Davis Becomes #21 ($)
It hasn't been easy for Texas to recruit Dallas Skyline high school, a hotbed of recruiting. Securing a commitment from Christian Scott was a major victory and now the addition of wide receive Mike Davis may help the Longhorns secure a foothold in the talent-rich school, which features several top 2011 recruits and Corey Nelson, who may take a visit to Austin.
As a player ,Davis is known for his sharp route-running and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, particularly in the screen game. As someone mentioned in the FanShot noting the commitment, at least Adrian White doesn't have to worry about defending any more, as Davis burned White for two monster games in each of the last two seasons. While Davis does have excellent burst and a strong first step, the major concern is about his top-end speed, which is less than elite.
The major question is how Davis' commitment will influence the recruitment of Darius White, as the Longhorns now have four or five receivers in the 2010 class, depending on where DeMarco Cobbs ends up. Given White's talent, there is probably still room for him in the class and further thoughts over the following days will help try to flesh out the implications.
about 2 years ago
Wescott Eberts (GoBR)
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Cobbs to safety
hope that we do not waste his talent at a wrong position…
Going to put you on the spot, Big Roy
Are we seriously still looking at Darius White? Seems to me that getting him would be major overkill at wide receiver; bring in 5-6 with only Shipley leaving.
Would White be looking at Oklahoma State if Texas was still a possibility?
Do you know White’s academic status? For all I know, he could be an honor student. But many recent high-level recruits who chose the Cowboys were considered to be academically shaky.
What’s the logic behind Davis being an LSU commit for something like six months and suddenly changing? Or is the change more gradual and we just weren’t aware of it?
Is our continuing to pursue players — even though they are committed to other schools — evidence of a change in recruiting strategy?
Davis
came to one of Texas’ JR days but wasn’t offered. So he committed to LSU. He probably would’ve been a Horn all along if he had been offered. So the question is what caused the Texas coaches to change their minds?
half that against adrian white, as i recall.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 13, 2009 7:12 PM CST up reply actions
he could start immediately at OSU
big advantage for a player that likes that kind of attention, although I’ve always been a believer in “put yourself in the most challenging situation” vs. “the easiest route”
not sure who is going to be throwing him the ball at OSU…i think they have a decent QB recruit
i agree, put cobbs at safety!
by trueorangeblood on Dec 13, 2009 6:48 PM CST up reply actions
You Could Spin That Davis Commitment is a Plus For D. White
Sounds like this guy could be the Cosby, Shipley and do the dirty work in the middle of field. Darius could fill the role of Sweed, Big Roy, Malcolm etc.
As far as I know
still in pursuit of White. It does seem like there are plenty of receivers, but White is probably an elite enough talent that he’s an automatic take as long as there is a scholarship.
I don’t think looking at Oklahoma State has anything to do with Texas, as the Cowboys have been lingering on the margins of his recruitment behind Oklahoma and Texas for most of the process.
I haven’t heard anything negative about his academics but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he is qualified yet.
No change in recruiting strategy, as the coaches only got back into contact with Davis when they found out that he was re-opening his commitment and taking visits. Same thing with Cobbs.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 13, 2009 10:17 PM CST up reply actions
attrition
at this point you have to wonder if guys like Hales & Fitzhenry really have a shot at WR.
We had trouble this year at WR because we are not able to generate separation with guys like Kirkendoll. Seems to me like we’re going after bigger, more physical guys. I think there will be some additional turnover at this position.
Funny About Hales
I remember seeing Hales film – and he was absolutely electric. I was very excited about his commitment.
by realmccoy on Dec 13, 2009 11:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Why has it been difficult to recruit out of Skyline?
When I was on the 40 acres (1997-2001), I believe we had some guys from there. Note: Been drinkin’ and too lazy to look it up to verify.
Not doubting you, but did anything change or am I rememebring like 2 guys and it made me believe we had more Skyline products? If you’re correct, why has it been difficult to recruit?
