2012 Texas Longhorns Recruiting Thread (+ related news)

[TFloss32]

Surprised Gray has eliminated Tech from his list this soon considering he was a Tech legacy and all that. Good news for us. Hopefully we can land 1 out of the 2 (Gray and/or Williams).

It will also be interesting to see if Anthony switching to TCU could effect Grays recruitment there.

Gray hasn't necessarily "eliminated" Texas Tech, but he's not going to be spending four years in Lubbock. It's a Texas/TCU battle. The Anthony commitment to TCU is definitely interesting. I'm not sure what they have planned for him...maybe they'll line him up in the slot. After thinking about it some more, I'm not really sure it hurts or helps TCU. If Gray chooses TCU in the end, he'll be the feature back the day he steps on campus. The difference in being at Texas is he won't have that responsibility and I think that's what the Gray family is looking for. They want him paired with someone like RB Malcolm Brown who can allow for a smaller workload and prolong his durability.

[TFloss32]

Update on TE Griffin Gilbert of Lake Travis...I apologize for editing the post on him above like three times. My frustration with the scholarship offer blinded my ability to really evaluate what was going on. After reading some more, it turns out that offer is for a grayshirt...which makes A LOT more sense. All that means basically is a commitment from Gilbert would count towards the 2013 class' numbers and not 2012. He would commit to Texas with the rest of the 2012 class, but he wouldn't enroll in school until the Spring of 2013. We'll see what happens as he mentioned he'd like to make a decision fairly soon.

[DesignatedT]

A&M got #16 QB Trevor Knight from SA Reagan.

[TFloss32]

A&M got #16 QB Trevor Knight from SA Reagan.

He's probably the best overall QB in Texas. Nice pick-up for the Ags.

[yavozerb]

He's probably the best overall QB in Texas. Nice pick-up for the Ags.

I know in earlier posts you had mentioned some players actually have agents, like trey williams. Is this the same thing now being reviewed by the ncaa on oregon in the seastrunk signing from last season?

[Whisky Dog]

I know in earlier posts you had mentioned some players actually have agents, like trey williams. Is this the same thing now being reviewed by the ncaa on oregon in the seastrunk signing from last season?

It's exactly the same thing. The Oregon payments were two guys with a hand in Texas recruiting with the main one being Will Lyles. Lyles is basically a guy who started an "elite athlete performance training" company and started organizing 7 on 7 camps and other football camps across the state/country. What is being found out and alleged is that Lyles uses these camps to gather the elite football players and test to see which ones don't have a father or father figure I their lives. He then goes to talk to momma and the athlete about how crazy the recruiting biz is and how to go about things so they don't get ripped off and deceived. Once he gains their trust he's basically steering their recruitment to the likes of Oregon, Auburn, SC, LSU, etc in exchange for cash. Oregon was stupid enough to actually file the 25k payment to Lyles in their budget and yahoo got ahold of it.

A lot of people speculate that in most circumstances the recruit and his family may either not know about the payment or not know the amount. He may kick back a little to the family and keep the lion's share.

[Whisky Dog]

Also, a bit of Gray news: according to James Gray he and Jonathan will be in Austin tomorrow to watch Spring practice. Apparent the elder Gray was at TCU's spring practice today or yesterday while Jonathan is in school.

[TFloss32]

Lots of news going around this morning...

*Forgive my knee-jerk reaction to the TE Griffin Gilbert news yesterday...I just wasn't very happy about that. Turns out he followed through with his desire to commit early and pledged to TCU yesterday. I think UT dodged a bullet here as scholarship numbers are tight and Gilbert projects to be a lower tier Division I type of player.

*Texas has sent out yet another offer to a stud out-of-state prospect. I'm not sure if he's being offered as a WR or DB and it's unclear at this time who his recruiter is. My guess right now is it's Duane Akina. He'll definitely be a member of the Rivals 250 when it comes out later this year and I've read that he could be as high as the #2 prospect in all of Florida behind OT John Theus of Bolles in Jacksonville (who Texas has also offered). This one can be filed in the "longshot" category as of right now. UT will need to get him on campus to have a puncher's chance.

ATH, Nelson Agholor, Berkeley Prep (6-2, 180)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Nelson-Agholor-115476

*Thanks to Whisky for posting about this above...looks like RB Johnathan Gray of Aledo will making it into town tomorrow to catch his first spring practice at UT under the new regime. Mr. Gray mentioned that his work schedule is rather busy in the near future so they wanted to make sure they were able to make a visit just in case they couldn't at a later date. I fully expect them to make the annual Orange/White Spring Game on April 3rd.

*Another potential visitor for Saturday's practice is highly sought after OL Michael Starts of Waco La Vega. Stacy Searels has asked Starts and his father to come in town this weekend for another visit. Starts mentioned that Searels has been a big factor in his recruitment so far.

*The drama with ATH Kendall Sanders of Athens continues. We all know he decided to skip the second UT Junior Day last weekend. His reasoning behind it was he either felt bad about going because he's committed to Oklahoma State or he wasn't happy about what UT was offering him (remember...he wants to play WR). He mentioned this week that he'd be "very open" to visiting Austin this spring if the UT staff makes it a point to invite him to campus. This one is a bit of a head-scratcher because he was just asked to come to campus last week where he probably would've received an offer, yet he turned down the opportunity to do so. He could've switched his commitment to UT already (the school he really wants to be at). It's almost like he's playing hard to get until the staff offers him as a WR. Well, he could be waiting a while because Mack Brown doesn't usually contact committed prospects.

*Lastly, thanks to Designated T for the Aggie news. QB Trevor Knight of San Antonio Reagan has made a commitment to Texas A&M. Solid get for the Ags as he's arguably the best overall QB in the state of Texas.

[Whisky Dog]

Thanks for the info on Sanders, Tfloss. That's some weird stuff. Not to be mean to the kid, but his actions here are really reminding me of what the hot chick does - messing around toting with the safe guy who's all over her while trying to get what she wants from the guy she really likes. I know Athens is currently in the regional semifinals game va Sealy in 3A so he's got a lot going on right now too. I'm interested to see how this goes.


Another note on the street agent thing: this is absolutely fascinating to follow as a CFB fan. One angle I just thought of is in regards to Trey Williams. By all accounts we backed way off Williams once he put Will Lyles out there as his "confidant". Now that Lyles is being exposed nationally by Yahoo it's be interesting to see if guys like Williams and Matt Davis don't run the other direction from Lyles as fast as possible to avoid being involved with that mess. If this Yahoo story turns into something big and this does play out I think UT might start recruiting Williams again to go along with Gray. Will be interesting to see.

[TFloss32]

I also wanted to comment on the street agent news that's coming out. Yahoo! broke the ice yesterday and now various news sources like Sports Illustrated are just piling on. It has the potential to get real ugly, but something needs to be done. Here are a few articles to familiarize yourself with guys like Will Lyles, Baron Flenory (played football at New Hampshire under Oregon HC, Chip Kelly) and David Barham. Read these when you get the chance as it's a good breakdown of how these guys operate.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=cr-oregon030311

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2010/12/10/street-agents-in-texas-some-new-competition-for-will-lyles/

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6179423

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/03/04/oregon.payments.insider/index.html?eref=sihp

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/02/brandon-alexander-were-larger-forces-at-play/

Will Lyles and Pete Carroll

http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Boards/216/1216/69775.jpg


Recruits Involved with Lyles

QB, Matt Davis, Klein Forest (2012)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Matt-Davis-94383

RB, Michael Goodson, Klein Collins (Texas A&M, 2006)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Michael-Goodson-32755

RB, LaMichael James, Texarkana Liberty-Elyau (Oregon, 2008)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-LaMichael-James-58306

RB, Trent Richardson, Escambia (Pensacola, FL) (Alabama, 2009)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Trent-Richardson-72330

RB, Lache Seastrunk, Temple (Oregon, 2010)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Lache-Seastrunk-75256

RB, Dontae Williams, Aldine (Oregon, 2010)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Dontae-Williams-81877

RB, Trey Williams, Spring DeKaney (2012)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Trey-Williams-104073

WR, Trovon Reed, Thibodaux (Thibodaux, LA) (Auburn, 2010)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Trovon-Reed-80215

WR, Terrance Tolliver, Hempstead (LSU, 2007)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Terrance-Toliver-43493

TE, Martellus Bennett, Alief Taylor (Texas A&M, 2005)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Martellus-Bennett-27345

OL, Daniel Campbell, Aldine (USC, 2008)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Daniel-Campbell-43568

LB, Trevon Randle, League City Clear Springs (LSU, 2011)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Trevon-Randle-94761

S, Ahmad Dixon, Waco Midway (Baylor, 2010)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Ahmad-Dixon-82277

S, Craig Loston, Aldine Eisenhower (LSU, 2010)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Craig-Loston-53993

ATH, Bralon Addison, Fort Bend Hightower (2012)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Bralon-Addison-81314

[TFloss32]

Another note on the street agent thing: this is absolutely fascinating to follow as a CFB fan. One angle I just thought of is in regards to Trey Williams. By all accounts we backed way off Williams once he put Will Lyles out there as his "confidant". Now that Lyles is being exposed nationally by Yahoo it's be interesting to see if guys like Williams and Matt Davis don't run the other direction from Lyles as fast as possible to avoid being involved with that mess. If this Yahoo story turns into something big and this does play out I think UT might start recruiting Williams again to go along with Gray. Will be interesting to see.


Whisky-

I read a crazy bit this morning. Did you know that Will Lyles called ATH Bralon Addison's father this week and asked him if he'd like to go on an unofficial visit to Auburn with other prospects like QB Matt Davis? Addison's father apparently came to his senses and turned Lyles down. I think that's why we're seeing UT get more involved in Addison's recruitment now. I've heard they really like him as a DB. Up until this point, no recruiting services have explained why RB Trey Williams isn't being recruited by UT and it's been blatantly obvious for a while. Texas doesn't stop recruiting a potential five-star back (that they've had serious interest in for a long time) in February of his junior year unless something is off. I hope he wises up for the sake of his future even if he doesn't end up at UT. Just get away from Lyles.

UT fans have been up in arms in the past about why they've simply stopped recruiting certain guys with seemingly no explanation. A good example of that was RB Lache Seastrunk's recruitment. He apparently showed up in Austin with Lyles for his unofficial visit in the summer of 2009. Contact between the two parties stopped immediately after that, yet people wondered why UT pulled his offer. LB Anthony Wallace of Dallas Skyline had a similiar situation as contact with the staff ceased at a certain point. Turns out he was rumored to be involved with Flenory and magically ended up at Oregon.

[TFloss32]

Here's another out-of-state prospect that Texas has been contacting. He's saying he thinks Texas will offer soon. UT recruited this school back in 2007 when they were trying to land DT Joseph Barksdale who ended up at LSU.

DB, Terry Richardson, Cass Tech (Detroit, MI) (5-9, 160)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Terry-Richardson-109300

[Whisky Dog]

No, I didn't know that about Addison but that's damn good info and good to hear. If SI and ESPN follow through with the Yahoo story then I can't imagine any way Lyles, Flenory, the SEC street agent from Georgia, etc. arent completely blown out of the water immediately. Their whole business is based on flying under the radar so that kind of exposure should ruin them in the street agent game. Then it'll be interesting to see just how deep this goes and how many programs are uncovered. I'd imagine most schools aren't stupid enough to pay Lyles directly $25 k for "recruiting services" that most universities at most pay upwards of $5 k to obtain. The NCAA really needs to meet this head on and decide of this activity is going to be ok or not. If not then they need to drop the hammer nearly "SMU" style to send the message. If they decide it's minor and not a big deal then we can start swinging around our massive ESPN roll and buying the best of the best.

[TFloss32]

If they decide it's minor and not a big deal then we can start swinging around our massive ESPN roll and buying the best of the best.

Mack Brown has proven that he's not going to deal with kids that have representation. Most of the stud prospects that Will Lyles has been involved saw their communication with Texas cut off at some point in their recruitment because of it. I don't see Brown playing that game as long as he's in charge at UT.

[TFloss32]

Here's another video with DC Manny Diaz:

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=234627

[TFloss32]

I wanted to clarify something for our resident Aggies. I've never seen any accusations of dealing with street agents under Mike Sherman's tenure. By all accounts, their program has been clean under him and has never signed a player involved with Lyles during that time. This is why I'm surprised that they're after RB Trey Williams right now. Dennis Franchione could've been a different story because of his SEC ties. You would've never heard it discussed anyway because the Ags weren't that successful under him. TE Martellus Bennett was definitely involved with Lyles, but the word is he and his father made the ultimate decision to attend A&M (Lyles was just a figure in the background). I don't have any information on RB Michael Goodson.

[DesignatedT]

Highly doubt Sherman is doing anything under the table but it could have been a possibility under Fran although I don't think that was the case with Martellus. Martellus had some big reasons for choosing A&M the biggest being his brother Michael already committing to A&M. Also, he became close with Billy Gillespie and was interesting in trying to play basketball for him.

Goodson could be interesting, If I remember correctly he was very interested in USC before choosing A&M which is kind of odd since Lyles was known to be close to Carroll. Lyles could have been trying to push him to USC before choosing A&M or Fran could have been doing something under the table, who knows. Goodson was only offered by 3 or 4 schools though I believe and I'm not even sure he got a Texas offer?

[TFloss32]

Goodson was only offered by 3 or 4 schools though I believe and I'm not even sure he got a Texas offer?

Texas did not offer Goodson. I didn't follow recruiting back then so I don't know what the whole story is on him. I do know that Goodson was another guy in a long line of RBs that UT fans were pissed at Mack Brown for not offering. UT did pick up RB Vondrell McGee of Longview that year and he was highly touted, but he ended up being a bust. Goodson was ranked a little higher than McGee that year (#32 vs. #57 in the country).

[DesignatedT]

I don't have ESPN Insider but this could be potential good news from them. Not sure if it's all speculation or what.


Three more Watch Listers for Aggies?
2:21PM ET
A trio of big timers -- two of whom are high school teammates -- reportedly favor Texas A&M. DT Malcolm Brown, LB Timothy Cole and S LaDarrell McNeil

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/features/rumors?date=20110304&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf %2ffeatures%2frumors%3fdate%3d20110304

[TFloss32]

I don't have ESPN Insider but this could be potential good news from them. Not sure if it's all speculation or what.


http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/features/rumors?date=20110304&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf %2ffeatures%2frumors%3fdate%3d20110304

I'd say that's pretty accurate.

[TFloss32]

RB Johnathan Gray of Aledo has confirmed he'll be making a trip to Austin tomorrow to take in spring practice. OL Michael Starts of Waco La Vega will not be in attendance after all.

[TFloss32]

*I wanted to add that RB Johnathan Gray's father did not end up attending TCU's practice yesterday. Hope to hear more after today is over on how the visit went in Austin.

*Here are some pictures from Friday's practice:
http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/view.gal?id=88559

*Bryan Harsin interview from 1300 The Zone in Austin. Scroll about half way down the page until you see Harsin's picture and clink on the link:
http://www.longhornstation.com/pages/buckonsports.html

[TFloss32]

A little more news on DE Mario Edwards of Denton Ryan...not only will he be going to Tallahassee next week to visit the Florida State campus for a couple of days over Spring Break, but he's already planned a return trip in April to see the Seminoles' annual spring game. For those that don't remember, Edwards' father is Mario Edwards, Sr. who played DB for Florida State and also the Dallas Cowboys at one point in his professional career. Edwards, Sr. will be playing in an alumni flag football game during halftime of the spring game. Like I mentioned before, Texas is behind in this race, but the staff will continue to recruit him until they feel it's no longer beneficial to do so.

[DMX7]

So how did Grey's visit go?

[ThePop]

Tfloss will have real info but all i've read so far is that he spent a lot of time chatting with Malcolm Brown and Cayleb Jones. I don't know when he commits but i'd say we have a heavy lead in his recruitment.

[Whisky Dog]

So how did Grey's visit go?

Gray, the No. 2-ranked prospect in the 2012 Fab 55, made the trip to Austin with his father James Gray. Needless to say, the 5-foot-11, 200-pounder liked what he saw from the Longhorns.
“Wow. Extremely physical practice on both sides of the ball,” Gray said. “It was great to see everyone fighting for a job. When you practice like that, it makes everyone look better.”
Gray was in Austin for the Feb. 13 junior day when he officially picked up his verbal offer from the Texas coaching staff. Texas is in Gray's current top three along with TCU and Texas A&M.
Gray has been a Texas target for a long time and is being recruited by co-offensive coordinator Major Applewhite. After this trip, Gray seems to be pleased with the direction the Longhorn offense is taking under Applewhite and co-coordinator Bryan Harsin.
“I'm glad I had a chance to come down,” Gray said. “The offense they're installing will give them a chance to be physical.”

