2012 Texas Longhorns Recruiting Thread (+ related news)

[billfromlaketravis]

More changes...good news and bad news. DE Torshiro Davis of Shreveport, LA won't be able to make J5 and work out with the current UT commitments and other prospects, but he'll be arriving in Austin on Monday and will be spending at least a day and half on campus. It sucks that he won't be able to bond a little bit with the 2012 guys, but he'll definitely get more one-on-one time with the coaching staff and additional time to see the campus, facilities, dorms, etc.

And the hits keep coming. Off the top of my head, Jamal Palmer will be the only DE at J5.

[TFloss32]

*Just a reminder that OL Michael Starts of Waco La Vega is making his decision this morning at 10 a.m. I'll post info as soon I as I read it.

*LB Peter Jinkens of Dallas Skyline is another UT commitment who will be camping on June 12th instead. Said he's very excited to get down to Austin and work more with Manny Diaz.

*It's not really that big of a deal, but for those who haven't read it elsewhere...DB Landon Collins of Geismar, LA has UT in his final five schools. He still plans on visiting Austin with his father in July. He'll be camping at Alabama and Tennessee during the month of June.

[rjv]

*Just a reminder that OL Michael Starts of Waco La Vega is making his decision this morning at 10 a.m. I'll post info as soon I as I read it.

my gut feeling is tech but that is just a pure guess of course.

[TFloss32]

my gut feeling is tech but that is just a pure guess of course.

That is my guess as well. The dude is known for being random, so Baylor wouldn't surprise me in the least.

[TFloss32]

Some great news this morning...ATH Nelson Agholor of Tampa, FL will be in Austin next week for an unofficial visit. He's flying out on Sunday and will be likely be on campus by Tuesday. He's apparently going to see TCU first.

[TFloss32]

OL Michael Starts has committed to Texas Tech.

[billfromlaketravis]

OL Michael Starts has committed to Texas Tech.

TFloss, now that Starts is officially off the board, who do you like to take his spot? If we're talking in state OTs, I believe Brantley and Armstead are the only real options.

Texas' continued disinterest in Trey Kennan is baffling.

[TFloss32]

TFloss, now that Starts is officially off the board, who do you like to take his spot? If we're talking in state OTs, I believe Brantley and Armstead are the only real options.

Texas' continued disinterest in Trey Kennan is baffling.

I'd have to agree with you there. I'm interested to see if OL Kyle Fuller of Wylie will show up to camp this weekend or the following weekend.

[billfromlaketravis]

I'd have to agree with you there. I'm interested to see if OL Kyle Fuller of Wylie will show up to camp this weekend or the following weekend.

Fuller has the measureables, but I can't track down any film on him. Wylie is bit far out for me to know much about their football program, much less seen them play.

Armstead and Fuller should both be on campus at the J12. I'm a big fan of side by side comparisons.

[TFloss32]

Fuller has the measureables, but I can't track down any film on him. Wylie is bit far out for me to know much about their football program, much less seen them play.

Armstead and Fuller should both be on campus at the J12. I'm a big fan of side by side comparisons.

I've read and heard stuff about Stacy Searels' at ude when it comes to recruiting for Texas. He's basically of the opinion that there's no excuse for UT to have an inferior OL because of the type of program Texas is along with the loaded in-state talent pool to draw from every year. If he comes to the realization that the talent isn't up to par or strikes out with certain guys (i.e. Starts), then he'll continue to search out-of-state if need be. We saw evidence of that last week when he called on OL/DL DJ Reader of Greensboro, NC. It's very possible that guys like Armstead, Brantley, Myers, etc. get to camp and they aren't what Searels is looking for. We may not see the next OL offer go out for some time if that ends up being the case. It will all depend on how the staff feels with the other big names and how quickly they want to fill these positions. Lots of factors involved.

[billfromlaketravis]

I've read and heard stuff about Stacy Searels' at ude when it comes to recruiting for Texas. He's basically of the opinion that there's no excuse for UT to have an inferior OL because of the type of program Texas is along with the loaded in-state talent pool to draw from every year. If he comes to the realization that the talent isn't up to par or strikes out with certain guys (i.e. Starts), then he'll continue to search out-of-state if need be. We saw evidence of that last week when he called on OL/DL DJ Reader of Greensboro, NC. It's very possible that guys like Armstead, Brantley, Myers, etc. get to camp and they aren't what Searels is looking for. We may not see the next OL offer go out for some time if that ends up being the case. It will all depend on how the staff feels with the other big names and how quickly they want to fill these positions. Lots of factors involved.

Well said Floss. There's no need to fill Starts' spot too quickly. I'm confident that Coach Searels will work through his evaluations, and make the best choice for his offensive line. I love the no excuses approach.

[rjv]

o-line is a big, big key and texas knows that if they want to get back to le games they have to improve that line.

we'll see if sherman can continue to have such great success in getting the aggie offensive line to a top level. of course, it helps to have the matthews family so committed to a&m.

[TFloss32]

o-line is a big, big key and texas knows that if they want to get back to le games they have to improve that line.

we'll see if sherman can continue to have such great success in getting the aggie offensive line to a top level. of course, it helps to have the matthews family so committed to a&m.

It's funny because I actually wasn't a huge fan of the OL in 2009 when UT reached the le game. I felt guys like McCoy and Shipley covered up several weaknesses in that offensive scheme.

