OU Jr Days/2013

[Herr Scholz]

First Jr day for OU was yesterday. The highlighted ones have UT Jr day visits lined up as well. Looks like your're hitting up Dallas Skyline pretty hard. Out of the 24 I've read on the OU early list, 18 recruits from the state of Texas, 5 from Oklahoma and 1 from California. Any word on offers/verbals from this list? I would expect OU to get several from TX this year. UT only has 10 seniors on the roster this year so our class will be relatively small.

Visitors:
Marcell Ateman, WR TX
George Baltimore, S TX
Chevoski Collins, WR TX
Raaquan Davis, OLB TX
Kelly Hilinski, QB CA
Kerrick Huggins, DT TX
Quan Jones, WR TX
Devante Kincade, QB TX
Eldridge Massington, WR TX
Kameron Miles, S TX
Jake Oliver, WR TX
Kent Perkins, OL TX
Jordan Points, DE TX
T.J. Ponds, ILB OK
Brayden Scott, QB OK
Tyrone Swoopes, QB TX
Stanvon Taylor, WR OK
DJ Ward, DE OK
Will Earley, DB TX
Hardreck Walker, DT TX
Justin Manning, DT TX (transportation issues - going to Norman 3/3)
Ellis Jefferson, WR TX (attending LSU's day)
Christian Morgan, TE TX (can't attend)
Devin Rolan, ILB OK (can't attend)

[dwarthog]

I don't think DJ Ward made it up yesterday.

[CowboyMRW]

DJ Ward is going to be a beast. I've hears that tOSU is his favorite. Any truth to that?

[Herr Scholz]

I don't think DJ Ward made it up yesterday.
We invited him to our first junior day next weekend. Not sure if he's making it or not. He looks to be the only OK player we're in on this year. Does he have transportation issues?

[OkieThunderLion]

Hardly any offers extended.

Going to a different approach this year.

Perhaps due to that great finish to the '12 recruiting season?

[Herr Scholz]

Read that Texas targets Massington, Miles, Huggins, Baltimore and Swoopes didn't receive offers yesterday. Oliver, Perkins and Ward show OU offers on Rivals. Think all 3 had offers before visiting. Manning will get one too I'm sure when he visits (Granger's brother I think).

Stoops definitely doesn't take as much of the early commit approach like Mack. OU will always get theirs though. Just wanting to get a feel for things going into our first junior day next weekend.

[Herr Scholz]

Confirmed Offers so far this weekend for OU from another source.

Erick Huhn S/LB OK http://rivals.yahoo.com/oklahoma/football/recruiting/player-Erik-Huhn-124201

Jacorey Warrick WR TX http://rivals.yahoo.com/oklahoma/football/recruiting/player-Jacorey-Warrick-128304

J.J. Gustafson OT TX http://rivals.yahoo.com/oklahoma/football/recruiting/player-J.J.-Gustafson-128942


2014 Oklahoma Kid got a offer that's RARE this early

Devon Thomas RB OK http://rivals.yahoo.com/oklahoma/football/recruiting/player-Devon-Thomas-131970

[kevpks]

I would expect OU to get several from TX this year. UT only has 10 seniors on the roster this year so our class will be relatively small.

This worries me a bit. Without Texas to sign all of the overhyped high school talent in Texas we could get stuck with a TFRW or a terrible quarterback. Do your homework Sooner coaches.

[SoonerGibb7]

Jake Oliver and JJ Gustafson would be huge pickups for us.

[SoonerSpock]

Read that Texas targets Massington, Miles, Huggins, Baltimore and Swoopes didn't receive offers yesterday. Oliver, Perkins and Ward show OU offers on Rivals. Think all 3 had offers before visiting. Manning will get one too I'm sure when he visits (Granger's brother I think).

Stoops definitely doesn't take as much of the early commit approach like Mack. OU will always get theirs though. Just wanting to get a feel for things going into our first junior day next weekend.

No question that OU slow plays recruits more than does Texas. The whorns strategy of inferring the top recruits must commit by early spring preceding their senior year in high school otherwise their scholarship offer will be extended to other potential recruits works extremely well in Mack securing early commitments.

In the 2012 class Texas had 15 of their 28 recruits committed prior to June 1, 2011. OU had 3 of their 25 commitments committed at that time. OU was more active in securing early commitments in 2011 when we had 11 of 18 commitments prior to June 1 while Texas had 19 of 22 before June 1.

For certain the younger the player when the commitment is secured the greater the probability that the player will a bust once he gets on campus. Any player OU takes in February-April timeframe is going to be high on their "A" list

[Herr Scholz]

You're right, there's definitely more risk with taking kids early. We might be tweaking that approach a bit more though (combined with going OOS a little more and also we took 2 jucos this year which was unheard of before). For example, Mack stole 8 kids from other schools this past Dec. - Feb.: I would still expect many verbals from our upcoming 2 jr days though (2/12 and 2/25)

Kendall Sanders, WR Oklahoma St. Dec. 2
Marcus Johnson, WR Texas A&M Dec. 4
Donald Hawkins, OL Oklahoma St. Dec. 7
Adrian Colbert, S Baylor Dec. 11
Daje Johnson, ATH TCU Jan. 28
Dalton Santos, ILB Tennessee Jan. 29
Bryce Cottrell, DE Oregon Jan. 30
Torshiro Davis, OLB LSU Feb. 1 (signing day)

Here's a good article about the changes in recruiting if you're interested: http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/role-reversal-mack-got-this-years-class-by-2142188.html

[Herr Scholz]

Here are our early commits for the 2012 class. Of the 17 taken before their Sr. years, 5 of these players had offers from OU (we also offered your Daniel Brooks) so it's not as if most of them weren't highly rated or on our A list. But as you said, Spock, that doesn't always pan out. It's not as if we hadn't done our due diligence on them though (Harsin's been recruiting Connor Brewer for a couple of years now for example). One benefit of signing a lot of players early is that they get a chance to scout the next class early and often. Our other 11 were offered after their Sr. years though.

February 2011 (12)
Feb. 7: Connor Brewer, QB
Feb. 12: Alex De La Torre, LB
Alex Norman, DT
Feb. 16: Hassan Ridgeway, DE
Feb. 25: Bryson Echols, CB
Feb. 26: Paul Boyette Jr., DT - OU offer
Camrhon Hughes, OT
Caleb Bluiett, DE
Peter Jinkens, LB
Feb. 27: Cayleb Jones, WR - OU offer

April 2011 (3)
April 3: Malcom Brown, DT - OU offer
Timothy Cole, LB - OU offer
April 22: Johnathan Gray, RB

June 2011 (2)
June 5: Kennedy Estelle, OT
June 27: Nick Jordan, K - OU offer

[Herr Scholz]

And at the risk of being yelled at for injecting too much UT info in this thread, here are our junior day invites coming up for those interested. I'm just into recruiting right now because it's the dark times. Worst sports day of the year (213 days until the NFL Thursday night game on 9/6, 208 days until the first Thursday night college game on 8/30 and about 199 days until HS football starts - depending on where you live)


Junior Day #1 (February 12th)

QB, Tyrone Swoopes, Whitewright
RB, Dontre Wilson, DeSoto
WR, Jake Oliver, Dallas Jesuit
WR, Ra'Shaad Samples, Dallas Skyline
TE, Durham Smythe, Belton
OL, Darius James, Killeen Harker Heights
OL, Kent Perkins, Richardson Lake Highlands
OL, Ishmael Wilson, Dallas Bishop Dunne
OL, Josh Thomas, Evangel Christian (Shreveport, LA)
OL/DL, Jake Raulerson, Celina - Texas
OL/DL, A'Shawn Robinson, FW Arlington Heights
DT, Isaiah Golden, Elysian Fields - A&M
DT, Justin Manning, Dallas Kimball
DT, Vincent Taylor, San Antonio Madison
DE, Deon Hollins, Jr., Fort Bend Marshall
DE, DJ Ward, Lawton (Lawton, OK)
LB, Naashon Hughes, Killeen Harker Heights
DB, Will Barrows, Dallas Skyline
ATH, Ricky Seals-Jones, Sealy

Junior Day #2 (February 25th)

QB, JT Barrett, Wichita Falls Rider
QB, Kenny Hill, Southlake Carroll
WR, Eldridge Massington, West Mesquite
TE, Jeremiah Gaines, Red Oak
DT, Kerrick Huggins, Dallas Skyline
LB, Brett Wade, Kennedale
DB, George Baltimore, Mansfield
DB, Kameron Miles, West Mesquite

[dwarthog]

We invited him to our first junior day next weekend. Not sure if he's making it or not. He looks to be the only OK player we're in on this year. Does he have transportation issues?

