[Update]: Horns Nation writer William Wilkerson just tweeted that Robinson told him Texas wants him as a defensive tackle. Could have implications for Justin Manning. --Wescott--
Momentum is a fickle thing in recruiting. Just days ago, some corners of the Longhorns interwebs were shaken by the lack of a single pledge on the first Junior Day, but after Hookem.com once again broke the news of another commitment, the second in two days, Texas now appears to be rolling with the 2013 class. Fort Worth Arlington Heights OL A'Shawn Robinson joins Dallas Jesuit WR Jake Oliver and Celina OL/DL Jake Raulerson as the 2013 commits for Texas.
Of the three offensive linemen who received offers at JD1, Robinson was considered the least likely to make an early pledge, as he said that he wasn't planning on making a quick decision and then went off the radar following the visit, choosing not to do any in-depth interviews. In fact, Robinson wasn't even ranked among the top five most likely to become the second commit.
Perhaps those lack of interviews were a sign he was close to ending the process, as Robinson surprised the Texas recruiting world with his Thursday commitment.
After initially expressing a desire to play defensive tackle in college, Robinson has since backed off that stance and projects on offense in college. At 6-4, 300 pounds, Robinson has the height to play outside for Texas, but looks like an guard with his already-developed frame -- he's one of those kids who just seems to have natural man strength.
A'Shawn Robinson Highlights (via 247SportsStudio)
Robinson shows off that man strength on the field, firing off the ball low and with a flat back and engulging opposing defenders when he gets his hands on them, consistently showing an ability to drive his legs and finish plays.
In pass protection, Robinson has solid feet, but he doesn't move as well as someone like Kennedy Estelle, so even though he's projected at this point as an offensive tackle in college, he looks more like a right tackle than a left tackle. The big tackle also needs some work on his technique, as he has a tendency to cross his feet in pass protection and needs some significant development with his kick step.
The addition of Robinson is an impressive start to what is expected to eventually be an elite group of offensive linemen, with Harker Heights OL Darius James and Lake Highlands OT Kent Perkins both thought to be favoring Texas and several other top-flight prospects both in the state and in neighboring Louisiana being evaluated.
The suddenly rolling Longhorns may not be done this week either, with Sealy WR/TE Ricky Seals-Jones still expected to make his decision in the coming days.
0 recs | 76 comments
If we land Robinson, Perkins, and James together in 2013...
Our OL cupboard is officially full and stacked with talent. Holy cow, Searels has got to be licking his chops right now. Add to that, if Raulerson switches to OL after a year or so and if we somehow land JJ, our OL is going to be nasty as hell for years to come.
I love this new approach!
STLaw - February 16, 2012
I'm starting to wonder...
with the scholarship numbers being tighter than we originally thought this year, if the coaches will stop at 3 offensive linemen for now, I could see them putting on the breaks if James and Perkins commit soon and just let the JD2 guys know that they think a spot may open up in the future and that they will continue to monitor the situation…
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
NVM
he was offered as a DT
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
I think they offered as a DT to leave room for JJ or Wilson
Just my thoughts. Would make sense though.
STLaw - February 16, 2012
I suspect he is either being recruited as a DT or OG.
This class seems much deeper at OT then it does at those two other spots.
LongandHorny - February 16, 2012
In addition...
I think DT is more likely as Manning seems to be the only other one on the board now that Golden is gone.
LongandHorny - February 16, 2012
Just came out...
he was offered as a DT
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
Per the update above,
Robinson told William Wilkerson of Horns Nation that Texas wants him at defensive tackle.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 16, 2012
Not too surprising.
I know OU wanted him at DT, how about the other schools? Do you know what they offered him at, by chance?
40A - February 16, 2012
50/50 DL/OL
per ESPN’s William Wilkerson
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
Now Suchomel
is saying that Robinson “could” play defense at Texas. Perhaps the coaches have simply given him the option. Haven’t seen the DT film on him, but I’m just not a big fan of his work in pass protection, even in his highlights.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 16, 2012
Wondering if he got an offer primarily because of his versatility.
WreckerTex - February 16, 2012
I imagine it helped,
but he’s widely considered a top 10 guy in the state, so I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that he’s just really talented.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 16, 2012
I'd rather shore up the offensive line, but I'm guessing the coaches
just want him on board so they can see how he responds and what the team requirements are at that point.