[Whisky Dog]

Here's some interesting info posted at another site as the first hand account from a Texas HS coach who attended practices over the weekend as part a coaches weekend. It's long but a lot of interesting things in here:

This is my second year to be able to attend the UT coaches’ clinic, and I’m always impressed at the people running our program. From the administrative personnel to the coaches everyone is so generous and accommodating. It’s easy to see why we recruit so well consistently. They even make nobodies like myself feel right at home.
I was also able to attend the Friday practice. These are some of my notes from the clinic and observations from practice. I’m not a pro like Ketch so bear with me.
Thursday evening we got the chance to spend one hour with a UT offensive coach of our choice, and then one hour with a defensive coach. I chose Major and Manny Diaz.
Major Applewhite.
-Ball security is his and the team’s #1 priority heading into 2011.
- In 2010 teams that were + in turnover margin won an average of 8 games.. Teams that were - won an average of 4.9 games. Texas was in the minus last year so we were no different from the rest of the NCAA in winning 5 games.
- Team spends 5 minutes everyday drilling on ball security. That’s skill positions on BOTH sides of the ball. Coaches don’t want the DB’s and LB’s losing the ball when they force turnovers. Linemen spend the period working on fumble recovery.
- Backs haven’t put the ball on the ground yet. Traylon Shead promptly fumbled at practice Friday.
- Ryan Roberson is back at fullback, and is 1st string so far. Major called him an “incredible athlete”.
- Jameson Berryhill is the backup but he’s down to 214 pounds due to injury and inablilty to workout. They want him back up to 230. Major said he’s still the meanest RB we have. “He’ll stick you”
- Cody Johnson and Chris Whaley (“Big Whale”) will also play fullback in certain situations.
- Ended by stating that he really missed Texas when he was out of state. Said football is not the same anywhere else. Recruiting is awesome in Texas because he can go to a school and meet coaches, teachers, and get everything he needs easily. Told a story about recruiting in Pennsylvania while he was at Syracuse. He had to go to the Post Office to meet the kid’s coach because that was his full time job.
Manny Diaz.
Man, this guy is a character but he knows his stuff. I have to say his accent/twang is interesting to me. I’m Hispanic and have lived in Texas my whole life. So to hear a Cuban-American who has lived in the East/Southeast his whole life is funny. He sounds like a latino Boomhauer.
- He was asked about a base D, and said we’ll do lots of everything but mostly 4-3. Said that due to his background at FSU, etc. 85% of what he does will be man type stuff, and it will be very aggressive.
- Doesn’t believe in lostsof hybrid defenses and trick stuff. He wants his man coverage to be strictly man, and same thing for zone.
- Installing an average of 2 blitzes per day. By THIS Sunday the defense will be ready to play a game as far as installation goes.
- Doesn’t believe in installing a ton of complicated stuff. “We will do what we do but we’re going to be great at it. It’s my job to fix it every week”.
- Every defense needs a “fastball”. Ours will be a cover 3 fire zone. However, you can’t use a fastball everytime as a good offense will eventually time it and knock it out of the park. So there will be “change ups” to compliment everything.
- He doesn’t believe in the word weakness. He makes the players say “stress” instead. His primary job as DC is to hide and change the “stress” of the defensive package on every play, and to change that stress on every play.
- One thing he said that I found very interesting along those lines. He takes it very personally when an offense gets to the line, sees the defense, and then the QB gets a new play from the sideline. He says it’s garbage and unfair to his defense so he makes it his personal “vendetta” to make sure his kids are prepared for that.
- He was asked if we will tackle better, and said people focus too much on form when a player makes a hit. Good tackling happens well before that by taking good angles. He’s drilling the guys on taking better angles. From watching our 2010 film 85% of the missed tackles he saw were from poor angles.
- His shared with us his tackling analogy he uses with the players. “Just because these guys watch porn. Doesn’t mean they know how to screw. Guys are so concerned with screwing, and they haven’t even gotten the girl to bed yet. I want these guys focusing on getting the girl to bed first because I’m pretty sure we’ll figure out what hole to put it in once they do,” Like I said he’s a character.
- Told the players this year’s scheme was the opposite of last years’. Defensive line will not be asked to keep blocker off linebackers. He wants lineman getting their feet across the line of scrimmage and disrupting the play thru penetration. The linebackers will be there to clean up the rest.
- His scheme involves lots of crossflow for the linebackers’ reads. This will be particularly effective against zone blocking teams. He drew up a good example of this against an I-formation which he called a “trick formation” because we don’t see it anymore.
- Called Texas the “Capital of Football”. He was very humbled to be here, and still has to pinch himself when he puts the burnt orange on every morning.
- Gave me his e-mail. Said we can talk ball anytime. Wow.
Ok, now to the stuff you guys really want to hear about. Practice. I spent most of the time observing the offense.
Offense
- HUZZAH!! I was apprehensive about sharing what I saw in the interests of secrecy, but there’s no point in that. The offense rolled out about EVERY look you can image. There was some pistol, there was some I, there was some offset I, there was some 2 back sets in the gun, there were double tight looks, there were some empty sets. You name it they showed it. And I can confirm there is tons of motion. It is frankly dizzying at times. It seems like the running back moves on every play depending on what the QB sees at the line. Looks like they are trying to gain some leverage based on numbers. Looks like the Boise St. O alright
- The thing that stood out to me the most was the tempo of the practice. The offense moves very fast between plays. Players shuffle in and out on practically every play. There are several packages they use and the personnel are constantly changing including the lineman.
- There was a pretty even distribution of snaps between the QB’s with Gilbert getting a tiny bit more. I’d say David Ash is getting the second most, and he certainly looks the part. IMHO, if you gave me one of those guys to build a team around I’d take Ash.
-Gilbert’s footwork is better, but the long windup is still there. He’s still forcing some throws. He just seems like he’s pressing to much. His arm is the strongest and the guys seem to really like him. But he’s still making a few too many boneheaded plays. He threw a pick 6 to Gideon in 1 on1’s, and another was dropped in team.
- Case McCoy was the least impressive to me. His throws just hang in the air too damn long.
-Carries distributed pretty evenly among the backs: Whittaker, Johnson, Shead, and DJ Monroe got a handful. Jeremy Hills was not practicing. Didn’t seem hurt. Traylon Shead will be a beast eventually. Hell, maybe this year.
- I overheard a manager say Malcom Brown and Joe Bergeron attended a practice last week, and they are already bigger than the backs on campus. And that’s without pads on.
- I didn’t know Darryl Wyatt was so short. He can’t be more than 5’6. I thought Gary Coleman was coaching the WR’s
-Malcolm Williams was not practicing but he was having a lot of fun with the other players. He doesn’t look hurt or upset.
-No one on our defense can cover Mike Davis. I’m calling my shot. He’s 100% and he’s going to have a big year.
- I’ll confirm what has been said about John Harris. He’ll have growing pains this year, but he’s a load. He juked AJ White out of his jock on a 5 yard hitch in 1 on1’s. The players went crazy.
- Desean Hales is probably the #2 guy right now, but he’s still dropping too many balls. He catches lots with his pads.
- Some guy named Mcnamara saw lots of snaps, but I imagine that will change once Goodwin, and Williams are back.
- Chris Jones practiced with the green jersey.
- Greg Timmons got tangled up with a DB on one play, and turned his ankle pretty bad. He didn’t practice after that.
- TE’s were quiet in the passing game, but we used them a ton. The only pass I saw them catch was by MJ Mcfarland in 7 on7. Blaine Irby dropped one.
-There was a lot of emphasis placed on blocking for the WR’s. Lots of time spent drilling. I think this unit is probably the strongest on the offense, and just really damn good period.
- Coach Searels is intense.
-Dom Espinosa and Kyle Kriegel were dressed out. I think they did position drills, but did not participate in team.
- The first guys to get snaps on the O-line were (left to right): Hopkins, Ashcraft, Snow, Walters, and Kelly. I wouldn’t look too much onto that as the linemen are shuffled out on about every play.
-Tray Allen saw a series at Left Tackle.
-I’m worried about this group at present. As good the wideouts were this unit was bad. Now, they are still learning so they will improve by fall. But they did not have a lot of success running the ball. There was no “surge” and the D certainly controlled the LOS. Pass protection was slightly better. Alex Okafor and Reggie Wilson got off the edge very easily several times, but that’s not necessarily an indictment on the offense.
- At one point in the middle of practice the coaches made the offense go to one sideline, and the defense to another. They ran 1 on1’s for gassers. Mike Davis went against Adrian Phillips and beat him deep. Fozzy Whittaker broke down Jordan Hicks pretty well on a hitch and go. On the last one, Darius Terrell made a diving catch over the middle in front of Blake Gideon. He got up and spiked the ball and the whole offense went crazy and ran to midfield with him. They seem to behaving a lot of fun, but Mack didn‘t care for the spike.
- Calvin Howell and Ashton Dorsey say the most snaps alongside Randall. Cotton and Bible also got a few reps, but I ran out of breath just watching Bible. He’s a 10 snap a game guy as of right now IMO. That might even be wishful.
-Okafor, Wilson, and D. Johnson saw the most snaps at DE. I only saw Jeffcoat once, but that’s probably just me not being very observant.
- Reggie Wilson is a MAN. He’ll blow up this year. Looks a little more polished in the pass rush.
-Acho was playing Mike, Hicks was Will, and Demarco Cobbs was Sam. They were solid, but Cobbs is still visibly adjusting. Chet Moss, and Aaron Benson saw lots of snaps with the second group.
-Stating secondary was Byndom and Phillips at Corner. Gideon and Vaccaro at S. Next group was White, Jackson, and Diggs at CB. Scott and Brewster at S. They struggled as a group.
-Diaz does indeed have a very aggressive scheme. Some of his blitz packages remind of Greg Robinson. He likes to bring safeties near the LOS from time to time. He’s intense on the field, but he doesn’t like to do a lot of yelling and humiliating. He gets in a guy’s face, and makes sure they know what went wrong though.

[Whisky Dog]

-Diaz does indeed have a very aggressive scheme. Some of his blitz packages remind of Greg Robinson. He likes to bring safeties near the LOS from time to time. He’s intense on the field, but he doesn’t like to do a lot of yelling and humiliating. He gets in a guy’s face, and makes sure they know what went wrong though.
-Duane Akina is coaching pissed off. Last year when I went to this he was a little more light hearted in practice. Not this time. He didn’t smile once.
- Never heard much from Coach Davis, but he was on the other side of the field from me.
************************************************** ****************************
Saturday
-Lot of Longhorn celebrities in attendance today. Coach Royal, Sam Acho, Rod Wright, and Brad McCoy.
-Practice was FAST and intense again today. The guys are hitting hard and competing. Those were also Mack's words verbatim when he addressed the group at the end.
-The offense looked more crisp today, and they got the better of the D in the first half of team. Fozzy, Cody, and Shead all ripped off some big runs.
- Going to get on my soapbox a bit. Gilbert may not end up being the "guy" for Texas, but I wish people would never utter nonsense about his teammates resenting him or him being a poor leader. I've seen him interact with the guys going on 2 days now. They like him. He's constantly encouraging and talking shop between plays. He and Case McCoy seem to get along well. End rant.
-Speaking of Case he seemed to struggle again IMHO
-Wood was dealing for a little bit. He threw a strike to Irby on an out that would have picked up about 15.
-Ash threw a few strikes to Davis. He's the most sound of all the QB's if you ask me. Best delivery, pocket presence, and throws a real tight spiral. That may change in a game setting, but he doesn't look like a fish in practice.
-Mike Davis and John Harris caught a lot of balls again. They were also very active in the run game on WR sweeps.
-Tons of emphasis on screen game today. Both with RB's and O-line. They didn't have a great deal of success in team, but the drills and coaching were fun to watch. They will get better. Harsin and Searels are great teachers.
-QB snaps were the same again today. They look evenly distributed between all 4 guys. I didn't keep count, but they all seem to be getting good work.
-Coach Harsin is a goofball. He works hard, but likes to kid around too. He was walking around with the cap on backwards for half of practice.
-Coach Searels is much less laid back. Sounds like he's losing his voice already. He's got his bunch working very hard in position drills. Lots of contact. Lots of physicality, but it's all thud tempo to be safe.
-Tray Allen and Calvin Howell had a little scrum, and had to be pulled apart. Nothing to get excited over. Guys are just getting after each other.
-The defense took the first part of team personally because they whipped the O's ass to end team. It ended with Kenny Vaccaro timing his blitz perfectly and unloading into the center. Might have been a walkon I couldn't see if it was Snow. It was just a vicious hit, and the play was broke before it started.
-Manny was really on Patrick Nkwopara's rear during position drills. At one point he told him to "just go away and go run or something." Didn't see what he did but Manny sounded pissed.
-Maybe I missed something but where the heck is Jackson Jeffcoat? Didn't see him at all today.
-Reggie Wilson was even better today. In live action he could have flattened 3 of the 4 QB's at some point.
-Okafor is looking good too. He really stretched out a few sweeps that came to his side of the field. They couldn't get a seal on him.
-Don't remember the LB's doing anything noteworthy. Not bad, not good. They were just there.
-Corners emphasized press coverage again in 1 vs 1's. They faired better than yesterday against anyone not Mike Davis or John Harris.
Finally, what you all want to hear. Jonathan Gray was present. Someone was with him at all times. Sometimes, it was Mack, and sometimes Bennie Wylie. Most of the time he was with Cayleb Jones and Malcolm Brown. Garrett Greanlea and Taylor Doyle were also attending.

[ThePop]

So to summarize...pretty much all is ok except the O-line, running game, and QBs, just like last year.

What are the odds that Ash will surpass all and be the starter?

BTW, that's a lot of nice info, thx.

[TFloss32]

Pictures from Saturday's practice:

http://www.texassports.com/view.gal?id=88711

[TFloss32]

You guys pretty much covered everything from RB Johnathan Gray's trip. Here's a nice piece from Recruitocosm about his visit and all of the people he had a chance to speak with (including RB Malcolm Brown, WR Cayleb Jones, etc.). This one feels like it could end around the time UT has their spring game in April. Mr. Gray mentioned today that they still want to visit TCU and A&M at some point.

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/05/quick-update-on-johnathan-grays-visit/

[DMX7]

Gray says 60 day timeline on his decision.

[symple19]

Whisky-

I read a crazy bit this morning. Did you know that Will Lyles called ATH Bralon Addison's father this week and asked him if he'd like to go on an unofficial visit to Auburn with other prospects like QB Matt Davis? Addison's father apparently came to his senses and turned Lyles down. I think that's why we're seeing UT get more involved in Addison's recruitment now. I've heard they really like him as a DB. Up until this point, no recruiting services have explained why RB Trey Williams isn't being recruited by UT and it's been blatantly obvious for a while. Texas doesn't stop recruiting a potential five-star back (that they've had serious interest in for a long time) in February of his junior year unless something is off. I hope he wises up for the sake of his future even if he doesn't end up at UT. Just get away from Lyles.

UT fans have been up in arms in the past about why they've simply stopped recruiting certain guys with seemingly no explanation. A good example of that was RB Lache Seastrunk's recruitment. He apparently showed up in Austin with Lyles for his unofficial visit in the summer of 2009. Contact between the two parties stopped immediately after that, yet people wondered why UT pulled his offer. LB Anthony Wallace of Dallas Skyline had a similiar situation as contact with the staff ceased at a certain point. Turns out he was rumored to be involved with Flenory and magically ended up at Oregon.

Auburn also pulled an offer to Seastrunk that year. Lyles apparently has had his fingers in a lot of pies... I found this on shaggy bevo: http://www.shaggybevo.com/board/showthread.php/40098-Will-Lyles/page7?


From Bobby at 247:

I first met Will Lyles on Jan. 31, 2005.

I was set to be on television that night to cover the college decision of Martellus Bennett.

But before I went over to the Fox Southwest studios, I wanted to cover another press announcement.

Myself and a few other recruiting reporters went to an area restaurant to see where two Houston area recruits – Westside’s R.J. Jackson and Lamar’s Brandon LaFell – would decide to play their college ball.

At the restaurant, Lyles was running the show.

Things seemed sketchy. It was unlike anything I had seen in Texas high school football before. I had a lot of questions.

* Where were the high school coaches?

* Why was this happening here at a restaurant instead of at a school or even in a TV studio?

* How did these two kids from different high schools decide to commit together at a Houston restaurant?

Eventually, Lamar coach Tom Nolen showed up, but it was obvious he wasn’t running the show. He was just a bystander in one of his prize pupils’ recruitments. That was odd. If you know Tom Nolen, that’s not how he likes things to be done.

Gerry Hamilton, then a member of the Orangebloods staff, was there covering the event, too.

He and I looked at each other. Neither of us had a positive feel for what was taking place.

It could have been just a bad gut feel. I have no proof it was anything more than that. But it was a bad gut feel.

**

Later that same evening, Alief Taylor tight end Martellus Bennett was set to announce his college decision on Fox Sports Southwest.

That was another circus entirely, but Lyles knew the Bennetts, too

How much, I don’t know.

But after that night, it was obvious to me that Houston area high school football, and recruiting in the area, was changing in a way that I didn’t think was in the best interests of high school athletes and their families.

**

The list of players rumored to be involved at one time or another with Will Lyles is staggering. I want to stress “rumor” because that is what some of these are.

Martellus Bennett – Alief Taylor – Texas A&M
Michael Goodson – Klein Collins – Texas A&M
Lache Seastrunk – Temple – Oregon
Daniel Campbell – Aldine – USC
Trevon Randle – League City Clear Springs - LSU
Donte Williams – Aldine – Oregon
Ahmad Dixon – Waco Midway – Baylor
Terrance Tolliver – Hempstead – LSU
Craig Loston – Aldine Eisenhower – LSU
LaMichael James – Texarkana Liberty-Eylau – Oregon
Danny McCray – Spring Westfield - LSU
Patrick Peterson (Johnson) – Pompano Beach. Fla/Ely - LSU
Trent Richardson – Pensacola, Fla./Escambia - Alabama
Trovon Reed – Thibodeaux, La. - Auburn

I have absolutely no proof of any wrong doing in any of these cases.

However, these are the players I have heard personally that have been “involved with”, worked out with or were counseled by Lyles at some level during their recruitment.

**

Lyles’ presence has had a profound effect on how some colleges recruit Houston and certain players in the state.

Some college coaches who recruit Houston and the state of Texas heavily have become weary enough of Lyles that the schools will essentially cross players off their list if there is a known relationship with Lyles. One school will do so even if there is merely a “rumored” association with Lyles and nothing proven.

Again, I have no proof that Lyles is doing anything wrong. The schools, to my knowledge, have no proof either.

**

This year, Lyles is “rumored” to be involved with Spring Dekaney running back Trey Williams and Klein Forest quarterback Matt Davis.

Another player that has been rumored to be involved with Lyles is Fort Bend Hightower’s Bralon Addison.

Addison’s father says that he was unaware that any such relationship with Lyles could potentially effect his son’s recruitment. After all, his son had never worked out with Lyles, had never been trained by him, gone on unofficial visits to campuses with him or generally done anything with Lyles.

According to his father, Bralon Addison had never done a single thing with Lyles. Except there was film of his son on a website supposedly run by a player’s dad that Lyles was rumored to be involved with (the site is actually registered to Trey Williams’ dad and asks for $200 to promote a player via video posting, yet Addison says he was not asked for nor did he pay any money to Williams to have his son’s video posted).

Addison’s father told us this morning that Lyles had telephoned him several weeks ago and the two spoke about Lyles taking a group of players to Auburn this year and Lyles wanted to see if Bralon wanted to join them. Davis, the Klein Forest quarterback, was one of the players Lyles told Addison he was taking to Auburn. Addison said he declined the offer on behalf of his son.

The offer to give a ride to a player to another school seems benign on the surface.

But at what point does offering a ride to a player or players to schools, when simultaneously charging for services for another school – Oregon – constitute an NCAA infraction?

I don’t know if it does. I’m not an NCAA expert.

