Jump to content

satyanash

Certifiably Surly
  • Posts

    12955
  • Joined

  • Days Won

    3

Posts posted by satyanash

  1. EJ after dark: New Crystal Ball pick in for Texas

    — Both Mike (all the way from Jamaica) and I put in our Crystal Ball picks for four-star wide receiver Dylan Wright to Texas today. I am told that there is a lot of confidence in regards to Wright heading into his visit weekend. Tom Herman has been in constant communication with his parents, and they were blown away on junior day weekend in February. A source also told Mike that he enjoyed his Texas visit more than Ohio State and that he prefers to play in a warmer environment. Wright wants to wait until January to make a public decision, but we like where the Longhorns sit early on.

    — One out-of-state wide receiver the Longhorns are still pushing for is Notre Dame Prep (AZ) product Jake Smith. The Longhorns have already hosted him for a visit this offseason and are working to get him back on campus. While USC appears to be the frontrunner in his recruitment, I am told that there is still legitimate interest in Texas. The Longhorns love him as a true slot receiver.

    — Four-star defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal was named to the Subway Super Team today, and the tweet from their official account seemed to indicate that he committed to the Longhorns. However, I’m told that Leal has not given UT a verbal pledge. As I reported a few days ago, he still wants to make a few other visits. With all of this said, I’m very confident on where Texas stands in this one. 

    — Texas assistant coach Oscar Giles is keeping tabs on several in-state defensive linemen, including George Ranch product Peter Mpagi, who visited for junior day weekend in February. Mpagi informed me that he would be back on campus for the spring game on April 21. He is one to keep an eye on.

    • Like 1
  2. Djokovic just fired his coach Radek Stepanek, right on the heels of parting ways with Agassi. Djokovic has now essentially fired his entire coaching staff twice over the last 3 months, and he will now head into the clay season without a coach.

     

  3. 1 minute ago, 35dimes said:

    So IT is really confident in landing Garrett Wilson, but TFB is not so confident. Anybody have any idea why?

    The Ohio State apprehensions have been growing for a while with Wilson. His visit there definitely seems to have changed things

    • Like 1
  4. EJ after dark: UT out in front for Louisiana athlete?

     

    — According to a source in Louisiana, Texas currently has the inside track for University Lab (La.) athlete Makiya Tongue. The three-star prospect recently made a visit to Texas and was blown away by his time in Austin. We expect him to make another trip in the near future. Tongue prefers to play wide receiver at the next level but is probably best suited to play linebacker. Texas has pitched him on the opportunity to play either.

    — Texas Director of Recruiting Bryan Carrington has fully embraced his new title and is hard at work on a number of key Texas targets, including elite running back Noah Cain. Carrington FaceTimed with Cain a few days ago and is continuing to become more of a factor in his recruitment. Remember, Cain is scheduled to make an unofficial visit to Texas for its spring game in a few weeks.

    — Elite 2020 running back Zachary Evans announced his commitment to the Under Armour All-America Game tonight. As expected, the Oklahoma rumors were just that — rumors. Evans remains high on Texas, and his brother, who is a father figure to him, is very pro-UT. As I mentioned earlier, Evans and his brother are looking to visit Texas very soon, possibly this week.

    — Texas recently extended an offer to four-star Destrehan (La.) running back John Emery. But the Longhorns are not in the mix in this recruitment. He announced a top eight that did not include Texas a few days ago. Cain and Trey Sanders remain priorities at the position, while the Longhorns are actively recruiting Marcus Major and Deondrick Glass.

    • Like 1
  5. 1 hour ago, WBT said:

    If you have a cable/satellite login, you can surely still stream everything right?  I take it as this is a way for people who have cut the cord to get access to most of the espn3 stuff.

