Is Under Armour All-American Johnathan Gray ranked as the top player in the state by the BON recruiting team? (Photo courtesy of Under Armour)
This list was complied by the BON recruiting team as a collaborative effort, but the final decisions were made by me. So if ya got beef, come after me. -- Wescott
Follow after the jump for the complete list.
- Johnathan Gray, Aledo RB (Texas) -- The Euclidian Terrorist looks for all the world like a once-in-a-generation back who simply has a nose for the end zone. While he can't make defenders miss in a phone booth like Trey Williams or bowl over defenders like Joe Bergeron, Gray is a nearly perfect blend of virtually every attribute a great running back should have, capped off by vision and patience that makes it seem as if he can see the future.
- Mario Edwards, Denton Ryan DL (Florida State) -- A defensive lineman with exceptional quickness for his size (now around 300 pounds), Edwards can still do standing backflips and was a monster at split end as a sophomore, while also playing defensive end. Whether he can stay lean will determine whether he becomes an evolutionary Lamarr Houston as an outstanding three tech or a Mario Williams-style jumbo defensive end. Either way, Edwards projects as a special talent in college.
- Malcom Brown, Brenham DT (Texas) -- One of the better defensive tackle prospects to emerge from his high school ranks in Texas in several years, Brown showed off his quickness making plays as a tight end at times for Brenham as a senior and consistently pursued opponents downfield, if necessary. He was miscast as a nose tackle at the International Bowl, but should see some action as a three tech as a freshman in pass-rushing situations, at the least.
- Trey Williams, Spring Dekaney RB (Texas A&M) -- One could make an argument that Williams is the most dynamic player in the state, as he has an initial burst and ability to jump cut that even J-Gray can't match. His size is a bit of a concern going into college, but he was a tough kid in high school and people questioned the size of LaMichael James, too, didn't they? And how did that work out?
- Javonte Magee, SA Sam Houston DL (Baylor) -- It remains unclear whether Magee is a big defensive end or a tall defensive tackle, but it's heartening for his projection going forward that he leaned up as a senior, as greatest upside in college is probably as a defensive end, since it can often be difficult for defensive tackles of his size to keep their pads low. Hard to overstate how much landing Magee means for Baylor defensively.
- Kennedy Estelle, Pearland Dawson OT (Texas) -- Estelle has elite size and feet, as well as a nasty disposition that makes him an impact player at the first and second level. Since he started playing football as a sophomore, he is raw, but has virtually limitless potential.
- Thomas Johnson, Dallas Skyline WR (Texas A&M) -- In the conversation as the fastest and most dynamic players in the state with the ball in his hands, Johnson recovered from a junior season slowed by a high ankle sprain to return to his typical level of production as a senior.
- Kendall Sanders, Athens WR (Texas) -- A co-MVP of the Army game after recording two interceptions, Sanders has NFL upside as a defensive back and is now more open to the idea, but he's been told he will play receiver at Texas, where his ability to make plays after the catch and work in the jet sweep/reverse game will make him a versatile weapon in Bryan Harsin's offense.
- Bralon Addison, FB Hightower WR (Oregon) -- A Signing Day switch to Oregon, Addison doesn't have the size or the long-speed of the players directly in front of him on this list, but he'll be a perfect fit for Chip Kelly and is fantastic with the ball in his hands, as proved on a consistent basis as one of the best high school players in Texas after the last two years.
- Hassan Ridgeway, Mansfield DE (Texas) -- Physical upside -- that's what stands out the most about Ridgeway, he wasn't always the most productive player in high school and doesn't have an elite first step, but he's a specimen on the hoof and he's young for his class, so he's projectable. In terms of natural strength, there may not be another player in the state who can match the Mansfield product.
- Curtis Riser, DeSoto OG (Texas) -- Mean. Nasty. Those are the adjectives that every fan wants connected with their offensive lineman and both fit Riser well. An intense competitor who seems to take every rep in any situation as if it could be his last, Riser projects as a mauler in the running game who is advanced for an interior lineman in pass protection because he played outside for DeSoto, a spread, pass-happy team his junior season.
- Cayleb Jones, Austin High WR (Texas) -- A tall, fluid receiver with elite ball skills and flypaper hands, Jones could well make this ranking look foolishly low. How he is able to transition to the college game in terms of creating separation and avoiding injury will ultimately determine the sagacity of this ranking.
- Adrian Colbert, Mineral Wells S (Texas) -- The kid known as Flash combines elite track speed with the striking ability of a much larger safety. Throw in a fierce determination to succeed and it becomes pretty unbelievable that he was such an unknown until deep into his senior season.
