Texas Recruiting Notes 2025: Duck Around and Find Out

[Hookem2147 22046]

12 minutes ago, Spider2YBanana said:

He didn't even bother to recruit 5* Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, and the kid legit interest in us. Bo was a lazy recruiter. Great at developing, but a lazy ass recruiter. How the fuck do you not even bother calling or reaching out to a 5* DT who had interest in us out of Texas?

I'd have to think the state produces fewer 5-star DTs compared to any other position on the field, so it's already somewhat of an uphill battle to begin with because those guys usually reside in states like Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, etc. You do bring up a good point with JJA and there was David Hicks in 2023, although that one had the dad being the head coach of the A&M feeder school.

I'm sure Bo has a way he wants to do things considering where he is at in his career, his previous stops, and his tendency to job-hop about every 3 years. I was definitely surprised he wasn't reeling in more high-end guys but DT is definitely the hardest position to recruit and probably has the most intense NIL battles due to supply and demand, which often involves factors outside of the position coach.

Baker definitely didn't walk into the best situation, and some of the guys Bo laid the groundwork for Texas chose to just back off of completely, but Baker is paid to figure it out and deliver results.

[Beau Vine 55875]

2 hours ago, Getafix said:

Fasusi also really enjoyed his away football time in Norman. That appealed to him, maybe more than Texas.

Can someone translate this into something intelligible?  TIA.

[ousux 5648]

Not even on his list of schools he’s focusing on though.

Commits to LSU, decommits from LSU.

LSU among 3 schools he's "focusing" on. Seems like an NIL thing, yet Texas isn't a focus. Makes sense.

[Getafix 29460]

 

OTF Stream - June 23, 2024 - Sunday evening - Gerry/Bobby/Vogel

 

JAIME FFRENCH
Great visit; everybody is even ("we believe Texas leads").  Ohio State not in it, Miami likely out.  Tennessee may be the leader.  May wait until Aug 30th to announce publicly, but schools may not have to wait that long.

KALIQ LOCKETT
Lacey - very positive on Ffrench, says Lockett is still trying to figure it out.  Bama/FSU/A&M all think they're right there.  Could be wondering whether he should go to Texas, if Moore/Ffrench end up there.  Vogel doesn't think we're the team to beat.  Cloudier than for Moore/Ffrench.  

DAKORIEN MOORE
Texas, w/ Ohio State second.  Oregon not a player.

NATHAN TILMON
Texas has confidence.

D-TACKLES VISITING OTHER PLACES
Kevin Wynn - ends up at FSU.  Hilson - says he's locked in with FSU, we'll see.  Zion Williams - LSU July 4th.  Texas down to keeping Brandon Brown.  DJ Sanders - things looking good, something may happen within a week - down to Texas/Mich.  Josiah Sharma (at Bama this week) - can he tell Courtney Morgan and Deboer no.  And Myron Charles.
Sark's strategy - recruit through the whistle (lulz), hang around the rim, look at senior offers.  

MICHAEL FASUSI
Tremendous visit.  Confidence on Texas side.  TX/OU battle.  Tex - Flood strong development plus process.  (Never had to go to portal for OL.)  Kelvin Banks good convo;  Goosby good host.  Goosby talks about physical conditioning and process.  (Goosby hosted Fasusi and Rogers.)  
Fasusi's decision may take a while to play out, at least publicly.  Doesn't expect that decision to come out early July or soon.  

Defensive Back
Unlikely to target Antoine.  Feel good about Anding (decide within next week); Brew? - right there with Ohio State;  end of July decision.  If we get Anding, we may then sit back and try to get Sanchez or Brew (if he picks Ohio State) or go after someone else.  
Spoke with Kade Phillips - decision July 4th or 6th.  Rush of commits starting July 1st through 10th.  

Nick Townsend
TE is where he is best suited.  Texas did well with his visit.  Vogel likes where Texas sits. 
Thinks it's Bama/Aggie/Texas (think he meant this for Townsend.) 

Tynook Hines
May announce w/ Townsend, July 7th or July 8th.  ND has been pushing;  visited USC w/ Townsend.  Thinks it's Bama/Aggie/Texas (think he meant this for Townsend.)

Kelshaun Johnson
May happen before July 11th;  A&M/Texas.

Brooks/Fasusi/French may carry their decisions out a little further, even if colleges know where they stand.  

Madden Faraimo
Bobby - thought he was an ND lock - did Texas do enough to become involved?  Vogel - think Texas did - talked about life after football, etc..  
(Story time w/ uncle Gerry - the staffer who picked up Faraimo at the airport, said "Good to see you back again … " so he's been to campus.  Wasn't known before.)  Texas took them to a Catholic church.  

Riley Pettijohn
Aggies/Ohio State/Texas, very tight race.  

CHAT Q&A
Chance of getting all three - Barnes/Pettijohn/Faraimo - less than 50/50.  (Duh!)
Gerry - feel great about Moore, really good about Ffrench, Lockett's a wait and see.  Behind the scenes, feels like Moore/Ff go to Texas;  will be surprised if all three do.
Adding a new Hi!  Thinks they're up to 6.

Biggest takeaways from weekend
Vogel - kids getting to know each other
Gerry - a) Showed the university and football program off really well.  One parent whose kid may not end up here said it was the best OV, even if Texas isn't the best place for his kid.
B)  Texas now using freshmen and redshirt freshmen as hosts (Goosby hosting Fasusi/Rogers, Wingo hosting multiple 5 stars (including Moore, I think))

• Most excited families - Ffrench and Faraimo families.  (Faraimo family okay w/ him going to Texas.)
• # of LBs and WRs:  Likely 3 and 3 … 
• W/ Matai the USC kid, Texas may chill and see what happens w/ Riley after the season (NFL), etc..
• WR - 4 if it involves speed.
• Kyle Flood - Nigerian soccer shirt w/ Fasusi - that's an experienced recruiter.  
• Michael Terry - wild card, two visits in the last month
• How many of the 9 uncommitted prospects do we get? Gerry - 5, Bobby - 5, Vogel - 6
   

 

 

[Bevo 13905]

3 minutes ago, Getafix said:

D-TACKLES VISITING OTHER PLACES
Kevin Wynn - ends up at FSU.  Hilson - says he's locked in with FSU, we'll see.  Zion Williams - LSU July 4th.  Texas down to keeping Brandon Brown.  DJ Sanders - things looking good, something may happen within a week - down to Texas/Mich.  Josiah Sharma (at Bama this week) - can he tell Courtney Morgan and Deboer no.  And Myron Charles.
Sark's strategy - recruit through the whistle (lulz), hang around the rim, look at senior offers.  

