Texas Recruiting Notes 2025: Duck Around and Find Out

[HtownHorn 14663]

10 minutes ago, Hornmatic said:

You sure about that?

nope, just wishcasting.

[Hookem2147 21188]

1 hour ago, HtownHorn said:

Gerry's interview with Brown is very gruntling. Doesn't sound like LSU is even a thought anymore.

[Elmer_Fudd 22198]

LSU fan on Brown.

 

[BurntOrange&White 39930]

6 minutes ago, Hookem2147 said:

Obviously that’s his brother. 

[BornAndRaised 12281]

[BornAndRaised 12281]

 

[BornAndRaised 12281]

 

[DixonHur 11292]

C'mon grandma, keep your grandbaby close to home.

[BornAndRaised 12281]

caption seems to refer to the commitment video? "Some light until the real video get done :shh emoji:"

 

[Vertigo 20276]

43 minutes ago, BornAndRaised said:

 

Little man in the front is pro Texas Tech. Doomed.

[Horn Under a Bad Sign 20390]

In all honesty, I kind of feel that, going forward, LSU won't be getting many ---- if ANY ---- recruits that Texas  REALLY wants. 

[DixonHur 11292]

3 minutes ago, Vertigo said:

Little man in the front is pro Texas Tech. Doomed.

But he looks sad, so maybe he's disappointed that DK eliminated the Red Raiders.

[Hermanator 7032]

If Sark manages to keep Brown that's yet another glimpse into just how strong of a culture he's built with our program. 

Kenny Baker had no chance here. No matter how good of a recruiter he is he was walking in new recruiting head to head against the guy Brown committed to without ever seeing the campus. Brown loved the idea of playing for Bo so much he committed without seeing Austin at all. 

I thought there wasn't much chance here but damn if Sark isn't starting to develop into a true don of college football. 

[victory88 5663]

24 minutes ago, Hermanator said:

If Sark manages to keep Brown that's yet another glimpse into just how strong of a culture he's built with our program. 

Kenny Baker had no chance here. No matter how good of a recruiter he is he was walking in new recruiting head to head against the guy Brown committed to without ever seeing the campus. Brown loved the idea of playing for Bo so much he committed without seeing Austin at all. 

I thought there wasn't much chance here but damn if Sark isn't starting to develop into a true don of college football. 

I agree with Sark building a great culture here, but this recruitment is basically NIL.  Let’s just hope LSU stays broke and cant match whatever Texas is offering.

[Jabberwocky 1666]

54 minutes ago, Vertigo said:

Little man in the front is pro Texas Tech. Doomed.

Little dude is throwing up the LSU "L".

[derp 755]

1 hour ago, BornAndRaised said:

 

If your watch can’t see the camera, your watch won’t show up in the picture.

[BurntOrange&White 39930]

25 minutes ago, victory88 said:

I agree with Sark building a great culture here, but this recruitment is basically NIL.  Let’s just hope LSU stays broke and cant match whatever Texas is offering.

IMO it is imperative we start winning some of these big time DL NIL recruitments moving forward. 

[Scholz 11938]

28 minutes ago, victory88 said:

I agree with Sark building a great culture here, but this recruitment is basically NIL.  Let’s just hope LSU stays broke and cant match whatever Texas is offering.

Let’s hope swamp rat pelts remain out of fashion in Paris

[billfromlaketravis 11447]

So the 2 hi’s are Mills and? 

[BurntOrange&White 39930]

23 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

So the 2 hi’s are Mills and? 

John 

[Hermanator 7032]

1 hour ago, victory88 said:

I agree with Sark building a great culture here, but this recruitment is basically NIL.  Let’s just hope LSU stays broke and cant match whatever Texas is offering.

I doubt it's going to play much of a factor because both of these schools should be able to pay about the same if he's a priority target. No one is blowing out the coffers for this one to go way above and beyond. It'll be similar NIL offers most likely and come down to who does he want to play for/with. 

[Bevo 13560]

1 minute ago, Hermanator said:

I doubt it's going to play much of a factor because both of these schools should be able to pay about the same if he's a priority target. No one is blowing out the coffers for this one to go way above and beyond. It'll be similar NIL offers most likely and come down to who does he want to play for/with. 

sounds like basketball and centers. We need a decent number of young defensive tackles because our defensive tackle high school recruiting has been meh through multiple cycles.

[shnsajax 3591]

California has a population of 39 million.

I’ll never understand why UCLA can’t field a contender once every 5 years.

[billy_bats 168]

4 hours ago, Getafix said:

 

Would be huge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saw him there just a few hours ago when I got into town - can attest that he was drawing some fans.

[Scholz 11938]

9 minutes ago, shnsajax said:

I’ll never understand why UCLA can’t field a contender once every 5 years.

Soft pastels

[campcrunk 2437]

3 minutes ago, shnsajax said:

I’ll never understand why UCLA can’t field a contender once every 5 years.

 

But maybe DeShaun Foster actually gives a shit about recruiting? I don't know anything about him except that he was nominated for the Broyles and that he has to rebuild Kelly's mess from scratch

[BurntOrange&White 39930]

5 hours ago, Getafix said:

 

 

 

Knowing you fat, perennially hungry fucks, I post the tweet/image below with great trepidation ... 