- Devonte Fields, Arlington Martin DE (TCU) -- The Metroplex product has the best first step off the edge of any player in the state, but he needs to add weight to hold up against the run. In a pass-rush league like the Big 12, Fields has a lot of upside as a weakside defensive end.
- Brian Nance, Euless Trinity LB (Baylor) -- In a deep class at linebacker in the state, Nance has one of the best frames and is the most physically gifted in Texas. With the physicality to play middle linebacker, but the range to play outside, Nance is another big-time get for Art Briles and his staff.
- Corey Coleman, Richardson Pearce WR (Baylor) -- Adept in the art of separation, Coleman was virtually unstoppable on Saturday on the first day of practice in preparation for the International Bowl (and in the game) and that's a reasonable projection for his Baylor career as a slot receiver. It's going to be as hard for defensive backs to get their hands on him in the slot as it was in high school, which spells trouble for Big 12 defenses.
- Dominique Wheeler, Crockett WR (Texas Tech) -- Like Kendall Sanders, Wheeler was used in both the passing and the running games as a small-school star, but looks like a future flanker at Tech. He'll be a threat to take the ball the distance at any time and will be one of the most gifted offensive weapons at Tech in the last decade.
- Matt Davis, Klein Forest QB (Texas A&M) -- A fringe top-10 talent, Davis is still a run-first quarterback who needs work on his consistency in the passing game -- the only thing holding him back from being higher on this list. It looked like he may have made the leap during 7on7 last summer, but that improvement didn't translate to the season, so he'll likely need some seasoning at A&M before he can step into a starting role.
- DeVante Harris, Mesquite Horn CB (Texas A&M) -- An Aggie legacy whose father played in the NFL, Harris is about an inch and a bigger frame away from being a top-10 talent as well. However, all the other physical attributes are there for a high-level cover corner, though his slight frame may limit him to playing off coverage on the field side.
- Michael Starts, Waco La Vega DL (Texas Tech) -- At 6-4 and 280 pounds, Starts looks like a future offensive tackle, but he insisted during his recruitment on playing defense, where he has less upside, especially on the inside due to his height. While he's still an important piece of the puzzle for the Red Raiders on defense moving forward, his desire to play on defense seems to bespeak a fundamental misunderstanding to understand where his potential NFL future would lie. He's like a Lone Star State version of Arik Armstead, but without the same elite height to play outside.
- Daje Johnson, Pflugerville Hendrickson APB (Texas) -- Perhaps the fastest player in the state (obligatory SPARQ national record mention), Johnson has the versatility to be used in a number of different ways offensively. He has some experience as a route runner, as well as some pure running back skills. And if offense doesn't work out for him, he also has all the attributes of a strong cover corner.
- Marcus Johnson, League City Clear Springs WR (Texas) -- A late riser, Johnson has a nice combination of size, body control, catching radius, and make-you-miss ability. No other receiver in recent yeas is as strong making catches along the sideline, a good skill for a future flanker.
- Camrhon Hughes, Harker Heights OT (Texas) -- Much like Estelle, Hughes is raw, but has the body quickness, feet, arm length, and attitude to grow into an all-conference type of tackle. Just give him some time.
- Orlando "Duke" Thomas, Copperas Cove CB (Texas) -- A quarterback in high school, Thomas showed natural ability at cornerback in the Offense-Defense Bowl, recording an interception and a fumble recovery. He won't be asked to play early at Texas, so he will have time to refine his technique, probably necessary since he didn't even play corner in 7on7 in high school.
- Peter Jinkens, Dallas Skyline LB (Texas) -- A running back at times for Skyline, Jinkens is a Demarco Cobbs clone, as he runs like a safety, making him a strong bet to play SAM linebacker for Texas, even against the spread. His running back speed -- he tested faster than Johnathan Gray at The Opening -- will make him difficult to beat in coverage for running backs, tight ends, or even many slow receivers. *Jinkens rips shirt off*
Great run down!
Thanks for the excellent reading you provide dude.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
Whoops, little formatting issue in the paste into BON
Very excited about Gray. I don’t expect that he’ll come in and be a 1000-yd. guy right off the bat, but here’s hoping he develops into the type of guy who would consider that a down season.
burntorangehorn - February 2, 2012
I think if Malcolm Brown
could get about 780 without a full year, then Gray could get 1,000 as a freshman. Just my opinion though, I don’t want to put too high of expectations on him.
40A - February 2, 2012
It's not gonna happen.
