Michael Starts Commits To Texas Tech
by GoHornsGo90 on Jun 2, 2011 11:37 AM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Recruiting
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PrintIn one of the least surprising decisions I've seen, OL/DL Michael Starts committed to Texas Tech over Texas, Baylor, and A&M earlier today. Tech and UT were thought to be the top two, but Texas refused to offer Starts as a defensive lineman—the only of his finalists to do so—and that was ultimately the deciding factor in his commitment to Tech. I can't remember the last time Texas was honest with a player about the position he would have to play when said player decidedly wanted to play on the other side of the ball and UT got the signature. Doesn't bode well for us regarding Kendall Sanders, but he seems less against playing DB than Starts was against playing OL, where people said he evoked images of former Baylor tackle Jason Smith.
More after The Jump.
So why did Texas refuse to offer Starts at DL? Two reasons: One is that we desperately need offensive tackles in this class and can't risk a guy ending up on the other side of the ball. The other is that we are already pretty full at DT in this class unless some big-time OOS stud like Eddie Goldman were to show interest.
Where does this leave Texas with offensive tackles? In an interesting position, to say the least. Texas seems to almost assuredly be in the final grouping for AZ OT Andrus Peat (we're in his top 13 currently), in my opinion the second best player in the country behind Dorial Green-Beckham. Harsin and Connor Brewer are working their asses off to get him to visit soon, and it looks like he will eventually this summer. Fellow consensus 5* OT John Theus has also announced that Texas is in his top 6. Theus has an extremely close relationship with super recruiter Stacy Searels from when Searels recruited his brother to Georgia. Sadly, Theus is expected to follow him to the Bulldogs. Other OOS linemen targets include D.J. Reader, D.J. Humphries, and Vadal Alexander. Alexander is the most likely to give UT a shot, but I wouldn't hold my breath on any of them.
In state, Kennedy Estelle goes from already being a must to start thinking of what to sacrifice to your deity(ies) of choice because we are utterly screwed if this guy doesn't come to UT. Fortunately, things are looking good with the massive and unlimited potential tackle who's only played varsity for a year.
Greg Brantley from Carthage, who Texas has been slow-playing for just this reason, now comes very much into play. He's probably jumping for joy hearing that Starts didn't pick UT. Brantley is yet another guy around 6'7" with a big frame. Texas will look at him even if they get commitments from one of the OOS guys and Estelle.
Two other guys to keep an eye on are Seaver Myers (Friendswood) and Baylor commit Tre'Von Armstead (Port Arthur Memorial). Both have blown up of late, and Armstead has supposedly been listening to what UT and A&M have had to say despite a commitment to Baylor three weeks ago. If Texas swings and misses on all of their OOS targets—and believe me I'm glad we're at least going to bat instead of sitting in the dugout—then expect Texas to go after Estelle, Brantley, and one of Myers or Armstead to round out an OL unit with current commits Camrhon Hughes (OT) and Curtis Riser (OG).
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Brain Cramp and Decay at OL Continues to Hurt
It is really difficult to get your arms around how a master recruiter like Mack brought in an OL class of 2 a couple years back. No offense to Trey or Dominic – but that number is just mind numbing. In addition, we have not seen any development with Tray Allen, Baby Huey, Uli etc. I know many folks think that Bennie or Hairsin were the key hires, but to me – no one is more important than Searels.
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
+1, or plus-77, on Mack's OL decisions
in 2010. While we brought in just two OL in that class, we signed 14 defensive players. Heavy hand of the HCIW, maybe? We’ll never know.
I’ve wondered for some time who was deciding on positional allocation. We signed four offensive linemen in 2006, and three were gone before the end of the ’08 season — yet we brought in just six total OL in 2009 and 2010.
I’m no Mac McWhorter apologist, but he coached last season with both hands tied and MadDog strapped to his back.
You're more forgiving of McWhorter
than myself. I personally think he’s the one main reason the OL is in the state it was last year. And it wasn’t just last year, it’s been three or four years since we’ve had a Texas good OL. I think he was very similar to GD in that if you give him stellar talent then he’d produce. Without NFL prospects the guy was lost.