That's - not good

[BurntOrange&White 41969]

10 minutes ago, Getafix said:

 

OTF Stream - June 23, 2024 - Sunday evening - Gerry/Bobby/Vogel

 

JAIME FFRENCH
Great visit; everybody is even ("we believe Texas leads").  Ohio State not in it, Miami likely out.  Tennessee may be the leader.  May wait until Aug 30th to announce publicly, but schools may not have to wait that long.

KALIQ LOCKETT
Lacey - very positive on Ffrench, says Lockett is still trying to figure it out.  Bama/FSU/A&M all think they're right there.  Could be wondering whether he should go to Texas, if Moore/Ffrench end up there.  Vogel doesn't think we're the team to beat.  Cloudier than for Moore/Ffrench.  

DAKORIEN MOORE
Texas, w/ Ohio State second.  Oregon not a player.

NATHAN TILMON
Texas has confidence.

D-TACKLES VISITING OTHER PLACES
Kevin Wynn - ends up at FSU.  Hilson - says he's locked in with FSU, we'll see.  Zion Williams - LSU July 4th.  Texas down to keeping Brandon Brown.  DJ Sanders - things looking good, something may happen within a week - down to Texas/Mich.  Josiah Sharma (at Bama this week) - can he tell Courtney Morgan and Deboer no.  And Myron Charles.
Sark's strategy - recruit through the whistle (lulz), hang around the rim, look at senior offers.  

MICHAEL FASUSI
Tremendous visit.  Confidence on Texas side.  TX/OU battle.  Tex - Flood strong development plus process.  (Never had to go to portal for OL.)  Kelvin Banks good convo;  Goosby good host.  Goosby talks about physical conditioning and process.  (Goosby hosted Fasusi and Rogers.)  
Fasusi's decision may take a while to play out, at least publicly.  Doesn't expect that decision to come out early July or soon.  

Defensive Back
Unlikely to target Antoine.  Feel good about Anding (decide within next week); Brew? - right there with Ohio State;  end of July decision.  If we get Anding, we may then sit back and try to get Sanchez or Brew (if he picks Ohio State) or go after someone else.  
Spoke with Kade Phillips - decision July 4th or 6th.  Rush of commits starting July 1st through 10th.  

Nick Townsend
TE is where he is best suited.  Texas did well with his visit.  Vogel likes where Texas sits. 
Thinks it's Bama/Aggie/Texas (think he meant this for Townsend.) 

Tynook Hines
May announce w/ Townsend, July 7th or July 8th.  ND has been pushing;  visited USC w/ Townsend.  Thinks it's Bama/Aggie/Texas (think he meant this for Townsend.)

Kelshaun Johnson
May happen before July 11th;  A&M/Texas.

Brooks/Fasusi/French may carry their decisions out a little further, even if colleges know where they stand.  

Madden Faraimo
Bobby - thought he was an ND lock - did Texas do enough to become involved?  Vogel - think Texas did - talked about life after football, etc..  
(Story time w/ uncle Gerry - the staffer who picked up Faraimo at the airport, said "Good to see you back again … " so he's been to campus.  Wasn't known before.)  Texas took them to a Catholic church.  

Riley Pettijohn
Aggies/Ohio State/Texas, very tight race.  

CHAT Q&A
Chance of getting all three - Barnes/Pettijohn/Faraimo - less than 50/50.  (Duh!)
Gerry - feel great about Moore, really good about Ffrench, Lockett's a wait and see.  Behind the scenes, feels like Moore/Ff go to Texas;  will be surprised if all three do.
Adding a new Hi!  Thinks they're up to 6.

Biggest takeaways from weekend
Vogel - kids getting to know each other
Gerry - a) Showed the university and football program off really well.  One parent whose kid may not end up here said it was the best OV, even if Texas isn't the best place for his kid.
B)  Texas now using freshmen and redshirt freshmen as hosts (Goosby hosting Fasusi/Rogers, Wingo hosting multiple 5 stars (including Moore, I think))

• Most excited families - Ffrench and Faraimo families.  (Faraimo family okay w/ him going to Texas.)
• # of LBs and WRs:  Likely 3 and 3 … 
• W/ Matai the USC kid, Texas may chill and see what happens w/ Riley after the season (NFL), etc..
• WR - 4 if it involves speed.
• Kyle Flood - Nigerian soccer shirt w/ Fasusi - that's an experienced recruiter.  
• Michael Terry - wild card, two visits in the last month
• How many of the 9 uncommitted prospects do we get? Gerry - 5, Bobby - 5, Vogel - 6
   

 

 

They also mentioned Texas developing and using draft results from last year and year prior in their pitches more. 

[BurntOrange&White 41969]

6 minutes ago, Bevo said:

That's - not good

Yup, we’re cooked at DT for BS. Will need huge portal additions next year. CTJ mentions they don’t prioritize nil at that position and frankly that has to change as hookem2147 notes there are few elite talents at that position each year, especially in Texas. 

[Funk Doctor Spock 13290]

1 hour ago, Hookem2147 said:

I'd have to think the state produces fewer 5-star DTs compared to any other position on the field, so it's already somewhat of an uphill battle to begin with because those guys usually reside in states like Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, etc. You do bring up a good point with JJA and there was David Hicks in 2023, although that one had the dad being the head coach of the A&M feeder school.

I'm sure Bo has a way he wants to do things considering where he is at in his career, his previous stops, and his tendency to job-hop about every 3 years. I was definitely surprised he wasn't reeling in more high-end guys but DT is definitely the hardest position to recruit and probably has the most intense NIL battles due to supply and demand, which often involves factors outside of the position coach.

Baker definitely didn't walk into the best situation, and some of the guys Bo laid the groundwork for Texas chose to just back off of completely, but Baker is paid to figure it out and deliver results.

