Football Articles
2010 Texas Recruiting Class
Posted by Scipio Tex on February 5th, 2010 under Football, Recruiting
Man-for-man this is the best recruiting class signed under Mack Brown and the best Texas defensive class signed in the last three decades. Vince Young is the 2002 outlier who throws off all calculus and defies comparison since he’s the greatest offensive catalyst in college football history, but I’m not finding Dustin Miksch and Matthew Melton in 2010 either.
If you value a total class, here’s an experiment: throw out the three/five best in each class. Or compare the middle 15. Whatever. Just do something median-ishy. 2010 wins in a landslide on top of an avalanche borne on the back of a tsunami sprinkled with icebergs and stinging jellyfish in iceskates. And Bruce Willis has an improbable plan that may just stop it…
I’ll leave it to others to dicker over 2002 vs. 2010. Maybe we can scrimmage them against each other in 2019 ala Best of Times and Connor Wood can come out wearing white shoes like Reno Hightower.
What’s fascinating is how unlikely this was a year ago. All of the talent was in DFW and while no one can understand what cosmic event made Houston football grow suddenly foppish in 2009, it did. Receivers ran routes with flapping wrists and defensive linemen remained in the pile far too long. We were going to have to battle for a bunch of studs on what is essentially neutral recruiting ground with OU. Not to mention combating prestige out-of-state programs with national draws (LSU, Florida, USC) in Texas’ most mercenary city.
So naturally, USC and Florida avoided Texas like it was a lie detector test and we encountered LSU only long enough to pants them. The bludgeoning of the Sooners in DFW never relented. It was like the Passion of Christ only if Jesus had been Satan’s son and owned a jet ski and had lien on him for child support payments. Though OU ended up with a fine class, it’s a national class and that has not always ended well for them.
We also shook off the late recruiting malaise with incredible grabs of Mike Davis, Darius White, Jackson Jeffcoat and Jordan Hicks down the stretch. WTF!? Any Longhorn fan who had opined in October that we’d land all four of them would have received a condescending pat on the head and an eye roll, also known as “All Of My Conversations With Trips Right.”
I’ll chat about each guy – particularly the less heralded – and try to offer some thoughts different from those we may have already have heard. If I’m negative at all, please understand that it’s nitpicking within a broader context of a class that’s off of the charts.
Will Russ
Supposedly a difference maker as a punter, not just for distance but for hang time. Hang times in excess of 5 seconds. If the guy can also kick into the end zone from college distances, he’s worth his weight in…well, not gold. But copper.
Case McCoy
A Grahamite I trust said he’d expect a Texas-good QB to shine on the field like a diamond in a goat’s ass against that level of competition. He didn’t think he did. I like McCoy’s film fine – he throws a nice ball, is mobile, accurate, and far more advanced than most kids his age mechanically. I have two nagging concerns. First, his frame is different from Colt. Spare me the height and weight recitation at the same age. Weight and frame are different things. Check out a pro boxer some time – his 5-11 155 is carried a little differently from the ectomorph rail that works in your IT department. Look at wrists, look at ankles, look at neck. Then check his teeth before bringing him to market. Case is brittle. Fine-boned is good if you’re casting for a Jane Austen adaptation, but not so much college football. Second, a mobile QB without a big arm is going to need to run in college football to be effective. See Concern #1. He can solve this issue with bolus doses of osteoporosis drugs and Nestle Quik stirred into a gallon of milk.
Connor Wood
This guy flew under the radar like a Andorran black helicopter because he had zero interest in the recruiting game and seemed genuinely unaware that 6-3 215 guys that can reverse dunk a basketball and throw a football 65 yards are rare and should hold press conferences in hot tubs with bare-titted stewardesses. You’re talking about a kid that was the #1 QB target in the country for a half dozen big programs. Huge arm, athletic, big body, rabidly monotheist – all of the shit I like in a college QB. My only issue isn’t so much his horrid level of competition as his lack of domination in it. Does he have that drive in his gut? Too nice? The Longhorns do well when the guy taking QB snaps is unhealthily competitive. I get a vibe that might be more present in Case than Connor. I hope that’s my projection.
Traylon Shead
I like him plenty as an athlete. His competition level was an absurdity and his film can be deceiving given that he was often opposed by the equivalent of a 4A JV. He wouldn’t be in the top 5 in the state in this year’s RB class. Maybe not the Top 8. He’s big, plenty strong, and he can move. I don’t see a lot there beyond good athlete running hard against 8th graders. Do you? If he doesn’t pan as a RB, there’s certainly value there. Am I disappointed that we’re taking another RB-Athlete on the heels of Whaley and is that unfairly coloring my perception of a really good athlete? Probably.
DeMarco Cobbs
I think he’s big time and one of the best five pure athletes we signed. I have no idea what to do with him and I have every idea what to do with him: S, LB, RB, 3rd down back (imagine a better Ogbonnaya). I think he could adjust to RB with minimal effort. See Marcus Allen, Joe Addai etc. He has a really big frame and my biggest concern is that he’s allowed to go OJ McClintock on us. This is really a guy that you’ve got to monitor so that he puts on good and limited weight and doesn’t compromise the lateral quickness that makes him special. If he ends up at RB, I think we’ll be surprised by his power.
Mike Davis
He’ll play early and often. Mile-a-minute trash talkers that also block hard, run perfect routes, have great hands, and good work ethics are the guys you need to take note of – there’s something pushing them inside and you just need to make sure it’s channeled appropriately. This is the guy that talks non-stop shit, irritates his coaches, prods the weak WR upper classmen above him and then catches balls after practice until his hands bleed. Then he’s at the club until 3:00am. These dudes are rare. This is the teammate you love, the opponent you hate.
