2011 Texas Big Board Update: Tight End
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 11, 2010 7:00 AM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Recruiting
Email
Print
With recruiting slowing down as the April/May evaluation period continues, there isn't much going on in Texas football recruiting. However, there is a top national prospect who keeps mentioning the Longhorns...
Needs: One (possibly two)
| Name (School) | JD invite? | Offer? | Commitment/ Odds |
Favorites | Quick Take |
| MJ McFarland (El Paso El Dorado) |
Feb. 13 | Offered |
Committed to Texas (2/13/10) |
|
3/10 -- Doesn't have exceptional straight-line speed, but if he can separate from the best defensive backs in the country at the Army combine, he should have success against linebackers at the next level. Has the frame to play at 250+ pounds without losing his speed. Catches the ball well in traffic and understands how to use his body to shield defenders. Film. 2/9 -- Impressed at the Army Junior combine with his ability to create separation against defensive backs. Could eventually grow into an attached tight end role. Excellent basketball player. |
| Max Stevenson (Klein Oak) |
Unknown |
Unlikely | Committed to Oklahoma 5/2/10 |
|
5/10 -- Committed to Oklahoma along with teammate Nathan Hughes. Numbers are limited for the Sooners, so are there concerns about a potential de-commitment from Chris Barnett? 3/3 -- Has impressed with his speed and agility at recent events and may have been the second tight end on the Texas board. With his skill set, has the potential to be an impact player at the college level. 2/9 -- Has excellent speed for his size, but is a project, as he will need several years in a college weight program to play attached tight end. Plays some outside for Klein Oak and performed well at the Army Junior combine. Minimal experience blocking inside. Not hearing much from Texas. |
| Chris Barnett (A. Maceo Smith?) |
Not invited |
Not offered |
Committed to Oklahoma (2/20/10) |
|
5/10 -- Stock has increased a bit with some strong combine performances, but strange comments from his father about his departure from Euless Trinity continue Barnett's odd saga. 3/30 -- Stock continues to drop and Barnett probably ranks as a reach for the Sooners right now. 2/10 -- Brother of Eryon Barnett. Sounded like a Miami lean early in the process and then sounded like a Texas lock. Hard to tell where exactly he stands. Plays some defense and just transferred to Euless Trinity, but his film is unimpressive -- looks like just another guy. Hasn't heard much from Texas recently. |
|
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Gig Harbor, WA) |
Did not attend | Possible | 15% |
|
2/12 -- A top national prospect who would have to make it to Austin to receive an offer. Has a unique size/speed combination and experience playing outside in high school -- an extremely versatile receiver and blocker. Often mentions that he is waiting on a Texas offer.
5/10 -- A visit from the Texas coaching staff could be in the works and AS-J says that he has been in contact with Cedric Reed ($). After a recent Eugene Nike Camp, he also said that "I could go to Texas." Offer fishing? Possible, but interest from Longhorns appears legitimate. Has visited Austin before and another visit could result in an offer. He did say that he would be willing to take an unofficial summer visit to pick up on offer. 5/11 -- AS-J's coach believes his star player can stick at tight end in college because he's kept his weight down ($) while improving his strength and speed. For those wondering about his speed, his coach said that AS-J consistently times in the 4.7s. |
Outstanding offers: None.
Moving forward: It looked like the Longhorns were done at the position after receiving the commitment from McFarland, but the recent comments from AS-J seem to indicate that the Longhorns could be showing him some interest. Despite offers from virtually every major program in the country, Jenkins had this to say about Texas:
I really like the Longhorns. I'm really interested in them, I've always been a fan. I'll do whatever it takes. I'll go to camp and compete, show that I have what it takes to play there. That's a big privilege to get an offer from them. It's a big privilege if it's from anyone, be Texas would be in my top three no matter what.
If the 'Horns really would jump into his top three, it means that he would be willing to drop one of the three top teams he is now considering -- most likely Cal or UCLA, as Florida is generally thought to lead for his services.
The most likely reason for the interest from Texas, if it is legitimate, is that the coaching staff expects some attrition at the position. Obviously, the most likely candidate for that is Blaine Irby, who is continuing to attempt a comeback as the odds of ever playing for Texas again decreases. At his size, AS-J is physically college-ready and could contribute early for the Longhorns if he could block consistently along the line and would fit perfectly into the new "multiple" Texas offense with his ability to line up as a traditional tight end or split out as a receiver. Stay tuned, folks.
