Jump to content

Texas recruiting notes 2019


bigup2dahorns

Recommended Posts

59 minutes ago, satyanash said:

I only started posting on the Shag a few years ago, but TFloss' repackaging of 247 updates on the spurstalk boards have been making their way here for as long as I can remember. He's one of the recruiting boards' few venerable institutions.

Judging by the straw poll, not only is tfloss valued by you guys, he's fucking bringing it regarding insights and data, so yeah, let's print his insipid, regurgitated nonsense, dip it in molten bronze and post it as a trophy in the longhorn netdom hall of fame.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, Hiphopopotamos said:

Temple, allegedly, was going to start interviews again this week - but I haven't seen anything about possible candidates.   This article says a decision could come as early as this weekend - doesn't mention Orlando at all.

http://www.philly.com/college-sports/temple/temple-football-coach-manny-diaz-search-hiring-decision-college-20190108.html

I don't think it'll be Orlando 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

24 minutes ago, Machinator said:

TFB on Shepherd. Echoes what Perroni was saying, but I know people like to hear it from a Texas perspective:

 

  Reveal hidden contents

 

The only Texas commit that didn’t sign during the early signing period was North Forest (TX) offensive tackle Javonne Shepherd. We have the latest on his visit plans as the final stretch of his recruitment begins.

Shepherd will take an official to Texas A&M this weekend. And to be clear, this is the main school that Texas should be worried about. Shepherd is friends with some of the Aggie signees, including 5-star offensive tackle Kenyon Green.

Shepherd plans to visit Georgia and Alabama during the following two weekends. Those visits are something to watch, but I don’t think they’re as big of a threat to Texas right now.

I’d also expect Texas to try and get Shepherd back on campus before signing day. They’ve done a good job consistently getting him back on campus throughout the season. We’ll know a lot more in terms of this recruitment after his A&M visit this weekend.

 

So Shep's visit went from this:

to up in the air in a matter of 4 days. Also, all FWK's tweets and retweets since this have been obnoxiously pro aggy. When it all comes to a head, we'll know for sure who the culprit is (not that we didn't know already).

Edited by TankedBevo
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

Judging by the straw poll, not only is tfloss valued by you guys, he's fucking bringing it regarding insights and data, so yeah, let's print his insipid, regurgitated nonsense, dip it in molten bronze and post it as a trophy in the longhorn netdom hall of fame.

Pretty sure that poll is more of a reflection of people wanting to rub sand in your eye as opposed to the contribution of TFloss. What I'm trying to say is, you should take this personally and respond appropriately. 

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

Judging by the straw poll, not only is tfloss valued by you guys, he's fucking bringing it regarding insights and data, so yeah, let's print his insipid, regurgitated nonsense, dip it in molten bronze and post it as a trophy in the longhorn netdom hall of fame.

Personally, I prefer my trophies dipped in gold, but to each his own.

 

source.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

42 minutes ago, SydneyCarton said:

1.) Yes. I think Herman and CDC would consider giving that guy a raise solely upon the message it would send the world about Texas. Pushing whatever "We're back" or "We won't be outspent" or "We are a blue blood" narrative you want to pick. In this instance, I could see that thought process being bandied about.

2.) If you're Aranda, and you want to move up, he's in a good spot to do so, but he'd be at a same spot here. Maybe less talented athletes, sure, but good ones coming in and a team on a upward trajectory. 

It's not a slam dunk, but it's not a complete dismissal either, if you're Aranda. Then go get Elko. 

Maybe Aranda wants to go somewhere he can actually understand what his boss is saying 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

Judging by the straw poll, not only is tfloss valued by you guys, he's fucking bringing it regarding insights and data, so yeah, let's print his insipid, regurgitated nonsense, dip it in molten bronze and post it as a trophy in the longhorn netdom hall of fame.

i think the general viewpoint is that he brings some additional (paid) data points to the table that no one else does at the moment that are generally recruiting-based?

again, he isn't perfect but sometimes there is good info/data around recruiting - you just take what you get there with a grain of salt every time knowing it is what some dude took away from it unless it is a full blurb or player quotes. 

i try to not re-post info if it has already been shared here. 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, TankedBevo said:

 

So Shep's visit went from this:

to up in the air in a matter of 4 days. Also, all FWK's tweets and retweets since this have been obnoxiously pro aggy. When it all comes to a head, we'll know for sure who the culprit is (no that we didn't know already).

