Texas Longhorns Junior Day Invites/Attendees
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 4, 2011 1:18 PM CST
in Texas Longhorns Recruiting
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PrintHere's the list of players invited to the first and second Texas Junior Days, to be held on February 12th and February 26th, respectively. As always, these lists are fluid and subject to change. There's also more discrepancy right now in the attendees confirmed by the different services. By the middle of next week, a clear picture should emerge about which players will be in town on the 12th.
First Junior Day (confirmed)
- Trevor Knight, SA Reagan QB
- Johnathan Gray, Aledo RB
- Cayleb Jones, Austin High WR (accepted invite Thursday night)
- Thomas Johnson, Skyline WR
- Kennedy Estelle, Pearland Dawson OL
- Curtis Riser, DeSoto OL
- Paul Boyette, Humble DT
- Zorrell Ezell, Humble DT
- Malcolm Brown, Brenham DT
- Anthony Smith, Spring Westfield DT
- Alex De La Torre, Denton Ryan LB
- Tim Cole, Brenham LB
- Peter Jinkens, Skyline LB
- Corey Coleman, Richardson Pierce ATH
Second Junior Day (confirmed)
- Connor Brewer, Chaparral, (AZ) QB
Date unconfirmed
- Trey Williams, Spring Dekaney RB
- Edward Pope, Carthage S
Invited
- DJ Humphries, Mallard Creek (NC) OL (verbal offer)
- Michael Starts, Waco La Vega OL
- Javonte Magee, SA Sam Houston DL
- Mario Edwards, Denton Ryan DE (will not attend)
Unconfirmed invites
- Tim Wright, La Marque RB (Hookem says no invite)
- Boone Feldt, Pilot Point OL
- Trey Keenan, Argyle OL
- Greg Brantley, Carthage OL
- Jordan Richmond, Denton Ryan LB
- Damien Neroes, Garland LB
- Kyndahl Hill, Humble DE
- Devonte Fields, Arlington Martin DE
- Jelani Hamilton, St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) DE
- Ladarrell McNeil, A. Maceo Smith S
Names to watch
- Kendall Sanders, Athens ATH
- Dominique Wheeler, Crockett WR
- Brian Nance, Euless Trinity LB
- Camrhon Hughes, Harker Heights OL
- Matt Davs, Klein Forest QB
- Dominic Ramacher, Denton Guyer ATH
- Eric Davis, Tyler John Tyler DE
- Jeremiah Tshimanga, Richland Hills LB
- Victor Irokansi, Pflugerville Hendrickson DE
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Thanks for the update
Brewer has been on the radar, but I see two other OOS kids. Are they from connections to the new coaches?
I’m a bit surprised we aren’t seeing a few more OOS kids but they may be slowed played since we don’t win many recruiting battles against the $EC schools.
Hamilton
supposedly has always been a Texas fan. Not sure if he has had any contact from the coaches. Gerry Hamilton is saying that he’s trying to talk to Hamilton to further gauge his interest and see if he’s had any contact.
Left off the two Alabama kids by accident, but they were Muschamp guys so it seems pretty unlikely that they would make it to campus now.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 4, 2011 1:41 PM CST up reply actions
Out of curiosity
Who are the two Alabama kids and where are they from?
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
Noel Coward
by beast in bama on Feb 4, 2011 4:02 PM CST up reply actions
Kwon Alexander and Trae Elston
They’re from Oxford.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 4, 2011 4:46 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks
Oxford High School has produced more high quality football players (for decades) than you can shake a stick at. That’s why I wanted to know where they were from – Oxford has consistently been one of the elite high school programs in this state as long as I can remember.
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
Noel Coward
by beast in bama on Feb 4, 2011 4:54 PM CST up reply actions
OB
said that the two Bama kids are still interested in Texas but haven’t heard anything from them since Muschamp left.
Thanks GOBR
It looks like the First Junior Day isn’t as top heavy as usual. Estelle might be the most important visitor on the First Junior Day. Estelle is possibly the best OT in the state.
Texas would be wise to build the OT class around Estelle and Starts. Both are projected to be LTs.
I hope the Invited list can make it down. I know Edwards ain’t coming down, but the others need to visit.
