Texas Recruiting Notes 2023: Strippers, Monkeys, and 5-Stars

[Radical Larry 28826]

[SA-KC_Horn 1298]

2 minutes ago, Radical Larry said:

Putting your ovaries on the table, eh.

[texifornia 59055]

On 6/11/2021 at 9:29 AM, texifornia said:

https://247sports.com/Player/Cordale-Russell-46102184/

Doesn't have an offer from us, but...

 

[Bevo14 8470]

32 minutes ago, Radical Larry said:

[T-shirt Sip 2207]

2 hours ago, texifornia said:

 

All I see is MOONGOO. 

[closetohumping 17826]

3 hours ago, texifornia said:

 

Horns down?  

[HenryJames 67464]

1 hour ago, texifornia said:

Doesn't have an offer from us, but...

 

 

[quigley 1565]

1 hour ago, T-shirt Sip said:

All I see is MOONGOO. 

 

Avatar checks out

[Hookem2147 22049]

Don't have the full article, but apparently Anwar posted something about Arch last night in the OB War Room saying he wouldn't be surprised if Arch took his decision all the way to signing day and also mentioned USC and ND being involved. 🤣

[nycHorn 3123]

[texifornia 59055]

5 minutes ago, Hookem2147 said:

Don't have the full article, but apparently Anwar posted something about Arch last night in the OB War Room saying he wouldn't be surprised if Arch took his decision all the way to signing day and also mentioned USC and ND being involved. 🤣

If there's one publication I expect to know exactly what's happening in cfb recruiting, it's definitely OB.

[tokamak 6687]

I'm shocked, shocked I tell you, that floating rumors about Cutcliffe didn't inspire the Mannings to rush to the phone to commit right away. The stench of desperation usually works so well.

[McRib 102]

29 minutes ago, Hookem2147 said:

Don't have the full article, but apparently Anwar posted something about Arch last night in the OB War Room saying he wouldn't be surprised if Arch took his decision all the way to signing day and also mentioned USC and ND being involved. 🤣

That’s the most positive Arch news I’ve heard, considering the source he probably commits to us next week. 

[UDontKnow 10572]

Just now, McRib said:

That’s the most positive Arch news I’ve heard, considering the source he probably commits to us next week. 

Avatar checks out.

[texifornia 59055]

6 minutes ago, tokamak said:

I'm shocked, shocked I tell you, that floating rumors about Cutcliffe didn't inspire the Mannings to rush to the phone to commit right away. The stench of desperation usually works so well.

They're friends with Cutcliffe who can just text the guy, so I don't think any rumors around that have any effect on them, or are even directed at them, at all.

[The Beast 585]

57 minutes ago, Hookem2147 said:

Don't have the full article, but apparently Anwar posted something about Arch last night in the OB War Room saying he wouldn't be surprised if Arch took his decision all the way to signing day and also mentioned USC and ND being involved. 🤣

If anyone subscribes or listens to anything those turds say and believe it, that’s your own fault.

[Dummy 344]

41 minutes ago, tokamak said:

I'm shocked, shocked I tell you, that floating rumors about Cutcliffe didn't inspire the Mannings to rush to the phone to commit right away. The stench of desperation usually works so well.

If Saban had done it (kind of surprised he didn't and just tell BOB to fuck off), would it have had the same stink to it or are you just such a grumpy boy? Lots of things to shit on. Hiring Cutcliffe isn't one of them. 

[tokamak 6687]

47 minutes ago, texifornia said:

They're friends with Cutcliffe who can just text the guy, so I don't think any rumors around that have any effect on them, or are even directed at them, at all.

You don't think that hiring Cutcliffe - or floating it out there since it's apparently still not a done deal - doesn't have anything to do with Arch?

[texifornia 59055]

1 minute ago, tokamak said:

You don't think that hiring Cutcliffe - or floating it out there since it's apparently still not a done deal - doesn't have anything to do with Arch?

I mean floating it has nothing to do with Arch - you were talking about floating rumors having an impact. Trying to hire him obviously has a lot to do with Arch.

