The Longhorn Network

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Longhorns Fire Charlie Strong
Longtime McMurry Coach Rumored as Replacement​

Austin, TX- After several years of lackluster performance on the field, Charlie Strong has been relieved of his duties at Belmont.

Texas has seen its performance dip markedly since the retirement of Mack Brown despite promising recruiting classes in each of Strong's three seasons in Austin. And the big money donors are ready to see Texas return to the upper echelon of college football.

Rumors are that the plan for resurgence starts with a move to the ACC next season. The Longhorns have been mired in mediocrity in the Big XII, and hope a change of conference can rejuvenate the program in
the same way TAMU was after their move to the SEC. Belmont has no comment on the ACC rumors as of now.

There are two coaches Texas is rumored to be interested in; both of which are currently at small schools. Hugh G. Rection is currently coaching at D3 Hardin-Simmons. He hasn't had the most success, but he is a polar opposite in philosophy to the departed Strong. Coach Rection completely sells out for his offense.

The last four recruiting classes have failed to sign even one player for the defensive side of the ball. His oddball philosophy has resulted in perhaps the best offense in the history of small school football, paired with undoubtedly the worst defense. Coach Rection’s Air Raid averages 75.6 ppg, and his defense gives up 84.5.

The second coach is more balanced and a much more reasonable choice. Pops Krispie has been the head coach at McMurry for 35 years. Coach Krispie has had numerous opportunities to leave Abilene over the years, but has been adamant that Texas is the only job he would leave for. He runs a balanced offensive attack out of the Pistol, with the option game and play action being his staples. Defensively he runs an extremely vanilla 4-3 scheme, and expects excellence to come from repetition. McMurry has never been a power under Krispie, but there have been runs of sporadic success over the years.

Look for Krispie to be named head coach sometime this later this week.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Coach Krispie Threatens New Signees

"I'm only happy with five of you turds!"​

Austin, TX- New head football coach Pops Krispie is putting his new recruits on warning, and many of them won't like what they hear.

Coach Krispie let it be known that he will honor the comittments to the previous coach, but he isn't happy with them eating up roster space.

"Thomas Alexander, Andy Brooks, Matt Cook, Darrick Long, and Leon Armstrong are the only players I will guarantee a spot beyond spring practice. The rest of you have lots of work to do."

Thomas Alexander is the #14 DT in the country, and improved enough during his senior season to earn a fourth star from ESPN. He is a little small for the DT spot,(6'3"; 260 lbs) but UT was able to pry him away from two prominent Big 10 programs in Michigan and Nebraska. With Hassan Ridgeway and Paul Boyette moving on after this season he will have an opportunity to challenge for immediate playing time.

Alexander will be joined on the front four by #5 DT (#91 ovr) Matt Cook from Pensacola, FL. Cool has prototypical size (6'4", 285 lbs) and good strength for the position. Poona Ford and true freshman Tommy Sullivan will be the only returning DT's so Cook will have an opportunity to play big minutes as well.

The next two names on Coach Krispie's list will both slide into the defensive backfield.

It's no secret that Krispie likes size on the edges and Andy Brooks (#8 CB, #213 ovr)fits the bill at corner. Brooks is a 6'2" 205 pound 'power corner' with good skills in zone and man coverage. He is the son of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks. Brooks can run with anyone, and has the size and strength to give a good bump at the line. Texas is in good shape at corner (4 returnees) and Coach Krispie is hopeful Brooks can benefit from a redshirt year.

Darrick Long (#3 SS, #71 Ovr) is used to the superlatives white athletes hear, 'scrappy', 'sneaky athletic', 'grinder', and he's tired of it. The problem is that the shoe fits. He's slow (82), with good play recognition, and hustles all game long. Any player who makes it to the D1 level as an athlete is supremely athletic, but Long will be never be listed with the athletic freaks that have played safety in college. Redshirt freshman PJ Locke will be the sole returner at strong safety next year so we should all get to see this deceptively fast, high motor, coach's son on the field next year.

Coach Krispie loves to use TEs as a matchup problem in the passing game, but he expects them to block inline just as well. Leon Armstrong fits the bill. Armstrong is more an H-Back type than a true TE (6'4", 227 lbs) but he uses his size to his advantage against defensive backs, and his speed against linebackers. He has some work to do in the blocking game, and with Andrew Beck and Garrett Gray returning he may get the chance to redshirt. Armstrong is also a candidate to slide in at FB if Texas whiffs on the position this cycle.

While Coach Krispie didn't mention them by name you have to figure he's ok with several other incoming freshman like: #3 C Allen Johnson of Katy, TX, and #10 TE Dusty Herman of Demopolis, AL. It is also worth mentioning that Texas currently leads Notre Dame for the #12 OLB Richard Miller from San Benito, TX, #17 Athlete Paul Walker from West Odessa, TX, and Willie Davis the #3 QB from Richardson, TX.

Texas was rumored to have 19 slots this season, but I will be astonished if they come anywhere close to that number after spring cuts.

Coach Krispie has vowed to hit the trail strong next season, "We will search high and low for the players that fit what we want to do. But we need to close on a few targets this season before we turn our eyes to next year's class."

Texas has 9 players signed so far and if they close on signing day with their top 3 targets they will have some serious work to do next season.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Year .5 Longhorn Recruiting

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Signs 1st Commit
#11 OLB Chooses 'Horns​

Henderson, TX- Its no secret that new Texas coach Pops Krispie has been trying to lockdown east Texas since he got the job. Today he took a big step forward with a commit from Henderson linebacker Michael Harris.

Harris is likely to make a switch to MLB as the Longhorns attempt to build a faster, sleeker defense. The Henderson native is 5'11" 215 pounds and has impressive athleticism and coverage ability.

Harris is one of the fastest linebackers in the country (88 speed) and should be able to play sideline to sideline from the middle linebacker spot. His speed helps in coverage as well (80 zone, 68 man.)

Harris will need to work on getting off blocks (64 power moves, 72 finesse, 80 shed) and wrapping up, but the coaches are excited about the raw tools he has to work with.

Look for Harris to redshirt next season to build his overall skills (77.)

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Coaches Prep For Big Weekend
10 Targets to Visit Red River Shootout​

Austin, TX- The Texas staff is preparing for a huge recruiting weekend as well as a matchup with Oklahoma.

The staff is excited to have their top 10 targets all visiting together and hope to build camaraderie within the group, and lockdown a few commits. Here's a rundown of who will be in town.

Mark Meeks, #5 FS, Country Club Estates, GA (81 overall, +5)
Miami is a legit threat to nab Meeks, and he will visit Coral Gables next week. But Texas has a big lead and a chance to lock him down.
75% Texas

Brandon Brown, #20 Athlete (RB), Tuscaloosa, AL (79 overall, +5)
Nick Saban is in danger of letting a prototype escape from his backyard. Big, strong, power back.
95% Texas

Mike Bishop, #8 DE, Waxahachie, TX (79 overall, +4)
Visited New Mexico State last week, but Texas is still on top. Likely a defensive tackle in Austin.
95% Texas

Tony McCall #2 WR, Vernon, TX (79 overall, +1)
UT is fighting Nebraska, Arkansas State, New Mexico, LSU and Texas A&M. He will be a tough pull even as an in-state prospect.
40% Texas

Geoff Wilson #10 WR, Craig, CO (78 Overall, +4)
Texas is Wilson's only offer. He will choose the Horns eventually.
100% Texas

James Fulton #29 RB, Gainesville, TX (78 overall, +8)
The Horns are fighting LSU, the Aggies, Nebraska, and OU for the jitterbug. He will also be a tough pull despite Texas being in the lead.
50% Texas

Seth Guidry #73 Athlete, Leavenworth, KS (78 overall, +3)
Texas is fighting a hard charging North Carolina for the JUCO athlete. Projects as a WR or QB.
95% Texas

Jason Vincent #8 MLB; Lake Jackson, TX (76 overall, +4)
Air Force wants the speedy middle linebacker, and they may get him. Southwest Texas State, LSU, A&M, and Lousiana-Monroe also in the battle.
75% Texas

Brandon Williams #35 FS; Burleson, TX (70 overall, +3)
Texas, Rice, and Cougar High are chasing him. But he has only scheduled a visit to Austin.
90% Texas

Kevin Jackson #51 Athlete Skiatook, OK (69 overall +1)
Texas is the only D1 school after the positionless athlete. The Horns reportedly want him as a TE, but he could also play anywhere in the front 7 of the defense.

New commit Michael Harris will also be in town to attempt to sway some of the undecideds. He has the same pull Malik Jefferson did a few years back and his gravity may suck in some other good players. Hopefully he is successful.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Three New Commits for Longhorns

Big Recruiting Weekend Pays Off​

Austin, TX- Coach Krispie's strategy to bring in most of the program's targets on one weekend paid off with 3 big time commitments.

Three star safety Brandon Williams out of Burleson, TX comitted as soon as he walked on campus Friday. "I grew up a Texas fan, and knew as soon as I saw the campus and stadium I was home. I couldn't wait to tell coach I was ready."