Maybe i'm wrong but I would actually trust FWK's words over Shephard's regarding visits. If FWK says he is visiting, he probably will.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, CowtownHorn said:

Famous Zoroastrianistgiphy.gif?cid=19f5b51a5c36292747476b3063

Freddie was Parsi, his parents were both Gujaratis. Anyway,

The Stampede: Rankings Q&A with Barton Simmons

247Sports Director of Scouting Barton Simmons sat down with Horns247's EJ Holland to talk about the Texas class at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio this weekend. Here is the full Q&A.

EJ: Before we get into individual players, what are your thought on UT’s class overall? As you know, the Longhorns are back in the Top 10.

BS: One of the things that stands out to me is how athletic they are. They are getting a lot of legit speed guys. It seems like length and speed were a priority. They’ve been able to hit. It’s a national group. It’s a group that I feel injects athleticism across the board, even on the offensive line. I think there are guys coming in that can really move. If you are looking for speed and length, it checks the boxes.

EJ: Like you mentioned, Texas really went national this cycle. What are your thoughts on Tom Herman making it a point to recruit across the country?

BS: It’s one of the more fascinating storylines of the cycle in that Tom Herman has seemed really intentional about going national and using the Texas brand to find the best players no matter where they are. In some ways, it’s a calculated risk. But I think what they’ve done and who they’ve landed has been really quality across the board. When you’re looking at schools like Alabama, Ohio State and all the schools competing for national titles, recruiting nationally makes sense.

EJ: You’ve been doing a lot of national college football coverage. How much will UT’s win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl impact recruiting?

BS: In 2020, it’s going to be big. When you’re trying to go national, that’s going to help Texas gain traction all over the country with visibility like that and a player like Sam Ehlinger. Texas is now playing the style of football on both sides of the ball that kids are attracted to. There are freshmen playing that they can point to. There are a lot of reasons to think they can build off this year to have a really successful 2020 class and beyond.

EJ: Let’s dive into the individual players. The prospect closest to a five-star ranking right now is Tyler Johnson. Any chance he reaches that territory in the final rankings?

BS: Given where he’s ranked now, he’ll be a guy that, when we have an overview, we’ll look at. We’ll see where the chips fall with the Top 32. He’s certainly a candidate. With Tyler, he’s just such a low risk guy because of his off the field traits as well as on the field. I think at offensive line, that’s what you are evaluating. Whether he makes the five-star cut or not, he feels like the type of guy that will be successful, in some capacity, at Texas.

EJ: Jordan Whittington is in the area as well. You saw him here at the All-American Bowl, and he broke records in this year’s state title game. Will he be in five-star consideration?

BS: He clearly had a big senior season, even missing a couple of games. The state championship game caught my attention just like it caught the attention of everybody else. I was anxious to see him here. I don’t think there is any question that he needs to go up in our rankings. We’ll see how high he needs to go up with his ability to catch and run and pull away from people. In some ways, he reminds me of a Christian Kirk type of guy on the offensive side of the ball. He’s got versatility. He can fire a bullet on defense, too, if for some reason that becomes a better option. He’s certainly a stock up guy right now.

EJ: Do feel like fellow wide receiver signee Jake Smith is also a stock up guy? He was the Gatorade National Player of the year and put up crazy numbers this season.

BS: Absolutely, especially with the year he had. To be totally honest, most of his film hasn’t been on Hudl. If it is, correct me. We’ll check that. Given the year he had, he’s definitely going to be a guy we take a closer look at. But he’s not a guy that I’ve been able to get a running senior season evaluation of because of limited film.

EJ: The recruit that I feel might be the best in the class is linebacker De'Gabriel Floyd. You got to see him live here in San Antonio. What is it about him that doesn’t have him in the five-star tier?

