about Ford - his size (6-foot-6, 245) or untapped potential. He'll OV to Austin in the fall. I'll have a more in-depth look at Ford (Carterville, IL and recent Arkansas de-commit) later in the week. He's a tremendous interview and UT looks damn good here.
11. Terrace Marshall - The nation's top WR showed why he's so highly regarded. It wasn't just his physical dominance. It wasn't just his all-out production. He was a skipping ahead in line more than anyone. He wanted to showcase to the country just how good he is, time after time. And he did just that. He'll shake Goodell's hand on stage at the 2021 NFL Draft. Write that down.
FUTURE STARS
Trevor Lawrence, QB (Clemson) - If everything goes right, he's the most likely to be walking across that stage for the 2022 NFL Draft. One of the best HS quarterbacks I've ever seen.
Al Blades Jr., DB (Miami) - A great coach once told me you want dogs at DB. If that's the case, then Blades is a Pitbull. The 6-foot-0, 175-pound corner is just another of a long line of hard-nosed south Florida prospects. Multiple family members played at The U and in the NFL, and there's no reason Al Jr. won't do the same. Boisterous, confident, and eager to hit anything within the parameters of 7-on-7. He talked a big game and backed it up.
Justin Fields, QB - Rocket arm, mobility, and a good leader. Some lucky college program will turn this guy into an NFL prospect. If not, I think he could play baseball.
Xavier Thomas, DE (Clemson) - While this year's crop of offensive and defensive linemen was slightly less than the previous years, but that doesn't include Thomas. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound IMG Academy product had no problems with any and all OL this weekend. He bull-rushed a 5-star OT, pancaked him, then got the cone (QB) in about three seconds. Dabo Swinney is reloading, y'all.
Bookie Radley-Hines, DB (Nebraska) - A fan favorite, recruit favorite, and one of my favorites. He's got skills to pay the bills, along with a knack for leadership and charisma. He'll be wildly successful in Lincoln. He might barely be 5-foot-9, but plays like he's 7-foot. And carries a swagger most coaches covet.
Sam Darnold, QB (USC) - Each year the Elite 11 brings camp counselors to Oregon. Guys that performed in past Opening's to help teach and be good examples for the newest crop of QBs. Each year the counselors have a skills competition for fun and so the future signal-callers can see how it's done firsthand. Darnold won the College QBs skills competition this year...with the highest score ever recorded. Texas should have fun with that in Los Angeles this September. For the record, UT's Shane Buechele went through the same gauntlet as a senior in 2015. And won the event too.
By: Joe Cook
KEAONTAY INGRAM
In College Station for the State 7-on-7 Championship, the smaller schools have their days on Thursday and Friday.
The larger Division I schools come to town in the afternoon on Friday while the Division II schools are in the middle of a very competitive tournament.
Running back commit Keaontay Ingram was with his Carthage Bulldog teammates trying to take the 7-on-7 crown. Ingram was called on to both catch balls out of the backfield and try to take on corners split out wide.
Out wide, he was able to show off his speed that he only recently discovered was at 4.52 in the 40-yard dash.
“It was pretty hard,” Ingram said on running his time. “I never ran on a laser before, I didn’t know they were like that. To run an excellent time, you’ve got to work at it. I’m going to start working on that as well.”
Ingram, who currently measures in at 6-foot, 190 pounds, said he was still hearing from other schools even though he is committed to the Horns. LSU, Ohio State, A&M and “a couple more other schools” are still in contact with the state’s best rusher.
Although committed to Texas, Ingram still gives other schools the time of day.
“I’m still listening because of the simple fact that they gave me an opportunity to play at their schools,” Ingram said. “I want to give them respect and listen to what they have to say."
Even though he listens, Ingram called going public with his commitment a huge stress relief. With regards to what got him to choose Texas, Ingram was very specific.
“The energy,” Ingram said. “I feel like they bring a lot of energy and now chemistry. I’m not only saying that, the players, they’re saying that as well. That’s something to look at and all I ask out of the coaches is keep it real with me. I feel like Coach Herman, Coach Drayton, Coach Warehime and Coach Beck, they’ve been doing that and they’ve been brutally honest with me, and I feel like that’s what I need.”