Williams is a 6'3" 175 pound free safety and will likely redshirt next season. He has solid speed, but needs to work on his ability to cover slot receivers and corners. He is a candidate to move to strong safety to maximize his hard hitting style.

Seth Guidry committed before the recruits checked out the basketball game Saturday, "All the fans knew who I was. I walked into the basketball game, and there were several groups with signs begging me to come down to Austin."

Guidry is a JUCO transfer who will also likely redshirt next season, especially if the coaches choose to keep him at QB. He's one of the top JUCO players in the country, and will have 3 years to play 2. He has good size for QB or even WR if the coaches choose to slot him there instead. And if he stays at QB he will be one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in college football.

The third signer of the weekend waited until he got home to call the coaching staff and make his decision. But Mike Bishop is one of the best defensive players in the country, and the coaches were ecstatic to lock him down.

Bishop has improved a lot over his senior year, and is poised for a jump in the rankings in the next update. The coaches are reportedly split on keeping the 6'2" 257 pounder at DE or sliding him inside to DT. He gets off the ball well, and has a large arsenal of moves to lose his blocker and punish the QB. If he stays on the edge he will see some playing time next season, but if he makes the move inside he will redshirt. Time will tell.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Pulls In 2 More

WR and RB Choose Texas​

Austin, TX- Pops Krispie secured commits from 2 more of his most sought after targets with the comittments of Geoff Wilson (#10 WR) and Brandon Brown (#20 ATH.)

Wilson is the #10 WR nationally and a 4 star recruit. He plucks the ball with his hands, rather than body catches and makes the tough catch in traffic. He has improved significantly through his senior season (78, +5) and the coaches were excited to add him.

Brandon Brown may end up as the star of the class. He was underrecruited, even the hometown Crimson Tide missed on him, but he figures to be a lynchpin of the Texas offense for several seasons.

Brown is 6'1" 237 pounds of power back. He has solid wheels (91 speed) and the ability to go around defenders (86 spin, 83 juke) but relishes the chance to inflict punishment (86 truck.) The coaches at Bryant High in Tuscaloosa tried him at running back this season and he has flourished (79, +5.) Brown is an early graduate and will be at Texas in January which will only help to push his overall skills higher.

Texas is now halfway to their class of 14, with only one target who hasn't locked out the rest of the schools chasing him, super safety Mark Meeks.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Picks Up Lineman

Three Star James Jones Signs​

Oakland Park, FL- Three star guard James Jones has chosen to head west and play his college ball at Texas.

Jones is a big, wide bodied, bruiser who chose UT so he could redshirt. "I know I'm ready, physically, for the college game. But my technique and footwork need to improve before I can be the force I want to be."

Jones is 6'3" 311 pounds and has shown steady improvement throughout his high school career (73, +3)He is the #31 guard nationally and the #594 prospect overall.

He's well balanced and performs well in the run game and pass protection. The Texas coaches are worried about the small school prospect being ready next season, and with all 4 guards on the roster returning they have already let Jones know he will redshirt.

He joined the 'Horns class the same day fellow 3 star, Kevin Jackson signed as well.

Jackson is the #51 ATH, and the Skiatook, OK star looks to move to TE in college. The coaches in Austin are also open to slotting him in the defensive backfield or at OLB.

Jackson is 6'1" 218 pounds, but has excellent strength and pass catching ability. The high school running back would also be terrifying after the catch, which is one reason the coaches are excited about his commit.

Jackson and Jones are the 7th and 8th commits in the newest Texas class.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Almost Done

4 Slots Left​

Austin, TX- Texas signed their 9th and 10th players of the season, both from neighboring states.

Zach Gatewood from Franklinton, LA is a large outside target and measured in at 6'4" 234 pounds. Gatewood is the definition of raw. Good speed (90) combined with a struggle to catch consistently. Despite hands on par with "Hot Hands Heyman" he is polished as a route runner (76) and the coaches hope a long term relationship with a Jugs machine (the football tossing kind, not a big boobed freshman) will help his hands come around.

Ross King, the second Oklahoma prospect to cross the Red River, is a solid defensive back prospect. He is a stocky 193 pounds at 5'11", and he covers well enough to play immediately (76 man, 80 zone) but the coaches will slap a redshirt on him. He needs to work on his field awareness, tackling, and speed (92.) The coaches are exploring a potential move to free safety, but it's highly unlikely.

Texas has 4 Slots to fill. The coaches are hoping for a running back, a free safety, a wide receiver, and one more linebacker.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Grabs First Signee

#2 C Chooses Texas​

Azle, TX- Kevin Henry, the #2 C nationally chose Texas at a hat ceremony Friday evening. The Horns were joined on the table by Arkansas State and Navy.

Henry is a punishing run blocker (86) but will need to work on his pass protection (79.) Even with a glaring hole in his game he is a solid overall player (80, +4)

Henry has good size at 6'3" and 289 pounds and figures to redshirt and find a slot somewhere on the OL. Texas has good depth at center so look for him to slide to guard or tackle for a few seasons.

Henry is a

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Picks Up 8 Commitments

Official Visit Weekend HUGE SUCCESS!!​

Austin, TX- The Texas Longhorns hosted 14 recruits last weekend, and pulled in 8 commitments thanks to a big time win over TCU. The eight Signees moved Texas into the top spot on ESPN.

Texas locked down two standout corners, their QB of the future, a massive target at WR, 2 OL, a new FS, and a punter with an iron leg.

Pops Krispie has been open about trying to build pipelines into neighboring states, especially Louisiana and new tackle Mike Weeks will help build those connections. Weeks is a player out of Kaplan, LA who will redshirt before seeing significant action. He's the #32 tackle national ally, and the #531 player overall. He's categorized as a run blocker, but Kaplan runs an air raid offense so he's a better pass blocker than run blocker at this stage in his career. (68, +1 overall, 79 pass, 73 run, 82 impact)

It's not often you see a team sign a locker with the plan to redshirt him and let him sit before playing, but Texas has done just that with Cameron Dorsey from Crystal City, TX. Dorsey is the #9 punter nationally, and while it's hard to get excited about a kicker Dorsey has excellent potential. (80, +1 overall, 85 power, 75 accuracy.)

Jon Hamilton knows it will be two seasons before he sees significant action as the leader of the Texas offense, but he is itching for the opportunity. Hamilton is a athlete from San Antonio, and is miscast as a WR currently. He's ranked as the #20 athlete and #64 player overall. He will be a big time threat in the option game, and figures to develop a solid arm. (75, +2overall, 86 speed, 81 elusiveness and juke, 83 spin, 82 power and accuracy)

Mike Woods is one of three signees who will jump into action in the back 4. He's a CB and ranked #9 at his position and #189 overall. He is coming cross country from Hazelton, PA and is pumped about helping build a championship culture in Austin. He has the potential to develop into a shut down corner, but will have to work hard to do so. (78, +5 overall, 92 speed, 89 man, 87 zone)

Texas reached into Big 8 country to nab the #6 center in Michael Patterson. Virginia made Texas work hard for him, and he wasn't expected to sign, but pulled the trigger anyway. He will bring good size and athleticism to the field, but he figures to redshirt and eventually end up at guard or tackle. (78, +3 overall, 78 pass, 83 run, 80 impact.)

Texas signed, not one but two top 10 corners this weekend and Robert West the #2 from Liberty, TX chose his childhood favorite. West and Woods have the potential to each lockdown one half of the field and smother opposing passing games. DBU gets another good one. 79, +4, 92 speed, 92 man, 88 zone.)

Texas signed a killer FS in Mark Meeks last season, but moved him to linebacker; and that left a gaping hole in the secondary that #3 FS Kelvin Scott from Federal Way, WA will hope to fill. Texas had to beat out UVA for his services as well, but he made the right decision. (79, +3 overall, 80 tackle, 85 hit power, 72 man, 77 zone.)

Texas signed a huge gem in Andrews, TX star Tony Paris. Paris is a huge talent at WR, in more ways than one. He is 6'5" 207 pounds, and has improved immensely as a senior who has finally grown into his body. Texas was Paris' only offer, but they found a potential future first rounder. (80, +10 overall, 89 speed, 80 catch and spectacular, 83 route running.)

Texas still has 16 spots to fill, and will be hard pressed to sign a full class, but the first 9 put them in a good spot going forward.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Adds 2 More​

P and WR Choose ' Horns​

Austin, TX- The Texas Longhorns added multiple commitments for the second straight week by inking the nation's top punter and another big outside target for the passing game.

Friendswood, TX punter JT Carey decided to do with Texas over the weekend. He's a recruit and the nation's #1 overall punter, though he will handle the kicker role in Austin. (84, -1 overall, 94 power, 74 accuracy)

The Texas coaches literally jumped up and down when athlete Erik Marshall from Maumelle, AR chose the good guys. Marshall projects as an outside WR for Texas, and will be another massive target for the quarterback when his redshirt year is done. Marshall checks in at 6'4" and 239 pounds giving Texas a second WR commit that measures over 6'3". (79, +3 overall, 89 speed, 77 catch, 71 spectacular, 86 route running.)

