Texas Recruiting Notes 2021

[TexMexBuddha 978]

Are we building good linebacker depth for Ash and Hutzler to develop???

x-post since it's already in my clipboard.
Hutzler is doing some work. Really think he should stay.

https://theathletic.com/1682941/2020/03/18/texas-longhorns-football-new-staff-coleman-hutzler-fix-defense/

[LTtxfan 48688]

 

[Sock Monkey 713]

Brooks looks much bigger and stronger than he did when he first committed. He won't be a fast college running back by any means, but he might be a decent chains mover.

[satyanash 14129]

(Gerry Hamilton) IT: 2021 Recruiting Big Board In Focus

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With the Saturday commitment of Terrence Cooks, the Longhorns 2021 class has added a “must get” prospect at a key position of need. With Cooks in the fold, it’s the perfect opportunity for IT to give a run down of where things stands in the 2021 class. Enjoy this long read before Masters Sunday begins.

Quarterback (1):

Charles Wright, Austin

The quick flip of lifetime Longhorn fan Wright from Iowa State following the loss of Jalen Milroe to Alabama was huge for Texas. Quarterbacks that have played a lot of snaps in high school under duress tend to adapt quicker to the speed of the game in college. Wright fits that to a T. He’s a high floor program guy...at a minimum.

Running back (2):

Jonathon Brooks, Halletsville

Brooks is having a sensational senior season with a blend of terrific feet in the hole, vision and second and third effort after contact. Brooks won’t strike up the band with vertical runs in college, but he can be a quality back that maximizes runs without elite burst. Texas wants this cat:

L.J. Johnson, Cy Fair High

The Longhorns battle vs Texas A&M could be helped by Miami Central’s Amari Daniels committing to the Aggies. But is the commitment of Daniels and a very strong relationship with Stan Drayton and Bryan Carrington enough to overcome the Aggies season on the field and ability to run the football behind a good offensive line? If not L.J. then who:

Ahmonte Watkins, Klein Forest

Watkins is on the Longhorns offer radar, but his preference to start his college career at running back is keeping Texas from offering to this point. The Horns view Watkins as a defensive back.

Wide receiver (3):

Jaden Alexis, Monarch (FL)

Student body presidents that runs 4.5 with an NFL pedigree should be wanted by every college program. Texas beat out ACC, SEC, and Big 10 competition for this Sunshine State speedster that can take a microphone and perform admirably.

Casey Cain, Warren Easton (LA)

The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder with Gumby arms was a Mike Yurcich favorite. He’s not exactly the field stretcher Texas needs but he does profile well to the stereotypical Tom Herman X. Texas still trying:

JoJo Earle, Aledo

Earle has yet to shut down communication with members of the Longhorns staff, but this one remains a long shot. Texas hasn’t had the year in the air it needed to flip a player like Earle. The Longhorns now covet:

Keithron Lee, Rudder

UTSA’s Jeff Traylor once had this terrific playmaker committed. Once Pittsburgh offered in late May, UTSA knew they had no shot to keep him in the fold. Since that time Lee has received offers from TCU, SMU, Washington, Utah, Tennessee, Arizona State, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, and Texas. The Texas staff likes him at receiver and cornerback. Lee should be a priority. The radar at wide receiver continues to expand but two to know for now:

Keon Coleman, Opelousas (LA)

Without the ability to get Coleman to visit he’ll be a long shot for the Horns, who offered in early October, however, he’s still in no hurry to make a decision.

J.J. Henry, McKinney North

Henry’s had some family issues someone his age shouldn’t have to endure and it’s affected his grades. Texas is still monitoring.

Tight end (2):

Gunnar Helm, Cherry Creek (CO)

Helm remains firm in his commitment and is having a good senior year. He has the chance to be an above average receiver and blocker for the position.

Juan Davis, Everman High

There is chatter among us at IT where Davis will play at the next level. Will it be tight end or could it be on defense at outside linebacker? Get him signed and figure it out later. Davis has elite hands, and good movement skills, coupled with a ‘just go play’ mentality.

Offensive line (4):

Michael Myslinski, Bishop Kenny (FL):

Texas beat out Michigan State for the Sunshine State center with NFL pedigree. A Gerry Hamilton pick to play early in Austin at center. Myslinski is Polish for Stepnoski and is the center they needed two cycles ago.

Max Merril, Strake Jesuit

Merril could play tackle or guard for the Longhorns, which factors into his value in the offensive line class.

Hayden Conner, Katy Taylor

Conner may be best suited for guard long term at the next level, but right tackle could be where he lands the way the class and roster in Austin is shaking out. The Longhorns wish list:

Savion Byrd, Duncanville

The Longhorns continue to try and get Byrd to make a student visit, but this one is a long shot with Oklahoma, SMU, LSU, and Auburn ahead of the Longhorns.

Bryce Foster, Katy Taylor

He has a fondness for Herb Hand, family ties to A&M, and a solid understanding of what Bill Bedenbaugh at OU can do for him. We have it as OU, A&M, and UT in that order.