Addison committed to Oklahoma State roughly two weeks ago. And, according to our sources, Lyles has yet to take any players, including Davis, to Auburn.

**

Patrick Peterson and Trent Richardson are both guys who Will Lyles tried to “reach out to” when he was attempting to move beyond Texas borders, supposedly.

When we first heard the rumor about Richardson, myself and another reporter – Tim Watts at BamaOnLine.com -- followed up immediately. Richardson’s brother was helping significantly with Trent’s recruitment. The brother had heard of Lyles but said he had decided not to speak with him again after an initial discussion or discussions.

There is no proof that either Richardson or Peterson were involved further with Lyles.

**

I first mentioned Will Lyles to the Yahoo Sports investigative team two or three years ago, right when Lache Seastrunk’s recruiting was picking up.

I’d heard rumors of both Seastrunk and Trovon Reed being involved with Lyles. It was clear to me at that point that Lyles was no longer just sticking around Houston to run a training business, which is what I had been told many times previously, beginning with my discussion with Lyles that night in January of 2005. Temple is a three-hour drive from Houston, and while Reed and Seastrunk are reported to be cousins, it was yet another star recruit with a tie to Lyles.

So I called Josh Peter. Peter was then a lead investigative reporter for Yahoo. Peter is no longer with the company, but he played a role in breaking some of the biggest pieces in sports in the last handful of years, including finding that a Big 10 referee who made controversial calls on consecutive weekends owed a casino money. That Big 10 referee did not make another season in the Big 10 and the league ultimately changed its background-check rules for referees.

Yahoo Sports as a organization also led the way on the Reggie Bush scandal/investigation that ultimately led to Bush no longer having the Heisman Trophy. Suffice to say, Yahoo has been outstanding as it relates to investigative reporting.

What I mean by saying all of this is that Will Lyles is not a “new” thing in the college football recruiting landscape.

Whether it’s five-plus years ago at a Houston restaurant or two years ago when there was more talk about Seastrunk and Reed, Lyles has been part of the landscape for a while.

I believe this story is only breaking now because of the money trail – a $25,000 or so check – that was found between Oregon and Lyles. That is something tangible for reporters to sink their teeth into and it’s an amount that is large enough that it’s not considered merely a “going rate” in the industry for recruiting services.

[TFloss32]

I'm not sure if you guys remember me talking about this prospect a while back, but K Ben Pruitt of The Woodlands has become the final member of the 2011 class. He has been given "preferred walk-on" status by the UT staff. All that means is he'll be one of the first non-scholarship players to be considered for a scholarship once one opens up. He does not affect the 85-man scholarship limit at this time.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Ben-Pruitt-114698

[leemajors]

Auburn also pulled an offer to Seastrunk that year. Lyles apparently has had his fingers in a lot of pies... I found this on shaggy bevo: http://www.shaggybevo.com/board/showthread.php/40098-Will-Lyles/page7?

Thanks for this, interesting stuff.

[TFloss32]

OT Kennedy Estelle of Pearland Dawson made some comments today about where he's at in the recruiting process. He said he doesn't have a "Top 5" at this time but mentions Texas often when talking about future schools and they are considered the favorite to land his signature. He currently has plans to visit Austin for the annual spring game on Sunday, April 3rd. He stated that he'd like to make a decision before the beginning of his senior season, but his coach made a comment that he wouldn't be surprised if his recruitment ends before spring practice starts at Pearland Dawson. With that said, I think chances are pretty good that Estelle could be commitment #14 for UT.

[TFloss32]

Just a heads up that RB Johnathan Gray and his father are on the TCU campus today for a visit. I'll try and post some quotes if any surface afterwards. The sooner he gets other visits out of his system...the better for UT, IMO.

[TFloss32]

Another recruiting update from Recruitocosm:

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/08/new-rides-a-peek-in-the-garage-the-showroom-their-mechanics/

[ThePop]

Texas lands Canadian PF Kevin Thomas. (basketball)

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/basketball/recruiting/player-Kevin-Thomas-76877;_ylt=As0nqT7UB1jB3_BWqkmQ1kfht5B4

Though he's just a 3 star, people are really high on him

[DesignatedT]

Heard that Tech dropped Derek David. Pretty surprising since he is supposedly a big time stud. Not sure if it was behavioral issues or grades or what but it's a big time loss for them.

[TFloss32]

Heard that Tech dropped Derek David. Pretty surprising since he is supposedly a big time stud. Not sure if it was behavioral issues or grades or what but it's a big time loss for them.

LB Derek David of Rockdale is an absolute mess. Texas stopped recruiting him after one of their summer camps last year. Reports came out basically saying he "showed his ass." I've read a lot of rumors about him becoming quite the personality since the recruiting spotlight came his way. If rumors of his educational status are true, he'll be headed for JUCO just like his older brother, OL Logan David, who de-committed from Texas Tech a while back and currently favors A&M (he's currently at Blinn CC). Word on David is he only has enough credits to be a sophomore in high school (he's currently a junior), he probably won't graduate high school on time and he was kicked off of the Rockdale basketball team at some point during the season. Nobody is too sure how he was even able to compete this past fall with such an abysmal GPA. I guess small towns can get away with that sort of thing. The general consensus has always beens that David would not end up at Tech because he'd either commit to a bigger out-of-state program at some point or he simply wouldn't qualify for Division I. It appears that Alabama and Oklahoma are the frontrunners right now. OU just garnered a commitment from his high school teammate, ATH Daniel Brooks. I know Texas A&M is after his brother (or at least they were), but I'm not sure they'd offer him fearing that they'd lose ground with LB Tim Cole of Brenham. This one will be an interesting story to follow. All in all, Texas Tech dodged a bullet.

[DesignatedT]

Kid needs to get his act together that's for sure and yes, his brother Logan David is currently a commit to A&M.

[TFloss32]

I apologize for the lack of updates, guys...I've been out of town since last Thursday and haven't had the opportunity to read or even get on the Internet. I'm sure most of you are up on all of the news, but I'll post a few things just in case:

*Latest on RB Johnathan Gray of Aledo...per his father, he'll be attending a spring practice at Texas A&M in early April. My educated guess is he'll visit College Station on the first Friday or Saturday of April and follow that visit up with a trip to Texas' annual spring game on Sunday, April 3rd. I don't see him missing that one. He was in Austin this past weekend watching the high school playoffs for basketball.

*Stacy Searels is after another out-of-state OL. I put this guy on the initial list of prospects that Texas had interest in because I read an article last summer that UT had approached him about playing both football and basketball. Word is he has a legit chance to be an All-American in both sports (most definitely football). He's probably the biggest OL prospect I've ever seen and he mentioned he has around 40 verbal offers at the moment. I expect him to stay on the West Coast...maybe USC or Oregon. He's mentioned several times how much he loves Los Angeles. Texas has yet to offer.

OL, Zach Banner, Lakes (Lakewood, WA) (6-9, 310)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Zach-Banner-98654

[TFloss32]

More Will Lyles stuff. Some of this is downright strange and makes you wonder how these street agents can sleep at night when taking advantage of kids. Interesting read when you have the time. It's a four-part series done by Thayer Evans of Fox Sports (you can see each part linked below pictures as you scroll down the page). According to this, Lyles was even living with RB Lache Seastrunk at one point during his recruitment. What?!?!? Another interesting tidbit is that the NCAA has already been by Spring DeKaney HS to interview RB Trey Williams and his coach about their relationship with Lyles. I hope that kid wises up.

http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/Is-reputed-street-agent-Will-Lyles-college-footballs-biggest-danger-031211

[TFloss32]

Another spring update from Recruitocosm with some other links to videos and pictures:

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/12/spring-practice-report-3-daytona-beach-edition/

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=236544

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=236212

http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/view.gal?id=88298

[TFloss32]

Kid needs to get his act together that's for sure and yes, his brother Logan David is currently a commit to A&M.

I thought he was an A&M commitment as well (or he was at one time), but Rivals doesn't currently have him associated with any school on his profile. He's on the list of commitments, though. Weird.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Logan-David-123345

[TFloss32]

Rivals is releasing their first round of 2012 five-star prospects this week. They've selected 12 guys from around the country and their first selection is none other than RB Johnathan Gray of Aledo. I've attached a link to the Rivals 250 Watch List as well:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-2851

[Whisky Dog]

James Gray told 247 that they're going to take in the aggie practice in early April but probably won't be going to any spring games as the spring games aren't mostly about the starters. TCU continues to push hard on Gray as well.

[TFloss32]

James Gray told 247 that they're going to take in the aggie practice in early April but probably won't be going to any spring games as the spring games aren't mostly about the starters. TCU continues to push hard on Gray as well.

I was a bit confused when I read this news today. The practice he'll be attending in College Station is the same weekend that Texas will be holding their annual spring game. I'm more encouraged now that his father has stated they won't be attending any spring games and they're more concerned with watching actual practices. A lot of spring games are just dog and pony shows, anyway. I'm disappointed that he won't be in Austin that weekend to hang out with potential teammates, but he's been given the red carpet treatment multiple times already by UT. He knows what they have to offer outside of watching them during the season. Hopefully things will change and he'll decide to show up.

[TFloss32]

Some small updates...

*OL Michael Starts of Waco La Vega will be heading to Lubbock this weekend for an unofficial visit to Texas Tech and he'll also stop by Baylor (he lives minutes away from campus). He mentioned he'd like to get back to schools like Texas, Texas A&M and TCU before the end of spring, but it will all depend on transportation. Starts has been a recruit that's been very quiet compared to others and there's still no definitive timeline on when he'd like to commit. He's up to double-digit offers now with Notre Dame and Michigan in the mix.

*Status quo with guys like OL Kennedy Estelle of Pearland Dawson and DT Javonte Magee of San Antonio Sam Houston. Estelle maintains that he'd like to make some out-of-state visits, but his recruitment is expected to come to a close at the end of the school year. Texas still has a significant lead and the UT staff is pushing for him to be at the spring game on the first weekend of April. Magee, much like Starts, has been very quiet with his recruitment. He still has Baylor, Texas and Texas A&M atop his list and isn't expected to make a decision any time soon. Sounds like a guy that will take numerous official visits in the fall.

*Most interesting news of the day thus far is about QB Connor Wood. I don't remember if I discussed this back in December, but he spent the majority of winter break in California working with renowned QB coach, Tom Martinez. The most famous client of his would probably be Tom Brady. Anyway, Wood is back on the West Coast spending his Spring Break going through more drills trying to get that edge. The latest practice reports have him nipping at Garrett Gilbert's heels, so it's nice to see he's seriously motivated about getting that starting job. A lot of people favor Wood over Gilbert because of his more polished mechanics and ability to run.

[TFloss32]

Rumors starting to surface that DE Mario Edwards, Jr. has committed to Florida State while on his Spring Break trip to Tallahassee. If true, I'm glad it's over with so UT can move on and not think they have a shot for another six months.

[TFloss32]

DE Mario Edwards, Jr. to Florida State is a done deal.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Mario-Edwards-106231

[DMX7]

Florida State is putting together some really good recruiting classes all of the sudden.

Gray has been rated 5 stars by Rivals.com, only Texas player so far to get that rating.

[TFloss32]

Florida State is putting together some really good recruiting classes all of the sudden.

Gray has been rated 5 stars by Rivals.com, only Texas player so far to get that rating.

Getting Bobby Bowden out after he was several years past his welcome has done wonders for Florida State. I think Edwards will also reach five-star status.

[TFloss32]

Just wanted to let you guys knows there are some rumors going around about another school being outed due to a relationship with Will Lyles. I don't know if it will get as much press as Oregon did, but the word is it's a Big XII school this time around. My first guess would be Oklahoma State. We'll see if anything comes of it.

[TFloss32]

Here are some stories about DT Eddie Goldman of Washington, D.C. and OL John Theus of Jacksonville, FL. Both were pegged as five-stars today and represent two of the four players already given that status. There are eight more players to be named at a later date. Texas has offered three of the four on the list so far (including RB Johnathan Gray).

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1201008

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1200700

[TFloss32]

LB Derek David of Rockdale has been arrested on sexual assault charges.

http://www.krxt985.com/page1

[Thompson]

Aggies get commitment #17, Lorenzo Phillips, one of the best linebackers in Louisiana.

a5SwkNASyrg

[TFloss32]

Aggies get commitment #17, Lorenzo Phillips, one of the best linebackers in Louisiana.

Thanks for the update, Thompson. Dude has a sick highlight reel.


*More on LB Derek David of Rockdale...the girl that he sexually assualted was taken to the hospital and tested positive for trauma. He also admitted on tape to the police that he forced the girl inside his aunt's house (after asking her to come over) and continued to assault her despite her request for him to stop. Doesn't sound like there was "penetration", but it appears that he's got a long road ahead of him that will surely affect his playing football in college.

[TFloss32]

Here's another out-of-state guy that has a Texas offer according to Rivals:

DT, Issac Gross, South Panola (Batesville, MS) (6-3, 270)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Issac-Gross-104274

[TFloss32]

Little update on the Brenham duo of LB Tim Cole and DT Malcom Brown...this is from an article I read that quoted a source close to the Brenham football program. According to the source, Texas has made up ground with both players over the past few weeks (especially Cole). Their timeline to commit (as of right now) looks to be in the next few weeks up until early April. Cole has confirmed this much but says he prefers not to lead on as to which schools he's heavily considering and which ones he's eliminated. He's been very tight-lipped since his Junior Day visits. The plans to visit multiple schools, including Oklahoma, are only tentative at this point despite talking about it previously. Texas A&M is still the favorite even though the UT staff has given them a lot to think about. These two prospects playing their football anywhere other than Aggie Land would easily be the recruiting upset of 2012.

[TFloss32]

WR Dorial Green-Beckham of Springfield, MO is the seventh five-star prospect named by Rivals this week. No surprise here.

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1201324

[TFloss32]

Some cool quotes from QB Connor Brewer about doing a bit of his own recruiting for UT:

“I've gotten to know pretty much all of the commits and I've even gotten to know some of the guys who have been offered but haven't committed yet,” Brewer said. “I'm going to do what I can to make sure we get the best players we can. I'm going to be a recruiting machine from here on out.”

*On talking to stud Arizona OL Andrus Peat...

“I've talked with him quite a bit,” Brewer said. “He's a good player and a nice guy. I know he's starting to narrow down his list of trips and I feel like Texas is in good shape to get a visit. We'll see where it goes, but I'd love for a guy like that to come to Texas.”

*On playing with WRs Thomas Johnson and Cayleb Jones in the 2011 UA All-American Game...

“Hopefully we get to play on the same team down there and start throwing it around a little bit,” Brewer said. “They're two different receivers, but I wouldn't trade them for any other two receivers in the country. I feel like we have the best with them.”

*On his last visit to Austin for the second UT Junior Day...

“I got to sit in a quarterback meeting while I was there and then at the junior day I got to sit down with Coach Harsin and go over some things,” Brewer said. “Practice was awesome. It was high tempo and the guys were having to learn a lot of new things but it was nice to see them adapting to everything so well.”

[DMX7]

I can't imagine Brian Harsin with this kind of ridiculously sick talent.

[TFloss32]

I read an interesting bit this morning about RB Tim Wright of La Marque. He currently has offers from Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Kansas State and Mizzou. He mentions that he has plans on attending an A&M practice soon and will likely commit while in College Station. With two other RBs already in their 2012 class, it makes you wonder where they're at with prospects like RBs Trey Williams and Johnathan Gray. RBs Troy Green and Dennis Smith could very well move to LB in the future, but the Aggies have already received commitments from numerous LBs in the 2011 class with even more on the radar for 2012. Interested to see how it all unfolds. Wright is a RB that I haven't seen much of, but he more than held his own in the 4A state championship against Aledo. The only knock on him at this point is he has a lot of work to do in the classroom.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Tim-Wright-99211

[TFloss32]

More five-stars have been released by Rivals this week. DE Mario Edwards, Jr. of Denton Ryan has indeed been chosen for the honor and so has OL D.J. Humphries of Charlotte, NC. Even though Texas has offered Humphries, I fully expect him to commit to an SEC school (LSU is the favorite) and would be surprised if Texas even receives a visit.

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1201766

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1201512

[TFloss32]

To follow up on my previous post about the Brenham boys...one site is reporting that this upcoming Monday, March 21st, could be decision day for the two prospects. It's simply hearsay at this point as there is nothing definitive scheduled, but I thought it was worth keeping in the back our of minds.

[TFloss32]

OL Andrus Peat of Tempe, AZ is the latest five-star on Rivals' initial list. This is one guy I think Texas has a realistic shot with. QB Connor Brewer will be a big help in his recruitment.

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1201869

[TFloss32]

I updated the master list on the first page with some out-of-state prospects Texas is looking at.

[shyne]

OL Andrus Peat of Tempe, AZ is the latest five-star on Rivals' initial list. This is one guy I think Texas has a realistic shot with. QB Connor Brewer will be a big help in his recruitment.

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1201869

Why does Peat look like hes 10 years old and 135 lbs in his rivals mugshot lol

[ThePop]

Hmm, like you said earlier, the longer the recruiting process goes for the brenham duo, the better for UT. I don't feel good about our chances if they are announcing this monday. (not that we had that good of a chance anyways)

[TFloss32]

*Interesting development...LB Lorenzo Phillips (Texas A&M's latest commitment) of Patterson, LA has decommitted from the Aggies after giving his pledge earlier this week. Word going around is that he and his family have been receiving threats for not committing to LSU. It's also being said this his high school coach was very unhappy as well. Hopefully some of our Aggies can be a bit more detailed about this.


*Stacy Searels has offered another out-of-state OL. I don't have any specifics at this time but I would imagine Searels was recruiting him during his tenure at Georgia and knows a good deal about him.

OL, Vadal Alexander, Buford (Buford, GA) (6-6, 310)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Vadal-Alexander-108515

[TFloss32]

Hmm, like you said earlier, the longer the recruiting process goes for the brenham duo, the better for UT. I don't feel good about our chances if they are announcing this monday. (not that we had that good of a chance anyways)

I'll be a bit more detailed about that rumor I read. It didn't even mention Brown and Cole actually making a commitment on Monday. It just said that March 21st could be "significant." So, take that for what is. It could obviously be nothing since recruiting is such a fluid business and things change daily. Luckily I haven't read any solid info that says they'll be making a commitment in the upcoming days. I'd love it if they could hang on for at least two more weeks and make it up to Austin for UT's annual spring game. I still think Texas A&M is the favorite, but Texas has made up ground in the past few months (especially with Cole) and that leads me to believe that there is at least some hope for this to work out in UT's favor. The reason I say that is many believe Cole is the one who will be making the decision for the both of them.