Marshall and Carey give Texas 11 signees, and leave them with 14 slots yet to be filled. They sit #1 with several targets still on their board, but will be hard pressed to ink them all in the next 4 weeks.

Targets left: Patrick Cole, Neal Alvarez, John May, Carl Utley, Maurice Russell, Keith Ross, Tevita McBride, Lawrence Holmes, Eric Jackson, Kyle McDonald, and Ryan Weeks.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Pulls In 4 Depth Signees

2 OLB, FB, and FS Choose Texas​

Austin, TX- Coach Pops Krispie has already brought in most of his high profile targets, and now Texas is trying to add players who can fill holes further down the line. They took a step forward on that road tonight with commitments from 4 players who might have a significant role in a few seasons.

Fullback Lawrence Holmes is a player who could contribute to the Texas offense as a blocker and receiver in the next 4 years. He will take a redshirt, but he has a great size, speed combo 5'11" 256 pounds and if his raw skills come together could fill the H back role that Johnathan Harris has looked so great in this season. (66, +5 overall, 80 speed, 70 pass, 66 run)

Texas dips into Arkansas yet again for a defensive back with the signing of FS. Keith Ross from Magnolia. Ross will also grab a redshirt next season, and he could develop into a dangerous player, but for now he will bide his time on the bench. (69, 0 overall, 88 speed, 62 man, 71 zone)

Texas needed 2 outside linebackers this season, but not to start anytime soon, and Signees Tevita McBride and Maurice Russell fill the bill. Neither has great speed, but they both shed blocks and make tackles. Both players will take redshirt seasons, and don't figure to see significant action for a few seasons after that.

Russell: 69, +1 overall, 78 speed, 78 tackle, 6r man, 66 zone

McBride: 69, +5 overall, 76 speed, 74 tackle, 69 man, 78 zone

Texas now has 15 commitments, and 10 slots open. Its actually looking like Texas may get close to filling all their tags this season. Texas leads on all but 2 of their remaining targets, and they're climbing on those two.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Carl Utley Chooses Texas
Athlete Stays Home​

Austin, TX- Carl Utley (76, +5 overall) from Rosenberg, TX has chosen to stay in-state and play his college ball in Austin.

Utley projects as a running back or corner, and chose UT over offers from SMU, Texas Tech, TCU, and Baylor.

Utley has good wheels (92 speed) and shows excellent wiggle with the ball in his hands (89 elusiveness, 85 spin, 87 juke) and because he moonlights as a corner excellent hands as well. (74 catch)

Depending on the depth chart after spring ball Utley may grab a redshirt, but if Texas is shallow at running back look for him to get a chance to play right away.

Utley's commitment gives Texas 16 with 9 Slots left. The coaching staff only expects to grab 4 or 5 more.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Wins National Championship

Knocks Off Sister School UTEP​

Coral Gables, FL- Texas and system little brother Texas El Paso squared off, fittingly, in the Orange Bowl for the National title. Arguably more important was the title of "Best team in Texas." Big brother left little doubt.

The Texas defense sacked UTEP 7 times, and choked the life out of an overmatched UTEP offense that mustered only 137 yards of offense, and less than 100 yards rushing and passing. In fact, UTEP totalled just 56 yards passing, and 77 yards on the ground.

Jerrod Heard led the Longhorn offense onto the field for one last victory. Heard finished with over 200 yards through the air, and 3 total TDs, 2 passing and one rushing. The Texas offense picked up 30 first downs en route to over 500 yards of offense.

The clock tower was lit burnt orange when the Longhorns finally made it back to Austin with their 5th undisputed national title. Pops Krispie is ready to add a 6th to the wall on Darrell K. Royal.

 

[BulgyTexas]

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Longhorns Wrap Up Fifth Title​

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Lead NCAA With Five All-Americans​

Austin, TX- Sometimes teams come along that remind us of teams from years gone by. This past season the Texas Longhorns shed the "soft" label they have been saddled with since Mack Brown was coaching.

This team was made of sterner stuff. It was fire born and steel hardened. But light, and quick. The Valeryian steel of longswords.

There were remnants of the Darrell Royal wishbone era. Two players ran for over 1000 yards, and a third came within 40 yards. But it had the quick strike ability of the mid 2000's Longhorn offense with both thousand yard rushers averaging over 9 yards per carry.

This team had a 3000/1000 quarterback, who almost became the first 300/300 quarterback.

There was no doubt who owned this year's Longhorn team.

Brandon Brown knows about championship teams in college football. He grew up going to Crimson Tide games, and watching Shaun Alexander, Ken Darby, Mark Ingram, and Trent Richardson, but after a stellar career at Bryant High the Tide pretended he didn't exist. No offer, no visit, no letters. And he resolved to make them pay. There's no question the Tide staff knows his name now. Brown finished 40 yards shy of becoming the first Texas freshman since Cedric to break the 1000 yard mark. El Ced needed to be the star to make that happen. Brown had to slug it out as the teams short yardage back, and still almost made it. He was thunder. And he relished it. The thunder will be louder next season.

Ryan Newsome was a spark for the Texas offense all season long. When the offense couldn't get rolling he always seemed to break a long run, or turn a short dump off into a long catch and run. The converted wide receiver was second in carries with 148, but first in yardage with 1398 and nearly averaged a first down each carry at 9.4 yards per rush.

Mark Meeks was the subject of a heated recruiting battle between Texas and Miami. Texas wanted him to be a new breed of linebacker. Miami wanted him to stay at safety. He chose to lead the way. Year one appeared to be a rousing success. He led the team in tackles with 71 and had an absurd 25 tackles for loss. He also managed 3.5 sacks, and came up with 2 turnovers. He is a blur from the middle of the field to the sideline, and figures to get better.

Tommy Sullivan couldn't wait to get to Austin. He had grown up a fan of Tony Brackens, Shaun Rogers, Brian Orakpo, Casey Hampton, and wanted to be the next in line. Its safe to say they're holding a spot for him after this year. Sullivan led the NCAA in sacks with 16.5, came up with 21 tackles for loss and forced 3 fumbles. The sophomore will be back for another go around next season.

Sullivan and Meeks couldn't help the defense enough. They finished in the bottom 25 in too many categories to list, but the defense did enough to let the offense win. The evolution of football may have finally come full circle. What started with the Mighty Mites of Fort Worth Masonic Home in the 1930's has come full circle. Offense wins titles now in Texas.

Jerrod Heard led them through off-season workouts, pushed the upperclassmen to lead the underclassmen, and promised them he would finally finish a season healthy and that they would get to hoist the Coaches Trophy. He didn't let them down.

Heard led a Texas offense that finished #1 in total offense, #1 in rushing offense, #4 in passing offense, and second in scoring. He came in second for the Heisman despite passing for over 3000 yards, rushing for 1200 more and totalling 50 touchdowns, with a 3:1 TD ratio. He was electric with the ball in his hands averaging 9.6 yards per carry.

Texas will miss Heard on the field next season, but with limited pro prospects Heard has made it known he would like to spend the next phase of his life coaching and Pops Krispie is welcoming a new grad assistant with open arms.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Picks Up 7 After RRS

Big Weekend Pays Off Again​

Austin, TX- The Longhorns picked up their first seven commitments Saturday after shellacking long time rival Oklahoma.

Jon Burke from Jacksonville, TX is the biggest prize so far. He's got a great size and speed combo (6'4" 237lbs, 85 speed) and uses his speed well in coverage (82 man, 86 zone.) Burke has been on the 'Horns rafar for a long time and after showing a great deal of improvement as a senior picked up an offer and gave Texas a quick commitment (81, +7.)

The Longhorns have, quite possibly, the youngest set of wide receivers in the country; with all 5 players on the roster being freshman or sophomores. Maurice Jordan will be the first to have the opportunity to redshirt as a freshman. The Niles, OH native chose the Longhorns as a way to get out of the freezing Midwest winters. Jordan is another late bloomer (79, +7) the Longhorns stole without much resistance. He isn't as big as the most recent crop of signees, but he has a good combination of speed, route running and hands (92 speed, 87 route running, 78 catching.)

Texas has struggled with pass defense since Pops Krispie took over and now it appears they're trying to sign as many DBs as possible and hope a few work out. They dipped into Arkansas for another signee this season and came away with Chaz O'Brien (79, +4) from Paragould. He's one of the fastest players in the country (95) and covers well (85 man, 87 zone.) After factoring in his height (6') it's easy to see why the staff believes he can be a lockdown defender.

Texas likes to use the FB in lots of ways. Courtney Landry (76, +1) is the next in line to give it a shot. If Texas decided to run the wishbone again he would be the prototype for the FB. He's big at 6'2" 243lbs, runs well and also blocks (85 speed, 73 pass, 72 run.)

The staff in Austin is fond of "positionless" players. Alex Ball (72, +2) is the first of them to sign this year. Ball has good coverage skills (78 man, 79 zone) but is probably too tall to play as a corner (6'4") he doesn't have the hands to play WR (70 catch) and while he's great with the ball in his hands (84 spin, 85 juke) he doesn't carry it well (59.) It looks like he may end up at safety. If he does it will give the 'Horns a set of safeties with excellent height thanks to the next player on our list.

