2014 Texas Longhorns Recruiting Thread

[TFloss32]

Recent quotes from RB Ke'aun Kinner on his future (24/7):

“Unfortunately it didn’t exactly work out like I hoped,” he said. “I was 50 points shy of making what I needed to make on SAT to get in. Now it all depends on my ACT score, which should come in on the 25th.”

“I haven’t heard much from them (Texas) besides that they want to see what I do on this test,” explained the Little Elm product. “I haven’t had much contact with them personally lately, so I don’t know. If it all works out and Texas offers, I’ll be a Longhorn for sure.”

[TFloss32]

Latest with LB Otaro Alaka of Cypress Falls (24/7):

“I’ll be at Texas on Saturday,” said Alaka. “I’m definitely looking forward to it. I haven’t been to a junior day yet, so it is exciting. After Texas, I will go to Texas A&M on March 2nd.”

“They are the only ones probably (A&M and Texas),” he explained. “I was going to go to the Oklahoma one (Junior Day) in January, but they cancelled. My dad lost money for the hotel booking, so now he doesn’t want me going out of state.”

“It would be great,” exclaimed Alaka. “There’s no doubt that they would be one of my top choices.”

“I’ve thought about it (committing to Texas) actually,” Alaka told Hookem.com. “It’s a possibility because I’ve always liked Texas. If I get down there, they offer and they really impress me, then it could happen.”

[TFloss32]

Quotes from OG/C Terrell Cuney of Jasper (24/7):

“I’m very excited about it (the Texas Junior Day),” Cuney said of the upcoming visit. “I want to really see everything you would look for in a school. I want to see the players practice, talk to them and that type of stuff.”

“We talk a lot,” Cuney explained. “I’d say nearly every day possible when it’s allowed. Coach Searels and I are constantly talking. Our relationship is very cool. He’s my dawg.”

“Texas is my favorite,” Cuney told Hookem.com. “They are my top school and he is a big reason why. I don’t want to go somewhere where I don’t even know my position coach well. So yeah, he’s a very big reason why Texas is out in front of everyone else.”

“I’m going to try and wait for a while,” said Cuney. “I’m not desperate to make a decision right now, so I’m not real worried about it. I think I’ll most likely make it before the season starts though.”

“Yes sir (I plan to commit to Texas in the future),” he responded.

[TFloss32]

According to 24/7, two potential offers to look out for this weekend are OT Jovan Pruitt of Dallas Bishop Dunne and DT Cedric Johnson of Rowlett. No word on Pruitt but word is Johnson is likely to commit. DT DeShawn Washington of Nederland is another likely offer if he were to attend.

[TFloss32]

Latest with DE Jarrett Johnson of Katy Seven Lakes (24/7):

“The Texas Longhorns are at the top of the chart,” Johnson told Hookem.com. “They are number one right now.”

“That trip (to Austin) was amazing,” Johnson said. "The facilities, the locker rooms and the coaching staff were all great and that’s why they’re up there for me. I really like Coach (Oscar) Giles a lot too. Oh man, he’s great. He’s a real cool guy.”

“I was invited on Texas A&M’s junior day on March 2nd and Baylor’s on March 23rd,” said Johnson. “Neither is for sure though.”
“The only reason those two visits aren’t set in stone is because I don’t know what exactly will come up in that time,” explained Johnson. “I hope I can commit before my next season though."

“One thing is for sure, it would definitely take a whole lot for any school to knock Texas off from the top,” he added.

[TFloss32]

Some recent tweets from RB/FB Daniel Gresham. He's planning on attending the second Junior Day this Saturday:

"Should've taken my time! Moved too fast! Now I regret it!"

"Sec!!!"

[TFloss32]

Here's a name to remember just in case. DT Trey Lealaimatafao from San Antonio Warren:

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/749598/#highlights/41447388

[TFloss32]

Oklahoma loses three players, including DT Marquis Anderson from Cibolo Steele. Some of you may remember him.

http://newsok.com/gary-simon-marquis...rticle/3756668

[TFloss32]

From Texas WRs coach, Bobby Kennedy, has been hired by Iowa.

[TFloss32]

Per 24/7, it looks like QB Jerrod Heard, RB/FB Daniel Gresham, WR Lorenzo Joe and OL Demetrius Knox will all return to Austin for the second Junior Day.

