Texas Recruiting 2013: Who Will Become the Second Commit?
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 13, 2012 11:35 AM CST
in Texas Longhorns Recruiting
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PrintThe first Junior Day over the weekend failed to produce any commitments, in stark contrast to the past, but that may simply be a part of the changing narrative as the new staff makes changes to approach in recruiting and also a result of the smaller 2013 class that has led to fewer offers going out early.
Of course, the question on the minds of Texas fans perhaps still a little shocked by the new reality of so many recruitments stretching past JD1 is who will join Celina OL/DL Jake Raulerson in the fledgling 2013 class and when those commitments will go down.
Here's a look at the prospects most likely to make a decision in favor of the Longhorns in the near future:
- Kyle Hicks, Arlington Martin RB -- Expected to begin receiving more national attention in the coming weeks, Hicks received some encouragement to commit on the spot Sunday from friends and family members in attendance and it sounds like the lifelong Longhorn fan could make a decision in the coming days.
- Ricky Seals-Jones, Sealy WR/TE -- Given that his father told Orangebloods that his son could make a decision this week, while Hicks hasn't set any type of timetable for his decision, RSJ could easily rank at the top of this list. LSU is a contender, but the sense is that his parents want him at Texas, so if a pledge does go down this week, Texas is the heavy favorite.
- Ra'Shaad Samples, Dallas Skyline WR -- Samples has a call planned to the Texas coaches this week to inform them of the results of the discussion he plans on having with his father, the head coach at Skyline, about his visit to Texas, which seemingly put the Longhorns firmly in the lead for a commitment from him.
- Jake Oliver, Dallas Jesuit WR -- Another prospect who planned on discussing a possible decision with his family after returning to the Metroplex, a commitment from Oliver this week would almost certainly go in favor of the Longhorns.
- Tyrone Swoopes, Whitewright QB -- Texas has been in strong shape with Swoopes ever since his summer camp visit prior to his junior season and the weekend visit to Austin seemed to impress his mother (always a good thing). With recent offers from Alabama and Ohio State, it appeared that his recruitment was on the verge of taking a national turn, which could have significantly lengthened his timetable. However, Swoopes told Orangebloods on Sunday evening that he will stay in state ($) or only go as far as Oklahoma, significantly brightening the picture for the Longhorns. A decision probably isn't imminent, but the decision to stay in state should allow him to make it sooner than if he wanted to take visits to Columbus or Tuscaloosa. Also, keep an eye on what RSJ decides to do, as a commitment from the Sealy star could help convince Swoopes to become a Longhorn too.
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Methinks
Hicks and Seals-Jones are in this week. Hoping for the others as well, but I think those are the next two to drop.
Why do a poll on this?
Do the votes count for anything?
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Why do a poll on anything?
If the votes don’t count for something? Nothing against you, it’s just interesting to see other people’s perspectives and compare them against your own, that’s all…
This is just a poll?
Damn, I thought we were getting to pick.
by Horncasting on Feb 13, 2012 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
The winners of the pool
get a free one year subscription to BON and a 1 month free trial over at Barking Carnival.
by CMDR on Feb 13, 2012 2:15 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Best guess?
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
by burntorangehorn on Feb 13, 2012 4:21 PM CST up reply actions
Really hope it's RSJ
Any of them would obviously be great but if RSJ commits and then is shortly followed by his boy Tyrone it would give us some great momentum and the QB of the future to point at for these receivers we’re after.
Kyle Hicks
I can’t help but feel that now that he has an offer from Texas, other schools are going to show more interest in him. Given what we already have at the RB position, I’m sure he’ll at least think about going to a place where he’s more likely to get more carries. I could be wrong and maybe he just really wants to be a Longhorn. I guess we’ll see….
Forgive me but
Why would an RSJ commitment possibly lead to Swoopes picking Texas sooner? Is it a matter of friendship or merely because RSJ would be a nice target?
They're friends
and RSJ has told Inside Texas that he would like to play with Swoopes in college.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 13, 2012 1:00 PM CST up reply actions
Great, Thanks!
Definitely hope RSJ is our next commit then!
It would be nice for one of those to go in our favor for once
RSJ has told Inside Texas that he would like to play with Swoopes in college
"Why would an RSJ commitment possibly lead to Swoopes picking Texas sooner?"
Am I the only one who reads this and feels guilty reading the words Texas and sooner in the same sentence?
by LonghorninRaiderland on Feb 13, 2012 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Umm.....boomer?
/begs forgiveness
//washes mouth out with soap
We're going to play like we're in a bad mood.
Is this "reluctance to commit" situation, we are now experiencing, a Big 12 phenomena, or is nationwide ?