Remington “Steele” Stickland, Fort Bend Christian

Strickland is the most physically developed lineman in the state, and has received senior season offers from Oklahoma, Texas, Baylor, Virginia Tech, and Michigan among others. The Sooners look like the team to beat for the interior prospect. Texas is crazy if they don’t offer:

Austin Uke, Parish Episcopal

Sure Uke is 6-3.25, but he has an 80-inch wingspan, 10-inch hands, a quick first and second step and a former Longhorns standout turned OL trainer in the D/FW area has him playing a physical brand of football in 2020. USC, Florida State, and Penn State have offered of late with more expected soon, including Indiana.

Defensive end (2-3):

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Denton Ryan

Sanders is the top commit in the class, and one that the Longhorns are now battling Oklahoma and Alabama to keep in the fold. He likes the idea of playing tight end as much as rushing the passer. Texas‘ top prospect remaining on the board:

Shemar Turner, DeSoto

The Longhorns were looking good at the beginning of the season, then the ugly wins and uglier losses stopped all the gained momentum in its tracks. Texas A&M is the clear front runner, and with the way Mike Elko has the Aggies defense and defensive line performing its not hard to see why. Turner can play DE or three-tech at the next level, and will likely play both at different points of his college career. Offer with questions:

David Abiara, Mansfield Legacy

The Notre Dame verbal recently got in some off the field trouble. Prior to that the Longhorns were working hard to flip the ultra talented edge prospect. SMU is also in play here. The Longhorns want to flip:

Gharin Stansbury, Franklin (LA)

The Arizona State verbal is ahead of Barryn Sorrell on the wish list because of edge rush ability, which remains a key need in the program and 2021 class. There are connections here with the Texas staff and older brother Gavin Stansbury. Texas recently offered:

Barryn Sorrell, Holy Cross (LA)

The Longhorns have joined Arizona State, Washington State, and Virginia as recent offers for the one-time Northwestern verbal. Northwestern does a good job of early evaluation.

Defensive tackle (1-2)

Jordon Thomas, Port Arthur Memorial

Thomas will start his college career at defensive end, but IT sees a TQ Graham trajectory here. But wherever the 6-foot-3, 248-pounder plays, make no mistake this kid has the motor, physicality, and competitive spirit the Texas program needs in spades. Time to look at offering:

Garfield Lawrence, Tyler Legacy

Texas defensive ends coach Oscar Giles has remained in contact with the DE that will likely grow into a DT. Tennessee is the latest Power 5 offer, and the senior tape backs it up. Upside East Texas athletes are rarely a bad offer. Texas could make a late run here:

Ikechukwu Iwunnah, Lakeview Centennial

Raw, but a good frame with impressive natural strength and pop on contact. Defensive tackles coach Mark Hagen has remained in contact. “Ike” looks like a 1-tech long-term.

Linebacker (3-4):

Terrence Cooks, Shadow Creek

Cooks was a huge recruiting win yesterday. Really, a must get recruit at this point for the Texas staff. That’s not saying IT is predicting Cooks to be an All-American and future NFL Draft pick, but he has that type of ceiling if he maximizes. The frame, the rangy speed, the natural edge pass rush feel/ability, and the intelligence placed him in the must get category.

Morice Blackwell, Arlington Martin

The best personality in the class, and a player that is a Big 12 fit with plenty of physical upside. Martin plays a physical brand of defense, and Blackwell is the ring leader on a defense that includes 2022 top targets Ernest Cooper and Trevell Johnson.

Derrick Harris Jr., New Caney

Harris suffered an early season ending ACL injury but his work ethic will have him ahead of schedule when it comes to rehabilitation. He’s a very good fit for Joker outside linebacker. Arizona State commit still on the board:

Jaydon Williams, South Oak Cliff

The fast twitch outside linebacker has remained in contact with members of the Texas staff, which includes Williams reaching out to make contact more than once this season. Texas should not turn down this upside athlete should he want to flip. Should Texas make a run at one more:

K.C. Ossai, Oak Ridge

The younger brother of Longhorns soon to be All-American Joseph Ossai remains committed to Arizona, but this is a player that should be in the Longhorns class and program for all the reasons mentioned above when talking about Jordon Thomas.

Safety (1-2)

J.D. Coffey, Kennedale

Solid player at safety in the image of some safeties the Longhorns staff really likes - Jerrin Thompson and Xavion Alford. Oregon has been snooping around this Texas commit in recent weeks. Clemson commit remains in contact:

Andrew Mukuba, Austin LBJ

Mukuba has remained in contact with the Texas staff since giving his verbal to the Tigers. Something to remember in three or four weeks. Texas should offer:

Ty Marsh, Denton Ryan

The Houston commit is a power 5 football player, period. The fact that Ja’Tavion Sanders is suggesting to the Texas staff they should look at Marsh makes this a no brainer.

Cornerback (2-3):

Ishmael Ibraheem, Dallas Kimball

Joshua Moore body type, and similar upside ability on the other side of the ball. More physical on tape than one would think based on physical appearance.

Jamier Johnson, John Muir (CA)

The near 6-footer is quicker than fast with quality ball skills and eye discipline. Beating out closer to home Arizona State was a big early win for Jay Valai in Austin. A third cornerback remains possible:

Jalon Williams, South Grand Prairie

The Boston College verbal has real speed, and Texas has maintained contact.