I’m a little surprised that the Names to watch list don’t have invites. Plenty of talent in that group especially Sanders and Wheeler.
Have to like our chances with Brewer. Sister already on campus, just came down for an unofficial visit to talk with Major and Harsin (I would think he received his verbal offer during that visit) and now coming back for the Second Junior Day. A Brewer commitment at the Second Junior Day would surprise no one.
My understanding is that Trey Williams will receive an offer during his visit.
by billfromlaketravis on Feb 4, 2011 1:33 PM CST reply actions
Texas would be wise the build the 2012 OL class around Estelle and Starts.*
by billfromlaketravis on Feb 4, 2011 1:37 PM CST up reply actions
On Estelle - How good is she?
Note to Bill Byrne "Because you aren´t Texas and you´ll never be Texas"
And she's pretty rough on Pip
Just Harsin around.
by burntorangehorn on Feb 4, 2011 4:53 PM CST up reply actions
Word is Estelle or Starts is the best OT in the state.
I haven’t seen the film yet, but I understand Estelle’s sophomore film was dominant.
Everybody is high on Starts because he shows great athleticism as a basketball player. Good hips, footwork, flexible, good bend in the ankles.
by billfromlaketravis on Feb 4, 2011 1:42 PM CST reply actions
Starts also played TE as a sophomore
and played both ways (OT and DL) as a junior. One opposing coach commented on his conditioning to be able to play almost every snap on both sides of the line.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 4, 2011 1:45 PM CST up reply actions
Very good points GOBR, I forgot to mention. Starts just shows great athleticism everybody, Starts has been compared to Jason Smith. Very impressive recruit.
by billfromlaketravis on Feb 4, 2011 1:49 PM CST up reply actions
GOBR what do you think the plan is at DE?
I like that Hamilton is in the mix. His offer list is very impressive and so are the 5 stars. Great size.
I know you’re high on Eric Davis, and I believe he is underrated on the Fab 55.
Do you think the plan is offer Hamilton after a visit, open offer to Edwards, and offer Eric Davis?
I think Texas should probably offer Eric Davis, Richardson and Fields, Hamilton and Edwards. Edwards is a very long shot, Davis, Richardson and Fields are all Texas good, and Hamilton will probably go down to Signing Day but you hold a ship for a 5 star stud.
It wouldn’t be the end of the world if Texas took 4 DEs in 2012 if the last one is Hamilton.
by billfromlaketravis on Feb 4, 2011 1:47 PM CST reply actions
Not sure right now.
With no other confirmed invites besides Edwards, it’s not clear where the staff is leaning right now. I would go after Davis, for sure. Not sure about Hill because he’s such a projection, and I don’t know anything about Fields, really. Not sure that Irokansi is Texas good at this point and he hasn’t been hearing from the coaching staff, so that’s not a good sign.
If Texas makes it past March with Edwards, that’s probably a good sign. Hard to see him going anywhere other than Florida State at this point. The interest in Hamilton seems to be coming from Hamilton at this point and I don’t really think that the Longhorns are going to try to go into Florida and get a kid out of there. Mack doesn’t have the patience for that.
Defensive end is such a big need, I think Texas has to get two top players in the fold before they wait until NSD for a guy like Hamilton.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 4, 2011 1:52 PM CST up reply actions
Speaking of Edwards to FSU...
I heard Muschamp talking about Brantley and his decommit from Texas and he said these kids don’t realize how far away from home they’ll be moving, but it eventually sets in. Hopefully that will be the case with Edwards.
Sports is man's joke on God, You see, God says to man, 'I've created a universe where it seems like everything matters, where you'll have to grapple with life and death and in the end you'll die anyway, and it won't really matter.' So man says to God, 'Oh, yeah? Within your universe we're going to create a sub-universe called sports, one that absolutely doesn't matter, and we'll follow everything that happens in it as if it were life and death.'" - Sam Kellerman
The first step with Edwards is to get him on campus, by any means necessary. A visit puts us in the ball game.
by billfromlaketravis on Feb 4, 2011 2:11 PM CST up reply actions
Any thoughts on who you think will commit?
"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
Confused about the QB wish list.