 

 

 

The halfrican is a funny name

[ousux 5595]

C'mon grandma, keep your grandbaby close to home.

Seems like a chip shot for the good guys, but unless he's very close to his extended family, (relationship wise) having the whole fam damily up in your business when you just want a bit of independence may not be ideal.

[Junior Bonner 6242]

36 minutes ago, ousux said:

4 hours ago, DixonHur said:

C'mon grandma, keep your grandbaby close to home.

Seems like a chip shot for the good guys, but unless he's very close to his extended family, (relationship wise) having the whole fam damily up in your business when you just want a bit of independence may not be ideal.

Christ. Can you find a worse take on a good fact?

[Bevo14 8303]

1 hour ago, shnsajax said:

I’ll never understand why UCLA can’t field a contender once.

Fify

[Napoleon 8660]

2 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

So the 2 hi’s are Mills and? 

 

2 hours ago, BurntOrange&White said:

John 

Had a Jon Mills as a classmate for a few years, but he was a short, slight, hairy kid in middle school, so doubtful that we would recruit any of his offspring.
 

 

2 hours ago, shnsajax said:

I’ll never understand why UCLA can’t field a contender once every 5 years.

 

1 hour ago, campcrunk said:

 

But maybe DeShaun Foster actually gives a shit about recruiting? I don't know anything about him except that he was nominated for the Broyles and that he has to rebuild Kelly's mess from scratch

UCLA’s NIL money goes to basketball. They have been buying players since the John Wooden days. 

You can ask Duke or Kansas and they will tell you that it is much easier to buy 6 to 10 basketball players than 55 to 85 football players. 

I don’t care how serious DeShaun Foster is about recruiting, if their BMDs don’t want to pony up enough money to cover a football team on top of the basketball team, they are going to continue to get out-recruited. 

[Hornmatic 245]

3 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

So the 2 hi’s are Mills and? 

He said even more on the live stream tonight. How many stocks do we really have in stock?

1,2,3,4,5 plus 5, eh. 

[BurntOrange&White 39930]

4 minutes ago, Hornmatic said:

He said even more on the live stream tonight. How many stocks do we really have in stock?

1,2,3,4,5 plus 5, eh. 

my friend!

[Teryor 4449]

247 sunshine

Nation's top wide receiver Dakorien Moore recaps Texas official visit
 

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There weren't many visits around the country this weekend more anticipated than Dakorien Moore's trip to Texas. The nation's No. 1 wide receiver and elite in-state prospect has been linked to the Longhorns since decommitting from LSU in May. The five-star Duncanville (Texas) playmaker was one of many big faces on campus over the weekend.

At 5-foot-11, 182 pounds, Moore is ranked as the nation's No. 1 wide receiver and the No. 2 overall prospect in Texas, according to 247Sports.

Moore's mother was born in Austin and he has family in the area. Given the proximity to the school, there are a lot of Longhorn fans in the family and they were able to take part in the trip.

"I would say the visit went great," Moore said. "Austin being like home for me, I was able to bring some of my family with me that have been Texas fans since before I was born. Just seeing how they welcomed my family in with open arms meant so much to me."

Moore was hosted on the trip by former five-star wide receiver Ryan Wingo and former five-star teammate Colin Simmons. He was able to discuss the day-to-day life of a Longhorn football player and see their perspective on the school and the program.

"I was with Ryan Wingo and of course Colin Simmons because he came from my school," Moore said. "I asked them what their relationship was like with the coaches. We talked about how class was going and what the difference was between class in high school in college. We talked about the workouts and how hard they were. It was just minor things like that, nothing really big picture."

Texas has always been one of the top schools in contention for Moore, and this weekend did nothing to change that. If anything, the trip helped their stock.

"Being that they've moved to the SEC and their record last season, I would definitely say they improved their standing after this visit," he said. "I've seen how the wideout prepare for games and how they perform in games. I saw a lot this weekend, so I would say they've definitely improved."

Mesquite Horn Top247 OT Lamont Rogers enjoys official visit trip to Austin
 

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Mesquite Horn Top247 offensive tackle Lamont Rogers made it to Texas over the weekend for his burnt orange official visit. 

A longtime target of Kyle Flood and Co., Rogers enjoyed getting to learn more about the program during his time in the capital city. 

"It went well, got there and got to learn more about Texas and the vibe of things, it was pretty cool just being there."

Rogers' mother wasn't able to make the trip, so he was accompanied by his uncle instead. 

"It was cool, that was his first time going to Texas so just hearing his perspective and how he feels as well was opening my eyes a little bit more."

The DFW area native had Trevor Goosby as his host. The two share the same trainer but met earlier in the spring on an unofficial visit and have been in touch since. 

"I came for an unofficial and we just clicked, and ever since then we've been real cool."

Kyle Flood's resume of producing NFL caliber offensive lineman stands out more than anything else to Rogers when it comes to his relationship with the Texas offensive line coach. 

"Just knowing his background and all the accomplishments he has and all the players he's developed."

Special assistant to the head coach Chris Gilbert has done a lot of damage in the recruitment as well, as the majority of the Mesquite Horn staff hails from Gilbert's coaching tree. That said, Gilbert is the main reason the Longhorns were even able to get back in this recruitment earlier this year, and the relationship between Rogers and Gilbert has grown a considerable amount over the last few months. 

