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Machinator

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Posts posted by Machinator

  1. TFB Open Post: http://texas.thefootballbrainiacs.com/2018/04/open-post-cain-banks-leal-monday-april-16th/

     Noah Cain Return Visit

    2019 elite running back, Noah Cain (IMG Academy) tells me he will visit Texas this weekend for the Spring Game.

    Cain took a visit to Oklahoma last month. I spoke with his father around that time and he reconfirmed that they still plan to make a December decision.

    We’ll see if that changes after the Texas visit. We do like where Texas stands in this one.

     Texas Target Weekend Visits

    A number of top Texas targets were on visits to other schools this past weekend. Three visited schools that have long been the biggest threat to Texas. Let’s review how things went…

    *I exchanged texts with NaNa Osafo-Mensah a bit, while he was on his official to Notre Dame. He seemed to be enjoying himself but I didn’t get the sense, at all, that Notre Dame was able to definitively seal the deal with him, this weekend.

    They’re not going to get another shot and Texas will have the last visit. So, this one is starting to look better and better for Texas.

    *I haven’t checked in with Garrett Wilson just yet. He was on a official visit to Ohio State. Garrett did say, before he left to Columbus, that he believes he will be ready to announce within a week after the Texas visit.

    In speaking with folks around Garrett, I can say that things went really well this weekend for Ohio State. Texas will need to knock it out of the park next weekend.

    It can be done but we continue to believe Ohio State has an edge here.

    *Texas A&M made waves with 2019 DL, DeMarvin Leal this past weekend. I did chat with Leal’s mother over the weekend. While some unpleasant news may come out soon regarding Leal, I don’t believe the story between Leal and Texas is even remotely over.

    However, mother did say that they will not be at next weekend’s Texas Spring Game. But I do believe they will OV at a later time.

     Marcus Banks to Return to Texas

    This weekend, 2019 DB, Marcus Banks released his top five, which included Texas, Auburn, Texas A&M, LSU and Alabama.

    It was no surprise to see Texas make the cut. I checked in with Marcus after he dropped the list and he tells me that he will be in Austin for the Texas Spring game.

    Texas will be looking to counter the momentum that Texas A&M and Oklahoma have generated after their Spring Game weekends, with a big weekend of their own.

     Testing Madness from Texas Targets

    Texas DB target, Kenyatta Watson had incredible testing numbers this weekend. 45 inch vertical…45 inches! His father texted me his 40 and shuttle times which he says were 4.5 and 4.12, respectively.

    And now, Kenyatta Watson is the real Super K…

    *Another soon-to-be Texas visitor and teammate of Kenyatta Watson, Owen Pappoe, also put up some eye popping numbers. Texas needs to knock that visit out of the park…

  2. https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/donta-foreman-armanti-nfl-draft

    Quote

    Dear NFL Coach,

    Look, I know you’ve probably heard some things about my brother.

    Armanti’s just another top recruit who never lived up to his potential.

    He didn’t go hard enough in practice some days.

    He needs to focus more and be more passionate about football.

    That stuff is out there online. If you’ve looked into Armanti as a draft prospect, you’ve seen it. But, well, let’s just say I have a different perspective to share with you about my twin brother. And I know that you can’t see me right now, but I can tell you that I’m basically just sitting here shaking my head at how Armanti has been portrayed.

    It really sucks how sometimes something gets said, and then the Internet gets ahold of it and it just snowballs. Then, in a matter of a day or so, someone can have his reputation tarnished forever.

    All of a sudden, people see you differently from that point on.

    It’s not right. And I don’t think it’s fair.

    So I’d just ask you this one favor: If you’re looking for the real scoop when it comes to Armanti and his practice habits, and how much he cares about this game, please just hit me up and let’s talk. I’m not too hard to find, and I can tell you everything you need to know.
     

    It’s important that you get a read on Armanti from someone who knows him better than anyone else in the world, because if you go strictly off some Internet stuff, and cross him off your draft board, you’re going to be missing out on a diamond in the rough at the receiver position. And you’re not gonna be happy when someone else picks him and he balls out for that team … and then you think back to this letter you read about him a few weeks before the draft.

    So yeah, give me a call, but in the meantime here’s the deal: I can tell you straight up that Armanti will give you max effort every time out, the reality is just that my brother is a little bit different in how he goes about his business. He’s not the rah-rah type. He likes to observe, and he doesn’t always say a ton. He’s just a really calm and collected guy, and some people, unfortunately, take that to mean that he doesn’t care, or that he’s not serious enough about wanting to be great.