I thought Matt Davis was the highest-rated QB in Texas? Is the coaching staff targeting Trevor Knight & Connor Brewer instead? I figured Davis would be able to come to one of these first 2 JDs & I thought he didn’t have any favorites ahead of UT right now. Do we have a chance with him?
Davis is a spread QB
Texas is looking to somewhat move away from that and I don’t think Davis fits much into the system Harsin and Major are designing. If he hadn’t gotten injured his Jr. season he would have had a much better chance of getting an offer.
Still possible that coaches wait
to evaluate him during the spring when they can see if he’s improved as a passer. If Connor Brewer is willing to commit at JD2, which is looking pretty possible, then I think Texas probably takes him and shuts it down at quarterback. Knight is a better athlete than Brewer and is a guy who is almost certain to jump on an offer.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 4, 2011 8:45 PM CST up reply actions
Give me Knight over brewer
way better scrambler and his mechanics look way more natural than brewer
Why is that?
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 5, 2011 10:23 PM CST up reply actions
Frankly I just don't think he is Texas good
If I hadn’t known he was on Texas’ radar, he would not have stood out in any of the games I saw (McArthur, Madison, Johnson). Wasn’t overly impressed with his arm or accuracy. Bounced quite a few balls in the dirt and missed on a number of deep balls to wide open receivers. Good athleticism, but again nothing that screams top-program level Div 1 QB. In his last game of the season he was greatly overshadowed by the Johnson QB who I doubt sniffs a Div 1 offer.
If he is really the best option at QB this year in Texas, then it must be a pretty down year and the staff needs to look out of state.
On a side note, Jace Amaro was the most impressive player I saw this year – better than Aaron Green in the head-to-heads against Reagan.
Nice analysis
I forgot you get to see a bunch of SA games, Horncasting. Always appreciate your SA insight.
Appreciate the analysis as well.
Sounds like Brewer may be the better option.
Not surprised about Amaro — I’m a big fan.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 6, 2011 12:42 PM CST up reply actions
Horncasting or GhostofBigRoy
What are your thoughts relative to Briscoe? He looks like a big kid with a big arm, but I’m not sure about the throwing motion. He kinda has that 3/4 throwing motion like David Carr. What a cannon though with some pretty good accuracy.
Ball does come out oddly with him.
Don’t really care for his mechanics, it’s like he shotputs the ball from his shoulder. He’s a big kid and a good athlete, but I don’t think he’s Texas good. if things somehow don’t work out with Connor Brewer or Trevor Knight, I guess Briscoe could be the next kid on the list. Highly unlikely that happens.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 6, 2011 2:07 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks GHG90 & GoBR.
Didn’t realize that Davis was injured this past year. That is certainly a factor. I just keep hearing quotes that Davis is a shorter version of VY & just as exciting of a runner. With how the college game is right now where athlete QBs are probably harder to defense than pocket passing QBs, I tend to wish we had an athlete back there. With VY-the-freak and Colt-the-overachiever for the past several years, it was pretty hard to watch GG sometimes this season. I still think he’ll be just fine for the next two years but I do love to watch a QB that can throw the ball around and still have escapability.
Interesting?
No interest in Jeremiah Briscoe? I like him and Brewer as the QB options in 12.
We are going to need Safeties too…no Griffin or McNeil invitations?
Sorry
I do see McNeil on the list now…kinda blind I guess.
Where is Vaitai?
Don't think there's much interest in Vaitai at this point.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 4, 2011 4:48 PM CST up reply actions
Briscoe is a possibility
I would say he’s a longshot though. The Texas wish list for QB at this point I think is Brewer, then Knight, then everyone else, which includes Davis probably ahead of Briscoe. Don’t expect Longhorns to go past Brewer and Knight right now.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 4, 2011 8:45 PM CST up reply actions
all these names
and only 2 safeties and 0 corners?
Plus (just spitballing)
DB is a position that are often late bloomers. For a guy to be a great QB, OL, DL or even LB you have to have the size and strength that are evident 2 years before graduation. And everyone can usually spot a great running back pretty early in their career.
But DBs can develope late. There were a couple of DBs this year that ended up great prospects, that no one knew at this time last year.
