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satyanash

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Posts posted by satyanash

  1. EJ after dark: Movement with five-star recruit

    — While the weekend was showered with some not so positive news, there was an interesting development in regards to five-star IMG Academy (Fla.) running back Trey Sanders. I have heard from a source close to Sanders as well as a source close to the Texas program, and they both feel like the Longhorns have made a quiet surge in his recruitment. I’m told Sanders has a close friend in the Austin-area and will likely make a visit at some point this summer. While Florida still seems like his leader, this is certainly a situation to watch.

    — Elite IMG Academy (Fla.) running back Noah Cain reconfirmed with our Mike Roach that he would be on campus for an unofficial visit this weekend for the spring game. We are told that Texas has a chance to gain the overall edge in his recruitment with a great trip. With that said, Cain doesn’t plan on making any type of decision until December, so the season will play a big role in his recruitment. Right now, he remains high on both UT and LSU — Oklahoma and Ohio State are also strongly in the mix.

    — Notre Dame hosted four-star defensive end/outside linebacker NaNa Osafo-Mensah for an official visit over the weekend. So where do things stand? I don’t really buy that the Irish took the lead in this recruitment, but I do feel like this race has tightened up. The good news for Texas is that it will get the final official visit when he makes it to campus on May 4. I still feel good about my Texas Crystal Ball at this time.

    — One 2020 recruit to keep an eye on is four-star Lufkin safety Jerrin Thompson. I am told that Texas is very interested in him and could extend an early offer this spring. Thompson currently has scholarships from Arkansas, SMU and South Florida and is certainly a name to know moving forward.

  2. Tom Loy: Elite defensive end NaNa Osafo-Mensah talks Notre Dame official visit

    Fort Worth (Texas) Nolan Catholic four-star defensive end NaNa Osafo-Mensah isn’t just a want for Notre Dame, he’s a need. The 6-4, 227-pounder and his parents were in South Bend for his official visit this weekend and the trip couldn’t have gone better for the elite pass-rusher. Notre Dame laid out the red carpet and it looks like it made a big impact. “Honestly, I loved my trip,” said the nation’s No. 7 weak-side defensive end from the class of 2019. “It was honestly one of the best weekends I’ve ever experienced in my life, to be honest with you. I got all of my questions about Notre Dame answered. I had some stuff to find out about how the school operates, student life, and things like that, but I got all of my questions answered and I couldn’t feel better about Notre Dame right now.”

    While on campus, Osafo-Mensah was hosted by safety Jordan Genmark Heath. To say the two hit if off would likely be an understatement. Between his time with “JGH” and Irish defensive lineman Khalid Kareem, he realized how well he fit in with a few Fighting Irish football players. “I had the opportunity to go to class with a defensive end, Khalid Kareem, which was pretty cool,” said Osafo-Mensah. “We developed a real good bond. He was telling me about Notre Dame and how much he likes it. He was looking out for me the whole time I was there. Then my actual host, Jordan Genmark Heath, he was awesome. I love that guy. He was helping me out with everything, always taking care of me. I loved being able to spend time with him. I asked about class and what things were like there. He was just telling me about everything and breaking it all down for me. He answered all of my questions."

    “I actually got to go to a business law class, which was pretty cool,” added the No. 115 overall player in the country. “I actually got to meet with a professor there, his name was professor Stevens. He teaches some of the business management classes. He spent some time talking with me and he spent time with my family, which is a big thing for me. My parents are really big on academics. Them getting the opportunity to speak with a professor means a lot.”

    During the visit, the group of recruits and their families headed out to head coach Brian Kelly’s lake house. It was an opportunity for the group to kick back, relax, and spend some time getting to know each other. It was also a chance for Kelly and Osafo-Mensah to further their conversations about what Notre Dame can do for his future, as well as what his abilities can do for Notre Dame.

    “His message was really clear to me,” said Osafo-Mensah of Kelly. “When he invited me, my family and all the recruits to his lake house, he was showing that it’s more than just football over there. He talked to me about the Notre Dame family and the family bond where he can bring all of his players to his lake house to just enjoy themselves like they’re just his sons. That really meant a lot to me. Besides that, he was saying how we could help them win a National Championship with us playing on the defense. He also talked about how great of a coach, coach Elston is. He said that he can develop me as a great player, but also as a man too. Just his message overall is that Notre Dame isn’t just going to develop me as a football player, but it’s going to develop me as a man in life and get me a great degree from Notre Dame.”