Head coach issues with our staff?
Lane Kiffin perhaps?
Your tongue can't repel flavor of that magnitude!!
Rumor
Has always been that the Skylines coaches are not big fans of Texas. Have no clue if that is true or not, just what I have read on various message boards.
by Hookem4life84 on Dec 13, 2009 8:24 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Probably a stupid question.....
Did we offer Jaxon Shipley a scholarship?
Can't get enough of that cowbell !!!
by MeatchickenHorn on Dec 13, 2009 7:39 PM CST reply actions
Shipley is a 2011 recruit.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
he is one of the top 2011 recruits from TX as a WR
I’m sure we would offer him even if his brother didnt bleed for our team.
Get off your knees Greg, you're blowin' the game.
Thanks..I saw the ESPN episode about Colt and Ships brothers...thought they were both seniors
Can't get enough of that cowbell !!!
by MeatchickenHorn on Dec 13, 2009 8:43 PM CST up reply actions
Welcome aboard Davis
I’m certainly hoping that we’re still in the running for Darius White, but I won’t ever frown upon picking up a good player. I’m happy that we’ve got Mike Davis regardless of anything else.
+1 Very :Happy
nothing more overrated in WRs than straight line speed – nothing more underrated than route running and hands. I love this signing.
by realmccoy on Dec 13, 2009 9:54 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
don't want to be a buzz kill in the midst of all this but...
who the heck is going to protect Garrett next year so he can throw to our feast of WR’s? Our O-line has been the source of so much consternation and inconsistency it makes me shudder to think of what the next UT QB will have to deal with…start working on those designed roll outs!!!
Well...
We did take 3 highly touted OL last year. Britt Mitchell will probably move to RT as Hix moves to LT. Tray Allen will be LG and Snow will be C. We then have Walters who can play just about anywhere. Luke Poehlmann (Mullet man) has to be in the mix somewhere. Most of our troubles are on the left side, which will be leaving next year. Nowhere to go but up.
Get off your knees Greg, you're blowin' the game.
Problem Could Be Coaching on OL
I still remember losing Matthews after his dad saw us practice. Perhaps Mac is a big issue -and if that is the issue – it can be upgraded fairly easily.
by realmccoy on Dec 13, 2009 10:56 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
True
I can imagine there are about 50 OL coaches who would love to work in Austin. Here at Texas, its nice to have the pick of the litter.
Get off your knees Greg, you're blowin' the game.
I really don't know any of the top OL coaches in CFB
I’m usually more familiar with college coaching, but when it comes to the line, I’m more familiar with the NFL line coaches. Who are some of those top college OL guys you think would help at UT?
by burntorangehorn on Dec 14, 2009 1:51 PM CST up reply actions
Rick Trickett
Master of zone blocking. Worked at West Virginia with Dick Rod and now at FSU.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 15, 2009 1:07 AM CST up reply actions
Rick Trickett?
As I implied below, I don’t think one necessarily has to be a good NFL prospect to be a good college player, but I can’t remember many great college linemen under Trickett. Of course, zone-blocking units don’t often produce as many big names, but I have a feeling that this is due to fact that zone-blocking schemes don’t afford the same opportunities for solitary dominance.
Anyway, he did a great job with the running game at WV, obviously, but what happened to him at FSU? They’ve been pretty poor at running the ball since Fisher arrived.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 15, 2009 11:16 AM CST up reply actions
Maybe its just a little difficult to coach a lack of talent. nt
Get off your knees Greg, you're blowin' the game.
Problem or not
I think the outisde perception and one that other recruiters spin is that there is a problem with coaching in the OL. When you lose guys like Matthews it only gets worse. I can hear it now, “They’re Texas, they have the pick of the litter. Just look at how their OL played this year. Matthews wouldn’t touch the place.” And it would be hard to refute that statement though I personally think most of the current issues are due to a talent gap. Yet recuiting is on MacWhorter’s list of duties.