John Cleveland (77, +2) is a wall on the backend of the defense at 6'6" 204 lbs. He's an in the box safety, that Texas could shift to linebacker depending on how the rest of the class shakes out. He's got good cover skills (67 man, 76 zone) and good speed (87) and does a good job of getting downhill and plugging the ball carrier.

The last signee of the weekend is a solid depth add, who will be a complete liability in pass defense due to a lack of speed. Joel Vinson (76, -2) is a safety with no wheels (79) but is excellent in zone coverage (85) He will redshirt and hope to add speed before he has a chance to see the field.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Picks Up #8

#22 Athlete Chooses Austin​

Austin, TX- The Longhorns picked up their 8th commitment of the season after dominating Georgia Tech. Michael Dunlap from Cut Off, LA decided to go west to Austin instead of east to Miami.

Dunlap projects well to several positions of need for the Longhorns. He could slide in as a lengthy defensive back (80 man, 90 zone.) But he also has the skills to play running back (94 speed, 89 spin, 80 juke) or even wide receiver (74 catching, and route running.)

The Texas staff was excited to secure the commitment from the #22 athlete and #118 overall prospect over the Hurricanes, and can't wait to see where he will be able to wreak havoc. The staff may choose to redshirt the 6'1" 181 pound prospect.

He joins a class currently ranked #2 in the nation, leaves Texas with 12 slots to fill.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Looks To Rebound
Disastrous Campaign Leaves Krispie on Hot Seat

Austin, TX- The Longhorns fell flat last season. That's all there is to it. They struggled in some games, they lost some tight battles, and they lost their head. If the players want to keep playing for Krispie they will have to turn it around this season.

Texas was young, very young, last season, and it played havoc with their approach on both sides of the ball. The Longhorns started 4 underclassmen wide outs, 3 more in the defensive backfield, 2 on the offensive line and 3 in the defensive front seven. Many of those players have grown into their roles.

A new quarterback will lead Texas into the season for the second time in two years, but for the third year in a row they will get to trot out a redshirt senior. Seth Guidry out of Garden City Community College will take the reins for his final season in Austin. He has phenomenal speed and running ability to help spearhead the run game, and throws a pretty ball as well. The 6'2" scrambler will look to leave a mark on the Texas program. Hopefully a better one than Kai Locksley.

Pops Krispie likes a committee approach to the running backs and that won't change this year, despite junior Brandon Brown tearing up his knee in fall camp and taking a redshirt season. Freshmen Neal Alvarez and the son of former major leaguer Chase Utley, Carl Utley will look to lead the ground game. Both backs have breakaway speed, and hope to give the Longhorns a more dynamic attack than if Brown was the ball cow. Alvarez does everything well, with good wiggle and a little power, while Utley is a jitterbug who can scamper away at a moment's notice. Alvarez will be the nominal starter, but both will carry a heavy load.

Wide receiver has been a weakness in Austin for a few years, with multiple freshmen having to step straight onto the field. That changes this season with 2 future players taking a season off, and several key guys looking to take a step forward. Texas has recruited for size on the outside and it looks like their plan is coming through. Geoff Wilson will get the snaps in 1 WR looks and the junior looks to up his game. He's not going to burn many people deep, but he catches everything, and at 6'1" and 203lbs he makes life difficult for opposing DBs.

Sophomore Erik Marshall will attack the defense from the other side. Marshall is a huge target weighing in at 241lbs and standing 6'4". He's quick off the ball and has fantastic hands. Marshall made the freshman all American team last season, and the preseason team this year. He hopes to make an impact as big as he is.

Tony Paris is another big target in the passing game, but adds a little speed to help attack from the slot. He comes in at 6'5" 209lbs and has the potential to dominate smaller players.

Junior Kevin Jackson gets overlooked because of his top end speed, and often it's a mistake. Jackson is another big body at 6'1" 223, and comes with the strength to over power weaker defenders. When the team goes 4 wide don't forget to look for the slow guy.

Texas brings out another monster in 5 WR packages and sophomore Zach Gatewood hits the field. Gatewood is 6'4" 236lbs and 'm outjump almost anyone in the red zone. He won't see much action, but when he does it will be hard to miss him.

The Longhorns have struggled attracting tight ends to campus. Part of that struggle ended in February when Matt Chambers signed his letter of intent. Unfortunately he will redshirt, and the fans will have to wait to see the 6'7" 273lbs former tackle with legit 4.5 speed. Texas will instead trot out Dusty Herman and Leon Armstrong. Herman will get to see the field in single tight sets because he blocks better, but both players are significant threats in the passing game. Hopefully their success will help Texas attract some incoming talent.

The offensive line looks strong for Texas after being a weak link last season. Allen Johnson will finally get a chance to play LT. Johnson is excellent in pass protection, and blocks well in the ground game. Luckily the offensive staff put a true road grader next to him in 6'5" 344lbs Clint Harvey. Clint parlays his size and strength into huge advantages against smaller defenders, and is a nightmare when pulling. Donald Henderson and redshirt freshman Michael Patterson fought a hard battle over spring and fall, but the smaller quicker freshman made sure the 6'8" 335lbs junior will use his heft to hold up the bench. Patterson joined Texas after a hard fought battle with Virginia and the Nebraska native is excited to have a chance to start 4 years.

The right side of the line will have some meat on it wit both starters tipping the scales at more than 320. Florida native James Jones gets the nod at guard while senior Donte Clancy from El Paso will take over outside. Both are talented run and pass blockers, and should keep Guidry upright and create holes for the running backs.

Texas is making a big change in defensive philosophy this season. The coaches have been recruiting for this point since they stepped on campus, and it looks like they finally have the athletes in place to trot out a true hybrid defense.

The Horns look excellent on the defensive line with 4 starters in the 90s overall, and some serious pass rushing ability from all angles.

Paul Walker, not that one, will get a chance to edge rush all day. The undersized junior has an excellent swim move to finesse his way into the backfield and wreak havoc. And James Jansen will attack from opposite flank. The senior also had an excellent swim move, and his acceleration makes him tough to slow down.

Texas took a hard blow when senior Matt Cook was arrested for prostitution. But the coaches took a hard stance and suspended him for the season. It looked like the Horns might be in trouble, but even with Cook on the sidelines Texas will have 3 players rated 92 or better at defensive tackle.

Former national sack champ Tommy Sullivan will have some help inside from sophomore Mike Bishop. Both are excellent pass rushers and help each other from facing double teams. Sullivan and Bishop also have great speed to track down a scrambling QB should he try to take off. Junior Thomas Alexander will give them breathers when they need to take off.

Texas has recruited for speed at the linebacker position, and it's finally paying off. Sophomore Mike Harris will get to play nearly all the snaps this season, and his speed and coverage ability should help him track down running backs and tight ends. He will be joined on the opposite side by junior Richard Miller, another speed demon with excellent zone cover skills. When Texas goes with a 3 linebacker set look for former safety Darrick Long to see some snaps. Long was too slow for the back 4, but more than speedy enough to close down passing lanes and clog holes. He also has good cover ability to help snuff out shorter routes.

Corner and safety were weak positions for Texas last season, but they look to be potential strengths this season with thanks to a little aging. Junior Andy Brooks, and sophomores Mike Woods and Robert West will get the most snaps at corner with sophomore Ross King hitting the field in dime looks.

Sophomore free safety Kelvin Scott, looks to continue his freshman all American ways. He has the speed to cover deep, and the strength to come up and attack the run game. Junior Ray Thomas will join him deep at SS, and slide up close to the line in other looks. Thomas has exceptional speed for a strong safety, and loves to punish the ball carrier.

If you're wondering why you haven't heard the name of two time all American Mark Meeks it's because the coaches have him playing a new position. Monster. He will slide to strong safety in 3 safety looks and hold down the middle linebacker spot in the 43. The coaches wanted to find a way to unleash his 98 speed, and moving him around looks to be the best way to do it. He has upped his tackle total from 66 to 80 in his first two seasons and The coaches hope ago see that number climb again.

Texas has the potential for another great season, and also the chance to crash and burn. Pops Krispie is hoping to see another spring in Austin as head man. Lots of hopes and potential, but that just means they haven't achieved anything yet.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Picks Up First Two Signees
DE and Athlete Choose Austin​

Austin, TX- Pops Krispie appears to have the recruiting engine rolling towards Austin again this season after picking up commits from two to get the season started right.

Coach likes to concentrate his efforts in state, and he inked another big target for the outside in Duncanville's Ben Caldwell. Caldwell measures 6'3" and weighed 229lbs at the latest round of camps, and he will keep the pipeline of big, physical receivers full in Austin. The coaches hope to add some speed to him once he gets on campus, but he has solid hands already which should help him see the field. Caldwell chose to stay in state rather than head east to Baton Rouge.