Marvin Covington, Lake Ridge

The 5-foot-11 senior riser with 10.8 100-meter speed has recent offers from TCU, Miami, and Houston.

Note*: Ahmonte Watkins and Keithron Lee could potentially fit here as well.

Punter (1):

Isaac Pearson, ProKick Australia

Pearson could be pressed into action immediately upon arrival. That way he can get the boomerangs — what the Aussie’s call the yips —out of the way early in his career.

 

[WinningIsHard 3941]

On 11/13/2020 at 4:57 PM, RGBIII said:

Humidor

TEAM

Four players did not practice this week. That includes the brothers Ingram-Dixon, Keondre Coburn, and Jordan Whittington.

Reese Leitao has a broken hand but is playing with a club. There is a bit of optimism regarding him next year playing defensive end with a year to prepare for it. Leitao is a good example of how players can prove to be much more mentally comfortable on one side of the ball than the other.

We’ll have a bigger team portion next week. It’s a bye week and not much to talk about.

SCENARIO 1-3

The decision-makers are pragmatic and understand recruiting is sliding, but they won’t make a decision regarding the future of the head coach position off of that. The thinking is, if the head coach situation is worked out once and for all, recruiting will follow suit.

The AD is still struggling to raise money and that remains an essential point in deciding Tom Herman’s fate. He was brought to Texas to raise money and navigate difficult head coaching situations. Del Conte was brought to Texas for this exact moment and he understands that.

As crazy as it sounds, there is *some* discussion Herman wouldn’t be safe with a Big 12 Championship victory. We think that’s easier to say now, based on how people feel in November, than in December after raising the trophy with a dejected OU onlooking. But it does illustrate the hot water Herman currently finds himself, and if fundraising leading up to that game remains dire, then one of the major issues really isn’t fixed.

A loss to OU, should it occur, and the writing is seemingly on the wall. That would make Herman 1-5 versus the hated rival, with losses occurring on the headsets and in the week of prep as much as on the field.

Donor sources we talk to indicate Del Conte will have the financial support he needs even if the hire isn’t for Scenario #1(Urban Meyer).

We’ll concede Scenario #2 (Herman returning) is more likely than it was after the OU loss, but that isn’t to say it’s likely. That should be expected with the team being on a four-game winning streak. However, the decision-makers do understand the context of the winning streak and are receiving calls after ugly wins the same as after losses.

Everything on the Meyer front is quiet from direct donor and AD sources. We don’t think that’s a bad thing because Del Conte prefers to work in silence to the extent he can. We do know there has been misinformation given from the AD to donors, and high-level donors to mid-level donors. If you have enough sources you’re able to game out what is real and what isn’t.

Misinformation we’ve heard includes: whether a search for a search firm has been conducted (it has, though we don’t know the result), and whether donors are ready to help out financially, i.e., buyouts (they are).

We did hear that one former head coach with ties to UT does believe Urban to Texas is a possibility. We know it is, but it was interesting to hear this person thinks it’s possible too.

To balance that, one of my best agent sources is skeptical Texas can pull off such a move given the climate and cost.

As far as Scenario #3 (a search beyond Meyer), we haven’t heard any names in a while. James Franklin was thought to have a chance very early on, but he’d be a terrible hire and is proving that now.

If a change is to be made, they’re all in on Scenario #1.

RECRUITING MATTERS

Four-star Shadow Creek star LB Terrence Cooks is set to announce his commitment on Saturday at around 3:30 p.m. The Longhorns remain the heavy favorite over Baylor when checking in with multiple sources. Should the 6-foot-2, 210-pound speedy linebacker pick Texas, it will be a combination of football/academics and a close bond with linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler.

The addition of Cooks to Morice Blackwell would give Texas two extremely athletic space linebackers in the class. There is also JACK prospect Derrick Harris Jr. Should the Longhorns offer another linebacker in the class, Arizona verbal K.C. Ossaicould get the nod. The staff is closely monitoring Ossai, and there are some pushing for an offer with others questioning where he would fit in the defensive scheme. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Ossai plays with excellent eyes, passion, physicality and makes up for lack of forty speed with football IQ and football DNA.

On to some (L)OL recruiting.

Former Texas and NFL offensive lineman Donald Hawkins trains some of the best offensive line prospects in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. That list includes Tommy and James Brockermeyer from time to time, Stanford commit Jack Leyrer and senior riser Austin Uke at Parish Episcopal. The list of younger prospects Hawkins is working with includes the next nationally recruited offensive tackle out of Highland Park — Robert Sweeney. Obviously, when recruiting the Brockermyer brothers, a staff would go through the parents. But there is information to be gained and key relationships to be built and needed with prospects to attain all pertinent information, and that would include a position specific trainer such as Hawkins. In the case of Texas, Hawkins not only trains some of the top offensive line prospects in the D/FW area, but he also played for the Longhorns. That gets to the point of the failures of the Longhorn staff recruiting the position. As of yesterday afternoon, neither Texas head coach Tom Herman nor offensive line coach Herb Hand has called or reached out to Donald Hawkins. Never. Not once. And let’s also add this, Jack Leyrer’s father is also a Texas graduate. So Herman nor Hand has ever reached out to the person that trains multiple targets/offers with parents that are Texas graduates.