Darius White
I expect some confidence struggles when he learns that his coaches will dwell more on a dropped five yard stop than his thirty yard jump ball win, but this guy could be big-time. He’ll take some time to learn the game. Love the fact that he’s a high level basketball player. I don’t think he has the mental game in place like Mike Davis but his upside is big and, like DeMarco Cobbs, his football speed is much better than the stopwatch. If I’m the coach, I make sure that my priority is adjusting him socially and getting him in the right peer group to model good class habits etc. His running style amuses me – it’s like something out of the Ministry of Silly Walks.
John Harris
The forgotten WR. Am I the only person on the intrawebs who loves that he played QB as a senior? It improved him. Route running and reliability are what endeared him to Bobby Kennedy to begin with. That hasn’t deteriorated. What has he gained? Better running ability after the catch, toughness from carrying the ball 170 times or so, and athletic confidence from handling the ball on every play. I was surprised to see the difference in his strength from junior film to senior. I considered him a marginal player early and now I’m a little intrigued. He doesn’t have any top end speed, but I think his long strides make him look slower than he is. He’s a better athlete than he’s getting credit for. Nate Jones?
Chris Jones
His 0-60 certainly isn’t in doubt. He can plant his foot and get upfield quickly when he’s moving laterally, but once he’s going he seems genetically incapable of putting a move on someone. He’ll excel in our screen game but he hasn’t seen a lot of use beyond screen/vertical/end around in an offense.
Darius Terrell
I was initially put off when I saw that he had trouble separating at the high school level, but his ball skills and physicality with the ball in the air are off the charts. My concern is that though we’ve had positive He’ll Grow While Keeping His Athleticism examples like Bo Scaife and David Thomas (Finley has a different frame entirely), we’ve had three times as many busts. Can’t we identify and recruit a 6-5 235 guy? There are elite TEs all over the NFL now – it’s not like these guys are unicorns. If his explosiveness dips commensurate to his weight gain, we have a bust. Dig his competitiveness though.
Dominic Espinosa
I’m so down on our blocking schemes and OL coaching that it’s tough to predict wild success for anyone here, but I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t pan out for us inside. He’s often compared to Kasey Studdard for his brawler’s mentality and effort, but I think he’s more athletic. If we let him get above 300, I’ll be pissed.
We need some guys on our OL who will start a fight and Espinosa fits the bill.
Trey Hopkins
See above. Really like him. He just needs time, a weight room, and a workable scheme. I’m very impressed with his athleticism and I love his intelligence.
Greg Daniels
When you see a guy with that frame who can run like he does, you take him. He’s built like Cory Redding. Shirt him. Feed him. But not after midnight. Let him grow into the 290 pound DT he’s destined to be and then let him rhino trample the Big 12.
Jackson Jeffcoat
Huge get. The son of the most technically sound DE in NFL history is…the most technically sound high school DE I’ve ever seen. Funny, that. Giles may pick up a thing or two from him, frankly. The fact that he’s never worked on his body in a true offseason because of basketball tells you that 260 isn’t far away. Does he have the first step for the Buck position? We’ll find out.
Reggie Wilson
Some guys just have violence written all over their film. Scorsese IMO. I absolutely love him and think he has the potential to be a run stopping terror and a quality pass rusher. His base (read ass) pushes him through double teams like a jaws of life. Jeffcoat is playing chess out there, Wilson picks up the board and beats you on the head.
Taylor Bible
If he drops 40 pounds and stays healthy, he’s Russell Maryland. This shit is pretty simple. Getting him away from Mama Bible is key to getting control of his weight.
DeAries Cotton
De Greek God of War is pretty solid. If you’re not rooting for a DT starting combo of Bible and Cotton at Texas then we are done here and you didn’t appreciate the Colt McCoy era at all. Any other year we’re talking about the big boy with good push and a lot of potential. We land Bible and Dorsey and now he’s George Harrison next to McCartney and Lennon. Cotton doesn’t have Bible or Dorsey’s natural quickness, but he’s a rock inside. If we have several DTs pan out – is he a possible OL? I’d like that move if we’re looking to inject some athleticism and aggression.
Ashton Dorsey
I like this guy a lot. People know he’s good, but he’s the most underappreciated guy in the class. That first step can’t be taught and he brings intensity and some technique. I think he’s big time and the most ready to play now.
Aaron Benson
I’ve heard mixed things on Benson, but I’ve only seen positive things on film. Do you think that’s because it’s a highlight tape? He can run, he likes to hit, but his primary deficiency seems to be overruning a play and letting his body get out of a good athletic base. That seems easily correctable – we have real LB coaching now. That he is considered our 3rd best LB recruit is endlessly amusing to me. Robert Killebrew seems like a long time ago.
Jordan Hicks
The best thing to come out of Ohio since the invention of the radio frequency mass spectrometer. I’ve coveted this guy since I first saw his reels. Put him at WLB and let the 120 tackle, 18 TFL, 5 sack and 3 interception seasons roll in. He’s going to bring us a lot athletically and as a leader. I’m looking forward to seeing him on special teams in the Fall.
Tevin Jackson
A decade ago, Tevin Jackson is probably playing for the U. Like Reggie Wilson, he embraces the violent aspect of the game and he has unique athletic ability. Jordan Hicks is a more complete athlete in a hand-eye, lateral movement, general athletic awareness sense, but they’re physical equals and Tevin is the guy you’d probably rather not see in an alley – concrete jungle or running off tackle. We need that. This is a guy that will roll at 240 and run a sub 4.6. Yes, please.