BS: Floyd is the type of player that I’m reluctant to break down the reasons why he’s not a five-star. A lot of guys aren't five-stars. He’s a Top 50 player or in that range. He’s a really good player. He’s a true inside linebacker and a really good inside linebacker. But he’s not the rare athlete with the pass game versatility that I’d like to see from a five-star linebacker. What he does, he will do really well at Texas. He’s been a guy that I’ve been really impressed with.

EJ: One player that was really high on the composite but low in 247’s rankings was Kenyatta Watson II. Why do you think opinions differed so much with him?

BS: We’ve bumped him this year some. Depending on the returns from Under Armour as we give the national rankings another audit, there is still some potential movement one way or the other for him. One thing that limited him going into his senior season was ball skills. I think he’s answered some of the questions I’ve had with some of his limitations in man coverage. He felt like more of a zone corner, more of a bail and trail guy when we’ve seen him in the past. He looks like he’s really developed as a cover guy with his length and athleticism. I think he can play man really effectively. Balls skills is still a box that I’m not sure he checks. How big of a limitation that is on his ranking is something we have to figure out. But from a length and athleticism standpoint, he’s really rare. We understand that, and we’ll evaluate that accordingly.

EJ: Tyler Owens has been one of the biggest risers this cycle. What is it about him that you love so much?

BS: I knew Tyler Owens’ measureables, athleticism and track numbers following his junior year. I was aware of him. But the junior film left something to be desired. That’s why I was so excited with what he did as a senior on tape. He checks those boxes that you love to see in terms of length and speed. When he started to put it together on the field, that was a real no brainer move from a rankings standpoint. Fast forward to this event and my first time seeing him in person, I’m even more excited about him as a prospect. There is nothing mechanical about his movements. He is extremely fluid. He has outstanding ball skills. He has natural athleticism, so I think he is one of the biggest freaks in terms of what his athletic profile is. He will be in the five-star discussion. Whether he makes that cut, I don’t know. We’ll have to evaluate it and take a step back from this event and take a look at the whole landscape nationally. But as we hone in, he’s a guy that’s worthy of being considered when we start mapping out the Top 32.

EJ: It all starts with the quarterback. Roschon Johnson is UT’s take at the position. What are your overall thoughts on him?

BS: I think he’s a great fit for Texas. Going to Texas makes him a better prospect because he fits the offense. He has some outstanding intangibles. He’s got some great leadership skills. He’s very athletic. I don’t think he is a finished product as a passer. He has some work to do there, which has been part of my hesitation with his ranking. But I acknowledge that he could go in and have a ton of success just because of the skillsets he brings to the table. He’s the type of guy Texas should be excited to have because of the fit.

EJ: Are there any guys that we didn’t talk about that really impressed you in this class?

BS: I haven’t watched David Gbenda’s senior tape, but I thought he was athletic for a thumping inside linebacker in camp last spring. I thought his junior film was really good and really physical. When you pair him with De’Gabriel Floyd, that’s two enforcer type of personalities at the linebacker position. The other guy that jumps out to me is Isaiah Hookfin. He may be a ways away from a physical standpoint. I haven’t seen him in person. He’s still raw. But when you’re talking about guys that get drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, they have similar profiles to him coming out of high school. He’s super athletic. There is a suddenness to his game. He just needs to get in a college strength program and get coached up from a technique standpoint. We ranked him as a four-star prospect because of the upside he has and his athletic profile.

EJ: I did forget to ask you about defensive linemen T'Vondre Sweat and Myron Warren. Those are two lower ranked guys that had big senior seasons. Do they have a chance to move up?

BS: I’ve watched Myron Warren. I’m sure I’ve watched Sweat. But those would be guys that I need to brush up on to make any educated comment on. But as with all of our rankings, we are hoping to do a national audit of all the commit lists before February. — EJ Holland

***

Galena Park North Shore running back Zachary Evans is the state's No. 1 prospect in 2020. Because the All-American Bowl takes place in San Antonio, Texas high school football coaches are usually involved in the game. Each year, at least one Texas high school coach is a part of the West team coaching staff, and this year the squad had two of the most well-known coaches in the state.