Yeah, DT recruiting is hard af, but we have the NIL to get some, and Bo shit the bed because he was too lazy to even make contact with JJA, who again, probably would have come to Texas had Bo made just a slight amount of effort. He recruited 3 DT's and 1 decommited and went back to Florida, and the other 2 stayed at Texas. It gives me the feeling that as much as he job hops, he really doesn't give a shit about what he's supposed to do in recruiting, but what to do when they get there. 

There's no doubting his results when comparing coaching up 3 star recruits, but good lord, can he just not be bothered to go around and find some 4 stars and maybe make contact with a 5 star in our own state? I don't care how he does things his way, what he did with JJA is borderline negligence. 

I don't hate or dislike the guy, but I'm more excited to see what fresh blood can do when they're on the job for more than 6 months. I'd bet anything Baker busts his ass harder than Bo has in probably the last 20 years, and I also doubt Saban gave a fuck that he was leaving. He probably helped him pack his bags (slight sarcasm).

We were never ever getting David Hicks (you obviously know that), but how hard would it have been for Bo to use his connections to poach some DT's from Georgia?

Edited June 24 by Spider2YBanana

[Jimmy Two Times 924]

Sark going with the reverse Jimbo Fisher strategy. Badass team of five stars with the Texas State Bobcats defensive line. 

[Funk Doctor Spock 13290]

On 6/22/2024 at 4:51 PM, closetojumping said:

In a land full of idiots, the Spider fucktard staggers the most idiotic across all of the horizon. He's a room temperature IQ poster with the inability to filter any thoughts. When he shows up after being gone for a few weeks working his graveyard shift, he pulls the trigger on his gatlin gun of terrible, voluminous takes and doesn't walk away until he's unloaded his banality on every active thread. 

All these words about someone who only remembers you exist when you post. Lulz. 

Go back to demoralizing your wife when she looks at you wrong, big guy. 

[Hornius Emeritus 12807]

1 hour ago, Bevo said:

That's - not good

If we have to, we'll go and get better, more experienced DTs in the portal.

Sark is keeping his powder dry.

[DixonHur 11968]

1 hour ago, Jimmy Two Times said:

Sark going with the reverse Jimbo Fisher strategy. Badass team of five stars with the Texas State Bobcats defensive line. 

Some of you are living in the past.  DL will be fine as long as Baker can coach.

We have NIL and a transfer portal.  Kenny just needs to show results on the field, and the players will come.

If it becomes apparent that he can't develop talent then we have a problem.  Until then, trust the plan.

[Getafix 29460]

1 hour ago, Spider2YBanana said:

but good lord, can he just not be bothered to go around and find some 4 stars

 

 

At least in the 2022 class, at DL/Edge, we signed - 

- Finkley / 255 lbs. / 4 star

- Tapp / 245 lbs. / 4 star

- Ross / 280 lbs. / 4 star

- Bledsoe / 270 lbs. / 4 star

- Bryant / 306 lbs. / 4 star

In addition, 

- Swanson / 255 / 3 star

- Brown / 210 / 3 star

- Burke / 225 / 3 star

 

Don't know whether it was someone else who really did the work to land these guys, bad evals, head cases, or perhaps there are some late bloomers ... but we did get a bunch of 4 stars in that class.

 

 

[utfan87 413]

So we made fun on Lincoln Riley about not prioritizing defense at all. Should we view sark in the same manner in regards to defense and the usage of nil? Not to mention the fact that he has allowed Gideon, Joseph coaching out of position and hiring unknown entity in Baker. 

[irishtexan 11712]

People saying “we will just get some DTs in the transfer portal” are pretending like there are multiple high-level DTs in the transfer portal every year. DTs are not WRs. If you’re planning on adding immediate starters on either side of the line every year via the transfer portal, you’re not in a good spot. And when they do end up in the portal, they cost a lot of money, apparently.

[Funk Doctor Spock 13290]

24 minutes ago, Getafix said:

 

 

At least in the 2022 class, at DL/Edge, we signed - 

- Finkley / 255 lbs. / 4 star

- Tapp / 245 lbs. / 4 star

- Ross / 280 lbs. / 4 star

- Bledsoe / 270 lbs. / 4 star

- Bryant / 306 lbs. / 4 star

In addition, 

- Swanson / 255 / 3 star

- Brown / 210 / 3 star

- Burke / 225 / 3 star

 

Don't know whether it was someone else who really did the work to land these guys, bad evals, head cases, or perhaps there are some late bloomers ... but we did get a bunch of 4 stars in that class.

 

 

But man, look at those dudes that either flamed out or transferred. That's some really, really bad evaluations if Bo was their primary. The jury is still out on Bryant (whom I believe will be good), Finkley and Burke I believe were primarily recruited by PK, not sure on Brown. Let's pray Mitchell turns a corner and Baker can get something out of him. He seems to be taking to him as a picture at the UT combine showed that he was asking him questions. January will be a good one. 

But damn, those evals, regardless of who recruited them are just bad. No way else to put it. 

I'm still baffled as to how Ross lost so much weight. But he was a headcase anyway, apparently. Which explains why he hasn't found a home yet (unless I missed something). 

Edited June 24 by Spider2YBanana

[Funk Doctor Spock 13290]

7 minutes ago, utfan87 said:

So we made fun on Lincoln Riley about not prioritizing defense at all. Should we view sark in the same manner in regards to defense and the usage of nil? Not to mention the fact that he has allowed Gideon, Joseph coaching out of position and hiring unknown entity in Baker. 

Good thing about Joseph and Gideon is they only got a 1 year extension. If they don't produce this year with inheriting Mukuba, getting Cole, having Holmes for 2 years, signing Filsame then they gotta go. No reason to have to rely mostly on Taafe this season, and Zero reason to have shitty DB play in general. 

[Funk Doctor Spock 13290]

5 minutes ago, irishtexan said:

People saying “we will just get some DTs in the transfer portal” are pretending like there are multiple high-level DTs in the transfer portal every year. DTs are not WRs. If you’re planning on adding immediate starters on either side of the line every year via the transfer portal, you’re not in a good spot. And when they do end up in the portal, they cost a lot of money, apparently.

I think the crowd talking about "we'll get some DTs out of the transfer portal" are just using that as a coping mechanism right now. Let's see if Baker can get something out of Norton, Savea, Collins, Broughton (lol), Bryant, Mitchell, and January (I may be forgetting some). 