There has been a lot of talk of waiting, not recruiting so much so early in the process. Maybe it is a good thing…..
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
Coleman would probably be recruited as a corner
though I think they feel like he’s better at WR over at Recruitocosm.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 4, 2011 8:46 PM CST up reply actions
Too many WRs
For the athlete tags to get recruited on the offensive side of the ball, so I agree with you. Really wish we’d go after Davonte Neal from Brewer’s high school team at WR. Hard to to see it though with almost certainly Jones, Thompson, and now possibly Dominique Wheeler getting WR in state offers.
Needs for 2012?
I’m thinking:
QB-1
TB-2
WR-1
C-2
G-1
T-1
DE-2
DT-2
OLB-2
ILB-1
S-2
CB-1
Definitely
Will be at least 2 WRs and possibly 3. Won’t be more than one center. Need to take two tackles if that’s possible because that’s a big team weakness right now. Like the defensive numbers for the most part, although I’d like to see 2 CBs. Should be around 22-23 people.
I was thinking
Hales, Goodwin and Fitzhenry will be the Seniors next year and White, Davis, Timmons will be Juniors. Harris and Jones Sophomores and Shipley as well (likely). Onyegbule a Freshman.
That is ten WR’s on the depth chart already (barring attrition) and a possibility that Mykelle Thompson plays there as well. Although I think Thompson will be a CB.
Also, Espinosa will be the only “true” Center on the roster with Snow graduating. Given the injuries that Espinosa has been through already I think that this is a position we can work on. I know Porter has played/practiced at C but I think he will translate to a great G/T and also I hope we slide Walters over to his best position of T as well.
I have read where Hutchins can play C and with his size currently I would expect that is the only position on the line he can play at UT. That guy better start eating…A LOT!
Tackles, I hope are, Walters, Porter, Kelley, Poehlmann, Greenlea, Cochran and Doyle. Walters and Porter/Kelley as the other starter besides Walters. That would give us good depth and size at OT.
I also hope that the CB’s are: Byndom, White and Barnett as the Juniors (2012), and that the entire 2011 DB class plays CB Turner, Diggs, Scott, Evans and Thompson and will be experienced Sophomores in 2012. I know Mack says that Scott and maybe Thompson will play S, but I would rather Bryant Jackson stay at S where he played in high school.
The problem with WR
Is none of them have really shown they can consistently produce. Fitzhenry is never going to see major playing time. Harris and Jones need a ton of work before they play. Quise could leave any time for track. Timmons has never played. We need to add talent where lazy recruiting (not to mention coaching) has prevailed. Also, a diverse set of playmakers is important for young and inventive minds like Harsin and Applewhite, IMO.
Porter has always played inside as you said, so I don’t see any reason to move him outside. Doyle likely doesn’t have the athleticism to play outside and was a stretch take anyway. Poehlmann probably won’t ever add enough weight to actually contribute—that’s been his problem his entire career.
Espinosa should be back by fall so that’s hopefully not a problem but I can see why you’re concerned. But why over-complicate things by moving Porter when he’s already at what you call a weak position depth-wise? I never like the idea of taking two centers in one class just because it’s the only one-person OL position and you can usually move guys there to compensate for depth issues (e.g. Porter).
We need two corners because the guys on campus are not proven at all and could theoretically all be lackluster. Same applies to the 2011 recruits. A high-level corner is such a hard position to find lately in Texas, which is what has led to our depth/inexperience issues there. Don’t understand why Mack wants to move Leroy to safety considering he has more experience there than any of the other 2011 recruits and he can’t catch—really makes absolutely no sense. Thompson as a safety adds up so much more well. Agree on Jackson but I doubt he sees the field much with Vaccaro and Phillips.
Like your thoughts, but we should be able to add more than 18, which is why I threw in two extra WRs. Might as well take players that are actually going to impact the team instead of stretches to completely shore up all conceivable depth issues.
WR/Coaching
I am fine with blaming the lack of playmaking abilities on coaching and scheme. Afterall, these kids are definitely talented and as we saw with even Greg Smith in the Senior Bowl recently they have been under-coached for some time now.