Texas has had success spinning big defensive ends inside to defensive tackle recently and it looks like the trend will continue with Adrian Hampton. Hampton is the #3 DE in the nation, but the coaches hope his speed and height will make him a threat to collapse the pocket from inside. The Lehigh Acres, FL product measured in at 6'5" 257lbs recently, and chose Texas over offers from UAB, ULM, and Akron. He had hoped to hear from Cincy, Clemson, and UNC, but never got the call.

Look for both players to redshirt before seeing the field.

Caldwell #21 Athlete, #65 Prospect 76 (+2): 86 speed, 92 acceleration, 76 catching, 71 spectacular catch

Hampton #3 DE, #48 Prospect 79 (+2): 84 speed, 81 strength, 84 acceleration, 82 power moves, 82 shed

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Adds 3 More​

New QB, LB/RB, and DL​

Austin, TX- Texas added 3 players to their class following the first visit weekend of the year. They kept the momentum rolling with three more four star signings.

The Longhorns need to sign two quarterbacks in this class, and picked up the first after their win over Virginia Tech. Mike Thomas from Adrian, MI has chosen to head south and try his luck in Austin. Thomas isn't tall at 6' but has solid wheels and a good arm to move the ball. He is a solid pickup to provide depth, and potentially fill a stop gap for a year or two. Thomas chose the Horns over an offer from Pitt, but UVA and Wake Forest could have challenged for him as well.

In what has become a novel concept in Austin, Andrew Clayton looks to stick as a defensive end. Clayton is headed to Texas out of Bristol, PA. He's good sized at 6'3" 249lbs, and can bull rush or finesse his way into the pocket. Clayton chose Texas because no one else offered him, but LSU, UNC, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame showed early interest.

Coach Krispie is always a fan of postionless recruits. Guys who could stick at a number of positions, and the newest is Antonio Williams from Camden, SC (home of Earl Hickey.) Williams plays running back and middle linebacker now, and the coaches want to get a look at the early entrant at both spots before determining where he will end up. Williams is 6'2" 229lbs and has a long career of eating tailbacks, or linebackers depending on where he ends up.

All 3 will redshirt next season.

Mike Thomas 74(+4): 86 speed, 81 THP, 82 THA, 81 elusiveness, 83 spin, 81 juke.

Andrew Clayton 75(+1): 72 speed, 82 power and finesse, 81 shed

Antonio Williams 69(-3): 86 speed, 94 acceleration, 77 break tackle, 84 truck, 91 stiff arm, 76 juke, 77 spin. 76 man cover, 86 zone cover, 77 tackle.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Class Filling Fast
3 More Choose Texas​

Austin, TX- Texas has 16 free scholarships this season, and they are filling the slots quickly. Three more players chose to continue their career in Austin this past week, bringing the Longhorns haul to 7.

Texas needed to load up on the defensive line this season after bringing in a few busts over the past few seasons. They grabbed two more with commits from a pair of ends.

Ryan Dean is likely to move inside and combine his 6'4" height with previous commitment Adrian Hampton. Dean comes in at 6'4" 257lbs, and leverages his size well. He has a good rip move, but excels as a power rusher.

Texas has dipped into Arkansas the past few years and come away with some excellent players. This year is no different as they grabbed the nephew of WWE star, and former Texas student Mark "Sexual Chocolate" Henry, Matt Henry from Batesville. Henry is a bowling ball at 5'11" 250lbs with excellent speed and excels rushing the passer. The coaches have signed 4 defensive ends so far this year. It will be interesting to see who stays on the edge and who slides inside.

The Texas staff grabbed their second of 2 QB targets this season by inking #1 QB Shawn Golden out of Westchester, FL. Golden has excellent speed for a QB and a strong arm to boot. Golden measures 6'2" 208lbs, and figures to redshirt before seeing action.

Texas has 9 slots left to fill.

Shawn Golden 76 (-1): 85 speed, 86 THP, 79 THA

Ryan Dean 74 (+1): 74 speed, 80 power, 68 finesse

Matt Henry 79 (+3): 83 speed, 79 power, 84 finesse

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Pulls In Another One

JUCO Chooses Austin​

Austin, TX- Chris Brown beat a path to Austin for the Notre Dame game, and liked what he saw.

The Sherwood, WI native will be joining Coach Krispie and the 'Horns defense as an early enrollee in January.

Brown has spent the past 2 seasons, at Coffeyville Community College, and added needed bulk to his frame since being out of high school. The 6'2" 295 pounder has good strength to hold up at the point of attack, but also gets after the quarterback in passing situations.

He is Texas' 5th signing along the defensive line, and was a late addition to the board. He held an offer from Stanford, but UVA, 'Bama and Notre Dame could have gotten involved. Look for Brown to redshirt next season.

Chris Brown 79 (+1): 83 strength, 86 power moves, 84 shed.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Looks To Keep Rebound Rolling

'Horns Reload For Potential Title Chase​

Austin, TX- The Texas Longhorns needed a bounce back year to help Coach Krispie keep his job, and they succeeded.

Texas began the season with a borderline Top 25 ranking and finished the season ranked #2, despite heartbreaking losses to Wake Forest and North Carolina.

Texas returns all but 5 starters from last year's squad, and look to be deep across the board.

For the first time in 3 seasons Texas won't be starting a 5th year senior at quarterback. Instead the reins will be handed to redshirt SO Jon Hamilton. Hamilton is the latest in a long line of dual threat quarterbacks at Texas and the coaches hope he can start for the next three seasons. He doesn't have much of a resume, but has run the Texas offense in garbage time and when Guidry needed a breather.

Last season redshirt freshman Neal Alvarez made a push into the record books with 47 toucdowns. This season it's back to the bench as redshirt Junior Bryce Brown returns from a medical redshirt. Brown is a big bruiser who combines his physical style with some wiggle and the ability to break away from defenders. Brown will get the start most games, but Coach Krispie has stated he will go with the hot hand. Some weeks it could be both of them.

Don't forget about redshirt sophomore Carl Utley who had an injury cut short last season. Utley will have a chance to carve out a role as a scat back, but he would have to absolutely shock the coaches to get carries outside of garbage time.

Texas spread the field a little more than normal last season, but with Dusty Herman and Leon Armstrong both turning away the NFL look for that to change. Matt Chambers, or Gronk 2.0 as he's known in campus will also have a chance to show what he can do. The redshirt freshman is a nightmare to cover in the passing game and no one should be allowed to posess the combination of size and athleticism that he does.

The Texas staff has worked hard to address weak positions and turn them into strengths. No where is that more apparent than at wide receiver. Texas will start 4 upperclassmen this season, with Geoff Wilson and Eric Marshall splitting out wide, and Tony Paris and Kevin Jackson in the slot. Any of the 4 wide outs could light it up any given week. And they would have a big role for any other school in the nation. In the past when Texas went 4 wide it was an act of desperation. Not anymore.

The offensive line is also much improved from when Coach Krispie hit the sidelines. Texas has a good mix of youth and experience with 2 seniors on the edge and 3 sophomores lining up inside.

Redshirt senior Allen Johnson will keep his spot at LT, while Donald Henderson will slide outside to RT. Henderson has been the definition of a team player, and the epitome of a swing lineman in Austin. He has lined up at all 5 spots on the line, and will finally get a chance to start in his final year in Austin.

Junior James Jones will get to play next to Henderson, and give Texas two big linemen on the right side, while sophomores Michael Patterson and Kevin Henry will go at center and right guard respectively. Patterson earned the center position last season and will keep it until he leaves for the NFL.

The offense scores the points, but the defense wins the games is a cliched saying, but for Texas it may be true this year. As talented as the offense is, the defense is better.

Mike Bishop has played the last two seasons at defensive tackle, but will get a chance to show what he can do coming off the edge this season. Bishop was one of 4 players (Bishop, Paul Walker, Tommy Sullivan, Jansen) to notch double digit sack totals last season, and looks to better that number this year. He is an excellent pass rusher who excels shedding blocks and slipping out of the grasp of opposing linemen.

Paul Walker will bookend the defensive line and give Texas two excellent rushers from the outside. Walker and Bishop are very similar in skill sets, but Walker gives up at least 20 pounds to the younger end. Walker is the other returning double digit sack artist from last season.

Two redshirt seniors will get a chance to play inside this season. Matt Cook, and Thomas Alexander will finally move to the top of the depth chart. Cook took a redshirt season last year after prostituting himself on 6th street, while Alexander has been blocked by better players. They will be an excellent tandem inside who can both bullrush the pocket with ease.

The Texas coaches crave one thing with the back seven. Big, hairy, American, speed. They have it in spades this season.

The coaches liked having Mark Meeks in a monster role last season, and figure to keep him outside, while Michael Harris and Richard Miller play inside. All 3 of the linebackers play with speed, and cover exceptionally well for their position. Both Miller and Harris are top 5 returning tacklers nationally.

Ray Ray Thomas loved playing closer to the line of scrimmage last season and will do more of the same this year. He will be opposite Meeks in 2 safety looks, and depending on the defense called and where Meeks lined up will either play safety or send in signals.

Kelvin Scott will get the start at free safety. Scott tallied more than 50 tackles last season, but will hope to get his hands on more interceptions.