    That couldn’t be further from the truth.

    I’ve been on practice fields with Armanti since we were in peewee league together. I’ve watched him closely over the years and followed his lead. I’ve worked my tail off just to try to be at his level, and I’ve trained with him for years. I’ve seen him put in the work. Firsthand. So….

    I’m not gonna tell you those people saying bad things about him are lying, but….

    That’s not the Armanti Foreman that I know.

    And I can personally guarantee that if you take a shot on my brother in this draft, you won’t have to worry about him getting after it, or working hard, or doing everything in his power to improve day in and day out.

    Armanti cares as much as anyone I know … he just does it in a levelheaded way that may not be what people are used to. And in terms of drive, we both share the same level of intensity and desire to always be getting better. So if people are saying he doesn’t care or doesn’t take the game seriously, then they must think the same thing about me, too. And I’m telling you right now, that doesn’t fly with me.

    We both work hard. Period. End of story.

    Beyond that, what makes Armanti special is that he’s one of the best athletes I’ve ever seen play the game of football. I have no reservations in telling you that he’s more talented, all around, than I am.

    Coming into college, Armanti was the more talked-about recruit. And I always just assumed that if I worked hard and got better during my time at Texas, we would enter the draft together. I never expected that I’d get to the league before my brother, and I think now that he’s seen me make it to the NFL, and show that I belong, he’s more motivated than ever to do the same.

    I’m confident that he’ll make it happen, too. Beyond confident, really. I’m positive.

    That’s because I’ve seen what it takes for a wide receiver to succeed in the league. I watched some of the best in the game hone their craft every day this past season, and I’m telling you: Armanti can do all those things I saw the pro guys doing. (That even includes some — some! — of the stuff DeAndre does out here in Houston). Now, don’t put me down as saying he’s DeAndre. Armanti’s not some pass-catching alien like Nuk. He’s still from this planet and whatnot. But trust me when I say that my brother can play, and that he will work his butt off to help your team win.

    All he needs is a shot … and he’ll make you look like a genius if you’re the guy to give it to him.

    You can take my word for that. Bet.

    D'Onta Foreman

     

  3. IT

    From: Eric Nahlin

    ZACHARY EVANS

    The nation's top running back in the 2020 class hails from North Shore, a school that has been very kind to Texas through the years.

    He's 5-foot-11, 207 pounds and stylistically reminds of Adrian Peterson. Just being a stylistic comp of Peterson means you're an elite talent.

    Evans made his way to Austin yet again two weekends ago.

    On his most recent visit to Texas:
    "I feel like it was better than any other visit because we actually sat there and did film this time. We did straight film. I mean I already knew about the school but the way he broke it down to me how I'd be a valuable asset in his offense I mean, it was amazing."

    His thoughts on the UT offense:
    "I feel like the offense is going to be very explosive this year. I feel like since they had the #3 recruiting class, I mean, they should be better on defense. They should win a lot of games this year."

    Thoughts on UT depth chart:
    "I've looked at it, but I mean, at my position in my class they haven't really offered that many backs besides Jase McClellan from Aledo, But, other than that, no."

    Spring game attendance?
    "For the 21st? I'll be there."

    On Stan Drayton:
    "I feel like he's a very valuable coach. The way he breaks down film is like no other. It's very understandable coming from him. I feel like as I keep going up there we bond closer and closer every time."

    Other schools standing out:
    "A&M is high up there. Really, I feel like all my schools are starting to come out now. As I move up the charts I feel like they're starting to come more to me."

    What he wants to see from the spring game:
    "I want to see how explosive the running backs are. I want to see how good they can overcome adversity. I want to see a whole explosion of the whole offense."

    Some fans may want to see that too.

    From: Justin Wells
    2020 visitors
    Zach Evans
    , GP North Shore (RB): The state's top prospect for 2020 has been to Austin four times this year. This bodes well for the Longhorns.

    Khalan Griffin, John Tyler (QB): JT's newest signal-caller stays in touch with coach Beck and coach Warehime, and is looking forward to returning to the 40 Acres after his Junior Day trip.

    Like I mentioned earlier, this is a very fluid list. New names could pop up daily and we'll update you when more guys are confirmed. Last weekend was A&M's and OU's time to shine. Batter up, Texas.
     