Greg Davis didn’t want to find a playmaker last year…DJ Monroe stepped up and showed the abilities to be a homerun threat and that just meant less touches in Greg Davis’ book.
We have, right now three five star WR’s (Davis, White and Timmons)…it’s on these coaches to develop this talent and put the playmakers in the right position to be succesful. Fitzhenry is atleast another body at WR and I feel like he’s good enough for 10-15 catches as a Junior.
I like Porter’s size and physical abilities at OT. He was one of the top tackles coming out of high school so it’s certainly not a stretch to revert him back to OT. The sad thing about what the UT coaches have been doing is they are moving these players that are already great at their current positions to other spots. For instance, the switch of Hopkins to OT last year was horrible. The guy is built like an OG and he is better suited for G where he played out his high school career. Yet, they tried to play him at T instead of moving Walters or Porter over there.
I really hope to see Porter and Walters as the starting OT’s, but admit that neither will move outside likely. They have the size and ability to be our best OT’s.
Agree about Davis
Having to try to fail at finding playmakers. But the guys you listed were not all 5* unless we are talking Scout or something.
by GoHornsGo90 on Feb 5, 2011 6:10 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
5*'s
Yes, I consider Scout.com and Rivals.com…In this case all 3 of these WR’s were 5* kids according to Scout.com
I would
wager that both Rivals.com and Scout.com have their flaws….I am a firm believer that Aaron Williams was fantastic during his career at Texas and was worthy of a 5* recruit… Scout.com called it and rated him a 5* while Rivals.com had him a 4*…
I suppose that their are several examples that can be utilized to validate either one, but I feel like both have the history and credibility to be referenced.
Hell, with as much BS as OB.com throws against the wall anything is a credible source.
Wasn't judging either one's cred
They all have their problems. I was referring to Scout giving out so many 5* that is makes no sense to use that measurement when most people expect you’re referring to Rivals or ESPN. It’s misleading.
I think Flowers and Hopkins could both play C if necessary.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 5, 2011 1:50 PM CST up reply actions
Ramsey Hamilton?
Is Texas looking at him at him or is he looking at Texas
GoBR..Why so many DT's on the 1st day?
Is somebody leaving or are they just stacking up the position? I thought I’d see 4 OL or 4 DE before DT’s.
For one
I think the staff probably has to be concerned about the possibility of losing the best DT in the state to the Aggies in Malcolm Brown and after that I think it’s just to get kids in and build relationships with them. Those four are probably the only DT targets in the class, not all of them will get offers at JD1. Ezell and Smith probably don’t. But yeah, it continues to be a need position and will probably always be like that as long as the washout rate remains as high there as it has been.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 5, 2011 1:52 PM CST up reply actions
Plus,
We have had a higher miss rate at that position lately than any other, with the exception of possibly TE. If we invite 4 and offer 2-3, then that should firm up our numbers there.
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
DT
I hope that Howell lives up to his potential going forward. He would be the Junior in 2012 along with Dorsey and hopefully Kriegel moves back to DT with all of the O-line talent we are bringing in. I think that the Kriegel move to O-line was based on all of the injuries that we faced last year.
Next, Bible, Cotton and Jackson will likely all be Sophomores in 2012 and Russell (with the injury) as a redshirt Freshman.
Again, that is 7 bodies (barring attrition) at the DT position. The state of this position will be determined in 2011. We have a full year to find the next Kheeston Randall to anchor the DT spot going into 2012. We will need atleast 2 DT’s in the next recruiting class IMO
We have plenty of players there
They just need to be developed. In contrast, we are thin at DE, but they all have a good chance of being very good players.
DE
Yep, I do see DE as an issue this year, and maybe even next year. The first step is moving Okafor back to his natural position of DE. Okafor, Jeffcoat and Wilson provide a nice 3-man rotation that, I feel is as good as any in the Big 12.
Dravannti Johnson is atleast a body, but he will get eaten up by the larger offensive line groups that we face. He will likely switch between DE/OLB next year.
True Freshmen, Cedric Reed will need to grow up fast. And I mean fast!
Beyond that…I would expect the Daniels to DT experiment is dead as well. He is way too light to play DT and trying to force kids to grow that much, that fast is an overall bad idea. Haven’t we already figured that out by now?