WreckerTex - February 16, 2012
i wonder whether Texas really wants him at DT or whether Mack is allowing an accomodation to A’Shawn’s expressed preference ala Kendall Sanders
sedonajim - February 16, 2012
Great Get!
Now get me RSJ and Swoopes this week and we will be rolling once again. I am really a fan of our new philosophy so far and I believe it will work this year and beyond. Hopefully RSJ is sending Swoopes a pair of matching Burnt Orange Nikes as we speak
bonghorns - February 16, 2012
Agreed ST
Exactly what the doctor ordered.
BurntOrangeTexans - February 16, 2012
Welcome to the 40 A'Shawn!
lets keep this train a moving…
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
Excellent.
Building up that offensive line is crucial. “Skill players” are negated if we can’t field a solid offensive line with depth. I’m feeling a lot better about the foundation of the offensive side now.
WreckerTex - February 16, 2012
Or building the foundation of the defensive line. Whatever.
WreckerTex - February 16, 2012
"natural man strength"
That’s my favorite line of the week. Next time my wife asks me to open a pickle jar, I’ll say, “Please observe my natural man strength.”
windycityhorn - February 16, 2012
i think you should redo that
and say “did you see my natural man strength?” after you actually do open the pickle jar. because if you fail to open it….sadtimes
ibleedburntorange49-9 - February 16, 2012
Exactly. Great advice here.
Never pre-announce your man-strength.
JoeT63 - February 16, 2012
Try it as a catchphrase in a commercial - it's nice
Cue announcer voice: “Now with Natural Man Strength!”
beast in bama - February 16, 2012
OG or DT
Get talent on campus by whatever means (legal) ncedssary. Figure out position/side of the ball at a later date.
edsp - February 16, 2012
This
I’ve long been a fan of signing a bunch of athletic DE/DT body types then seeing how they grow and where they fit in. Raulerson and Robinson fit that bill.
Searels and Bo Davis know the game.
SpiritOfTheFedora - February 16, 2012
Now they will just have to...
figure out a way to decide who get who…MMA or Greco-Roman Wrestling?
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
My thoughts exactly
Offer at DT if you have to but do whatever it takes to get him here. I was hoping we would just offer him and tell him he will play wherever he succeeds at. I’ve wanted Robinson for a while for that very reason.
STLaw - February 16, 2012
Agreed, but
It can cross a line. Would you go Les Miles and tell Shepherd he could play qb even when you and everyone else knows there’s no fucking way?
scott_tiger - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
GoBR does this mean...
UT is putting pressure on Manning or has decided that they don’t like their odds with Manning?
and
Do you think we shut down DL recruiting if Manning commits or would we still looking for a DE?
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
Since it sounds like Robinson could go either way,
I think there is still a spot for Manning.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 16, 2012
Please enjoy the reaction
at tinfoilhats.com…
LINK
windycityhorn - February 16, 2012
I enjoy the 1 or 2 (rare)
aggies with common sense who promptly get slammed by the others.
40A - February 16, 2012
I love this comment, personally:
40A - February 16, 2012
all kinds of fail in that....
longhorn35 - February 16, 2012
OMG
Now they’re conducting air raids along with their ground operations. The SEC is in big trouble.
SpiritOfTheFedora - February 16, 2012
dumbest quote ever...
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
Let's add one more level of Aggie flavor to that
Having female cheerleaders isn’t important in Aggieland. Just need male bodies to squeeze their nuts for a second or so. Being narrow-minded rednecks and throwing Mike Sherman under the bus takes care of the rest.
windycityhorn - February 16, 2012
please stop
If I want to lose brain cells I will just start sniffing paint. It is much easier than reading TexAgs
codaxx - February 16, 2012
And they wonder why we "troll" their board.
They absolutely wear out the peg on the unintentional comedy meter.
JoeT63 - February 16, 2012
Always good for a laugh
sedonajim - February 16, 2012
Top 10 overal player in state as a DT?
I know he was highly thought of at OL, but is he at the same level at DT?
