IT
Inside Texas takes a quick look at some coaches who make sense to replace Tashard Choice as well as some who don’t.
Makes sense
Carlos Locklyn, Ohio State: There’s been some talk Locklyn was on the short list just weeks ago. If so then that’s probably still the case. He already has relationships with a number of top running backs in the country. He can also sell effectively having a platoon after the season the running backs at Ohio State just had.
Khenon Hall, Baylor: IT is hearing Hall is as close to Tashard Choice 2.0 as you can get. “Everybody loves him,” one source said. He’s known as a great recruiter. Baylor had a 1000-yard rusher this season in Bryson Washington plus another back in Dawson Pendergrass that almost reached 700 yards. Plenty of experience in Texas, including at Texas Southern and SMU. He’s a South Oak Cliff grad.
Kolby Smith, Arkansas: Has a good relationship with the notable Texas high school running backs this cycle. Played and coached in the NFL. Had a good platoon of runners this past season, including former Longhorn and former quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson. Much of his career, including his time as a college football player, has been spent with Bobby Petrino.
Jabbar Juluke, Florida: Certainly not young but he’s Florida’s best recruiter, has the proverbial skins on the wall, and is about as good of a recruiter of Louisiana as you’ll find. Has relationships with top backs, including those in the Southeast United States. Has coached all over the country including at Louisiana Tech, LSU, Texas Tech, Louisiana, and Florida.
Doesn’t make sense
Ra’Shaad Samples, Oregon: Samples makes a lot of sense from the standpoint of being young, a good recruiter, and having Dallas ties, but Oregon would be unlikely to allow Texas to wallet whip him.
Stan Drayton: The one-time Texas RBs coach doesn’t provide the value add you’re looking for at the position, young, energetic, volume recruiter.
We’ll keep this list updated as we receive more intel.