Corner is another position the coaches have worked hard to improve, and again their hard work is bearing fruit. When Texas is in a base set look for Andy Brooks and Mike Woods. Brooks and Woods sounds like a hipster bluegrass band, but both corners have the skill set to lock down the outside. Nickel and dime sets will feature Robert West, and Ross King respectively. They keep the talent from dropping off and can more than hold their own against slot guys inside.


Projected Starters
All-American
All ACC

QB: Jon Hamilton SO (86) 6'2" 215 lbs
88 speed, 84 THP, 88 THA
RB: Bryce Brown JR (96) 6'1" 243 lbs
95 truck, 94 speed, 92 juke
Neal Alvarez SO (90) 6' 209 lbs
96 elusiveness, 95 speed, 90 stiff arm
Carl Utley SO (87) 5'11" 194 lbs
94 speed, 99 acceleration, 93 juke
FB: Courtney Landry SO (82) 6'2" 247 lbs
87 speed, 88 truck, 74 run block
TE: Leon Armstrong SR (96) 6'4" 235 lbs
85 run block, 83 speed, 78 catching
Dusty Herman SR (94) 6'5" 265 lbs
87 run block, 85 speed, 78 catch
Matt Chambers FR (77) 6'7" 276 lbs
86 speed, 76 catch, 75 run block

WR: Geoff Wilson SR (95) 6'1" 205 lbs
99 catch, 95 route, 91 in traffic
Eric Marshall JR (92) 6'4" 242 lbs
97 catch, 94 route, 73 truck
Tony Paris JR (91) 6'5" 210 lbs
95 catch, 91 route, 87 in traffic
Kevin Jackson SR (93) 6'1" 225 lbs
97 catch, 98 route, 91 in traffic
LT: Allen Johnson SR (91) 6'3" 308 lbs
96 pass, 87 run, 89 impact
LG: Kevin Henry SO (85) 6'3" 301 lbs
85 pass, 94 run, 83 impact
C : Michael Patterson SO (89) 6'1" 293 lbs
85 pass, 90 run, 87 impact
RG: James Jones JR (89) 6' 323 lbs
89 pass, 92 run, 77 impact
RT: Donald Henderson SR (85) 6'8" 336 lbs
83 pass, 91 run, 90 impact

Defense

LE: Mike Bishop JR (92) 6'2" 267 lbs
91 power, 98 finesse, 97 shed
RE: Paul Walker SR (95) 6' 246 lbs
89 power, 97 finesse, 86 shed
DT: Matt Cook SR (97) 6'4" 295 lbs
95 power, 89 finesse, 91 shed
Thomas Alexander SR (96) 6'3" 272 lbs
98 power, 95 finesse, 96 shed
LB: Mark Meeks SR (91) 6'3" 224 lbs
99 speed, 90 tackle, 91 hit power
LB: Richard Miller SR (98) 5'11" 234 lbs
90 speed, 94 tackle, 99 hit power
LB: Michael Harris JR (91) 5'11" 225 lbs
91 speed, 92 shed, 89 zone
Ray Thomas SR (91) 6'1" 202 lbs
95 speed, 82 tackle, 86 shed
CB: Andy Brooks SR (95) 6'2" 207 lbs
94 speed, 99 man, 99 zone, 99 press
Mike Woods JR (91) 5'11" 188 lbs
94 speed, 99 man, 97 zone
Robert West JR (89) 5'11" 187 lbs
94 speed, 98 man, 94 zone
FS: Kelvin Scott JR (90) 6'2" 201 lbs
94 speed, 85 zone, 84 tackle

K/P: JT Carry SO (90) 5'10" 219 lbs
99 KP, 86 KA

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Grabs 1st Two Signees
2 OL Choose Austin​

Austin, TX- It's no secret the Longhorns needed to start stacking up talent on the offensive line, and they got started early this season with commitments from two high prospects.

Joel Robinson a T from La Mirada, CA decided to end his recruiting process and head to Austin next year. Robinson is 6'4" 312lbs and figures to redshirt next season. He's solid in both the run game and in pass sets. He's very quick off the ball and shows good strength, but needs to work on his footwork. Texas was the only major program to show interest, but Alabama, Notre Dame, and Miami were in Robinson's top 7 a few weeks ago.

Texas pulled off a coup by landing one of the fastest rising prospects in this year's class with G William Horne from Carteret, NJ. Horne is the #14 G, but had started gaining attention from some big time suitors after impressive performances in local camps. He's a punishing run blocker, who shows some promise in the passing game. Navy and Auburn were the latest to offer Horne, but Texas got him to shut things down before taking any visits. Horne showed early interest in Virginia, but the coaching staff in Charlottesville didn't reciprocate.

Texas isn't done on the o-line. They need to shore up the next generation, and are trying to land at least two more prospects. Texas has 18 spots left to fill.

Joel Robinson #17 T: 73 (0), 80 run, 76 pass, 81 impact

William Horne #14 G: 79 (+6), 85 run, 79 pass, 80 impact

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Class Grows By 3
Horns Grab 3 Players from Mississippi​

Austin, TX- The Texas coaching staff was hard at work on the recruiting trail before their #1 vs #2 battle with Virginia, and their efforts were rewarded with 3 new commitments.

TE Brandon Carpenter of Durant, MS will be a solid depth player for the Longhorns, and he has the chance to grow into a solid blocked and receiver as he grows. The 6'3" 264 pounder chose Texas over an offer from UNC. He liked the Tar Heels early, but the staff in Chapel Hill waited to long to show interest, and Texas was able to cozy up to him. Carpenter will spend a season redshirting before getting a chance.

It's no secret Texas likes big, physical targets lined up out wide, and they managed to snag another one this year in Noah McKinney from Leland, MS. McKinney will hit campus at 6'3" and 224lbs, with adequate speed, and good hands. He'll get a chance to redshirt before playing.

Texas is trying to shore up the next generation of talent for the offensive line, and added another talented blocker to this class in #1 C George Hargrove from Horn Lake, MS. Hargrove will get to redshirt next season, and there is a good chance he doesn't stick at center. He will likely shift to guard in the future. The 6'2" 271 pounder has a solid future as a road grader.

Texas has signed 5 players and has space for 15 more.

George Hargrove 78 (-1): 77 pass, 83 run, 78 impact.

Noah McKinney 77 (+7): 86 speed, 77 catch, 80 route running, 69 spectacular catch.

Brandon Carpenter 68 (-3): 80 speed, 70 run, 69 pass, 65 catch.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Inks 3 More Players
New HB and Depth for Defensive Line​

Austin, TX- Texas has added 3 More prospects, 2 more and a . Don't let the rankings fool you, the staff did their homework and came away with some underrecruited potential stars.

Wallace Nash is the lone in the group. Nash the #11 DT from Sappington, MO told the coaching staff he was ready to "show them." Nash is a big body who figures to stick at DT after a redshirt season.

He'll be joined on the defensive line, and potentially I'm the middle by DE Tyrone Johnson from Conway, SC. Johnson does a good job slipping blocks and penetrating the backfield. He is a spin down candidate, but Texas has a lot of depth on the DL, so he may stick on the edge.

Texas has had success recently dipping into neighboring states and pulling in lightly recruited players with good skills. The Horns have several good players from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. They added a new one from the Sooner state with a commitment from Steve Wilcox from Sallisaw. Wilcox will redshirt, but brings a foundation of skills that could see him develop into a very good back moving forward. He has good size at 5'10" and 210lbs, coupled with solid speed, and ability to break tackles. He's a sleeper in this class who will take a year of seasoning at the college level.

Week 12 of the season will be a make or break week for the Longhorns. The Iowa Hawkeyes are visiting, and Texas decided to bring in the last few recruits this week. They will have 5 visitors scheduled to be on campus this week (check back later for a list and percentage chances for all of them) that could turn this class from a good collection of underrated talent into one of the top classes in the country.

The committed prospects will all be in attendance so check the sidelines for: Joel Robinson, William Horne, Brandon Carpenter, Noah McKinney, George Hargrove, Steve Wilcox, Tyrone Johnson, and Wallace Nash. They will be attempting to convince some of the other guys to shut down the process and choose the good guys.

It could be a big week for Texas.

Wallace Nash 77 (+4): 77 power, 73 finesse, 75 shed, 85 tackle

Tyrone Johnson 73 (+4): 75 power, 79 finesse, 80 shed

Steve Wilcox 72 (+5): 91 speed, 77 break tackle, 72 truck, 83 stiff arm, 82 spin, 80 juke.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Gears Up For Visit Weekend

7 Prospects in Town for Iowa Game​

Austin, TX- Week 12 will be a huge week for the Texas football program. They can clinch a berth in the ACC title game with a win over the hapless Hawkeyes. But they will also have 7 prospects in town taking official visits.

The prospects in town are arguably more important than the berth in the title game, just because they will propel the program to their next ACC title game. We are going to look at who is in town and also what the chances are Texas pulls them in.