Dude will be splitting carries with Malcolm Brown and Mean Joe Berg-atron.
He could get 1,000 yards no problem without those guys.
Remember, his goal is to share the load with the other backs. It’s his long term strategy for NFL durability down the road.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
Nevada had 3
1000 yard rushers a few years back
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
He's going to get the majority of the carries
by OU if everything works out like it should. I think it would be a slight disappointment if he didn’t get 1,000.
By the way, the NFL won’t come calling if he does’t hit at LEAST a thousand at some point in his career. I think it will happen early.
40A - February 2, 2012
Good point on Nevada.
We don’t run the pistol and Mack wants a balanced offense.
If we are going to win championships, we are going to need to be balanced on offense and 3- 1,000 yard rushers doesn’t exactly scream “balance”.
At any rate, I don’t doubt the Gray gets a few 1,000 yard seasons, but I just don’t think it will be his freshman year.
We have 2 bad-ass RB’s already on campus, these guys are fresh off their first year and are setting themselves up for a powerful year, IMO…I’m not ready to toss them aside in exchange of our shiny new toy just yet.
Also…there have been gobs of RB"s drafted that didn’t have 1,000 yard seasons.
Shoot. Gray would probaly get drafted today if that was even an option for him.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
I still think...
that Brown will get more carries than Gray, but I think Gray will get more yards and TDs
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
Interesting that Brown doesn't get much discussion nowdays
He was considered the best RB in the nation coming into last year. Then Bergeron happened and Gray has been in the spotlight the last few months.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see Brown break out this year.
Snide Aside - February 2, 2012
Exactly.
As fans our memory is incredibly short.
Brown was THE MAN when we recruited him and we were celebrating him because he is going to fix our running game for the next 3-4 years. He and Berg-atron have shown themselves extremely capable. More than capable.
Now Gray comes in and all of a sudden fans are saying Gray SHOULD be starting by OU if everything goes the way it should.
Um…no.
Gray is other worldly and will chew up yards by the hundred full, IMO.
But, he’s not going to relegate Brown to a back-up. If anything, Gray will be relieving Brown and Mean Joe instead of to the other way around.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
I think
That gray will come in to give B&B a blow, or in situations like screen plays, wildcat, etc.
HookemHouston - February 2, 2012
Lest we forget - regarding Gray
He has elite hands and brings a receiving capability to Ash and Harsin. Getting the ball to this kid, in the open field, will almost insure a TD every time – he is just that good!
Snide Aside - February 2, 2012
I should have said the majority of "touches" rather than carries, which I said above.
It’s just my opinion, but I don’t think Gray came here to play second fiddle to Brown or anybody. And that’s no slight to Brown.
I forsee a Ronnie Brown/Cadillac Williams situation like at Auburn with JoeBerg getting his carries but doing a bit more blocking this year.
40A - February 2, 2012
Gray came here to share carries...
per his own statement
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
Right
Doesn’t want to shorten his NFL career. I think he will be awesome in third down situations on checkdown routes and screens. I will take my chances with Gray vs a linebacker any day of the week. Also, I think he could be a threat slipping out of the backfield on PA rollouts. Of course, I haven’t even mentioned plain old handoffs, he’s good at those too ha.
HookemHouston - February 2, 2012
It's entirely possible there could be as many as 60 running plays, per game, next year.
If you break rb carries down, it could go this way:
Bergeron – 24
Brown – 16
Gray – 15 (how many from the Graycat?)
Jets, etc. – 5
Snide Aside - February 2, 2012
I think thats off a bit
No way Bergeron get more carries than Brown/Gray…
I think it’ll be more like…
Bergeron gets 10 carries plus a bunch as lead blocker
Brown get the most true TB carries around 20
Gray gets 10 TB carries and 10 in Wildcat/Screens
and 5 Jets…
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
Problem solved. Get ready for "The Pentagon."
Brown, Bergeron, Gray, Overstreet and Daje in the backfield. Whatcha gonna do, huh? Feel the pain. That’s what!
WreckerTex - February 2, 2012
I love it!
HookemHouston - February 2, 2012
u left out DJ Monroe
shame on you…
btw five men in the backfield is a five yard penalty so someone will have to line up on the line
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
Son of a..... OK, fine. We'll put Bergeron on the line.
Stupid rules.
WreckerTex - February 2, 2012
Bergeron can be the third option for a pitch guy on the line
Like the Broncos/Florida run.
HookemHouston - February 2, 2012
Surely Mack and DeLoss can get those rules changed...