[DMX7]

I just heard that Jordan Hamilton and Tristan Thompson are returning. Sick news for Texas. Bad news for everyone else.

[Pistons < Spurs]

I just heard that Jordan Hamilton and Tristan Thompson are returning. Sick news for Texas. Bad news for everyone else.





Texas' Tristan Thompson to return


Texas freshman forward Tristan Thompson delivered some good news to Longhorns fans Saturday by declaring that he will return to school for his sophomore season.

"I'm coming back another year," Thompson said repeatedly in the Texas locker room at the BOK Center, where the team was going to practice in preparation for its Sunday round of 32 game against Arizona. "I've already signed up for summer classes."

Texas men's basketball SID Scott McConnell said sophomore Jordan Hamilton also said he will return next season.

"I'm coming back next year," Hamilton told the Austin American Statesman newspaper. "I think we will have a great team."

Texas officials cautioned that the players could both change their minds after the season.

There are plenty of players who have talked a good game about staying in school during the season and then declared for the draft afterward, but Thompson left no wiggle room in his statements.

He said one of his prime motivations is to play next year at Texas with fellow Canadian and incoming recruit Myck Kabongo, who will be on campus in Austin next school year. Kabongo is the No. 2 point guard and No. 9 overall prospect in ESPNU's top 100 prospects for 2011.

"I'll come back another year for him," Thompson said. "I'd love to play with him."

Thompson certainly has a viable NBA draft stock right now. ESPN.com draft analyst Chad Ford currently rates the 6-foot-8, 233-pound Thompson the No. 11 overall prospect -- and that was before Thompson got the best of his head-to-head matchup with 6-foot-11 Oakland senior center Keith Benson here Friday.

Ford rates Benson the No. 45 prospect in the draft.

Texas coach Rick Barnes did not sound surprised by Thompson's declaration, but he did sound pleased.

"He's the kind of guy who has never had an agenda," Barnes said. "I know what he wants to do in basketball and the kind of player he wants to be. I think he loves where he is right now."

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/tournament/2011/news/story?id=6236917

[Whisky Dog]

With the impending NBA CBA uncertainty and The chance to play with both Joseph and Kabongo, plus knowing the rep he's garnered around campus and with his background, I'm inclined to believe Tristan if he says he wants another year. That team next year with the addition of Kabongo could be a NC favorite.

With Jordan H. I'll be surprised if he doesn't change his mind and enter the draft. He's put in 2 seasons at UT and has taken his game to the next level this year. His draft stock would be damn high and an NBA lockout is the only thing I can see keeping him at UT for a 3rd season. I hope I'm wrong as that team plus a seasoned Hamilton would be the most talented in NCAA, but I'd be surprised if he comes back.

[ThePop]

:wow
Wow! I expected Thompson to return but if Hamilton stays too we will be amazing next year.

[Whisky Dog]

:wow
Wow! I expected Thompson to return but if Hamilton stays too we will be amazing next year.

I still think the chances either stay are very slim, but if one does it would most likely be Thompson IMO. Kids always say what people want to hear in the heat of the moment, but once the $$$ hit the brain after the season's over it changes.

[Pistons < Spurs]

DraftExpress Jonathan Givony
So Jordan Hamilton said he's coming back too? Now I know for a fact that him & Thompson are pulling people's legs. I'd bet money he's gone.

[ThePop]

I still think the chances either stay are very slim, but if one does it would most likely be Thompson IMO. Kids always say what people want to hear in the heat of the moment, but once the $$$ hit the brain after the season's over it changes.

Yeah i'm not really expecting Hamilton to stay but it would be great if he did. Thompson has a good chance of returning simply because of Kobongo.

[Harry Callahan]

Jordan Hamilton probably has people talking in his ear. He is an excellent college player and he will be an NBA player (maybe a good one) - but his is in no way "ready" for the league. With a possible Lockout (which won't be resolved prior to the draft), Hamilton could use one more year. I personnally would like to see an only Juniors and Seniors in college eligible rule, but that would never stand up when there are lawyers around.

Please remember the name Avery Bradley. I wonder how much he developed watching Celtics practive all year with no PT at all.

The one and done player is really a disservice to college basketball in a lot of ways - the NBA should add another year to it so college teams could at least build a group for two years instead of this year to year stuff.

[DMX7]

Jordan has had an up and down year. I really think he wants to come back to improve, and with all the NBA lockout non-sense, it just makes sense to stay.

[Whisky Dog]

The NBA doesn't care about college basketball and won't make a rule to help college basketball out. If Bradley wasn't in the D League this year then I'm not sure what the Celtics are doing. The D League is the perfect place to develop your young draft picks who aren't in the rotation yet. For an NBA team they'd rather get the kid now and develop him themselves, that's why they always draft on perceived potential. I doubt Hamilton or Tristan would increase their draft stock any next year so might as well get an extra year of earnings on their career and get paid to develop their game. I hope they come back, buy if I was a projected top 15 pick there's no way I would choose to stay in college and risk it.

[ThePop]

Why the f did Bradley go again? When a good player like Durant leaves I can understand, but Bradley wasn't even that great. He showed potential but was not nba ready.

[Harry Callahan]

Why the f did Bradley go again? When a good player like Durant leaves I can understand, but Bradley wasn't even that great. He showed potential but was not nba ready.

I don't know. He must have had people talking in his ear like a lot of the underclassmen. Bradley has NBA ability, but he was not strong enough offensively to make the jump. This year he got paid but is not getting court time. Is that making him a better player for Boston? Nope.

[yavozerb]

Why the f did Bradley go again? When a good player like Durant leaves I can understand, but Bradley wasn't even that great. He showed potential but was not nba ready.

:greedy....Hard to blame any college player for wanting a paycheck.

[Harry Callahan]

:greedy....Hard to blame any college player for wanting a paycheck.

Yes, a paycheck is nice, but the NBA has no time for player development with a bunch of practice time. Bradley with a good consistent college season could have been a lottery pick - more money. A better developed player gets a better second contract. Avery Bradley may not recover from a year of just sitting there. He needed to play this year - not sit.

College basketball has suffered with all the underclassmen who are not developed yet. Rookies coming into the league are not ready in many cases. There are very few Magic Johnsons or Isiah Thomas' or Kevin Durrants out there.

[yavozerb]

Yes, a paycheck is nice, but the NBA has no time for player development with a bunch of practice time. Bradley with a good consistent college season could have been a lottery pick - more money. A better developed player gets a better second contract. Avery Bradley may not recover from a year of just sitting there. He needed to play this year - not sit.

College basketball has suffered with all the underclassmen who are not developed yet. Rookies coming into the league are not ready in many cases. There are very few Magic Johnsons or Isiah Thomas' or Kevin Durrants out there.

Easy for you to say what was right and what was wrong when you are not the one being dogged by agents and the million dollars for a 1st rd pick. If he gets hurt coming back for his sophmore year and gets seriously injured do you think he will ever get the milions of dollars he can get in a couple of seasons riding the bench in the NBA? As a fan please do not say what a college player should have done cause you have no idea of what that player is going through or has gone through in his life.

[Harry Callahan]

As a fan, I can say what I want on an online forum - that's kind of the point of it. I understand that agents, family members, and hangers who want the dollars now at the expense of a fully developed player.

Do you know what was going on with Avery Bradley? Was there a sick family member, poverty, I don't know. I just believe he needed one or two more years at the college level. The guy couldn't shoot the basketball well enough.

Avery Bradley was simply not ready for the NBA. I saw him play many times at Texas. He was not prepared. I know for a fact that Doc Rivers or any other pro coach has neither the time nor the inclination to spend a bunch of time hand holding and getting a 19 year old ready for the NBA. They have to win games now - not develop players.

Avery Bradley may have needed the money right away - great. That doesn't change the fact that he was not ready. College programs just barely scratch the surface of the "One and Done" players.

I totally get it when you are a LOTTERY pick and you move on like Kevin D. He was as close to a can't miss prospect as you can have.

The quality of College basketball and the NBA suffers with the unprepared teenage players.

[TFloss32]

Some Monday updates...

*The suspicion about the significance of the March 21st date for the Brenham duo of LB Tim Cole and DT Malcom Brown has come and gone. Turned out to be nothing other than Cole mentioning that he does have a specific leader in his recruitment (he's keeping quiet about who it is, though). He also stated publicly for the first time that he and Brown are not completely set on attending the same school:

“Yea, because if we don’t go together it’s going to be cool between us still. Whatever college we go to is the best fit for us. It’s not 100% we go to the same place. We both got our own minds.”

Cole followed that up by saying he and Brown haven't been able to talk recruiting lately and wasn't sure if they were on the same page with everything, but he emphasized that both want to go to a school that best fits their style of play. He was able to chat with UT's Oscar Giles on Thursday of last week and said he was invited to the annual Texas spring game on Sunday, April 3rd, but he's not sure if he will be attending. He will be in College Station this Sunday for an A&M spring practice and it's up in the air right now if Brown will be in attendance as well (I'm sure he will be). The timeline for their decision is still in place and should happen in early April.

*Pretty much status quo with RB Johnathan Gray...his father confirmed that they will be making a trip to College Station on Saturday, April 2nd and may stick around for the 3rd as well. There are no plans at this time to attend UT's spring game on the same day. They will not be attending any spring games at this time and have mentioned that they find it more beneficial to watch practices instead.

*LB Peter Jinkens of Dallas Skyline received MVP honors at the LB position over the weekend while attending the Next Level Athlete Combine in Lancaster, TX.

[TFloss32]

LB Peter Jinkens
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/902/1074092.jpg

[TFloss32]

Good breakdown from Recruitocosm on which members of the 2011 class will see playing time next year and which ones will redshirt. Other than RB Malcolm Brown, my personal favorites are ATH Quandre Diggs and WR Jaxon Shipley. I think they're both going to make a lot of noise in the upcoming season. Glad to see LB Tevin Jackson of the 2010 class back in the mix. He'll be an animal.

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/21/to-shirt-or-not-to-shirt/

[DesignatedT]

I have said all along that I could see Cole and Brown go there separate ways. It's pretty clear that Brown heavily favors A&M right now and Cole might not feel the same. I'd be fine with Brown coming to A&M and Cole going to UT. Sherman might already know this hence the very strong LB recruiting going on from the Aggies. The LB position seems to be pretty well set for the future even if Cole decides to go elsewhere (although I much rather him be in maroon).

[ThePop]

As a fan, I can say what I want on an online forum - that's kind of the point of it. I understand that agents, family members, and hangers who want the dollars now at the expense of a fully developed player.

Do you know what was going on with Avery Bradley? Was there a sick family member, poverty, I don't know. I just believe he needed one or two more years at the college level. The guy couldn't shoot the basketball well enough.

Avery Bradley was simply not ready for the NBA. I saw him play many times at Texas. He was not prepared. I know for a fact that Doc Rivers or any other pro coach has neither the time nor the inclination to spend a bunch of time hand holding and getting a 19 year old ready for the NBA. They have to win games now - not develop players.

Avery Bradley may have needed the money right away - great. That doesn't change the fact that he was not ready. College programs just barely scratch the surface of the "One and Done" players.

I totally get it when you are a LOTTERY pick and you move on like Kevin D. He was as close to a can't miss prospect as you can have.

The quality of College basketball and the NBA suffers with the unprepared teenage players.


Basically, either

1. He really needed the money(possibly for family)
2. He didn't like Texas (not everybody bleeds burnt orange)
3. He's dumb

[TFloss32]

Pictures from the first practice after Spring Break:

http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/view.gal?id=90199

[TFloss32]

I don't remember if I had mentioned this before, but WR Malcolm Williams has not been participating in spring practice thus far because of family issues. However, the good news is he returned yesterday and is now practicing with the team. Hopefully it stays that way.

[Whisky Dog]

I don't remember if I had mentioned this before, but WR Malcolm Williams has not been participating in spring practice thus far because of family issues. However, the good news is he returned yesterday and is now practicing with the team. Hopefully it stays that way.

I don't think it was necessarily family issues because he was at every practice from what I heard, he was just helping the coaches instead of being in pads working. Not sure what the heck could have caused that scenario but I can't think of one good thing.

[TFloss32]

I don't think it was necessarily family issues because he was at every practice from what I heard, he was just helping the coaches instead of being in pads working. Not sure what the heck could have caused that scenario but I can't think of one good thing.

It was a weird situation. No reporters were willing to come out and say what was going on exactly. "Family issues" was the reason given the most for him not suiting up. You're right, though...you wouldn't expect to see him in Austin if there were indeed family problems. I know a lot of the players are fathers, so it's possible he was having issues with a child or baby mama/girlfriend drama. There's no tellin'. Glad to see him back on the field.

[TFloss32]

Bad news out of camp today...LB Jordan Hicks has a fracture in his right foot. He'll be on the sideline for the rest of spring training, but is expected to make a full recovery by the time school starts back up again in the fall.

[DMX7]

That sucks. I wanted to see him at the Spring game.

[TFloss32]

Here's an update from Recruitocosm on LB Tim Cole of Brenham:

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/22/tim-cole-update-and-prediction/

[TFloss32]

Practice report with senior LB Keenan Robinson:

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=238344

[TFloss32]

LB Jeremiah Tshimanga of North Richland Hills has committed to Oklahoma State:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Jeremiah-Tshimanga-116424

[Kermit]

Here's an update from Recruitocosm on LB Tim Cole of Brenham:

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/22/tim-cole-update-and-prediction/

Trips Right, yo. Anyways, fuck that dude.

[DesignatedT]

DB Corey Thompson, Missouri City TX. has committed to the Aggies. #17

Also Bralon Addison who's currently committed to Oklahoma State will be taking a visit to College Station. Not sure if anything will come from this but it's certainly interesting. Addison,Matt Davis and Trey Williams are all very close to each other.

[rjv]

Star ratings are frequently meaningless; our coach uses his own rankings and ignores the Rivals rankings.

If star rankings were that important, Texas would have been absolutely dominant last year. How'd that work out for ya?

I think Colt McCoy was only a 3 star. Was he was only an average QB for you guys?

http://www.statesman.com/sports/recruiting/five-years-later-we-look-back-at-the-1223187.html

still, can't say it's not without some intrigue following those regarded as "five stars" while in high school.

[TFloss32]

DB Corey Thompson, Missouri City TX. has committed to the Aggies. #17

Also Bralon Addison who's currently committed to Oklahoma State will be taking a visit to College Station. Not sure if anything will come from this but it's certainly interesting. Addison,Matt Davis and Trey Williams are all very close to each other.

Thanks, DesignatedT.

This one was bound to happen sooner or later with Thompson's father being a former Aggie. Good pick-up.

[TFloss32]

Some updates from spring practice...

*RB Chris Whaley has been moved to DE for the remainder of spring. Hopefully this will be the start of a successful transition like the one DE Henry Melton had a few years back.

*RB Traylon Shead has pulled his hamstring and RB Jeremy Hills pulled his groin. RB Fozzy Whittaker is taking the majority of the snaps right now but I expect everything to change once RB Malcolm Brown gets on campus in the summer.

[ThePop]

Recruiting is getting boring. We haven't had a commitment in a while.

[TFloss32]

Recruiting is getting boring. We haven't had a commitment in a while.

It's definitely one of the slower times of year because of spring practice and the fact that the coaches aren't on the road recruiting. Once April rolls around, the fun will start back up again. Coaches will enter the spring evaluation period and we'll even start to hear about the hot 2013 prospects. It's simply a waiting game at this point.

[TFloss32]

Some more pictures from Wednesday's practice. Good to see WR Malcolm Williams back in the mix.

http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/view.gal?id=90358

[Whisky Dog]

I was glad to see Malcolm back in practice. For a minute I was wondering if his odd exclusion from practice wasn't due to a medical condition that would end his career.

Looking forward to the spring game mainly to see how the coaching changes are already effecting the team.

[TFloss32]

Some updates on the out-of-state guys UT is after:

*WR Dorial Green-Beckham (Springfield, MO)...there hasn't been much going on with him since his younger brother was diagnosed with leukemia earlier in the year. He hasn't taken any visits and has rarely discussed recruiting. However, I read a rumor that his brother will be receiving treatment at St. Jude in Memphis for the next few months and Green-Beckham is expected to be by his side whenever he's able to do so. It sounds like he was in Memphis this week because he decided to take some visits to nearby schools. Green-Beckham spent time on the Ole Miss campus on Monday and he visited Alabama yesterday. Still no word on when/if Texas will be on the agenda, but the UT staff is still pushing for him to get to Austin before the end of the summer. The Longhorns feel like they have a legit shot because of the previous coaching relationship between Darrell Wyatt and Green-Beckham's coach, John Beckham (also Dorial's adopted father). I wouldn't want anyone else in charge of his recruitment. This one could last all the way into 2012.

*OT Andrus Peat (Tempe, AZ)...he's the out-of-state prospect that Texas has the best shot with. Peat and QB Connor Brewer becoming friends will only help the cause. He maintains that Texas is a school he would like to visit before making a decision. Peat recently visited USC but he's yet to name any favorites.

*OT Zach Banner (Lakewood, WA)...the monster tackle recently stated that Texas, USC and Washington are three programs he's always paid attention to and been a fan of. Banner's future is most definitely football, but he is known for his success as a two-sport star (football and basketball). In fact, I read an article earlier last summer that spoke of Texas contacting him at one point about a basketball scholarship. According to Banner's coach, the UT staff has already planned to make a trip to his high school in May. Texas has yet to offer. Banner loves Los Angeles (Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles to be specific) and has talked before about wanting to be in a place with a signifcant Polynesian culture (he has heritage in the south Pacific). I expect him to stay on the West Coast.

*DT Eddie Goldman (Washington, D.C.)...Goldman's high school coach recently said that Texas is very much in the mix. If you don't remember me mentioning this previously, Azaar Abdul-Rahim (Goldman's coach) played his college ball at San Diego State with UT Grad Assistant, Adam Hall. The UT staff is hoping this relationship will be enough to get Goldman to Austin at some point in the future. I read a while back that the staff does have plans to make it to Washington D.C. for spring evaluations. We'll know soon enough if that plan goes through.