There wasn't much detail in the paper other than he was scheduled but was unable to attend.

[TheUnnamedSooner]

I didn't realize that Swoopes was from Wrightwright. You can't get much a smaller town than that.

[Herr Scholz]

Yeah, Whitewright is small town Texas high school football. 2A classification. He's legit though, 5 star player. Colt McCoy came from 2A football btw.

Swoopes' offers so far:

Baylor
Notre Dame
Oklahoma (no offer yet but Heupel recruiting)
Stanford
TCU
Texas (offer coming this weekend)
Texas A&M
Texas Tech

[TheUnnamedSooner]

Wow, that's some big offers. I've always wondered how someone from such a small school gets on the big boys' radar... just by highlight tapes sent out? I know there have been some wins from the little schools... McCoy and also Jason White comes to mind, but I'd imagine evaluationg talent at a 2a school can be difficult as the speed of the game will change so dramatically....

[Herr Scholz]

I've always wondered how someone from such a small school gets on the big boys' radar... just by highlight tapes sent out?
Being a 5-star VY clone helps no matter where you play. Plus, he's apparently made pals with another 5-star player in WR Ricky Seals-Jones who's also coming to Austin this weekend. Sounds like they want to play somewhere together.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Tyrone-Swoopes-124071

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Ricky-Seals-Jones-124950

[badger]

So... um... do shaggy and whornfans and orangebloods really suck or something, or do you just like hanging out with us? :mack:

[StoopTroup]

Confirmed Offers so far this weekend for OU from another source.

Erick Huhn S/LB OK http://rivals.yahoo.com/oklahoma/football/recruiting/player-Erik-Huhn-124201

Jacorey Warrick WR TX http://rivals.yahoo.com/oklahoma/football/recruiting/player-Jacorey-Warrick-128304

J.J. Gustafson OT TX http://rivals.yahoo.com/oklahoma/football/recruiting/player-J.J.-Gustafson-128942


2014 Oklahoma Kid got a offer that's RARE this early

Devon Thomas RB OK http://rivals.yahoo.com/oklahoma/football/recruiting/player-Devon-Thomas-131970

I had a friend of mine get an offer from Switzer his Sphomore year of HS. He decided not to go to college and instead opened his own Business with his Brother. I know that was hard for him to make that choice once he was a Senior. He was forever a Sooner Fan even though he decided to own his own business.

I miss him very much. He passed away a 3 years ago. Way to early. RIP my Freind. I s/w his Brother not to long ago and we both had a nice moment remembering when his Brother got the offer. It was a huge moment in his life as a young man to get such an offer. I remember him showing everyone on the football team the letter. It was like he'd won the football lotto.

[Herr Scholz]

So... um... do shaggy and whornfans and orangebloods really suck or something, or do you just like hanging out with us? :mack:
I hit several sites but was wanting to get the Sooner fans' take on some of these recruits considering we both seem to be recruiting those 9 highlighted players above. Trying to get a feel for who's going where coming into our 2 junior days this month. Plus, like I said, football's over so I'm bored and recruiting fills a void. But yes, I've enjoyed coming over here for years.

I've also been visiting the LSU tigerdroppings site where they are getting kind of pissy with the Hat. We're fighting with them for a blue chip OL Ishmael Wilson from Dallas who apparently grew up a Tiger fan. Les apparently wasn't on the ball enough to look at the kid's film before their jr day on Sat. and didn't offer him. The fans are quite upset about it since they were expecting him to commit on the spot.

[Herr Scholz]

I had a friend of mine get an offer from Switzer his Sphomore year of HS. He decided not to go to college and instead opened his own Business with his Brother. I know that was hard for him to make that choice once he was a Senior. He was forever a Sooner Fan even though he decided to own his own business.

I miss him very much. He passed away a 3 years ago. Way to early. RIP my Freind. I s/w his Brother not to long ago and we both had a nice moment remembering when his Brother got the offer. It was a huge moment in his life as a young man to get such an offer. I remember him showing everyone on the football team the letter. It was like he'd won the football lotto.
Sorry to hear that. Yeah, it's a huge thing for these kids to get such an opportunity. Way too many of them squander their chance (not saying that about your friend).

[Jacie]

I like to hear the story about that signing day commit who switched from LSU to UT. Could not believe Lester's class was poached as much as it was considering LSU played for the national championship.

[Herr Scholz]

I like to hear the story about that signing day commit who switched from LSU to UT. Could not believe Lester's class was poached as much as it was considering LSU played for the national championship.
Yeah, I think I read that Les missed out on the top 3 rated players from his state. That's rare in La.

[Herr Scholz]

Marcell Ateman, WR Wylie, TX
George Baltimore, S Mansfield, TX
Quan Jones, WR Wylie, TX
Christian Morgan, TE Plano, TX (can't attend)
Devin Rolan, ILB OK (can't attend)
Already hearing rumors about these guys having ties to shady street agent Baron Flenory Jr. FYI. Seems like he's trying to infest North Texas.

[badger]

Yeah, I think I read that Les missed out on the top 3 rated players from his state. That's rare in La.

It's what happens when you get complacent. A big salary and a big ego from having a big season will do that to you. Then, you're all like "We don't need to call the kids, we have shiny new facilities and compete for national titles regularly in the almighty SEC! They'll call us!"

As all of us adults know, try telling a teen what they're supposed to do and they'll do the opposite :les:

[Herr Scholz]

Add Jacorey Warrick (WR Cypress Falls, TX) to the 2nd UT JR day on the 25th. OU offered him this weekend at your JR Day. That's 10 kids now that both schools have invited to these.

[Herr Scholz]

DT, Kerrick Huggins, Dallas Skyline

Off both of our boards (sort of). Commited to A&M.

[8timechamps]

Off both of our boards (sort of). Commited to A&M.

Just saw that too. Wow, kind of a shocker.

[picasso]

There's an LSU site called Tigerdroppings? Why am I not surprised by this.

[Herr Scholz]

No verbals this weekend for UT after the first JR day. Liking our chances soon with RSJ, Oliver, Samples and Hicks and then later James and Smythe. 10 offers this weekend to top tier players.


Naashon Hughes, OLB, Harker Heights - Attended but was not offered. Hughes still has UT at the top of his list, but Texas plans to be very thorough in its evaluations of defensive prospects.

Darius James, OL, Harker Heights - Attended and was offered, but did not commit. He continues to list UT high on his list.

Justin Manning, DT, Dallas Kimball - Attended and was offered, but did not commit. Spent quite a bit of time with Bo Davis. Still plans to visit A&M and OU.

Jake Oliver, WR, Dallas Jesuit - Attended and was offered, but did not commit. Oliver has not commented, but a couple people we talked to feel Texas is the team to beat and a commitment in the near future may not be out of the question.

Kyle Hicks, RB, Arlington Marin - Attended and was offered, but did not commit. People thought Hicks would jump at an offer, and while he came close, he walked away uncommitted.

Jake Raulerson, OL/DL, Celina - Had previously committed. Raulerson enjoyed his visit and continues to be a valuable component in UT's recruiting efforts. He'll be back in Austin on February 25.

A’Shawn Robinson, OL/DL, Fort Worth Arlington Heights - Attended and was offered, but did not commit. According to one of his coaches, the visit went well but Robinson still has other programs high on his list, including Alabama.

Ra’Shaad Samples, WR, Dallas Skyline - Attended and was offered, but did not commit. Texas made a very strong impression. There's a chance this one could happen soon.

Ricky Seals-Jones, ATH, Sealy - Attended and was offered, but did not commit. Texas really impressed Seals-Jones and his family. He's going to talk over his options in the next few days and likely make a decision. The Horns are in good shape.

Durham Smythe, TE, Belton - Attended and was offered, but did not commit. Still has other junior days on his schedule but really liked the family atmosphere at UT.

Tyrone Swoopes, QB, Whitewright Attended and was offered, but did not commit. We're hoping to hear more from Swoopes tonight. If Texas can get Seals-Jones, that could really help with Swoopes.

Dontre Wilson, RB, DeSoto - Attended and was offered, but did not commit. Wilson said previously he had no intentions of committing, but the Longhorns gave him a lot to think about. Plans to visit Oklahoma State and Oregon soon.