JoeT63 - February 2, 2012
Like they did the tiebreaker rule in '08?
robthecob - February 4, 2012
So I guess my next play with five backs and 5 WRs
and only a center isn’t going to fly? I would like to see that just once to see what the defense does (besides call timeout).
WreckerTex - February 2, 2012
The aggies would be bewildered..
they’d have to send out their twelfth man!
HookemHouston - February 2, 2012
See, 5 yards right there!
Too bad we don’t play those dingleberries anymore.
WreckerTex - February 2, 2012
Try it in the A-11
Caradoc - February 3, 2012
DJ'd be playing Tight End.
& Marquis’d be playing TE on the other side and then step back to take the bubble screen out of the Pentagon.
robthecob - February 4, 2012
How is that play not Rec'd?
Wrangler86 - February 2, 2012
Right,
that doesn’t mean he won’t get more “touches” than Brown or Bergeron. You REALLY think the number 1 RB in the nation came in to get less carries than both of them? Maybe as a freshman, yes, but I just don’t think so.
40A - February 2, 2012
wasn't MB also the #1 RB in the nation
and JB the #1 FB?
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
Yes,
but that doesn’t change my point. Gray has the mindset no matter what MB was rated. I just think by the end of the year he will have a lot more touches.
40A - February 2, 2012
not to belittle your point
but so does Brown…and Brown is proven.
Remember last year in the Rice and BYU games, Brown barely had any touches (like 10 I think), it took some time before the coaches trusted him. And now with a full off season spring and summer I think he’ll be the go to guy. That doesn’t mean Gray won’t get his but I assume he’ll get a few in the beginning of the season and more as the Wildcat and Screen game develop…
Like I said a few comments up, at the end of the year I expect Brown to have the most carries, and Gray to have more TDs and yards due to the Wildcat, Screens, and Passing game…
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
Right,
I agree, as I said, I should’ve said “touches” above, because by the end of the season (like Brown last year) I think Gray will have taken more and more. At least that’s the hope. He is a once a generation back, right?
40A - February 3, 2012
It may not "change" your point
But it does refute it.
GoHornsGo90 - February 2, 2012
How so?
My point is that Gray is coming in with that mindset. It matters not what Brown’s mindset is, it’s not going to change Gray’s. So how is my point refuted?
All of this makes for good competition.
40A - February 3, 2012
Your point is that
One number one-ranked RB didn’t come in to not get starter’s carries, and thus will get more carries. We have two of those on the team. Why is Gray’s drive necessarily higher than Malcolm’s? If you think Johnathan is a better player, I think that is absolutely a legit reason. The number one thing, not so much.
GoHornsGo90 - February 3, 2012
Well, I just threw that estimate up based on our schedule next year
I haven’t even factored in the quantity of pass plays per game either.
Based on our cupcake schedule, I assume we will be running more than passing most of the year, anyway.
I also assume Bergeron will carry the ball during the clean up minutes as well.
Snide Aside - February 2, 2012
I hope Mack like cupcakes as much as his sandwiches!
HookemHouston - February 2, 2012
Here is something else - and I make this prediction
The JC tackle will be the final brick in, what I think, will be a GD’d nasty and dynamite offensive line.
I mean DYNAMITE!!!
I’ll say it again, folks, we are looking at something special next year and the year after as well.
With Harsin’s offense, Diaz’s defense, better kicking, better special teams, better S&C and another year to grow and learn the new systems – WE ARE GOING TO BE LOCKED AND LOADED!
Texas football is back, baby! Book it!
Snide Aside - February 2, 2012
Oh no!
wTf is gone, GoBR changed his name, what’s the world coming to!
HookemHouston - February 2, 2012
Starting,
and receiving more carries, is not the same thing.
40A - February 2, 2012
I was thinking the same thing
I know people are really excited about Gray, but I think it’s mostly the law of recency (i.e. his being the new and visible guy) inflates his relative ability in the minds of many. I watch junior highlights of Ricky Williams and Malcolm Brown, and I feel like they’re similar styles of players, and I tend to think Malcolm could be a lot like that as a workhorse back. I think he’s a little taller and more of a long-strider than Ricky was, and might even end up being bulkier by the time he’s a junior or senior, at which point he might have Ricky’s kind of power. I guess Cedric’s also an apt comparison.