"Coach Gilbert, he's like family, very loving and he's gonna keep it real everytime so I respect him."

The turnaround of the program not only on the field, but more so off it is the main thing that stands out about Steve Sarkisian in Rogers' eyes. 

"It was good," Rogers said of getting to meet with Sarkisian. "Like with coach Flood, just knowing the things he's done is big. He made a change to Texas in a way. Like the culture and everything was bad in 2021 but he's really changed it around."

Getting to conversate with Goosby amongst several other Texas players and recruits was Rogers' favorite part of the whole weekend. 

"Just spending time with the players," "(Jaydon) Chatman, Daniel (Cruz), Trevor, and a couple more players. They were with their recruits as well so we were all together having a fun time just hanging out."

Although he's been to Texas multiple times in the past, Rogers got to spend more time than he's ever spent in Austin, and he's found himself to be a fan of the city. 

"There's a lot of networking and resources in Austin, because that's the capital in Texas so I like it."

Getting to see the academic support section of Saturday's "Longhorn Experience" presentation went a long ways with Rogers as he and Goosby had previously talked it before. 

"They got a great academic staff, a lot of people willing to help and to make sure you understand what your assignments and all that are like because I was talking to Trevor and he was telling me he stays going to the academic center at the facility and how they've helped him out a lot."

With plans to commit sometime during the month of July, Rogers is still looking over his options with two more official visits coming up in Oklahoma and Florida State. 

That said, when asked where the Longhorns stand in his recruitment, Rogers said:

"They stand very high."

At 6-foot-6.5, 311 pounds Rogers is ranked as the No. 53 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 6 offensive tackle in the nation, and the No. 13 overall prospect in the state of Texas according to 247Sports.

Top100 WR Daylan McCutcheon goes in-depth on Texas official visit
 

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AUSTIN, Texas — Four-star wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon was one of several wide receivers on official visits at Texas this weekend. The Lovejoy standout has long included the Longhorns among his top schools, making a number of trips to campus throughout his recruitment.

"It was a good overall visit being able to be on campus, being able to see a former teammate of mine, Parker Livingstone," McCutcheon told Horns247. "Being able to hang out with Coach Jackson and Coach Sark, I mean, I had a great time being here this weekend and learning new things about Texas football."

Texas wide receiver DeAndre Moore hosted McCutcheon throughout the weekend in what was an educational visit for the in-state pass catcher.

"I learned that an overall degree from Texas is heavy," McCutcheon said. "It gives you not just an opportunity to go to the NFL but life after football. It gives you a good opportunity to get a great education and play at a high level in Texas. You get all you ask for at Texas."

What about this trip stood out to McCutcheon?

"My favorite part was being able to hang out with all the players, being able to learn the culture," he said. "That's what I enjoyed the most."

Steve Sarkisian and Chris Jackson spent one-on-one time with the talented wideout.

"Their main message was keep working, keep being on that grind," McCutcheon said. "They want me to be able to select Texas, but obviously I gotta go back to my people and select a decision for what's best for me. Their main thing is they want me to be able to come to Texas."

Jackson is who McCutcheon has bonded with most on the staff.

"Our relationship is real good," he said. "I'm really impressed with Coach Jackson, the way he teaches wide receivers at Texas. He's blunt and up front and not sugar coating anything. I respect that the most about Coach Jackson. Just the way he teaches his receivers room, I respect that a lot."

McCutcheon will wrap up his official visit slate next weekend at Florida State. He's also seen Ohio State, USC, and SMU. He says it's an "even playing field" in terms of favorites.

"Mainly after the last visit, more so in July or maybe August," McCutcheon said of a decision timeline.

At 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, McCutcheon is ranked the No. 12 wide receiver and the No. 94 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Georgia DL Kevin Wynn can see himself playing at Texas
 

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AUSTIN, Texas — Kevin Wynn had the opportunity to experience Austin for the first time this weekend, and the city didn't disappoint.

"The people there, there's a lot of networking down there, so letting them show me around and show how much opportunity I'd have when I'd come there, and when I'd be there, how much things they could also help me get done outside of football," the four-star defensive tackle from Greensboro (Ga.) Greene County told Horns247.

Wynn's already officially visited Georgia and South Carolina. He'll wrap things up at Florida State next weekend. How does Texas compare to the other places?

"It's definitely a bigger city," he said. "Like I said, there's more networking out here and everything is bigger because you know everything is bigger in Texas."

UT defensive lineman Aaron Bryant was Wynn's host for a visit that really met the Peach State native's expectations.

"Honestly, it's what I thought it was going to be really," he said. ""Big, lots of opportunities and a great program.

"I was talking to C4 (CJ Baxter), AB (Aaron Bryant), it's a lot of them I talked to and that I met. I met (DeAndre) Moore, the one who started his own food truck. I was talking to a lot of the players for a good little while yesterday."

Texas was on the outside of Wynn's top group ahead of the weekend. Did they make up any ground?

"Texas, they're definitely up there because they have a lot more opportunities outside of football for me to do, and a lot more networking so that plays a very big part in my recruitment," he said, adding he plans to major in food sciences and nutrition. 