Just glad we nailed down Hopkins and Espinosa before the vultures could get to them this year. I think for GG next year it’s going to be like my dad used to say, “Feet do your stuff.”
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Dec 14, 2009 9:28 AM CST up reply actions
Is there really a talent gap?
Recruiting site rankings aren’t everything, but there are Tray Allen (5*), Kyle Hix, Michael Huey, Mark Buchanan, and David Snow (all four-star recruits on Rivals). That’s not including the three-star guys and 2009 entering freshmen. So although there are three 3* guys (Hall, Tanner, Ulatoski) starting on the line this season, I wouldn’t consider that indicative of the roster talent. It seems to be more development-related with the more highly rated prospects, which is often more the fault of the coaches than anything else.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 14, 2009 2:00 PM CST up reply actions
No NFL draft picks from this year's line. Maybe Ulatoski in a late round?
Huey, Hicks, Buchanan, Poehlman, Hall, and Tanner are just not impressive. Ulatoski was a big disappointment, good DE’s take his lunch money. All are cut from the same mold- big, slow and not very athletic. I don’t see the raw talent but, alas, I’ve been wrong before. I still have hopes for Snow and Allen and I think the 2009 class will end up being stellar.
I’m kind of on the fence here, though. I agree with you that the improvement of the guys was zero from last year to this year and also zero during this year. In fact they seemed to digress. Plus other teams do quite well with 3 stars. It does point towards a problem with development. Maybe it’s a combination.
I was ready to can MacWhorter after the NU game but that’s above my pay grade. I kind of hope he just quietly goes into the night when the season is over.
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Dec 15, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions
Mac could take the non-demotion route, perhaps?
Like Akina, maybe? Move him to some nice recruiting coordinator position? I think he’s pretty good for that. Find someone else to cover the strength and conditioning program, and hire out for OL.
Ula’s disappointing, I guess, but he was only a three-star recruit IIRC. I wouldn’t say a guy has to be a great or even draftable NFL prospect to be a good college lineman, though. Didn’t Blalock go pretty late in his draft, for instance? Kirk-Hughes? I think there’s enough difference in the college and NFL games that one guy could be a great college lineman and so-so NFL prospect, while another could be a so-so college lineman and a great prospect. Heck, that definitely holds true at a lot of positions, and considering the number of blocking schemes that don’t really translate to the NFL all that well, it’s up in the air.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 15, 2009 11:08 AM CST up reply actions
Classy way to handle it
We usually find an administrative spot somewhere for people if they want to stay. I think Coach Madden is set at strength coach and Coach Chambers at recruiting coordinator, both have been there a long time.
There are some notable late round NFL picks, Tom Brady in the 6th round was probably the best deal ever. The Cowboys pre-Jerry Jones used to make their living off free agents that nobody else saw. But evaluations have become more efficient, I think most of the starters now come from the first three or four rounds. One place you can still get an edge in college football, though.
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Dec 15, 2009 11:47 AM CST up reply actions
Next year's OL
The 2010 recruiting class should have almost no bearing on how the line is going to protect Gilbert. For that, the coaches need to look to the 2007, 2008, and 2009 classes. There are some left from 2006 as well, as I recall.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 14, 2009 8:08 AM CST up reply actions
The 3 classes you mention . . .
2007 — Hix, Huey, Allen (McGaskey, left program); 2 starters
2008 — Snow, Poehlmann, Burnet; Snow will start in 2010
2009 — Walters, Porter, Kelley, Ashcraft (all 4 redshirted in ’09)
2006 — 6 signees originally; 3 gone (Webb, Watts, Burnette); Moore, Mitchell, Greg Smith headed into their fifth season
God bless the poor bastard that has to rely on David Snow for blocking
"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo
by run Bevo run on Dec 14, 2009 10:44 AM CST up reply actions
That is what I was thinking. I’m hoping two of the four redshirts from 09 will really step up and earn a starting spot.