When I see Gray’s junior and senior highlights, I think Lawrence Phillips all the way, except for that whole off-field thingy.
burntorangehorn - February 3, 2012
Malcolm Brown = Priest Holmes
JGray = Ricky
robthecob - February 4, 2012
I'm not sure that's something to hope, given the reason Priest didn't play
Priest had a career-threatening injury in ‘95, and it took him a couple years to get nearly up to speed. Both Brown and Gray are the top-ranked backs in their respective classes. I’m sure Gray’s going to be great, but there’s not necessarily a reason to believe Gray’s going to be so much greater that Brown and Bergeron, who have already proven a fairly successful transition to this level. Indeed, Bergeron has already exceeded expectations, and Brown, but for injury, nearly met his own set of expectations. Gray hasn’t even had a chance to start meeting any. Hope he does, but it’s not a given.
Honestly, this could end up more like Thurmon Thomas and Barry Sanders, with Bergeron thrown in there somehow, but it doesn’t have to be. This is a trio of backs who can each put up 1000yds. or more of total offense in the same season, although Bergeron’s role could involve more blocking and such, and less opportunity to reach that milestone.
burntorangehorn - February 6, 2012
Barring the injury that Priest had ...
… this comparison was more to do with running styles than with career production. Ricky & Malcolm just look nothing alike to me on the field but they both run great. Ricky & JGray would only be a really good comparison if JGray bulks up a bit more and starts bouncing off of people rather than running by ’em. However, Malcolm is eerily similar to the way Priest ran, when he was running good.
We’re all excited for the full backfields we’re going to have in Austin for the next few years. It’s very similar to when Priest backed up Ricky & Shon Mitchell back in ’96. Tons of talent and tons of variety in style.
robthecob - February 6, 2012
We definitely have different sets of eyes
Yours may be better than mine for this sort of thing, which I wouldn’t doubt, but I see more Ricky than Priest when I see Malcolm. I wasn’t really a developed football fan at the time, but although Brown seems to lack that top gear just like Holmes did, he strikes me as more of a power back with great vision. I never felt like Holmes was a power guy in college, and that he only really developed a great ability to break tackles and knock defenders around later on in his NFL career. He certainly didn’t have Brown’s size.
I think the problem is that limiting to Texas backs of yore makes for less appropriate comparisons. As I said a few posts north of here, Gray really makes me think of Lawrence Phillips. Drawing from the same approximate era, check out this film for the type of college back I think Malcolm could be:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UWAfEByFhc
That’s just Enis’ freshman season, of course. Obviously he added pounds (about 235lbs. by draft time) and turned into an all-american later on in college, but that’s the type of player I think Malcolm could be as he grows.
burntorangehorn - February 6, 2012
It's possible that he could, he's a year behind
Blocking and playbook issues generally abound with true freshmen, and of course Brown was a blue-chipper and Bergeron played almost like one. Gray is just potential at this point.
burntorangehorn - February 3, 2012
Should have said this beforehand
But Santos should likely be in there somewhere.
GoHornsGo90 - February 2, 2012
He's definitely in my next 5
Bill had him at 22. If you had said something about it, I probalby would have put him at 25 instead of Jinkens. Let’s just call him no. 26.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 2, 2012
Santos
Tom Luginbill said that Santos could have an immediate impact at Texas. ESPNU loves Santos.
billfromlaketravis - February 2, 2012
Do you think that's because where he plays? (mlb)
Those players don’t tend to be rated as high anyway.
40A - February 2, 2012
Not unless he jumps Mr. Edmond
but could definitly see him making his mark on Special teams and relieving some of the others throughout the game.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
I'm talking about high school rankings.
Typically MLBs are underrated as far as recruiting rankings go.
I don’t think he has enough ability (yet) to spell our OLBs but I expect him to play alot when Edmond is on the sideline.
40A - February 2, 2012
Agreed.
We are on the same page.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
By the way
Did anyone notice a school conspicuous in its absence from this list?
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 2, 2012
Rough year for Oklahoma.
Like the grapes of wrath, but with recruiting.
learned hand - February 2, 2012
OU is hard to figure
I’m not sure what they were looking to do in 2012 recruiting. Good pulls nationally, but their class from Texas is sub par.
billfromlaketravis - February 2, 2012
Not sure what is going on there.
The only kid on the list here who was ever committed to OU was Harris. Dunno if they’ve just lost momentum in the state for whatever reason or if there has been a bit of a strategic withdrawal due to a greater focus nationally or a combination of the two, but the last couple years, the Sooners haven’t exactly cleaned up in Texas.
It looks like the only Texas kids that they landed were JMM, who has maybe the skinniest lower body I’ve seen in a long time and is shorter than you’d like anyway, then Trevor Knight, who is inconsistent, and Daniel Brooks, who may actually be the best of the three.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 2, 2012
Forgot about Kyle Marrs.