    Osafo-Mensah is looking for a school with a strong blend of academics and athletics, as well as a place he’ll truly enjoy being for the next few years. Following 48 hours in South Bend, he realized that Notre Dame checks off all of his boxes. “The thing I really liked about it was that even thought I’m not a player or a student, they cared about me like I was already a part of the football team and I had been there as long as they were,” said Osafo-Mensah, when asked about his time with the Notre Dame players during the visit. “I felt really good about it because they were looking out for me and all of my friends. They were always making sure that we were having fun and everything. The hospitality they showed me was amazing. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

    Osafo-Mensah has one official visit left to take at Texas in early May and then he has a commitment date set for May 19. He will continue to weigh his options and closely consider both schools moving forward. That said, the top target was asked, “What if you told your parents you wanted to go to Notre Dame, how would they react?” It’s clear that everyone is sold on the Fighting Irish if that is what he wants.

    “I think their reaction would be very supportive,” said Osafo-Mensah. “I know they really, really, really like Notre Dame a whole lot, honestly. So, if I was to say something like that, I think that they would understand if it’s something I wanted to do. Even if I went to Texas first and then said that, they would be supportive. I think they would be supportive of that, honestly, because even if it’s what I decided to do, my parents are just really loving and caring for me and want me to make the best decision for me and make sure that whatever decision I make will benefit me the most. They are a great support system for me. They really just care about my well-being and my happiness, so that’s a great thing about them.”

    Notre Dame gave it it’s best shot to land its top target on the defensive side of the ball. We’ll see how things go moving forward, as the Irish continue to push for one of the most talented prospects in the country.

  3. Gabe Brooks: Top performers from Sunday's Under Armour Houston camp

     

    Alpha Dog

    The distinction of the camp's top performer came down to a couple of powerful offensive linemen. Manvel (Texas) High School three-star Layden Robinson was consistently dominant during 1-on-1's and solidified himself at an elite camp for the second time in the past two months and as one of the top sleepers in the state of Texas for the 2019 class. Robinson not only showed impressive technique in his ability to stone interior defenders at the point of attack, but a fiery competitive streak that at times resulted in him finishing blocks as if in an actual game, much to the chagrin of some of the opposing players. The industry-generated 247Sports Composite does not yet have a ranking for Robinson, but 247Sports ranks him as a strong three-star prospect, the No. 8 center nationally in the 2019 class, and the No. 89 overall prospect regardless of position in the state of Texas.

    Along with Robinson, Baton Rouge (La.) Southern Lab 2019 offensive guard and 247Sports Composite five-star Kardell Thomas, an LSU commit, was right there with Robinson when it came to standing up opposing interior rushers during some particularly heated 1-on-1 reps against quality defensive line competition. As usual, Thomas showed impressive strength and power at the point of attack, plus the ability to consistently anchor and stonewall defenders, whether they were smaller and quicker, or of the big-and-broad variety more akin to Thomas himself. Already an Under Armour All-American selection, Thomas is without a doubt one of the top overall prospects in the state of Louisiana. The 247Sports Composite reflects that as he is ranked No. 3 overall in the state and the nation's No. 1 guard for the 2019 recruiting cycle.

    Offensive Standouts

    -- Thomas Gordon, a 2019 three-star tight end from Strake Jesuit in Houston, was terrific in 1-on-1's matched up against safeties and linebackers. Not only did the Northwestern Wildcats commit show strong hands and a consistent ability to catch the ball away from his body, but he showed surprising athleticism and burst on his cuts and breaks. Gordon turned around his defender to get wide open for easy catches on multiple occasions. The 247Sports Composite ranks the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder as the nation's No. 20 tight end nationally for the 2019 class, as well as the No. 58 overall prospect in the Lone Star State.