I know we loaded up on talent the last two classes, and I dont see anything about Junior Days at big prestige programs like Bama and Florida…..but maybe we need to re-think our process ? Don’t have a feel for this, but thought I’d throw it out there for discussion.
Karl..... Schiefen sie die fenster......SHOOT the GLASS
by MeatchickenHorn on Feb 13, 2012 12:53 PM CST reply actions
In light of my question....I find it interesting that OUs first confirmed offer is 5 Star QB Max Browne from Washington
With all the great Texas QBs out there, its interesting they went for the #1 QB recruit in the Rivals 100.
Karl..... Schiefen sie die fenster......SHOOT the GLASS
by MeatchickenHorn on Feb 13, 2012 1:14 PM CST up reply actions
He's a perfect fit for what OU does on offense
And Heupel has been in on him for some time. Not to take anything away from Swoopes because the idea of him donning the burnt orange and having to line up against him would royally suck, but he’s just not the kind of QB Bob Stoops has ever recruited (aside from their supposed flirtation with Cam Newton).
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the strategy (l would love to have Swoopes) but it’s also pretty hard to argue with the results.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
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Makes sense. Other than being forced to use Thompson a few years back...
…I really can’t think of a true dual-threat QB Stoops has started, although Trevor Knight didn’t look like he was too bad with the ball in his hands, and Bell is Bell. Of course guys like Charles Kendal Thompson, Keith Nichol, and I think Halzle were supposed to be fairly mobile, but Thompson doesn’t even look like he’ll get a chance, and the other two are gone.
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
by burntorangehorn on Feb 13, 2012 5:00 PM CST up reply actions
It will be interesting to see
What they can do with Blake Bell. That’s kind of the litmus test for them IMO. The guys they have recruited the last 3-4 years have all been more mobile than say Bradford/Landry, but until last year none of them have ever played. And even then, to call how Bell was used conservative might be an insult to the word conservative.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
That's what I'm really wondering about Bell
I took a flyer on him toward the end of a 24-round, BCS+ND fantasy league, and thought I was just stashing him as a candidate to be one of the two keepers we can have. Turns out he was actually a very usable QB in fantasy. I just wonder if Stoops is all that bullish on his passing ability, although with Jones back, it could be a while before anyone knows the answer.
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
by burntorangehorn on Feb 14, 2012 2:15 PM CST up reply actions
Total TD vulture
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
I think it's a combination
of people looking at our newly infused depth chart and the staff slow playing recruits this year because of numbers and the desire for quality. But aggy has 6 commitments I think, Bama 6 or 7.
"One player was lost because he broke his nose. How do you go about getting a nose in condition for football?" -- Darrell K Royal, when asked if the abnormal number of Longhorn injuries that season resulted from poor physical conditioning
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Feb 13, 2012 7:19 PM CST up reply actions
i have to laugh a bit
Generally after JD1, most of the comments are why did we offer that guy. Majority of the big targets take a bit of time. Now it is there are a few worrying about the lack of lowing hanging fruit.. I guess it is the internet. If you arent bitching you arent surfing
Valid point
You are right, early offers should not be given to mediocre players just because they are willing to make an early commitment. or even in an attempt to “lock up” a very good player to a non-binding commitment, since we have seen how often verbal “commitments” get broken in recent years. However, if you can get an early commitment from an elite player and leader who can atttract other recruits, it is worth it. Also, in the past Mack has sought players who have never wanted to be anything but a Longhorn and shied away from OOS players and in-state players who don’t have UT rated high on their list. Those who have bled orange their whole lives are easy to sign early. Now that philosophy seems to have changed.
"Only angry people win football games." --DKR
Just commenting on the huge difference in commits, this year versus the last few...spin it anyway you want.
Karl..... Schiefen sie die fenster......SHOOT the GLASS
by MeatchickenHorn on Feb 13, 2012 1:29 PM CST reply actions
just pting it out
been thinking about posting that for awhile. You just pushed me to do it. general observation, nothing personal
Different strokes for the same folks
It’s funny how we get spoiled by multiple verbals out of the junior days. What happened this weekend (no immediate commitments) is mostly a result of a change in Mack’s approach. He doesn’t like players who back out on a verbal, so he’s pushing those who attend the junior days to talk things over with the folks, then get back a day or two later with him. Mack obviously feels that talking things out with parents will lead to a more solid commitment, if it happens. I do think some Horn targets have taken a look at the last two classes, and are looking over options more carefully before choosing. That’s not a bad thing, because those that ultimately do choose the Horns obviously aren’t afraid of competition. Bottom line…the sky ain’t falling. Patience is its’ own reward, as will be evident, I think, before the end of the week.