Now on to Uke. If there is something that will cause Texas pause in offering Uke, it’s that he’s only a shade over 6-foot-3 without shoes on. Uke, however, has an 80-81-inch wingspan and 10-inch hands with terrific feet, body quickness, and flexibility in his ankles, knees and hips. USC, Florida State, and Penn State are just some of the recent offers with three more Power 5 offers expected in the next week. Texas offensive line coach Herb Hand is scheduled to conduct a virtual visit with Uke on Saturday, and an offer is still possible or likely. Now if Herb Hand was being a thorough recruiter, he would reach out to Hawkins about Uke’s ability to be a quality tackle at 6-3.25 seeing as Hawkins was a 6-4 tackle that excelled at Texas and played in the NFL. Uke’s mom is high on USC right now, pending other offers likely to come.

The Longhorns wisely made an offer to 2021 Bryan Rudder playmaker Keithron Lee this week. Lee is seen by the Texas staff similar to Dajon Harrison in the 2020 class. Wide receiver first, but a player capable of playing cornerback. In the case of Lee, the defensive staff will battle more for Lee assuming he were to pick the Longhorns due to being a longer-armed athlete with more high-point ball skills. Lee’s growing list of offers includes Ole Miss, TCU, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Pittsburgh and SMU.

Inside Texas had him in the top 100 in the summer, but probably still underrated him. IT will see him tonight to get a more thorough understanding of the dynamic playmaker.

A former head coach with ties to UT believes it’s a possibility, is that chuck? I’m sure he talks to urban every now and then. Maybe urbs reached out to ask what it’s like during a dumpster fire. The comments about money not being raised yet then the confidence that the money will be there is some politician fucking horseshit. I tell myself not to read that trash every got damn time but I still do. 

[Treefidy 1462]

1 hour ago, WinningIsHard said:

A former head coach with ties to UT believes it’s a possibility, is that chuck? I’m sure he talks to urban every now and then. Maybe urbs reached out to ask what it’s like during a dumpster fire. The comments about money not being raised yet then the confidence that the money will be there is some politician fucking horseshit. I tell myself not to read that trash every got damn time but I still do. 

Raising money and buyout money are not the same thing.   Raising money for the SEZ project is hard when apathy and discontent with the trajectory of the program set in.

buyout money is there particularly for the right replacement.  If the right guy is hired, raising money for ongoing projects gets easier with renewed interest.

[WinningIsHard 3941]

2 minutes ago, Treefidy said:

Raising money and buyout money are not the same thing.   Raising money for the SEZ project is hard when apathy and discontent with the trajectory of the program set in.

buyout money is there particularly for the right replacement.  If the right guy is hired, raising money for ongoing projects gets easier with renewed interest.

Thanks for the clarification my friend. I was under the impression that before you start a project that big it’s mostly “paid for” so that you don’t get pantsed down the home stretch. I can see how herman setting the program on fire could fuck CDC doing the other important shit necessary to keep us competitive. 

[futureman 22324]

9 hours ago, satyanash said:

Punter (1):

Isaac Pearson, ProKick Australia

Pearson could be pressed into action immediately upon arrival. That way he can get the boomerangs — what the Aussie’s call the yips —out of the way early in his career.

something up with boochevskee?

[MuellerHorn 4044]

1 hour ago, futureman said:

something up with boochevskee?

Recovery timeline from injury

[NoName 16196]

14 hours ago, WinningIsHard said:

The comments about money not being raised yet then the confidence that the money will be there is some politician fucking horseshit. I tell myself not to read that trash every got damn time but I still do. 

I have no reason to lie about this but know people who know people..they started raising money for the TH buyout weeks ago and wrote a pretty scathing letter that was addressed to Hartzell about the direction of Texas overall.

[NoName 16196]

Nahlin and co bought out Inside Texas (thanks @satyanash)

x-post from the $9.95 thread

 

 

[satyanash 14129]

(Mike Roach) The Stampede: Quick hitting Texas recruiting in final stretch

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Texas took one step closer to finishing its 2021 class over the weekend with the addition of Terrence Cooks. The Longhorns now hold 18 commitments as they enter the final stretch before the December signing period. Texas also sent out a few new offers last week and more players are being evaluated as senior seasons move on. The Texas staff continues to juggle numbers with the transfer portal in mind and several spots on the roster filling up.

The Longhorns are also trying to restart momentum in the 2022 class where they faced significant setbacks due to decommitments a month ago. Can the Texas staff re-capture momentum with this group of juniors and take advantage of the talented group of in-state junior prospects? In this week's edition of The Stampede, Horns247's weekly gathering of recruiting intel, we discuss how each spot in the class could break down and take a look at the lack of momentum in the 2022 class.

—With the addition of Terrence Cooks over the weekend, the Longhorns are just about done on the defensive side of the ball. Chris Ash and company would probably like to add a few more defensive linemen and find another defensive back candidate to fill the hole Billy Bowman left. Outside of that, Texas is probably full at linebacker and close to full on the defensive line and secondary. With 18 commits in the class and anywhere from 5-7 spots left, the Longhorns will be somewhat judicious about the way they use their allotment of space.

