Charlie Strong: Texas Longhorns will hold in-state satellite camps in 2016

In a speaking appearance at the THSCA convention in Houston on Monday, Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong revealed that his program will hold in-state satellite camps for the first time in 2016, according to Horns247's Jeff Howe.

Though there aren't any more specifics available regarding the dates and locations of those camps, one in Houston, one in the Metroplex, and possibly one in East Texas are likely next year. If Strong opts to extend the reach of his camps outside the state, eventually holding one in South Florida would also make tremendous sense for a program that may need to add several prospects from the Sushine State every cycle.

The decision from Strong comes as the Horns continue to struggle to land recruits in the 2016 and 2017 classes, so the staff clearly hopes that more facetime with prospects who can't find transportation to the June mini camps or July's Under the Lights camp will make a difference in the end. Satellite camps also provide valuable evaluations for the coaching staff when making decisions about extending offers.

Baylor, for instance, has held successful satellite camps around the state for years, but such events have come under increased scrutiny recently after Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh announced a seven-state, nine-camp tour in June that irritated many opposing coaches, especially in the SEC. Protectionist instincts sparked, the league proposed a national legislation to limit coaches to particpating in camps and clinics on their own campuses in hopes of keeping national programs from creating inroads into the talent-rich Southeast.

At issue is a loophole that allows coaches to appear as guests at camps run by other schools, which the ACC and SEC prohibit. Otherwise, schools must hold camps within a 50-mile radius.

So if the SEC successfully pushes through that legislation and the NCAA puts it into effect next summer, the Horns won't be able to hold the camps.

But if Strong is able to go through with his plan, it could pay some significant dividends for Texas on the recruiting trail.