[Jimmy Two Times 924]

53 minutes ago, DixonHur said:

Some of you are living in the past.  DL will be fine as long as Baker can coach.

We have NIL and a transfer portal.  Kenny just needs to show results on the field, and the players will come.

If it becomes apparent that he can't develop talent then we have a problem.  Until then, trust the plan.

The same Baker that struck out on Damonick Williams and Jay Toia in the spring? If the standard is competing for SEC and national championships, we need to have a defensive line room that stacks up with Georgia, Michigan and Alabama. It's not even necessarily Baker's fault, Sark has landed a grand total of 1 composite top 200 DL in his tenure and a whopping 3 high school DL recruits in the past two recruiting classes. He's had NIL for the past three recruiting classes and we've seen no improvement in DL recruiting. 

[realgreggym 838]

8 minutes ago, Jimmy Two Times said:

The same Baker that struck out on Damonick Williams and Jay Toia in the spring? If the standard is competing for SEC and national championships, we need to have a defensive line room that stacks up with Georgia, Michigan and Alabama. It's not even necessarily Baker's fault, Sark has landed a grand total of 1 composite top 200 DL in his tenure and a whopping 3 high school DL recruits in the past two recruiting classes. He's had NIL for the past three recruiting classes and we've seen no improvement in DL recruiting. 

How do you know that Baker struck out with them?

[futureman 22713]

12 minutes ago, Jimmy Two Times said:

Sark has landed a grand total of 1 composite top 200 DL in his tenure and a whopping 3 high school DL recruits in the past two recruiting classes. He's had NIL for the past three recruiting classes and we've seen no improvement in DL recruiting.

 

[Jimmy Two Times 924]

9 minutes ago, realgreggym said:

How do you know that Baker struck out with them?

Because they visited Texas while Kenny Baker was the defensive line coach and they currently play football for teams that are not Texas. 

[Hornius Emeritus 12807]

7 minutes ago, Jimmy Two Times said:

Because they visited Texas while Kenny Baker was the defensive line coach and they currently play football for teams that are not Texas. 

That doesn't necessarily say that Baker struck out with them.

Edited June 24 by Hornius Emeritus

[Funk Doctor Spock 13290]

On OTF they mentioned Sark needs to use NIL on DTs instead of just offense. It's getting to be ridiculous at this point. 

[Hank_Hill 20078]

2 hours ago, Jimmy Two Times said:

Because they visited Texas while Kenny Baker was the defensive line coach and they currently play football for teams that are not Texas. 

We didn’t want to pay what they wanted. That’s above his pay grade. 

[BurntOrange&White 41969]

7 hours ago, Hornius Emeritus said:

If we have to, we'll go and get better, more experienced DTs in the portal.

Sark is keeping his powder dry.

 

7 hours ago, DixonHur said:

Some of you are living in the past.  DL will be fine as long as Baker can coach.

We have NIL and a transfer portal.  Kenny just needs to show results on the field, and the players will come.

If it becomes apparent that he can't develop talent then we have a problem.  Until then, trust the plan.

High end DT's don't come via the portal very often and when they do it is a HUGE NIL battle. 

[BurntOrange&White 41969]

3 hours ago, Hank_Hill said:

We didn’t want to pay what they wanted. That’s above his pay grade. 

That is the market for high end DL via the portal though. It is what it is....

[Elmer_Fudd 23028]

[LebongJames 1921]

7 hours ago, utfan87 said:

So we made fun on Lincoln Riley about not prioritizing defense at all. Should we view sark in the same manner in regards to defense and the usage of nil? Not to mention the fact that he has allowed Gideon, Joseph coaching out of position and hiring unknown entity in Baker. 

Bro we signed Simmons, Black, Filsaime, Mack, Zina all last year, plus many others.

Not to mention Hill, Muhammad, Williams plus the other LBs and Vasek in 2023. 
 

They also hit the portal hard this last year.
 

DT could use some work but Jesus Christ.

 

[BurntOrange&White 41969]

11 minutes ago, LebongJames said:

Bro we signed Simmons, Black, Filsaime, Mack, Zina all last year, plus many others.

Not to mention Hill, Muhammad, Williams plus the other LBs and Vasek in 2023. 
 

They also hit the portal hard this last year.
 

DT could use some work but Jesus Christ.

 

The whole conversation isn't even about defense as a whole, that's why his comment is weird to me. It was specifically about interior DL recruiting and our lack of NIL focus at that position.

[NoName 17167]

8 hours ago, utfan87 said:

So we made fun on Lincoln Riley about not prioritizing defense at all. Should we view sark in the same manner in regards to defense and the usage of nil? Not to mention the fact that he has allowed Gideon, Joseph coaching out of position and hiring unknown entity in Baker. 

Texas Offense/Defense split of top 10 commits in the last few classes. highlighted Athletes and where they went

• 2024: 5/5 (Wardell Mack on defense)
• 2023: 5/5 (Jaleni McDonald on defense, Ryan ZNiblett on offense)
• 2022: 5/5 (Brenen Thompson on offense)
• 2021: 4/6 (JT Sanders on offense)

***

the coaching out of position is an absolute non starter. both have history coaching DBs exclusively.

Gideon's coaching history is exclusively DBs

Terry Joseph's coaching history:

• 3 years as DB coach at ND
• 1 year as DB coach at UNC
• 3 years as DB coach for A&M
• 2 years as DB coach at Nebraska
• 2 years as DB coach at Tenn
• 2 years as DB coach at LaTech

Edited June 24 by NoName

[NoName 17167]

7 hours ago, Jimmy Two Times said:

The same Baker that struck out on Damonick Williams and Jay Toia in the spring? If the standard is competing for SEC and national championships, we need to have a defensive line room that stacks up with Georgia, Michigan and Alabama. It's not even necessarily Baker's fault, Sark has landed a grand total of 1 composite top 200 DL in his tenure and a whopping 3 high school DL recruits in the past two recruiting classes. He's had NIL for the past three recruiting classes and we've seen no improvement in DL recruiting. 