And of course Metoyer is finally cleared.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 2, 2012
I'm thinking they'll be back in 2013
Possibly meet their needs with Texas kids, go to California, Florida, Missouri, in state, and the JUCO route for others.
billfromlaketravis - February 2, 2012
Plus...we won't be going after big numbers next year, correct?
JoeT63 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Very true
If we only take 17-19 that leaves 5-8 top 50 kids up for grabs.
SwimTexas - February 2, 2012
meh 18-20 imo
I see a bunch of non-contributing redshirt Juniors, and injury prone player or two, a grade risk, and special team flopper, and an early exit to the league…making 18 likely and 20 possible
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
I could see us grabbing upwards of 22 next season.
Attrition hasn’t stopped yet, I don’t think.
It’s disappointing that Calvin Howell transferred. Loved hearing about him talk trash to McFarland during the US Army practices.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
That would take attrition of 13 players
Horncasting - February 2, 2012
and we're still one player over the 85 limit
I’m betting Dominique Jones (who didn’t travel to the bowl game due to grades) or Eryon Barnett (who got a PI a few weeks back) won’t be on the team in August.
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
I would be surprised
If Jones is even with the team this spring.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 2, 2012
I'm assuming we"ll be at the 85 limit this spring
After losing Jones and Howell. There are 10 seniors on the roster including Grant. Getting to 22 would take an enormous amount of attrition (on top of the two known). I just can’t see anywhere near that much. 7-8 maybe.
Horncasting - February 2, 2012
Jones isn't gone yet...
TowerPower - February 3, 2012
I don't think he's with the team or enrolled in school
billfromlaketravis - February 3, 2012
They flipped a CB
from Keller, Zack Sanchez, who looks to be a CB but is only at 170.
40A - February 2, 2012
Think the projection is safety for him, right?
Byndom was listed at just 165lbs., Josh Turner and Aaron Williams 175lbs., Earl Thomas and Curtis Brown 174lbs., etc. Those weights are usually fudged to one degree or another anyway.
burntorangehorn - February 3, 2012
Yeah,
but I’ve seen pictures and film, he’s light. But they don’t expect him to come right in anyway, so he could put on some weight and be fine.
40A - February 3, 2012
How are they going to keep Metoyers grades up?
Also, I didn’t see Bluitt on your list – what is you take on him?
Snide Aside - February 2, 2012
The same way they kept
Ronnell Lewis’ grades up while he was there.
40A - February 2, 2012
I'm not sure why they left Texas,
but I think the emergence of Baylor to go along with TCU doing better may have something to do with it. They can stay out of state all I care, I’m glad.
40A - February 2, 2012
Agreed!
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
Awwww
The chinless one is sad
jlhotze - February 2, 2012
Which makes me happy.
WreckerTex - February 2, 2012
Is that when he was watching that Boise St. guy propose to the cheerleader?!
robthecob - February 4, 2012
Okie Lite has taken their spot
They signed 14 kids from Texas
Snide Aside - February 3, 2012
I would personally switch T. Johnson with B. Addison because I think he is more elusive. Both are top notch though
atxdman - February 2, 2012
Not nearly as good
Of a WR though.
GoHornsGo90 - February 2, 2012
I think Echols should be up there...
just not sure where
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
You went all "sagacity" on our ass.
I love this blog.
JoeT63 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
I was going to award him 10 points to Giffendor for that word
I admit, I had to look it up to see if it was just a random typo
Wrangler86 - February 2, 2012
Briles
say what you want but the man did some work this yr.
codaxx - February 2, 2012
So true
Wish I didn’t hear all the slimy things I have heard about him. It would be nice to be able to root for them.
SwimTexas - February 2, 2012
I've just started hearing those rumors
is it a link to street agents or what?
cade21 - February 2, 2012
Wasn't he there during bleachergate?
40A - February 2, 2012
I haven't heard anything bad about Briles.
Seems like a hell of a coach.
Of course, when he didn’t vote for us in 2008…I developed a serious dislike for the man.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
Right.
I remember that.
40A - February 2, 2012
Didn't he vote us
like some God-awful spot? Like 5th or something?
40A - February 2, 2012
Yeah.
It was a real slap in the face.
F- that guy.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
Who is just off the list
I know there must have been some debate. Can you give us say, the first 5 out or so? no order or commentary required. Just curious.