This year's OL won't be filled with world beaters by any means, but I think you'll see improvement under the tutelage of Searels and that fact that Texas is replacing both OTs who had downright unacceptable performances last year. Look for sop re Trey Hopkins to make a name for himself at OT. Improved QB play will also help the confidence of this year's OL, but that's a whole different issue.

[billfromlaketravis]

It's funny because I actually wasn't a huge fan of the OL in 2009 when UT reached the le game. I felt guys like McCoy and Shipley covered up several weaknesses in that offensive scheme.

This year's OL won't be filled with world beaters by any means, but I think you'll see improvement under the tutelage of Searels and that fact that Texas is replacing both OTs who had downright unacceptable performances last year. Look for sop re Trey Hopkins to make a name for himself at OT. Improved QB play will also help the confidence of this year's OL, but that's a whole different issue.

Correct me if I'm wrong Floss, but Coach Searels has Tray Allen at LT and Trey Hopkins at LG currently?

The interior OL is actually pretty good considering. David Snow should be solid at center and Dom Espinosa should be a good back up. Mason Walters, Ashcraft, Porter and possibly Sedrick Flowers can all contribute inside.

My understanding is that Harsin emphasizes athletic guards who can move. Hopkins and Walters fit the bill.

Ideally, I'd like to see Sedrick Flowers come in and start at LG right away. This would allow Trey Hopkins to move outside to LT, and let Tray Allen move back to super reserve. Like Jason Terry, I think Tray Allen is better coming off the bench.

Flowers is billed as the most college ready guard Texas has recruited in some time. Flowers might be the best guard recruit in the past 5 years.

Greenlea is allegedly well ahead of schedule and almost back from his serious knee injury. If Greenlea is 100% healthy, please let him contribute, but if something is off with the knee, Greenlea should redshirt regardless of need. If healthy, I think Greenlea breaks the 2 deep at RT by OU.

Luke Poehlmann is key. The rehab reports have been very sketchy. Texas needs Poehlmann to back up both the LT and RT spots. One of the most important players for the 2011 season in my opinion. Poehlmann was allegedly the best OL in the 2010 fall camp.

Paden Kelley should flourish at RT, I don't have any concerns there.

I believe Texas will be fine at RT, and the interior spots but the LT problem needs to get solved. I expect Texas OL play to be adequate this season. Credit to the Texas OL for keeping themselves in shape, the DL can't say say the same.

[TFloss32]

Bill-

Pretty sure you're correct at this time. I think the hope is Hopkins moves to LT if Flowers can develop quickly and take over at LG. Either way, Hopkins will make a name for himself.

[billfromlaketravis]

Very surprising news from Longhorn Digest’s Kevin Flaherty (Scout.com affiliate):

@LonghornDigest
Kevin Flaherty
It appears that #Texas is back in it for Crockett WR Dominique Wheeler. He just told me he’s headed to the #UT camp on June 12.

Dear Gawd, I hope this is true.

[TFloss32]

Very surprising news from Longhorn Digest’s Kevin Flaherty (Scout.com affiliate):

@LonghornDigest
Kevin Flaherty
It appears that #Texas is back in it for Crockett WR Dominique Wheeler. He just told me he’s headed to the #UT camp on June 12.

Dear Gawd, I hope this is true.

I hope he leaves the posse behind this time.

[TFloss32]

OL Kyle Fuller of Wylie will not be attending J5 this weekend. There's no clarification on whether or not June 12th is an option for him, but he did mention he was sad that he was unable to make it because he likes Texas a lot.

[billfromlaketravis]

OL Kyle Fuller of Wylie will not be attending J5 this weekend. There's no clarification on whether or not June 12th is an option for him, but he did mention he was sad that he was unable to make it because he likes Texas a lot.

I hope Fuller makes it down for J12. The more options the better. I still like Armstead to take Starts' spot.

[billfromlaketravis]

I hope he leaves the posse behind this time.

I would like to see this posse and the Wheeler's face t-shirts.

[TFloss32]

I would like to see this posse and the Wheeler's face t-shirts.

They're already on sale at the Co-Op. Have Pop pick one up for you when he's in Austin this weekend.

[TFloss32]

LB Peter Jinkens of Dallas Skyline is now back on for J5. He'll be getting a ride from WR Thomas Johnson. He's one of the more outspoken guys in this class, so I like him being around all of the other commitments and other 2012 prospects instead of being at J12.

[billfromlaketravis]

They're already on sale at the Co-Op. Have Pop pick one up for you when he's in Austin this weekend.

Haha. I'll look for the Wheeler's face t-shirts at the Uptown Dallas Co-Op. I think Wheeler's hair is longer than Troy Polamalu's.

Agreed on Jinkens. The kid has swagger and will chat up the uncommitted players. Is Peter available to stay until the 6th to talk up Texas with Nelson Agholor and Torshiro Davis? , just keep Peter in Austin until after J12.

[billfromlaketravis]

Suchomel just shot down the Wheeler rumor. Suchomel spoke to Wheeler, and he said Texas has not contacted him since Junior Day.

This just in, Scout.com continues to suck.

[TFloss32]

Suchomel just shot down the Wheeler rumor. Suchomel spoke to Wheeler, and he said Texas has not contacted him since Junior Day.

This just in, Scout.com continues to suck.

Unless Wheeler was told by the staff to keep his visit on the hush and he's flat-out lying about it to other sites, I'd like to know how Flaherty could've screwed that one up so bad after talking to the kid face-to-face.