Williams was pretty well known to be headed to OU before he even entered the portal. come on man. they are who incentivized him to enter in the first place.

was also pretty clear UCLA NIL stepped up with regard to Toia

look man, Texas is going to struggle with Baker until the season starts. unknown dude across the board until the season starts and they can either point to development along the DL, have existing recruits talk about how good he is to HS players (which won't happen until later anyway), or the DL starts putting up numbers. either way it is what it is and wasn't some shocking thing to the coaches.

i am far from a fan of the Baker hire but he's literally going to be here until December at the earliest. if he grinds his ass off there's a good chance he ends up as a good hire. if not, he's going to get a pink slip in December/January.

[Red Five 41769]

11 hours ago, Getafix said:

JAIME FFRENCH
Great visit; everybody is even ("we believe Texas leads").  Ohio State not in it, Miami likely out.  Tennessee may be the leader.  May wait until Aug 30th to announce publicly, but schools may not have to wait that long.

This is odd, because it would be a pretty big surprise at this point if we didn't land Ffrench.

[closetojumping 65504]

4 minutes ago, Red Five said:

This is odd, because it would be a pretty big surprise at this point if we didn't land Ffrench.

He’s a 5 star WR, so there is always the high probability that someone is going to do something absurd to get him. Tennessee could be that team this year. Missouri went there last year with Wingo and Texas couldn’t let go. Does any of that happen with Ffrench? 

It’s going to be interesting to watch the big time WR recruitments unfold this cycle versus watching DL. They’re unlikely to be handled the same. 

[ShowmeyourTDs 1160]

20 hours ago, Spider2YBanana said:

We really need a fuuuuuuuck emoji @immamac

[Getafix 29460]

9 minutes ago, Red Five said:

This is odd, because it would be a pretty big surprise at this point if we didn't land Ffrench.

 

 

Sorry, was multi-tasking, my bad. 

He was saying that Texas led, was in a good position.

Tennessee may be the (primary) competition.  

 

 

[Cairn Horn88 8502]

9 hours ago, irishtexan said:

People saying “we will just get some DTs in the transfer portal” are pretending like there are multiple high-level DTs in the transfer portal every year. DTs are not WRs. If you’re planning on adding immediate starters on either side of the line every year via the transfer portal, you’re not in a good spot. And when they do end up in the portal, they cost a lot of money, apparently.

Do you buy these portal DT’s by the pound?

[Teryor 5014]

The Stampede: Where Texas stands for every official visitor it hosted this summer
 

Quote

With the start of the recruiting Dead Period at midnight last night, the Texas Longhorns and every college football program across the country have now wrapped up summer official visits.

Official visits are one of, if not the most important parts of the recruiting calendar for programs as they look to continue building the bloodline of their team as each program makes pushes for the 12-team College Football Playoff format.

Texas had a busy month of June, with 42 total prospects seeing Austin on official visits over the last three weeks. And it was an extremely potent group as well with 30 of those visitors being prospects who 247Sports has ranked inside the Top247.

Although there's only been one prospect who's announced his commitment to the Longhorns during the month in Caleb Chester, the Burnt Orange are set up incredibly well for the last two months of the summer.

There's still likely to be more prospects who could officially visit the Forty Acres during the season or closer to Early Signing Day, but for now we'll focus on the group of visitors who made their way to campus in June.

So where do the Longhorns stand with each prospect who officially visited Texas in June?

Let's find out!

JUNE 7-9 OFFICIAL VISITORS—

Michael Terry III on his Texas official visit. (Photo: Jordan Scruggs, 247Sports)
 

San Antonio Alamo Heights 5-star ATH Michael Terry III: Since the official visit to Austin to start the month, sources have remained consistent with the expectation that this recruitment comes down to Texas vs. Oregon. I've liked Texas' chances since the official visit, and while I'm yet to speak to my source in San Antonio about how this past weekend's visit to Oregon went, I'd find it somewhat surprising if the Ducks swung the pendulum enough for me to not continue thinking Texas has the highest chances to land the nation's No. 1 athlete prospect. (Scruggs)

Cocoa (Fla.) 4-star EDGE Javion Hilson — Florida State commit: The Longhorns proved to be the chief competition to Florida State after getting the nation's top-ranked edge rusher on campus earlier this month. But with the 'Noles getting the last visit, the ball was in FSU's court. Hilson told Noles247 that his recruitment was shut down and he was sticking with his commitment following his weekend stay in Tallahassee. (South) 

El Dorado Hills (Calif.) 4-star TE Kaleb Edwards: Edwards took six official visits all across the nation before the dead period went into effect at midnight last night, and it's a little murky when it comes to getting a solid read on the recruitment. That said, Horns247 continues to believe that Nick Townsend has a higher shot of being the Longhorns' second tight end in the class after Emaree Winston. Again, still a bit murky, but as things stand right now I'd be a little surprised if Edwards ends up in Austin. (Scruggs)

Port Charlotte (Fla.) 4-star DL Myron Charles: Florida State was seen as the heavy favorite by most entering the official visit season, and even as recently as this past weekend, with Charles set to take his final visit to Tallahassee. But talking to sources in the last 24 hours, there's a lot of chatter about Texas making a move up in this one. The Longhorns and Miami are making things a lot more interesting than we anticipated. This is one to watch closely for UT. (South)

Josiah Sharma
Josiah Sharma on his official visit. (Photo: Sharma Photo, 247Sports)
 

Spring Dekaney 4-star WR Tanook Hines: Hines isn't committing until July 10th, but he should have some news to share later on today. I continue to think Texas would have a great shot if they really pushed, but as things stand right now I'm expecting Hines to end up at Notre Dame. USC has a great shot too, but it's clear the Fighting Irish and Trojans have been better positioned as the tier one group of schools going back to the spring. (Scruggs)

Folsom (Calif.) 3-star DL Josiah Sharma: We reported ahead of his official visit to Austin that Texas was quietly trending for the California DL. We felt the Longhorns only furthered that position on his official visit. Sharma has since been to Oregon and Alabama to round out his official visit slate. With a decision expected in the coming weeks, we still view Texas as having the inside track at this point in time, with Oregon close behind. Alabama is very much in it, but we believe this is the Longhorns vs. Ducks. (South)

Fort Bend Marshall 3-star CB Caleb Chester — Texas commit: It was an easy decision for Chester to choose the Longhorns. He was never going to leave the state to play at the next level, and once Texas A&M landed four Top247 cornerback commitments, it just made too much sense for Chester to end up in Austin. (Scruggs)