Carrington Byndom
Despite being named after a Dynasty character, I like Carrington because he’s probably the most physical skinny kid you’ll see on film. He’s 170 pounds dripping wet and he fills the alley against the run like he’s Steve Atwater. Scipio’s Iron Law: skinny East Texas kids that love to hit and can run become bigger East Texas kid that love to hit and can run even faster. Nathan Vasher agrees. My only concern is whether Byndom has the hips to play CB for us.
Bryant Jackson
Must I repeat Scipio’s Iron Law to you? Bryant is a 6-3 Byndom with superior ball skills. Redshirt, eat, lift, repeat. We haven’t had a big rangy guy in our secondary in a while – suggestive that we’re going more zone.
Adrian White
He always struck me as a better athlete and camp guy than football player, but people I respect swear that his on field performance is matching his athletic ability with some newfound athletic confidence. DeSoto plays him on an island that makes Pelieu seem crowded, so it’s probably understandable that Mike Davis always takes his lunch money. I’m from Missouri on the guy, but not Branson. Or East Saint Louis. I’m thinking of a small lake community with an active but non-intrusive HOA.
Adrian Phillips
I like this cat. He has tough minded baller written all over him and his film is a pleasure to watch because you can see stubborness and will-to-win in his play. He does whatever it takes for his team to win from QB to WR to DB and he brings the wood and ball skills. He’s much bigger than he looks. He’s like a lot of guys in this class in that he’s extremely physical, the football field loves him more than the stopwatch, and he’s a well-rounded athlete. I’m not shy about taking good athletes that don’t project neatly – there’s a lot of value there.
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Those are my thoughts. I welcome yours.
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Hiphopopotamus commented on the blog post Big Dance: Day Two 1 minute ago
Was pretty disappointed with OSU’s shitburger last night though. I’ve never seen Anderson so bad…almost looked hurt. 5-2 first round isn’t bad though.
We really ought to get 4 team into the Sweet 16 though, with only Missouri having much of an excuse to not advance.
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Hiphopopotamus wrote a new blog post: Bid Dance: Day Three 3 minutes ago
A little late getting this up today, as our first game is already in the second stanza, but we’ve got plenty more to keep us all fat and giggly.
Lunch
2) Villanova v. 10) St. Mary’s – I like this to be a highly entertaining, competitive game from beginning to end. St Mary’s will likely jump out
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NorthDallasSooner commented on the blog post Rumor Alert–TMG 10 minutes ago
Cameron Clark, #5 3-position player in country (Scout) from Sherman, Committed. T.J Taylor, 3 star two guard from Denison, committed. We seem to have Texoma bottled up. Lots of others “interested.”
This is a rumor at this point and not confirmed, so we’ll see.
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 24 minutes ago
Texoz,
As much as we need to find an identity on offense, we also need to address our defensive schemes. If JCB and JH are two big contributors and we play a 6′6″ guy at 4 and a foul prone freshman in the middle then we need to re-examine our principles on defense. We
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dick commented on the blog post Second Round Bets 38 minutes ago
I ended up going the other way and taking St Mary’s. Unfortunately, we’ve all become experts at basketball team collapses this year and Villanova’s collapse looks too familiar.
I really like Washington today for the reasons you mentioned. I have them in my Calcutta too so I have a lot riding on them.
I am
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Recapping the West 40 minutes ago
Yea, Mack was very good. He got really hot in the right game. Aubrey Coleman was pretty good too. And your definitely right Jordan Crawford. He’s fun to watch….
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Jorgrama commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 1 hour, 1 minute ago
Barnes has lost two longtime assistants and gained Paulino and Ogden–two guys who really only know what he’s taught them. Seems like he should look to the outside for some methodology.
Two, got to recruit fewer projects. Fewer spindly white guys that need to gain 30 pounds of muscle. Fewer all-purpose guards who you
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Kevin Berger commented on the blog post Recapping the West 1 hour, 2 minutes ago
Thanks Patrick. UTEP played dumb and Butler was en fuego. Be nice to have a Shelvyn Mack on this Texas team, huh?
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Kevin Berger wrote a new blog post: Recapping the Midwest 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
There were lots of fireworks and exciting games in this region. Let’s start at the top.
Kansas vs. Lehigh
Lehigh never had a realistic shot, but I’m sure they gained Kansas’ respect as a sixteen seed. They’re pretty athletic, especially inside. Again, I ask the tournament selection committee; this was the worst team in
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Recapping the West 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
Great recaps, Trips, er Kev. Keep pumping out the great content. Sorry about UTEP…..
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Rumor Alert–TMG 1 hour, 30 minutes ago
NDS,
What will your team look like w/o those two guys? Who do you have coming in???
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Nike U in Turmoil 1 hour, 41 minutes ago
Getting off a sinking ship. Bellotti is supposedly very much like Mack in his affinity for the media. I’ve always wondered about the assumption that Mack would be happy as the Texas AD when he could just go get a cushy analyst job. Mack clapping in studio would be great TV, no??
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Kevin Berger wrote a new blog post: Recapping the West 1 hour, 43 minutes ago
The Wild West was anything but considering all games played according to seed except for Vanderbilt and Murray State. Let’s start with the big dog.
