Inside Texas:
July told a poor June story, but Steve Sarkisian’s initial class is going to be judged by what happens from now until the first signing day. Currently the class is ranked #6 nationally, which is good, but there are already 20 commitments comprising a sub-.90 average player rating. Sure, that number is skewed by the inclusion of a couple specialists, but it’s more notably skewed by the absence of true star power.
That lack of star power underlines traits that are missing from the class as much as general elite talent or household names. You don’t have to be a household name to provide what’s missing in this class. An example would be an unknown prospect in the mold of Christian Jones addressing the first missing component of the class below. Of course you’d like to address deficiencies with equally high ceiling players but with a much more certain floor.
Tackle length and athleticism
Texas has two quality interior prospects committed. Westlake’s Connor Robertson and Frisco’s Cole Hutson are good fits for Kyle Flood. Robertson would add size at center and Hutson has the necessary size and athleticism to play guard for Flood. Hutson and Hayden Conner aren’t all that different.
When looking at the current roster it’s clear Texas needs tackles of the future. Christian Jones only has one year remaining after this one. Derek Kerstetter departs after this season. Andrej Karic may be a better fit for guard. Ditto Conner. Isaiah Hookfin has another step or two to take. Etc.
Texas needs a high floor offensive tackle who can play by year-two at the latest.
I was pleased to see On3 rank Atascocita’s Kam Dewberry in the 60’s in the national rankings. Gerry and I weren’t the highest on him a year ago but without even discussing Dewberry recently, it appears we both came around to similar conclusions. Dewberry isn’t the tallest, most stream-lined athlete, but he has the arm length for tackle. If I had to pick one prospect in the state who I felt strongest about having an 8-10 year NFL career, I might go with Dewberry.
The staff will continue to work on Summer Creek’s Kelvin Banks. Oregon struggled in its first game and Texas should be better than the Ducks in general. It will be key for UT to overcome whatever it is Banks likes about Oregon, but the on-field product should take care of itself.
I don’t count Arlington Bowie’s Devon Campbell as a tackle, but in my estimation he‘s athletic and long enough to play on the right side. He’s a must-get regardless.
Early playing time will be there for whoever steps to the plate. I wouldn’t be surprised by a Portal addition in the offseason.
Play-making at wide receiver
Play-making can come in a couple of different ways. It’s well do ented the roster needs an infusion of speed at the position. But guys who can create YAC and win 50/50 balls are needed as well.
Texas needs to land two between Evan Stewart (Frisco Liberty), Brenen Thompson (Spearman), Jordan Hudson (Garland), and Shazz Preston (St. James, LA).
Armani Winfield (Lewisville) is committed; I like his ceiling more than his floor. Hopefully he shows good production in his return to the field this week.
Like with offensive tackle, early playing time is there for the taking while being even easier to come by for a receiver.
Hopefully you were encouraged by UT’s receivers blocking with effort versus Louisiana. If Andre Coleman can get those guys blocking well, I’m growing in confidence that he is indeed a quality teacher of the position. That will sell on the trail, but ultimately Sark’s scheme and proven usage should do the heavy lifting.
Lead corner
Texas has two potential corners committed in Austin Jordan (Denton Ryan) and Champ Lewis (Warren Easton, NOLA), but both are just as likely to play nickel or safety.
Bryce Anderson (Beaumont West Brook) could also be considered a corner/nickel/safety, but his verified speed gives him a strong chance to play corner. He’s committed to Texas A&M and won’t be an easy flip, but the Texas staff will recruit him through the whistle.
The staff is also keeping an eye on On3 five-star Terrance Brooks (Little Elm). Like Anderson, he’ll be very difficult to flip, in this case from Ohio State.
Of course the biggest name at corner is five-star Denver Harris (North Shore). People assuming he ends up at Alabama might be wise to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. However, my read after doing extensive homework on it yesterday is Texas has a strong pulse and this recruitment may still have a plot twist or two in it.
Texas definitely needs a true corner or two in the class, but fortunately Kitan Crawford and Jahdae Barron will be ready to start next year and Ishmael Ibraheem and Jamier Johnson are showing early promise.
Linebacker
From my vantage point there’s some uncertainty in the class. Eoghan Kerry (Mater Dei, SoCal) tests well and might be able to play off-the-ball, especially as Texas joins the SEC, but his best position may be EDGE. Trevell Johnson (Arlington Martin) will miss his senior season due to injury and is on a longer developmental curve anyway.
Texas needs to strike while the iron is hot with DeMarvion Overshown. After he’s gone, the staff won’t have another player like him to market to potential recruits.
Harold Perkins (Cy-Park) is the big name here. While I’ve been bearish regarding this recruitment, if everything else is equal, Overshown’s marriage to scheme gives UT a fighting chance.
*****
You may notice the biggest remaining needs by position coincide with the biggest remaining needs by star power. Many of these recruitments are the highest profile of the cycle. As we enter the championship rounds of the 2022 cycle, how Sarkisian and his charges finish the fight will define their first recruiting class.
Why even post this? I'm not about the play the cryptic message speculation game on Twitter.
He should have said play against the best of the best.
And I will play the game here.
That reads Alabama. Play with...
I need help with this.
Is he injured or what?
bama mods say its unlikely finkley picks them today.......bama mods also said that bama will push hard for texas commit jmond tapp if finkley commits to texas
Tapp may be the better player.
srry it wasnt bama mods who said that about tapp it was gerry hamilton
Bama Rivals mod with the Texas pick for Finkley.
Last edited by playblair; 09-09-2021 at 01:37 PM.
sarkisian
texas would currently have the #1 class in the sec
Finkleys a horn told Texas 2 weeks ago! Hook em!!
Gideon did all the leg work on this one!
yes !!!!
Hopefully we can get some of those top WR’s and OLineman to wrap up this top-5 class. I was pretty worried about the way this class was trending a few months ago but things have definitely turned around!!!
There are currently 3 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 3 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