"I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead." (Jimmy Buffett)
I feel
like the horns have had pretty solid commitments over the last 2 years… 2 decommits in a 24 months span isn’t bad at all!
Agree....we are spoiled....up until 2010, if we didn't get 10 wins, we would have been upset....
Now if we don’t get everybody we want when offered….we question. Lets hope you are right about the end of the week, although I believe we have enough talent right now to be elite for 2-3 years.
Karl..... Schiefen sie die fenster......SHOOT the GLASS
by MeatchickenHorn on Feb 13, 2012 1:48 PM CST reply actions
Maybe Mack is telling them
Take your time and be sure before verbals, because of new depth it may be awhile before you start, so be prepared to sit . Nothing wrong with honesty. Or maybe Mack is expecting Oregon, a&m and the likes to try to pay him back for all his late steals this year. LOL Any way where ya been Meatchicken, missed your posts.
by Burnedsince61 on Feb 13, 2012 2:25 PM CST up reply actions
I've been in post season depression.....recruiting is not my thing, but I'm trying.
Karl..... Schiefen sie die fenster......SHOOT the GLASS
by MeatchickenHorn on Feb 13, 2012 5:38 PM CST up reply actions
Samples is going to pull the trigger.
I guess it’s just a question of whether someone will pull the trigger before him.
Basically, all of the kids who say they’re making a decision soon are going to commit to Texas. Why else would they say such a thing?
I think Durham Smythe is a lock, too.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
I agree. If I had to guess, I like Durham Smythe as the 2nd 2013 Texas commit
I hope RSJ commits real soon though because I feel like that will do the most for our recruiting momentum. I’ve heard that in addition to the staff being more selective with the offers because of the smaller class we’ll be able to take this year, that there has also been a shift in pressuring recruits to commit early and Mack is instead telling them to go home and sit down with their families and weigh their options before they decide
Oh yeah, for sure.
We could have squeezed a few commitments out of these kids if we’d pressured them some. (Most schools do.) But someone on the staff decided that that seemed to go against the family atmosphere we try to create here. It also creates attrition because it gets kids to come here who really don’t want to be here (like Darius White) and that can be very detrimental to the program.
Samples and Smythe are probably my two favorites in this group. They just seem like good kids, who also happen to be very talented. There’s a story posted on OB today about Smythe and he said the following:
“That’s a tough decision. I think I’m going to be making it in the next two days. I feel like I like all the places I’ve visited so far. I’ll talk with my family in the next two days and decide. Obviously, it’s still really early. Everything has really picked up recently. But I’m definitely starting to get an idea. I’m trying to keep it narrowed down as much as possible. I’ll have to decide whether to take these other visits or not. Stanford has also showed serious interest and I did originally have an unofficial planned for the first of March.”
It sounds to me like he’s considering canceling his other visits, including Stanford.
But yeah, you can tell he’s a very bright kid. If we get Swoopes, he’s going to need a good tight end to throw to. This might be our guy.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
Swoopes is definitely going to need a good tight end to throw to.
I know this is a lazy comparison, given all the hype surrounding him this year, but I hope that we can find a ‘Rob Gronkowski’ for our offense. The kind of guy that causes match-up nightmares all over the field, being way to big for DBs to cover and way to fast/quick for LBs to stay with. Plus, TEs are supposed to play a crucial role in Harsin’s offensive system. I’m hearing a lot of good buzz about McFarland stepping up to that role in this upcoming season but I’m hoping that we can get Smythe, RSJ, or even Christian Morgan for the future as well. Of course we offer RSJ as a WR and just see how he develops.
Cameron Ridley
Off topic, but any news on him?
In Mack Brown We Trust!
Good to hear, but why doesn't he sign?
In Mack Brown We Trust!
His AAU coach told him not to for some reason. Ridley made up his mind though and is expected to sign
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There's a spring signing period
that I believe begins in April. I don’t think there is a deadline, as college basketball players often wait to sign until pretty late. I think it’s more about getting enrolled in time.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 14, 2012 11:14 AM CST up reply actions
Ra'shaad Samples
Just changed profile pic to him and Jake Oliver in Texas Unis on Twittter. Told him it was just a matter of time now, he said lol.
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Did I get kicked off BON updates for not paying my bill?
Where is the list of the newest Longhorn commits?
Times are changing.
We're Texas, We're not OK.
Evidentley we are taking a new tack on verbals.......they have to beg !
Karl..... Schiefen sie die fenster......SHOOT the GLASS
by MeatchickenHorn on Feb 13, 2012 5:46 PM CST up reply actions
Or make him a very tasty sandwich?