39 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Thanks GOBR. On top of the latest recruiting news as usual
Great stories about Bo and Ship coming back from serious injuries and being stars at Texas, but Irby has to be done. Period.What does the tight end position look like currently without Irby? Do the coaches give Irby until the Fall or longer before they put him on medically unable to perform? With numbers being so tight, is AS-J a must take? Given what we currently have at the position it seems like McFarland or AS-J would be the starters. No offense to Mr. Matthews, but his height is a concern to be an every down tight end.
by billfromlaketravis on May 11, 2010 7:53 AM CDT reply actions
I think Matthews has similar build to David Thomas 6-3 245 (Matthews 6-2, 235)
If he can consistently give a set of reliable hands and show that agility and explosion we saw at the spring game, I dont see why he can’t be an every down TE
COACH BOOM BABY!!
Out of respect, I think the coaches wait for Irby until he says that he's done
If he can’t practice this fall, I think the writing is on the wall almost two years removed from the injury. It looks like Greg Smith is going to be the starter at tight end and Matthews will be the H-back, despite what they showed in the spring game. Given his better ability in the passing game, I think the coaches would like for Matthews to be able to slide down to the attached tight end spot whenever they move to 11 personnel. I do think his height is a concern as well because I think he’s closer to 6-1 than 6-2. What I do know is that Matthews will work his butt off no matter who he blocks, so that definitely helps him.
The jury is still out on guys like Ahmard Howard and Trey Graham. Haven’t seen much from them so it’s hard to project, but it’s possible both could contribute at some point. Since McFarland is playing receiver in high school, I think you have to consider AS-J a take because he’s ready to come in and play right away and he’s just that good.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 11, 2010 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
D. J. Grant
What is the story with him ?
by Arroyo Grande on May 11, 2010 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Completely forgot about him when I wrote the response above.
The latest on him is basically that he will probably be able to practice in the fall, but I wouldn’t expect him to be fully healthy until some time in the middle of the season. Basically, if he can contribute by the end of the season, I think it has to be considered a success, but I’m not sure that I would expect for him to really break into and become a major part of the rotation until 2011.
Keep in mind as well that he’s probably around 230 pounds right now and if he doesn’t have the explosiveness to play the flex position, the coaches have to decide if he can hang as a blocker as an attached tight end because he’s doesn’t have ideal mass there and though he played some defensive end in high school, he was recruited as a receiver and doesn’t have experience blocking along the line. I think he’s still a pretty major question mark, although the upside should certainly be there if his knee fully recovers.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 11, 2010 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
So if ASJ commits, what about McFarland? Is he ‘dead’ weight in the class? Perpetual back up? We have 57 scholarship tight ends as it is. I’m not sure what McFarlan adds if ASJ lives up to his billing, other than someone to get mop up duty. He is large and athletic. Would he start looking to change positions (OL, DL?)
Out of those 57
zero of them are proven TE’s. It’s good to have two so you can run a 2 TE set to mess with the defense, especially if one of them can also play WR. I think Mack would definitely take Jenkins.
"You've got to think lucky. If you fall into a mudhole, check your back pocket - you might have caught a fish" -- Darrell Royal
by SpiritOfTheFedora on May 11, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
No.
McFarland could start out a the flex position. Physically, I think it’s going to take some time for him to adjust to playing attached tight end and acquiring the bulk and blocking skills necessary. He’s a project, but still could be a valuable contributor even with AS-J on board.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 11, 2010 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Is this one of those
“Screw the numbers” type kids. If you get one of these National kids that is really interested…… don’t you say (up to a point) Screw the numbers. The kid is 6’7" and 250, runs a 4.7 in the 40 (and I know 40 times can be ridiculous) at a position that we are struggled to find an identity for even when we had the most prolific passer in UT history throwing the ball.
I know we have numbers at the position even if Irby doesn’t come back. But if this kid is as good as advertised and is so interested, he would put us top 3 before even coming to Austin…. screw the numbers.
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
Agree
And at that size – perhaps he could develop into a round 1 OT.
by realmccoy on May 11, 2010 3:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Re: "Screw the numbers"
I think so. Some people are clamoring for a second DB in the last three spots, but I think you could make an argument that AS-J is a more important take than a second DB, another DT, or another RB. Plus, I think offering AS-J puts some pressure on Quincy Russell to make a decision and that isn’t bad at all.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 11, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
We had this conversation a few days ago
and came to this same conclusion. We need a great RB and 1 more DB in this class and after that, “best player available” sort of comes into play.
Looking forward to seeing how this develops. Keep us up to date.
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
ASJ is a luxury
If we get him, great. If we don’t, I don’t consider it a major loss. I feel good about our young TE’s as it is (Matthews, DJ and Trey Graham) and with McFarland in the fold I think it only strengthens the position. If we get ASJ it would be nice but I think he is just flirting until he shows up for camp.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
BTW GoBR
Thanks for something to talk about. I’m bored out of my mind with offseason and my Cubbies are sucking it up.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
Try being an Astros fan
We’re currently in double face palm mode averaging less than three runs per game. That’s earned and unearned. Tough to watch.