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Jun 2, 2011 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Decision
I appreciate a kid wanting to be “comfortable” with the school. Maybe the laid back style at Tech fits more with his personality than the 40-Acre pressure cooker. Maybe he wants to play defense because that is his true love. BUT WHO THE HELL WOULDN’T WANT TO BLOCK FOR ARGUABLY 2 FUTURE HEISMAN CANDIDATES IN BROWN AND GRAY?
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on a much smaller scale i understand this decision
I started playing football as an offensive tackle because I was large and tall. Halfway through the season I managed to talk my coaches into letting me line up on d in drills against varsity line. A couple of broken blocking assignments and a TFL later I got to switch to d and never looked back.
I always loved hitting people far more than blocking. For me it was always about the definable goal of hitting/sacking/tackling someone as opposed to blocking a guy which never really felt like a win to me. Think about it, to have a good game an O lineman has to block well for a entire game but D lineman need onlyl get a sack or two and a few tackles.
by dukeoforange on Jun 2, 2011 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I Think He Made the Right Choice
If you look at UT – its tremendous resources, national prominence, Longhorn network, and combine that with just a beautiful city – then you choose Lubbock – it really must feel like home to him. For whatever reason, he saw something there, and the fact he would choose that location and national profile I am virtually certain things will work out for him there. My take, good luck Mr. Starts.
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
Disagree with this last statement
Think about it, to have a good game an O lineman has to block well for a entire game but D lineman need onlyl get a sack or two and a few tackles.
There is a lot more that goes into Dline play than making one or two tackles and a sack. If they are getting driven off the ball the rest of the game and allowing the line to get to the 2nd level then those tackles and a sack are very much in the red.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
Think he's referring more
To perception from a box score than actual upper-level analysis from informed people like yourself, Coach. Could be wrong though so if I am I apologize.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Valid point
did not look at it from that perspective. On the same token, rarely does an Oline get praised because they did their job. It’s fair to say that playing Dline is more glamorous.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
Definitely
Human nature glorifies “doers,” not “preventers.” Everybody praises George Washington for basically taking the army and playing keep-away from the British while he prayed the French would come help us out, but nobody talks about the much more impressive decision to turn down being king of the U.S. after we won the war and in effect establishing the type of governmental structure we have now. Just the way things are.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
As a US History teacher
I cannot accurately describe how much I appreciate that analogy.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
People knowledgeable such as yourself
can appreciate a good job by the OL. John Madden, whether you liked him or not, was a master at plugging the bigs. I think people around here have a new appreciation for a solid offensive line. When MB has his first hundred yard game you’ll see plenty of mention of the OL.
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Jun 2, 2011 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
In my opinion, Brantley and Armstead are the only real in state options
Brantley’s film is excellent, and at 6’7’’ he fits the bill at OT.
Tre’von Armstead also has excellent film and is extremely athletic for his size. LT all the way. Armstead is raw though and will likely need a few years in the program before he’s ready. I’d rather take a chance on an athletic project from Port Arthur than a polished recruit from the suburbs, just sayin.’
I like Armstead better than Brantley based on athleticism.
I’ve heard zero news on Vadal Alexander in some time. Please elaborate GoHorns. IS Texas still in contact with Alexander? Summer visit plans?
I think Texas has an excellent shot with Reader. Reader’s aunt and uncle both live in Austin, and Reader allegedly loves the city. Plus Reader is supposed to visit this summer.
I’ve read varying degrees of confidence with Peat. Peat has lately been all over the map. I hope Connor Brewer knows what’s really going on.
Texas needs an unofficial from Theus to change his thinking a bit. Theus has visited Georgia something like a dozen times. Theus’ relationship with Searels helps, but Texas will need more to land Theus.
Theus will likely make an official visit to Texas in the fall, but Texas needs to make up ground before then.
Texas desperately needs Estelle, but there’s no reason to worry. Estelle is coming, we’ll have to be patient and not freak out.
Starts what can I say. Who knows what’s in the kid’s head and heart? Michael Starts is not a normal recruit by any means. Just a bizarre recruitment that has thankfully ended in June 2011 and not January / February 2012.