JUNE 14-16 OFFICIAL VISITORS—
Duncanville 5-star WR Dakorien Moore: Oregon made some headlines over the weekend with a video of Evan Stewart hosting Moore on his official visit to Eugene, but Horns247 continues to view Texas as the most likely landing spot. There isn't much new to report on Moore, but it's worth saying we'd still find it genuinely shocking if Moore doesn't eventually end up with the Longhorns. (Scruggs)

Greensboro (Ga.) Greene County 4-star DL Kevin Wynn: Texas got Wynn on campus and impressed both him and his mother last weekend. Florida State got the last visit, though. Multiple sources believe the 'Noles are the team to beat coming out of the weekend. (South)

Riley Pettijohn on his official visit. (Photo: Riley Pettijohn Instagram)
 

McKinney 4-star LB Riley Pettijohn: Viewed as a Texas lean for much of 2024, the race for Pettijohn is a little more narrow as we head towards the end of July. Last week we reported that Texas A&M was making a big push for the talented in-state 'backer. Talking to sources this weekend following Pettijohn's official visit to College Station, there wasnt a ton of optimism exuding in terms of the Aggies' chances. Good news for UT, right? Maybe. We've also heard renewed buzz about Ohio State over the last few days. My pick remains on Texas winning out here at this point, but I'm not as confident as I was in the spring on it coming to fruition. (South)

Texarkana Pleasant Grove 4-star EDGE Lance Jackson — Texas commit: Jackson is the highest ranked prospect currently in the class for the Longhorns and has been as solid as they come since giving his commitment to Texas at the January Junior Day. He's currently the second highest ranked EDGE prospect the staff has landed after Colin Simmons, but Jackson is athletically gifted enough to potentially put together a strong enough senior season to vault him into five-star territory when it's all said and done. (Scruggs)

Katy Jordan 4-star WR Andrew Marsh: Marsh has seen just about every corner of the country on recruiting visits since blowing up as a freshman. That said, there's always been a bunch of different schools that have fluidly been in the mix, but we'd find it pretty surprising if he ever somehow ended up at Texas. Michigan seems to be in a good spot coming out of the weekend, but Marsh has long had a commitment date set for November so I'm interested to see if he sticks to his timeline. (Scruggs)

Mesquite Horn 4-star OT Lamont Rogers: Unless Michael Fasusi ends up elsewhere, I continue to take the field vs. Texas in this one. Oklahoma made some moves during Rogers' midweek visit to Norman last week, and in speaking to sources the Sooners are probably who I'd pick if I was forced to enter in a Crystal Ball prediction right now. Texas A&M and Missouri are in the mix as well, but this doesn't feel like it's heading the Longhorns' way, at least for right now. (Scruggs)

Nick Brooks on his official visit. (Photo: Nick Brooks Instagram)
 

Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley 4-star EDGE Marco Jones: One of the best pure athletes to visit Texas this summer, the four-star edge is a dual football/baseball prospect. As we've reported, we believe this is a Texas-Michigan battle down the stretch. Beyond that, Jones is doing a great job of playing things close to the vest. It will be interesting to see how Jones views whatever developments come with Texas baseball in the coming days. He's making a decision the first week of July. (South)

Cedar Rapids (Iowa) John F Kennedy 4-star OT Nick Brooks: Texas took a big step forward for Brooks on his official visit to Ausin. Viewed as a Georgia/USC lean prior to his stay on the Forty Acres, Kyle Flood and Tashard Choice wowed the 6-foot-7, 345-pounder. Enough to win him over? It's too soon to say. Texas is worth watching here, though. (South)

Alief Hastings 4-star EDGE Smith Orogbo: Orogbo was at Oklahoma this past weekend for an official visit to see the Sooners, and a source I spoke with on Sunday evening passed on that Orogbo's father didn't make the trip either, just like how Orogbo made the the OV to Texas solo. He has a top four of Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, and Washington but I don't really buy much of Washington actually being a legitimate contender. He's committing on July 1st, so I'm expecting to get a better read on this one here in the next week or so. I still think this decision most likely comes to Texas vs. Oklahoma. (Scruggs)

Hitchcock 4-star WR Kelshaun Johnson: Johnson didn't make it to Los Angeles over the weekend for his once scheduled official visit to USC. That said, this is down to Texas vs. Texas A&M, and while we're still holding on changing our Crystal Balls in favor of Texas, Horns247 continues to believe Texas A&M is the most likely landing spot. (Scruggs)

Trestin Castro after his official visit. (Photo: Hank South, 247Sports)
 

Lovejoy 4-star WR Daylan McCutcheon: Texas has always been on the Lovejoy product. But with a loaded wide receivers class in 2025, consisting of guys like Jaime Ffrench and Dakorien Moore, really good players were always going to end up elsewhere just from a numbers standpoint. We believe that's going to happen here, at least at this point. We like Florida State for McCutcheon. (South)

Upland (Calif.) 4-star CB Trestin Castro — USC commit: The Longhorns gave Castro some pause on his pledge to USC. Not enough to decommit, but enough to put some pressure on the Trojans getting him back on campus this past weekend. USC has suffered a few high-profile pledges backing off their commitments in the last week. There hasn't been a whole lot of information coming out of LA on Castro since the weekend concluded. He's still worth keeping on flip watch, based on how his official visit to Texas went, though. (South)

North Crowley 3-star LB Jonathan Cunningham: I entered in a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of the Longhorns to land Cunningham exactly a week ago and still like my prediction. Cunningham was at Kansas this past weekend for an official visit, but I still think this more so Texas vs. Utah and TCU. Texas did a great job on Cunningham's official visit by making him feel like a true priority, but now it's all about closing on the DFW area native before he announces his commitment on either July 6th or 13th. (Scruggs)

Tyler Chapel Hill 3-star RB Rickey Stewart — Texas commit: Stewart is locked in with Texas. He isn't taking any visits elsewhere. Expect him back in Austin a lot over the next six months. (South)

Brandon Brown after his official visit. (Photo: Hank South, 247Sports)
 

Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie 3-star DL Brandon Brown — Texas commit: The one Longhorns pledge we've been monitoring closest this month. LSU had all the buzz to kick off OV season. Flip picks were flying in for Bo Davis, the coach Brown originally committed to, to get Brown to Baton Rouge. The four-star DL followed through with official visits to Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma this past weekend. We view this as a Texas vs. LSU race, though. Sources tell Horns247 that there are some in Brown's camp that are partial to LSU. Talking to Brown, though, and you can tell his fondness for Texas is genuine. If it's Brown's decision solely, we feel Texas has a chance to keep him in the fold. (South)

San Francisco (Calif.) St. Ignatius College Prep 3-star OT John Mills: I put in a Crystal Ball prediction for Mills to end up at Texas earlier in the spring and still like the prediction. Florida and Washington could be making things difficult, but I continue to like Texas' chances at the end of the day for the 6-foot-6, 320 pounder that also plays baseball. (Scruggs)

JUNE 18-20 OFFICIAL VISITORS—
Mission Viejo (Calif.) 4-star CB Dijon Lee: Texas got the five-star corner in for a mid-week OV. Entering the trip we thought Alabama was trending. He left Austin and headed to Tuscaloosa for his final trip of the summer. The Crimson Tide furthered their standing with the visit, we're told.

Conroe 4-star CB Dorian Brew: Although he was in Columbus for an official visit to Ohio State over the weekend, a source in Houston continues to remain skeptical of the Buckeyes' chances due to the ridiculous talent that's already committed to Ohio State in the secondary. The source believes Brew would like to be the headliner of a defensive back class, and if Brew ends up at Oregon, Texas, and USC that is definitely possible. Oregon, Texas, and USC continue to be main programs in contention in Horns247's eyes. (Scruggs)

Mansfield Timberview 3-star S Nathan Tilmon: Tilmon backed out of his SMU pledge last night and I along with a source close to him continues to like Texas' chances here. I entered in a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of Texas flipping Tilmon from SMU exactly a week ago, and after speaking with a source close to Tilmon yesterday I don't think it's unreasonable to expect him in the Longhorns' recruiting class sooner or later, with the possibility of a commitment coming by the end of the month. (Scruggs)

JUNE 21-23 OFFICIAL VISITORS—

Jaime Ffrench after his official visit. (Photo: Hank South , 247Sports)
 

Sachse 5-star WR Kaliq Lockett: Horns247 continues to view this as an Alabama, Florida State, and Texas battle for the nation's No. 2 ranked wide receiver prospect. Lockett will be announcing his top schools along with a commitment date sooner or later and Texas will assuredly be included. There will be ebbs and flows in this recruitment over the next few weeks, but if I was forced to enter in a Crystal Ball, I would place the prediction in favor of Texas. (Scruggs)

Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin 5-star WR Jaime Ffrench: Texas surged into Ffrench's top three following his weekend stay on the Forty Acres in April. And it wasn't just a visit high, there's genuine optimism when it comes to UT's chances talking with sources. While he's evened things out between his favorite schools (Texas, LSU, Miami, Ohio State, and Tennesee) in terms of what he's saying in interviews, we still think Texas is trending. I put in a Crystal Ball pick in favor of the Longhorns on Friday. He's announcing a decision on Aug. 30. If he takes a visit in late July, he says he would want it to be to Austin. (South)

Lewisville 5-star OT Michael Fasusi: In the near future Fasusi will be releasing his top three along with a commitment date, and I'm heavily expecting Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M to be the schools that make the cut. Things went well for Fasusi and his family during their time in Austin over the weekend, and while I'm less confident than I was earlier in the year, I continue to view the Longhorns as having the best shot at landing the five-star offensive tackle. (Scruggs)

Dallas Skyline 4-star LB Elijah Barnes — Texas commit: Barnes is a Longhorn through and through. He's locked in with Texas and has no plans to take any visits elsewhere. And he's an important figure in the class both as a leader and at a position of need in the 2025 cycle. (South)

Nick Townsend on his official visit. (Photo: Texas Athletics)
 

Spring Dekaney 4-star ATH Nick Townsend: Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC continue to be the schools in the mix for Townsend, but sources have long remained adamant this is a Texas vs. Alabama battle. Alabama held the lead for the majority of the spring and into the month of June, but I do think Texas did a great job in balancing out that momentum this past weekend. I'm not quite ready to enter in a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of the Longhorns, but if you asked me to pick where I think Townsend ends up, I'd have to say Texas. (Scruggs)

Bellville 4-star DL DJ Sanders: Entering the weekend, Horns247 reported that sources close to his recruitment viewed Texas as the frontrunner, ahead of Michigan and Texas A&M. I still view that to be the case as we sit here on Monday. In fact, I'm close to placing a 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction in favor of the Longhorns. (South)

San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) J Serra Catholic 4-star LB Madden Faraimo: Notre Dame was trending entering Faraimo's visit. One source told Horns247 that the Longhorns made things very interesting in the race for his pledge. Johnny Nansen and the Faraimo family hit it off and have given the family plenty to think about. Again, linebacker is a positon of need, so Faramio, like Pettijohn, is a priority target. A decision will be made in the next couple of weeks. We feel as though it's Texas vs. Notre Dame. (South)

Buford (Ga.) 4-star CB Devin Williams — Auburn commit: We viewed Williams' visit to Austin as more of a courtesy trip. But he told reporters he's coming back for a night game this fall. There hasn't been much concern as to where his pledge stands with the Tigers, but Williams himself said he has thinking to do. We haven't heard anything concrete enough to make a prediction in favor of a flip. If he does indeed return to Austin for a game this fall, we'll reevaluate then. (South)

James Simon after his official visit. (Photo: Hank South, 247Sports)
 

Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist Academy 4-star RB James Simon — Texas commit: Simon has drawn comparisons to Jonathan Brooks from sources inside the program. He, too, is locked in with the Longhorns. His trip to Austin was his only official visit. The only visits he'll go to this fall are Texas and Louisiana Tech (where his brother plays) games. (South)

Saraland (Ala.) 4-star QB KJ Lacey — Texas commit: Lacey was busy recruiting this weekend and enjoying yet another trip to the Forty Acres. Since committing to the program last summer, Lacey has been in Austin a handful of times. He says Auburn and Ole Miss are still in communication with him but at this point his official visit to Texas is the only one he intends to take. (South)