Vincent Taylor, DT, San Antonio Madison - Taylor was unable to attend (car).

Kent Perkins, OL, Dallas Lake Highlands - Perkins was unable to attend (family emergency).

D.J. Ward, DE, Lawton, Okla. - As expected, Ward did not attend.

James White, RB, Pearland Dawson - As expected, White did not attend.

Ishmael Wilson, OL, Dallas Bishop Dunne Wilson did not attend.

[sooneron]

UTerus takes jucos? I thought the Harvard of the southwest is too tough for jucos to attend.

[Herr Scholz]

UTerus takes jucos? I thought the Harvard of the southwest is too tough for jucos to attend.
The 2 juco linemen we took in this past class were the 3rd and 4th juco takes of Mack's 14 years. He just chooses not to go down that path normally but took advantage of the ties to SEC country that our new line coaches Bo Davis and Stacy Searels previously had. It's not impossible for jucos to transfer to UT (we regularly do it in baseball), it's just more difficult because all of their credits have to transfer to a specific degree plan here. We don't have a "general studies" program like you guys and other schools that makes this process easier.

Personally, I'm all for it to fill holes every now and then if they can find guys who fit.

[Herr Scholz]

DT, Justin Manning, Dallas Kimball

Justin Manning on UT visit. Looks like he's leaning your way.

“It was good (Texas Junior Day)," said Manning. “It really wasn’t that exciting. It was all business and it wasn’t that fun. It was just all business and it really wasn’t fun at all. I like Texas ‘OK’, but I don’t think too much about them right now. They are all pretty equal when it comes to my colleges right now and the visit to Texas was just ‘OK’."

[Herr Scholz]

WR, Jake Oliver, Dallas Jesuit

Longhorn.

[8timechamps]

Longhorn.

Not a huge shock there. Would have been nice to have him, but I think it may be difficult to bring in many (if any) top WRs in the 2013 class. It looks like we're going defense-heavy this coming year. But, I liked Oliver a lot, so congrats, that's a good pick-up.

BTW, I'm going to move this thread over to the recruiting board....I'll wait a day or two to make sure you see this.

[Herr Scholz]

Not a huge shock there. Would have been nice to have him, but I think it may be difficult to bring in many (if any) top WRs in the 2013 class. It looks like we're going defense-heavy this coming year. But, I liked Oliver a lot, so congrats, that's a good pick-up.

BTW, I'm going to move this thread over to the recruiting board....I'll wait a day or two to make sure you see this.
Thanks. Was excited to get that guy. Yeah, you guys definitely loaded up on WRs in the past class. I can also see you going defense heavy this time. Justin Manning would be a very good start.

NP on moving this to recruiting. That's where I started the thread initially but someone moved it over here. And I wasn't trying to crow about Oliver. Just wanted to keep a running dialogue on who our two teams are picking up.

[Herr Scholz]

QB, Tyrone Swoopes, Whitewright
WR, Ricky Seals-Jones, Sealy

RSJ told HornsNation that he’ll announce his decision by the end of the week. Between Texas and LSU. 247 thinks if RSJ commits that Swoopes will quickly follow him in committing. Apparently they're pals from AAU basketball and want to go to the same school.

[Herr Scholz]

OL/DL, A'Shawn Robinson, FW Arlington Heights

Longhorn

[8timechamps]

RSJ told HornsNation that he’ll announce his decision by the end of the week. Between Texas and LSU. 247 thinks if RSJ commits that Swoopes will quickly follow him in committing. Apparently they're pals from AAU basketball and want to go to the same school.

I was REALLY hoping the Sooners would've pursued Swoopes more than they have. We haven't even offered the kid yet (and I have no idea why). I think the focus is on Max Browne (Washington kid). As far as I've heard, he's our #1 QB recruit for 2013. Looks like it's between OU, USC and Bama. But, you never know.

I saw we lost Raulerson to the Longhorns today. He looks to be a solid tackle, but was one of five we have already offered. I think he was very strong on UT even before junior days.

[Herr Scholz]

I was REALLY hoping the Sooners would've pursued Swoopes more than they have. We haven't even offered the kid yet (and I have no idea why). I think the focus is on Max Browne (Washington kid). As far as I've heard, he's our #1 QB recruit for 2013. Looks like it's between OU, USC and Bama. But, you never know.

I saw we lost Raulerson to the Longhorns today. He looks to be a solid tackle, but was one of five we have already offered. I think he was very strong on UT even before junior days.
Yeah, it was a pleasant surprise to me that Swoopes didn't get an OU offer at your first JR day. Guess Stoops is looking at some other guys first (Browne or that kid from Cali). You can't fault Stoops' ability to find and develop QBs for his offense though.

Raulerson has been on board for a while. He's been recruiting for us pretty hard. I think they said he would start out at DE rather than OL depending on his size. He's only 250 right now.

[Herr Scholz]

QB, Tyrone Swoopes, Whitewright

Longhorn as of this morning. That didn't take long. Very excited about him.


It's been six years since Vince Young left the University of Texas for NFL pastures and it's been a decade since he was recruited, but Longhorn fans have been dying for a chance to see another quarterback on campus that could replicate some of the things that the greatest player in school history ever pulled off on a football field.

Like a thirsty person in the desert, dying for a cold glass of ice water, the Orangebloods Nation has craved the arrival of a player that could potentially represent a dynamic two-way game-changer at the highest level in college football.

The state's No.1 prospect committed to the Longhorns on Friday.

The wait is over. On Friday morning, the Longhorns picked up a commitment from Whiteright quarterback Tyrone Swoopes and that sonic boom you just heard was the city of Austin bursting into celebration.

The 6-5, 220-pound Swoopes is currently rated as a five-star prospect in the 2013 class and the No.1 overall prospect in the state of Texas. The multi-sport star also ranks as the No.1 player in the state in the latest Lone Star Recruiting rankings.

With offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Stanford, Swoopes ranks as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks that the state of Texas has seen in the last decade, joining the likes Young in 2002 and Robert Griffin in 2008.

As a junior last year for Whitewright, Swoopes rushed for 2,267 yards and 29 touchdowns on 170 carries (13.3 YPC), while also throwing for 1,394 yards and 15 touchdowns.

[Mjcpr]

Who GAS?

[Herr Scholz]

Just trying to keep a conversation going about who our two teams are getting in recruiting. On the recruiting board. Feel free to visit other threads.

[Scott D]

Irony is it sounds, that pretty much the only thing that would(will) keep him from going to Austin is an offer from Norman.

[Herr Scholz]

UT picked up 4-star RB Kyle Hicks from Arlington yesterday. Had offers from Arkansas, TCU, Michigan and Notre Dame. That's 4 in the past 4 days from our first JR day (total now to 5).

[starclassic tama]

you should post about it on a texas longhorn message board

[Curly Bill]

I for one welcome Herr posting about UT recruits in this here thread. As we often compete with them for these recruits, and we compete with them on the field each season, I find his info to be relevant and welcome. :)

[TheUnnamedSooner]

I for one welcome Herr posting about UT recruits in this here thread. As we often compete with them for these recruits, and we compete with them on the field each season, I find his info to be relevant and welcome. :)

Agreed.

I am surprised that OU didn't offer Swoopes, but as Herr mentioned, Stoops hasn't had any trouble finding the right QB and then developing. Who knows, when he visited OU there might have been something the coaches didn't like or vice versa.

[Herr Scholz]

you should post about it on a texas longhorn message board
I'm posting about recruits to both schools. Since we had our eyes on about 10 same kids at JR days, I thought it was appropriate over here. Some like the banter, some don't.

I appreciate it, Bill and Unnamed.

[Herr Scholz]

OU WR Coach Norvell has gotten on board with the social media trend. He's apparently trying to get in on Ricky Seals-Jones and Ra'Shaad Samples that UT severely wants. RSJ has been reported to announce to Texas tomorrow.


http://i.imgur.com/VL7Hp.png
http://i.imgur.com/H8SeM.png

[northspeter]

his account was hacked... and ou's junior day is the 3rd not the 4th..

[Herr Scholz]

WR, Ricky Seals-Jones, Sealy

Longhorn #6

[Curly Bill]

I don't care for players with hyphenated names, you guys can have him!

[Herr Scholz]

He's Eric Dickerson's nephew. I wouldn't mind seeing that guy on both sides of the ball.