[Big Woodrows 4217]

Humidor

Spoiler

TEAM

Hopefully on Monday we’ll get into more of the weight training aspects of offseason. As we’ve reported, the team is on a much more traditional strength training program than last offseason.

Of course they’re also sprinting and doing a good amount of agility drills.

Along with adding strength, a big goal for the offseason is cultivating player-driven leadership and accountability. The staff is going about that with player-led, player-drafted teams to instill competition.

There are eight teams with a leader and co-leader. If the leader is an offensive player, the co-leader is defensive and vice versa. This is likely to create unity across the team, regardless of players being on offense or defense. There has been a fissure at Texas along those lines preceding Steve Sarkisian’s arrival. The Covid year certainly didn’t help matters.

The leaders are about who you’d expect. We heard a funny anecdote regarding the draft. Given the exercise is more about accountability and buy-in than athleticism or strength, Bijan Robinson drafted a bunch of walk-ons. You can take the Horn out of Zona, but you can’t take the @Zona Horn out of Bijan. Apparently his team is currently in first place.

We’ve heard where some guys were drafted by their fellow teammates and it’s more or less what you’d expect. We will say, many of the players the team is counting on for next season are thought of highly by their teammates.

It’s not the most exciting thing, and who knows how well it will work, but there’s a point system based on doing things the right way. Based on scoring, players can improve or hurt their standing week to week, and so can overall teams.

***TE Ja’Tavion Sanders: Many of you have been waiting for this update for a while. Per three sources, the talented sophomore has upped his intensity and consistency. He’s leaned up some and looking poised for a big spring. With Jared Wiley at TCU and Jahleel Billingsley getting settled in, Sanders has grabbed the bull by the horns in workouts. If this extends to the field he’ll make plays this fall. The receiving talent has never been in question.

Sources say the addition of Billingsley has been good for Sanders.

***Speaking of Billingsley, he's described as a physical freak. The drops we saw in the National Championship game don’t seem to be a concern.

***RB Jonathon Brooks: With Bijan likely to leave after his junior year and Roschon Johnson in his last season (unless he uses his Covid year), the sophomore-to-be Brooks is impressing within the RB room. His attitude and mindset have been consistent since arriving on campus and he’s learning how to be a leader under Bijan and Roschon. Brooks will be a vital cog in the Texas offense in 2022. This season could springboard him into a big 2023.

***DL Jaray Bledsoe: The young man who missed his senior year is working hard to get back to football shape. These early morning workouts are the toughest he’s had but he’s doing well to push through. Between football and academics, he’s being kept incredibly busy. IT hears he’s doing well within the structure of the program. Early returns often go a long way, and early returns are positive here.

RECRUITING

DB Braxton Myers, Coppell (Coppell, TX) - 2023:

After a season with 40 tackles, 11 pass break-ups, five tackles for loss, and three interceptions, the On3 Consensus No. 107 overall prospect is hearing from a large group of programs. The 6-foot-1, 188-pounder dropped his top 12 list recently - Auburn, Arkansas, California, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, TCU, Texas, and USC all made the cut.

Texas is a strong factor here. He likes Blake Gideon, who has been on campus twice recently while Jeff Choate made an appearance as well. He speaks with UT cornerback Terrance Brooks and 2023 wide receiver target Kyle Parker on a regular basis since all played at John Paul II in Plano.

Clemson is a school to watch since his father, Michael Myers, not the of Halloween movies, played football with Dabo Swinney at Alabama. He's connected with Clemson coach Mike Reed as well, after his familiarity with Myers since middle school.

With Notre Dame, Michigan, and California involved, there's an academic slant to his recruitment he's certainly paying attention to. Florida and LSU's history with defensive backs has tickled his fancy.

He'll be at Florida State on March 5, while scheduling trips to Ole Miss, LSU, USC, and Cal this spring and summer. His commitment timeline is by the end of the summer. Myers wants to have fun his senior year and not be worried about the recruiting process.

CB Javien Toviano, Martin (Arlington, TX) - 2023:

Not too much new here other than Toviano will visit LSU on March 5th. After Texas slightly fell behind the No.3 overall cornerback in the On3 Consensus for 2023, after hosting Toviano in Austin a few weeks back, the Horns have repositioned themselves nicely.

