2012 Texas Longhorns Recruiting Thread (+ related news)

[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/recru...ory?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



DB Bryson Echols



OL Curtis Riser

[TFloss32]

ATH Reginald Davis of Tenaha has committed to Texas Tech.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/footbal...d-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...-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...-and-tim-cole/

ASJ 100% to Texas per Trips Right.

Remember that ?

God, I hate this rumor .

[TFloss32]

ASJ 100% to Texas per Trips Right.

Remember that ?

God, I hate this rumor .

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.

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...-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...e-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/footbal...-Gibson-124446

DE, Christian Lacouture, Odessa Permian (6-4, 240)
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/footbal...couture-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.