Phillip Bradley #25 QB; Naples, FL.
Bradley is a near lock to the good guys. Texas is his only offer. He would be a solid depth add for Texas going forward.
Prediction: Texas 100%

Fred Boyd #4 DT; East Hartford, CT.
Boyd is a tight battle between Penn State, Texas and LSU. But he has only scheduled a visit to Austin. And as we're fond of saying on this site, "They don't visit. They don't sign." We are taking a wait and see approach with Boyd. If he visits Happy Valley he will end up there. If not he'll be a Horn.
Prediction: 50% Texas, 50% PSU

Martin Williams #2 ATH; Mechanicsville, VA
Williams is another tight battle, but this time Texas is trying to dip into the mid-Atlantic and steal one from North Carolina. Williams is a big prize as the #2 overall prospect. UNC has made this a tough fight for Texas, but may have scheduled their visit too late. Texas has a chance to lock the Tar Heels out this week.

Prediction: 80% Texas, 20% UNC

Chris Rutledge #66 ATH; Santa Clara, CA.

He's only interested in Texas. JUCO from CA, he will help build a pipeline there.
Prediction: Texas 100%

Slade Sims #27 ATH; Hamilton, CN.
Yep, you read that correctly. Texas is trying to sign a recruit from north of the border. Sims is another prospect the 'Horns are fighting with UNC for.

Prediction: 20% Texas; 80% UNC.

Christian Rivera #32 ATH; Sandpoint ID.
Texas cast a wide net this season, and found a second recruit from the great white north in Rivera. They currently trail Virginia, but UVA has already had the four star prospect on campus. Texas could make a big leap this weekend.

Prediction: 30% Texas; 70% Virginia

Kellan Collier #1 CB; Beaumont, TX.
The Texas staff let a top tier corner slip outside the state lines a few seasons back, and have been kicking themselves since. This has been a tight battle all season long. Virginia tried to lock him down early, and La. Monroe has a visit coming up in week 13, but Texas has a shot to put up an insurmountable lead.

Prediction: 50% Texas, 30% Virginia, 20% ULM.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Class Filling Up Fast

Flurry of Signings Puts 'Horns at 10​

Austin, TX- The Texas staff has been crisscrossing the map looking for next year's signees, and have put together the first two-thirds of their class.

William Webb is the most lightly regarded pickup so far. Webb is a 6'1" 225lb MLB from Brownfields, LA. The Horn staff liked his size, but loved his speed. Webb is likely a depth add, but his athleticism gives him a chance to see the field late in his career.

Texas has grabbed a fast rising prospect to fill an upcoming hole at strong safety. Texas has made a concerted effort to lock down neighboring states and grabbed their first of 3 Louisiana prospects with the commitment of Pat Jordan of Reserve, LA. Jordan will redshirt, but has a very high ceiling.

Bobby Gray from Poway, CA is a highly regarded wideout who chose Texas over childhood favorite USC. Texas loses a few receivers to graduation this off season and Gray could have a chance to compete for immediate playing time. He is considered a well balanced receiver with good size, speed, and ball skills.

The way Texas likes to run the ball dictates that they sign several linemen a year, the first one added is Chad Alford from Kingston, NY. Alford is a road grader at center, and saw some interest from Virginia before they gave up the chase. Like most of the prospects Texas signs look for him to redshirt before having a chance to make an impact.

Texas will also have some holes in the back of their defense next season so the staff has tried to grab as many backend prospects as possible. The first of 3 CB commits is Will Phillips from St. Rose, LA. Phillips brings good size, speed, and cover skills. His size makes him a candidate to flip to a safety position after a redshirt year.

Somewhere in Fayetteville, Frank Broyles is having a fit because another highly regarded Arkansas prospect is headed to Austin. Justin Marcus from W. Memphis will take his talents south to Austin. He is another long, speedy talent to help lock down opposing wideouts. Look for Marcus to take a red shirt season before seeing the field.

Texas used their burgeoning California pipeline to grab one of the hottest prospects in the country with Joe Henderson from Paramount. He's the third CB to choose Texas, and another candidate to red shirt. He's not prototypical size, but he is lightning quick and can lock down the competition.

Texas added a second linemen by getting lightly regarded Nick Thomas out of Blackwell, OK. Thomas chose Texas over offers from Mizzou and Okie Lite. He is well polished in his pass sets, and the Texas coaches hope to instill a mean streak in him to help him with run blocking.

We finally get to Texas signing a Texas kid with wide receiver Jeff White from Live Oak, TX. White will redshirt but he has the potential to become an All American wide receiver. He is considered a possession receiver, so he won't get faster, but he will be a sure handed target when he finishes in Austin.

California is quickly becoming Texas West. The Horns grabbed another highly regarded prospect from their pipeline by signing RB Reginald Fowlkes from Victorville. Fowlkes is a power back that the Texas coaches are hoping to pair with a speed back later in the cycle. He will also redshirt thanks to excellent depth.

Texas has even signed a kicker. And again they dipped into Louisiana to snag him. Brian Johnson is a strong legged kicker who could handle all 3 duties in Austin at some point. He will redshirt next season.

Currently Signees:

William Webb 70 (0): #19 MLB, #436 overall; 6'1" 225lbs, 87 speed, 73 tackle.

Pat Jordan 73 (+1): #8 SS, #352 overall; 6'3" 196lbs, 80 speed, 77 zone.

Bobby Gray 77 (+2): #14 WR, #53 overall; 6'1" 172lbs, 92 speed, 72 catching.

Chad Alford 78 (+4): #6 C, #211 overall; 6' 290lbs, 77 pass, 83 run.

Will Phillips 78 (+7): #16 CB, #341 overall; 6'2" 181lbs, 95 speed, 84 man, 88 zone.

Justin Marcus 79 (+6): #10 CB, #240 overall; 6'1" 166lbs, 92 speed, 85 man, 83 zone.

Joe Henderson 79 (+4): #CB, #132 overall; 5'10" 185lbs, 95 speed, 82 man, 90 zone.

Nick Thomas 79 (+7): #20 T, #371 overall; 6'4" 270lbs, 86 pass, 81 run.

Jeff White 79 (+2): #6 WR, #22 overall; 6'1" 197lbs, 88 speed, 79 catching, 80 spectacular.

Reginald Fowlkes 80 (+5): #4 RB, #43 overall; 87 speed, 82 break, 77 truck, 80 elusive, 81 spin, 79 juke.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Adds TE

Top In-State TE Stays Home​

Austin, TX- Texas has been trying to add depth to the tight end position for several seasons, and with 3 TE currently on the roster grabbing a fourth was icing.

They stayed in state and grabbed the #1 Texas TE in Weatherford's Tony Clifford. Clifford is a and prototypical size at 6'3" 259 and is a solid receiver and blocker.

As is the case in Austin, look to Clifford to sit a season before getting any action. Clifford moves Texas to 12 signees, and the #4 class.

Tony Clifford: #15 TE, #163 Overall, 73 (-1); 81 speed, 72 pass, 73 run.

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Recruiting Off to Slow Start

Austin, TX- If you believe Texas has been quiet on the recruiting trail this season, you'd be correct. With 3 weeks left in the cycle the 'Horns have only filled 1/3 of their class.

Texas has added 5 good players, but they need to sign more to close some holes in next season's roster.

Texas has battled North Carolina for several high profile recruits over the past few seasons. Free safety Mario Williams is the latest, and unlike most of the past battles Texas won this time. Williams is 6'5" and has good coverage skills to go along with solid speed. Texas is looking to move Williams to strong safety, but he will likely take a redshirt season.

Texas keeps recruiting Louisiana hard, and they managed to grab another good player from under LSU's nose. Quinton Hand is a true athlete and could end up at several positions, and his final landing spot will depend on how the rest of the class shakes out. Regardless of his final position he will redshirt to mature a little off the field.

Texas is the only ACC school allowed to recruit the state of California, due to the newest recruting restrictions, and that pipeline continues to pay dividends. AJ Marshall chose to head east from Lynwood and play QB for Texas. Marshall is shorter than most of the QBs Texas has used the past few seasons, but he has decent speed and a strong, accurate arm. Look for him to redshirt before getting a chance to compete for playing time.

The Texas coaches have made an effort to sign at least one offensive lineman every season, this season Nick Hall is the one. Hall is stronger than his 282 pounds, and does a great job getting a push in the run game. Look for Hall to spend next season redshirting before becoming a lynchpin on the line.

The state of Texas is LOADED at linebacker this season, and the Longhorns are trying to grab as many as they can. The first to choose Texas is Ron Scott from Garland. He's slower than Texas normally takes, but he may shift down a level to defensive end, or slide inside to middle linebacker where his speed won't be as big a problem.

Texas has two big recruiting weekends coming up with Alabama coming to town this week and Miami next. Fans are hoping the staff closes the deal on a few of their targets.


FS Mario Williams, 6'5" 191 lbs, 73 (+5) #25 FS, #857 overall: 91 speed, 79 tackle, 65 man, 73 some.

ATH Quinton Hand, 5'11" 214 lbs, 77 (+3) #16 ATH, #73 overall, 80 speed, 86 throwing power, 86 accuracy, 86 break tackle, 86 elusiveness, 91 spin, 92 juke.