[TFloss32]

Quick recap on RB Jonathan Gray's plans...he will be attending a TCU practice this Saturday and then he'll head to College Station next weekend to watch the Aggies practice. He still has no plans to visit Austin for UT's annual spring game. It looks like a decision could come soon after his trip to Aggie Land (likely before the end of the school year). See the quote from Gray's father below:

"Pretty much after that, we'll kind of know. We'll sit down and really go over it and hopefully by then have a decision and let everyone know so we can stop all the speculation."

[TFloss32]

Practice report with WR Malcolm Williams...

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=238893

[TFloss32]

Just read that LB Tim Cole and DT Malcom Brown will not follow through with their plans to visit College Station this weekend. They are actually going to be on the Oklahoma campus instead. On the surface this seems like a harmless trip because I don't see either one of them ending up in Norman and they've talked about making the trip previously (it's not a huge surprise). It is interesting, though, seeing as how Oklahoma was Brown's favorite school growing up. No word when the duo will be back in College Station.

[DMX7]

Sounds like Darius White could get playing time this season because apparently he's a good run blocker.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Malcolm Williams is fat, overweight, and has grade troubles. What a big waste of talent.


I still think UT is soft as a white dallas mavericks fan on the defensive line and secondary.

[TFloss32]

Sounds like Darius White could get playing time this season because apparently he's a good run blocker.

I'll never understand the UT staff basically wasting away White's freshman year when he could've easily been redshirted. He didn't receive any meaningful reps last year. The only knock on him last year is that he wasn't a very technical WR (he simply relies on talent). I trust that Darrell Wyatt will do a great job with him and Bryan Harsin will find ways to get him the ball. It's not hard to see that he's one of the best athletes on the team.


Malcolm Williams is fat, overweight, and has grade troubles.

Williams is definitely carrying bad weight right now. That's part of the reason why Harsin has had him at the H-back and TE positions since he came back to spring practice. We'll see if he ends up staying there because Williams has always been known as a hard worker. I wouldn't expect him to be at the size come fall. Poor Malcolm just has bricks for hands.

[TFloss32]

Some pictures from Friday's practice and a video interview of Manny Diaz. Notice Chris Whaley working at DE.

http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/view.gal?id=90507

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=239120

[TFloss32]

*The Brenham boys have already come back home from their visit to Oklahoma. I'll try to find some relevant information on how that trip went. I don't think that visit will have significant influence on their ultimate decision, but I'm still interested in what they had to say about Norman (especially since DT Malcom Brown grew up a fan of OU).

*UT had their final spring scrimmage before next weekend's annual spring game. I haven't read any groundbreaking info from today, but I'll pass along what I read about the offensive side of the ball:

-QBs Garrett Gilbert and Connor Wood are still neck and neck and Case McCoy is a clear third. Nobody on the staff has declared a leader, but Bryan Harsin has said before that they'll know who to go with when the time comes. Not a lot of public talk about David Ash and that has me curious. It's almost like they want to keep him under wraps because he's been performing so well. I expect him to redshirt so he can get some separation from the older guys. The staff knows what they have in him and will want him to have as much eligibility as possible for the future.

-Fozzy Whittaker continues to take the most reps with the RBs and apparently had the best day out of everyone at that position. D.J. Monroe also made some great plays, but is still adjusting to the new offense after missing parts of spring practice due to his commitment to the track team. Lots will change at this position once Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron get to campus.

-Mike Davis continues to be the MVP of the offense and the leader of the WRs. I'm anxious to see how Marquis Goodwin will fit into the scheme since he will have missed all of spring practice because of track. Darrell Wyatt supposedly motivates his guys by constantly reminding them that Jaxon Shipley will be showing up in the fall. John Harris is the sleeper pick at the position right now and Darius White shows flashes of big play-making ability.

-Blaine Irby and Darius Terrell are getting the majority of the reps at the TE and H-back position.

-A quote from a source that watched practice said, "Damn, the Texas fans are going to go crazy over this offense." Even UT's defensive players have said they "love" what they see.

[TFloss32]

I wanted to add something that was just reported. LB Tim Cole and DT Malcom Brown apparently stopped at the TCU campus on their way home to Brenham. They were able to watch practice alongside RB Johnathan Gray.

[TFloss32]

LB Tim Cole and DT Malcom Brown are NOT in College Station today for A&M's practice.

[TFloss32]

Here's the first glimpse at some out-of-state 2013 prospects that Texas will be pursuing. I doubt they get either one, but it's pretty cool that UT is making an effort and getting in on these guys early. Texas has verbally offered 2013 LB Reuben Foster of LaGrange, Georgia. He's expected to be a Top 5 or Top 10 prospect in the entire country. They're also expected to pursue DT Robert Nkemdiche (also of Georgia) who could end being the #1 overall prospect for the 2013 class.

LB, Reuben Foster, Troup (LaGrange, GA) (6-2, 205)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Reuben-Foster-108287

DT, Robert Nkemdiche, Grayson (Loganville, GA) (6-5, 260)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Robert-Nkemdiche-113275

[TFloss32]

Video from the scrimmage yesterday:

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=239336

[TFloss32]

Some great news coming down this evening...the Brenham duo has confirmed that they will be in Austin on Sunday for UT's annual spring game. On top of that, OrangeBloods published a crazy rumor that they came across from one of their sources that I found interesting based on the timing of everything and the fact that Cole and Brown didn't visit College Station today like they originally planned to do. The rumor basically states that Texas and TCU are now leading the race with A&M trailing. I don't necessarily believe it, but at they very least it's something to talk about and fun to speculate about where they're leaning. A big coup for UT that they're getting Brown and Cole in for another visit.

[TFloss32]

*To add to the rumor above, Gerry Hamilton of 24/7 Hook 'Em also mentioned last night that he had received multiple emails and texts over the weekend stating that the Brenham duo had actually eliminated A&M from contention. Hamilton mentioned that he spoke with Cole and those rumors were shot down. Whether Cole was being politically correct or not...we'll never know. It's just a very interesting rumor as there is a lot of smoke around those two right now and what they're possibly thinking.

*CB Bryson Echols of DeSoto has received an invite to the 2012 Under Armour All-American Game. He's been tearing up the camp circuit lately from what I've read. That makes four invites for UT's 2012 class. Echols will be joined by QB Connor Brewer, WR Thomas Johnson and WR Cayleb Jones.

[TFloss32]

Good ESPN article from the Dallas Under Armour Combine in Southlake this weekend. Solid breakdown of the DeSoto and Dallas Skyline boys.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=6265108

[TFloss32]

Some recruiting notes from Saturday's scrimmage:

*2010 LB Tevin Jackson was in attendance and has officially enrolled in school.

*The entire 2011 class was on the sidelines with the exception of WR Jaxon Shipley (he's seen numerous practices already), DT Desmond Jackson and LB Steve Edmond. OL Garrett Greenlea was said to be the biggest guy on the field whether it was a a recruit or current player.

*All of the 2012 commitments were present except for QB Connor Brewer. OL Camrhon Hughes was introduced to the rest of the 2012 guys for the first time.

*There were no "uncommitted" prospects in attendance. I'll try to have a list of attendees for the upcoming spring game by this weekend.

[TFloss32]

Some pictures from the Dallas Under Armour Combine this past weekend:

WR Thomas Johnson and LB Peter Jinkens
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/902/F782240.jpg


DB Bryson Echols
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/902/F782241.jpg


OL Curtis Riser
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/902/F782242.jpg

[TFloss32]

ATH Reginald Davis of Tenaha has committed to Texas Tech.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Reginald-Davis-115123

[TFloss32]

An update on the Brenham boys from Recruitocosm. Take it with a grain of salt, but Jesus appears pretty confident because of the new developments:

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/28/the-definitive-word-on-malcom-brown-and-tim-cole/

[Kermit]

An update on the Brenham boys from Recruitocosm. Take it with a grain of salt, but Jesus appears pretty confident because of the new developments:

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/28/the-definitive-word-on-malcom-brown-and-tim-cole/

ASJ 100% to Texas per Trips Right.

Remember that shit?

God, I hate this rumor shit.

[TFloss32]

ASJ 100% to Texas per Trips Right.

Remember that shit?

God, I hate this rumor shit.

I remember. They've had their fair share of hits and misses. Like I said, take it with a grain of salt as their sources haven't been as spot on since Muschamp left. Personally, I like rumors because it gives me something to read, but it's obviously on everyone individually to believe what they want to believe. I don't necessarily believe everything I post, but it gives us something to talk about (especially when times are slow).

[TFloss32]

Here's another good rumor for Kermit. :stirpot:

Per OrangeBloods this afternoon (and their sources in Brenham), DT Malcom Brown has supposedly moved UT and OU atop his list while A&M has made a "dramatic slide." Lots of other sites posting similar information. Take it for what it's worth.

[TFloss32]

LB Jordan Hicks had surgery on his fractured foot today. He's expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the season come fall.

[TFloss32]

Make a mental note of Friday, April 22nd. That's RB Johnathan Gray's birthday and his father mentioned today that there's a possiblity of him committing on that date.

[TFloss32]

A crazy week for rumors. Now a Texas A&M site is reporting that they'll have "breaking news" tomorrow. Most assume it's about Brown and/or Cole. Just a heads up.

[Juan]

breaking news from orangebloods... middle tennessee state making push at malcom brown and tim cole

[Thompson]

Per OrangeBloods this afternoon (and their sources in Brenham), DT Malcom Brown has supposedly moved UT and OU atop his list while A&M has made a "dramatic slide." Lots of other sites posting similar information. Take it for what it's worth.

From what little I've been able to glean from the free part of various (A&M) recruiting websites, they're pretty dismissive of the "dramatic slide" quote (they tend to say it's 'Ketch trying to hold onto subscribers with bogus rumors'). They apparently are actually more optimistic about Cole in particular than they have been in the past.

Obviously can't say who's right, but hopefully we'll find out soon enough.

[TFloss32]

From what little I've been able to glean from the free part of various (A&M) recruiting websites, they're pretty dismissive of the "dramatic slide" quote (they tend to say it's 'Ketch trying to hold onto subscribers with bogus rumors'). They apparently are actually more optimistic about Cole in particular than they have been in the past.

Obviously can't say who's right, but hopefully we'll find out soon enough.

Like I told Kermit yesterday, it's up to everyone to believe what they want to believe. We may very well be witnessing a little battle between the two sides right now. The only reason I posted those rumors is because it's from the same guys who've never given Texas a chance with either Cole or Brown, so I thought it was relevant. It seems as if there was some kind of momentum swing over the weekend because even TCU reporters have said things appear to be changing. I've looked around this morning and have yet to find a single thing on Brown, so I'll post if anything arises. If y'all don't like the rumors on the Brenham boys, I won't mention them anymore unless it's concrete info.

[TFloss32]

The initial Rivals 100 is supposed to be released today at 1:00. I'll post the link when I come across it.

[TFloss32]

Update on OT Kennedy Estelle of Pearland Dawson...the staff is still trying to get him on campus for the spring game this weekend, but he hasn't yet made a decision on that. The good news (if he doesn't make it) is he'll most likely be in Austin the following weekend for Texas Relays. He'll be throwing the shot put.

[TFloss32]

Another update from Recruitocosm (Gray, Brown, Cole, Estelle, etc.):

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/29/texas-recruiting-big-cigar-update/

[TFloss32]

Not sure if the majority of folks on here have been following the Dez Bryant jewelry scandal for the past few days, but it looks like the loan he received for everything was given to him while still playing for Oklahoma State. This could tie into what I mentioned a few weeks back about a certain Big XII school being investigated. We'll see how long this story gets media attention.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/29/second-lawsuit-claims-that-bryant-owes-more-than-300000/

[TFloss32]

QB Connor Brewer will be attending the Nike Football Training Camp on the USC campus on Saturday, so he won't be able to make the spring game. Here are the latest quotes from him:

"I'm going to go to the camp, try to look the best I can," Brewer said. "I've been working really hard throwing every day. I feel like getting faster, bigger, stronger. We'll see how it goes but I've been working hard every day so I feel good."

"I really just want to compete. I know there's going to be a lot of good talent there so it's going to be a fun experience," Brewer said. "I'm just going to go up there and throw and do the 1-on-1s, the, 7-on-7 and that stuff. Whatever quarterback stuff they have, I'll do."

On talking to Coach Harsin...

"I get to talk to him probably once a week. It's always fun talking to him," Brewer added. "I really want to go back to Texas, I love it there so much. I've been talking to players up there. Talking to coach Harsin is awesome. They just had a scrimmage, we talked about that a little bit - the team flow, what they're doing, what they have to fix, a little bit of everything."

On his offseason training...

"I've been training with (teammate) Davonte (Neal) a lot, doing a lot of explosive speed work. I'm trying to get a lot faster, running mountains, elevated treadmills, a lot of different things," Brewer said. "I've gained a bunch of weight. I'm a lot bigger than I've ever been. I feel loose, feel balanced, everything is clicking right now."

On doing his own recruiting for UT...

"I've been talking to Cayleb (Jones), Alex (De La Torre), Thomas Johnson, Kennedy Estelle, Andrus Peat, a bunch of guys," Brewer said. "With the uncommitted ones, I'm just trying to talk to them. I'm not trying to push anybody, just telling them how much I want to play with them."

"I know some of those guys have been growing up together. I started out being the out-of-state kid, the kid from Arizona that nobody knew or nobody thought they'd take," Brewer said. "But I've clicked with all the kids. They're all good, classy people and obviously great football players. It's going to be an honor to play with those guys."

On Texas offering him in February...

"I knew the moment that Texas, if they offered me, there wasn't another place in the country I'd want to go," Brewer said. "Growing up watching them, they're always in the top 10, it's just a dream come true and a blessing. I feel like God has put me in a good place and I can't wait to get over there and be a starting quarterback at Texas some day."

[TFloss32]

Here are two recent Texas A&M commitments for the 2013 class:

WR, Jamar Gibson, Baytown Sterling (6-2, 190)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Jamar-Gibson-124446

DE, Christian Lacouture, Odessa Permian (6-4, 240)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Christian-Lacouture-122534

[TFloss32]

The initial Rivals 100 is supposed to be released today at 1:00. I'll post the link when I come across it.

I apologize as there was some misinformation out there. Looks like the list will be revealed in late April/early May. Rivals mentioned they want to get out to some more camps before the initial list comes out.

[Whisky Dog]

TFloss, great job buddy. I for one think this is the most informative and best thread on Spurstalk, and a big reason is the mix of rumors and solid information. I know a lot of people are down on Trips Right, aka Jesus, aka Hey Zeus, but it's still some entertaining information to read. It may not be 100% accurate but it adds to the fun and uncertainty of recruiting. I say keep posting what you see/hear.

[Whisky Dog]

Not to get too far away from the recruiting drama, but here's some info on the team's progression and outlook based on one of Bobby B of 247's sources who attends the practices. I respect the pay wall, but this info has been out a few days and I think Horn fans here would find it informative as a glimpse into the practices and one man's opinion from watching the practices:


Here are some notes from Saturday's scrimmage we think will be of interest to you.
First to recruiting...
* Almost all of the 2011 signees were there except Jaxon Shipley, Desmond Jackson and Steve Edmond, from what our source could tell.
* Tevin Jackson, the 2010 pledge who has finally gained enrollment, was there as well.
* The 2012 commits were there aside from Connor Brewer.
* Mack Brown introduced Camrhon Hughes, the newest OL commitment, to all the guys since several of those commitments weren't at the second junior day.
* No "uncommitted offered" recruits were there.
Comments about recruits...
* Tevin Jackson looks like he's stayed in good shape.
* Malcolm Brown looked about 215 to my eyes.
* Kendall Thompson looked a solid 6'2 and 210+.
* Of 2012, Thomas Johnson looked about 5'10.5 and 190.
* LB Peter Jinkens was a little taller and a little heavier but has a bigger frame - still smaller than I expected.
* Hughes is a legit 6'5+ and looks like he could easily carry 50 more pounds. Impressed by his size.
* Garrett Greenlea was the biggest guy on the field of any recruit or current player.
* Orlando Thomas looked a lot thicker than our source had imagined - 5'9.5 or so but well built, almost built like Quandre Diggs.
* Josh Turner is 6-0 and 165-170; no change in his size since last year. Akina was in his ear telling him what the calls meant.
* Cayleb Jones and Miles Onyegbule are the same size and height.
* Alex De La Torre seemed 6-0 or so and 215-220.
Now on to the team comments...
* They ran a full scrimmage, some goal line and some special teams.
* Former Texas DC Greg Robinson was there watching the defense (has been all week).
* Former players helping were Brian Orakpo, Chykie Brown, Justin Blalock, Kyle Hix, Michael Huey and Greg Smith.
* All of the quarterbacks got reps, but Gilbert started.
* Gilbert looked ok; he struggled with some out routes and with his touch on the fades in the end zone.
* Wood had better touch on short throws and more zip on long throws.
* Ash got some time with the starters and did ok. His arm looked good. He can make the opposite hash to the sideline throw on 10-12 yard out better than McCoy or Gilbert.
* Mack kept a lot of plays alive that would have been clear sacks.
* Jackson Jeffcoat had a number of them, as did blitzers (Kenny Vaccaro, Demarco Cobbs namely).
* Wood continues to have the best footwork, in this person's opinion.
* At running back, Whittaker started and played well (not dinged up). Cutback lane recognition could be better.
* Cody was in on the goal line and got the best of the defense.
* Ryan Roberson was on the field with the starters and moved from tight end off the line to fullback to slot and back to fullback. Versatile player with a lot of roles.
* DJ Monroe had just run in an out-of-town track meet the day before and was doing well until he fumbled when Blake Gideon tackled him, leading to lots of up-downs. Monroe was getting snaps out of the slot and at runningback - lots of sweeps, screens, flares, etc.
* Jeremy Hills held out.
* Shead got snaps but didn't look full speed.
* Starters at receiver were Mike Davis and Darius White. The group as a whole looked good, with John Harris and DeSean Hales also logging time.
* Greg Timmons and Chris Jones held out.
* Davis beat CB Carrington Byndom deep once and then a second time, drawing a PI.
* Malcolm Williams got snaps in the slot, on the outside and at off-line TE. Excited to see how they can create mismatches for him. May be a little out of shape, but he is so solidly built (better frame than most of the linebackers on the team) and ran and cut well.