[picasso]

Wow, that's some big offers. I've always wondered how someone from such a small school gets on the big boys' radar... just by highlight tapes sent out? I know there have been some wins from the little schools... McCoy and also Jason White comes to mind, but I'd imagine evaluationg talent at a 2a school can be difficult as the speed of the game will change so dramatically....
Since 1982, 4 players from my class A high school in Oklahoma have made all conference in D-1. 3 in the Big 8 at d-back and one RB in the WAC.

[TheUnnamedSooner]

Since 1982, 4 players from my class A high school in Oklahoma have made all conference in D-1. 3 in the Big 8 at d-back and one RB in the WAC.

Right, but is this because of your high school's contacts with D-1 people, or the students sending out highlights? What gets these kids on "the list" that D-1 coaches use? If you're in a big division, you're seen on TV, newspaper, etc...

[PDXsooner]

We know Texas will sign a bunch of big name guys. What we don't know is whether they will be any good.

History (of Stoops and Brown) suggests that Stoops will get more out of a lesser ranked group, probably win the conference title and have a good crack at a BCS title.

And the story never gets old to me!

[Herr Scholz]

I like what seems to be a tweaked approach to our recruiting approach with this new staff. It seems like we're being more selective on who we offer instead of (what many of us have thought in years past) taking some reaches early on because Mack knew they would say yes and they professed their strong desire to be at UT. It looks like they're only offering the very cream of the crop early on instead of filling up super fast which I like. An example is Naashon Hughes at LB at our first JR day. We just signed his brother in the past class and he's a very good player who really wanted an offer, but we're holding off to find the very top notch LBs. He would've been a sure fire JR day offer and commit in previous years.

That said, Stoops is definitely one of the best coaches in the country and knows how to find and develop players. No question. I'm not over here crowing about recruits and boasting about how we're going to dominate you with them. OU will always get elite talent. I just enjoy watching the new prospects being evaluated and coming on board and enjoy the conversation. Brown has had some very good success at UT along with Stoops but has been unfortunate in several years of being in the same division as OU. I am, however, optimistic with this new staff going forward. I think our biggest hire last year was the new S&C Coach Wylie. He's seriously weeding players out who don't bust it every single day.

[Herr Scholz]

I would also add that it's not as if OU takes less regarded players every year and beats us with them. Both teams get very good players. We've had top 5 classes in the past few (thus our optimism this year and next) but recruiting has been pretty even over the past decade.

You had higher rated classes than us (based on Rivals rankings which only goes back to 2002) in:

2003 (4 vs 15)
2004 (8 vs 10)
2005 (3 vs 20)
2008 (6 vs 14)

[picasso]

Right, but is this because of your high school's contacts with D-1 people, or the students sending out highlights? What gets these kids on "the list" that D-1 coaches use? If you're in a big division, you're seen on TV, newspaper, etc...
All of these kids were prior to 1995. If you're good, coaches know. Barry Switzer recruited two of them from the same team. He got one of them.

[Herr Scholz]

UT picked up #s 7 and 8 in the class. Both had OU offers. FYI.

LB Deoundrei Davis, Cypress, TX

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Deoundrei-Davis-135149;_ylt=Al4vCJ41sLShyiQdepZ.szTwt5B4

WR Jacorey Warrick, Houston, TX

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Jacorey-Warrick-128304;_ylt=AsHv3ZZqrrIoDNB0w3dXnfTwt5B4

[Herr Scholz]

UT's #9 DE Daeshon Hall, Lancaster, TX

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Daeshon-Hall-135870

[Herr Scholz]

UT's #10 OT Kent Perkins, Dallas, TX. Had an OU offer. Out of the 10 committed to UT so far, OU offered 6 of them (WRs RSJ, Oliver and Warrick, OT Perkins, OL/DL Raulerson and LB Davis - looked at QB Swoopes but didn't offer).

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Kent-Perkins-95719;_ylt=AhvZL3fbwfBBrdJAlligo7brt5B4

[OU_Sooners75]

And we have seen the effect of Texas completing their recruiting so early.

12-12 the last two years!

[Herr Scholz]

True, there have been a lot of misses over the last few years. I'd submit they're only offering the cream of the crop this year though. Seems like the new staff is making Mack be much more judicious with these early offers. Not a reach in the bunch (which hasn't been the case in recent years).

[OU_Sooners75]

True, there have been a lot of misses over the last few years. I'd submit they're only offering the cream of the crop this year though. Seems like the new staff is making Mack be much more judicious with these early offers. Not a reach in the bunch (which hasn't been the case in recent years).

They always offer just the Cream of the Crop from Texas every year.

Where are they being more judicious with the early offers?

They are offering players of need, like they always do, and they are doing so primarily in the state of Texas, like they always do.

Same old song and dance by ol yeller teeth.

[Herr Scholz]

I disagree. In years past, Mack would've taken a player like LB Naashon Hughes in a heartbeat, who's a very good player, brother of one of our current players and wanted an offer badly. Used to, that would've been a lock. Instead, we waited to offer who we thought was the very best LB in the state in Deoundrei Davis. Mack seemed to want players who really wanted to be at Texas and who would commit immediately. Not so this year. Early reaches from last year's class that wouldn't get an offer this year I'm guesing are players like DE Caleb Bluiett, DT Alex Norman or LB Alex De la Torre, all of whom committed early and the second they were offered. Just my opinion, but it seems like the staff is exerting more patience on offers and convincing Mack to hold off on some guys. Also, we've yet to offer an in state DB. We've got 2 offers out to OOS safeties and are looking at 3 more OOS safeties and corners. That's a switch.

Anyway, you guys offered 6 of these guys and looked at a 7th so I'm comfortable with who we've landed. All of them have serious offer lists.

Oh, and we went 13-12 the past two years, thank you very much.

[OU_Sooners75]

Well, yeah OU offered...but none of them except Jake Oliver was a surprise commit to Texas.

Don't get me wrong, would have loved to land Davis though.

[Herr Scholz]

You guys can recruit nationally very well as well as in Texas whereas we rely almost solely on our state. Different recruiting methods. OU may not have any at this point but you'll finish with a top class like always.

Anyway, now is not the time for objectivity. I'm just going to assume that all the guys we got will be AAs.

[Curly Bill]

I like the fact Saxet signs so many guys after their junior years. I like that OU is much more patient and signs most of its guys after their senior years, when there's more of an accurate gauge on how good of football players they're likely to be.

[Herr Scholz]

I like the fact Saxet signs so many guys after their junior years. I like that OU is much more patient and signs most of its guys after their senior years, when there's more of an accurate gauge on how good of football players they're likely to be.
You guys have 72 offers out right now to juniors to our 18. And you offered 6 of our 11 current commits. And it's like that every year for early offers. Just sayin.

[Herr Scholz]

In years past, Mack would've taken a player like LB Naashon Hughes in a heartbeat, who's a very good player, brother of one of our current players and wanted an offer badly. Used to, that would've been a lock. Instead, we waited to offer who we thought was the very best LB in the state in Deoundrei Davis.
Since I mentioned him, he's decided to take a gray shirt to join UT in light of tight numbers this year. Really wanted to be a Horn and passed up immediate offers from Baylor, LSU and S.Carolina to do so. He's #11 in the class.

[TahoeSOONER]

They won't help you. The problems with * country club * mentality will have our foot knee deep in that prissy *** for years to come. Ya gotta come to work at Oklahoma and the mentality can be seen from miles away shorthorn.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

They are offering players of need, like they always do, and they are doing so primarily in the state of Texas, like they always do.

Same old song and dance by ol yeller teeth.That ole boy don't do so well in the area of actumally coaching. you'd think the tx HS players would begin to notice by now. Perhaps theyare breathing in a little too much cow patty dust?

[OU_Sooners75]

That ole boy don't do so well in the area of actumally coaching. you'd think the tx HS players would begin to notice by now. Perhaps theyare breathing in a little too much cow patty dust?

Be about the only thing to explain the reasoning behind it.

[OU_Sooners75]

Since I mentioned him, he's decided to take a gray shirt to join UT in light of tight numbers this year. Really wanted to be a Horn and passed up immediate offers from Baylor, LSU and S.Carolina to do so. He's #11 in the class.

The only reason being is because his bubby is playing there.

The guy will be a huge bust anyway so no big deal!