Syracuse vs. Vermont
The Orange took an early first half lead and never looked back. Using five players with double figure scoring, and a new-look zone missing interior presence Arinze
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 1 hour, 43 minutes ago
AAS wrote a dumbed down version of this subject today. Barnes says he’s bringing in another guard. Good, because I feel very confident in our depth in the front court. Alexei, white stiff #1, and white stiff #2 make me ooze with confidence especially behind a true freshman and undersized 4…….
Barnes, asked
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Farmer Ted wrote a new blog post: Suh Meets with Lions 2 hours, 3 minutes ago
Not too long ago we laughed at the idea that a team would consider taking anyone ahead of Ndamukong Suh in the NFL draft. Now it appears very possible — even likely — that the Rams will take QB Sam Bradford with the #1 pick, which would give the Lions the next shot at Suh
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Black Scholes commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 2 hours, 6 minutes ago
Hamilton needs 1-2 years to seriously work on the deficiencies in his game. He goes now, and in a couple of years he’s “whatever happened to …?”. The risk is while he might get drafted now on potential, if he can’t/won’t develop as a player he won’t even have that to offer in
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NorthDallasSooner commented on the blog post The week in news- Pariahs, Malcontents and Power Hour 2 hours, 32 minutes ago
“Coincidentally I maintain a subscription to Texas Monthly magazine in an effort to keep up with my roots in some way, shape or form. The April issue showed up at my house this afternoon and features a fairly in depth article about the ongoing drama between Texas Tech and the Dread Pirate Leach. The more
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Kevin Berger wrote a new blog post: Recapping the East 2 hours, 35 minutes ago
Again, no news is good news when you’re one of the top seeds in the region. That motto holds true in the East as the top four seeds advanced.
Kentucky vs. East Tennessee State
This was a blood bath from the tip. Anyone that thinks this young Wildcat club may have one eye on the
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NorthDallasSooner wrote a new blog post: Rumor Alert–TMG 2 hours, 44 minutes ago
It’s certainly unconfirmed, but I got this email this morning from a friend who follows the hoops program very closely. Stay tuned……
“A very reliable source close to the OU BB program told me yesterday TMG is gone. He packed his bags and unless Capel can talk him out of it our PG for the future has left
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Sailor Ripley commented on the blog post The week in news- Pariahs, Malcontents and Power Hour 3 hours, 2 minutes ago
Great survey, whiskey. I miss football a lot.
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Kevin Berger wrote a new blog post: Recapping The South 3 hours, 8 minutes ago
There were lots of surprises in this region and a near miss or two that could have really turned this bracket upside down. But after the dust settled, seeds 1 through 4 remain alive…for now anyway.
Duke vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Let’s start at the top where Duke methodically disposed of an Arkansas -Pinebluff cub that gave
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Because We’re Dedicated To Doing Stupid Things – Tiny Gallon Reportedly Took Payout 3 hours, 23 minutes ago
Funny, an OU blog talking about a Texas’ team when referencing the state of unrest and embarrassment. I mean, you have such a rich history to draw from. I’ll miss Tiny. Like Sailor, I love his nickname…..
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Sailor Ripley commented on the blog post Because We’re Dedicated To Doing Stupid Things – Tiny Gallon Reportedly Took Payout 3 hours, 30 minutes ago
Why do bad things happen to bad people?
I will always love the name Tiny Gallon. I see him being a fan favorite in Turkey and he’s going to love the souvlaki.
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whiskey commented on the blog post The week in news- Pariahs, Malcontents and Power Hour 3 hours, 58 minutes ago
This all might actually work out for Tebow in the end. If nothing else he is both a winner and a fierce competitor. I will be surprised if he goes the way of Eric Crouch. I am also liking Quinn’s chances in Denver. He knows that offense and he will
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Ag_in_TX wrote a new blog post: Utah State Post-Mortem 4 hours, 16 minutes ago
Have You Read the Gospel According To Mark? – Sign hanging in Spokane last night.
At some point, you have to ask if A&M is the best coached team in the Big XII. All due respect to Mr. Self in Kansas – but to use a poker analogy – Self is trying for a flush
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Trips Right wrote a new blog post: Second Round Bets 4 hours, 31 minutes ago
Since my leans are hitting at a better rate than my wagers I’m going to go back to basics and post every thing I like but down to half a unit. We’ll see if that works.
Here goes:
Villanova -4.5: After a scare against Bob Morris, time for the ‘Cats to wake up. Too
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Patrick Bateman wrote a new blog post: Texas Turns the Page 5 hours, 46 minutes ago
Well, WTF was that? A train wreck is what. That’s how the entire Texas basketball season can be described. A screaming, screeching, ugly train wreck. After ascending to #1 in the nation for the first time in school history, the wheels just fell off during conference play. You can read all about the final and
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Ibas water bottle commented on the blog post Because We’re Dedicated To Doing Stupid Things – Tiny Gallon Reportedly Took Payout 7 hours, 49 minutes ago
At what point do A.Ds stop hiring Duke people? At a certain point former coach K players stop being successful college players and start being coaches with shady recruiting results right?
Oh and God bless the crime rate in Stillwater. The simple odds keep the shit from hitting the fan regularly for us.
Who
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Nate Heupel commented on the blog post Oklahoma Sooners – Recruiting So Far 11 hours, 33 minutes ago
BOC: Neither has visited, yet we hold ’ships open for both.
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Nate Heupel wrote a new blog post: Because We’re Dedicated To Doing Stupid Things – Tiny Gallon Reportedly Took Payout 11 hours, 41 minutes ago
TMZ reports that Tiny Gallon took a $3000 payout from an agent.