SwimTexas - February 2, 2012
Santos
Bill had Caleb Bluiett and Taiwan Johnson at 24 and 25 on his list. I had Colin Blake on mine. Let’s see, that’s four. I’ll go with LaDarrell McNeil as the fifth guy out.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 2, 2012
I'd put Bluiett even higher after his International Bowl performance
billfromlaketravis - February 2, 2012
Where do yall have Echols?
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
I would probably have Echols at 30-35.
Keep in mind that there probably isn’t a lot of separation between 25 and about 40 or so. Echols makes plays, but other than that, there isn’t really one thing that stands out about him. He does a lot of things pretty well, but he isn’t elite in any area.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 2, 2012
bluiett is classic under-rated guy
He is a big and athletic kid. Problem is nobody knows where he will play, because no matter where they put him he excelled. I think this is much better take than people realize
codaxx - February 2, 2012
Major said he'll start as a hybrid OLB/DE
Which is exactly what I wanted to hear.
GoHornsGo90 - February 2, 2012
Probably the best spot for Bluiett to start
His International Bowl film is impressive. Jump off the screen impressive. Texas needs help at TE, but kind of like Whaley you can’t move somebody that good. I’m torn on Bluiett’s position.
billfromlaketravis - February 2, 2012
He had four tackles in the game.
As I mentioned in my recap, that included a big stop on fourth down that helped give the US a chance to stay in the game and another play behind the line of scrimmage that I would have ruled a sack, but was officially a tackle for loss.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 3, 2012
No criticisms from this corner
I like Hughes better than Estelle . . . color me old school, but project usually means several good things have to happen for the player to develop. And in today’s world, develop means before summer, not 2-3 years from now.
I’ve learned it’s impossible to rank kids who played against varying degrees of opponent quality . . . players whose skills were (or were not) utilized because of a coach’s whims or his team’s needs . . . who has peaked physically . . . who’s willing to spend more time in the weight room than the rec room . . . who wants to play NOW, as in last game, and who is willing to work and wait his turn . . . who hears the call of playing time closer to home/farther from home, etc. . . . who will go to tutoring . . . who is heading for 6th Street. . . . And about a dozen other issues.
The talent in our class that I see as can’t-miss: Gray and Brown.
I love a bunch of the others, but I can also see where they fail. The best of Sanders-Dage Johnson will be a game-changing weapon. The Davis-Ridgeway tandem ought to be as good as Kindle-Orakpo in 2008. Stacy Searles, if we keep him that long, should be a very popular assistant coach when Estelle-Riser-Hughes-(Flowers; a 2011 signee) reach maturity in a few years. And though they won’t make much of an impact now, because of our quality and numbers, the four DBs signed Wednesday have the look of a beastly unit in about 2015.
edsp - February 2, 2012
love Hughes
I heard he is over 300 bills already. We have some serious upside at OT, which makes the JUCO take even more important. Hughes and Estelle can hit the weight room and learn the position.
codaxx - February 2, 2012
Question: Do you see Okafor and Jeffcoat as good as Orakpo and Kindle?
I don’t, not yet anyway and I’m not sure Davis and Ridgeway have a chance to be better than Okafor and Jeffcoat.
2Cor12:9 - February 2, 2012
This year will define them both
Jeffcoat could blow up and have a Orakpo defensive player of the year type season (if he stays healthy), and Okafor can have a Sergio type impact this year especially if Jeffcoat get more of the attention, and while neither will have the overall effect that Orakpo and Kindle did but for this season it could possible…if Jeffcoat stays he could be huge in 2013.
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
I thought Jeffcoat and Okafor
were, for the last month of 2011, as good as Kindle and Rak in ’08. Full season, though, the ’08 guys were better.
Jeffcoat wasn’t healthy, from what I gather, the early part of this season, and the defense was learning Manny’s how’s and ways.
Yes, I think Ridge and Shiro have that kind of upside. That’s what signing day euphoria is about, right?
edsp - February 2, 2012
REALLY EXCITED BUT....
do you guys really see the development happening at the QB position? I really think Ash will be better next season but is ‘better’ good enough? I really don’t see Connor Brewer coming in and playing (and frankly I really don’t want him to). We literally have what it takes to win the whole shabang outside of the QB position. What do y’all think?
ACnDaHorns - February 2, 2012
finally
I knew it was coming. The Lovefest is over
codaxx - February 2, 2012
Connor Brewer
MUST start as a freshman!
40A - February 2, 2012
Applewhite!
ole tnhorn - February 2, 2012
Swoopes should starts!!!
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
There aree 50,000 students on campus.
Isn’t there SOMEone with a Joe Namath release, John Elway rifle arm, and Peyton Manning ability to read defenses?!?! I mean…COME ON!!!