    DARIUS SNOW

    When it comes to 2020, Hugh Downs isn't the only priority. Joining studs Evans and Demond Demas, Snow is dangerously close to that must-get category. The Lewisville Hebron prospect is very fond of the Longhorns. At 6-foot-0, 220, most have Snow pegged at LB, for numerous reasons - family genes, growth curve, ability. Just don't tell him that. He wants to play safety and right now, that's where he's at, projections be damned.

    After his Under Armour camp, we spoke about the camp life, his growing popularity, and the Horns.

    "You get to learn from hall of famers, and great coaches with a lot of experience," said Snow after UA. "I can say I learned a lot today. The competition is good because a lot of these guys I'll see at the next level."

    The recruiting process is just beginning for the 4-star and son of former NBA guard, Eric Snow.

    "It's fun with everything starting to pickup," Snow said. "I still treat the same as I did before. Just enjoying the process. My parents and my uncle have taught me how to act, how to treat the recruiting process. With interviews, the way you handle yourself, it's all building your brand and reputation."

    As for Texas, Snow says they're a school to watch until the end.

    "(Texas) will definitely be there until the end (of my recruitment)," said Snow. "It's a phenomenal school and I love everything about it. It can't get any better."

    UT and Naivar are doing this kid right. I wouldn't be surprised to see Snow's name pop up on the spring game visitor list this week.

  4. IT

    By: Eric Nahlin and Justin Wells

    Spring ball wraps up this week with the Orange-White scrimmage on Saturday. An early visitor list, latest from UT's top targets, and more. The Scoop has a lot to say.

    From: Eric Nahlin

    This time last year Tom Herman was up against a tired, yet still formidable Bob Stoops, and a former recruiting buzz saw turned buzzed sod in Kevin Sumlin. Now he's up against the energetic and successful in year one Lincoln Riley, and seasoned used car salesman with new car smell, Jimbo Fisher. What a difference a calendar makes.

    If Fisher didn't have your attention before this past weekend, he does now. Off the board comes Baylor Cupp, a player Texas liked but had very little chance with from the onset. Highly touted defensive backs, Erick Young and Bobby Wolfe may soon follow. Of course, it's well known by now, DeMarvin Leal is teetering and nearly touching the Aggieland ground as the entire Texas staff tries to counter the weight.

    OU had an even better weekend, even if most of it was expected. Stud receivers Theo Wease and Arjei Henderson re-committed. Texas wasn't really on either of them. Texas was recruiting Jamal Morris, however, who also made the predictable call for the Sooners. Riley also added three-star North Carolina defensive tackle Derek Green.

    We've often mentioned Texas wants to remain patient but with A&M's return to momentum and OU faring well, it may be time for the Texas staff to strike back. This weekend's spring game presents a good opportunity to do so.

    Of course we'll have that event covered front, back, and side to side.

    MARCUS BANKS

    The Spring Dekaney cornerback's life was turned upside down with the unexpected passing of his father this spring. When asked how he was coping with that he answered it with his head held high and his eyes slowly filling with tears. His pain and strength was felt by the entire pool of reporters surrounding him. I passed along the sentiments from many readers here.

    Banks knows he must forge on. He's still competing like he normally would and is getting back into the swing of recruiting.

    On how the last few weeks have been:
    "It's been kinda chill because I had a tragedy happen in my family so they [coaches] kinda understood that; kinda chilled a little bit and gave me some time. I've been still talking to a couple of schools and trying to narrow my list down."

    Schools he's been talking to the most:
    "I've been talking to Texas, Texas A&M, I've been talking to Auburn a lot, LSU, I've been talking to Penn State some, Bama, uh..., those are the schools I've been talking to the most."

    On his May 4th official visit to Texas:
    "I talked to Malcolm [Epps] about it. He said his went well. I tried to ask him, like how did it go. He said he had a fun time so I'm excited to see what they have in store for me."

    On Epps recruiting him:
    "Yeah, uh huh [On Epps recruiting him hard]. At the same time he wants me to pick the school that's best for me but he still wants me to go to Texas with him and he always tells me that. He said that if I don't go to Texas he's going to be mad at me. He always jokes around about that."

    What has contact been like with LSU:
    "LSU, Coach Busch, the safety coach, he texts me every morning. He texts me and my mom every morning. Coach Raymond texts, Coach Orgeron texts me a lot. They've been real consistent."

    Where does LSU stand:
    "I like the LSU program. I think they do a real good job developing their DB's and bringing them into the league. It speaks for itself, DBU over at LSU. I have family ties down there also at LSU so that plays a big role into it."