My God, Capel has no control over this team whatsoever. This is 2007 offseason Texas football levels of embarrassing. You can’t let a half dozen bad apples spoil a bushel of 10 apples…that analogy sucked balls, but you get my
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Sailor Ripley said:
February 5th, 2010 at 2:39 am
Collegiate Michael Irvin.
NateHeupel said:
February 5th, 2010 at 3:19 am
Scipio, you are the Bobby Fischer of interwebs blogging. Crazy? Like a member of the Osbourne family. Or the Partridge family. Talented? In ways that are unheard of and unfair. Prone to random and inexplicable disappearing acts? Check.
I am surprisingly not that deeply worried about the national nature of OU’s class. Normally, that doesn’t pan out for us, but all the guys we got seem to be genuinely willing to drink the kool-aid (read: their own urine and vomit). Good times.
Soliver 465 said:
February 5th, 2010 at 4:25 am
Good write up, thanks.
Especially enjoyed the Peleliu reference.
dedfischer said:
February 5th, 2010 at 5:52 am
This class is ridiculous. I guess I’m the only guy on the planet who feels Daniels is a better athlete than Wilson on film. Historically, I’ve always felt the long striders with stiff hips end up as inside players at Texas.
BatesHorn said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:00 am
Dude, gimme some of that good shit, scip.
Yeah, that’s it. Make those dt’s go away. Yeeeeeaah…..
Honky Lips said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:07 am
Pardon me, holmes, we’re not from around here but I believe East St. Louis is in Illinois.
Currently in Rehab said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Welcome back Scip!
LurkerintheDark said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:40 am
Has Texas football ever been better or in better hands? It’s not perfect, but even Royal had his detractors during the three 6-4 seasons. Mack has never had that kind of dip in results. With the kind of talent he has been bringing in, and this class to top it all, it’s no wonder that Texas football is “relevant” again. Clearly, the recruits feel it, too. How else such an embarrassment of riches? God, it’s good to be a Longhorn fan.
Great thanks to all of you who are knowledgeable for your insight. I have no idea what-the-hell a “3 tech” means, but you’ve got me worked up about it.
magnusbleuveigner said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:49 am
It seems we have some can’t miss NFL talent. Hicks, Jeffcoat, Jackson, Espinosa, Davis, etc…..
My man-crush begins with Jackson and Davis. Everything I’ve read about Jackson screams gangster (in a good way) ass leadership a la Ray Lewis. He talks about killing ball carriers like he’s a 70’s era Raider. I love it. Davis does in fact seem to be positively motivated by anger. It always struck me as odd that he verbaled to LSU about 5 minutes after he realized we weren’t offering at our first Jr. day. Good hearted competitive anger. We might have some diva issues with him like when he has 3 catches for 25 yards in a 50 point win, but he will also want the rock when everybody elses testicles are hiding in their stomach.
Welcome back.
eloy said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:50 am
“And Bruce Willis has an improbable plan that may just stop it…”
I like my Doomsday scenarios to be thwarted by a Sean Connery/Nic Cage duo a la The Rock, but to each his own…
Good write-up.
txcastle said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:56 am
So mike davis = mike irvin circa ‘84?
what a turn-around to get where we are. I remember all too vividly watching the white’s, davis’s, jeffcoat’s, bible’s and jackson’s going out of state prior to mack’s arrival.
beowulf said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:58 am
Nice.
Freshmen contribute these days, even at Texas. Even at QB; or DT.”>)
Which of these new guys do you see, by necessity or pure talent or whatever, contributing in a significant manner this coming year? We need receiver and interior D-line help most, IMO. And someone will have to be the back up QB. Harris ain’t the guy.
McPuddingpop said:
February 5th, 2010 at 7:02 am
Welcome back, Scip. Best of Times reference made me laugh out loud. One question though: if Connor Wood wears the white shoes a la Reno Hightower, who’s going to be Jack Dundee?
LoneOptimist said:
February 5th, 2010 at 7:08 am
I hale from the same monotheistic HS as Connor, and had the opportunity to see him in action. I do have the fear that his competitive edge may be lacking now, but going to TX could change that. Also, the miserable level of skill on his OL could be seen as great practice for our well…lack of ability there. Once he has WRs that can actually catch he could be a real gem…
johnnymac said:
February 5th, 2010 at 7:13 am
A three technique is a DT that lines up somewhere to the outside of the offensive guard. Roughly, if you count the center as ‘0′, then each succeeding gap and player is a higher number. By reference, the traditional DT that lines up directly over the guard would be a ‘two technique’. You can probably figure out what the nose tackle would be.
Michael Irvin was still Michael Irvin before he ever went to the Cowboys. The reason he was so good in college – and became an NFL hall of famer – was because of his work ethic and his mudhole attitude combined with physical talent. If Mike Davis is what Scipio says he is, then he will be a star for the exact same reasons.
Texoz said:
February 5th, 2010 at 7:15 am
Ah, sweet, sweet nectar.
Looks like we might win a few games over the next 4 years.
nordberg said:
February 5th, 2010 at 7:34 am
“One question though: if Connor Wood wears the white shoes a la Reno Hightower, who’s going to be Jack Dundee?”
Gideon
Musburger said:
February 5th, 2010 at 7:41 am
Can’t wait for my first Gideon’s Bible reference…
Drinkin’ games, shminkin’ games…
Welcome back, Scip!!
Blueshorn said:
February 5th, 2010 at 7:55 am
He lives!!!
Fried Rice said:
February 5th, 2010 at 8:04 am
Jordan Hicks — I’ve coveted this guy since I first saw his reels.