[Herr Scholz]

The only reason being is because his bubby is playing there.
That and we're trying to land his teammate, top OG Darius James out of Killeen (who will be in Norman this weekend). I like him not tying up a scholly in this small class though.


The guy will be a huge bust anyway so no big deal!
He was offered by a couple of SEC schools so that means he's faster than Teddy Lehman.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

you should post about it on a texas longhorn message boardI've had his obnoxious a*s on iggy for sometime, now. You would think he would prefer to pal with his "friends" over at one or more cows' boards, but I guess not.

[Herr Scholz]

I've had his obnoxious a*s on iggy for sometime, now. You would think he would prefer to pal with his "friends" over at one or more cows' boards, but I guess not.
I post on Longhorn boards WAY more than this one. I just like getting the Sooner perspective on prospects if that's OK with you. And why do you click on a thread that you know I'm posting in if you want to ignore me so badly? I'm only in a few recruiting threads on this board right now so it shouldn't be too difficult.

[Curly Bill]

You guys have 72 offers out right now to juniors to our 18. And you offered 6 of our 11 current commits. And it's like that every year for early offers. Just sayin.

Be that as it may, we still get far fewer early commits than saxet does, and I'll be the first to admit that it seems like many of those who have commited early to us haven't been real productive.

[Herr Scholz]

Be that as it may, we still get far fewer early commits than saxet does...
But it's not as if you don't offer a ton of juniors early every year, regardless of when they commit. It probably takes a bit longer since you offer top guys all over the nation as well as offering a lot of Texas guys who grew up wanting to play for UT. Anyway, you were saying that you guys prefer to wait until their senior years to offer as opposed to us which just isn't true.

[Herr Scholz]

That and we're trying to land his teammate, top OG Darius James out of Killeen (who will be in Norman this weekend).
Update on interior O lineman Darius James:

Was planning on going to OU's 2nd JR day this weekend but now that's not happening. Hopefully having two of his high school teammates at UT (brothers Naashon and Camrhon Hughes) will help seal the deal for us. At 6'5" 320 pounds, he is widely considered the nation's No. 1 rated center by various recruiting services.

"James and Hughes were planning to attend Oklahoma's Junior Day on Saturday but chose not to this week. James is wearing a cast on his right foot after suffering a broken bone last week when he stepped in a hole on the Harker Heights practice field. His recovery should not affect James' involvement in spring football practices."

http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=64610

[OU_Sooners75]

He was offered by a couple of SEC schools so that means he's faster than Teddy Lehman.

????

ooooook

[OU_Sooners75]

Update on interior O lineman Darius James:

Was planning on going to OU's 2nd JR day this weekend but now that's not happening. Hopefully having two of his high school teammates at UT (brothers Naashon and Camrhon Hughes) will help seal the deal for us. At 6'5" 320 pounds, he is widely considered the nation's No. 1 rated center by various recruiting services.

"James and Hughes were planning to attend Oklahoma's Junior Day on Saturday but chose not to this week. James is wearing a cast on his right foot after suffering a broken bone last week when he stepped in a hole on the Harker Heights practice field. His recovery should not affect James' involvement in spring football practices."

http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=64610

Ummmmm.....

You do know they were not saying that neither would be attending right? They were saying that both had planned to attend and Hughes will not be attending....nothing about Darius James not coming to OU's JR day!

[OU_Sooners75]

Well, Soonerscoop says he will be there.

ESPN says he wont.

Who knows. If he doesn't he doesn't.

[Herr Scholz]

OG/C, Darius James, Killeen Harker Heights
UT commit #12. Offers from Baylor, LSU, OU and A&M.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Darius-James-116643;_ylt=AvauVw90C.OGjTMToXjTkBPrt5B4

[OU_Sooners75]

Derrrrr!

[Herr Scholz]

TE, Durham Smythe, Belton

UT commit #13. He was our first pick at TE. Offers from Baylor, Florida, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, OSU, Stanford, TCU and A&M. Almost lost him to Stanford last weekend.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Durham-Smythe-133181

[Herr Scholz]

DT, Justin Manning, Dallas Kimball

Now reported to be attending UT's Spring game on April 1st. No fools.

[Herr Scholz]

Any impending OU commits looming? We've got the following recruits coming in next weekend for our Spring game. Trying to fill up our remaining 6 or 7 spots for this class (at 12 right now). We have 4 remaining in state offers (Manning, Samples, Prevot and Wilson) Thinking we finish with: WR Samples, TE Gow, DE Prevot, 1 DT (probably juco grad and former UT commit Quincy Russell - was an Army AA), 1 CB (Maurice Smith/Antwuan Davis/Cole Luke - want Smith) and 1 or 2 safeties (Kameron Miles/Marcell Harris/Vonn Bell/Su'a Cravens - hopefully Miles and Harris). Something like that.

DT Justin Manning (Dallas Kimball) - UT and OU offers - not holding my breath on this one. Seems like he wants to take his recruitment to Dec., is looking nationally and has ties to OU.

WR Rashaad Samples (Dallas Skyline) - UT and OU offers - has tweeted that UT leads, maybe the next one we get.

RB Dontre Wilson (DeSoto) - UT and OU offers - thinking Oregon will be hard to beat with this one.

DE Torrodney Prevot (Alief Taylor) - UT and OU offers - getting less confident here since he's looking nationally (had a great visit to LSU) and his stock has skyrocketed but UT still in good shape.

TE Trent Gow (Mansfield) - probable UT offer - Mack wants 2 true TEs in this class (as opposed to bulking up big WRs) and we'll be thin there in 2013. He'll jump on it if offered.

CB Cole Luke (Chandler, AZ) - OU offer and probable(?) UT offer - no clue on who we want at CB - no offers yet since it looks like we're only taking 1.

CB Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, OK) - not sure if he gets an offer or not.

LB Hoza Scott (La Porte, 2014 early #1 player in TX) - future offer - he'll be the 1st guy we offer next Feb.

[dwarthog]

Herr, it "feels" like you guys are looking outside of the state a bit more this year than in previous years. Obviously you still get pickin's from within the state, but it feels like you guys are pushing the out of state recruiting a bit more.

[Herr Scholz]

Herr, it "feels" like you guys are looking outside of the state a bit more this year than in previous years. Obviously you still get pickin's from within the state, but it feels like you guys are pushing the out of state recruiting a bit more.
Yeah, last year too. I think this change came with some of the SEC assistants we hired. Of course that doesn't explain our secondary coach Akina going OOS so much this year. He's the biggest one. I personally think there are several good in state DBs this year but that's why they don't pay me the big bucks.

[OU_Sooners75]

Herr, in all fairness, the so called "experts" are saying that this year is a down year as far as talent when it comes to DBs in Texas this year.

Not so sure that is true, but that is what they say.

Texas has always sent out quite a bit of letters and offers outside of their state. But they also pounce on local kids first because it is nothing quite like having talented kids willing to do whatever it takes to succeed at the school they grew up loving.

I wish OU would stop slow playing some of those type of kids...like they have Stavon (sp?) Taylor and even OU legacy Justin Manning (from Texas btw).

Manning would have been the first commit had OU not taken their sweet *** time...and now he is open to going anywhere. IMHO, I would be very surprised if he does commit to OU.

[8timechamps]

Any impending OU commits looming? We've got the following recruits coming in next weekend for our Spring game. Trying to fill up our remaining 6 or 7 spots for this class (at 12 right now). We have 4 remaining in state offers (Manning, Samples, Prevot and Wilson) Thinking we finish with: WR Samples, TE Gow, DE Prevot, 1 DT (probably juco grad and former UT commit Quincy Russell - was an Army AA), 1 CB (Maurice Smith/Antwuan Davis/Cole Luke - want Smith) and 1 or 2 safeties (Kameron Miles/Marcell Harris/Vonn Bell/Su'a Cravens - hopefully Miles and Harris). Something like that.

DT Justin Manning (Dallas Kimball) - UT and OU offers - not holding my breath on this one. Seems like he wants to take his recruitment to Dec., is looking nationally and has ties to OU. I'd be surprised if he doesn't end up at OU, but nothing is a done deal as we know.

WR Rashaad Samples (Dallas Skyline) - UT and OU offers - has tweeted that UT leads, maybe the next one we get. He hasn't seemed overly interested in OU, and I think he's going to be a Longhorn. With the WR committs for UT this year, he may just be waiting to decide how he stacks up to the competition, and whether or not he feels he can get playing time.