    -- Andrew Coker, a big-framed 2019 offensive tackle from Taylor High School in Katy, Texas, has gotten in tremendous shape and continues to impress in the elite camp setting. Coker performed well at The Opening Houston in late February and backed up that showing with another strong effort Sunday, repeatedly displaying his improved lateral mobility and pass-blocking acumen. Coker, who picked up a Texas A&M offer over the weekend, is in the 6-foot-7 range and checked in at 304 pounds at Sunday's camp. He's in the best shape of his young career, owns a tremendous wingspan, and continues showing why more Power Five programs are targeting him.

    -- Under Armour Houston marked our second time in two months to see 2020 four-star receiver Jacobi Bellazin in an elite camp setting, and he performed very well yet again. The 5-foot-8, 181-pounder, who recently visited UCLA, is one of the top underclassmen in the state of Louisiana and showed some of the skills that give him that distinction. Bellazin is very twitchy in space and makes cuts on a dime. He knows how to find open space and catches the ball consistently. Bellazin shows the type of overall athleticism and playmaking ability that will allow him to move around the formation and contribute in the return game if needed. While the 247Sports Composite does not yet have a ranking for Bellazin, he is an early Top247 prospect at No. 190 overall nationally in the 2020 class.

    Defensive Standouts

    -- Several underclassmen impressed on the defensive side, including burly, physical interior lineman McKinnley Jackson, who is No. 14 overall in the early 2020 Top247 rankings. Jackson is the top defensive tackle nationally and the No. 1 player in Mississippi in his class. He backed up those lofty rankings with a strong performance Sunday, showing impressive burst relative to his 6-foot-2, 300-plus-pound build, and the power and punch you would expect from such a prospect. Jackson, who decommitted earlier this semester from LSU, unofficially visited the Tigers on Saturday and owns offers from several SEC programs.

    -- Numerous top-tier cover men competed at Sunday's camp, but 2019 standout and 247Sports Composite four-star Marcus Banks from Dekaney High School in the Houston area was particulary impressive. He owns a terrific frame with a wiry strong build and large wingspan. Banks made one of the best individual coverage plays of the day when he recovered downfield to make an off-balance breakup of a pass -- thanks in part to his outstanding reach -- intended for an underclassman four-star receiver along the deep sideline. The 247Sports Composite ranks Banks as the nation's No. 33 cornerback, as well as the No. 45 overall prospect regardless of position in the Lone Star State for the 2019 cycle.

    -- A natural pass-rusher with a ton of frame potential, Pearland (Texas) Shadow Creek 2020 four-star Alec Bryant showed off his ability to beat bigger, slower offensive tackles around the edge during 1-on-1 reps. Bryant's listed size of 6-foot-2, 228 pounds is nothing to sneeze at, but on the hoof he looks even taller and longer than that. Bryant has shown an encouraging ability to use his hands to get separation, and his natural athleticism off the edge is a hand full as it is. Considered one of the top underclassmen pass-rushers in Texas, Bryant is a top 100 prospect in the early 2020 Top247, ranking No. 73 overall nationally. TCU recently offered and many more schools will target Bryant in the coming months.

    -- Making the trip down from St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C., Luke Hill showed during 1-on-1's and 3-on-3's why he's an early four-star prospect per 247Sports for the 2020 recruiting class. Hill recorded multiple pass breakups during position work, repeatedly showing impressive anticipatory skills and good athleticism as he broke quickly and closed fast. He was competitive and businesslike in his demeanor. The 6-foot, 170-pounder is approaching double-digit Power Five conference offers, already owning offers from schools in the ACC, Big Ten, and SEC.

    Noteworthy

    -- Austin (Texas) Bowie 2019 four-star receiver Elijah Higgins earned an invitation to the Under Armour All-American Game. The 247Sports Composite ranks the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Higgins as the nation's No. 44 receiver in his class, as well as the No. 38 overall prospect in the state of Texas.

    -- Three 2020 players who attended Sunday's camp earned Future 50 invitations: running back Zachary Evans, aforementioned defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, and cornerback Dwight McGlothern. Evans is a 247Sports five-star prospect and No. 5 overall in the 2020 Top247. McGlothern is a 247Sports four-star and No. 32 nationally in the Top247.