I’m still waiting for a Texas good moment from Seaver Myers’ film. Myers carries his weight about as well as Chad Lindsay. There’s a difference between a big recruit and a fat recruit. Don’t bite on the low hanging fruit Coach Searels.
by billfromlaketravis on Jun 2, 2011 12:09 PM CDT reply actions
Last thing I heard about Alexander
Is that he’s going to try to visit Texas (over the summer I think, but it might have said fall). Not sure if that’s actually going to happen because that seems like what everybody is telling us, but we’ll see. Reader is 6’2" so I don’t really know why we’re recruiting him, we don’t need any more guards or centers after the last couple last classes IMO.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Reader might be taller than 6'2''
Yes Rivals lists him at 6’2," but 247 lists Reader at 6’4." Either way at 15 – 17 years of age, you hope Reader is still growing.
If Reader is 6’4’’ 310 with a good wing span, I think he can play OT. I hope DJ makes it down to Austin, so Searels can evaluate him further. Something tells me that Searels projects Reader as an OT, we’re still evaluating at OG, or Bo Davis wants to give him a closer look. Why else would Stacy invite him down to Austin?
Agreed if Coach Searels projects Reader at guard then Texas should pass, unless Bo Davis wants Reader at DT. Reader is a damn good prospect on either offense of defense. Great film and a terrific athlete with letters in 4 sports.
Starts is 6’4’’ by the way.
by billfromlaketravis on Jun 2, 2011 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Starts is universally listed at 6'4" though
Not sure I’ve ever seen somebody listed at 6’2" who was actually two inches taller, so I have my doubts on 247 there. And the still growing at X age should apply to any high school prospect, so usually it’s just thrown out the window unless the kid is on some noted growth spurt or something. OB is the main one I’ve seen covering the Reader thing, and from what they’ve written I think they seem to feel he’s a guard. Agree it will be easier to analyze him if Searels can actually see him in person.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Agreed that Reader deserves further evaluation
I think Searels will be very thorough this summer and highly selective filling Start’s now vacant spot.
by billfromlaketravis on Jun 2, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Even if you split the difference at 6'3
he would only be a right tackle prospect in my book and that is still very much contingent on his wingspan and how good his feet are.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
The real question is
How would he do at NT in A&M’s 3-4 defense :)
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Haha
The funny thing is Reader would probably be a hell of a NT in a 3-4 defense. I think Aggie currently has the right approach recruiting JUCO kids who already have size the experience necessary for NT, such as Logan David.
I’m about to drive up to Greensboro with a tape measure to determine how tall Reader is. Searels has been by Reader’s high school and he liked what he saw, notably Reader’s flexibility. Hence, the invitation to visit Texas this summer.
Obviously, Coach Searels wasn’t completely sold on Reader or he would have offered. Searels also wants Bo Davis to give Reader a look. The thinking is that Reader isn’t a pure OL at this point.
Honestly, Reader is probably a better fit at DT right now in my opinion. Reader needs a growth spurt for ideal OT height. Reader is however a very talented player with immense athletic abilities. Not many recruits can run a laser timed 4.85 40, throw a baseball in the low to mid 90s, and start on the varsity basketball team at 300+ pounds.
After watching some film and reading some evaluations on Armstead, I think Tre’von is the best in state option to take Starts’ spot. Armstead has the feet, agility, size and athleticism to be an excellent LT at Texas.
Armstead is committed to Baylor, but there’s some noise that he’s listening to Texas and Aggie sales pitches. Armstead will be at the June 12th camp. Armstead receiving an offer at that camp would be a mild surprise given Mack’s history in recruiting committed players. Armstead would probably have to be willing to drop Baylor and commit to Texas on the spot for an offer. It’s still good news that Armstead will be at J12.
I know Trey Kennan is an excellent OT prospect, but Texas continues to show zero interest in the Argyle stud.
by billfromlaketravis on Jun 2, 2011 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Wouldn't worry about Armstead's commitment to Baylor
If Texas wants him, he’ll go to UT.