Steve Sarkisian has left a strong impression on the family.

"He's a great, genuine guy honestly," Wynn said. "Very up-tempo and he was just like 'We want you here. We need you' and he could see me playing there and I could see myself playing there, too."

Defensive line coach Kenny Baker has done a great job connecting with Wynn as well.

"They were showing me some clips," he said. "Even though I obviously have great clips, he was showing me some clips that I could probably try to improve in in certain areas and not too many other coaches have broke that down at other places."

After Florida State, Wynn will be closing in on a decision.

"I'm just gonna sit back, think about it," he said. "Let God do his course, let me meditate on it a little bit till the end of July or beginning of August." 

Wynn says he doesn't have an order to his list of top schools, but did admit Texas was "one or two" in terms of fun he had on the visit.

"I really don't for real, but they're really high up there because they've got more opportunities and stuff like that," Wynn said of having an order to his favorites. 

And he's not feeling tied down to staying home in Georgia.

"I don't care how far it is," he said. "It's just wherever it feels like a fit and wherever is going to have the most to offer for me."

At 6-foot-2, 320 pounds Wynn is ranked as the No. 57 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 8 defensive lineman in the nation, and the No. 10 overall prospect in the state of Georgia according to 247Sports.

Texas improves their chances with Alief Hastings Top247 EDGE Smith Orogbo
 

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Alief Hastings four-star EDGE Smith Orogbo officially visited Texas over the weekend. 

His second to last trip before coming to a decision on his new commitment date July 1st, things went well for the Longhorns this weekend.

"It was a great trip." Orogbo said. "Just seeing the campus and everything, getting to talk with the coaches, just really getting to see why Texas is one of the top programs."

Having already officially visited Washington and Texas Tech prior to his trip to Texas, 

"I mean shoot, it's Texas. That alone there isn't really much more to say," Orogbo continued. "[Favorite part was] probably just getting to see the way I fit in their defense and how they run their scheme."

With Zina Umeozulu as his host, Orogbo got to get a good insight into what it would be like coming to Texas as a slimmer, ultra athletic high upside EDGE prospect. 

"It was pretty good getting to spend time around him, he was just telling me about coach PK and how he's a great guy, he's funny too."

Orogbo met with Pete Kwiatkowski as well. 

"It was pretty good, I was just learning about the defense and talking about the depth chart and just getting to know more about him."

Having made the trip alone, Orogbo did all of his meetings with the staff by himself as it was a solo trip. That of course included a one-on-one meeting with Steve Sarkisian. 

"It was a pretty good experience. He was just telling me about how if I came here I'd be getting developed for a couple of years, and really just getting to know him better as a person."

With the plan to major in business with the hope of one day becoming a real estate agent, Orogbo got to learn a lot more about the McCombs School of Business during Saturday's "Longhorn Experience" part of the visit which covers topics regarding player development, academic support, nutrition, and strength and condition. 

"We got to learn about that on Saturday. It was a lot to learn about it."

Horns247 heard throughout the weekend that Lance Jackson was doing what he could to help peer recruit prospects to join him in Austin, with Orogobo being one one of those prospects he'd like to play alongside. 

"I was with Lance, he's pretty good at recruiting guys."

Besides Zina Umeozulu, Orogbo got to spend a lot of time around other players in the program. He used the time to get some questions answered.

"How many times people get in (in games), what's the atmosphere like, what going to the school is like, just stuff like that."

Orogbo seems to have become a big fan of the city of Austin after spending a couple days in the 512.

"Austin is a great place to be at. We were just walking around the city and there's a lot of stuff to see with it being the capital city and all that."

With Orogbo said to decide on a commitment on July 1st, he already knows some of the factors that will help whittle down his long list of offers to just one school. 

"How bad I'm wanted depth chart wise, how long the coaches are going to be there, the city it's in, those are the major factors."

So who are the main contenders competing against Texas for Orogbo's commitment?

"Probably Oklahoma and Washington really."  

Texas Tech received a lot of buzz in the recruitment after Orogbo tripped to Lubbock last weekend. When the Houston area native didn't mention the Red Raiders, I asked what about Tech? To which he said: "They're up there too."

As far as where Texas stands in Orogbo's recruitment coming out of his official visit to Austin:

"They definitely improved their chances."

Next up for Orogbo will be a June 21-23 official visit to Oklahoma. After that trip has concluded, Orogbo intends to sit down with his family as they work to settle on a decision ahead of his upcoming commitment date July 1. 

At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds Orogbo is ranked as the No. 131 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 16 defensive lineman in the nation, and the No. 22 overall prospect in the state of Texas according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings

Golden State Top247 EDGE Marco Jones senses community and brotherhood in Austin
 

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Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley Top247 EDGE Marco Jones tripped to Texas over the weekend for an official visit. 

His third official visit of the summer, Jones has one more trip coming up to USC next weekend as he scheduled June official visits with all four of his contenders: Michigan, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC. 

Only his second time in Austin after stopping by the capital city for an unofficial visit last summer, Jones really sensed a community vibe at Texas over the weekend. 

"Obviously great coaching staff, coach Sark is awesome, he's definitely a players coach. All the defensive staff is amazing. I feel like the community that they have out here is just fantastic. They showed the real close sense of community and brotherhood that they have. You got linebackers hanging out with lineman and stuff like that so it's definitely a close bond I feel like."