Horncasting - February 16, 2012
Has there been a state Top 100 released by anybody? -- nt
edsp - February 16, 2012
yeah Rivals Lonestar rankings...
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
hmm...seems to be down...
but here is where it was
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
Rivals 100 has him at #69 in the nation
http://rivals.yahoo.com/texas/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-rivals100/2013
He’s a 4 star in Rivals, Scout, 247, and on the ESPN Watch 150 list…
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
Try this link.
Here. Robinson ranked no. 6 in most recent LSR. Rivals has him listed as a DT.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 16, 2012
I think they just changed him to a DT at the same time they changed his commitment status
Horncasting - February 16, 2012
Really?
I think I saw him as DT earlier but I could be mistaken.
40A - February 16, 2012
As could I
Horncasting - February 16, 2012
Thanks, Wescott & TP
edsp - February 16, 2012
Scipio considers him a 3-start at DT
And high 4-start at OL.
Horncasting - February 17, 2012
Start = Star
Can’t believe I did it twice.
Horncasting - February 17, 2012
Welcome aboard!
Another wise decision
everything horns - February 16, 2012
I thought it was mentioned before that he was linked to Flenory...
I guess not anymore. Speaking of Flenory, are there any 2013 recruits that supposedly have ties to him out there?
LongandHorny - February 16, 2012
There was a little bit of talk about that,
but the guess is that, like Peter Jinkens last year, if Robinson does or did have any connections and the Texas coaches asked him about it, he gave them the right answer.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 16, 2012
i almost prefer getting recruits this way as opposed to 2 years ago
because we can savor and appreciate each commitment and what he brings to the table rather than having 10 to discuss on one day. weird way to look at it, i know. also, if we get RSJ we’ll break our streak of being unable to recruit the mythical 3 name player. it all started with ASJ, last year it was DGB, hopefully we can finally close on RSJ to end this week
ibleedburntorange49-9 - February 16, 2012
Agree regarding the timing
However, the mythical 3 name creature dates back at least to Xavier Lawson-Kennedy (XLK) in the 2003 class. When he announced Ok. State is seemed like a huge miss at the time.
Horncasting - February 16, 2012
I kind of like it myself
Gimme Swoopes, James, Perkins as well. I’m willing to wait for quality. That would give us 7, all in the top 100. No Whodats in the bunch so far.
I think we’re about to start churning out NFL linemen once again.
SpiritOfTheFedora - February 16, 2012
I'm greedy...
I need Smythe, Hicks, and Miles before I’ll feel comfortable…3 down 7 to go…
TowerPower - February 16, 2012
Of the 10 official offers, I thought Manning and Robinson would be the toughest to land
Good to see the Texas coaches get a tough one out of the way early. I’m alright with Robinson starting off off at DL, but at some points kids want to play. I wouldn’t be surprised if Robinson just wants to see the field and moves to OL. Lesson learned Michael Starts.
I hope this doesn’t effect Manning. He’s the best DT in the state and it’s not even close.
It’s a good day to be a Longhorn. Oliver and Robinson commit, andTexas approves Prevot for an offer.
billfromlaketravis - February 16, 2012
On Aggy DT commits
Do you think the Aggie DT commits are more flippable now that their coach has left?
realmccoy - February 16, 2012
Huggins and Golden appear solid
Aggies usually do well with small town kids, like Golden, and
legacies.I’d like to see Texas continue to recruit Golden. Huggins is an OT in waiting. Trust me.
billfromlaketravis - February 16, 2012
Confused on this Position Stuff
Mack goes on record saying he lets compete where they want when they are on campus. They get feedback and make their decision. Chiles screwed around at QB, Whaley at TB, Cody at RB etc. But when recruiting everyone makes a big deal about position. Conceivably we lost AS-J because we wouldn’t take him as a TE. Well he is a damn good TE, and if he plays there another year or 2 what is the big deal. Why not just get these studs on campus, don’t sweat positions until they are in the program?
realmccoy - February 16, 2012
Regarding your last statement,
that’s what the coaches are doing more now, especially since the whole staff is sitting down and watching kids, instead of just the offensive and defensive coaches (see Sanders, Kendall).
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 16, 2012
Exactly
I think Searels and Bo Davis agreed that Robinson can play for them.
billfromlaketravis - February 16, 2012
Didn't we Lose Starts Last Year over OL vs. DL thing?