Moving Jones back from the TE position (where we have 6 or 7 bodies) would help increase the overall numbers at DE, and then we’ll see what the Whaley project brings.
I do agree that we are very thin at DE, and I blame that on Will Muschamp and his player evaluation skills.
Agree on Daniels and
Okafor. Daniels had no business being moved in the first place and Oak didn’t really either since we knew Sacho and Eddie would be gone after this year. I think Jones could find a role in the new offense but I like the Whaley to DE idea…liked it 2 years ago as well.
Don’t blame Muschamp in the slightest because he isn’t the only voice regarding defensive recruits and he’s definitely not in charge of development. The guys were young and mostly got moved to fulfill depth concerns at other positions—how is that Will’s fault?
Muschamp
IMO was a horrible talent evaluator and overall personelle decision maker.
I will reference the Sergio Kindle switch…sure, Kindle did fine his Sr. year but he was no where near as dominant as he was from his OLB position during his Jr. year. He would have crushed the nation at OLB had he stayed there for his final year.
Next, the Okafor to DT transition. Again, Okafor was a beast at DE and had to lose both confidence and effectiveness after being slid over to DT. He was just too damn lite to be in the interior line.
We have NO true ILB’s on our roster at the moment and if Will isn’t to blame for that, who is?
Finally, what a shameful position we are in at DE right now. The only DE’s we have Muschamp tried to switch to DT…and I’m still bitter over the lack of awareness relative to the recruitment (or lack there) of Nathan Hughes this year. This kid bleads orange yet for some reason he is the ONLY one to leave the Jr. day without an offer and is now at OU? Now look at where we are at this position…if that wasn’t Muschamp then who was it?
For the thousandth time
Texas had better players in the cooker than Hughes, such as Rasco. Rasco was UT’s if Muschamp stayed. I have not seen one informed person that said Hughes was Texas good when he actually played the game.
Don’t agree at all regarding Kindle. He played DE a large portion of the season as a Jr. and didn’t have the luxury of Brian Orakpo on the other side his senior year.
Okafor was at the (then) most loaded position of probably any team in the entire country other than perhaps Va Tech RBs and we had nothing at DT. He got beaten out by Jeffcoat in summer camp because of apparent problems beating OTs with pass-rushing moves and initial burst off the line, so we wanted to take advantage of his run-stuffing talents at DT. Did I agree with the move? Nope. Is it necessarily terrible logic to do it and somehow only Muschamp’s fault? I don’t think anybody could say that.
What inside linebackers would you have liked Texas to have recruited? Kendall, Moss, and Edmond? Oh yeah…Muschamp got them. The state doesn’t produce many because it’s primarily spread offense now and Texas doesn’t recruit many because we primarily play spread offenses. Will can’t just create players for the schemes, they have to actually exist. Yes, guys like Nkwopara and Roberson were misses at LB but why does Will not get credit for bringing in the 2011 guys just because he left this year?
There’s a reason Muschamp was tired of the malaise that was in this staff and the lazy recruiting they embodied. The revisionist history that starts occurring when problems arise (i.e. DE depth) can’t all just be conveniently flung at the one guy who happens to not be here any more.
Rasco?
Scout.com has Hughes rated 5* and when it comes to flexibility he would give our line both DE/DT options at 6’6 – 265. Instead of trying to transition 230 and 250 lb DE’s to DT’s. Not to mention the fact that he absolutely loved UT instead of just coming here because some coach asked him too. Hughes is better than Rasco on several boards including Scout and ESPN. Now we have nothing but Reed, and one of our states best is at OU. Fantastic!
Kindle? No, he didn’t have Orakpo but he did have Acho and whether you agree or not Kindle was much better at OLB then he was at DE.
Next, Okafor was at a “loaded” position yet it required an OLB to rotate down to fill the starting lineup? Gotcha! And Okafor was the runner up Freshmen Player of the Year in 2009 so obviously he was having a difficult time at OT. DE’s can be “run stuffers” as well as long as you are getting the pass rush from other areas (like OLB’s)…
Finally, yes…Chet Moss would be at UT if Nancy Pelosi was coaching the defense. He is a solid ILB, and he’s also a true freshmen. Edmond and Thompson stayed as well so I assume they came to Texas for the University and not for a coach. And if Will can’t just “create players for the schemes” what do you call the switch of Okafor and Daniels to DE?