Toviano is looking at a spring game visit in late April in his return to the Forty Acres. Alabama looks strong here, along with OU and USC.

WR Cordale Russell, North Mesquite (Mesquite, TX) - 2023:

The On3 four-star opened up his commitment from TCU last night and Texas has already been in contact through Brennan Marion. The new wide receivers coach was already a fan. Add Russell to the stable of quality receivers Texas is already recruiting.

OLB Derion Gullette, Marlin (Marlin, TX) - 2023:

Sources tell IT Texas has done the best job of anyone of explaining the overall plan for the hyper-athletic defender. That plan is to be an edge player early in his career while developing into an ILB and a three-down player over time.

Gullette visited A&M on January 29 and Baylor the following day. He will visit UT this spring and also wants to see Notre Dame and Ohio State.

More on Gullette forthcoming.

LB S’Maje Burrell, North Crowley (Fort Worth, TX) - 2023:

It’s going to be a very busy spring for a player who has already been to many schools. The key takeaways here is Texas is in a good spot. That doesn’t mean he’s a lock or anything like that, but UT sets up favorably. Baylor is also in the mix, as well as TCU. He’ll visit the instate schools this spring as well as some out-of-state places. He’s more likely to stay closer to home, though he does like Ohio State.

Gullette and Burrell apparently know each other from youth football and re-connected on a Baylor visit.

 

[irishtexan 11712]

1 hour ago, tokamak said:

I'm shocked, shocked I tell you, that floating rumors about Cutcliffe didn't inspire the Mannings to rush to the phone to commit right away. The stench of desperation usually works so well.

You forgot to log out of your sock account, satya. 

[gmr548 16704]

Bijan drafting a bunch of walk ons and proceeding to win the offseason because it's "more about accountability and buy in than athleticism and strength" is definitely a kool aid nugget I'm going to remember if/when Texas gets pushed around next year.

[Danimal 396]

27 minutes ago, Big Woodrows said:

Humidor

  Hide contents

TEAM

Hopefully on Monday we’ll get into more of the weight training aspects of offseason. As we’ve reported, the team is on a much more traditional strength training program than last offseason.

Of course they’re also sprinting and doing a good amount of agility drills.

Along with adding strength, a big goal for the offseason is cultivating player-driven leadership and accountability. The staff is going about that with player-led, player-drafted teams to instill competition.

There are eight teams with a leader and co-leader. If the leader is an offensive player, the co-leader is defensive and vice versa. This is likely to create unity across the team, regardless of players being on offense or defense. There has been a fissure at Texas along those lines preceding Steve Sarkisian’s arrival. The Covid year certainly didn’t help matters.

The leaders are about who you’d expect. We heard a funny anecdote regarding the draft. Given the exercise is more about accountability and buy-in than athleticism or strength, Bijan Robinson drafted a bunch of walk-ons. You can take the Horn out of Zona, but you can’t take the @Zona Horn out of Bijan. Apparently his team is currently in first place.

We’ve heard where some guys were drafted by their fellow teammates and it’s more or less what you’d expect. We will say, many of the players the team is counting on for next season are thought of highly by their teammates.

It’s not the most exciting thing, and who knows how well it will work, but there’s a point system based on doing things the right way. Based on scoring, players can improve or hurt their standing week to week, and so can overall teams.

***TE Ja’Tavion Sanders: Many of you have been waiting for this update for a while. Per three sources, the talented sophomore has upped his intensity and consistency. He’s leaned up some and looking poised for a big spring. With Jared Wiley at TCU and Jahleel Billingsley getting settled in, Sanders has grabbed the bull by the horns in workouts. If this extends to the field he’ll make plays this fall. The receiving talent has never been in question.

Sources say the addition of Billingsley has been good for Sanders.

***Speaking of Billingsley, he's described as a physical freak. The drops we saw in the National Championship game don’t seem to be a concern.

***RB Jonathon Brooks: With Bijan likely to leave after his junior year and Roschon Johnson in his last season (unless he uses his Covid year), the sophomore-to-be Brooks is impressing within the RB room. His attitude and mindset have been consistent since arriving on campus and he’s learning how to be a leader under Bijan and Roschon. Brooks will be a vital cog in the Texas offense in 2022. This season could springboard him into a big 2023.

