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It's still early in the process for the 2014 prospects in the state of Texas, but that hasn't stopped many schools from offering some of the top players in the class. One of the best is Lancaster's Nick Harvey, a likely future safety who plays a variety of positions for the Tigers, including Wildcat quarterback and wide receiver along with his defensive duties.
Given how far along the process is for a guy like Harvey who has held a number of offers for months, it wasn't a shock to see Harvey release his top five via Twitter on Tuesday night:
Top 5 schools: LSU, Texas A&M, Baylor, Oklahoma, and Arkansas..... in that order!
— The Nick Harvey (@_IMakePlays11) July 25, 2012
For Texas fans, the school notable in its absence is clearly the Longhorns. In a reply to an apparent Texas fan on Twitter, Harvey provided what may be an explanation:
@itsyaboiyard @25MArcelB Texas still haven't offered yet
— The Nick Harvey (@_IMakePlays11) July 25, 2012
If that is the case, it provides an example of just how far behind Texas is falling by not officially offering some of these players -- it's July before their junior season and lists of top schools are being released because the process really is far enough along at this point to do that given how many schools have already extended offers. Like, everyone but Texas.
Of course, there's plenty of time for the 'Horns to get back in the mix for a guy like Harvey, but it may also be time to take another look at how Mack Brown and his staff operate in the early stages.
It's also the case that a number of players have been approved for offers, so it's even possible that the Longhorns aren't going to target Harvey at this time, although that would be quite a shock given that Harvey is currently considered the top defensive back prospect in the state in an absolutely loaded class -- his talent is that undeniable.
Back in May at the state track meet, Harvey told SB Nation Recruiting that his two favorite defensive backs are former Longhorn Earl Thomas and former Tiger Patrick Peterson, but, perhaps because of the lack of offer, his idolization of the former hasn't translated into a position in his top five for Texas.
In a recent interview with Rivals ($), Harvey also said that he's a big fan of current Tiger Tyrann Mathieu -- the recent success of defensive backs at LSU is clearly playing well with recruits right now for Les Miles and company, who picked up a recent commitment from another top defensive back in Texas, Chris Hardeman of Houston (TX) Alief Taylor.
Here's what Harvey had to say about LSU ($) to ESPN's Damon Sayles:
"I actually took an unofficial visit [to LSU] last week, and I liked everything about it. The coaches were cool, and I liked the lifestyle and how the players live. The stadium there is big, too. I think I can get better if went there.
Harvey also discussed Texas A&M:
"With Texas A&M, [receivers] Coach [David] Beaty made me very comfortable when I was there, and Coach [Kevin] Sumlin told me himself I was wanted down there. They made me feel at home. I liked it."
Per his conversation with Sayles, Harvey plans on making his decision next spring. Maybe Texas can climb back in this thing before then.