[Whisky Dog]

Pt 2:



* Davis and Harris were running sprints after practice with Madden and Wyatt supervising. They were all laughing and joking with Wyatt though - the dynamic he has with the guys is interesting - punishing them yet they are all joking throughout like an older brother or dad would do.
* Dominique Jones got most of the reps at TE with Grant, Terrell, Matthews and Howard playing here and there. Jones continues to block well.
* Irby did individual drills but didn't do scrimmage work that the source saw.
* M.J. McFarland looks huge - 6-5 and looked 250+.
* Offensive line was better than last week. Searels continues to be very hands on and vocal.
* Tray Allen played some tackle. All the tackles struggled to block the ends.
* Snow was getting pushed hard by Searels to get the calls and blitz pick up audibles right and communicate them pre-snap.
* They were running timed gassers after practice with Searels barking out the countdown from the stopwatch.
* Offense worked on a lot of trick plays in addition to basics.
* Starting kick returners were Darius White and Monroe on kicks with Williams rotating in.
* On punts, Adrian Phillips, Diggs and White all got reps.
* Fitzhenry held on snaps.
* The defensive front is playing better and making things happen.
* Dorsey and Daniels both looked great and had great plays making piles on the goal line.
* Randall was solid.
* Bible and Cotton keep working. Impressed seeing Bible spending a long time after practice running gassers with Wylie running alongside him encouraging him. He has a ways to go, but he looks to be accepting that he needs to put extra work in.
* Alex Okafor and Jackson Jeffcoat had great days. Both look to have added lots of the right kind of weight.
* Reggie Wilson was disruptive some plays. He can be explosive.
* At LB, Cobbs continues to show up as a great blitzer and an instinctive, football-smart player.
* Emmanuel Acho was steady.
* Keenan Robinson certainly looks the part and plays fast. He is better running around chasing plays than taking on blockers at the point of attack.
* Chet Moss played a little but is still learning. Patrick Nkwopara played sparingly.
* DB's were Phillips and Byndom at corner with AJ White rotating in and Gideon and Vaccaro at S with Christian Scott rotating in.
* Diggs got a lot of time at nickel and looked darn good.
* Vaccaro is an excellent blitzer and a very physical run stopper (sometimes even more physical than the LBs).
* Gideon had a good day in coverage and run support - he never got beat and didn't seem out of place.
* Corners had a tough time containing starting receivers, but they were good as a unit in zone. Personal comment from this source: "Man to man vs Mike Davis is just unfair."
* Impressed with Byndom's IQ and ball skills.
* Didn't see much of Bryant Jackson, but he has had a good spring, folks were saying.
* AJ White was getting a lot of attention from Akina on reading the formation and route combinations - he started out confused but made plays and corrected himself as it went on and got praise.
* This defense will blitz from all over the place.
* Defense was also working on disguises - looked like the New York Jets with everyone standing around before the snap and then running around in different spots to confuse and create chaos.

[TFloss32]

TFloss, great job buddy. I for one think this is the most informative and best thread on Spurstalk, and a big reason is the mix of rumors and solid information. I know a lot of people are down on Trips Right, aka Jesus, aka Hey Zeus, but it's still some entertaining information to read. It may not be 100% accurate but it adds to the fun and uncertainty of recruiting. I say keep posting what you see/hear.

Thanks, Whisky. I appreciate it. I agree that rumors are fun and (at the very least) gives us something to talk about. I don't usually post rumors unless I think they have legs and will lead to some sort of truth. I felt this week's rumblings out of Brenham were noteworthy because they were coming from multiple sources that have never given UT a chance with Cole and/or Brown. The vibe is simply different this week than it's ever been before. No matter what ultimately happens, getting those guys to Austin for the spring game is a big plus (especially considering the outlook was pretty dreary back in February).

[Thompson]

I have no problem with posting rumors (you even pointed out it was a rumor), I was just giving the other side (supposedly it was baseless) so people might take that into account (I tend to put less stock in 'controversial' rumors than I do in uncontested rumors).

[TFloss32]

I have no problem with posting rumors (you even pointed out it was a rumor), I was just giving the other side (supposedly it was baseless) so people might take that into account (I tend to put less stock in 'controversial' rumors than I do in uncontested rumors).

Thanks for letting us know what's going on at the Aggie boards, Thompson.

[TFloss32]

Good news. OL John Michael McGee of Texarkana has informed the staff he'll be in Austin this weekend for the spring game. He projects as a great tackle prospect, but I believe UT is evaluating him at center. Either way, you take as many tackles as you can with the idea that you can always move them inside. I think it's important that the staff gets in good with him because OL Michael Starts of Waco La Vega could very well choose to go elsewhere (especially if he wants to end up playing defense). OU currently leads for McGee.

[TFloss32]

For those of you who like the national recruiting news...Texas target and five-star OL D.J. Humphries of Charlotte, NC is now listing Florida as his #1 and Tennessee as his #2. I don't think Texas has a realistic shot at this guy, but it'll be interesting to see if he ever makes it to Austin for a visit. I believe he's pretty adamant about remaining in SEC country.

[Whisky Dog]

I'm not sure we'll ever have any success in $EC country pulling top guys.

With USC getting slapped a bit by NCAA I think we should target western states and Cali kids to fill in our remaining needs. AZ looks to be a promising place for us to steal some kids.

[TFloss32]

Here's an interesting preview for a documentary on college ethics and "pay-for-play" that features former Auburn players. Thought those of you who have HBO would like to watch it.

http://sportsbybrooks.com/

[DMX7]

Anything with Bryant Gumbel instantly loses credibility with me. I may watch just to satisfy my curiousity though.

[TFloss32]

*LB Tim Cole has added three new offers to his list. OU, Clemson and UCLA have thrown their names into the hat. There was some confusion last week about whether or not OU actually offered Cole after his visit to Norman, but the Sooners definitely have a scholarship on the table for him as well as DT Malcom Brown.

*Back to what I referenced on Monday night, I've yet to read anything from Texas A&M sources that qualifies as "breaking news" or is relevant when it comes to the recruitment of the Brenham boys. The UT faithful can breathe easy for now.

[Kermit]

Here's an interesting preview for a documentary on college ethics and "pay-for-play" that features former Auburn players. Thought those of you who have HBO would like to watch it.

http://sportsbybrooks.com/

Lies! Lies! Lies!

We all know from the Cam Newton saga that Auburn is being unfairly targeted. Everyone is jealous of the SEC and it's dominance and will look for anything to descredit it. How dare they! This is an outrage! Look for lawsuits to target these lying reporters and their "truths"!

Besides, everyone does it.....

[yavozerb]

*LB Tim Cole has added three new offers to his list. OU, Clemson and UCLA have thrown their names into the hat. There was some confusion last week about whether or not OU actually offered Cole after his visit to Norman, but the Sooners definitely have a scholarship on the table for him as well as DT Malcom Brown.

*Back to what I referenced on Monday night, I've yet to read anything from Texas A&M sources that qualifies as "breaking news" or is relevant when it comes to the recruitment of the Brenham boys. The UT faithful can breathe easy for now.

These boys are going to ride this wave till the end..I would not expect any verbal commits from these 2 any time soon cause I think they are having way too much fun and who could blame them...

[TFloss32]

*DT Javonte Magee of San Antonio Sam Houston will not be in Austin this weekend for UT's spring game. That's obviously disappointing news. If he goes anywhere at all, he'll be headed up to Waco to see Baylor's spring game instead. Two of Magee's teammates, S Leo Thomas and OL Ralphael Green, are both being evaluated by Baylor currently and they already have plans to make the trip. Magee will most likely ride along if he decides to go. It is said that both Thomas and Green would commit to Baylor if offered. That would put the Bears in an even more favorable spot with Magee as he's had them (along with Texas A&M) atop his list for a while now. Thomas is one of several DBs that UT has been evaluating for their last DB spot, but I don't see them offering him over more talented prospects that are available.

*Speaking of DBs, San Antonio East Central's Nick Coleman is another guy UT is currently taking more time to look at. If you don't remember, Coleman attended both UT Junior Days back in February and spent a lot of time with Duane Akina. He's reiterated that he would commit to Texas on the spot when/if he's offered. If he doesn't make it to Austin this weekend for the spring game, he may make trips to other schools who are offering him scholarship opportunities for track (he's a high jumper).

[TFloss32]

Just read that some top members of the 2013 class will be in Austin this weekend:

RB, Dontre Wilson, DeSoto (5-10, 163)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Dontre-Wilson-117626

DT/OT, Darius James, Killeen Harker Heights (6-5, 319)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Darius-James-116643


It's obviously super early and these guys are in the beginning stages of the recruitment process, but both favor Texas right now. I expect Wilson to be the RB prospect that Texas seriously pursues for the next class and he'll be a Longhorn, IMO. The DeSoto pipeline has been pumping out prospects for UT the past couple of years and I don't see that changing anytime soon. James hails from the same high school as current commit, OL Camrhon Hughes, and they'll be making the trip to Austin together. It will definitely help to have Hughes in UT's corner when it comes to recruiting James.

[TFloss32]

An update from Recruitocosm on how the offense is looking during spring practice:

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/03/30/spring-practice-evaluations-the-offense/

[TFloss32]

Some pictures from this past Saturday's scrimmage:

http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/view.gal?id=90560

[TFloss32]

*From a source at Pearland Dawson HS, it's "likely" that OT Kennedy Estelle and his father will be in Austin on Sunday for the spring game. That would make two consecutive trips to the UT campus if Estelle makes it back the following weekend for Texas Relays.

*Don't read any further if you hate rumors (this is a fun one!)...everything is status quo in Brenham and the word is Texas is still in a nice position. Even some of Cole and Brown's high school teammates are talking about UT being the team to beat at this point. I'm still not getting my hopes up, but this weekend is a huge opportunity for UT to roll out the red carpet and put on a show for Cole and Brown. Keep in mind that Texas A&M's spring game is on Saturday, April 16th. However, I read a very cryptic quote today about them being in College Station that particular weekend and it said, "they may not make it." Interesting to say the least. Take from that what you will.

[Mr. Peabody]

Thanks for the updates!

[TFloss32]

To follow up on the latest post about the Brenham boys, I finally came across a quote from Taylor Hamm of 24/7 Gig Em. This was the same site that supposedly had "breaking news" for Tuesday, but it never came about. To paraphrase...he basically said that the Aggies are still very much in the lead for DT Malcom Brown but he also admitted that LB Tim Cole is leaning towards Texas. He fully expects both prospects to be at the Texas A&M spring game on Saturday, April 16th, but he's also aware of the wild rumors going around that they could commit to Texas this weekend. He doesn't expect that to happen after talking to their high school teammate (and Aggie commitment) OL Adrian Bellard. Bellard supposedly confirmed everything above. Thought you guys would like to hear the Aggie perspective on things.

[TFloss32]

Good news on OL Garrett Greenlea. I don't know if y'all remember him tearing his ACL during the season, but his recovery is ahead of schedule. In fact, his doctor expects him to be fully cleared by the time freshmen report to UT in June.

[TFloss32]

Article on Will Lyles asking Texas A&M to pay $80K for LSU DB Patrick Peterson back in 2007:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6275253

[TFloss32]

Update on DT Javonte Magee of San Antonio Sam Houston...he's definitely headed to Waco this weekend with his teammates for the Baylor spring game. He will not be coming to Austin.

[TFloss32]

According to one of his coaches, OL Greg Brantley of Carthage has received an invite to the spring game this weekend. He's mentioned that he'd be in attendance if he could find transportation. We haven't heard anything about Brantley in almost two months because he didn't attend any of the Junior Days. We'll see if this develops into anything since Texas has always had interest in him. He is a high school teammate of 2011 UT commit, LB Kendall Thompson. He's a big boy!

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Greg-Brantley-120175

[TFloss32]

RB Johnathan Gray's father came out tonight and said for the first time that it's possible they'll be in attendance for UT's spring game on Sunday after visiting A&M on Saturday. I'll have a full list of the attendees tomorrow afternoon. Remember what Mr. Gray said...they'll most likely have their mind made up after their trip to College Station this weekend. With the UT and A&M campuses being only a few hours apart, I have a gut feeling that the Grays show up in Austin before heading home to Aledo.

[TFloss32]

Let's start Friday off right...RB Johnathan Gray has confirmed he'll be in Austin for the spring game on Sunday. Big, big news! With guys like LB Tim Cole, DT Malcom Brown and OL Kennedy Estelle planning to be in attendance as well, I like the way things are shaking out for this weekend. It feels like another commitment is coming down the pipe. Also, OL Michael Starts has now stated he's a "maybe" after initially saying he wasn't going to make it.

[TFloss32]

Looks like OL Kennedy Estelle and DT Malcom Brown both accepted invites to play in the 2012 Under Armour All-American Game earlier in the week.

[TFloss32]

Latest practice video:

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=240005

[TFloss32]

The annual Orange/White Spring Game will be televised by ESPN at 2:00 p.m. this Sunday, April 3rd. The following is a list of attendees for this weekend:

2011 Commitments
RB, Malcolm Brown, Cibolo Steele
WR, Jaxon Shipley, Brownwood
OL, Josh Cochran, Hallsville
OL, Garrett Greenlea, Klein Collins
DT, Quincy Russell, San Antonio Sam Houston
DE, Cedric Reed, Cleveland
LB, Steve Edmond, Daingerfield
LB, Kendall Thompson, Carthage
CB, Josh Turner, Millwood (Oklahoma City, OK)
ATH, Mykkele Thompson, San Antonio Stevens

2012 Commitments
WR, Cayleb Jones, Austin High
WR, Thomas Johnson, Dallas Skyline
OL, Camrhon Hughes, Killeen Harker Heights
DT, Paul Boyette, Jr., Humble
DE, Caleb Bluiett, Beaumont West Brook
DE, Hassan Ridgeway, Mansfield
LB, Alex De La Torre, Denton Ryan
LB, Peter Jinkens, Dallas Skyline
CB, Bryson Echols, DeSoto
ATH, Orlando "Duke" Thomas, Copperas Cove

2012 Prospects (Uncommitted)
RB, Johnathan Gray, Aledo
OL, Kennedy Estelle, Pearland Dawson
OL, John Michael McGee, Texarkana Texas
DT, Malcom Brown, Brenham
LB, Tim Cole, Brenham
DB, Nick Coleman, San Antonio East Central
ATH, Kendall Sanders, Athens

2013 Prospects
RB, Chris Armstrong, San Antonio East Central
RB, Dontre Wilson, DeSoto
WR, Kyle Collins, DeSoto
OL/DT, Darius James, Killeen Harker Heights
OL, Jeremy Nixon, Dallas Skyline
LB, Naashon Hughes, Killeen Harker Heights
LB, Sergio Phillips, DeSoto
LB, Isaiah Williams, Dallas Skyline
LB, Taylor Young, DeSoto
DB, Matt Coleman, San Antonio East Central
DB, Austin Jupe, San Antonio East Central

2014 Prospects
DB, Cedric Collins, Dallas Skyline


*The only big name, uncommitted prospects that won't be in attendance are DT Javonte Magee of San Antonio Sam Houston, ATH Kendall Sanders of Athens and OL Michael Starts of Waco La Vega. Magee and Starts will be visiting Baylor this weekend (even though Starts said he's now a "maybe" to attend) and Sanders was not invited despite his desire to make the trip. I believe the coaches are attempting to get him to show some initiative to get back to Austin after he turned down their invitation to the second Junior Day. He's made no secret about his affection for the Longhorns in the past, yet he's still playing hard to get over his desire to play WR instead of DB. Also, a reminder that QB Connor Brewer will not be in attendance because he'll be at a Nike football camp in California. It's pretty much a guarantee that certain guys will show up that we didn't previously know about.

UPDATE: ATH Kendall Sanders will be in attendance.

[TFloss32]

I wanted to add one more thing. Look for OL John Michael McGee of Texarkana to get an offer this weekend. There are varying opinions on what the significance of that scenario would be. First of all, one side believes an offer to McGee is an indication that UT is a bit unsure on OL Michael Starts. Some think he's favoring other schools and there's a rumor that either he or his father has some sort of strong connection to TCU. Starts is supposedly dragging his feet a bit more than UT would like at this point in the process and they don't want to risk losing out on McGee if he ultimately decides to go elsewhere. The other viewpoint is that offering McGee has absolutely nothing to do with Starts because UT wants them to play different positions. McGee's natural position looks to be tackle, but UT definitely wants a center prospect in this class. They think McGee can be that guy. Texas has some ground to make up on Oklahoma (his current favorite) because McGee hasn't been on campus since he attended a football camp in Austin last summer. It will be a big plus to have him around all of the stud prospects in Texas this weekend.

[TFloss32]

I know I said one more thing above (lots of info today), but...I read earlier in the week that there will be 150+ UT lettermen at the spring game this weekend. The report wasn't clear if it was strictly former football players or just athletes in general, but there's supposedly a vibe of newness and excitement going through the football program right now that hasn't been seen since Mack Brown was hired. Not only do former players want to see the new look Longhorns, but word is Coach Brown had them come down for recruiting purposes. He's trying to convey to these young recruits that Texas is the place to be despite the awful season they just had. I don't have a full list of who will be in town, but names like LB Derrick Johnson, DE Brian Orakpo and DT Lamarr Houston will be in attendance. I wonder which recruits Coach Brown will have them talk to?! Hmmm....Reports of RBs Cedric Benson and Ricky Williams being there are floating around as well.

[TFloss32]

Add QB Colt McCoy and WR Jordan Shipley to that list of former players who will be in attendance this weekend. A lot of other NFL Longhorn players are already in town because they're using the facilites to train while the NFL is still in negotiations to end the lockout.

[shyne]

I got an email from Dicks Sporting goods saying Jordan Shipley and Jamal Charles were gonna be at a local store here in SA.

[TFloss32]

*Big news of the day so far is ATH Kendall Sanders of Athens has been invited to the spring game tomorrow. A call was put in to the UT staff by Sanders' coach yesterday asking if Sanders was welcome at the game and Bruce Chambers extended an invitation. I wonder who nudged the Athens coach to make that call?! It's pretty clear where Sanders wants to be, so hopefully he doesn't mess around this time and shows up with his family in Austin tomorrow. He would be a really nice addition to this class at either WR or DB. We'll see how things work out.