***DL Jaray Bledsoe: The young man who missed his senior year is working hard to get back to football shape. These early morning workouts are the toughest he’s had but he’s doing well to push through. Between football and academics, he’s being kept incredibly busy. IT hears he’s doing well within the structure of the program. Early returns often go a long way, and early returns are positive here.

RECRUITING

DB Braxton Myers, Coppell (Coppell, TX) - 2023:

After a season with 40 tackles, 11 pass break-ups, five tackles for loss, and three interceptions, the On3 Consensus No. 107 overall prospect is hearing from a large group of programs. The 6-foot-1, 188-pounder dropped his top 12 list recently - Auburn, Arkansas, California, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, TCU, Texas, and USC all made the cut.

Texas is a strong factor here. He likes Blake Gideon, who has been on campus twice recently while Jeff Choate made an appearance as well. He speaks with UT cornerback Terrance Brooks and 2023 wide receiver target Kyle Parker on a regular basis since all played at John Paul II in Plano.

Clemson is a school to watch since his father, Michael Myers, not the of Halloween movies, played football with Dabo Swinney at Alabama. He's connected with Clemson coach Mike Reed as well, after his familiarity with Myers since middle school.

With Notre Dame, Michigan, and California involved, there's an academic slant to his recruitment he's certainly paying attention to. Florida and LSU's history with defensive backs has tickled his fancy.

He'll be at Florida State on March 5, while scheduling trips to Ole Miss, LSU, USC, and Cal this spring and summer. His commitment timeline is by the end of the summer. Myers wants to have fun his senior year and not be worried about the recruiting process.

CB Javien Toviano, Martin (Arlington, TX) - 2023:

Not too much new here other than Toviano will visit LSU on March 5th. After Texas slightly fell behind the No.3 overall cornerback in the On3 Consensus for 2023, after hosting Toviano in Austin a few weeks back, the Horns have repositioned themselves nicely.

Toviano is looking at a spring game visit in late April in his return to the Forty Acres. Alabama looks strong here, along with OU and USC.

WR Cordale Russell, North Mesquite (Mesquite, TX) - 2023:

The On3 four-star opened up his commitment from TCU last night and Texas has already been in contact through Brennan Marion. The new wide receivers coach was already a fan. Add Russell to the stable of quality receivers Texas is already recruiting.

OLB Derion Gullette, Marlin (Marlin, TX) - 2023:

Sources tell IT Texas has done the best job of anyone of explaining the overall plan for the hyper-athletic defender. That plan is to be an edge player early in his career while developing into an ILB and a three-down player over time.

Gullette visited A&M on January 29 and Baylor the following day. He will visit UT this spring and also wants to see Notre Dame and Ohio State.

More on Gullette forthcoming.

LB S’Maje Burrell, North Crowley (Fort Worth, TX) - 2023:

It’s going to be a very busy spring for a player who has already been to many schools. The key takeaways here is Texas is in a good spot. That doesn’t mean he’s a lock or anything like that, but UT sets up favorably. Baylor is also in the mix, as well as TCU. He’ll visit the instate schools this spring as well as some out-of-state places. He’s more likely to stay closer to home, though he does like Ohio State.

Gullette and Burrell apparently know each other from youth football and re-connected on a Baylor visit.

 

We are so close to peak off season when all the 9.95ers talk about is how these young men's bodies are transforming.

[MoJames 8258]

33 minutes ago, Big Woodrows said:

***TE Ja’Tavion Sanders: Many of you have been waiting for this update for a while. Per three sources, the talented sophomore has upped his intensity and consistency. He’s leaned up some and looking poised for a big spring. With Jared Wiley at TCU and Jahleel Billingsley getting settled in, Sanders has grabbed the bull by the horns in workouts. If this extends to the field he’ll make plays this fall. The receiving talent has never been in question.

Sources say the addition of Billingsley has been good for Sanders.

***Speaking of Billingsley, he's described as a physical freak. The drops we saw in the National Championship game don’t seem to be a concern.