I guess that removes all doubt.
jc25 said:
February 5th, 2010 at 8:25 am
What are the odds that a class has a 100% success rate? Because you just convinced me of that.
ghostofagroundgame said:
February 5th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Good to have you back man. The throngs were restless.
Tevin Jackson is the kind of bad-ass that this team needs. A beating heart of football field anger. You have to have dudes like that. And it seems to work best from the linebacker position.
I got all kinds of fired up about Cobbs at RB after watching copious amounts of on-line fil yesterday. I actually like Traylon Shead a little more than you do too. Unlike Whaley, Shead seems to have wiggle. Whaley’s high school films showed a big, straight-line guy who ran over people. Shead has more than that. Just keep an open mind on the guy — he may play this year.
Agreed about Cotton. What an amazing D-line that is going to be. Christ.
Levander Williams said:
February 5th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Good stuff, man. Welcome the hell back.
Bill Bixby said:
February 5th, 2010 at 8:47 am
jc25,
The odds are exactly zip, but I like all the optimism.
Ares said:
February 5th, 2010 at 9:02 am
“De Greek God of War is pretty solid.”
I think you have me confused with a space ram.
j.r.69 said:
February 5th, 2010 at 9:11 am
Great analysis and writeup–thanks.
Trips Right said:
February 5th, 2010 at 9:29 am
For this post, I give you a slap on the ass.
Laz said:
February 5th, 2010 at 9:38 am
“This guy flew under the radar like a Andorran black helicopter…”
We’re’ not worthy, we’re not worthy
PB @ BON said:
February 5th, 2010 at 9:57 am
(imagine a better Ogbonnaya)
I… I can’t.
Great post. Welcome back.
Levander Williams said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:04 am
In other news, Jordan Hicks’ choice of schools looks even better.
http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-3/Bills-name-Edwards-defensive-coordinator/d4bc880d-7f2e-48a2-8cc4-74e731938c0e
bighornfan32 said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:08 am
You mentioned the controlled rage of Mike Davis and Tevin Jackson. IMO, that is one of the more important qualities to success at a high level. If you look at the NFL, many of those guys are so intense, with such large chips on their shoulders that they are completely obsessed with being the best. That is the only way to survive in such a brutal league. Guys like Ray Lewis, Peyton Manning, Adrian Peterson, and VY function on this will to be the best at all costs. I like that we’ve found some guys like that, because they tend to drag guys up with them, which can only fuel better competition.
dedfischer said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:30 am
I don’t know where to post this tidbit. Talked to James Willis last night at a recruiting dinner thing, whom he referred to Muschamp as being “part of the family.” Whatever that means. But, Saban and Tubs don’t like guys over 6′2″ or 6′3″ on the inside. They prefer anyone over 6′3″ to be an edge player as they lose leverage too easy on the inside. I’m sure there are all kinds of exceptions you can point to, but it might be something to consider in projecting where all these DL bodies will end up. Thought it is was interesting, anyway.
Partying Donner said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Did Bible swallow J.T. Walsh? I know a 40 year old man who’s going to be pissed!!!
Minnesotahorn said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:35 am
My favorite part about this class is how much of it we’ll get to see next year. Davis, Jeffcoat, Hicks and Dorsey are all going to see the field and probably the two deep.
Great stuff. My favorite:
“I’m from Missouri on the guy, but not Branson. Or East Saint Louis. I’m thinking of a small lake community with an active but non-intrusive HOA. “
Partying Donner said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Oops, meant J.W.
We’re all pissed that we lost J.T.
huge said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Bare-tittied stewardesses? Have you flown commercial recently?
bigdukesix said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Glad to see you back writing. A lot of great lines, but my favorite would have to be “ministry of silky walks”.
Nickel Rover said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:43 am
Who do you think is most likely to take Lamarr Houston’s position in 2010? Bible seems the best fit to me but he’s gotta lose weight and demonstrate some fire. I’m waiting also to see which of our projects from previous classes have bulked up to the 280 range.
texastough said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:56 am
DT – Calvin Howell or Dorsey? Didn’t Derek Johnson have an issue (weight? something back home?) and anyone know whether its been cleared up?
Lo Primero said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:57 am
I am noticeably aroused.
microhorn said:
February 5th, 2010 at 11:02 am
Scipio alluded to this is a different way, but the thing I like best about this class is that there isn’t a single WTF!!!! recruit in it.
Max Fischer said:
February 5th, 2010 at 11:11 am
Derek Johnson had a kid…. That was early on and he came back to class. Hopefully he’s learned some technique over the past year because I thought physically he was pretty special.
texastough said:
February 5th, 2010 at 11:14 am
BTW Scip, extremely solid effort but it still doesn’t explain why you left us lost in the wilderness when we needed you most.
Pork Sword said:
February 5th, 2010 at 11:23 am
“Derek Johnson had a kid…. That was early on and he came back to class. Hopefully he’s learned some technique over the past year”
Like how to pull out or put on a rubber?
nordberg said:
February 5th, 2010 at 11:26 am
“BTW Scip, extremely solid effort but it still doesn’t explain why you left us lost in the wilderness when we needed you most.”
It was like in Superman 2, when the bad guys were going apeshit all over America, and Superman was MIA (fornicating w/ Lois).
However, Scipio just landed on the flag pole and asked ipowers if he’d like to step outside, so we’re all good now.
what it do said:
February 5th, 2010 at 11:30 am
“Great thanks to all of you who are knowledgeable for your insight. I have no idea what-the-hell a “3 tech” means, but you’ve got me worked up about it.”