—It appears the Longhorns would like to add at least one more wide receiver to the group. I’m nearing the point of dropping McKinney North wide receiver JJ Henry from the board completely. A source I spoke with over the weekend indicated that Henry was looking elsewhere and indicated Central Florida as a likely landing spot. I believe the Longhorns have been looking into a few other options and it seems that both sides are mutually drifting apart right now.

—I continue to feel strong about Kosciusko (MS.) wide receiver Antonio Harmon being in the class if Texas pushes for his services. If it comes down to just one spot, that scholarship could likely go to Bryan (Texas) Rudder wide receiver Keithron Lee. With Casey Cain already committed in the class and a perfect fit for the “X” position, Lee provides great versatility with the ability to play inside or outside. His deep ball ability and ball-winning skills could play at the “Z” position or inside at the slot. With a strong 2022 wide receiver class on the horizon, this could be a spot where the Longhorns choose to save room.
(Photo: Courtesy of Remington Strickland)

—I could see Texas taking two more guys on the offensive line if the staff can find the right prospects to fit the role. Earlier in the year, I mentioned that Texas was looking more into tackle bodies, but it seems that Remington Strickland is forcing his way into the conversation for many big schools. Oklahoma offered a few weeks ago, and Texas and Texas A&M joined the party this week. The Fort Bend Christian interior star is having a strong season, and it appears that coaches feel he may be too good to turn down at this point. Oklahoma holds the 247Sports Crystal Ball lead but Strickland plans to take some time with the process and thoroughly evaluate his options.

—Another offensive lineman to watch is Parish Episcopal offensive tackle Austin Uke. The DFW area prospect is on an upward ascent after a strong senior season, and he’s trained by former Longhorn Donald Hawkins. Uke has been on the rise with offers coming from across the country and Texas has been kicking the tires as well. I was told by a source close to Uke that he was slated for a virtual visit over the weekend and there were indications an offer could be coming sooner rather than later. I have not yet confirmed if that virtual visit happened, but it doesn’t appear an offer has come yet.

—Four-star Cypress (Texas) Cy-Fair running back LJ Johnson told media over the weekend that his decision date would be on signing day in December. It appears that Texas and Texas A&M are still the main contenders, and it’s coming down to a close race after Texas opened up a lead in the summer. Johnson is still listening to both programs intently and watching each week to see how they perform.

The Aggies are ranked in the Top 10 nationally and feature a strong running game behind Isaiah Spiller, but Texas got a bit of a boost with a strong performance by Bijan Robinson against West Virginia. Johnson and Robinson have formed a bond in the last few months and Texas might be able to close the gap if the Longhorns can successfully run the ball more consistently. If Texas misses on Johnson, they could look to Ahmonte Watkins or Alton McCaskill as secondary options.

—One thing to keep an eye on is the way teams prepare for the transfer portal in coming years. With the NCAA one-time transfer rule expected to pass in January, the market should look much different than it ever has. Sources I spoke with across the country anticipate a wide-open free agent market the likes of which we’ve never seen. The end result will be more of a numbers crunch as teams try to keep spots open in the current class to accommodate for future acquisitions from the portal.

—Texas has been active in the portal during Tom Herman’s time, including this offseason when the Longhorns grabbed Tarik Black, Brenden Schooler and Gabriel Watson. I would expect the Longhorns to stay aggressive in that area if it means adding experienced playmakers to the roster. This staff has always been good about maintaining flexibility and being able to forecast team needs, and I don’t believe that will change.  What this all likely means is that classes won't be finished in February.

—There have been some concerns about 2022 momentum, and I can’t say they are wrong right now. I mentioned earlier in the year that the Texas coaches did a great job getting ahead in that class and putting themselves in position to strike for a number of prospects, but the uncertainty around this coaching staff and the negative PR hit Texas took when Quinn Ewers decommitted was just as big as the positive PR the program got when he committed. Despite those early relationships, prospects looked at Texas more as a poisoned program after Ewers and Phaizon Wilson decommitted a few weeks ago.

—The good news is there is still plenty of time and Texas seems to be in a bit of a do-or-die situation. If Tom Herman and his staff win out and capture a conference championship, they will have something strong to pitch to 2022 candidates. If a coaching change is made, the expected first year bump and new cycle of building will be enticing to sell as well. The secret to this class could very well be who Texas lands at quarterback. Ewers attracts a crowd of talented prospects who want to play with him at the next level, but Cade Klubnik and Conner Weigman both wield some influence as well. While it’s perfectly normal to worry right now, I wouldn’t place any long-term trepidation in this class until we figure out what the future of this program holds.

 

[RGBIII 22760]

IT Scoop recruiting portion

Spoiler

RECRUITING MATTERS

Texas continues to feel optimistic about landing 2021 Cy-Fair running back LJ Johnson, but so does Texas A&M. This is a recruitment the Longhorns staff has done everything possible in, and built a solid recruiting plan. Stan Drayton has done a very good job building the relationship. Bryan Carrington the same. Johnson remains in contact with both. The emergence of Bijan Robinson, and Texas sharing carries among the backs has all lined up the way Texas recruited Johnson to this point. Robinson continuing to build on his recent success will only help things further.

Let’s talk defensive line recruiting, as it’s imperative the staff continues its pursuit of edge rushers.