    The Ringer has a more in-depth explanation of what ESPN+ is and what it offers: https://www.theringer.com/sports/2018/4/2/17190026/espn-plus-streaming-service-april-12

    Basically, it's not really aimed at cord-cutters. It's intended as a paid supplement to ESPN's eight cable networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Classic, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, Longhorn Network, SEC Network) offering "less popular" sports like tennis, cricket, rugby, etc. It's completely separate from WatchESPN; no live event that is on one of ESPN’s existing networks will be on ESPN+. None of the ATP tournaments ESPN already owns the rights to (ATP World Tour Finals, Indian Wells, Miami, Cincinnati, and Montreal) will be on ESPN+ either. They're basically splitting off a big chunk of their tennis content to this service, forcing us to now pay $5/month more to see the Slam matches we could have seen on WatchESPN otherwise.

  6. PSA: ESPN+, Disney's new direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service, is launching on April 12th for $5/month. It will feature all Grand Slam tennis matches, with the exception of Roland Garros. 

    https://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2018/04/espn-to-launch-april-12-bringing-sports-fans-more-live-sports-exclusive-originals-and-on-demand-library-all-for-4-99-per-month/

    Quote

    GRAND SLAM TENNIS – HUNDREDS OF TENNIS MATCHES FROM WIMBLEDON, US OPEN & AUSTRALIAN OPEN: Tennis fans will have access to more of the action than ever at three of the annual Grand Slam tennis events. With hundreds of men’s and women’s singles and doubles matches, ESPN+ will be the perfect complement for every passionate tennis fan.

    So in other words, they're now charging us money for what they used to give us for free with ESPN3/WatchESPN :(

    • Like 1
  7. 3 hours ago, tokamak said:

    This Wilson-doesn't-like-our-offense narrative is new to me. Did tOSU put that in his head, or has he been saying that all along?

    Read the practice reports. Our offense so far has struggled after struggling all last year. Why would tOSU need to put anything in his head when he can see for himself?

  8. On 3/28/2018 at 8:54 AM, HouTex said:

    I also don't like the way the US Open and Wimbledon have slowed the courts down to suit his game.  It's made him among the GOATs from a major wins standpoint.  Otherwise, he'd be known as one of the best clay court specialists ever, but not an all-court player who could win on multiple surfaces, like Borg.  But he is such a huge draw to the game that the powers that be in the tennis world want him to be competitive in all of the majors.

    There's some truth to this. On the one hand, no one was especially thrilled when Mark Philippoussis served his way to the Wimbledon final in 2003. But on the flip side, Nadal threatened to boycott the Madrid Masters after the 2012 edition of the tournament used blue clay for the first time - the resulting court was faster and more slippery than normal, and as a result Federer and Berdych ended up in the final while Djokovic and Nadal were bounced early. It's a shame Nadal ensured blue clay would never be used again, especially since it was later established that pre-tournament preparation problems were to blame for the court conditions and not the blue clay itself.

    Since this is a Federer thread, here's the final of the 2012 Madrid Masters. The first and probably last time we'll see blue clay in a major tournament. Thanks, Nadal.

     

  9. Steve Wiltfong: Touted linebacker De'Gabriel Floyd to Texas

    The Texas defense just got a little more ferocious on Saturday as new commit De'Gabriel Floyd is as violent a tackler as one will find in the 2019 recruiting class. Out of Westlake Village (Calif.) Westlake, the 6-foot-2, 226-pound Floyd is aggressive, closes quick on the ball and fierce on impact. An absolute striker that shows up on film in all three facets of the game. “To be honest, in-game, I don’t really talk about it but my mind switches into a different mode and I can’t explain what I become, but as I can see it’s ugly,” Floyd said of his physicality. “But when that energy is channeled there’s honestly no stopping me.”

    There was no stopping Texas in this recruitment as the Big 12 program beat out the heavy hitters from every other Power Five conference. “Since my first trip,” Floyd said of when he knew he’d be Longhorn. Ranked by the industry-generated 247Sports Composite as the nation’s No. 3 outside linebacker, Floyd has the traits to blossom into a second level tone-setter in Austin that erases mismatches in coverage. At his new high school he says he’s strictly a linebacker now, but on film you see him play receiver, return kicks and even take snaps as a Wildcat quarterback as a junior at Golden Valley High.