[Red Five 41780]

6 minutes ago, Danimal said:

We are so close to peak off season when all the 9.95ers talk about is how these young men's bodies are transforming.

Coburn and Sweat have lost a combined 125 lbs and both have six-packs. 

Jamison can fly now. Literally. Everyone is pretty blown away by it. 

Jonathon Brooks has yet to be tackled once. 

[TheAuditor 1047]

1 hour ago, Big Woodrows said:

The drops we saw in the National Championship game don’t seem to be a concern.

That's important in the weight room.  How about the 'Ole blocking we saw in the National Championship game from him?

[Hookem2147 22049]

2 minutes ago, TheAuditor said:

That's important in the weight room.  How about the 'Ole blocking we saw in the National Championship game from him?

We aren't going to be asking him to be an in-line blocking TE like Bill O Brien asked him to be.

[NoName 17171]

2 hours ago, Hookem2147 said:

Don't have the full article, but apparently Anwar posted something about Arch last night in the OB War Room saying he wouldn't be surprised if Arch took his decision all the way to signing day and also mentioned USC and ND being involved. 🤣

does he want to maximize how good the team he goes to is while he is in school?

and what is the best way to maximize it - by recruiting. he is the #1 player in the class across every group (on3, ESPN, 247, Rivals) and plays QB, if he doesn't maximize his ability to pull folks into the class i will be floored.

idk when he makes his mind up but betting it is well before NSD1

[Hookem2147 22049]

Seems like good news on Gullette and Burrell. Get those two and a prime spin down candidate like Jayven Anderson in your back pocket as you go chase after Anthony Hill.

[NoName 17171]

9 minutes ago, TheAuditor said:

That's important in the weight room.  How about the 'Ole blocking we saw in the National Championship game from him?

if we brought him in to be a blocking TE they just need to nuke the stadium and team today.

[TheAuditor 1047]

Just now, NoName said:

if we brought him in to be a blocking TE they just need to nuke the stadium and team today.

Yeah,  I get that.  I was mostly ripping on IT for the drops comment when he hasn't even been on the field yet.  However,  the blocking in the national champ game wasn't substandard - it was non-existent and noticeable to a drunk and very casual viewer of the game (me) who wasn't focused on any player.   I'm talking total lack of give a shit.  Hopefully it was the frustration at the end of a long BOB beatdown.   

[Codaxx 6272]

8 minutes ago, Hookem2147 said:

We aren't going to be asking him to be an in-line blocking TE like Bill O Brien asked him to be.

Correct. Brewer improved blocking and most of that was Sark had him blocking on the move. He was still sketch as an in-line blocker. Texas has not had an in-line blocking TE, since Beck. Hate to say it, but there is going to be a lot of pressure on a guy like Helm to develop as an in-line blocking TE. That will really open the offense up. Allow Billingsley/Davis/Sanders to move around and block on the move/use that movement to catch easy passes. 

[MoJames 8258]

45 minutes ago, Red Five said:

Coburn and Sweat have lost a combined 125 lbs and both have six-packs. 

Jamison can fly now. Literally. Everyone is pretty blown away by it. 

Jonathon Brooks has yet to be tackled once. 

Lance St. Louis has the tightest spiral hike to scouts have ever seen, oh nm, he hasn't enrolled yet.

[ShaggyBevo RIP 3873]

1 hour ago, Danimal said:

We are so close to peak off season when all the 9.95ers talk about is how these young men's bodies are transforming.

Well, saying we're doing the Hogwarts' houses type thing for a team building competition wasn't on my bingo card

Edited February 11, 2022 by ShaggyBevo RIP

[Vertigo 20502]

1 hour ago, MoJames said:

Lance St. Louis has the tightest spiral hike to scouts have ever seen, oh nm, he hasn't enrolled yet.

I hear he has been in a pretty innovative offseason program where he is asked to line up with 10 balls side by side, he then works his way down the line longsnapping and attempting to embed the balls into a brick wall. His best score so far is 11. 

[Red Five 41780]

We're going to hear that "Bijan picking the walk-ons and winning" story 8 times every game next year aren't we.