[TFloss32]

Latest with WR KD Cannon. He's uncertain if he'll be able to get to Austin this weekend (24/7):

“I kind of have to see about that (going to Texas' Junior Day),” Cannon said. “I need to talk to my dad because he might have to work.”

“I want to see the new offense they're (Texas) supposed to be running,” Cannon said. “I need to see how different it'll be and how they'll use their playmakers.”

“I have a pretty good relationship with them,” Cannon said. “They're great guys. They know what they're talking about and they've been doing it for a long time."

“They can get me ready to go to the next level.”

“Texas offers me a lot,” Cannon said. “I want to see how the new offense works. They're always winning and that makes them one of top teams.”

“They've (Baylor) been telling me that they've had two great receivers lately (Kendall Wright and Terrance Williams) and now they've got Robbie Rhodes. They put receivers to the NFL,” Cannon said. “And now they're starting to win regularly.”

“I really like Lubbock. It reminded me of home,” Cannon said. “The visit was great and it impressed me a lot. It was better than I anticipated.”

[TFloss32]

OL Demetrius Knox tweeted earlier that he does not have a ride for the second Junior Day, so he will not be in attendance. Probably safe to assume RB/FB Daniel Gresham is also out.

[TFloss32]

Per OrangeBloods, WR Speedy Noil and DE Gerald Willis III of New Orleans, LA will be in Austin for the second Junior Day.

[TFloss32]

WR Dorian Leonard of Longview will not be in Austin this weekend, per 24/7.

[Vito Corleone]

RB/FB Daniel Gresham calling out Texas coaches:

"It's not the fact that I'm playing fullback it's the fact that they lied to me about it... Just tell the truth please"

The kid does realize that he can decommit and try his luck elsewhere? Sounds to me like he isn't happy with Texas so move on, it's no big deal this early in the process. He and his buddy Knox are both coming across like a couple of little girls, if that is the case they probably need to take their talents to college station and join the other girls.

[TFloss32]

Quotes from DE Gerald Willis III of New Orleans, LA (OrangeBloods):

"For the LSU one, I went to one for the top recruits in the state. I've been to LSU so many times, it's almost like it's the same thing they're telling me. I got to meet with the coaches some more," Willis said. "I've been there so much that there's not much new that they can tell me. I've known coach Frank (Wilson) for a long time."

"The Texas A&M one was a couple weeks ago. I got to see their facilities, talk to their coaches, meet coach (Kevin) Sumlin. I'm just trying to build a relationship with them. Everybody was really nice. They rolled the red carpet for me. It was really nice."

"When my dad and I sat down, we wrote down a list of schools we were going to try to visit this summer. Texas was one of the first ones my dad put on the list," Willis said. "We're going to take that ride this weekend. We've talked to coach Mack Brown, Bo Davis and Larry Porter. My dad been talking to them a few times to set up everything, get all the information. He's going to bring me and Speedy up there this weekend."

"When I talked to coach Brown, he just wanted me to come there and show me the tradition of Texas, the Longhorns, because I don't know much about them," Willis said. "He wants to educate me on the history of Texas, the players that have came through ... just give them a chance to show what they're working with."

"I want to get out of Louisiana, see what's going on in other states. I'm actually looking forward to going up there since I've heard Texas has one of the best campuses of any college."

"My plan, and that can change, but my plan right now is to take it slow, try to see all I can see. That way I know I'm making the right choice, make sure my family will be cool where I go," Willis said. "I want to be comfortable on the field and off the field. I'll probably take my time and commit at one of the all star games but if something pops up and I really like it, I might commit early."

[Bloeddyr10]

The kid does realize that he can decommit and try his luck elsewhere? Sounds to me like he isn't happy with Texas so move on, it's no big deal this early in the process. He and his buddy Knox are both coming across like a couple of little girls, if that is the case they probably need to take their talents to college station and join the other girls.

According to HornsNation, those tweets has nothing to do with Texas. It's something he has heard over and over again at the camp circus and something his teammates are teasing him with, because they know it pisses him off.

[Bloeddyr10]

Glad that Porter, I'm guessing he's the reason, can get all these kids on campus!

Floss, any word on why Fournette seems to be able to make it, when his teammate Joseph Paul has been ruled out? I thought that they were driving together?