The Longhorns continue to trail for 2021 DeSoto stud Shemar Turner. The Aggies are considered the front runner with Texas and Alabama in the hunt.

The Longhorns offer to Arizona State verbal Gharin Stansbury was received with very positive thoughts from his brother Gavin Stansbury, who has connections to the Texas staff after transferring to Houston from Texas A&M in 2014. There is the thought of what attending the University of Texas could mean for Gharin by family members, but that doesn’t mean a flip is imminent. It does firmly put the Longhorns in the hunt, along with having a need at edge rusher in the program. To reiterate, the offer to Stansbury has no bearing on what the Texas staff thinks about the commitment of Ja’Tavion Sanders.

With the recruitment of Notre Dame verbal and long time target David Abiara from Mansfield Legacy up in the air, Texas continues to look at senior prospects in-state.

Tyler Legacy DE Garfield Lawrence has always been on the board for the Longhorns. Lawrence was offered by Tennessee last week, and has a number of other Power 5 programs keeping tabs — including Texas.

If Pasadena Sam Rayburn's Je’lin Samuels were to open up the lines of communication, Texas would very likely offer the SMU verbal.

Remington Strickland

As Texas combs the state for offensive linemen in 2021, a new name emerges.

At 6-foot-4, 292 pounds, Fort Bend Christian Academy's Remington Strickland is starting to see his recruiting profile rise.

Texas, OU, and Texas A&M recently offered the body-builder tackle out of Sugar Land, and join Michigan, Virginia Tech, and Baylor among his 30 offers.

Inside Texas recently caught up with the Houston-area prospect.

IT: How’s life in HS football been dealing with a pandemic?

RS: “Football season has been very different with COVID going on. Some teams we play will have players that are quarantined and some games are interesting to prepare for when you don’t know your opponent. Recruiting-wise, it’s been going very well for me even though I haven’t been able to visit campuses in person.”

IT: Which teams are you preparing for in the playoffs?

RS: “We have a first-round bye in the playoffs and then will start second round in a couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to playing Austin Regents because it would be a rematch of last season in the playoffs.”

IT: Who has your interest and who do you hear from the most in recruiting?

RS: “I hear from OU a lot and I have a good relationship with the O-line coach. SMU always does a good job as well. I’ve talked with Coach Hand at UT since the summer and I’ve talked with Coach Henson at A&M since last year so I’m very familiar with all those schools.”

IT: Since UT jumped into the fray, what are your thoughts on the Longhorns?

RS: “I have interest in Texas because I think Coach Hand is a great OL coach who has put many guys into the league. Austin is also close to home so I would like to see campus at some point.”

Right now, I get the sense OU might have the slight edge, but the UT and A&M offers really got his attention. I don’t think he’s in a hurry to decide, but it’s mid-November and a decision has to be on the horizon, sooner or later.

Texas jumped in late, but so did a number of large schools.

CUM update for those that dont venture to the football board

Spoiler

SCENARIO 1 vs. 2

You’ll notice all is quiet on the Scenario 3 (full-throttled search) front. I have no idea who the school would target if a comprehensive search were to take place.

All eyes point towards Scenario 1 (the pursuit of Urban Meyer) and Scenario 2 (retaining Tom Herman).

Since the OU game we’ve maintained Herman returning to Texas was unlikely, and that’s still our position despite the four-game winning streak.

Credit to Herman for keeping the team together and reeling off wins, but we think there’s a divide between Herman and the administration that goes beyond wins and losses. We’ve touched on that in previous weeks, and there will likely be a time to lay it all out clearly and concisely one final time, but not yet.

Some of our best sources believe there will be a change regardless of what happens the rest of the year, and that includes the possibility of Herman winning the Big 12. They believe a clean split is in order, no different than a divorce despite positive outward appearances. Winning the conference would seem to serve as great marriage counseling, but we’re not so sure.

The big question remains: can Texas do what it takes to land Urban Meyer if a change is to be made? There is optimism that as long as Urban’s financial demands aren’t unreasonable and his family is on board, Texas should be able to make this happen. The family angle is a big outlier, as nobody seems to have a true grasp of it. It’s a genuine concern, however.

For now, things remaining ”quiet” is a good sign. Some have pointed to the win streak as being a positive in this regard.

To bottom line it: We believe Meyer’s willingness will decide what happens, not the on-field product.

 

[satyanash 14129]

Herman finally addressing recruiting... in the weirdest way possible. Who asks these kind of questions?

 

[IDIOTsavant 8418]

7 minutes ago, satyanash said:

Herman finally addressing recruiting... in the weirdest way possible. Who asks these kind of questions?

[ClubWhatever 12066]

So this whole thing really was a diabolical troll job by Urban getting back at Tom?

[victory88 5641]

lol... hey Herman you stupid cunt.  Recruits aren't coming here because you fucking lose and cannot compete for championships.  They don't need to hit print about baseless rumors.  They can show your record here, our lack of any championships of any sort, and lack of players drafted.  That's on you buddy.  Look in the fucking mirror.

[satyanash 14129]

@immamac petition to rename the board to Orangefans.com?

[immamac 41337]

6 minutes ago, satyanash said:

@immamac petition to rename the board to Orangefans.com?

instead of 9.95? or like instead of surlyhorns?