Any chance Greg Smith goes back to the line? I think he’d be an upgrade over snow. With our returning injured players and other TEs already in the mix, I’d think he wouldn’t be necessary at TE anymore.
Are you kidding? EBS?
Joking- EBS stamp aside he’s actually blocked pretty well from my vantage point. The young guys will need to really hit the strength program. In fact they all will.
Snow is young, he played in the 2008 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. That’s not too long ago.
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Dec 14, 2009 11:33 AM CST up reply actions
Sure, but would you rather rely on guys from those years, or on 2010 freshmen?
I don’t think protection of Gilbert in 2010 should have ANY bearing on what positions to recruit for the 2010 class. None at all. That list of guys may not be the Leonard Davis and Mike Williams types, but they’re almost definitely going to perform better than the true freshmen would.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 14, 2009 2:03 PM CST up reply actions
Awesome Commit
This guy is special. He has natural shake and bake and ability to make yards after the catch. Definitely one of the top WR in the state and country. Fantastic job and kudos to the longhorn staff. Personally I think it is not an issue pro or con to D. White since they are diffrent type receivers. White is bigger and can muscle his way. Davis will be competing more with Chris Jones who is also a speedster type guy with moves.
Also, remember that last year we loaded up at OL with 4/5 commits but only took one WR in Timmons. This class looks like a bunch of WR, but it doesn’t really make up for last year, and there are only 3 true WR commits (Harris, Jones, and Davis) since Cobbs and Phillips are “Athletes” that may end up in other spots, and Terrell is already being called a TE. The coaches also look at recruits in terms of maturity and so maybe one or two of these guys will be redshirt contenders, I know we will offer WR Jaxon Shipley for 2011, but not sure which other 2011 WRs we are really after. We probably will offer more OL again.
I agree
We also picked up 2 more OL this year in Espinosa and Hopkins, with Hopkins raanked in the ESPNU150 and Espinosa just on the outside looking in.
Get off your knees Greg, you're blowin' the game.
Isn't Espinosa one of the nation's top centers?
If so, and if he could live up to that, he could be an extremely nice pickup. It’s amazing that we were speculating about a greyshirt for him back in the spring.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 14, 2009 8:11 AM CST up reply actions
At least according to the recruiting services
he has the following ratings, though I would discount the ESPN rating because I discount everything ESPN…
Rivals at #1 C
Scout.com at #2 C
ESPN at #3 C
It’s also a little eerie that he was waiting and waiting and waiting for his Texas offer, he didn’t receive it until well after the bulk of the class.
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Dec 14, 2009 8:52 AM CST up reply actions
Hopkins to play Center?
I coulda sworn I read earlier that the Texas staff had told Hopkins that they were expecting him to play center. Does anyone else recall this? As always, it’s possible I made this up.
Yes they did
I recall reading that Texas projected him at center.
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Dec 14, 2009 9:55 AM CST up reply actions
Could be a good problem to have
And at best, one of them loses the center battle…and turns into one heck of a guard.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 14, 2009 2:04 PM CST up reply actions
Goodwin last year as well
though I also tend to forget about him when I talk about the receiver commits from 2009.
Probably going to offer Trey Metoyer and Miles Onyegbule at receiver in 2011, with Marquis Jackson another possibility. There’s a good chance that Onyegbule will be an early commitment but his brother plays defensive end at Kansas, so there’s a chance that he could blow up in a college strength program and move to another position. I believe he mentioned something along those lines in an interview, so he is prepared for that possibility.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 13, 2009 11:41 PM CST up reply actions
I coach in the same district as Arlington
So I got to see plenty of Miles. The way he runs, moves and catches just reminded me so much of Roy Williams. He is already a little filled out but I could definitely see him adding at least another 20lbs. Its possible he could lift himself out of the position but I’d be very surprised as well.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
Yes, Goodwin last year
I knew he was going to be good and wasn’t getting the football recruiting kudos he deserved. Love watching him play.
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