[TFloss32]

According to HornsNation, those tweets has nothing to do with Texas. It's something he has heard over and over again at the camp circus and something his teammates are teasing him with, because they know it pisses him off.

If that's the case, then my apologies for posting it. I'll just avoid their tweets from now on.

[TFloss32]

Glad that Porter, I'm guessing he's the reason, can get all these kids on campus!

Floss, any word on why Fournette seems to be able to make it, when his teammate Joseph Paul has been ruled out? I thought that they were driving together?

It's my understanding that Fournette's father is supposed to drive both. Which source said Paul isn't coming?

[TFloss32]

For those that enjoy reading Jesus' stuff, I'll post his latest report because the Board of Regents are having a teleconference tomorrow and I think this article will be made public. It's an interesting read because of the politics involved regarding the future of UT:

Part II of the Humidor is evidently going to deserve a possible part three and four because the table is being set for a sort of clash of Texas political ans with the BOR teleconference meeting tomorrow. Put that meeting in the context of the senatorial vote of confidence led by David Dewhurst yesterday, and you’ve got a case of Political Game Theory possibly spilling over into college athletics. The Cigar tries to explain how that can/will happen, and then we’ll try to mop up as information becomes available, inside the Humidor.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: First off, what the heck went on yesterday and what does it mean to Texas athletics?

Big Cigar: As you know, one by one 11 state senators spanning the political spectrum voiced their support for President Powers in his fight against Rick Perry. The interesting part is that David Dewhurst, thought to be a huge political ally of Perry’s, made a personal plea that not only vouched for Powers, but chastised Perry for his method of attacks against the University President. It was great political theatre and I’m hearing it pissed Perry and his people off. In terms of athletics, if Perry doesn’t back down, which it looks like he won’t, then Powers and the athletic department as a whole better be prepared for a PR onslaught from the governor that will leave no punches pulled, especially the salacious ones.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: Before we get into what the athletic department can expect, what will the meeting consist of tomorrow?

Big Cigar: I’m told Perry is pushing for the Powers vote to take place soon and the BOR will be left to ponder how soon that will be. It’s kind of important because “the agenda” will be brought up but remember this is all just a formality, the BOR already know what the agenda consists of and what Perry is willing to expose and say to make sure it gets through. He wants a $10,000 diploma at the University of Texas to be law of the land and he’s going to sit back and smile when the best minds (deans, professors, researchers) at the University start sending out their resumes as a result. So the real importance is just setting the table for a vote.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: So this isn’t all about a presidential run in 2016 for Perry to strengthen his already conservative platform?

Big Cigar: No, the man has serious ill-will towards the University and would like nothing more than to diminish its image as a premier ins ution and the flagship school of the state of Texas.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: So why Dewhurst’s plea? Why now?

Big Cigar: Publicly Dewhurst’s plea is huge because it weakens some of Perry’s base. In his remarks, Dewhurst also hinted at some of the things going on behind the scenes and his overall disagreement with some of Perry’s tactics. Privately Dewhurst thinks Perry’s witch hunt to undermine Powers with a variety of investigations and airing of dirty laundry is disgusting and he’s told people as much. Dewhurst sees things as being imminent and he doesn't like Perry's tactics at all. This is where athletics comes in I suspect.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: How so?

Big Cigar: There’s a fear that Perry is prepared to make public some items that are best left in house with respect to the University and Texas athletics and Dewhurst does not want to be party to that. He certainly does not want to participate in destroying President Powers for the sake of turning Texas into a diploma mill, but here’s where Powers needs to be smart. If some of these things going on in the Athletic department start to bubble to the service, Powers needs to clean house and fire some lieutenants. To stubbornly protect Deloss Dodds in the face of some of these allegations is bad for the state of Texas, the University of Texas, and its sports programs. Make no mistake, in a perfect world Perry wants Powers out, and Deloss Dodds and a $10,000 tuition cap in. That’s the dream scenario for Perry because that’s what hurts the University of Texas the most.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: So with tomorrow being a prologue to the actual war, what can people do to help?