Steve Leisz is the head coach at Bellaire Episcopal in Houston, which produced Marvin Wilson, Walker Little and Jaylen Waddle in recent years and is home to offered 2021 target Donovan Jackson. He led the West team throughout the week and served as the offensive play-caller. John Kay is the head coach at North Shore High School, which features a trio of talented offered recruits in Zachary Evans, Damieon George and Shadrach Banks. Kay joined the West coaching staff just weeks after winning the 6A-DI state championship. Kay worked on the defensive side of the ball throughout the week in San Antonio.

I caught up with both coaches to get their thoughts on the Texas signees in attendance. Jordan Whittington flashed several times during the week, and the coaches spoke about his versatility and athleticism. “He’s a great player,” Kay said. “I’ve followed him because he’s from Cuero. He had an unbelievable state championship game. He’s got a great attitude, and he’s just one of those kids who loves to play the game. I know they’re excited to get him at Texas, and they have reason to be. I think he could play offense or defense. He’s one of those guys you can’t just assign a position to. He’s just a football player, and that’s what I appreciate most about him.”

“He’s willing to come across the middle,” Leisz said. “He’s a super tough kid who runs great routes, and I know he’s a quarterback favorite. They know where he is on the field at all times.”

Tyler Owens turned heads all week in practice with his size and athleticism, and that stood out to the coaches on the field. “Great length and very explosive,” Kay said. “I think he’s another kid who could grow into linebacker and play in the league someday. He’s done some phenomenal stuff for us at that low safety position, including a few picks in practice. I’m really excited to see him play.” “I haven’t seen him as much because I’m on the offensive side,” Leisz said. “It’s hard for me to say much about him because I’ve spent my time focusing on that, but I know he’s a dude and the defensive staff loves him.”

De'Gabriel Floyd drew rave reviews from coaches and players alike. Floyd was an inside force all week, and his physicality caused the West offense to change the way they practiced. “De’Gabriel is one of the most instinctive players I’ve ever been around,” Kay said. “I think he does a great job of coaching other players. A lot of the guys we have haven’t necessarily played linebacker in high school, but they are being recruited as linebackers so they are playing it here. There’s some guys out here getting their first taste at the position, and he’s been a coach to those guys. He’s got a great attitude and works hard. He’s as instinctive as they come, and he’s going to be a phenomenal player.”

“We had to change our run sets because of him,” Leisz said. “He just comes downhill so quick. He’s so smart and he gets off blocks. The one thing that really stands out about him is that he makes everyone around him better. He’s always helping the guy next to him and talking to them making sure they are all on the same page.” — Mike Roach

***

Both of the aforementioned high school coaches have overseen five-star talent in their programs, and they both said that they have great relationships with the Texas staff as they become a rising power once again. “I think it’s nothing but up,” Kay said. “I think they understand that too. We’ve got a great relationship with them going back to their U of H days. Tom Herman’s been recruiting our school for a long time from Sam Houston State to Texas State to Rice and all the way around. I think what Coach Herman is doing there is great, and of course the guys he brought with him. Corby Meekins is a guy we are close to, and I think this win over Georgia is going to catapult them to the next level, and they have the staff in place to handle that.”

“When Texas comes in, everyone is really excited about it,” Leisz said. “We have more kids apply to Texas from our school than any other college out there. Tom Herman is one of the quickest guys to respond to me. I even hit him up the other time to congratulate him on the win, and he responded immediately. He’s all in and he’s all about the Horns.”

Aside from high school coaches, the Texas staff has also done a great job with trainers and 7v7 coaches in-state.

Ro Simon of Fast 7v7 was in San Antonio for the bowl, and he talked about his relationship with Texas. “I have a great relationship on the Forty Acres, from Bryan Carrington to Drew Mehringer to Jason Washington and Craig Naivar,” he said. “They all show love, and there’s just great things coming from those guys.”