[Dbeasy 15613]

5 minutes ago, Red Five said:

We're going to hear that "Bijan picking the walk-ons and winning" story 8 times every game next year aren't we.

Well, it will make a great story during his Heisman Trophy winning campaign. 

[Lonestar88 5183]

2 hours ago, NoName said:

does he want to maximize how good the team he goes to is while he is in school?

and what is the best way to maximize it - by recruiting. he is the #1 player in the class across every group (on3, ESPN, 247, Rivals) and plays QB, if he doesn't maximize his ability to pull folks into the class i will be floored.

idk when he makes his mind up but betting it is well before NSD1

It’s pretty rare for any top QB to wait until NSD to commit. This is OB creating content out of thin air because there’s not a ton to talk about right now

[HenryJames 67464]

https://247sports.com/player/omar-white-46113868/

https://www.on3.com/db/omar-white-94429/recruiting/

[Hank_Hill 20102]

2 hours ago, TheAuditor said:

Yeah,  I get that.  I was mostly ripping on IT for the drops comment when he hasn't even been on the field yet.  However,  the blocking in the national champ game wasn't substandard - it was non-existent and noticeable to a drunk and very casual viewer of the game (me) who wasn't focused on any player.   I'm talking total lack of give a shit.  Hopefully it was the frustration at the end of a long BOB beatdown.   

I’m shocked the guy that sucks at blocking and was asked to block when he clearly already had a foot out the door continued to suck at blocking.

[SydneyCarton 49532]

4 hours ago, gmr548 said:

Bijan drafting a bunch of walk ons and proceeding to win the offseason because it's "more about accountability and buy in than athleticism and strength" is definitely a kool aid nugget I'm going to remember if/when Texas gets pushed around next year.

Yeah, I didn't read that and think "Kool-Aid nugget." I read that and said "Ok, we're still fucked. 

[Teamdirtyleg 1139]

4 hours ago, Red Five said:

Coburn and Sweat have lost a combined 125 lbs and both have six-packs. 

Jamison can fly now. Literally. Everyone is pretty blown away by it. 

Jonathon Brooks has yet to be tackled once. 

turning heads

Multiple unsolicited sources raving about

Making a big impression

 

[UncleSonny 6798]

27 minutes ago, Teamdirtyleg said:

turning heads

Multiple unsolicited sources raving about

Making a big impression

 

But does he look like he belongs?

[IDIOTsavant 8690]

3 minutes ago, UncleSonny said:

But does he look like he belongs?

That would be more Kool-AIDs than Kool-Aid.

Edited February 11, 2022 by IDIOTsavant

[Hank Scorpio 17924]

I hear the team has a new attitude this offseason and is working harder than ever before and that there’s a different vibe around the team because players are buying in. Totally different from pervious offseasons. Also talk from inside Belmont is optimistic, they’ve been really impressed with some of the early enrollees and think this roster has the talent to compete for the playoffs. 

[Red Five 41780]

42 minutes ago, Teamdirtyleg said:

turning heads

Multiple unsolicited sources raving about

Making a big impression

 

He's flashing.

[jeevsie 3790]

1 hour ago, HenryJames said:

https://247sports.com/player/omar-white-46113868/

https://www.on3.com/db/omar-white-94429/recruiting/

If he commits, I call dibs on this:

[MoJames 8258]

1 minute ago, jeevsie said:

If he commits, I call dibs on this:

If he doesn't commit I call dibs on it.

[ousux 5649]

Coburn and Sweat have lost a combined 125 lbs and both have six-packs. 
Jamison can fly now. Literally. Everyone is pretty blown away by it. 
Jonathon Brooks has yet to be tackled once. 

I totally believe the first two but having a little trouble processing the last one..

Goes against reports our LB's and DB's havent missed a single tackle.

[Huckleberry 34740]

37 minutes ago, Hank Scorpio said:

I hear the team has a new attitude this offseason and is working harder than ever before and that there’s a different vibe around the team because players are buying in. Totally different from pervious offseasons. Also talk from inside Belmont is optimistic, they’ve been really impressed with some of the early enrollees and think this roster has the talent to compete for the playoffs. 

You forgot to mention that the team is really building great chemistry that was missing last year.