Amen Chupita
Hughes is being talked about as NFL caliber already and one of the TOP players in the nation at the all star game despite his cast on his arm. I do not understand the miss on him at all!! They are now saying he is probable able to play either DT or DE for OU. Terrible evaluation to not offer him!!!!
by Wrangler86 on Feb 6, 2011 1:13 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I'm done replying to your drivel
Nothing you say is worth answering after you accused Colt of “folding like a lawn chair” after his injury in the NC in another thread. I could go through and tear apart your revisionist history argument piece by piece if I were so inclined, but honestly, it’s just not worth my time.
As an OLB
you don’t just rush the QB every play. You have to be able to play in space and cover either slots or TE’s one on one or in zone coverage. As much as I loved Kindle I don’t remember him being that great in coverage, only great off the edge. Seeing as how we didn’t run a true 3-4 all the time he would have been exposed in coverage from time to time. His move to DE was about maximizing his talent, and his talent was rushing the passer, not playing pass coverage.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
Thank you Coach
Kindle was not a great coverage guy and I don’t ever recall him even trying to cover anybody in passing situations. He just wasn’t fluid enough.
Kindle never had to backpedal in high school
and certainly didn’t seem to learn how to do it at Texas.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 6, 2011 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
Well
He did a great job at playing mostly OLB as a Junior…and I doubt he ever lines up as a down DE in the NFL. I know that the Ravens play a 34 defense but if Kindle ever does play football again in the NFL it will be at OLB and not DE.
He was quick enough to drop into coverage if need be and his speed allowed him to string out runners on the edge. The big linemen ate his lunch during his Senior year most of the time. I just think that E.Jones and Acho, Okafor would have been a more effective group that year.
The Ravens
run a 3-4 and Kindle was drafted to be a rush end in their defense. Don’t confuse a 4-3 OLB with a 3-4 “OLB”. A 3-4 “OLB” is more like a stand up defensive end. Rarely do you see guys like Terrell Suggs and Damarcus Ware drop in coverage. They were brought in to rush the QB. As a Junior Kindle wasn’t even really a true OLB. He played a lot more Buck than he did OLB. I see where your coming from you just have a lot of your verbage confused.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
I actually did
acknowledge the fact that Baltimore runs a thirty-four defense in my prior post. After watching Kindle during his career I certainly understand that his biggest attribute was rushing the QB. The point is, whether Kindle does or doesn’t play in a thirty-four defense in the NFL there is little chance that he will ever lineup as a down defensive end and will have to play OLB whether it’s in a 3-4 or a 4-3.
That said, he was a fantastic SLB during his Soph/.Jr. years at Texas and is obviously more flexible than some give him credit for. Coming out of high school he was the nations #1 ILB according to Scout.com.
Overall, the point of my statement was there was a noticable decline in his ability to pressure the QB from his DE spot. 10 as a Jr. down to 5.5 as a Sr. at the new end position.
IMO we would have been better served starting Acho and Jones at DE that year and having Okafor for depth. Kindle, Jones and Acho would have been a fantastic trio at pressuring the QB and opposing teams offenses.
Still think that Kindle is/was flexible enough to play any position as a LB on the field. That’s my opinion though…
I understand what you are saying
but the whole trick with coaching is putting your players in a position that they are going to be most successful in. Case in point is Vince Young. The way to maximize his talents was to switch more to a zone-read offense where he has the ability to make plays with his feet compared to an I offense where the defense doesn’t have to account for his ability to run pre-snap. I believe that was the point with Kindle.
While Kindle’s sack total did go down his senior year he was also getting more double teams and didn’t have the luxury of having Orakpo (another 3-4 rush end and 1st round draft pick) on the other side of him. Kindle did have a good year his senior year it just wasn’t as visible as his junior year because the numbers weren’t there. Kind of likc Julius Peppers with the Bears this year.