BB3
It might be strange to see a 6-foot-5, 282-pound defensive tackle playing 7-on-7 with skill players from all over the state. For Arlington Lamar DT Bobby Brown, it’s something his athletic ability allows him to do. “I’m fast enough to play with them and athletic enough, so I do it for a workout,” Brown said.
Brown normally goes in for goal line situations for the Viking 7-on-7 team. As far as Power 5 schools are concerned, they want him to play in the trenches instead of catch touchdowns. He recently went to Alabama and spoke highly of his visit to reporters.
“It was definitely more than I thought it was going to be,” Brown said. “I didn’t expect half of the things I saw there. That was a good experience being able to sit down with Coach Saban."
Brown mentioned Champions Walk in Tuscaloosa as part of his visit that stuck out to him the most. He keeps in communication with Tosh Lupoi at Alabama. In addition to the Crimson Tide, Florida State, LSU, and Texas A&M speak with Brown the most.
In addition to these schools, Texas also is in contention for Brown’s commitment, which he plans to announce on November 2nd after taking all of his visits. When asked about defensive line coach Oscar Giles, Brown gave him high praise. “I love Coach Giles’ character and how he recruits me.”
Brown said his only current plan is to possibly return to Alabama later this month. The versatile defensive lineman plans to sign in the early signing period.
BATTLE
While most of the attendees at the Texas Heat Wave were either commits or prospects that held Texas offers, several players without offers were invited for the pool party event.
Cy Creek WR Miles Battle was one of those players, and he had high praise for the event different than anything he had been to before.
“I didn’t even know what to expect at first with the whole pool party thing,” Battle said. "That was a lot of fun hanging out with all the players and recruits that they have, just building chemistry and building friendships and relationships.”
Battle recently released a Top 12 that included the Longhorns. Though they have not offered, there is some mutual interest.
“I put them in my top 12 because I’m really interested in them,” Battle said. “If they were to offer, that would put them pretty high on the list.”
Tom Herman was able to see Battle play live as he watched him play when he was at Houston. Other schools on Battle right now include TCU, Oregon, Ole Miss, LSU, Baylor and Oklahoma State
As far an offer goes, Battle said he should know soon.
“I’m probably nearing one here pretty soon,” Battle said. “I’m going to be talking to Coach Mehringer in a couple days and get the final ‘what everything’s going to be.’”
Battle plans to take all five officials to his top five schools. Oregon is the only one he has set in stone right now.
QUICK QUOTES
-2019 Hebron WR Trejan Bridges has plenty of natural ability. The junior-to-be has already racked up offers and is receiving heavy interest from Oregon, Ole Miss, Baylor and Arkansas.
Bridges communicates with Tim Beck at Texas, and should be back in Austin soon.
“We talk about making the offer happen,” Bridges said. “We talk about what I can bring to the table and how he wants me to be up there. I’m going to take another visit in another two or three weeks, and hopefully I have that offer.”
If Texas offered, Bridges said they would definitely be in his top three or four.
-2019 Fort Bend Bush DB Jamal Morris already has a great frame, and Baylor, Houston, and Oklahoma State are already recruiting him hard.
Even though those schools have sent an offer his way, he already holds a strong connection with the Longhorns.
“I really like Texas,” Morris said. “I have a close relationship with Coach Naivar, because he’s been at U of H and was recruiting me. I already have a close relationship with him. I know that Coach Tom Herman, that’s a hell of a coach. I know that in a year, by the time I’m a senior when it’s time for me to commit, I know Texas is going to be on their way to the top.”
Morris’ teammate, 2019 DB Erick Young has early offers from Baylor, Iowa State, and Colorado. Young said most schools are interested in him playing corner.
Texas has an in with Young as well, telling Inside Texas members of his dad’s side of the family went to school on the 40 Acres.
Morris communicates with UT safeties coach Craig Naivar as well and plans to commit next summer.