*OL Michael Starts of Waco La Vega has decided not to attend UT's spring game, but he also mentioned that won't be going to the Baylor campus either. There's no telling what his plans are at this point. There is a rumor that either Michael himself or his father has some sort of strong connection to TCU, so we'll see if he visits Forth Worth any time soon. The rumor of Texas getting impatient with him may very well be true.

[ThePop]

This is shaping up to be a pretty nice weekend for UT. I wonder if we will get any commitments (I can see Estelle committing but who else).

BTW, I've noticed that someone on the OB free message board is posting all of your information on there. They're not claiming the info as their own and have repeated that it's not theirs. Just letting you know.

[TFloss32]

RB Johnathan Gray is already in Austin. He arrived with his family around 5:30 this afternoon after attending A&M's practice earlier today. Pretty cool that he made it to town so quickly. Here's his quote on the visit to College Station:

"Coach Sherman and his staff are very intense and they will correct you in a hurry. I learned a lot by attending the practice. I will be at the Texas spring game tomorrow. Thanks."

Short and sweet. There is a rumor out there that he's decided not to wait until his birthday to commit and he may end his recruitment tomorrow in favor of Texas. Either way, I don't see this thing going past April 22nd (Gray's birthday).

[TFloss32]

This is shaping up to be a pretty nice weekend for UT. I wonder if we will get any commitments (I can see Estelle committing but who else).

There's definitely potential for this to be a pretty nasty recruiting weekend for Texas. You never know what could happen with all of these studs under one roof. It could end up being very similar to the 2005 spring game when guys like DB Deon Beasley and DE Eddie Jones committed and then LB Sergio Kindle and K Hunter Lawrence pulled the trigger a couple of days later. The opportunity is there for Texas to solidify their position with a lot of these recruits.


BTW, I've noticed that someone on the OB free message board is posting all of your information on there. They're not claiming the info as their own and have repeated that it's not theirs. Just letting you know.

I appreciate the heads up and looking out for me, Pop. Believe it or not, I've actually seen some of my posts word for word on different sites. It makes you wonder how many people read this thread. I even saw one guy use my exact screename on some random sports site last year and he was telling everyone that RB Malcolm Brown was going to end up signing with Alabama. It's all good because people will do what they do. No need to worry about it since it's not my information anyway. I hope I've made it perfectly clear that I'm not an insider of any kind.

[TFloss32]

Some more pictures and a video of Friday's practice:

http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/view.gal?id=90976

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=240284

[ThePop]

15,360 views is no joke. Must be a lot of non-spurstalk viewers on here.

[DMX7]

15,360 views is no joke. Must be a lot of non-spurstalk viewers on here.

Maybe, the UTSA football thread has 125,000 views.

[TFloss32]

*ATH Kendall Sanders of Athens confirmed around 9:30 this morning that he was headed to Austin with his family. I'll add him to the guest list above.

[TFloss32]

*CB Quentin Jammer will be in town today to watch his brother, ATH Quandre Diggs. RB Jamaal Charles has also made it back.

[TFloss32]

OL John Michael McGee of Texarkana and ATH Kendall Sanders of Athens have both made it to campus and it sounds like everyone else that was supposed to be in attendance has made it in. The 2011 commitments and all of the 2012 prospects are having lunch together at the moment. This has turned out to be like a third Junior Day for Texas with all of the talent in the house.

[TFloss32]

LB Tim Cole and DT Malcom Brown are definitely in Austin (for those that are wondering).

[TFloss32]

All of the recruits/prospects are now at the stadium watching warm-ups.

[TFloss32]

LB Tim Cole and DT Malcom Brown have committed to TEXAS!!!! Wow, just wow. I guess those crazy rumors were right.

[Whisky Dog]

Massive news:

GH spoke with Brenham's HC and was told Brown and Cole both committed to Texas just now.

Boom!

[Whisky Dog]

Oops, Tfloss beat me to it. Great start to the day bro!

[TFloss32]

Oops, Tfloss beat me to it. Great start to the day bro!

Unreal, Whisky. Hopefully Estelle follows their lead.

[TFloss32]

Couple of updates as of 2:30...

*Here is a quote from another recruit after talking with OL Kennedy Estelle about UT:

"UT is in EXTREMELY good shape. If it doesn't happen today, I think it will happen soon."

It appears he's as good as Longhorn, but it may take a little while longer.


*ATH Kendall Sanders of Athens has not yet been offered by the staff.

[TFloss32]

More on ATH Kendall Sanders...per OrangeBloods, they asked him if Texas had a chance in his recruitment and he responded, "Oh yeah!" He followed that up by saying he wished he was out there playing in the spring game and plans to have more talks with the coaches later this evening. IMO, he's just waiting on that offer.

[TFloss32]

OL John Michael McGee texted OrangeBloods saying he was having a "great time" and he will also be meeting with the staff later this evening. He mentioned he hadn't had the opportunity to have any one-on-one meetings with the staff yet. Hopefully he's another offer in the making.

[TFloss32]

Not much of anything on RB Johnathan Gray right now, but he was hanging out with LB Tim Cole and DT Malcom Brown for the majority of the spring game.

[TFloss32]

More updates...

*FWIW, Sally Brown (aka "The Closer") was spotted speaking with the families of OL Kennedy Estelle and ATH Kendall Sanders during the spring game. Always a good sign as she knows how to reel 'em in.

*Some disappointing news...OL John Michael McGee and ATH Kendall Sanders have both left Austin without offers. Word is McGee was pretty upset about it. I hope this doesn't push him even closer to OU. My gut feeling with Sanders is he was told an offer will be forthcoming once he decommits from Oklahoma State.

*At this point in the day, it sounds like RB Johnathan Gray will be leaving town without committing to Texas. Looks like a birthday commitment ceremony is in the works for April 22nd. Like Estelle, his commitment to Texas is thought to be just a matter of time.

[TFloss32]

Forgot to mention this...as of 4:45, OL Kennedy Estelle and his family have been in a meeting with members of the UT staff. No word yet on any developments. I've got to go run some errands and won't be back for a few hours. Hope to have some good news to read when I return!

[TFloss32]

Here's a recruiting recap from the weekend with some facts and opinions mixed in:

*RB Johnathan Gray- he left Austin without committing, but there's nothing to be discouraged about. This one appears to be only a matter of time and we're about two and half weeks away from his birthday commitment on April 22nd. There isn't any kind of ceremony planned (as I previously thought) but he'll most likely simply release his decision to the media. He and his father were impressed with Harsin and Applewhite's offense yesterday despite UT not showing much and stated they feel as if those two coaches will put everyone on the offensive side of the ball in a position to be successful. They also know Texas possesses a weapon nobody else has...RB Malcolm Brown. It's hard to be patient with this one, but UT is sitting pretty. The Grays have no additional visits planned.

*OL Kennedy Estelle- another big prospect that left Austin without committing, but Estelle and his family left town very impressed yesterday. His mother was emphatic about that. In fact, it was her first opportunity to accompany her husband and son to Austin as she was unable to make the first Junior Day. Here are some quotes from her as I think mothers are a huge key to recruiting:

"That was my first time to see things since I wasn't able to come on the other trip (for a junior day in February). What stood out for me the most, we got to meet with the individual coaches and counselors," said Estelle's mother, Marcia. "They put together a great presentation of how they help the individual needs of their players academically. That's a big concern for me, to make sure academics are addressed, not just sports."

"He only mentioned one other school that he wants to go and take a look at, and that's Auburn. I'm not sure we may have others, but that's the one he mentioned," Mrs. Estelle said. "I'll say this though, he's impressed with Texas, but he wants the opportunity to go and look at some other campuses and talk to some other coaches. But we were very impressed with Texas."

"I liked the things they have in place for their players. It's a real family feel, like they're taking great care of the kids and encircling them in their family," Mrs. Estelle said. "The players came across as if they felt like they were part of a family ... in watching their camaraderie with the coaches themselves when the game was over."

"That was coach (Mack) Brown's thing, for Kennedy to go home and talk things over," Mrs. Estelle said. "So we're going to let him do that. Just know he was impressed. And I'm impressed."

Once you have mama, it's usually gravy from there. Estelle is still holding on to the notion that he wants to visit Auburn so that he can compare them to Texas, but I'll be surprised if actually ever makes the trip. He doesn't have any solid plans to make an unofficial visit at this point. He will be returning to Austin next weekend for Texas Relays, though. That will be another good opportunity for him to speak with the UT staff if he hasn't already committed by then. This one feels like it could go down this week after speaking with his parents. Hopefully it won't last much longer.

*OL John Michael McGee- on the surface, it looks like Texas dropped the ball with this one. McGee came to town with genuine interest in UT and had hopes for an offer. According to his Facebook account, it looks like he'll be looking elsewhere as he was severly disappointed with how things went down yesterday. According to reports, he didn't receive any one-on-one time with the staff and basically got a pat on the back and a "keep working hard" from Stacy Searels after making the six-hour drive to Austin with his family. I expect him to commit to Oklahoma at some point unless Mack Brown decides to do major damage control in the future. If McGee was supposed to serve as an insurance policy in case things don't work out with OL Michael Starts or OL Andrus Peat, they didn't do a very good job of accomplishing that goal yesterday. The UT staff let a four-star All-American leave town not feeling wanted. I'll post more on this if we ever get a detailed report of what actually happened.

*OL Michael Starts- not much to report on him at this point. He decided to attend a church function yesterday and that's why he didn't make it to Austin. There aren't really any new developments other than him possibly attending Texas Relays this weekend. I'm sure the staff will make it a point to visit with him if he makes it to campus.

*ATH Kendall Sanders- like McGee, he left Austin without an offer in hand. However, his reaction has been completely the opposite. It looks like Sanders is finally coming around to the idea of playing DB for the Longhorns with an emphasis on being a major part of the special teams returning kicks and punts. Hearing from Mack Brown and Duane Akina that he has the opportunity to be a great DB apparently got him pretty pumped up. I'm still a bit confused as to why an offer was not extended yesterday, but it sounds like one is coming pretty soon. The fact that he's still committed to Oklahoma State may be a factor. My educated guess is he'll receive an offer this month and he'll pull the trigger shortly after. Yesterday's visit confirmed that Austin is the place he wants to be. Here's a more detailed breakdown from Recruitocosm:

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/04/03/kendall-sanders-update/

[TFloss32]

Texas had a surprise visitor yesterday. 2012 DE Dominique Banks of Denton Ryan made the trip to Austin with LB Alex De La Torre. He's definitely a guy Texas will take a closer look at once the spring evaluation period starts on April 18th.

[Whisky Dog]

Here's some info on the Cole and Brown's decision to go Texas from Gerry at 24/7:

Thought the timing was right to post some thoughts and info on the Malcom Brown and Tim Cole recruitment now that they have committed. Now that that has passed and I can share more on their recruitment, here you go:
Cole: Mom was big for Texas. She was pushing Texas hard. Cole, did really like Oklahoma, but wasn't going out of state or that far from home. He also liked TCU a lot having visited twice, but mom liked Texas. He was, at one time, a Texas A&M lean as everyone knows, but always liked Texas as well.
He made a thorough decision having been to Texas A&M multiple times, Texas multiple times, TCU twice and Oklahoma.
His decision, while not a negative on other schools, is very much an academic/athletic combination decision. Athletics is a vehicle for a big time degree.
He knew mid-week Texas was going to be the school and would commit Sunday.
Brown: Went to Texas A&M eight times, Texas twice, TCU twice and Oklahoma. Liked all of them, of course. Wasn't ever a true threat to leave the state even though he liked Oklahoma a lot growing up.
Oklahoma really hammered home the three-technique in a 4-3 front to Brown. Made an impact. When it got down to it from a football perspective, that was the key. Playing a three-tech in a four man front was where he felt best as a prospect/player. With him not going to be a guy that goes out of state and with Cole pushing Texas, it put Texas over the top.
Anything else talked about, not big in his decision.
Biggest reason for choosing Texas: 4-3 defense as a three technique and Tim Cole. Playing the three-tech is huge for Brown and the people around him with a career in football as the goal.
One key thing to remember on Brown is he was 300-302-pounds this time last year and worked to get his weight down (280-283 since the beginning of the 2010 season) to keep his speed/quickness, which is his greatest strength. He's not that interested in being a 310-320-pound zero tech at the end of the day or isn't at this point in his football career.

[TFloss32]

The newest Longhorns...DT Malcom Brown and LB Tim Cole.

http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/902/1081105.jpg (http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1208126)

[TFloss32]

Good article on Texas' recruiting success despite their 5-7 season:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=6289179

[TFloss32]

Here are the latest quotes from LB Tim Cole and DT Malcom Brown on their commitment to Texas. Sounds like they knew where they were going after visiting TCU's practice a while back. They watched that specific practice with none other than RB Johnathan Gray.

On choosing Texas...

"It's a good education. My uncle and I sat down and the coaches and I sat down. My uncle and I talked about the defense and it fits me really well," Brown said. "Basically, I want to be a Longhorn and I get a good education."

"There were a lot of things - the education, they've been a top 10 powerhouse for the longest," Cole said. "A lot of people kind of downed them for having a bad season, but who doesn't have a bad season every once in awhile? I feel like we can get back to winning and the overall campus is just great."

On when the duo had made a decision...

"Whenever me and Tim were leaving TCU, we got in the car and I was like 'I think I'm going to commit to Texas' and he was like 'For real?'," Brown said.

On committing to Texas on Sunday at the spring game...

"We discussed it but it wasn't completely for sure. I was like it's a possibility and I really like Texas but what sold it was yesterday and I pulled the trigger and I'll never look back," Cole said.

"I had glimpses of it in my mind, but really what sold me was yesterday when I first walked in and I saw all the recruits and how all them were talking to each other and it was something I really wanted to be a part of," Cole added. "That's what made me commit."

On other commitments' reaction to the Brenham duo committing to Texas...

"Basically, everybody was excited to be there to watch them play and stuff, and when everybody found out we committed they were like 'Oh yeah, let's do this now.' We're all ready for when we come up here," Brown said. "The coaches said we couldn't be coming at a better time. When we get there we're going to win a national championship or we're going to contribute to getting there."

On the reason why they chose to play for the Texas defense...

"Just the high energy and playing fast," Cole said, stating what stood out to him. "That's something (Brenham) coach (Glen) West takes part in. He tells us to play fast so that's something I'm used to."

"Basically, it's a 4-3 and they're an attacking defense so I get my chance to shine," Said Brown. "I'll be one-on-one with a lineman and do my thing."

On the overall feeling of finally committing...

"It was special," Brown said. "(Texas) Coach (Oscar) Giles said we have a chance to room together. It'll be fun. It's always been a dream. We've been talking about this since our freshman or sophomore year, and we were like we were going to the same college. We sat down and thought it all out and came together on Texas."

"I feel relieved," Cole said. "I wouldn't say I was stressed but I was a little tense every day and now I can have a smile on my face. I'm just happy right now."

On their goals for next year...

"That's the good thing about getting it done. Next year I won't be answering what college are you going to. I'm already a Longhorn," Brown said. "We have big things to do and that's win state. Coach West has been talking to me about leading and getting the young guys right and it's not just him I want to do that too."

"All my goals for next year are to go all out and make the best of my season," Cole added. "We're trying to get to the state championship but we have to take it one day at a time. We have to start in the offseason today. We have to make sure we win every day and make sure we have no regrets."

"I'm glad it's over so I can focus on the Brenham Cubs and helping us win a state championship,” Brown said. “I'm done with recruiting. I'm a Longhorn, and that's it.”

[ThePop]

Awesome picture.

http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/College/22/6_97737.jpg

[shyne]

Awesome picture.

http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/College/22/6_97737.jpg

Is that gray in the black?

[TFloss32]

+1. Badass picture. Love that RB Johnathan Gray is in it on the far left. You know he wanted to throw up the "Hook 'Em" in this one. For those that are wondering who's who:

BACK ROW (left to right): OL Camrhon Hughes (Harker Heights), DT Malcom Brown (Brenham), LB Tim Cole (Brenham), DE Caleb Bluiett (Beaumont West Brook).

FRONT ROW (left to right): RB Johnathan Gray (Aledo), WR Cayleb Jones (Austin High), LB Peter Jinkens (Dallas Skyline), OL Curtis Riser (DeSoto), WR Thomas Johnson (Dallas Skyline), LB Alex De La Torre (Denton Ryan), DT Paul Boyette, Jr. (Humble).

KNEELING: ATH, Orlando "Duke" Thomas (Copperas Cove).

NOT PICTURED: QB Connor Brewer (Chaparral), DB Bryson Echols (DeSoto), DT Alex Norman (Dallas Bishop Dunne), DE Hassan Ridgeway (Mansfield).

[ThePop]

Even if that picture was incidental, you still have to feel good about Gray being there and hanging out with those guys. That can have a big impact on a 18 year old. Just like Cole said



"I had glimpses of it in my mind, but really what sold me was yesterday when I first walked in and I saw all the recruits and how all them were talking to each other and it was something I really wanted to be a part of," Cole added. "That's what made me commit."

[TFloss32]

Even if that picture was incidental, you still have to feel good about Gray being there and hanging out with those guys. That can have a big impact on a 18 year old. Just like Cole said

Speaking of Cole, it looks like he's genuinely happy in that picture. Nice to see that considering his decision to commit to Texas was probably pretty tough living so close to College Station.

[TFloss32]

Some small updates based on articles I've read...

*WR, Dorial Green-Beckham- his brother is responding nicely to treatment at St. Jude in Memphis. Turns out he'll eventually be able to go home to Springfield, MO and receive his remaining treatments there. Green-Beckham's adopted father and coach, John Beckham, has since said that Dorial is now able to focus on recruiting more because of this recent development. Beckham mentioned that they'll definitely be making visits to Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri this summer. They currently have Texas, Auburn, Miami, Florida and Notre Dame as "maybes." They'll sit down at some point in the next few weeks and prioritize the list of "maybes" since they won't be able to visit every school due to lost time with the treatment of Dorial's younger brother. The article made it sound like Dorial would like to stay closer to home to be by his brother (hence the definite visits to closer schools), but hopefully Beckham's previous relationship with Darrell Wyatt will be enough to get them to Austin for a visit. Turns out Arkansas' campus in Fayetteville is the closest to Dorial's hometown of Springfield, MO.