Big Cigar: Easy. Support the 11 senators and David Dewhurst for going to bat for Powers by calling their offices and thanking them or pledging your support. Call Perry’s office and do the opposite. Also, pay close attention to Senator Glenn Hegar’s appointment to chair the Senate Nominations Committee. He’s the gate-keeper to any senatorial scrutiny that Perry appointments could receive in a hearing setting. Let him know that the people of Texas expect him to do his job in providing oversight. He’s an Aggie but he’s also a Dewhurst appointment so call his office and let him know how you feel.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: Interesting. So getting back to the athletic department, what are you hearing behind the scenes there?

Big Cigar: I still think we’ll get a pseudo-resignation from Deloss Dodds by the summer, but this may speed up the process if President Powers is listening to some of his advisers. At the coaching level, I still believe this is Mack Brown’s last season at Texas and from what I hear this is the most hands-off he’s been during the spring. He was a fixture this time last season around Moncrief-Neuhaus and now I’m told he’s nowhere to be found. It could mean something or it could mean nothing, I just found it interesting.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: So it sounds like Major is running the show?

Big Cigar: Yep, the assistants are living on campus more or less. They’re really trying to get things fixed, so maybe this is Mack’s way of giving them some space and autonomy.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: Can you shed any light on what’s going on with Rick Barnes?


Big Cigar: He’s on a short leash because his name may be mentioned in one of these BOR meetings. If so, I can’t see him surviving especially when Deloss steps down.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: So that’s the best case scenario, a total remake of the athletic department in basically a calendar year. What’s the worse case?

Big Cigar: Rick Perry picking our academic standards and our athletic department.

Jesus Shuttlesworth: Thanks.

Big Cigar: You bet.

[TFloss32]

And if you have time, I've linked some articles posted on Inside Texas that give a good background on everything talked about above and what Rick Perry wants to implement:

http://www.statesman.com/news/news/s...mps-edu/nRXWb/

http://www.statesman.com/news/news/l...-prog-1/nRNHb/

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2...t-cost-control

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate...s-just-a-start

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate...-texas-reality

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate...rising-demands

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate...rising-demands

[Bloeddyr10]

It's my understanding that Fournette's father is supposed to drive both. Which source said Paul isn't coming?

That's on me then. I thought you had typed Paul in red, that's why i wrote it. I don't know what I've seen. My fault.

[TFloss32]

That's on me then. I thought you had typed Paul in red, that's why i wrote it. I don't know what I've seen. My fault.

I should have clarified. The guys in red are "maybes". I saw Paul had been confirmed and forgot to change it. It's fixed now.

Hopefully they both show as planned.

[TFloss32]

I re-wrote the Junior Day list to avoid any confusion. My bad on the previous version:

Junior Day #2 (February 23rd)
QB, Cody Ennis, San Antonio Madison
RB, Leonard Fournette, St. Augustine (New Orleans, LA)
WR, Fonzale Davis, Dallas South Oak Cliff
WR, Tremel Glasper, Dallas Bishop Lynch
WR, "Speedy" Noil, Edna Karr (New Orleans, LA)
WR, Lorenzo Joe, Abilene Cooper TEXAS
OL, Terrell Cuney, Jasper
OL, Joseph Paul, St. Augustine (New Orleans, LA)
OL, Jovan Pruitt, Dallas Bishop Dunne
DT, Cedric Johnson, Rowlett
DT, DJ Williams, Lufkin
DE, Obi Anozie, Dallas Bishop Lynch
DE, Silvester Hayes, Dallas South Oak Cliff
DE, Jake McMillon, Abilene
DE, CJ Reese, San Antonio Madison
DE, Gerald Willis III, Edna Karr (New Orleans, LA)
LB, Otaro Alaka, Cypress Falls
CB, Nick Watkins, Dallas Bishop Dunne
S, Jyaz Jones, Dallas South Oak Cliff

Unconfirmed Invites
QB, Jerrod Heard, Denton Guyer TEXAS
WR, KD Cannon, Mount Pleasant
WR, Marcus Perkins, Garland Naaman Forest
WR, Emanuel Porter, Dallas Lincoln
OL, Jacob Bragg, Nacogdoches
DT, DeShawn Washington, Nederland
DE, Greg Roberts, Nacogdoches
LB/S, Edwin Freeman, Arlington Bowie
S, Dylan Sumner-Gardner, West Mesquite
ATH, Derrick Neal, Dallas Lincoln