"You've got to think lucky. If you fall into a mudhole, check your back pocket - you might have caught a fish" -- Darrell Royal
by SpiritOfTheFedora on May 11, 2010 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
McFarland=Jermichael Finley, Austin Jenkins=bigger/slightly slower Jermaine Gresham??
by nojusticenopeaceftp on May 11, 2010 12:38 PM CDT reply actions
McFarland is SLOW. Much slower than Austin Jenkins.
Jermichael is actually pretty quick and athletic. Horrible comparison. Jenkins and Gresham is probably a good comparison.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
He looked pretty damn quick on his highlight tapes. I don’t see speed as a problem with M.J. I’m a big fan—he looks really talented to me and I’m definitely not one of the “hype up every single recruit as a potential star” guys. I think he is our biggest under the radar recruit.
Yeah tape looks good.
I guess his 40-time on Rivals made me come to the conclusion that he’s slow: 5.37. I doubt he’s actually that slow based on his tape.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
He ran the 40 at the Army combine
where the track is notoriously slow. I think even Seastrunk ran a 4.5+ there. There are also a ton of other mitigating factors like that — it’s possible McFarland hasn’t practiced running it often or didn’t have the proper shoes.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 11, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
But even if we say Seastrunk runs a 4.3-4.4 and we shave off .2 or .3 from McFarland's 40
a 5.0 in the 40 is pretty darn slow for a TE…right?
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
Correct
Not having experience running it could also add .2 seconds or so as well.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 11, 2010 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
oh, good grief, sunkist. forget some obviously bogus number and go with what your eyes tell you.
by rumplestiltsglenn on May 11, 2010 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Good Grief, Charlie Brown
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
and not what your holder tells you
"You've got to think lucky. If you fall into a mudhole, check your back pocket - you might have caught a fish" -- Darrell Royal
by SpiritOfTheFedora on May 11, 2010 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Horrible Comparison Sunkist?
McFarland is one of the most athletic/quick/pass catching tight ends in the country this year. That 40 time is wrong. And i would bet he runs no slower than a 4.75 when he actually gets tested accurately.
Highlights
Your telling me you watch this and think he runs a 5.0
Please no longer offer your bogus opinions sunkist.
by nojusticenopeaceftp on May 12, 2010 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Jermichael is a slick athlete
But he was pretty slow himself at the NFL combine (4.82). I agree he plays a lot more athletic (if not faster per se) than that time would indicate- he’s one of those guys who is much more fluid and explosive on tape than the numbers might indicate.
by BurntOrangeCanadian on May 11, 2010 3:10 PM CDT reply actions
Wonder if USC ruling will play a part?
They are.talking bout sitting out a bowl Or 2
by realmccoy on May 11, 2010 3:27 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
My sense is that if an elite,
national, potential 5-star player shows interest, you find a way to make him part of the 85-man scholarship group.
If he commits and can play, somebody else at his (or a similar) position will leave the program in search of more playing time.
Besides Irby’s situation, it’s possible Howard won’t be offered a fifth year (that’s not automatic), and Grant’s health remains a concern (to me, at least).
you guys should check out the dopes on shaggy . . .
. . . trying to run him off by saying he looks like a tackle or blocking tight end with limited receiving ability. saying he’s a tackle but nobody will tell him until he is on campus.
it’s when i read that stuff that i believe there are fans of other teams who post here nicey nice until they can hurt us somehow. watch for that and tell me you don’t see it.
by rumplestiltsglenn on May 11, 2010 11:47 PM CDT reply actions
Le$ would tell AS-J that he's a tight end and then switch him to tackle
I think Texas would be honest with him.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on May 12, 2010 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions
you know that and i know that, gobr
we’ve seen it in action.
what i’m talking about is what some ‘longhorn fans’ are saying. as-j doesn’t know the program like you and i do, and these guys are saying:
“This guy is a tackle, it’s just that nobody is telling him that because they don’t want to eliminate themselves from consideration. Get him on campus by telling him a TE, then move him to tackle pretty much immediately. He’s 6’7”, 250 as a high school junior. That’s NFL TE size at the age of 17 or 18, before he’s hit a college strength program. "
“He definitely looks like a tackle when watching his film, IMO. Or a really good blocking TE with limited receiving skills.”
one is clearly suggesting that we would do a le$ on him, and the other says he’s no account as a tight end. thanks for the support, fellows.
by rumplestiltsglenn on May 12, 2010 1:15 AM CDT up reply actions
No competition
Lordy, would I ever love to have two high caliber tight ends in the line up. Plenty of balls for both.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Burnt Orange Nation
Related FanShots on Burnt Orange Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