Jones host was sophomore linebacker Liona Lefau. 

"Liona from Hawaii, he was my player host so we just kicked it a lot we're super alike, we're both pretty chill so we just hung out and strolled around a little bit so it was cool."

Jones learned quite a bit about the program during his stop in Austin this past summer, so this trip was more so about getting a better feel for the city of Austin to which Jones seems to be a fan of. 

"I think less about the program, more about kinda just Austin as a whole. I went out here but I was here for less than twenty four hours so I didn't really get to see the city so to say and just being able to go out for dinners and all that type of stuff, hanging out with the players downtown, stuff like that, we watched the fight last night. It's cool seeing how cool the city of Austin actually is, I've heard good things about it but had never really gotten to experience it and just seeing it, it's really like a college town, everyone is wearing Longhorn gear but then also like a city vibe as well."

Jones felt like one of, if not the top priority targets for the Longhorns on the west coast after visiting this weekend. 

"Definitely, that was definitely a point that they made with coach Nansen, coach Sark, just saying that we have a lot of west coast guys coming out here. Players and coaches as well so they were like 'we're expanding out there, we're the farthest school west in the SEC now' so that's what they were saying and that they just really want me and that they think I'mm a really good player. Especially because I'm out in California and that's big time for them."

The California native then broke down how Texas sees him positionally. 

"As like a linebacker but also want me to come down and rush off the edge as well."

A California kid, most would assume USC holds an advantage over the other contenders due to the Trojans being located in the Golden State. However, Jones made it clear that proximity to home and location aren't factors in his recruitment. 

"It's not really a big deal. Obviously it's cool that it's close to home or whatever but for me I'm not someone who's really looking to stay right next to home and even USC isn't super close to home anyways, it's a long drive, short flight. For me proximity to home isn't the biggest of deals cause most likely my parents are probably going to follow me, I'm the only child so they're probably going to follow me wherever I go for the most part."

A standout baseball player on the diamond as well, several schools are recruiting Jones to be a two-sport athlete at the next level, including Texas. Although the topic of baseball was discussed throughout the weekend, Jones wasn't able to meet with any coaches in the baseball program due to the recruiting calendar having a dead period right now. 

"Yessir it did [come up]," Jones said about the top of baseball. "I didn't [get to meet with baseball coaches], it was actually a dead period until either Monday or Tuesday for the baseball side, it's kinda weird how baseball works but we've talked in the past before so that's definitely big I mean obviously Texas has a really good baseball program and they've produced a lot of guys and coach Sark just made it a point to tell me that's it's important that they want me to do both and play both as well."

Jones doesn't have any favorites emerging amongst his top four of Michigan, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC. 

"No I don't, not really. I'm just kinda waiting until this last visit and then I'm going to go over all of them with my family and sit down and really try to go over the pros and cons of each school and then it will be decision time after that."

There isn't a program Jones is feeling more prioritized by than the others. 

"Not necessarily, I feel like most of the schools make me a priority for the most part, I mean I've felt like I'm at home at pretty much everywhere we've went. At this point in the game I feel like in the recruiting process, you like every school. It's kind of just the little things that sets one school apart from the other so I feel like after this last OV it'll be good to sit down and figure out all the pros and cons and all the little things that separates schools and that's when the biggest difference will be made."

The California native then commented on what stands out about Texas in his eyes. 

"Obviously they're a winning program, they love to win, it's in the history. They have a great coaching staff, they put out a lot of guys, and like I said earlier it's just a real family and community type of school not every school is like that and Texas is fortunate to have that and that's kinda their motto thing and what they really take pride in, being close and all that type of stuff. Coach Sark, he's always available to guys stuff like that so that's definitely important to me."

At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds Jones is ranked as the No. 122 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 14 EDGE prospect in the nation, and the No. 11 overall prospect in the state of California according to 247Sports. 

Kenny Baker, family bond in Austin keeping three-star DL Brandon Brown committed to Texas
 

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Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie three-star defensive lineman and Texas commit Brandon Brown tripped to Austin for his official visit over the weekend. 

The third longest tenured commitment in the Longhorns' 2025 class behind only KJ Lacey and Emaree Winston, Brown felt as if the weekend trip made him more comfortable with his burnt orange commitment. 

"It was a pretty great experience," Brown said of the official visit experience. "Nothing much, it just made me feel more comfortable with Texas."

Although Brown originally committed to Bo Davis back in December, the Longhorns have continued to find a way to keep Brown's Texas commitment under new D-Line coach Kenny Baker, and largely because of the impression Baker has made on the Florida native. 

"Good coach. Real nice dude. Genuine person, I love coach Baker."

Brown then continued about why he's remained committed to Baker and Texas, even after the departure of Davis to LSU. 

"Never doubt nobody, I'm going to give him a chance regardless. I know he was a new guy coming from the league so he obviously has to know something."

The vibe of Baker and the rest of the Horns' staff members is another reason as to what has kept Brown's commitment to Texas. 

"Just the vibe with the coaches and everything. They all work as a team so it's like a family bond here."