Keenan is right up there with Javonte Magee for me as most overrated prospects in the class.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Good to hear on Armstead. One would think as Jamaal Charles’ legend grows in the NFL that Texas would be a favorite of most Port Arthur kids.
Great talent in both basketball and football out of Port Arthur.
by billfromlaketravis on Jun 2, 2011 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions
funny you mention that
b/c judging from the pic I saw, Starts looks like he is carrying some bad weight. I am betting he is closer to 300 than 285 right now. I immediately thought he looked more like a NG than a DE prospect.
Everyone knew he wasn't going to Texas when he decided to make a decision before J5
but I still don’t get why he is so intent on playing dl. He is a consensus top 100 prospect at takle with a possible future in the NFL. On the dl he is not even a top 250 prospect. If i had someone tell me i could possibly have a future in the nfl i would listen, especially when my other option is mediocre DL for tech. But anyway, best of luck to him.
I’m really not getting my hopes up on Peat or Theus unless/ until they make visits. We probably have a 15- 20% chance at best with either of these guys right now, and that’s best case scenario.
but I still don’t get why he is so intent on playing dl.
Because he’s 16 or 17 years old and fancies himself a DL? I’m glad Searels, Mack et al were straight with him and I actually hope he’s right about his position. I’m pretty excited about the potential of the line under Searels, he’s doing all the right things.
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Jun 2, 2011 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Hard to imagine in this day and age someone declining a chance at OT
With how much money they make and being the second priority to QBs in todays NFL, I can not fathom choosing DT over OT but hey its not my life.
Good luck at Tech, Starts at least your chasing your dreams.
its true OT has more value in the NFL then at DT
but in recent years there has been an emphasis on getting quality DTs in the NFL. Just look at the last 2 drafts. In 2010, Suh was the 2nd pick and Gerald McCoy was the 3rd. 3 DTs were taken in the first 10 picks of that years draft. In this last draft, Marcell Dareus was taken with the 3rd pick and Nick Fairley surprised many by dropping to the 13th pick. And when you look at the fat contracts handed out to players like Albert Haynesworth, playing DT isn’t that large of dropoff if it even is at all from playing OT in the NFL.
With that said, from all I’ve heard Starts is seen as a much better prospect at OT so his chances seem to be much better at that position.
Look at how much
Haynesworth is getting paid to sit on the bench and complain. Easiest position in the NFL!
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
by GoHornsGo90 on Jun 2, 2011 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I can't remember the last time Texas was honest with a player about the position he would have to play
While you are talking Defense vs Offense, i did want to point out that UT was very honest with the TE from Washington last year and supposedly told him he was OL and he lost his interest and committed to UW.
by everything horns on Jun 2, 2011 2:34 PM CDT reply actions
Finish the sentence
I can’t remember the last time Texas was honest with a player about the position he would have to play when said player decidedly wanted to play on the other side of the ball and UT got the signature.
Basically I’m saying Texas is always honest with players and they usually go other places when Texas tries to recruit them at a position they are less interested in playing. I am glad Texas does this and think it’s admirable in a landscape where almost all other coaches are merely trying to get the players on campus as easily as possible (e.g. Les Miles and Russell Sheppard).
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
that dude was the slowest TE I have ever seen on film
I saw some preseason article hyping him as an impact TE and had to laugh.
Why aren't we looking at a couple JUCO guys?
Surely there has to be one or two that woud love to come to Texas.
run Bevo run lives in the Tower with Mack and Bevo because of his Awesomeness!! If you need a tip on where someone might go in the draft you might check with him because he's not bad at that either.
Good Question
Seems like Cam Newton alone should serve as ample ammunition for that argument. The problem with many JUCOs is, of course, academics. If you can’t get in as a freshman by SEC standards well….
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Jun 2, 2011 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Totally unrelated
If anybody knows the whereabouts of that deep dish pizza pie on the front page please enlighten me.
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Jun 2, 2011 7:28 PM CDT reply actions
Just to go ahead and beat a dead horse here
Starts said in his news conferences that while he likes offense, but loves defense. So if there was any confusion — unlikely I know — that can now subside.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Jun 2, 2011 11:32 PM CDT reply actions
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