Probably no to both lol

[UDontKnow 10439]

1 hour ago, satyanash said:

@immamac petition to rename the board to Orangefans.com?

Sounds like what Bolivia should be renamed to.

[satyanash 14129]

 

[NoctambulantBrobdingnagian 530]

1 hour ago, immamac said:

instead of 9.95? or like instead of surlyhorns?

Probably no to both lol

well, sir, you certainly missed your chance to change Saty's user name and avatar in a fit of pique

[satyanash 14129]

Jeff Howe: Tom Herman responds to Urban Meyer, Texas job security rumors

Quote

To his current players and recruits who hear, read or otherwise come across rumors that Texas head coach Tom Herman could lose his job following the 2020 season to Urban Meyer, Herman said Monday ahead of the 22nd-ranked Longhorns taking on Kansas that he’s “not at all” concerned about his job security. Texas (5-2, 4-2 Big 12) is in the midst of a three-game winning streak heading into a conference road tilt with the winless Jayhawks on Saturday (2:30 p.m., ESPN2) and Herman is more concerned about the Longhorns winning a fourth game in a row and staying alive for a potential berth in the Big 12 title game as opposed to focusing on the rumors of his demise.

The following is Herman's direct response to a question posed to his during his regularly-scheduled weekly press conference regarding Meyer, rumors of his immediate future and how they've impacted the current team and the recruiting efforts of the Longhorns:

“I'm concerned about our players, I'm concerned about this program, I'm concerned about beating Kansas, I'm concerned about all of our goals still being in front of us. But to directly answer your question, I do think with the players it's really easy. These guys, they've seen it all, done at all. It's almost comical at times to them because they know the truth. The biggest mitigating factor in this is there's a section of people, which is our program, our coaches — the people intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of our enterprise, if you will — that know the truth. And then there's rumors. And there's unnamed sources, there's internet reporters with agendas that claim their own opinion as fact and hide behind unnamed sources and things of that nature. The player part is really easy, almost comical to the point where sometimes a kid will come up to me and say, 'Coach, you'll never guess what lunacy just came across my feed. This is crazy, right?' The recruiting part is a different story because when you have the things that have been written about us in our program, myself and our future — very unfounded articles that state, again, opinion as fact, that state unnamed sources as being factual, it's very hard to defend against. If I'm a competing recruiter, what do you do? You press 'print' and you say, 'Look, this is true! It must be true! It's on OrangeFans.com? It must be true! Or it was written by this guy, so it must be true! Or this source said this, so it must be true! That is really, really the hard part in recruiting is because these 16-year-old kids are very impressionable. Unfortunately, when negativity gets written — especially unfounded, rumor-based, unnamed source-based negativity gets written — then it makes our competing recruiter's jobs just so much more easy. They just press 'print' and say, 'Here you go.' As far as the reality is concerned, we understand that we have the support of hundreds of thousands, tons of our fan base and we certainly appreciate that. We understand the difference between vocal minorities and people who make decisions and their beliefs. I couldn't be more aligned with our athletic director (Chris Del Conte), my boss, again, who we meet with constantly, who has assured me of his support and the support of university leadership and has even commended me and the staff and program for how we have handled the craziest year in college football history. (Del Conte has) even offered if a recruit wants to talk to him to give that recruit his number. But yeah, it does get difficult. It gets exhausting more than anything to have to extinguish all of these unfounded, baseless claims that are hidden behind unnamed sources and agendas. I don't know why it's more here at Texas than other places, but it is and it's something that we deal with on a daily basis. I couldn't be happier with our staff, couldn't be happier with that locker room and the players in it. We were brought here to build something with the ability to have [a] sustained level of success and we are very, very happy and proud of our trajectory and getting that job done here for years and years to come. And as has been told to me, so is the leadership at this university."

Taking over a Texas program that went through 16-21 across three seasons under Charlie Strong before the coaching transition was made over Thanksgiving weekend in 2016, Herman has won 30 of his first 47 games on the Forty Acres. Only Fred Akers (29) and Mack Brown (27) won more games through their first three seasons leading the Longhorns and Herman is the only Texas head coach in the era of the Associated Press Top 25 (since 1936) to win his first three bowl games.

Wins over No. 7-ranked Oklahoma and No. 6-ranked Georgia in the Sugar Bowl were included in a stretch from the second game of the 2018 season through the fifth game of the 2019 season where the Longhorns won 14 of 18 games. However, the run ended with a 34-27 loss to the Sooners at the Cotton Bowl last season and after Texas dropped a quadruple-overtime decision in the Red River Showdown on Oct. 10, the Longhorns were an even 6-6 over their last 12 games at that point.

The unsavory product on the field (Texas lost to TCU on Oct. 3, 33-31, and needed a 15-point comeback in the fourth quarter to beat Texas Tech in overtime Lubbock on Sept. 26, 63-56) combined with the controversy surrounding how Herman handled “The Eyes of Texas” and a brutal month of recruiting in October that included 2022 five-star quarterback Quinn Ewers backing out of his commitment to Texas raised concerns about the stability of Herman’s tenure. Before his two-season head coaching run at the University of Houston that led to him getting the Texas job, Herman spent three seasons as Meyer's offensive coordinator at Ohio State, including the 2014 season when the Buckeyes won the inaugural College Football Playoff.

