Thoughts on the Round Rock SQT
Several FBS quarterback prospects stood out at the Round Rock SQT on Saturday.
The possible Texas target there was 2014 Lake Travis APB Varshaun Nixon, as the 'Horns will likely target a player at his position in the class and he's one of the most highly-regarded recruits in 2014 there.
Dontre Wilson Picks Oregon Over Texas
The most shocking thing about what went down Friday night at the DeSoto spring game wasn't 2013 all-purpose back Dontre Wilson announcing his choice of Oregon over Texas, Ohio State, and others. It was a hectic month finally coming to a close for the speedster that saw him announce and delay his decision before returning to his original plan.
At times, it seemed that Wilson wasn't on the same page with his father and his head coach, as conflicting reports emerged from regarding the timing of his decision and his favorites, culminating in Wilson telling Horns Nation on Thursday that he was tired of the recruiting process ($) and wanted to get it over with.
Oregon has always seemed like a better fit for Wilson than Texas, as Chip Kelly's offense will take full advantage of his skillset, something that the Longhorns can only promise, but not show any evidence of delivering. Co-offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin could only try to sell Wilson on the idea of playing in a DJ Monroe role, except he would actually get the football. Wilson didn't buy it.
In terms of how it impacts Texas recruiting, it doesn't much. It keeps open another spot, but Wilson has been such a longshot for so long that he hasn't figured heavily into serious analysis of the state of recruiting for the 'Horns. A luxury take ever since the addition of Daje Johnson in the 2012 class, losing Wilson isn't much of a blow for Texas, despite his prodigious talents.
Texas Recruiting 2014: Offensive Overview
With Texas down to a handful of spots in the 2013 class, it's time to take a look at the 2014 class and the potential targets on the offensive side of the ball. Some positions, like quarterback and wide receiver, appear to be reasonably set in terms of the top potential targets, while other positions, like running back, tight end, and offensive line, will likely feature some significant movement or players emerging onto the radar in the fall.
Quarterback: At this point, the debate essentially comes down to Denton Guyer's Jerrod Heard and Fort Bend Bush's Ronald Monroe. The latter has better size, but was encouraged by his coach not to take off and run, despite having athleticism that most coaches would feature heavily in the running game. The shorter Heard hit his stride about halfway through his sophomore season as he attempted to fill the shoes of current Oklahoma State quarterback JW Walsh and is a more proven running threat than Monroe.
The best guess at this point is that Heard will be the guy, as Bryan Harsin has been by Guyer this spring to evaluate Heard in person. The Guyer signal-caller grew up a Longhorn fan, but will he be willing to join what is becoming a crowded quarterback position?
Running back: There's not much separation at the position in state at this point and it may ultimately come down to what type of back Texas wants to take in the class. The coaches have also been on the road checking in on prospects in Louisiana and Nevada, so the ultimate take in the class could come from out of state.
Longhorns Fall To Missouri 5-0; Baseballl Day Two Open Thread
Corey Knebel made just his third career start and it was by far his worst. The sophomore was knocked around for five runs on nine hits in under five innings and the Horns couldn't overcome Missouri's pitching or the extra 'L' the Big 12 decided was necessary for their signage. Nathan Thornhill kept Texas alive with four shutout innings but it was all for naught as the Texas offense managed just five hits and no runs. The Horns have now been shutout twice in their last three games and have scored just seven runs in their last four games.
The Horns return to action today against Kansas at 12:30 in an elimination game. There's not much positive to dwell on from Wednesday so we won't try. Look for Dillon Peters or John Curtiss to pitch today as the Horns try to avoid a two-and-done in Oklahoma City. Join us here for an open thread and video should be available through the Big 12 here.
Longhorns Start Big 12 Tournament on High Note
Last we left Texas baseball they were desperately needing a win over Big 12 champ Baylor before the start of the conference tournament. Texas got just that last Saturday, becoming just the second Big 12 team to beat the Bears this season. John Curtiss made a case for a weekend starting role, throwing 4.2 strong innings and Hoby Milner didn't give up a run in the final 4.1 innings. Jonathan Walsh scored on a wild pitch in the 8th to give Texas a 2-1 lead. The Bears started the 9th with a leadoff double but he was gunned by Mark Payton trying to advance to third in Texas baseball's play of the year to this point.
The victory over Baylor gives Texas three wins this season over teams in Boyd's World's top 15 and should guarantee the Horns a spot in the NCAA tournament regardless of what happens in Oklahoma City this week. A good week at the Big 12 tourney could ensure the Horns will be a 2-seed in a regional somewhere, but we'll see.
Texas hopes to get some revenge tonight against Missouri at 7:30. Video should be available here and you can join us after the jump for the open thread.
| Wednesday, May 23 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma | 9:00 a.m. | ||
| Kansas State vs. Baylor | 12:30 p.m. | ||
| Kansas vs. Texas A&M | 4:00 p.m. | ||
| Missouri vs. Texas | 7:30 p.m. |
Phil Steele releases his All-Big 12 team
The Longhorns had several players made the cut, including Malcolm Brown, Kenny Vaccaro, Alex Okafor, and Jackson Jeffcoat.
But is Brown even the best running back on the team. And what about Carrington Byndom, who was left off the list?
Dexter Pittman Makes Headlines With Flagrant Foul
With Chris Bosh injured, former University of Texas center Dexter Pittman has received some minutes for the Miami Heat during the 2012 playoffs, including one start, but Big Sexy made the wrong kind of headlines this morning after his blatant flagrant foul on the Pacers' Lance Stephenson last night. I heard about it on the radio this morning, but only now saw the video:
Oh, Dexter. So not Sexy. And so out of character, from what we know about him from his four years in Austin. Pittman has been known to knock out an opponent before (remember Blake Griffin?), but never, ever with anything intentional. Last night's foul? Yikes. Dexter should prepare to find he's going to miss whatever's left of the playoffs for Miami.
Texas Recruiting 2013: JUCO Targets Emerging?
Two of the most important early-impact members of the 2012 recruiting class came from the junior college ranks, a rare move for Mack Brown, who indicated that Texas would consider continuing to recruit those players to fill needs. It appears that
In recent days, Dodge City (KS) Community College defensive lineman Marcus Hardison and Pierce College tight end Beau Sandland have both surfaced on the radar and though neither has an offer yet, both have significant interest in the Longhorns.
Hardison has expressed a desire to play defensive end despite checking in at 6-4 and 290 pounds, though the need for the 'Horns is at defensive tackle. With nearly 25 offers, including nearly every Big 12 program, Hardison is a highly-sought prospect.















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