RB Dontre Wilson (DeSoto) - UT and OU offers - thinking Oregon will be hard to beat with this one. Feel much better since Ford committed, but I think you're right on this one. He'll be a Duck

DE Torrodney Prevot (Alief Taylor) - UT and OU offers - getting less confident here since he's looking nationally (had a great visit to LSU) and his stock has skyrocketed but UT still in good shape. don't know much about him, and even less about where OU stands

TE Trent Gow (Mansfield) - probable UT offer - Mack wants 2 true TEs in this class (as opposed to bulking up big WRs) and we'll be thin there in 2013. He'll jump on it if offered. Pretty good crop of TEs out there for 2013. I know the Sooners are after Dobard (out of New Orleans), but I think it's a long shot to land him.

CB Cole Luke (Chandler, AZ) - OU offer and probable(?) UT offer - no clue on who we want at CB - no offers yet since it looks like we're only taking 1. Luke was a Kish pick, so it'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

CB Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, OK) - not sure if he gets an offer or not. The Sooners have 6 offers out there for CB (still surprised that Will Barrow committed to Tech so early), it's going to be a position of need, so I'm not sure how many they want to sign.

LB Hoza Scott (La Porte, 2014 early #1 player in TX) - future offer - he'll be the 1st guy we offer next Feb. OU's big push is still for Chanz Cox (AZ), another Kish recruit. Right now, we only have 3 offers out for ILB, but 7 for OLB. Of course, it'd be great to get Levenberry Jr. (but we'll have to beat out a lot of SEC teams to land him).

Looks like another great class shaping up for Texas (and early too!).

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

Looks like another great class shaping up for Texas (and early too!).Good thing for us that many of the whorn recruits don't showcase their talent til they get to the pros.

[Herr Scholz]

Herr, in all fairness, the so called "experts" are saying that this year is a down year as far as talent when it comes to DBs in Texas this year.

I agree it's not deep but look at the offer lists of these 3 guys. Texas has yet to offer any of them. OU has offered the 2 top CBs.

CB Antwuan Davis, Bastrop (OU offer)

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Antwuan-Davis-123937

CB Maurice Smith, Sugar Land (OU offer)

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Maurice-Smith-132245

S Kameron Miles, Mesquite

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Kameron-Miles-120157

[OU_Sooners75]

I agree it's not deep but look at the offer lists of these 3 guys. Texas has yet to offer any of them. OU has offered the 2 top CBs.

CB Antwuan Davis, Bastrop (OU offer)

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Antwuan-Davis-123937

CB Maurice Smith, Sugar Land (OU offer)

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Maurice-Smith-132245

S Kameron Miles, Mesquite

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Kameron-Miles-120157

So you give three out of how many normally? At least 10 every year have that type of offer list. Not this class.

[Herr Scholz]

So you give three out of how many normally? At least 10 every year have that type of offer list. Not this class.
I agree. Which makes it more curious to me why we're slowplaying these 3. Davis and Smith will be in Austin this Sunday for our Spring game and I think they're gone if they leave without offers. Prevot and Smith will also be at LSU's Spring game on Saturday. Here's a list of our visitors this weekend btw:

2012
WR, Cayleb Jones, Austin High
DT, Paul Boyette, Jr., Humble
DT, Malcom Brown, Brenham
LB, Tim Cole, Brenham
CB, Bryson Echols, DeSoto
S, Adrian Colbert, Mineral Wells
--------------------------------------------------
2013
QB, Tyrone Swoopes, Whitewright - commit
RB, Dontre Wilson, DeSoto - offered
WR, Ra'Shaad Samples, Dallas Skyline - offered
TE, Trent Gow, Mansfield - probably
OL/DL, Jake Raulerson, Celina - commit
DT, Justin Manning, Dallas Kimball - offered
DT, Vincent Taylor, San Antonio Madison - doubtful
DE, Torrodney Prevot, Alief Taylor - offered
LB, Deoundrei Davis, Cy-Woods - commit
CB, Antwuan Davis, Bastrop - hopefully
CB, Cole Luke, Hamilton (Chandler, AZ) - hopefully
CB, Maurice Smith, Fort Bend Dulles - hopefully
ATH, Chevoski Collins, Livingston - doubtful
ATH, Stanvon Taylor, East Central (Tulsa, OK) - doubtful
K, Matt McCrane, Brownwood - walkon candidate
--------------------------------------------------
2014
QB, Jerrod Heard, Denton Guyer
WR, Keenen Brown, Alief Taylor
OL, Jovan Pruitt, Dallas Bishop Dunne
DE/LB, Hoza Scott, La Porte
DE, Solomon Thomas, Coppell
LB, Cameron Hampton, Dallas Carter
CB, Cedric Collins, Dallas Skyline
CB, Chris Hardeman, Alief Taylor
CB, Nick Watkins, Dallas Bishop Dunne
ATH, Nick Harvey, Lancaster

[8timechamps]

I agree. Which makes it more curious to me why we're slowplaying these 3. Davis and Smith will be in Austin this Sunday for our Spring game and I think they're gone if they leave without offers. Prevot and Smith will also be at LSU's Spring game on Saturday. Here's a list of our visitors this weekend btw:

2012
WR, Cayleb Jones, Austin High
DT, Paul Boyette, Jr., Humble
DT, Malcom Brown, Brenham
LB, Tim Cole, Brenham
CB, Bryson Echols, DeSoto
S, Adrian Colbert, Mineral Wells
--------------------------------------------------
2013
QB, Tyrone Swoopes, Whitewright - commit
RB, Dontre Wilson, DeSoto - offered
WR, Ra'Shaad Samples, Dallas Skyline - offered
TE, Trent Gow, Mansfield - probably
OL/DL, Jake Raulerson, Celina - commit
DT, Justin Manning, Dallas Kimball - offered
DT, Vincent Taylor, San Antonio Madison - doubtful
DE, Torrodney Prevot, Alief Taylor - offered
LB, Deoundrei Davis, Cy-Woods - commit
CB, Antwuan Davis, Bastrop - hopefully
CB, Cole Luke, Hamilton (Chandler, AZ) - hopefully
CB, Maurice Smith, Fort Bend Dulles - hopefully
ATH, Chevoski Collins, Livingston - doubtful
ATH, Stanvon Taylor, East Central (Tulsa, OK) - doubtful
K, Matt McCrane, Brownwood - walkon candidate
--------------------------------------------------
2014
QB, Jerrod Heard, Denton Guyer
WR, Keenen Brown, Alief Taylor
OL, Jovan Pruitt, Dallas Bishop Dunne
DE/LB, Hoza Scott, La Porte
DE, Solomon Thomas, Coppell
LB, Cameron Hampton, Dallas Carter
CB, Cedric Collins, Dallas Skyline
CB, Chris Hardeman, Alief Taylor
CB, Nick Watkins, Dallas Bishop Dunne
ATH, Nick Harvey, Lancaster

How many offers do you guys have out for CBs this year (for the 2013 class)?

[Herr Scholz]

How many offers do you guys have out for CBs this year (for the 2013 class)?
Zero. I think we're only taking one CB this year thus Akina taking his time (think we're looking at taking 2 safeties in this class). The 5 below are the ones we're looking at and they'll all be here this weekend. I think we were waiting on the Luke kid (Cowboy S legend Darren Woodson's nephew btw) to come visit from AZ before making the call. I think the Smith and Davis kids were waiting a bit to see what happened but I don't see them waiting much longer given their offers. I'd be happy with any of Davis/Smith/Luke.

CB, Antwuan Davis, Bastrop - hopefully
CB, Cole Luke, Hamilton (Chandler, AZ) - hopefully
CB, Maurice Smith, Fort Bend Dulles - hopefully
ATH, Chevoski Collins, Livingston - doubtful
ATH, Stanvon Taylor, East Central (Tulsa, OK) - doubtful

We've got 3 offers out to OOS safeties (Marcell Harris - Fla, Vonn Bell - Ga and Su'a Cravens - Ca). Wish we would offer that Kameron Miles in state kid.

[Herr Scholz]

Dallas Kimball four-star defensive tackle Justin Manning will NOT be attending the Texas spring game on Sunday, per a source at the school.

LSU is one school he really wants to see in the near future and, per the source, he's still planning on making his official visits as of right now.