  4. Bill Kurelic: Buckeyes’ set bar high, Wilson details OSU visit, remaining plan

    Austin (Texas) Lake Travis wide receiver Garrett Wilson cut his long list of scholarship offers down to eight schools in early March, Ohio State, Texas, Oklahoma State, TCU, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Nebraska. Then at the end of March, Wilson narrowed his choices down to Ohio State and Texas and set official visits to those two school’s spring games, Ohio State this weekend and Texas the weekend of April 21.

    The first visit is now in the books as Wilson just finished his Ohio State official visit, a visit he made with his father Kenny and mother Candice. “It was awesome,” Wilson began when asked about the official visit. “I spent a lot of time with the coaches and Matthew Baldwin and some other players.” Baldwin is a freshman early enroll OSU quarterback who along with Wilson led Lake Travis to the Texas 6A state championship game last season.

    Wilson also made an unofficial visit to Ohio State in late March. “I thought nothing could top the first visit, but this one did,” Wilson said. “Everyone was great. The (spring) game was fun to watch. It was all great.” The Ohio State coaches let Wilson know what they have in mind for him if he were to become a Buckeye. “They see me as a versatile guy,” Wilson said. “They see me like a Michael Thomas. And they said I could line up outside or inside.”

    And Wilson saw Thomas on the visit as the former Ohio State wide receiver returned for the Buckeyes’ spring game. “Seeing him was cool,” Wilson said. Wilson lived in Dublin, Ohio for approximately six years until he was entering the 6th grade. “I grew up here,” Wilson said when asked about a possible return to central-Ohio. “My friends are here. It’s definitely a place I feel home at. My parents are good with it if I decided to come back here, they just want what’s best for me.”

    The Buckeyes have definitely put themselves in a good spot for Wilson. But there is still the official visit to Texas to go. “I’ll make the Texas visit and then I’ll make my decision within seven days,” Wilson said. “It’s just those two schools.” The 6-foot-0 and 185-pound Wilson is a 4-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite. He is the country’s No. 46 overall prospect, the No. 6 wide receiver, and the No. 7 prospect in Texas.

    Kurelic: "It will be up to Texas to change things in my opinion - I like where the Buckeyes currently stand."

  5. Just now, perfectchaos007 said:

    Stevie Johnson wins it! Clearly emotional due to winning his first title since his dad passed. I think when he won this title last year, his dad passed just a week or so after

    And he's off to get married next week, too. Great way to head into a wedding.

     

  6. E.J. Holland on Garrett Wilson

     

    "It was hard for me to change my CB on Wilson since I've had it in for so long. But I heard Ohio State knocked it out of the park this weekend and now has an overwhelming edge. He is still going to make his official visit to Texas next weekend, and I'm told the Longhorns are going to roll out the burnt orange carpet. But right now, the Longhorns are playing catch up. It's going to take a perfect visit for UT to get Wilson."

     

     

  7. Mike Roach: Observations from Under Armour Houston

    —Marcus Banks was fluid in his movements and showed some of the best coverage ability at the camp. Banks was light on his feet and showed fluid hips to go along with good quickness. Banks has good length, and he was able to hang with every receiver he faced. Banks is probably the best corner in the state in terms of pure coverage ability.

    —Katy Cinco Ranch linebacker David Gbenda didn’t work out much due to a broken hand. Gbenda looks well put together, and he was fluid in the non-contact drills that took place before the competition portions of the camp.

    —Baton Rouge (La.) Southern Lab offensive lineman Kardell Thomas was absolutely dominant in one-on-one portions. Thomas showed great quickness and aggression as he suplexed one defensive lineman after another. Thomas is a massive interior prospect with strong quickness and intensity. Thomas is a great competitor who takes every rep seriously.

    —Kentwood (La.) Trey Palmer showed great explosion and fluidity from the receiver position. He should work on adding weight to his smaller frame, but Palmer is an ideal slot receiver at the next level. Palmer didn’t do much during the camp because the quarterback play was subpar, but he showed some electric ability in his movement.

    —Atascocita offensive lineman Kenyon Green showed up late to the camp, but he handled himself well in the competition portion of camp. Green has the quickness and arm length to play tackle, but his ultimate upside is probably at guard, where he can bully interior prospects with his size and quickness.