    It’s pretty unique film to say the least. Last fall, Floyd stuffed the stat sheet, rushing 58 times for 407 yards and eight touchdowns, caught 37 passes for 578 yards and four scores, racked up 73 tackles and two interceptions. He ran a fumble back for six and a punt to pay dirt. “I had fun doing it,” Floyd said, adding he’ll miss it to some degree. “I liked scoring touchdowns and returning punts is easy, But I just have to keep my ball skills high and run to the open field.”

    Recruited to play Rover at Texas, Floyd will have plenty of opportunity to make an impact on defense, as another in the box against the run, or someone taking away quick passes or even spying the quarterback. “Their defense is kind of set up for the Rover to be free to the ball and make a play, and they feel with my skill set I fit that perfectly and I think so too,” Floyd said. Floyd has 4.9 laser-timed speed in the 40-yard dash, clocked at the recent The Opening Regional in Los Angeles with a 35-inch vertical. By the time the NFL Combine comes around those numbers could be freakish for a player of that size.

  10. E.J. Holland: Grad transfer WR Tabari Hines high on Texas after visit

     

    Texas hosted several big-name recruits this weekend. But perhaps the most important player on campus was grad transfer wide receiver target Tabari Hines, who enjoyed his time in Austin. “It was a great visit,” Hines said. “My favorite part was just being around the coaches. They are all great people and nice to talk to. The offense is featured through the position I would play there.”

    Texas has already landed one grad transfer this offseason in former Rice offensive lineman Calvin Anderson, who was also on campus this weekend, and is making Hines a top priority. While the Longhorns do have guys on the roster like Jerrod Heard and Jordan Pouncey, they are looking for more of a natural fit at the position. And Hines can certainly provide that. After all, Hines tied for the Wake Forest team lead with 53 receptions for 683 yards and seven touchdowns last season. There is no doubt Hines has the ability to come in and start and provide an instant upgrade at a position of need.

    So where exactly does Texas stand? “I have high interest in Texas,” Hines said. “What stands out is just the whole family thing. It’s one big family. NFL players and former players all love being around Texas football.” Hines has one year of eligibility remaining. He can play right away as a graduate transfer. Along with Texas, Hines is considering schools like Baylor, Kansas State, Oregon, Illinois, West Virginia and Vanderbilt. He has no timeframe for a decision.

  11. E.J. Holland on Javonne Shepherd

    The four-star offensive lineman is likely to come down to Austin for an unofficial visit this weekend. Shepherd was actually supposed to be here this weekend but couldn't due to family matters. Both Tom Herman and Herb Hand have been working extremely hard in this recruitment. Herman actually FaceTimed with Shepherd for about 15 minutes this weekend. Texas is continuing to gain steam in this one."

    !!!

    • Like 3
  12. E.J. Holland: Who's next? A look at five commit candidates

    Texas added its fourth commitment in the 2019 class on Saturday.  So who's next? Here is a look at five recruits the Longhorns could reel in soon.

    WR Garrett Wilson, Lake Travis - Wilson is scheduled to make an official visit to Ohio State on April 13 followed by an official visit to Texas on April 20. The four-star prospect will make a decision soon after. He visited both programs over the last week. 

    WR Elijah Higgins, Austin Bowie - A local product, Higgins is very intrigued by the idea of staying close to home and playing for the Longhorns. Texas is a top school early on in his recruitment, and he is getting tired of the recruiting process. 

    OL Tyler Johnson, Conroe Oak Ridge - One of UT's top overall recruits this cycle, Johnson is extremely high on the Longhorns, which hold 100 percent of the Crystal Ball predictions. He recently made an unofficial visit to Texas and bonded with the staff. 

    DL DeMarvin Leal, Converse Judson - Leal has stated that he wants to make his official visits this spring. However, Texas has hosted him twice this offseason and appears to have separated itself as the heavy frontrunner in his recruitment.

    DB Kenyatta Watson II, Grayson (GA) - A four-star prospect, Watson is down to Texas and Notre Dame and will make his decision before the end of spring. Texas will host him for an unofficial visit next weekend and is slated to have him back on campus for an OV a few weeks later.