JoeT63 - February 2, 2012
Mack: "Scour the Intramural fields, Coach Harsin."
robthecob - February 4, 2012
We have to start talking about it eventually...
Rick Artus - February 2, 2012
do we really?
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
Let's wait till the spring game ha
HookemHouston - February 2, 2012 via mobile
I would rather this discussion doesn't get started again right now.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 2, 2012
I second the motion
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
Third-ed. nt
jlhotze - February 2, 2012
I will agree to abstain as well, but look around the room. He's here with us:
WreckerTex - February 2, 2012
Now those are D1 arms
Horncasting - February 2, 2012
Is that Papa Raulerson?
robthecob - February 4, 2012
40A, we know sarcasm when we see it
On another note, did I see ESPNU having Santos as the #1 rated ILB in the nation??
jmatt62 - February 2, 2012
Yeah.
Dude is #1 in the country at ILB.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
Yessir.
40A - February 2, 2012
Sorry for the rain...
…on the 2012 parade…maybe it won’t be rain but rather sunshine next year!! Im really excited about some of the guys that aren’t the “big names” like adrian colbert and dalton santos…those guys kinda have a little “old school” to their game, and I’m sure Manny can’t wait for a 250+ LB in the middle to anchor that defense, esp. if we have to face the likes to Bama and LSU in our future…hook em!
ACnDaHorns - February 2, 2012
Where would the
oos kids be on that list?
greggym - February 2, 2012
Not sure that you can put JUCO kids on a list like this.
But I would probably put Davis somewhere between 7-10 and Brewer a little bit behind him. I might go as high as 5 for Davis.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 2, 2012
IMO,
I would have Torshiro under Malcolm Brown and Brewer at about 15.
40A - February 2, 2012
Wheeler
It’s my understanding that something shady was going on there, that’s why we didn’t go after him? I have a ranch in Crockett, and in a one light town he is god ha
HookemHouston - February 2, 2012
I didn't hear that it was shady...
but that he had a posse around him at all times and it’s hard to take a guy seriously if he can’t be his own man once in a while.
Hippie Killer - February 2, 2012
Don't know about anything shady with Wheeler either.
There was some type of incident at the A&M J-Day with him, but I’m not sure that it ever came out exactly what it was. I think it was mostly a case of Texas offering and Wheeler not being overly interested, then Jones and Johnson committing — the top two targets — and then there wasn’t any room left at the time, so both sides just kind of moved on. Perhaps if Wheeler had espoused more interest in Texas early in the process, the ‘Horns wouldn’t have backed off so much.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 2, 2012
Never heard about that
Of the three of us, I am by far the biggest on Wheeler. That kid moves disproportionately well for his size and frame. Incredible natural talent.
GoHornsGo90 - February 2, 2012
Thanks guys.
HookemHouston - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Oh my,
how fun (and easy) is it to hijack a thread at CCM. Now, back to the real football talk..
40A - February 2, 2012
I wouldn't know...I'm banned.....LOL
Yearh for me.
Wrangler86 - February 2, 2012
Beergut implied Peter Jinkens was involved in something shady
Street agent? Has anyone else heard of anything like that?
Wrangler86 - February 2, 2012
Would assume he's referring to Baron Flenory's relationship with Skyline
But he was certainly less involved with Flenory than Trey Williams was with Willie Lyles.
GoHornsGo90 - February 2, 2012
Yeah.
The story seems to have gone that whatever involvement Jinkens had with Flenory, the Texas coaches asked him about it and he said either distanced himself or denied that they were ever close. Basically, he gave the right answer, and if that story is correct, he wouldn’t have received an offer if he still had a relationship with Flenory at that time or wasn’t willing to disavow it.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - February 3, 2012
and TJ wasn't?
TowerPower - February 2, 2012
Heh..
GoHornsGo90 - February 3, 2012
id like to imply
that Beergut doesnt know a donut from a tire
horns1025 - February 3, 2012
IMO
Beegut is as trustworthy as www.itotallyjustmadethisbullshitup.com
HookemHouston - February 3, 2012 via mobile
This needs to be green'd
In fact, I petition SBNation to create a new, higher, GOLD category. Because this comment is so completely true.
GoHorns - February 3, 2012
What?
You mean he calls out people for not using facts and then totally makes stuff up? NOWAY!
40A - February 3, 2012
It would be really cool
to hang on to this list and update it each year with fancy line graphs and such. Easy for me to say because I wouldn’t be doing it.
Sleepy - February 2, 2012
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