Or was he just not that into us.
realmccoy - February 16, 2012
Tech offered Starts as a DL from the beginning, it certainly helped
billfromlaketravis - February 16, 2012
Definitely Looks Like We Are Improving on This One
Seems like the recrutment of Robinson shows we are improving. I always admired the honesty of Mack in dealing with the kids. Best example, we lost Sheppard to LSU because we told him we couldn’t see him as a QB and LSU said he would be a QB then switched him to WR a year later. In the short run, it hurts to lose the recruit – but helps in the long run with credibility. But when it shifts to OL vs. DL – just get em.
realmccoy - February 17, 2012
I think that's what's happening. Starting about 6 months ago
You’re right: It may have cost us AS-J. But now . . .
Sanders, WR or RB, when everybody knows his best NFL position is CB
Daje Johnson, same deal
Chiles didn’t screw around at QB . . . when he arrived, we had 1 QB (Colt). Chiles HAD TO BE the backup. We didn’t sign a QB the following winter, and, again, Chiles HAD TO BE the backup. When GG signed, Chiles could move.
Whaley simply outgrew TB. So did Cody. Our issue with Cody was we never had a healthy TB (Newton, Fozzy), so CJ stayed at TB. Whaley was a TB as a RS. By the time he was ready for his RS freshman season, he was a TE, then a defensive end, etc.
I think a player OUGHT to try his chosen position. If he’s good at it, we win. If he’s not and the staff moves him to where he “belongs” — we still win!
edsp - February 16, 2012
Some Good Points
I am not sure about the Chiles thing, I thought we had Harris and Kinne during the Chiles era – it just seemed to me like he never looked like he could throw accurately enough. The other guys you are 100% right on. But my overall point is that we put more angst on the position thing in the recruiting cycle than we do once they are on the 40. I say just get the guys you want on campus – period. Stupid to lose a recruit over position when you will have data and evaluations later.
realmccoy - February 16, 2012
My impression of Chiles
is that he didn’t work very hard. Texas installed the Q Package for him and he looked like he didn’t know what he was supposed to be doing. And then he got up to about 220 pounds and lost a lot of his athleticism. My definitive impression of the 2010 was Chiles tweeting last spring that he would finally have to start working out to prepare for the NFL, implying that he never did so at Texas. Blech.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 17, 2012
The plan for Chiles was to redshirted his Freshman year, but Harris got hurt during Fall practice
You are right about Kinne though, he redshirted that same year.
Another example of a recruit who got to play the position he initially wanted (RB) instead of his ideal position (DE) was Melton. Even Melton’s uncle (former NFL player) advised him that he was an NFL DE, but it took 2 seasons for him to be convinced to make the move.
Horncasting - February 17, 2012
Hippie Killer - February 17, 2012
Searels may or may not be a crack OL coach, but...
One thing’s for sure: the 2012 OL haul was more highly rated (per Rivals, at least) than any that a Searels team has had in his time there, and 2013 ain’t looking so bad either.
To give you an idea, the 2011 class is the second-highest-rated OL haul for a Searels team.
burntorangehorn - February 17, 2012
Note: 2007 UGA might've arguably been better
2007 UGA – 432pts.
Three 4* (6.0, 5.8, 5.8)
Five 3* (5.7, 5.7, 5.6, 5.6, 5.6)
2011 UT – 288pts.
Four 4* (5.8, 5.8, 5.8)
Two 3* (5.7, 5.6)
2012 UT – 299pts.
Four 4* (5.9, 5.9, 5.8, 5.8)
Of course these are obviously all about potential, not how the guys will turn out, because Texas’s 2007 was rated right behind UGA’s, and better than any that Texas has had since, with a 5* (Allen) and three 4* (McGaskey 5.9, Huey 6.0, Hix 5.8). That totaled 409pts. We know how that turned out.
UT 2009 was also rated higher than UT 2011 or 2012, with 5* Walters (6.1), 4* Porter (6.0) and Ashcraft (5.8), and 3* Kelley (5.7), for a total of 338pts.
Meh…crapshoot. Here’s hoping Searels can coach up some players.
burntorangehorn - February 17, 2012
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