Quincy Russell Highlights (via 247SportsStudio)
I went to Trinity Valley Community College, and all I got is a full athletic scholarship to University of Texas. A drink of water in the desert. More after the jump.
* In a story first reported by Hook Em 247's Jeff Howe, 2011 DT and former Texas signee Quincy Russell is on track to earn his associate's degree from Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) by the end of the fall semester. If Russell is successful in his coursework and graduates from TVCC, he could enroll in the spring and be on Texas team for spring practice. Huge news given the need at the position, and Kheeston Randall's assumed ascension to the NFL.
Russell was unable to get eligible for the 2011 summer or fall semesters at Texas, but has since then become a very serious student. Passing 60 hours in a few semesters is no small task. Russell is also said to be in excellent football shape. Best of luck to Quincy, and I hope to see him on Texas spring roster.
* In other San Antonio Sam Houston High School news, Texas is still very much in the hunt for 2012 DE Javonte Magee. Magee and Coach Akina (San Antonio is Akina's recruiting area) still stay in touch. Texas is in the mix for an unofficial visit and official visit from Magee this fall.
Magee has said in interviews that Texas is recruiting him as a defensive end. I think Magee is a swing guy who will eventually move inside when he stacks on weight. That being said, the athleticism is there for Magee to stay outside. Magee had a a 80 yard TD reception at TE on Friday night. Not bad for a recruit that goes 6'6'' 265 with plenty of room to grow.
If Akina can deliver Coach Diaz a blue chip DT (Russell) and a stud DE (Magee) for 2012, I think a dinner at Vince Young's Steakhouse is in order.
* Per Orangebloods, Texas has really opened the eyes of 2013 Bastrop LB Paul Whitmill. Whitmill attended the Rice and BYU games with Bastrop teammate and heavy Texas lean 2013 CB Antwuan Davis. I think Texas still has a long way to go with Whitmill, but he doesn't seem allergic to the 40 Acres anymore.
* Texas is still in contact with East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) DE Denico Autry. Bo Davis called the EMCC coach recently to check in. While at Alabama, Bo Davis recruited EMCC well and has a good working relationship with the head coach there. Autry has maintained for months that he plans to make an official visit to Texas this fall. The visit would likely come in December after the completion of the JUCO season.
I think Texas is in the outside looking in for Torshiro Davis. Autry could be their best shot at landing a true speed rusher. As always with JUCO kids, Autry would have 3 years to play 2. I think he could step in right away at Texas and have a big impact.
* Texas coaches have been in contact with 2012 Richardon Pearce DB / ATH Corey Coleman. Per Hook Em 247, Texas called Coleman on the second day of the fall contact period, and Coach Wyatt attended his game on Friday. Wyatt has told Coleman that he could play WR for him at Texas any day. I think if Akina gives his approval, we could see Coleman receive a Texas offer soon. Coleman is currently a Baylor commit, but he is planning official visits and is listening to Texas.
* Another DB/ ATH to watch is 2012 Pflugerville Hendrickson's Daje Johnson. Johnson recently reached out to Texas, and the Texas staff has recently inquired about The Opening star. Johnson is currently an offensive star at Hendrickson, but his father was a defensive back in the NFL, so the bloodlines are definitely there. Akina will definitely have to do his homework on Johnson to see if he projects well as a defensive back. Johnson is a TCU commit, but proximity could be a big plus for Texas.
I personally like Johnson better than Daniel Brooks because of his better size and DB pedigree. It's interesting that Texas wants to take another DB in this class, but their 2 top targets, Johnson and Coleman, haven't played much defense at the high school level.
* Coach Searels and 2012 Jacksonville, FL OT John Theus still stay in regular communication. Theus' father told Orangebloods, that his son and Coach Searels are friends. Theus' father said that his son could take an official visit to Texas this fall despite being committed to Georgia.
I'd remind everyone that Texas was in Theus' top 3 before committing to Georgia. The Theus family also wanted to make an unofficial visit to Texas this summer, but were unable to do so. If Theus makes an official visit to 40 Acres, Texas would pay for the trip.
I still think Texas has a better shot at landing Andrus Peat, but Theus and Searels seem to have a close bond. If Georgia head coach Mark Richt is fired, which appears increasingly likely, Theus could reopen his commitment. There's even been talk that Texas would accept a transfer of Theus' brother Nathan. Nathan Theus is a freshman long snapper / center at Georgia.
* It's looking like Texas has whittled it down to two finalists for the 2013 QB spot, Whitewright's Tyrone Swoopes and Wichita Falls Rider's J.T. Barrett. Barrett has not attended a Texas game yet this season, but is planning to do so. Barrett had an outstanding performance at the Texas June summer camp. Barrett has received two handwritten notes from Coach Harsin telling him that Texas is watching.
Another QB possibility, Bryan's Chris Johnson has really struggled this season, including a dismal game against College Park last night.
I don't see how Texas passes on Tyrone Swoopes, but Barrett is probably a better passer at this time. Both will be seriously evaluated by the Texas staff.
* Texas appears to be an early favorite for 2013 Arlington Heights OT / DT A'Shawn Robinson. Robinson is probably the most likely 5 star recruit in Texas for 2013. Robinson attended the BYU game and enjoyed himself. Coach Searels has been giving Robinson the most attention. If Robinson were to play OT at Texas, it would give the staff some flexibility with Jake Raulerson.
Look for Kent Perkins, Robinson, Darius James and Jake Raulerson to all be offered by Texas. All 4 play both offense and defense at the high school level.
* It turns out Texas speed merchant Marquise Goodwin has a brother, 2013 Garland CB / WR Desmond Mapps. Obviously, Mapps is a Texas fan and the Horns would be the favorite to him should they offer. Mapps should receive an evaluation by Texas.
* The OU game will be HUGE this year for recruiting purposes. Texas is the home team so they will have the privilege of hosting recruits at the game. Torshiro Davis, Mario Edwards, 2013 Cypress Ranch RB Keith Ford, and a laundry list of Metroplex recruits are expected to attend.
Mario Edwards and Torshiro Davis have both shown a new interest in OU. Texas could do themselves a lot of favors if they are able to pull off the upset of OU.
Keith Ford is best in state 2013 running back I have seen so far. It'll be tough on selling him to come in and play behind Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray, but the position is deep in 2013. Texas will have options if they miss on Ford.
* I had to come up with a Kendall Sanders tidbit for my recruitniks. Sanders will make an official visit to Notre Dame on October 8th - 9th. Notre Dame is recruiting Sanders as an ATH / DB. Sanders said recently that he'd listen to LSU or Texas if they offered.
Notebook closed.
I'll have a Texas High School Football Week 3 Preview for y'all this evening. As always, join me for Sundays with Bill at 5 pm. Beat the hell of UCLA!
I'll leave you with J.T. Barrett's highlights:
J.T. Barrett -- late sophomore/early junior highlights (via 247SportsStudio)