With fellow Florida native CJ Baxter being his player host, Brown's favorite time on campus was getting to spend time with the players in the program.

"Really all the players, we were all hanging out. We watched the fight last night and everything so we were all hanging out."

Brown did a bit of peer recruiting throughout the weekend, mostly on another top D-Line target. 

"Yeah I'm trying to get him," Brown said on Danville (Calif.) Top247 EDGE Marco Jones. "Just really try to get people to play besides me."

Up next for Brown will be an official visit to Oklahoma. A trip that got booked just recently, Brown likes the Sooners' pedigree on the defensive lineman. 

"They got a good coach Todd Bates. He puts people in the league and everything and I'm all about development."

As far as where his commitment to the Longhorns stand after his official visit—

"Pretty strong. Coaches told me to take my visits and go have fun."

When asked if LSU is viewed as the main competition to the Horns, Brown gave a direct response. 

"I would say that yeah."

Next Brown was asked how he'd rate both Texas and LSU out of a 1-100 scale, to which he gave a response that contradicted his previous statements in this story. 

"I'd put them both at one hundred."

At 6-foot-1.5, 286 pounds Brown is ranked as the No. 324 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 35 defensive lineman in the nation, and the No. 45 overall prospect in the state of Florida according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Horns247 recruiting analyst Hank South contributed to this report. 

Texas 'feels like home' for USC Top247 cornerback commit Trestin Castro
 

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Upland Top247 cornerback and USC commit Trestin Castro took an official visit to Texas over the weekend. 

For the first time being on campus for the West Coast native, it seems the Longhorns' staff did a great job with his inaugural trip.

"It was good, it was a good experience," Castro said. "It was more than what I expected for sure. The coaches showed a lot of hospitality and they're for sure up there now."

Terry Joseph has been the man running point on Castro's recruitment as the Longhorns look to pull off a flip from the USC commit. 

"Coach Terry, he told me to come out here and we were just chopping it up talking about playing time and what I could do for them."

Texas talked with the Top247 prospect about an early impact he'd be able to make if he were back off his commitment and head to the Forty Acres. 

"They see me as a nickel and a corner. They said I could get in the rotation when I come in as a freshman."

With Steve Sarkisian being a California native amongst several other staff members who hail from the Golden State, Castro felt at home over the weekend. 

"It really feels like back home cause mainly all the coaches are from Southern California so it really feels like home."

Castro really enjoyed himself on the trip, especially Saturday night when the visiting group did karaoke night before heading downtown to watch last night's boxing match. 

"I was talking to everybody, all the coaches. When we had dinner last night we had a karaoke night and it was fun."

Castro continued about who the best singer. 

"Big Nick (Brooks), he sang a country song it was pretty funny."

As reported earlier in Horns247's official visit primer that came out Thursday, the Longhorns are now officially the main competition to the Trojans. 

"Yeah," said Castro when asked if Texas is the main competition to USC. "They are for sure because I think ever since this visit they're going to be."

Castro's favorite part of the weekend trip was getting to spend time around a group of players, a group he could see himself in. 

"Just the players in general when I was hanging out with them. They were just talking to me, just chopping it up in a convo and yeah I could see myself."

Former five-star defensive back and current freshman Kobe Black was Castro's player host throughout the weekend. 

"He was cool, he's a cool dude I'm not gonna lie."

When asked when he's hoping to officially shut down his recruitment one way or another, Castro gave a bit of a vague answer but looks to be making that decision following his official visit to USC that's set for this weekend. 

"Probably after I get the feel next weekend, we'll see after the next visit."

The Top247 member put it all on the Trojans when asked what the Longhorns would have to do to pull him from his USC commitment. 

"It's just really on this visit to USC coming up. If they don't meet the expectations Texas did, we'll see."

At 6-foot, 170 pounds Castro is ranked as the No. 218 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 24 cornerback in the nation, and the No. 20 overall prospect in California according to 247Sports. 

 

[PTINS 3459]

1 hour ago, ousux said:

4 hours ago, DixonHur said:

C'mon grandma, keep your grandbaby close to home.

Seems like a chip shot for the good guys, but unless he's very close to his extended family, (relationship wise) having the whole fam damily up in your business when you just want a bit of independence may not be ideal.

53 minutes ago, Junior Bonner said:

Christ. Can you find a worse take on a good fact?

Thank you, Junior.

Our family Holiday Party has 100+ people every year, my mother (age 94) and my aunts and uncles, my 20+ 1st cousins and a bunch of other cousins. There is no substitute for that kind of support network, based on generations of mutual respect.  Everybody know the elders eat first, and the kids need the most support.

Growing up with that instills a desire to make them proud, which can only be a good thing.

In 40+ years, nobody ever got all up in my business. The only time I ever talked about business, or career moves or relocating, I brought it up. I have a lot to say grace over, and only once or twice has anybody asked me for something other than the occasional HS fundraiser. Even then, they never really asked.

[Radical Larry 28539]

3 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

So the 2 hi’s are Mills and? 

Someone on OTF mentioned that Gerry said we’re up to 4 on the latest livestream. 