    Previously named LSU his leader:
    "Now I would say, there are a couple of schools that are just...what I'm doing now is I'm going to take all my official visits and kinda like go from there. I kind of took a step back and re-evaluated all the schools that have offered me and tried to make sure I was making the right choice and wasn't favoring anybody over the other schools so after all my official visits I'll make my decision."

    Timeline: 
    "I'm going to try and get them all in the spring [official visits] so I can be committed before the season starts."

    Other OV's:
    "The only ones I have so far are Texas and Texas A&M. Texas A&M April 27th and Texas May 5th. I'm still trying to figure out what the three others are going to be."

    Banks goes on to say he has a really good relationship with Texas cornerback coach Jason Washington. He mentioned how Washington had a good relationship with his father.

    This one is tough to read. A&M might have Erick Young and Bobby Wolfe committed by the time he visits. It's curious he doesn't have an official visit to LSU set up yet.

    I think this is either LSU because of his family ties to Baton Rouge or Texas on the strength of his relationship with Washington.

    ZACH ZIMOS

    Fort Bend Travis athlete Zach Zimos is flying under the radar but his offer list contains two great early indicators of upside in Cal (and Justin Wilcox) and Boise State.

    He's currently 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, but he's easily destined for 250 which will bring the potential of inside linebacker, rush linebacker, defensive end and even tight end.

    Cal is recruiting him for middle linebacker. Texas likes him at B-backer which I believe is his best fit.

    Zimos first caught my eye on tape but then he did the same at a 7 on 7 where I didn't know who he was at first.

    Texas' spring game on the 21st, Cal 27th-29th, will take visits after spring ball. He's currently rated outside of the in-state top 100 but it's a farce. Someone will get a stud with NFL growth potential. Check the neck.


    From: Justin Wells

    We're starting a big week. Today is the first day of the spring evaluation period. Coaches will be on the road soon. With one remaining spring practice, I anticipate the UT staff hitting all the stops. We'll have more on that later this week, along with a comprehensive attendee list for the spring game on Saturday night.

    It’ll be large, which shouldn't be surprising. Don't forget how well of a show Texas puts on during these visits. After this last weekend, thought y'all needed a reminder.

    SPRING GAME PRE-PRIMER

    Spring Game list time:

    2019

    DeGabriel Floyd, Westlake Village (CA) (LB) (TEXAS): The newest Longhorn pledge will be in Austin again. This time to check out the Orange-White scrimmage. I'm not surprised and won't be when/if Bru McCoy visits Austin at some point. Floyd is working the west coast.

    Roschon Johnson, Port Neches-Groves (QB) (TEXAS): The leader of the #fUTure19 will be in the house that DKR built. 

    Jake Smith, Scottsdale, AZ (WR): The 4-star pass-catcher and Jordan Shipley clone has already taken an unofficial to Austin once. He saw enough to make sure he returns. That's happening. More on him later.

    Garrett Wilson, Lake Travis (WR): That smell that hit your nose was the Ohio State post-visit fragrance. He's been upfront about the Buckeyes and Longhorns. He sees himself at either institution. Meyer brought out the big guns last weekend. Time for Herman to counter.

    Noah Cain, IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) (RB): Cain and Texas continue to look good. The LSU factor will remain just that until this kid signs on NSD. But he's telling people the Horns look great and I believe him.

    Zach Williams, Little Rock, AR (DE): The 6-foot-4, 220-pound weakside DE from Robinson HS has a nice offer list including Alabama, Georgia, and Florida among others. His tape is nice too. Most have him pegged to the in-state Hogs, but that's why you play the game.

    Zach Zimos, Fort Bend Travis, (OLB): At 6-foot-4, 205, Zimos' reputation continues to grow. Good junior tape + good camp appearances equal decent offers. Boise State, California, Colorado, and Houston are on him, and UT wants a closer look.

    2020
    Zach Evans
    , GP North Shore (RB): The state's top prospect for 2020 has been to Austin four times this year. This bodes well for the Longhorns.

    Khalan Griffin, John Tyler (QB): JT's newest signal-caller stays in touch with coach Beck and coach Warehime, and is looking forward to returning to the 40 Acres after his Junior Day trip.

    Like I mentioned earlier, this is a very fluid list. New names could pop up daily and we'll update you when more guys are confirmed. Last weekend was A&M's and OU's time to shine. Batter up, Texas.

    OFFICIAL VISIT SEASON

    The May 4th-6th weekend looms large. Despite the fact UT is hosting some of the best prospects in the country, one top target will announce his decision on May 4th - Kenyatta Watson Jr. A pledge from one of the nation's top corners would be an excellent precursor to the event.