I understand what you are saying about believing Kindle could play OLB and you know what he probably could. However, the ultimate question is would that be the position where he would be most effective? I don’t think so. I think the position where he has the best chance of changing a game is from a rush end position.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
Yes
Building the offense around VY and then McCoy were excellent decisions. I agree.
However, Kindle’s sack productivity went down significantly and so did his draft stock (partially due to injuries.) It would have been much more difficult to double-team a standup OLB as oppossed to a DE. You simply have no idea which gap he is going to shoot when he is free to move around. Kindle went from a 1st team All-Big 12 OLB to a 2nd team All-Big 12 DE in 1-year.
IMO it made no sense….5* recruit Eddie Jones was ready to play and start at the time and it would have likely increased Jones’ stock in the NFL draft this year.
DE Acho,Jr., DE Jones,Jr. OLB Kindle,Sr., ILB Muck,Sr., and OLB Robinson,Soph., instead of Sophomore E.Acho
Again, I am of the opinion that he was a bigger impact from OLB easily. And I do feel like Muschamp made similar mistakes during his tenure as a defensive coordinator at Texas.
I guess it is just agree to disagree
I see your points and understand your position. I just tend to think otherwise.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
I salute you!
For 2 guys to completely disagree and finally bring an argument to an amicable end … is impressive.
Daniels and Okafor
My understanding is that Daniels is well ahead of schedule at DT. Bobby Burton believes Daniels will make some noise during the Spring Game.
The problem with Okafor is that he doesn’t have a good burst off the edge. He’s a 3 or 5 technique all the way. The coaches made the right move here, and I think Manny will play Okafor a lot at the 5 technique when Texas lines up in a 3-4.
Expect a heavy dose of the 3-4 in 2011.
by billfromlaketravis on Feb 7, 2011 10:33 AM CST up reply actions
Interesting
Rivals.com and mackbrown-texasfootball.com have Daniels listed at 6’5 250 lbs. We have LB’s that weigh that much and we think this kid can jam-up RB’s in the middle at this weight? We could be in for another LONG year against the run if that is the thought process on the 40-acres.
If we run a 3-4 a lot then Okafor and Wilson should be awesome. Jackson Jeffcoat will move ot OLB and be fantastic.
My only concern would be….do we have even 1 ILB that is ready to do the tasks required of an ILB… I’m not sure, but I don’t know of 2 of them for sure.
Any Idea About Gray's thoughts?
Is the fact that he’s coming to the first junior day a good thing? doesn’t matter? Is he expected to commit before the season?
The slow wave is our best weapon.
It's a good thing
But one the surest commits over the two Jr. days is Connor Brewer, who’s attending the second Jr. day. So it’s not like JD1 is the end all be all for interest in Texas or Texas interest in the player.
Kid has
Unbelievably playmaking ability with the rock in his hands. Really strong for his size, which seems to come primarily from his hips. Would love to see more actual WR highlights from him in his senior season.
Wheeler's stats from Junior year:
Rushing Passing Receiving
Year Att Yds TD Yds TD Int No Yds TD
2010 (Jr.) 71 1,164 16 497 5 4 6 153 5
look’s like another good fit for the HarsinWhite versatile offense as he can lineup at QB, RB or WR, and motion into any of the other two positions and be a threat from any (like Mykkele thompson).
Pretty impressed that he caught 6 balls and went for 5 TDs.
what about bralon addison
is he interested in texas
I think Addison
Could be that guy that doesn’t get recruited and nobody every figures out why then goes on to tear it up at OSU or A&M.
by GoHornsGo90 on Feb 5, 2011 7:33 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Alex Reason 2012 Safety-LB
West Mesquite’s Raymond “Alex” Reason is a hard hitting defender who should be included in one of UT’s Junior Days.
Raashaan Reason 2013 RB/WR
West Mesquite’s Raashaan Reason is a speedster on the football field and a terror on the track can be mentioned in the same breath as UT’s Goodwin.Longhorns should be targeting him in their 2013 class.Averaged over 5 yards a carry as a sophomore.Legit 4.45 40 yard dash ran at 2010 Dallas NUC as a freshman.10.9 100 meter dash as a freshman.
Shakeem Jefferson
Anyone heard of this back from New Boston. Texas probably won’t offer but he’ll be great one!!!
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