On a side note, any mention of Sally’s cookies this year?
by HookemHouston on Feb 13, 2012 7:50 PM CST up reply actions
Not sure if I'm stealing anyones thunder here. Didn't take the time to read any of these post, but I do believe
if we could land Swoopes and RSJ early, I believe that could create sort of a domino effect.
What’s not to love? Especially when you see how I party, it was epic. The run I was on made Sinatra, Flynn, Jagger, Richards and all of them look like droopy-eyed armless children"
Yeah
That was a shared thought. I agree, and it would be very nice to see that!
by HookemHouston on Feb 13, 2012 6:36 PM CST up reply actions
RSJ could still decide this week,
but it sounds like Hicks may be pushing back his timetable and Smythe looks like he will still take that Stanford visit. Unless RSJ happens, there might not be any commitments that are imminent.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Feb 14, 2012 11:10 AM CST up reply actions
I think it'll be RSJ, but we haven't been too successful with three-named receivers the past couple years.
We're going to play like we're in a bad mood.
I'm sure it is....
Until you actually start playing in the $ec… I predict shit hits the fan at that point.
by Sweedish Nightmare on Feb 13, 2012 9:16 PM CST up reply actions
Shit will hit the fan before then
Being the aggies, they’ll find a way to lose 5 or 6 (recruits) in the second half
"Life is tough; it's tougher when you're stupid."
by TexasGangorDie on Feb 13, 2012 9:20 PM CST up reply actions
We will see
Where you are next year as opposed to us. However, you don’t have much room to get worse considering recent aggy fails in major sports. But, as usual I’m sure you find a way to do so! Come back on NSD next year and we’ll talk.
by HookemHouston on Feb 13, 2012 9:44 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Naw, I think it's the new coaching staff, mostly.
Also, they’re probably pressuring kids to commit while we stopped doing that.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
Here is gigem12's recent post on "I am the 12th man"
Tired of the Texas bandwagon !!!!
Tiny by gigem12 on Feb 13, 2012 7:01 PM EST
Every year i see so many people who have no affiliation with Texas university, they have no one in their family hwo goes there, they themselves never went, and theyve never even been to a game of any sport. Some dont even know who mack brown is? what the hell? At A&m at least the loyalty and and true fans show, they might not be the biggest fans, but they know what theyre talking about and what there rooting for!
Karl..... Schiefen sie die fenster......SHOOT the GLASS
by MeatchickenHorn on Feb 13, 2012 10:45 PM CST reply actions
I'm not sure they know what they're talking about or what they're rooting for.
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Thank you.
Was thinking the same thing. Could have been:
1) Genuine stupidity, several words apart
2) Genuine confusion about which one to pick, so he decided to pick them both and hope no one would notice
3) Typo
And I can assure you those are in order of likelihood, with #1 being the most likely, especially given that “not knowing who Mack Brown is” was a question.
He was obviously rejected from UT for poorly written admissions essays.
That was very painful to read. One, because he is delusional. Two, because we like bandwagon since bandwagon makes us one of the richest University systems. Finally, because the grammatical errors are bad even for a high school kid. Sheesh…
Please Stop this type of posting
My son recently started reading BON before bed. He is in elementary school. I usually read it before to make sure there is nothing he should not be reading. Keep that in mind when you post Aggie comments from the 12th Man. He is currently very bright, but you seriously risk stunting his growth by posting Aggie comments. If you do not want my son to pump your gas do not force him to read Aggie comments. Stupidity can be contagious. Thank you
I wasn't talking about y'all I was talking about any of the Texas bandwagon
And as for the grammar yall take it way to serious. It is a comment section chill
by gigem12 on Feb 14, 2012 7:41 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
and you don't think A&M has bandwagon fans...
or are you just mad because we have more?
"We are who we are. People say what they say. The outcome is the outcome. We are proud of ourselves." -DeLoss Dodds 9/21/2011
Aggies hardly have any I've met
Texas has like half it’s fan base as just tshirt fans
by gigem12 on Feb 15, 2012 7:58 AM CST via iPhone app reply actions
so I guess we should assume
that you’ve met a majority of a&m fans and every single one of them is a graduate of tamu and youve met a majority of Texas fans, spoken to them and counted how many hold a diploma and that it came out to approx half? what an utterly ridiculous statement. my hometown was so full of backwoods aggy mouthbreathers that wanted so bad to go to a&m. of course most of them never left that shitass town but they still drive around with an aTm sticker on their trucks. you should just accept that someone outside of your little weirdass cult actually likes your school, even if they can barely spell it.
"Life is tough; it's tougher when you're stupid."
by TexasGangorDie on Feb 15, 2012 11:30 PM CST up reply actions
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