    —Austin Bowie wide receiver Elijah Higgins earned an offer to the Under Armour All-American game following the camp. Higgins showed he could move his large frame well to make plays from the outside. Higgins also showed strong hands and great fundamental catching ability, and he proved that he’s not a guy who should be pigeon-holed as a tight end.

    — Four-star 2020 New Caney defensive back Dwight McGlothern earned an invitation to the Future 50 camp. McGlothern has great length, and he moves his frame well. McGlothern played both cornerback and safety during the competition portion. Though he may ultimately be a safety at the next level, McGlothern showed some natural ability from the cornerback position.

    — Five-star 2020 North Shore RB Zachary Evans didn’t work out during today’s camp. He measured in at 5-foot-11, 206 pounds, and he was named as one of the underclassmen selected for the Under Armour All-American game.

  8. Chip Brown: Some spring practice thoughts

    There was no scrimmage this weekend because the team will practice Tuesday and Thursday then have a walk-through on Friday for practices No. 12, 13, 14 and 15 - culminating with Saturday night's Orange-White Spring Game. But in talking to several sources, here are some things to think about heading into the final week of spring ball.

    * One of the biggest developments of the spring has been the blocking of first-team tight end Andrew Beck and backup Reese Leitao. I'm told Beck's play of the spring was a pancake block of Malcolm Roach - no easy feat. Having a tight end who can set the edge in the run game is enormous for Tom Herman's offense, especially on plays like the speed sweep. That play wasn't featured as much last season because of the lack of a solid, blocking tight end. And that is one of the best plays Devin Duvernay runs.

    * Devin Duvernay, who was described to me by one team source as "Quan Cosby with speed," has been one of the brightest storylines of spring football. Duvernay has put in the time to become a more complete receiver and has the wheels Texas needs to run plays like the speed sweep.

    * Lil'Jordan Humphrey has been a monster out of the slot in four-wide sets.

    * Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele have been running No. 1 and No. 2 at quarterback all spring. But early enrollee freshmen quarterbacks Cameron Rising and Casey Thompson have developed well and have shown confidence. Every source you talk to says Thompson is an elite running quarterback with blazing speed but is behind Rising as a passer.

    * Even with Kyle Porter missing most of the spring with injuries, Daniel Young and Toneil Carter continue to develop as running backs who can be featured in UT's offense as runners and catchers of the ball. Of course, incoming freshman Keaontay Ingram, the state's top running back recruit in 2018, will arrive in June.

    * Denzel Okafor has worked at first-team left tackle quite a bit this spring - a sign he has fended off redshirt freshman Sam Cosmi, one of the strongest members of the Longhorns' team. Of course, Rice grad transfer Calvin Anderson is expected to come in and establish himself as the likely starter at left tackle.

    * Derek Kerstetter, who ran with the first team at right tackle, ran with the second team at center. This will be an interesting development to watch once Calvin Anderson gets on campus.

    * We don't have a good picture yet of JUCO transfer guard Mikey Grandy because of a concussion that sidelined him for most of the second half of spring. Tom Herman expressed a need to see what Grandy and Patrick Hudson(ACL tear recovery) can do once the team gathers for fall camp.

    * New offensive line coach Herb Hand is a hit - a technical teacher and veteran who knows what he's doing and how to do it.

    * On defense, Malcolm Roach has been a hit at both B-backer and Rover (weak side linebacker) in Gary Johnson's absence. Roach is a football player.

    * Breckyn Hager sees himself having a Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year type season. And now he has the body (270 pounds) to possibly back it up.

    * Todd Orlando has praised the efforts of defensive lineman D'Andre Christmas-Giles and backup linebacker Demarco Boyd.

    * Flying under the radar has been a solid spring from senior middle linebacker Anthony Wheeler, defensive end Charles Omenihu and junior nose tackle Gerald Wilbon (with Chris Nelson wearing a green/injured jersey all spring).

    * Among the early enrollee freshmen, look for the following to make an impact in 2018: safety Caden Sterns, safety B.J. Foster, cornerback Anthony Cook, linebacker Ayodele Adeoye and punter Ryan Bujcevski.