Meyer's name surfaced perhaps because it's rare that a three-time national champion is a free agent and at an age (56) where he appears to have time left to be a head coach at a Power Five program the caliber of Texas. Meyer is currently a college football studio analyst for FOX Sports following a seven-season run at Ohio State that ended after the 2018 season with a record of 83-9, a national championship, two trips to the College Football Playoff and three Big Ten titles standing out among his accomplishments.

Beyond what was reported by the local media outlets who cover the Longhorns daily in addition to rampant message board speculation, FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt said in late October that “the money is there” if Texas wanted to make a coaching change. Klatt noted that Herman needed to get things turned around quickly in order to save his job.

Klatt’s comments came around the same time Brian Jones of CBS Sports suggested Herman being fired as soon as the end of the weekend had the Longhorns lost to then-No. 6 Oklahoma State on Oct. 31 was possible. A former Texas linebacker, Jones said he was “hearing the die is cast” regarding Herman’s future leading into the team’s trip to Boone Pickens Stadium.

A 41-34 overtime upset of the Cowboys, however, was sandwiched between wins over Baylor and West Virginia. The Longhorns went into last week’s scheduled open date with a chance to win out and earn a trip to AT&T Stadium for the Dec. 19 conference championship game on the table and with winless Kansas next on the schedule, Texas could be riding the program's second-longest winning streak under Herman into a Friday, Nov. 27 home game with Iowa State with major Big 12 title game implications likely on the line.

 

[LTtxfan 48688]

 

[Coelenterate Fuccboi 12928]

Yep, when you lose to teams you should demolish, recruits get the impression that you suck.

[LTtxfan 48688]

 

[Mdhorn 5819]

More truth for Tom--you're 1-4 (25%) against TCU and the same against OU.  Players know that too, and they also know that this was your most experienced team with your players and your time to shine and instead are battling uphill.  Do yourself a favor, and just shut the fuck up. Your answers are either Ws or excuses.  

[Ricky Butler 2636]

6 hours ago, LTtxfan said:

 

Tom thinking you have to print something off the internet to share it is a fireable offense.

[LTtxfan 48688]

Maybe a PWO??

 

[Sgt Hulk 13484]

Errrrrrbodduyyyyu

[Murfdogg21 4394]

Someone get www.orangefans.com to redirect here!

[billy_bats 168]

4 minutes ago, Murfdogg21 said:

Someone get www.orangefans.com to redirect here!

Somebody recently registered this domain on 11/1/2020. Looks like a squatter if I had to guess.

[Red Five 40109]

1 hour ago, LTtxfan said:

Maybe a PWO??

 

This is the kind of motherfucker you don't want to meet on the football field.

[Elmer_Fudd 22002]

Turner got an aggy CB pick.

[Thiefery 4940]

13 minutes ago, Elmer_Fudd said:

Turner got an aggy CB pick.

This one is gonna hurt... especially after doing a video for us  

[Sgt Hulk 13484]

Why don’t croots wanna play for urbs 

[MichaelDicksonFanClub 2859]

Andrew Jones decommitted from Memphis

[futureman 22324]

45 minutes ago, MichaelDicksonFanClub said:

Andrew Jones decommitted from Memphis

he’s cancer-free right ?

[Coelenterate Fuccboi 12928]

8 hours ago, futureman said:

he’s cancer-free right ?

Too bad Surly isn’t.

[Elmer_Fudd 22002]

Wiltfong put in a flip pick for Desoto DT Byron Murphy to Texas.  Turner's teammate.

[NoName 16196]

34 minutes ago, Elmer_Fudd said:

Wiltfong put in a flip pick for Desoto DT Byron Murphy to Texas.  Turner's teammate.

247: https://247sports.com/player/byron-murphy-ii-46079959/

composite #61 in Texas

HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/profile/10945691/Byron-Murphy-II

with the rare DT/MLB position combo

 

[Thiefery 4940]

Guess that's it for Iwunnah, right?

[RGBIII 22760]

Flip of Murphy is imminent per IT

[RGBIII 22760]

Also says this helps ALOT with Shemar...

[Sgt Hulk 13484]

2 minutes ago, RGBIII said:

Also says this helps ALOT with Shemar...

We hope. Maybe he’s flipping cuz he knows turner is coming 

[Elmer_Fudd 22002]

Maybe Murphy is part of Turner's commit video @hornfromdallas

[ClubWhatever 12066]

39 minutes ago, NoName said:

with the rare DT/MLB position combo

Per the play at 1:50 of his HuDl he should also do the hammer throw. 

[Thiefery 4940]

9 minutes ago, Elmer_Fudd said:

Maybe Murphy is part of Turner's commit video @hornfromdallas

[RGBIII 22760]

Shocked that TFB hasnt said anything with Darius Terrell on the desoto staff..probably doesnt want to ruin the kids moment

[OnAComputer 1405]

4 minutes ago, RGBIII said:

Shocked that TFB hasnt said anything with Darius Terrell on the desoto staff..probably doesnt want to ruin the kids moment

He's also incredibly busy this month. He's been through the wringer.