QB AJ Marshall, 6' 184 lbs, 79 (+3) , #3 QB, #73 overall, 78 speed, 89 power, 87 accuracy.

Nick Hall, 6'4" 282 lbs, 79 (+6), , #13 T, #312 overall, 85 strength, 81 pass, 85 run.

Ron Scott, 6'1" 227 lbs, 80 (+3), , #2 MLB, #54 overall, 78 speed, 83 tackle, 84 hit power, 64 man, 69 zone.​

 

[BulgyTexas]

Complete Recruiting Class
Signed 10 of a possible 14

Antonio Matthews FS (71 Overall)
Mario Williams SS (72 Overall)
Willie Wilkerson ATH to LG (76 Overall)
Quinton Hand ATH to QB (77 Overall)
Rodney Deloach SS (77 Overall)
AJ Marshall QB (79 Overall)
Beau Pleasant LB (79 Overall)
Nick Hall T (79 Overall)
Ron Scott LB (80 Overall)
Ernie Little LB (81 Overall)

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Back Again
Longhorns Primed to Challenge for ACC Title

Austin, TX- No one in Austin would call the hire of Pops Krispie a blunder. Texas has a National Title, two ACC titles, and a handful of Top 5 finished since he moved to Austin. This seasons team has the talent to be one of his best since he got to town.

The offense is stacked with playmakers and speed, and if the new philosophy works like it has in off-season training the offense could put up staggering numbers.

The Golden Child isn't just a bad Eddie Murphy movie, he's also the new quarterback at Texas. Shawn Golden will get his chance after redshirting and learning the nuances of the position the past few seasons. He fits the same mold as most Texas quarterbacks the last decade: mobile, athletic, and a solid passer. He will be hard pressed to match Jon Hamilton's last season, but has weapons all over the field.

Henry McIntosh is the embodiment of perseverance and believing in yourself. He was written off by most fans and pundits as a depth piece when he signed out of Vancouver, WA. But he has grinded hard in practice, worked to improve his speed and will get to take the field as the lead back in Austin. He's not very fast, but he excels at shedding tackles and making defenders miss.

Sophomore Christian Rivera will have his chances also, and the power back will be a nice change of pace from the scatback McIntosh. Look for redshirt freshman speedster Brian Weddle to take a few snaps a game as well.

The wide receiver position will be different than in years past. Texas will start two tall, shifty, speed demons on the outside in Guy (pronounced Geey like LaFleur) Fernandez and Martin (pronounced Marteen) Williams. Defenses will have to respect their ability to get behind the secondary. These two receivers are so confident in their speed they wear their forty times as the uniform number (42 for Fernandez and 43 for Williams)

Senior Matt Chambers is back to be a human glitch in the Texas offense this season. Chambers is absolutely massive for a TE at 6'7" 281 pounds and has impressive speed. He's also a great blocker, and projects as a high draft pick next season. Sophomores Noah McKinney and Brandon Carpenter are battling to decide who will get the nod as #2. Carpenter is in the same mold as Chambers, while McKinney is a true pass catcher with limited blocking ability.

The offensive line will be shallow this season as Texas redshirts two tackles and a guard. Seniors Todd Davis and Chris Malone will anchor the left side at tackle and guard respectively, while sophomores Joel Robinson and William Horne take on the right side in the same order. While a third sophomore George Hargrove anchors the middle at center.

Texas hasn't been known for playing lock down defense since Krispie landed, but they have the opportunity to be a top notch unit this season. The defensive line is deep, and talented; and the back end is led by seniors.

Upfront look out for Matt Henry and Adrian Hampton. The juniors will be starting for the 3rd consecutive season, and they play well together. Both players are big, and fast and love meeting at the quarterback.

Inside its the same story as two converted defensive ends look to collapse the pocket from the middle. Andrew Clayton and Sam Barr are possibly the most athletic pair of defensive tackles in the country, and the 4th string defensive tackle is so athletic that he will slide to linebacker in 3 linebacker sets. Texas recruits the middle of their defense strangely, but it looks like it could be set to payoff this season.

The Texas staff follows the same strategy as Gary Patterson at TCU. Sign football players and then find out where they play. Joel Vinson came to Austin as an oversized, and slow safety. The coaches converted him to linebacker, and he has thrived. Vinson is excellent in coverage, and should help lock down the middle of the field. He will be joined by former Dominic Miller in 2 man sets. Miller won't win any footraces but he's good in coverage and can be unblockable at times. He has donned the number of former Texas great Tommy Nobis (60) to show what type of player he wants to be.

We mentioned a defensive tackle playing linebacker in 3 man sets and that will be Martin Kiniry. Kiniry came to Austin as a defensive end, but shifted inside to DT when Hampton and Henry made it to campus. He will be oversized for the linebacker position, but he is faster, and better in coverage than anyone would expect.

Texas will start two Redshirt senior corners in Chaz O'Brien and Michael Dunlap. Both are speedy and good in coverage. Behind them are two sophomores Joe Henderson and Justin Marcus.

The Longhorns are subscribing to the Donald Trump philosophy in the safety slots: Yuuuge. Converted cornerback Alex Ball will play free safety. He was too big to be quick enough to stay with receivers from the line of scrimmage, but the 6'4" 218 pounder is excellent playing centerfield.

Antonio Williams is a gem the Texas coaches found buried deep in ACC country. Williams came to town as a athlete intent on playing running back or wide receiver. The coaches flipped him to strong safety and he went from a 69 overall to a 79 overall overnight. He is big at 6'2" 232 pounds and will get his first chance at starters minutes this season. He's joined at SS by converted linebacker Jon Burke. Burke checks in at 6'4" 246 pounds and will help give Texas a 44 look even when lined up in their preferred 425. These two could be monsters on the edge.


With Burke, Williams, and Ball the Texas safeties will average 6'3" and 232 pounds. They will destroy some poor wide outs this season.

Texas will have a tough opening stretch taking on Wake Forest to open the season, followed by Ohio State. If they can get through those two unscathed they could be looking at a Top 2 face off with Virginia in week 10. They will close with Florida State, their nemesis North Carolina and an always tough Alabama squad.

Texas looks primed for another title run, if the offense plays well. They could also be staring down the barrel of an 0-2 start and fielding questions about Coach Krispies job. Only time will tell.​

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Inks First Signee

Linebacker from Michigan Chooses Texas​

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Austin, TX- Texas grabbed their first commitment of the young season Sunday night with the announcement of Nick McCoy from Bloomfield, MI.

McCoy began the season as a sleeper, but has improved his game a great deal over the course of his senior season. He is one of the fastest linebackers in the country, and will add immediate depth to last season's stellar linebacker class.

Due to last season's class McCoy will redshirt, and could be looking at moving down a level to defensive end.

McCoy had interest in several big time ACC programs; but Cincinnati, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wake Forest chose to go in other directions.

Nick McCoy #10 MLB, #326 Overall. 79 Rating (+7)

6'4" 245lbs. 85 speed, 71 man, 64 zone, 71 power moves, 72 finesse, 80 shed, 77 tackle, 86 pursuit, 80 recognition.​

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Close To Filling Class

11 of 18 Players Signed​

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Austin, TX- The Texas staff is putting in work on the recruiting trail this season. They have the opportunity to sign 18 players, and they don't want to fill up on bread.

The 11 Players comitted so far come in all types: the 5 star can't miss prospect, the underrecruited 3 star, and the senior who didn't put it all together until this season. Let's take a quick look at who has joined the Longhorns already.

Brandon Hamilton #37 ATH (RB, WR, DB), #196 Overall, 78 overall (+7)

Chris Brown #32 SS (will move to LB), #951 Overall, 68 Overall (0)

Kenneth Jones #21 RB, #217 Overall, 71 overall (+1)

Lee Sapp, #3 K, #888 Overall, 85 Overall (+4)

Jason Woodard, #11 FS, #380 Overall, 76 (+4)

Jake Lopez #1 SS (Likely move to LB) #29 Overall, 81 (+1)

John Holmes, #32 ATH (WR) #134 Overall, 73 (+1)

Dennis Pennington, #36 ATH (QB, WR, DB), #174 Overall, 74 (+3)

Jamaal Hall, #7 DE, #63 Overall, 79(+2)

Tommy Bryant JUCO (S), #66 ATH( RB, WR, DB), #675 Overall, 81 (+6)​

 

[BulgyTexas]

Texas Gets Class Rolling​

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Austin, TX- The Longhorns got their new class rolling a little late this year with two commitments in week 10.

Signing offensive linemen has been difficult for several teams over the last few seasons, and Texas has been no different. The Horns needed to sign at least one, and settled in on David Crosby from Hillsboro, Oregon. Crosby will have the opportunity to redshirt if Texas returns all 5 offensive linemen.

Texas has made hay recruiting neighboring Louisiana the last few seasons, and reached across state lines to snag an athlete who projects as a standout defensive end. Eric Davis is a and ranked as the #40 overall player and will look to continue the Texas tradition of standout defensive ends.

Texas has a big visit weekend coming up in week 13, and will hope to sign several prospects in the coming weeks.​