3 Tech = Lamarr Houston (quick mofo)
2 Tech = Ben Alexander (space-eater)
Eskimohorn said:
February 5th, 2010 at 11:35 am
“who’s going to be Jack Dundee?”
Dan Buckner
ValhallaRising said:
February 5th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Great class.
Not sold on Espinosa. He reminds me of John Sullivan (Notre Dame ‘07). Decent talent, but will need to use his skill to makeup for his lack of brawn. He won’t move space eating DT’s and he will need guard help. However, if you get him to move in space (screens) he will be better served. Just my humble opinion.
NY Horn said:
February 5th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Imagine if we had hired Muschamp after the 2006 season. What would he have done with Derry and Killebrew?
Blueshorn said:
February 5th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
…so we’re all good now.
What’s this “we’re” shit? I’ll be good when I get my BCS title game post-mortem. I need closure.
Art Vandelay said:
February 5th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
“press conferences in hot tubs with bare-titted stewardesses”
Jessie Armstead meets Charlie Wilson’s War.
Welcome back Scipio!!
Aaron Williams said:
February 5th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
“We haven’t had a big, rangy guy in our secondary in a while”
Whatchu talkin bout Willis!
Blake Gideon and Brock Fitzhenry said:
February 5th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
“Scipio alluded to this is a different way, but the thing I like best about this class is that there isn’t a single WTF!!!! recruit in it.”
What’s that supposed to mean.
Trips Right said:
February 5th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Scipio is the Master. And by Master I mean the fortune cookie machine in The Last Dragon. So when I input Alabama Post Mortem all I get is, “He who throws dirt is losing ground.”
Saltshaker said:
February 5th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Guys, this is the squad. Coupled with our returning young line up, we have something that resembles a mission crew out of a Jerry Bruckheimer movie.
The only thing I don’t like is our O-Line coach. With the graduation of Hall, Tanner, and Ulatoski……..it’s an instant upgrade. Espinosa brings something that has been missing on the Offensive hog line for the last 3 years………..attitude and some facial hair. Word is, he can do push ups and does them often.
Hell who knows, he may even bother getting into the gym so he doesn’t end up reach blocking like a flat footed dough ball. Rumor has it that he has the mental awareness to not release the end on the blind side with a freshman quarterback on his own 5. He also understands the concept of double teaming the best tackle in college football instead of letting the guard get lifted up and thrown onto the quarterback.
We will never know the true abilities of Colt McCoy or what he could have accomplished. He won every major award he could have accept the Heisman, and he did it with a mediocre left side line and a sub par right side.
This will change instantly next year.
Nickel Rover said:
February 5th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Let’s not get too excited about replacing Ulatoski, especially with Mr. Walters still injured. We should be immediately upgrading at Center though which is a big plus. Ulatoski was a good player though.
Anthony Munoz said:
February 5th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
“Let’s not get too excited about replacing Ulatoski, especially with Mr. Walters still injured. ”
True dat. Let’s pray for a healthy Walters because I shit and piss my pants when I think about Hix at LT going against the Von Millers of the world.
nordberg said:
February 5th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
I’m worried we will feel it necessary to move Allen back to tackle.
jpsantini said:
February 5th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
This writeup is the perfect cherry on top of the 2010 recruiting season sundae. Finally, closure. Now I can move on to other things. Thank you, Scip.
Anthony Munoz said:
February 5th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Well, I just shit and pissed my pants again. Walters out indefinately..
hopefulhorn said:
February 5th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Welcome back, Scip.
Thanks for the rundown. Like the focus on the level of nasty. That can get lost in the emphasis on heights, weights, 40 times and bench press numbers–which this group also has in spades. If guys like that can stay in school and avoid off-field trouble, look out.
Should be a fun group to watch.
Count me among those NOT pleading for a NCG post-mortem. Anyone who read your posts dating back to summer shouldn’t need one. The things you warned about all year beat us.
Gideon's closing speed said:
February 5th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
“The things you warned about all year beat us.”
who me?
Scipio Tex said:
February 5th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I can’t write the Post-Mortem because once I left the Rose Bowl I couldn’t bring myself to rewatch the game. Still haven’t.
magnusbleuveigner said:
February 5th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
That motherfucker is still on my Tivo. I can’t bring myself to erase it, and I damn sure can’t bring myself to rewatch it.
Mike Cook said:
February 5th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
I brought myself to look at my photos from the game and then loathed that decision, but I can’t delete them either. I know what I saw and it is enough. Time to move on.
drborange said:
February 5th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
magnus, exactly!
torre said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Thanks Scip! Did you see the Statesman interview with Gerry Hamilton. He is also enamored with Tevin Jackson, moreso than Hicks (para 9)
http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/recruiting-expert-q-a-horns-are-nation-s-214876.html
BTW, at this late date, is it too much to ask for a BCS Champ Game post mortem. My psychiarist says it will be an important part of my 12-step program.
bevorebel said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
I deleted it the moment I walked in the door returning from being at the game. I like to preted that it never happened. That, right before Jan. 7th, there was a massive Ref strike across all levels of football which disallowed the game to ever be played…I also believe in Santa Claus and reject any notion of the 1991 Cotton Bowl.
HenryJames said:
February 5th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Uh, torre? That’s Tom Lemming, not Gerry Hamilton.
torre said:
February 5th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
My bad HJ, Thanks for the correction!
Art Vandelay said:
February 5th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
magnusbleuveigner said:
February 5th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
“That motherfucker is still on my Tivo. I can’t bring myself to erase it, and I damn sure can’t bring myself to rewatch it.”
Ditto.