Simon has kids spread out at schools across the nation. He tuned in to watch Texas in the Sugar Bowl, and he said the win was huge for the state’s flagship program. “To do it in year two of the Tom Herman era, that’s big for the state,” Simon said. “It just helps me regarding what I’m trying to do helping the state. I’m trying to put talent out to help schools in-state. We play nationally and win nationally, so for UT to take out a powerhouse team like Georgia, it was big.

“A lot of people called me, and I told them I wasn’t expecting it this early. Of course, they see the expectations, but it shows what they are building up in Austin. It starts up front with the offensive line and Sam Ehlinger. They’ve got the quarterback situation figured out, so I think they will be in the playoffs next year and win the Big 12.” — Mike Roach

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, thepop said:

Maybe i'm wrong but I would actually trust FWK's words over Shephard's regarding visits. If FWK says he is visiting, he probably will.

I vaguely remember FWK announcing to the world they were on their way to Austin, only to no-show and end up in the Station (it's lit!) but maybe my recollection is wrong.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, SydneyCarton said:

Didn't aTm have one of those last cycle?

No clue, I just know it's rare.  Saw a tweet from Shep a couple days ago where he was imploring people to text him directly to find out his OV plans and not his trainer/mentors.  Not sure what's up, but sounds like something w/FWK might not be going well.  Regardless, if he doesn't have concrete plans to officially visit us, but does A$M, 'Bama and UGa, the handwriting is more than on the wall on this one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Stampeder said:

No clue, I just know it's rare.  Saw a tweet from Shep a couple days ago where he was imploring people to text him directly to find out his OV plans and not his trainer/mentors.  Not sure what's up, but sounds like something w/FWK might not be going well.  Regardless, if he doesn't have concrete plans to officially visit us, but does A$M, 'Bama and UGa, the handwriting is more than on the wall on this one.

Think it's already on the wall at this point. If Twitter follows are any indication, the staff is certainly acting like we need to fill an OT spot regardless.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, satyanash said:

Think it's already on the wall at this point. If Twitter follows are any indication, the staff is certainly acting like we need to fill an OT spot regardless.

But they are looking for Grad transfers to come in, right?  Shep will RS.  I still want him in the fold.  He has talent, and maybe being around Hand and some of the older players can mentor him?

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, satyanash said:

Think it's already on the wall at this point. If Twitter follows are any indication, the staff is certainly acting like we need to fill an OT spot regardless.

Hate to miss out on a true talent, but he is full of drama and maybe not the best fit long term.  It'll be interesting to see if A$M puts on the full court press.  They appear to be pretty tight on numbers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, satyanash said:

Think it's already on the wall at this point. If Twitter follows are any indication, the staff is certainly acting like we need to fill an OT spot regardless.

Here's Hand's recent follows:

New people for the board:

Keenan Walker: https://247sports.com/player/keenan-walker-31046/

Willie Tyler: http://www.goreivers.com/sports/fball/2018-19/bios/tyler_willie_m5cj

Rob Vanderlaan (already signed with Oregon State): https://247sports.com/player/robin-vanderlaan-46076737/

People we know:

Desmond Bland, Ira Henry, RJ Proctor, Dawand Jones

And some other class guys:

Garrett Hayes: https://247sports.com/Player/Garrett-Hayes-46051207/

Jacob Nunez: https://247sports.com/Player/Jacob-Nunez-46053380/

Addison Penn: http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/addison-penn/m2I_l5XCEeiAyNdjx8XCRA/default.htm

Jager Burton: https://247sports.com/Player/Jager-Burton-46076924/

Cullen Montgomery: https://247sports.com/Player/Cullen-Montgomery-46040556/

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, Stampeder said:

No clue, I just know it's rare.  Saw a tweet from Shep a couple days ago where he was imploring people to text him directly to find out his OV plans and not his trainer/mentors.  Not sure what's up, but sounds like something w/FWK might not be going well.  Regardless, if he doesn't have concrete plans to officially visit us, but does A$M, 'Bama and UGa, the handwriting is more than on the wall on this one.

He's going on a visit to each university to collect a fat check from a booster, record it, then commit to Texas for free. He will then submit the checks along with all evidence to the NCAA.

Mensa.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



×
×
  • Create New...