    • Like 3
  9. E.J. Holland: Recruiting tidbits from Under Armour Houston

    — Five-star 2020 Galena Park North Shore running back Zachary Evans told us that he would be in attendance for the Texas spring game next weekend. Evans made it pretty clear that Texas is a team to beat early on. He loved his unofficial visit to UT last weekend and said he enjoyed breaking down film with running backs coach Stan Drayton, who is making a huge impression on him.

    — Four-star Spring Dekaney cornerback Marcus Banks will be making an unofficial visit for the Texas spring game and will be back for an official visit on May 4. It appears Texas has regained some steam in this recruitment, but Texas A&M, where he will officially visit on April 27, remains a major threat. Banks also plans to make official visits to Auburn and LSU ahead of his late May decision timeframe.

    — Four-star Kentwood (La.) wide receiver Trey Palmer said he is taking the recruiting process extremely slow and won’t be making any official visits until the fall. Palmer said he was excited about his recent Texas offer and has the Longhorns in his Top 10. He is hoping to make a visit at some point this offseason.

    — Rising wide receiver Jaylen Ellis said he is debating on visiting Baylor or Texas for their respective spring games next weekend. Ellis is currently committed to Baylor but has extremely high interest in Texas and is hoping an offer comes his way in the near future. Ellis spoke to Drew Mehringer last week and remains optimistic.

    — Elite 2020 New Caney cornerback Dwight McGlothern is a maybe for the Texas spring game. The four-star underclassman is deciding between Texas and LSU for his visit. McGlothern raved about his relationship with Texas safeties coach Craig Naivar, and said he FaceTimes with the Texas staff on a weekly basis. McGlothern is considering a number of schools, but it might come down to a battle between Texas, Texas A&M and LSU.

    — Four-star 2020 Clear Creek offensive lineman Chad Lindberg is starting to form a relationship with Texas offensive line coach Herb Hand and hopes to strengthen it when he visits for the spring game next weekend. Lindberg holds offers from Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and others.

    — Rising George Ranch defensive lineman Peter Mpagi will be in attendance at the Texas spring game next weekend. Mpagi has been keeping in close contact with Texas defensive line coach Oscar Giles and is optimistic and offer will come his way in the near future. If Texas offers, it would instantaneously become his leader.

    — Baton Rouge (La.) Southern Lab offensive lineman Kardell Thomas is firm in his commitment to LSU, but he said he is looking to take official visits. Thomas noted that Texas would definitely get an official, but he hasn’t heard from the Longhorns in a while. Thomas has a relationship with Herb Hand going back to his time at Auburn, but it doesn’t appear that the Longhorns are engaged at this moment.

    — We’ve re-confirmed with Austin Bowie wide receiver Elijah Higgins that he won’t make it to the Texas spring game because of his prom. He hopes to get back to Texas some time in the spring. Texas and Stanford appear to be the major players here. Higgins will visit Palo Alto next month.

    — Rising 2020 Pearland Shadow Creek defensive end Alec Bryant has been in contact with Texas defensive line coach Oscar Giles as of late. The four-star prospect said he feels that a Texas offer could be coming soon, and he plans to be at the Texas spring game next weekend. Bryant called Texas a dream school and said they’d be at the top of his list with an offer.

    — Big-time 2020 Houston Christian offensive lineman Donovan Jackson has had some contact with Herb Hand. Jackson holds offers from Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M, Ohio State and Oklahoma. Jackson said that Hand wants him back this summer for a camp, and he’s pretty sure he will attend. Texas A&M is the outright leader at this time.

    — Rising 2019 Crosby offensive guard Chayse Todd has also been in contact with Hand as of late. Todd said Texas is evaluating him throughout the spring, and he feels an offer could come his way. Todd is a maybe to attend the Texas spring game, and he appears to be very interested in Iowa State at this time.

  10. E.J. Holland: Four-star CB Marcus Banks to visit Texas for spring game

    Texas is set to host another key target next weekend. Four-star Spring Dekaney cornerback 

    Marcus Banks informed Horns247 that he would be in attendance for the Texas spring game. Banks was last on campus in February for Texas junior day weekend. He will return to Austin on May 4 for his official visit. Banks plans to make a commitment in late May. At 6-foot, 170 pounds, Banks is ranked as the No. 33 cornerback in the country and No. 45 overall prospect in the state, per 247Sports Composite.

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