    • Like 2
  13. E.J. Holland: Tom Herman, Texas making presence felt out West

    Tom Herman is making his mark in California. Herman, a graduate of Cal Lutheran, has ties out West and has made the Golden State a priority since arrived at Texas in December of 2016, sending out a number of offers Cali. Last cycle, the Longhorns struck gold when it flipped four-star Newbury Park (Calif.) quarterback Cameron Rising from rival Oklahoma. Herman was able to relate to Rising on a personal basis and won him over after a visit. The Longhorns also notched a commitment from California native and JUCO offensive lineman Mikey Grandy, who was all but locked up to UCLA before the early signing period.

    Herman’s personality and the city of Austin are both extremely appealing to elite California recruits looking for a new experience. Austin brings a unique West Coast vibe to the Lone Star State, while Herman provides a quirky, 2-Pac loving father figure away from home. This cycle, Texas is already is a good position for a number of top California recruits. And the Longhorns reeled in one of the biggest fish near the Pacific as they picked up a commitment from four-star outside linebacker De’Gabriel Floyd this weekend.

    Floyd committed to Texas over in-state power USC and several Pac-12 programs. Herman and company blew away Floyd on his visit for junior day in February and put the finishing touches on his unofficial visit this weekend. In Floyd, the Longhorns are getting a national Top 50 prospect and a player that can potentially open the floodgates out West. After all, Texas is already in a good position with several players out West, and the Longhorns hosted Premium Sports — Floyd’s 7v7 team, which also features five-star athlete Bru McCoy, linebacker target Spencer Lytle and the nation’s top 2020 dual-threat quarterback in Bryce Young — for a visit on Friday.

    The aforementioned Lytle made an unofficial visit to Texas last week and said the Longhorns are a serious contender in his recruitment. His teammate, five-star cornerback Chris Steele, named Texas a top school this week and plans to visit soon. Texas is also working hard on guys like four-star tight end Isaiah Foskey, four-star outside linebacker Mase Funa, four-star cornerback MyKael Wright and four-star safety Chris Adimora. Floyd’s commitment to Texas could help reshape those recruitments and help the Longhorns more key California on campus.

    Simply put, Herman has the makings of a boss player in California recruiting.

    • Like 1
  14. E.J. Holland: Four-star WR Garrett Wilson recaps weekend Texas visit

    Texas hosted several key visitors this weekend. Perhaps the most important offensive target on campus was four-star Austin Lake Travis wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who enjoyed his time on campus. “It went well,” Wilson said. “I got to watch practice and see how the offense was after a year. My favorite part was just meeting with some of the players and getting to see them.” An important issue for Texas to address heading into the visit was offensive production.

    Wilson has never been shy about expressing his disappointment with the Longhorns offense. In fact, he has been quite vocal about improvement on that side of the ball being an important factor in his decision making process. As Wilson mentioned, he had an opportunity to see the offense in action in Year 2 under offensive coordinator Tim Beck at practice over the weekend and liked what he saw. “Last year, it didn’t look like an offense I’d want to be a part of,” Wilson said. “But I think I could fit right in and make plays. Watching and being a player, you always feel like you could’ve maybe made that play if you were out there. And that happened a lot today.”

    Shortly following his visit, Wilson narrowed down his lengthy offer list to two —Ohio State and Texas. He visited the two programs over the last week and will make official visits to both next month (April 13 and 20). Wilson, who lived in Ohio for six years but now lives a short drive away from the UT campus, will see Texas last and on the weekend of the Longhorns spring game. There is no question what Wilson is going to be looking for. “I want to see a lot of improvement in the passing game, and that’s really it,” Wilson said.

    Wilson will make a commitment shortly following his two official visits. At 6-foot, 185 pounds, Wilson is ranked as the No. 6 wide receiver in the country and No. 7 overall prospect in the state, per 247Sports Composite.

    hmm...

    • Like 2
×
×
  • Create New...