Calhoun (Ga.) 4-star TE Emaree Winston — Texas commit: Winston has been pretty solid in his commitment to Texas since shutting it down last year. While he has taken some visits, he was on campus this past weekend and did his fair share of peer recruiting with his potential tight end teammate Nick Townsend. He told Horns247 his recruitment is totally shut down after this trip. (Scruggs)

Fort Bend Hightower 4-star CB Kade Phillips: We've been reporting it for about a month now, but this recruitment is now officially Texas vs. LSU. A source in Houston liked LSU's chances coming out of the trip to Baton Rouge last week, but when I catch up with that source later today I'm not sure if the same will stand. After speaking with Phillips yesterday, I like Texas' chances here and am close to entering in a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of Texas to land the versatile Houston area defensive back. (Scruggs)

Aidan Anding on his official visit. (Photo: Texas Athletics)
 

Ruston (La.) 3-star CB Aidan Anding: I put in a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of Texas back in May and have continued to like the Longhorns' chances now that the Texas official visit has been taken. This is Miami vs. Texas, and unless the Hurricanes get super super aggressive in the next week or so, I'm expecting Anding to choose the Longhorns when he announces his commitment sometime between now and July 1st. (Scruggs)

Cedar Hill 3-star OT Jordan Coleman — Texas commit: Coleman and his brothers are locked in with the Longhorns and pose virtually zero flip risk. Texas loves the triplet brothers and pushed to add them early. (South) 

Port Neches-Groves 3-star OT Jackson Christian — Texas commit: Christian is an old school cat and might be the most solid pledge out of any of the commitments. He brings versatility as well as someone who is more than willing to play center, and unless something truly crazy happens between now and early signing day, he'll continue to be one of, if not the most solid commit in the class. (Scruggs)

Cedar Hill 3-star IOL Devin Coleman — Texas commit: Coleman and his brothers are locked in with the Longhorns and pose virtually zero flip risk. Texas loves the triplet brothers and pushed to add them early. (South)

 

[Elmer_Fudd 23028]

Interesting that 247 thinks it's Texas/Oregon for Sharma, but Gerry says Texas/Bama'.

[DixonHur 11968]

9 hours ago, Jimmy Two Times said:

The same Baker that struck out on Damonick Williams and Jay Toia in the spring?

Did you not read the part about needing a track record?

He'd just arrived on campus.  If we fans were underwhelmed by the hire, why would you assume a bunch of recruits/transfers would jump on board without seeing what kind of coach he is?

Let's at least give him a full year to see what he can do with the talent he has before we throw up our hands.

 

[Bevo 13905]

51 minutes ago, Teryor said:

Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie 3-star DL Brandon Brown — Texas commit: The one Longhorns pledge we've been monitoring closest this month. LSU had all the buzz to kick off OV season. Flip picks were flying in for Bo Davis, the coach Brown originally committed to, to get Brown to Baton Rouge. The four-star DL followed through with official visits to Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma this past weekend. We view this as a Texas vs. LSU race, though. Sources tell Horns247 that there are some in Brown's camp that are partial to LSU. Talking to Brown, though, and you can tell his fondness for Texas is genuine. If it's Brown's decision solely, we feel Texas has a chance to keep him in the fold. (South)

 

Well, at least we will have Sanders.

[Hermanator 7677]

10 hours ago, irishtexan said:

People saying “we will just get some DTs in the transfer portal” are pretending like there are multiple high-level DTs in the transfer portal every year. DTs are not WRs. If you’re planning on adding immediate starters on either side of the line every year via the transfer portal, you’re not in a good spot. And when they do end up in the portal, they cost a lot of money, apparently.

Sark just signed 4 DTs between winter and spring portal. We'll get a good idea this year how portal DTs can help fill in, especially against the run. 

Very possible with the talent Texas is landing at DE, LB, DB, and of course on offense they can win big with serviceable portal DTs who can hold up against the run and force teams to drop back more than they want. Let's see how it plays out this season. Maybe Sark doesn't put much NIL towards DT because he feels he doesn't have to in order to succeed and can use it at other positions. 

[Funk Doctor Spock 13290]

2 hours ago, ShowmeyourTDs said:

She'll absolutely do

Edited June 24 by Spider2YBanana

[SydneyCarton 49520]

2 minutes ago, Hermanator said:

Sark just signed 4 DTs between winter and spring portal. We'll get a good idea this year how portal DTs can help fill in, especially against the run. 

Very possible with the talent Texas is landing at DE, LB, DB, and of course on offense they can win big with serviceable portal DTs who can hold up against the run and force teams to drop back more than they want. Let's see how it plays out this season. Maybe Sark doesn't put much NIL towards DT because he feels he doesn't have to in order to succeed and can use it at other positions. 

Lol at this. Despite seeing how critical it's been to the success of the last 4 national title winning programs, quite a bit which he saw first hand, homeboy is dismissive of the importance.

Or, more likely, since he's an offensively focused guy he naturally overstates the importance of offensive positions and downplays defensive ones. 

[satyanash 15648]

On 6/21/2024 at 8:21 PM, Getafix said:

Kurt's gone.

 

 

 

He's back at the Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/author/kirk-bohls/

"Kirk Bohls is a reporter and columnist for the Houston Chronicle, covering University of Texas athletics."

Edited June 24 by satyanash

[SydneyCarton 49520]

Just now, satyanash said:

He's back at the Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/author/kirk-bohls/

Fuck. 

[Funk Doctor Spock 13290]

2 hours ago, Cairn Horn88 said:

Do you buy these portal DT’s by the pound?

[Ketch has entered the chat]

[Gut Wagon 8219]

3 minutes ago, satyanash said:

He's back at the Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/author/kirk-bohls/

"Kirk Bohls is a reporter and columnist for the Houston Chronicle, covering University of Texas athletics."

This time you really are bringing bad news. 

[DixonHur 11968]

6 minutes ago, satyanash said:

He's back at the Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/author/kirk-bohls/

"Kirk Bohls is a reporter and columnist for the Houston Chronicle, covering University of Texas athletics."

[Viper 12221]

8 minutes ago, satyanash said:

He's back at the Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/author/kirk-bohls/

"Kirk Bohls is a reporter and columnist for the Houston Chronicle, covering University of Texas athletics."