[ousux 5595]

Thank you, Junior.
Our family Holiday Party has 100+ people every year, my mother (age 94) and my aunts and uncles, my 20+ 1st cousins and a bunch of other cousins. There is no substitute for that kind of support network, based on generations of mutual respect.  Everybody know the elders eat first, and the kids need the most support.
Growing up with that instills a desire to make them proud, which can only be a good thing.
In 40+ years, nobody ever got all up in my business. The only time I ever talked about business, or career moves or relocating, I brought it up. I have a lot to say grace over, and only once or twice has anybody asked me for something other than the occasional HS fundraiser. Even then, they never really asked.

Are you 18 and about to gain a little independence for the first time in your life? If not that's just a heart warming story that doesn't apply here.

Having said that I hope you're right and having the fam nearby is important to Dakorien, but I remember at that age the fact my family was a few hours drive away was close enough to be there when I needed them...but otherwise I forged my own independent path as much as possible, and many high school grads are the same way.

[Elmer_Fudd 22198]

11 minutes ago, Radical Larry said:

Someone on OTF mentioned that Gerry said we’re up to 4 on the latest livestream. 

 

[Elmer_Fudd 22198]

Mills, Pettijohn, and Moore seem like the obvious choices.  Hopefully the 4th is on of the DL/EDGE guys or Rogers/Brooks.

Edited June 17 by Elmer_Fudd

[closetojumping 62535]

18 minutes ago, ousux said:

Are you 18 and about to gain a little independence for the first time in your life? If not that's just a heart warming story that doesn't apply here.

Having said that I hope you're right and having the fam nearby is important to Dakorien, but I remember at that age the fact my family was a few hours drive away was close enough to be there when I needed them...but otherwise I forged my own independent path as much as possible, and many high school grads are the same way.

You have a gift for making things about you while being absurdly wrong. 

[Redneck Mutha 7954]

[BurntOrange&White 39930]

12 minutes ago, Elmer_Fudd said:

Mills, Pettijohn, and Moore seem like the obvious choices.  Hopefully the 4th is on of the DL/EDGE guys or Rogers/Brooks.

Would reaffirming Brandon Brown count? Lol

[ousux 5595]

You have a gift for making things about you while being absurdly wrong. 

I hope I'm absurdly wrong, but think you quoted the wrong post if you think I'm making it about me. On the other hand I may be surrounded by Dabo Swinney wannabes up in here.

[cmontexas 3270]

3 hours ago, shnsajax said:

I’ll never understand why UCLA can’t field a contender once every 5 years.

The Rose Bowl is cool and all but geographically the equivalent of TCU playing their home games in Frisco. 

UCLA is and will always care about basketball only

[Getafix 28554]

 

Some notes from the OTF/Gerry/Vodel/Rod livestream this evening:

• Kelshaun Johnson - A&M or Texas (may drop USC visit);  Sark called him immediately after he returned from A&M (indicates priority);  Johntay Cook hosted - also shows importance
• Tynook Hines - Notre Dame / Texas, will USC factor
• Dakorien Moore - Gerry's percentage 65%/70%; very comfortable with where Texas is in this recruitment;  Moore specifically asked for Wingo, as a host
• Nick Brooks - Texas right there with Georgia
• Lots of early July commitments (Texas or otherwise)
• Smith Orogbo - great visit; parents didn't make trip; OK this week (I think)
• Kevin Wynn - in the game; good job w/ Culinary career stuff
• Brandon Brown, Marco Jones, Jonathan Cunningham - great visits
• Riley Pettijohn - A&M making a big run;  will take a perfect visit w/ the Agroids, to pull him away from Texas
• Marucus Harris - Texas told him they don't really have a spot for him (shows what Texas expects in this class)
• Dallas Wilson - 5 star, one of the best, keep a watch on him, depending on how the others go
• Daylon McCutcheon - smooth route runner; not as fast as the other key targets
• Kaleb Edwards - Texas extremely impressed by Edwards on his visit (last week, I think)
• Nick Townsend - may be top of list of guys w/ whom Texas needs to make a move;  likely Texas/Bama; elite skills' "certified dude" … lulz; may be top TE on Texas' board (someone asked about Townsend vs. Armstrong).
• Michael Terry - reminds Gerry of Niblack;  these guys are better athletes than JT Sanders
• Winston - visited Auburn, visiting Bama this weekend
   

And ... a lulz-worthy image (grabbed it from a Brooks video they showed)

 

 

 

[Getafix 28554]

 

So, this is interesting.

IIRC, the inside joke on Horns 247 used to be that we got commits whenever Mike went on vacation.

I think in the note below, he means that Moore committed, but it's a silent (and Moore will go public after he's done w/ visits).

In any event, it's a very positive hint from the Timorous One;  he wouldn't throw this out if he didn't hear something significant.

 

 

 

[Bevo 13560]

14 minutes ago, Getafix said:

 

So, this is interesting.

IIRC, the inside joke on Horns 247 used to be that we got commits whenever Mike went on vacation.

I think in the note below, he means that Moore committed, but it's a silent (and Moore will go public after he's done w/ visits).

In any event, it's a very positive hint from the Timorous One;  he wouldn't throw this out if he didn't hear something significant.

 

 

 

 

[tokamak 6391]

Silent commitments…

[Leanderman 2275]

 

[BurntOrange&White 39930]

Gerry's percentages from this past weekend. 