[8timechamps]

Zero. I think we're only taking one CB this year thus Akina taking his time (think we're looking at taking 2 safeties in this class). The 5 below are the ones we're looking at and they'll all be here this weekend. I think we were waiting on the Luke kid (Cowboy S legend Darren Woodson's nephew btw) to come visit from AZ before making the call. I think the Smith and Davis kids were waiting a bit to see what happened but I don't see them waiting much longer given their offers. I'd be happy with any of Davis/Smith/Luke.

CB, Antwuan Davis, Bastrop - hopefully
CB, Cole Luke, Hamilton (Chandler, AZ) - hopefully
CB, Maurice Smith, Fort Bend Dulles - hopefully
ATH, Chevoski Collins, Livingston - doubtful
ATH, Stanvon Taylor, East Central (Tulsa, OK) - doubtful

We've got 3 offers out to OOS safeties (Marcell Harris - Fla, Vonn Bell - Ga and Su'a Cravens - Ca). Wish we would offer that Kameron Miles in state kid.

I didn't know for sure, but I thought Texas hadn't offered any yet. I think we're seeing more of that nowadays (with OU and Texas, being more selective on the offers going out).

We have an offer out to Su'a Cravens too (obviously, there are more offers we have in common with Texas), and he's the one safety I really like in this class.

[Herr Scholz]

I didn't know for sure, but I thought Texas hadn't offered any yet. I think we're seeing more of that nowadays (with OU and Texas, being more selective on the offers going out).
I expect that to change this weekend.


We have an offer out to Su'a Cravens too (obviously, there are more offers we have in common with Texas), and he's the one safety I really like in this class.
Yeah, he's top notch. I'd be surprised if he didn't choose USC though.

[Herr Scholz]

Maybe no Prevot this Sunday either. He'll be in Baton Rouge again on Sat and is being iffier and iffier on his attendance in Austin. His uncle/advisor likes LSU a lot.

[8timechamps]

Yeah, he's top notch. I'd be surprised if he didn't choose USC though.

I'm with you, I think he'll end up at USC (although, I'd rather him be there than Texas).

We offered three more today, two wide receivers and a d-tackle. All out of state (Cali and Georgia). I hope this "non regional" recruiting thing doesn't come back to bite us in the ***.

[Herr Scholz]

CB, Antwuan Davis, Bastrop - hopefully
CB, Maurice Smith, Fort Bend Dulles - hopefully

Offered these two yesterday after the Spring game. They both have pretty extensive offer lists including A&M and OU. Sounds like they've become friends too during camps and want to play together. We're still only looking at taking 3 total DBs though. Glad we offered both of them this weekend because I think they were gone otherwise.

Maurice Smith
http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Maurice-Smith-132245

"I'm very blessed to have this opportunity. I am very excited about it. Duane Akina explained why it has been a slow process. It feels great for both of us (Davis and Smith)."
"No, the reason why I didn’t commit is because I have made a couple of commitments to visit other colleges (Alabama and OK State). I talked to my parents and we already had those plans and it's important to stick to those commitments.”

Antwuan Davis
http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Antwuan-Davis-123937

"Mack Brown said he told Coach Akina that it's time to make a decision. I'm surprised at the time I've been waiting for it. Mack Brown joked that he put pressure on Coach Akina to get it done and to make it happen."
"My parents have spoken to most of my top schools and they approve of all of them. I feel like I'm close to a decision. I’m not saying its Texas, but I feel like I'm getting close."


Antwuan Davis and Maurice Smith are, believe it or not, good friends.

Antwuan Davis is one of Texas' top defensive backs for the class of 2013.
Their bond wasn't forged in a traditional manner. Davis, a top cornerback from Bastrop (Texas), got to know his fellow defensive back from Sugar Land (Texas) Dulles from the few times they've competed together at camps.

When they took the field, a mutual respect formed almost immediately.

"We've gone to two different camps, and both times when we're on the field, no passes were caught," Davis said. "Those quarterbacks didn't know what to do."

Ever since then, they've kept in touch. They might not know a lot about one another, but they are certain about one thing: Smith and Davis believe they're the two best junior cornerbacks in the state of Texas.

And they'd really like to know if Duane Akina feels the same way.

Texas' secondary coach hasn't offered scholarships to either of them. He hasn't offered hardly anyone, actually. This spring, as 2013 commitments continue to steadily flow in, Akina is taking care of his portion of the class slowly. He wants more time to evaluate Texas' needs and options at corner and safety.

So far, elite national prospects have been the priority. The two known offers to 2013 defensive backs went to two of the country's best, safeties Marcell Harris (Groveland, Fla./South Lake) and Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland).

By making everyone else wait, Akina is asking Davis, Smith and a handful of other talented in-state recruits to stay patient. That's not an easy thing to do when rival coaches are constantly calling to show their love.

Davis and Smith have received more offers now than they'd ever imagined. Heard lots of promises, lots of praise. When will all that start coming from Texas?

"The offers had been coming in so fast here lately that it kind of shook me that I didn't get one from Texas," Smith said. "I thought one of two things. Maybe I have to work harder and make them notice me more. Or maybe it just wasn't meant to be with me and Texas."

Smith isn't the only one questioning where he stands with the Longhorns. He and Davis were two of five defensive backs that UT coaches brought in for their second junior day weekend last month. Each one had to swallow his pride and go home empty-handed.

Safeties Kameron Miles (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and Colin Janice (Orange, Texas/West Orange-Stark) were told evaluations will continue this spring. Livingston athlete Chevoski Collins would prefer to play receiver in college but was told UT will recruit him as a safety.

All five got the same message: We like you. We're just not ready for a commitment. The inherent gamble is obvious. All five could've put Texas in the rearview mirror when they left Austin and committed elsewhere by now.

Smith came oh-so-close to pulling the trigger during his junior day trip to Oklahoma last weekend. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound corner has been frustrated by the fact most schools seem to want him more than Texas does. At first, he took it personally.

So Smith gave Akina a call last week to find out where he stood. The reassurance he received was much-needed.

Texas has focused a lot of recruiting effort on out-of-state prospects like Marcell Harris.
"He was telling me to not give up on Texas and not be depressed or anything like that," Smith said. "Texas still had a lot of interest in me."

What Akina and the coaches are looking for, Davis said, are defensive backs who truly want to be Longhorns. The 2013 class is small and few spots are available. Texas can't afford to take a corner or safety who might decommit in the 11th hour.

Davis says he can understand that sentiment. So does he want to be at Texas?

"I would like to, definitely," he said. "I could see myself being a Longhorn."

He lost track of how many offers he's received when the number surpassed 20. But Davis knows which one he doesn't have. He's not sweating it just yet.

He likes his chances of getting one of the elusive Texas offer. After all, when he couldn't make it to the Saturday junior day last month, UT coaches urged him to visit on Sunday instead. They made him feel wanted when he did arrive at the 40 Acres.

"So far I've been the corner coach Akina has seen the most," he said. "That feels great. It just means I have more of an advantage over the rest of them. That's definitely helpful."

That flattery is nothing compared to what he's heard elsewhere. Oklahoma coaches told Davis he'll play right away for them if he picks the Sooners. Now that got his attention.

Still, Davis holds Texas' "DBU" reputation in high regard. He'll make a decision by the end of the summer. He hopes Texas is an option when the big day eventually arrives.

If that offer comes at the right time, he might commit on the spot. Remember, this recruiting game is all about timing.

"I've still got to see how my playing time would be as a freshman at Texas, because I know they can get me out of there in two or three years," Davis said. "I would like that. I know whatever they do with me, I'm going to be NFL-bound. That's all I could want from Texas."

Right now, all he wants is that scholarship offer. Smith and Davis both want to be the first guy to get one from Texas. Sure, they're pals now. But they're also competitors.

Maybe, if they get their way, that will change in college.

"I would really like to play with him," Davis said. "I don't know. It's like we were bound to play together."

Right now, they don't need destiny or fate to make that dream come true. Just dedication, and a little faith.

[Herr Scholz]

No offer to CB Cole Luke from AZ though.

[Herr Scholz]

Looking like the Justin Manning ship has sailed for us and we're about to offer DT Vincent Taylor from SA.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Vincent-Taylor-113668

[8timechamps]

Looking like the Justin Manning ship has sailed for us and we're about to offer DT Vincent Taylor from SA.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Vincent-Taylor-113668

What's the scoop on Manning? I hadn't heard much other than he was supposed to go to LSU for their spring game.