*OL, Michael Starts- he's a recruit who hasn't spoken much during this whole process. He currently lists Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech as his four favorites. On the surface it appears as if he favors Texas and Texas A&M because he prefers the atmosphere that a bigger school provides, but he also likes the idea of staying close to home which gives Baylor a shot. Even with that said, the fact is it's still Baylor football. He mentioned that he's talked to Stacy Searels at least once a week since the first Texas Junior Day and has developed a great relationship with him, but he also keeps in close contact with the Aggies' defensive staff. Remember, A&M is recruiting him for their defensive line and Starts has made it known that he prefers playing on the defensive side of the ball. He says he'll ultimately play wherever the coaches think he fits best, but this could give A&M a leg up on the competition. He stated that he wants to make a decision before the summer begins.

[TFloss32]

Some videos and pictures from the weekend of the spring game:

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=240694

http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/view.gal?id=91145

http://www.texassports.com/view.gal?id=91146

http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/?media=240466

[TFloss32]

Per OL Kennedy Estelle's mother this morning, he still wants to take one more visit before making his final decision. Sounds like he's planning to get to Auburn at some point. Texas remains his top school.

[TFloss32]

ATH Kiante Griffin of Lewisville Hebron has committed to Baylor.

[TFloss32]

DT Alex Norman of Dallas Bishop Dunne was invited to the 2012 Under Armour All-American Game per his coach. He's been shooting up the rankings lately and looks to be one of the sleepers in the 2012 class. That makes a total of six Longhorn commitments on the roster so far. That number will jump to eight if RB Johnathan Gray and OL Kennedy Estelle commit to Texas as well. Here's the updated list:

QB, Connor Brewer, Chaparral (Scottsdale, AZ)
WR, Cayleb Jones, Austin High
WR, Thomas Johnson, Dallas Skyline
DT, Malcom Brown, Brenham
DT, Alex Norman, Dallas Bishop Dunne
CB, Bryson Echols, DeSoto

[TFloss32]

Here's a list of prospects that will be in Austin this weekend for Texas Relays:

2011
OL, Josh Cochran, Hallsville
DE, Cedric Reed, Cleveland
ATH, Mykkele Thompson, San Antonio Stevens

2012
OL, Kennedy Estelle, Pearland Dawson
DB, Nick Coleman, San Antonio East Central
ATH, Corey Coleman, Richardson Pearce


*Estelle does not have any plans to meet with the UT staff at this point.

[TFloss32]

The search for the last defensive back in the 2012 class goes on and a new name has emerged. The UT staff will be meeting with CB Ryan Reid of Sherman this weekend after he participates in the Texas Relays. Not much is known about him at this point and he looks to be one of those annual late bloomers that the staff will paying close attention to once the spring evaluation period starts up on April 18th. Reid is a recent transfer to Sherman HS from South Oak Cliff HS in Dallas. He currently holds offers from Baylor, Texas A&M and Texas Tech.

DB, Ryan Reid, Sherman (5-11, 187)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Ryan-Reid-121661


With ATH Kendall Sanders of Athens back in the mix, it's looking like Texas may want to close the 2012 class with an ATH type as well as an additional DB. I'm sure the picture will become more clear once the staff hits the road again in a little over a week. Here is a list of the in-state guys Texas has on the radar to fill those remaining spots (in no particular order of importance):

ATH, Corey Coleman, Richardson Pearce
ATH, Kendall Sanders, Athens
DB, Nick Coleman, San Antonio East Central
DB, Ryan Reid, Sherman
DB, Justin Thomas, West Orange-Stark
DB, Leo Thomas, San Antonio Sam Houston

[ThePop]

Not a great year for DB's. Do you know why we're not recruiting LaDarrell McNeil?

[TFloss32]

Two small updates...

*DB Ryan Reid met with Darrell Wyatt today and was shown around the facilities. He wasn't offered a scholarship, but he will remain in that group of guys that the staff will be evaluating over the next couple of weeks.

*OL Kennedy Estelle still has no plans to meet with the coaches this weekend while he's in town for Texas Relays. He mentioned that he will be making his mind up at some point in the upcoming week where his next visit will be. He's narrowed it down to two options: Auburn and Alabama or Florida State. It won't be all three.

[TFloss32]

Here are two new names to make a mental note of:

DB, DeVante Harris, Mesquite Horn (5-11, 160)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-DeVante-Harris-113226

DE, Torshiro Davis, Woodlawn (Shreveport, LA) (6-3, 222)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Torshiro-Davis-121419


Harris is another guy we can add to the list of candidates for that last DB scholarship. He currently has offers from Mississippi State, North Texas, SMU and Virginia. Texas is also possibly looking for another DE in this class. Turns out Davis (even though committed to LSU) is being called on by Texas at the moment likely because Davis' coach and Bo Davis are very good friends. Maybe this is a guy that the UT staff will check out during spring evaluations. The majority of the SEC has already offered him so it's probably safe to assume he's more than legit. The following is a list of DEs that are still on Texas' radar:

DE, Torshiro Davis, Woodlawn (Shreveport, LA)
DE, Devonte Fields, Arlington Martin
DE, Taiwan Johnson, Manvel
DE, Channing Ward, Aberdeen (Aberdeen, MS)

[TFloss32]

Here's a good write-up from the Nike Football Training Camp held on the TCU campus in Forth Worth this weekend. Lots of Texas commitments performed well. OL Michael Starts and some other uncommitted prospects that UT is still after were in attendance too. DE Hassan Ridgeway of Mansfield took home MVP honors for the defensive line and LB Peter Jinkens received the MVP for the linebackers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=6324148

[TFloss32]

DE Hassan Ridgeway, Mansfield
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/902/F789703.jpg

WR Cayleb Jones, Austin High & WR Thomas Johnson, Dallas Skyline
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/902/F789708.jpg

OL Michael Starts, Waco La Vega
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/902/F789713.jpg

LB Peter Jinkens, Dallas Skyline
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/902/F789704.jpg

[TFloss32]

Not a great year for DB's. Do you know why we're not recruiting LaDarrell McNeil?

Forgive my long answer...DB LaDarrell McNeil's recruitment has had me confused since February. McNeil had Texas atop his list throughout his junior year and he was a favorite of Duane Akina's for a very long time before he left for Arizona. He still remains the top safety prospect in the state. If you remember, he attended the first Junior Day in February despite all of the DBs being moved to the second Junior Day two weeks later because of Jerry Gray's departure for the Tennessee Titans. Naturally, you wouldn't invite a prospect to campus if he doesn't have a position coach to talk to...it's just not a smart recruiting decision. McNeil still made it to town despite all of that (if that was his decision or the staff's...I don't know) so everyone expected him to get an offer and be the first DB commitment. When he left town empty-handed afterwards, it was a bit surprising. I thought for sure he'd receive his offer once UT hired a new DB coach and I expected it even more when Akina returned. Even then, there's been little to zero contact with him in the past two months. Usually when a top prospect isn't being recruited by Texas, it has to do with grades, behavioral issues (i.e. LB Derek David of Rockdale) or association with street agents. I haven't heard anything like that about McNeil, so there are only two different scenarios that I can think of that would keep UT from recruiting him. First of all, the word out there right now is he's not considering any school that won't offer his teammate, ATH Damien Lawry. Texas A&M and TCU have offered Lawry and those two schools are McNeil's favorites at the moment. UT won't be offering Lawry. The second scenario has to do with McNeil's high school coach, Elzie Barnett. He is the father of the crazy TE Chris Barnett who changed high schools five times throughout his career and committed to two different colleges (OU and Arkansas) before mysteriously signing with Michigan at the last minute. Barnett has been accused of dealing with street agent Baron Flenory. The thought is Texas simply doesn't want to deal with Barnett in order to get to McNeil. There's a long way to go in this one, so maybe the staff will get back in with him after spring evaluations.

[TFloss32]

Texas A&M is already getting started on the 2013 class. They held their Super Sophomore Day in College Station this past weekend. Here's a list of notable recruits that were in attendance:

QB, Kenny Hill, Southlake Carroll
RB, Keith Ford, Cypress Ranch
RB, LaQuintas Wallace, Tyler Lee
OL, Kent Perkins, Dallas Lake Highlands
DT, Ben Hughes, Waco University
DT, Hardreck Walker, Spring Westfield
ATH, Robert Mitchell, Beaumont Central

*Wallace and Perkins are studs and will be recruited at a national level. Texas will be holding their summer camp for 2012 and 2013 prospects in June.

[TFloss32]

Here's a workout video of QB Connor Brewer. The first two minutes are boring but watch the entire thing. I LOVE his smooth release when he rolls out of the pocket (watch the last throw).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZVrIX5vA0E&feature=youtu.be

[Kermit]

Here's a workout video of QB Connor Brewer. The first two minutes are boring but watch the entire thing. I LOVE his smooth release when he rolls out of the pocket (watch the last throw).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZVrIX5vA0E&feature=youtu.be

But is he a squinter?

[TFloss32]

But is he a squinter?

I think that's a prerequisite now..."must not squint." FML if Gilbert is the starter and turns the ball over like he did last year.

[Kermit]

I think that's a prerequisite now..."must not squint." FML if Gilbert is the starter and turns the ball over like he did last year.

Prepare your anus. It's going to happen.

[TFloss32]

A little more info on DE Torshiro Davis of Shreveport, LA...his coach was quoted saying that while Davis is committed to LSU, he may take some visits to other schools in the future. He also mentioned that Texas has had serious interest for a while and he talks to Bo Davis at least once a week. Not only are Torshiro's coach and Davis very good friends, but Davis recruited Torshiro while at Alabama. It'll be tough to pull him away from LSU, but that's just the kind of relationship that UT needs to get their foot in the door with an big-time out-of-state prospect. We've already learned what kind of recruiter Davis is after pulling DT Malcom Brown away from the Aggies after only two months on the job, so I won't doubt him if he wants the kid badly enough.

[TFloss32]

The latest from Recruitocosm. More on street agents.

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/04/11/big-cigar-street-agents-in-texas-feeling-the-pinch/comment-page-1/#comment-80131

[Kermit]

So, Gray and his daddy are pissed about a blog insinuating rumors of daddy whoring his son out. Whoop! Rumor mongering gone bad.

edit:

:lmao Aggy caved and removed said blog.

[TFloss32]

So, Gray and his daddy are pissed about a blog insinuating rumors of daddy whoring his son out. Whoop! Rumor mongering gone bad.

edit:

:lmao Aggy caved and removed said blog.

I thought about linking this site a few days ago, but didn't want to give an Aggie troll his due. Looks like the entire site is now down. For those that don't know what's been going on, a poster from TexAgs or AggieYell has been writing an ongoing blog ever since DT Malcom Brown and LB Tim Cole committed to Texas (likely out of bitterness). It's basically just nonsense with no factual evidence about Texas paying their players and dealing with street agents. The blog's latest piece had a feature on RB Johnathan Gray being shopped out to various colleges by his father for $250K. The dumbest thing about this piece is the blogger (who's clearly an A&M fan) included A&M in the list of schools the Grays are dealing with :bang. Anyway, reports came out this morning that the Grays were considering pushing Johnathan's commitment date back and getting a lawyer to deal with the mess. They don't want to make a commitment to any school with allegations like this being thrown around (the story has spread pretty quickly). Looks like the blogger found out he's being pursued and took down the site or legal action has already been taken.

[rjv]

I thought about linking this site a few days ago, but didn't want to give an Aggie troll his due. Looks like the entire site is now down. For those that don't know what's been going on, a poster from TexAgs or AggieYell has been writing an ongoing blog ever since DT Malcom Brown and LB Tim Cole committed to Texas (likely out of bitterness). It's basically just nonsense with no factual evidence about Texas paying their players and dealing with street agents. The blog's latest piece had a feature on RB Johnathan Gray being shopped out to various colleges by his father for $250K. The dumbest thing about this piece is the blogger (who's clearly an A&M fan) included A&M in the list of schools the Grays are dealing with :bang. Anyway, reports came out this morning that the Grays were considering pushing Johnathan's commitment date back and getting a lawyer to deal with the mess. They don't want to make a commitment to any school with allegations like this being thrown around (the story has spread pretty quickly). Looks like the blogger found out he's being pursued and took down the site or legal action has already been taken.


a rogue blogger and rumors about football recruiting. who would have ever thought such a thing could happen?

[TFloss32]

a rogue blogger and rumors about football recruiting. who would have ever thought such a thing could happen?

I feel for the Aggie fanbase that wants nothing to do with this guy and never promoted his story. He was putting A&M in a bad position as well. Silly rumors aren't usually given a second look but reckless defamation of a family with a solid reputation like the Grays isn't cool. Nothing says "I'm full of shit" like taking down a blog once there's a threat of legal action. The same guy is supposedly saying UT paid Cole and Brown $80K a piece for their commitments while also creating a fake Connor Wood facebook page saying he was friends with Will Lyles. He could be in deep if they ever find him.

[rjv]

I feel for the Aggie fanbase that wants nothing to do with this guy and never promoted his story. He was putting A&M in a bad position as well. Silly rumors aren't usually given a second look but reckless defamation of a family with a solid reputation like the Grays isn't cool. Nothing says "I'm full of shit" like taking down a blog once there's a threat of legal action. The same guy is supposedly saying UT paid Cole and Brown $80K a piece for their commitments while also creating a fake Connor Wood facebook page saying he was friends with Will Lyles. He could be in deep if they ever find him.

the thing is anyone could really set up anyone else. one could be an aggie or sooner fan and pose as a longhorn or red raider fan or vice versa. hopefully, they do catch the culprit and make that individual pay for it.

on that note, thanks for keeping the information on this site at a respectable level. it is appreciated.

[TFloss32]

the thing is anyone could really set up anyone else. one could be an aggie or sooner fan and pose as a longhorn or red raider fan or vice versa. hopefully, they do catch the culprit and make that individual pay for it.

on that note, thanks for keeping the information on this site at a respectable level. it is appreciated.

No problem at all. I appreciate input from all sides and try to remain objective. You're right about the blogger in question and I guess I should say "troll" and not "Aggie troll." It could very well be anyone. The only thing I know for sure is a guy with the handle "AggieinDC" was promoting this story over on A&M sites and it only makes things worse. It sounds like he's starting to backpedal as well.

[TFloss32]

I think they found the culprit.

http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper657/stills/ppj8lf6t.gif

[TFloss32]

Or maybe this guy.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KesrjMRbztM/StjHVUjr9uI/AAAAAAAABaE/tfpZR8RHUn4/s400/sooner_fan.jpg

[rjv]

i'm pretty sure it wasn't this guy:

http://ttimesoftroubles.webs.com/satan88.jpg

[TFloss32]

I digress...back to recruiting. Here are some 2013 names to keep in mind:

OL, Ja'Braylin Thomas, Weimar (6-7, 310)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Ja'Braylin-Thomas-124807

DT, Justin Manning, Dallas Kimble (6-3, 275) *likely an OU lock
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Justin-Manning-121021

DT, A'Shawn Robinson, Forth Worth Arlington Heights (6-4, 302)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-A'Shawn-Robinson-123086

DT, Vincent Taylor, San Antonio Madison (6-3, 240)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Vincent-Taylor-113668

[TFloss32]

ATH Kendall Sanders of Athens mentioned today that he's had no contact with the UT staff since the spring game weekend. Sounds like he's pretty much waiting for an offer at this point. There's no good reason why you wouldn't offer a dynamic talent like Sanders as he can take on multiple roles for a football team, so we'll see what decisions the staff makes during and after spring evaluations. Just a reminder that the spring evaluation period starts next Monday, April 18th. The staff will be back on the road looking at 2012 and 2013 prospects.

[TFloss32]

RB Johnathan Gray's father came out last night and said that the blog accusing him of seeking payment for his son's commitment will not delay Johnathan's announcement scheduled for Friday, April 22nd. It looks like the guy who started the said blog posts as "DaRootas Big D" on TexAgs and "pauley01" on AggieYell. Scroll through the thread to see his comments highlighted in yellow.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:dM-09M_fxq4J:texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp%3Ftopic_id%3D1816748%26forum_id%3D 6+site:texags.com+%22DaRootas+Big+D%22&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a&source=www.google.com

[TFloss32]

*Per Hook 'Em 24/7, Oscar Giles and Darrell Wyatt will be stopping in Weimar next Monday to visit 2013 OL Ja'Braylin Thomas. Thomas' hometown of Weimar is near Schulenburg about halfway between San Antonio and Houston directly off of I-10. Most of the staff will be traveling for the next few weeks so there should be lots of updates to come on recruits around the state (some out-of-state guys as well).

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Weimar,+TX&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Weimar,+TX&gl=us&ei=vOulTZTzD4SitgfShPm_Ag&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQ8gEwAA


*OL Kennedy Estelle has yet to make his mind up on where his next recruiting trip will be. His mother reiterated earlier this week that he has to choose between a trip to Auburn/Alabama or Florida State. I think it's actually encouraging that he's making these visits. Let his mother see just how far these schools are from Pearland and she'll likely appreciate UT's location that much more. It sounds like these visits are something Estelle just needs to get out of his system before making a decision.

[TFloss32]

More recruiting updates from Recruitocosm:

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2011/04/13/quick-percentage-update-on-some-targets/

[TFloss32]

*Good news from last night is OL Andrus Peat of Tempe, AZ has been in contact with Stacy Searels recently. Searels has planned a trip to Tempe next Thursday to visit Peat at his high school. He's the one out-of-state prospect that I feel Texas has a legit shot with and what a get he would be. He's the perfect left tackle prospect for an offensive line that is in need of serious help. The UT staff will be visiting some of the other out-of-state targets during the spring evaluation period and it looks like they aren't going to concede these guys to other schools without a fight. They'll need to get them to Austin at some point in the future to have a chance, though. UT is hoping to land RB Johnathan Gray next week so that he can assist QB Connor Brewer with the recruiting effort by reeling in some other big fish to close this class.

*DT Javonte Magee of San Antonio Sam Houston hasn't talked very much since his visit to Waco for Baylor's spring game two weeks ago. Turns out he has been in constant contact with the UT staff, but he isn't naming a leader at this time. I don't think Texas is the favorite right now, but they are very much in the mix with Baylor and Texas A&M. Remember, UT signed Magee's teammate, DT Quincy Russell, in the 2011 class and that should count for something. Hopefully the staff will turn up the heat on this guy during spring evaluations. He's a definite take regardless of the scholarship numbers and how many defensive lineman you already have commitments from. I'm still waiting to see if LSU will throw their name in hat at some point. Magee is a Lousiana native and moved here after Hurricane Katrina. The home state school getting involved could make things interesting.