 

Thoughts and percentages on Texas visitors from the weekend

The Texas Longhorns are coming off a huge visit weekend with a number of top targets on hand. 

After talking to the recruits, circles of the recruits and other sources, it's time for a Monday morning look at percentages with some thoughts on several. 

Dakorien Moore, WR, Duncanville (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 5-star
Official visit schedule: Ohio State May 31-June 2, Texas June 14-16 and Oregon June 21-23
Gerry's percentage: 70%

Kelshaun Johnson, WR, Hitchcock (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: Arkansas May 31-June 2, Texas A&M June 7-9, Texas June 14-16 and USC June 21-23
Gerry's percentage: 55%
Thought on the recruitment: This one is a bit tricky. OTF believes Texas is where Johnson desires to be. The offense, the QB room, the city of Austin and more. The Aggies have/are making a serious run in the hopes of Johnson siding against Texas due to the possibility of Dakorien Moore and Jaime Ffrench in the Texas class. 

Daylan McCutcheon, WR, Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: SMU May 10-12, Ohio State May 31-June 2, USC June 7-9, Texas June 14-16 and Florida State June 21-23
Thought on the recruitment: Florida State is one to watch headed into the final weekend. 

Nick Brooks, OT, Cedar Rapids (Ia.) John F. Kennedy
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: Georgia May 31-June 2, USC June 7-9, Texas June 14-16 and Iowa June 21-23
Gerry's percentage: Georgia 45%, Texas 45% and USC 10%
Thought on the recruitment: This one is going to be a Georgia vs. Texas decision barring a major change. One that I wouldn't be surprised if either team won. Brooks has had two terrific visits to Texas, that OTF can say. 

Lamont Rogers, OT, Mesquite (Texas) Horn
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: Missouri May 31-June 2, Texas A&M June 7-9, Texas June 14-16 and Florida State June 21-23
Gerry's percentage: Texas A&M 33%, Texas 33%, Missouri 30% and FSU 4%.
Thought on the recruitment: FSU will have to knock the socks off this weekend. Texas hosting Rogers with his uncle only makes it tough for the Horns to have a true feel. 

John Mills, IOL, San Francisco (Calif.) St. Ignatius 
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: Nebraska April 26-28, California May 23-25, Washington May 31-June 2, Florida June 7-9 and Texas June 14-16
Gerry's percentage: Texas 65%, Washington 20% and Florida 15%.
Thought on the recruitment: This has been Texas' to lose for a while. Nothing has changed in that regard with a decision expected in the next 2-3 weeks. 

Brandon Brown, DL, Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie #AllGasNoBrakes
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: Florida May 31-June 2, Tennessee June 7-9, Texas June 14-16, USC June 21-23
Thought on the recruitment: OnTexasFootball believes Brown really likes Texas, and the idea of playing for the Longhorns. Texas has to overcome one family member that feels like the long standing relationship with Bo Davis should be the deciding factor. 

Kevin Wynn, DL, Greensboro (Ga.) Greene County
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: Georgia May 31-June 2, South Carolina June 7-9, Texas June 14-16 and Florida State June 21-23
Gerry's percentage: FSU 30%, Texas 25% South Carolina 25% and Georgia 20%.
Thought on the recruitment: The family likely prefers closer to home than Austin, but will be supportive of the decision Wynn makes. The final weekend at FSU is big here, as the Noles enjoyed a big lead for a while this spring until the Gamecocks cut into it through culinary. Texas is a legit player here after the weekend.  

Smith Orogbo, EDGE, Alief (Texas) Hastings
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: Arizona State April 26-28, SMU May 17-19, Washington May 31-June 2, Texas Tech June 7-9, Texas June 14-16 and Oklahoma June 21-23
Gerry's percentage: Texas 40%, Texas Tech 30%, Oklahoma 25% and Washington 5%.
Thought on the recruitment: The family prefers closer to home, and is 100% academic minded. While Texas is the clear winner in that regard, there is concern over Austin's size and everything that entails as a college student. With that said, OTF believes Smith prefers Texas - but that doesn't mean Texas will be the winner. 

Marco Jones, EDGE, Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: Michigan May 31-June 2, Texas A&M June 6-8, Texas June 14-16 and USC June 21-23
Gerry's percentage: Texas 45%, Michigan 45% and USC 10%.
Thought on the recruitment: A July 2nd decision out of Michigan and Texas is looking likely ahead of this weekends scheduled USC OV. 

Riley Pettijohn, LB, McKinney (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: Ohio State May 31-June 2, Texas June 14-16 and USC June 21-23
Gerry's percentage: Texas 60%, Texas A&M 35% and Ohio State 5%.
Thought on the recruitment: Texas continues to have a nice lead with the Aggies set to throw every kitchen sink in College Station at this one this weekend. 

Jonathan Cunningham, LB, Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: TCU May 3-5, Utah June 7-9, Texas June 14-16 and Kansas June 21-23
Thought on the recruitment: Texas will win it with a big push, as one would expect. 

Trestin Castro, CB, Upland (Calif.) High - *USC commit
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Official visit schedule: California May 23-25, Texas June 14-16 and USC June 21-23
Gerry's percentage: USC 60%, Texas 40% 
Thought on the recruitment: Texas will be the pick if USC messes up the OV in some regard.