My 8 year old son was watching the game with me and had his Colt jersey on. At halftime he was tired and sad, so I put him to bed and told him I would wake him if we came back (I almost woke him with 4 minutes left). I checked on him after the game and draped the Colt jersey over the end of his bed.
Mysterious Package said:
February 5th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Ulatoski may have been good to some, but he flat out let the end go and kill Gilbert. Chris and crew have finally graduated, sadly that was the only way to get rid of them. No more patty cakes bakers man and duck duck goose. Hopefully the pussines(sp?) left with them
whoopspat said:
February 5th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Count me in the intrigued camp for John Harris. His arms are impressively long and he’s a tall guy. I think he’ll be a situational guy as a target but Mack made it clear in his press conference they liked his blocking.
nordberg said:
February 5th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
I actually didn’t even finish watching the game, and deleted everything from my DVR with about a minute left in the game. Or right after Bama’s last score.
It might not have been as hard on me as others, as I pretty much conceded the game when Colt went out. Getting to within three with three minutes to go was a miracle, considering the circumstances. It is the ultimate “what if” game of my lifetime, and I’d prefer to never think about it again.
Horncasting said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
“My 8 year old son was watching the game with me and had his Colt jersey on. At halftime he was tired and sad, so I put him to bed and told him I would wake him if we came back (I almost woke him with 4 minutes left)”
Same story at my house. I took my then 7 year old to Academy to get shirts after the 2006 NC. Once we got within 3 and had the ball this time, I was so looking forward to waking him up, getting bundled up and driving down to the Co-op (in San Antonio). Would have been a great father son moment.
CloseToJumping said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
I enjoyed the write-up. I agree with a lot of it, so I won’t clog the thread with seconding any of those thoughts.
In regard to Shead, I have never agreed with your position on the guy. He’s TB or bust and you’re overthinking it.
I feel about the same in regard to McCoy. I can’t judge a ton from ankle and wrist width, and neither can you. It is amusing to read though.
Harris just doesn’t do it for me. I hope to be surprised. I guess I’ve seen enough guys like this to think “Adron Tennell” or “Philip Payne” and move on. I might just be a cynic in regard to receivers that Kennedy loves early.
I am starting to think that I’m the only guy that doesn’t think Daniels is a lock to be moved down. That could be stupidity on my end.
Blueshorn said:
February 5th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
I understand everyone not watching it. I was at the game, too. I’ve re-watched it a couple of times and it’s painful. But it has a trainwreck or firetruck attraction to it and I needed a better view to see WTF happened. And I wanted to get a better look at Gilbert in action.
Anyway, I was just shittin’ Scip about abandoning us in our time of need.
Scipio Tex said:
February 6th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
ctj -
I feel about the same in regard to McCoy. I can’t judge a ton from ankle and wrist width, and neither can you. It is amusing to read though.
I’ve seen Case in person. Gangly doesn’t describe it. And it’s pretty easy to judge and understand. There’s a reason thoroughbreds are always breaking their ankles.
If Shead is TB or bust, I’m probably leaning towards the latter.
Daniels looks a lot like Cory Redding to me. I think he’s a guy that weighs 270 in a year. Then you have to make a judgement as to whether to consciously keep his weight down and keep him at DE or let him fill out to 290.
Hornmatic said:
February 6th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I prefer Mike Gacia comparisons. They both have mexican names and those latin eyes…
Hornmatic said:
February 6th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Obviously talking about Dom Espinosa
Dave said:
February 7th, 2010 at 1:19 am
Dorsey looks like Tommie Harris on the highlight reel that I saw. I have no idea who the competition is, though. I’ve been out of state too long.
The Tortilla Retort — Blog — Two Loops & a Hooey said:
February 7th, 2010 at 8:51 am
[...] stumbled out of a 30-day heroin binge in Chinatown to take a look at the recruiting class. The abridged version is Texas signed a bunch of badass defensive players and wide receivers. I [...]
erndoggiedog said:
February 7th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Love our class and nice write up, but you guys are being too tough on yourselves again. I remember writing we would win 31-20 or more before the big game when so many of you were poo pooing our chances.
It’s life. Just receive it for what it was. Don’t hate it for the rest of your life or go jump off a bridge. We could have dominated. We didn’t because of several coaching mistakes, imo. It was a great dream-of-a-comeback that didn’t quite materialize. As everyone says these days, “It is what it is.” Just embrace it.
I think it was an awesome story. I still don’t want to watch it again, but that is because I know the story and that is all there is to it. I am glad that our team is not a bunch of @#$@ but can fight the way football is suppose to be played. Our coaching staff in general is great, but with some Achilles heels to them. I love it. I love Texas football. I will scream the first game we throw 4x as many screens as deep balls next year, but I love Texas football because it is awesome. And if we would just start Darius White and Davis next year and throw them the ball, I will go and give my wife and kids some more kisses.
erndoggiedog said:
February 7th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Speaking of, I just went in to the other room to get my wife and kid and head over to my boy’s house for the Super Bowl — and I can’t help but think how much more I would rather watch a Texas championship game again!
Koufax said:
February 7th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Johnson is married to a girl back home. Not sure if theres a kid yet, but there was alot of speculation that he would transfer back to be with her.
exuLt said:
February 8th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
I like the quadrupole RF mass spectometer out of Pennsylvania, myself.
Mike said:
February 8th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
You’re sucking MD’s cock a little early here.
UT wildcatter said:
February 8th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Koufax-
She may have moved to Austin, atleast that was the plan when he got homesick and missed the 2nd summer semester