[Herr Scholz]

What's the scoop on Manning? I hadn't heard much other than he was supposed to go to LSU for their spring game.
He said he's going to take his recruitment to December. Think he wants to take all of his visits. I don't blame him. He can pick where he goes. I'd at least take the visits to L.A. and Miami if I were him.

[dwarthog]

He said he's going to take his recruitment to December. Think he wants to take all of his visits. I don't blame him. He can pick where he goes. I'd at least take the visits to L.A. and Miami if I were him.

So the thinking is he no longer has Texas on his radar or you guys aren't interested in pursuing him that long?

[Herr Scholz]

So the thinking is he no longer has Texas on his radar or you guys aren't interested in pursuing him that long?
A mixture of both I think. We have 2 other DTs on our radar that I think Mack would be fine with in this class. And I don't think we were very high on Manning's list to begin with anyway. Plus we took 4 DTs in the last class.

[8timechamps]

Looking like the Justin Manning ship has sailed for us and we're about to offer DT Vincent Taylor from SA.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Vincent-Taylor-113668

Back up the truck. Today he said "he's upset because the Sooners waited to offer, and it's a total negative on OU.", he may be in Austin yet.

[Herr Scholz]

Yeah, I've heard that. Seems like he's looking nationally though. Don't get me wrong, we'd take him in a heartbeat if he wanted to come but I'm not holding my breath.

[Herr Scholz]

I don't know, these guys that sound like prima donnas who want their asses kissed turn me off. He said UT wasn't "any fun" after his JR day visit but now I guess we're "up and coming". We've had problems with too many large egos like this in the past...


"Manning (6-foot-2, 275 pounds) said he would already be committed to the Sooners if they would have starting recruiting him earlier than they did.

“If Oklahoma wouldn’t have waited so long I probably would have committed on the spot,” Manning said. “It’s true that I was glued in on Oklahoma in the beginning but I didn’t hear from Oklahoma my whole sophomore year. I started talking to Oklahoma at the end of my junior year and by then I already had like 10 offers. So I became wide open and was talking to those 10 coaches. Right now, that is a total negative on them.”

and
"One school that is happy he hasn't already chosen Oklahoma is the Sooners' bitter rival, Texas, a program that offered him during its first junior day. ....."

“It’s a good school, an up-and-coming school," Manning said of Texas. "It is a talented team. It seems like they have a lot of recruits and I can see myself there and winning at the same time.”

[8timechamps]

I don't know, these guys that sound like prima donnas who want their asses kissed turn me off. He said UT wasn't "any fun" after his JR day visit but now I guess we're "up and coming". We've had problems with too many large egos like this in the past...


"Manning (6-foot-2, 275 pounds) said he would already be committed to the Sooners if they would have starting recruiting him earlier than they did.

“If Oklahoma wouldn’t have waited so long I probably would have committed on the spot,” Manning said. “It’s true that I was glued in on Oklahoma in the beginning but I didn’t hear from Oklahoma my whole sophomore year. I started talking to Oklahoma at the end of my junior year and by then I already had like 10 offers. So I became wide open and was talking to those 10 coaches. Right now, that is a total negative on them.”

and
"One school that is happy he hasn't already chosen Oklahoma is the Sooners' bitter rival, Texas, a program that offered him during its first junior day. ....."

“It’s a good school, an up-and-coming school," Manning said of Texas. "It is a talented team. It seems like they have a lot of recruits and I can see myself there and winning at the same time.”

Outside of Max Browne, Manning was the one guy I really wanted to land. Until now. I know the kid is a good football player, but after his comments, I'd kind of like to see him move along.

My issue with him, is if he already feels he's above the OU recruiting process, what will he be like if he's called out in practice or put in a situation he doesn't agree with? At this point, if I were a coach, I wouldn't want anything to do with a kid like that.

My guess is that one of the teams that offered really early on got in his ear and told him that he must not be a priority for OU, since they waited. And he bought it hook, line and sinker.

I did chuckle when I read his thoughts about Texas being an "up and coming school".

I'm thinking he may end up at LSU when it's all said and done. Sounds like he would be a perfect fit there. If, by some chance, he ends up at OU...I'll be very skeptical of his character until proven otherwise.

[Herr Scholz]

Yeah, I could very easily see him to LSU, Miami or USC.

[Herr Scholz]

CB Antwuan Davis to UT: http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Antwuan-Davis-123937

WR Eldridge Massington to USC: http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Eldridge-Massington-133098

UT officially offered Chevoski Collins as a DB: http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Chevoski-Collins-127991

CB Maurice Smith is still up for grabs although he came away very impressed by Bama: http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Maurice-Smith-132245

[8timechamps]

CB Antwuan Davis to UT: http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Antwuan-Davis-123937

WR Eldridge Massington to USC: http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Eldridge-Massington-133098

UT officially offered Chevoski Collins as a DB: http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Chevoski-Collins-127991

CB Maurice Smith is still up for grabs although he came away very impressed by Bama: http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Maurice-Smith-132245

Really want Smith at OU, but he's got a lot of big time offers. I knew we were a long shot for Davis.

We offered Collins last week (I think), he's listed as an ATH, but I'm 100% sure he'll play DB in college.

Texas is putting (has put) together a nice group of WRs.

[Herr Scholz]

We offered Collins last week (I think), he's listed as an ATH, but I'm 100% sure he'll play DB in college.
Some want him at slot WR but we made it clear we want him at DB. I think he could play both CB and S.


Texas is putting (has put) together a nice group of WRs.Thanks. We'll see if we can make them all stick this time. I like that kid Robbie Rhodes.

[Herr Scholz]

UT got commit #15 after our camp this weekend, S Erik Huhn from SA. Didn't know we were pursuing him because we had offered 3 other OOS safeties (Marcell Harris - FL, Vonn Bell - GA, Su'a Cravens - CA) but he looks like he can play. Had offers from you guys, TCU and Nebraska. Guess we got our white safety replacement for Gideon [/no racist]. Guess our coaches didn't like our chances with the OOS guys. Harris is leaning towards the Gators, Bell looks to stick in the SEC and Cravens looks to be a Trojan.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Erik-Huhn-124201

[Herr Scholz]

UT's 5-star WR Ricky Seals Jones decommited. Says he wants to play football and basketball in college and I don't think Mack was into that. Of course Les Miles is telling him it won't be a problem at all so he's looking LSU's way now (possibly Baylor or A&M as well). He says he just wants to look around to make sure he made the right decision and that UT is still at the top of his list (per his buddy Tyrone Swoopes) but not liking that loss. That kid's a phenom. Hopefully he'll come back after taking some trips.

[Herr Scholz]

Bluechip safety Su'a Cravens just commited to USC. Not surprising.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Su'a-Cravens-115015

[8timechamps]

Bluechip safety Su'a Cravens just commited to USC. Not surprising.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Su'a-Cravens-115015

Saw this yesterday. Bummer. He was one of the kids we've offered that I really wanted. But like you said, no big surprise.

Still waiting on a Luke Cole decision. Seems things have been a little quiet with him recently. Not sure if that's good or bad.

[Salt City Sooner]

Per a guy from 247, Luke's top 5 are Notre Dame, Texas, Michigan, Cal, & Nebraska.

[Herr Scholz]

Cole Luke is one I would be very happy to get. He had some pretty nice things to say about Texas but we waited to offer so that may come back to bite us.

His recruitment just became more important too because one of the top two CBs in Texas this year Maurice Smith just commited to Bama.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Maurice-Smith-132245

[8timechamps]

Per a guy from 247, Luke's top 5 are Notre Dame, Texas, Michigan, Cal, & Nebraska.

If true, wonder why we fell so far out of favor?

[8timechamps]

Cole Luke is one I would be very happy to get. He had some pretty nice things to say about Texas but we waited to offer so that may come back to bite us.

His recruitment just became more important too because one of the top two CBs in Texas this year Maurice Smith just commited to Bama.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/player-Maurice-Smith-132245

Another kid that confuses me (Maurice Smith). According to him, he was all but set to commit to OU at junior days in March. The fickle world of recruiting.

[Herr Scholz]

Another kid that confuses me (Maurice Smith). According to him, he was all but set to commit to OU at junior days in March. The fickle world of recruiting.
He also said Texas was his "dream school". Fickle indeed.

[OU_Sooners75]

If true, wonder why we fell so far out of favor?

At rivals they were saying that Luke made an oversight. He was not giving his top five schools but gave a list of schools leading and he plum forgot to add OU...


But he did clarify one thing....that OU is indeed in his top list of schools.