    Louisiana natives Makiya Tongue and Derek Stingley Jr. will be on campus along with Spring DeKaney 4-star CB Marcus Banks, FW Nolan Catholic 4-star LB/DE NaNa Osafo-Mensah. For Tongue, this is trending nicely for UT. An underrated three-star OLB/ATH, the University Lab product holds 25 offers including Clemson, Auburn, Michigan, and Tennessee. As for Stingley, most have the four-star pegged for LSU, but the Dunham School product and Baton Rouge native is still weighing his options.

    Speaking of NaNa, the top UT target announced last week he was down to the Longhorns and Fighting Irish. He took his OV to South Bend last weekend and came away with nothing but positive vibes. People close to Osafo-Mensah say he was leaning Texas before the trip, and even after a great trip to ND, some feel Texas still holds the slight lead. Add to the fact he's got his last OV scheduled for Austin and I think he's UT's to lose.

    JAKE SMITH

    One of the most coveted wide receivers in the country is returning to the ATX. UT made such a good impression on the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder from Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale, AZ and his father that the Smiths are coming to Austin.

    When you've got basically every school to choose from - Alabama, Ohio State, USC, Auburn, Michigan, and others - getting your foot in the door is the first step. Texas has that. Then getting him back on campus is the next step. UT will have that.

    “Texas stands out because it has everything you could want in a college," said Smith. "The fans are crazy about their Longhorns, the city is awesome and the education is great too. And I think Texas is going to be competing for national championships soon.”

    The high four-star Smith is a guy you stay on for the duration. His route-running, body control, speed, and hands are exceptional. He fits everywhere. Hopefully the Texas staff maintains the early momentum because USC and Ohio State are making a good impression as well.

  5. Yeah, maybe telling them straight up right now is a bold move, but if Leal is as good as his tape shows, and A&M's DL depth is as poor as it seems on paper, then telling him he's a day 1 starter doesn't sound that far-fetched. It will certainly backfire if they make this kind of promise on a regular basis.

  6. 8 minutes ago, South Austin said:

    But I thought I read in some of the prior pages in this thread that Leal is not coming to the spring game.  Is that the case?

    That's what his mom said. We'll see if the UT staff can change their minds.

  7. Wells on DeMarvin Leal:

    Things tend to get crazy when it comes to the state’s best player, in any class.

    Let’s start from the beginning. It wasn’t until mid-last season when Leal started opening up about schools he likes. For Leal, that was big. He’s a very shy, quiet type that still has no clue how good he is or will be. He’s also highly impressionable, which is exactly the type of player A&M is pouncing on.

    Leal attended UT’s Junior Day weekend in late February and left comfortable and at ease with the Texas staff. Mom included.

    After that, we still were hearing Leal was really open, and just starting the vetting process. He really liked Texas, he was curious about A&M, he respected Oklahoma State (his first offer), and wanted to see Alabama and Clemson at some point.

    But the reality was Leal wasn’t likely moving very far from his family. His mom and little brother are everything to him.

    Two weeks ago was when we started hearing Texas was separating from the pack. When he snuck onto campus for practice that Saturday, the Horns were trending well. Real well. Herman and his staff were building a great relationship with Leal, most notably his mother. The mom really likes Austin. The little brother really loves the Horns. It was trending well.

    Then his visit to College Station happened. Jimbo Fisher and Terry Price pushed all the right buttons. Remember, this is an impressionable kid that can get caught up in the moment. It happens in every cycle.

    Leal left CS without a public commitment. If I’m Jimbo, there’s no way I’d allowed that, but when you’re the state’s most-coveted prospect, you’re allowed certain privileges.

    So, what now? A&M currently has the advantage with Leal. But I’m hearing Texas leads with momma. She was in constant contact with the UT staff after it was leaked he might’ve pledged to the Aggies late Saturday night.

    Leal still wants to take visits. His mom wants him to take visits. He’s seen two campuses. When you’re a 5-star, don’t settle so soon. I don’t think this recruitment is close to over.

    The key will be the next few weeks. If Leal goes public, if Texas gets him back on campus soon, and if Herman and company continue to work Leal and his mom.

    Ideally Leal would visit for the spring game, but that’s not a definite. The only definite is that this recruitment just started.

    Feels a bit like a mod trying to placate his enraged userbase, but I think he's right in that the relationship with the mom is key, and that Texas is still playing the long game.

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