Coker makes the most of recruiting situation

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In some ways, UTSA's recent recruiting efforts resemble the counter-punching style of the team's veteran players, who picked themselves up off the mat to post improbable winning seasons the last two years.

Last year, the Roadrunners started fast, sank into a lull and then finished fast with a five-game winning streak.

The up-and-down ride resulted in a 7-5 record and a 6-2 mark in Conference USA.

Likewise, UTSA coaches threw a haymaker in the early stages of the recruiting cycle, landing quarterback Blake Bogenschutz with a verbal commitment last June.

However, they lost four verbal pledges in a two-week period last month, and coveted blue chip running back Daniel Gresham decided to attend SMU. UTSA rallied in the final week, however, adding aces on defense that include speedy cornerback Stanley Dye, safety Nate Gaines and defensive end Marcus Davenport from Stevens.

Coach Larry Coker complimented his staff Wednesday in announcing the program's 16-man signing class.

Larry Coker's UTSA class is ranked 117th out of 125 FBS schools, according to Rivals.com. Larry Coker's UTSA class is ranked 117th out of 125 FBS schools, according to Rivals.com. Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Coker makes the most of recruiting situation 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

“Everybody asks, 'Did you get everybody you wanted?' You never get everybody you want, but we think we got an outstanding class, and the responsibility for that goes to our assistant coaches,” Coker said.

Dye, Gaines and Davenport each verbally committed to other programs and then flipped to UTSA in the 11th hour.

Rivals.com ranked UTSA's recruiting class No. 117 out of 125 in the nation in the Football Bowl Subdivision. But Coker wasn't complaining, especially with Bogenschutz's signature on a national letter of intent.

“He threw 57 touchdown passes last year, and you can't throw 57 touchdowns against air,” the coach said. “He's had a tremendous career.”

Last fall, Bogenschutz led Carthage to a 15-1 record and the Class 3A Division I state championship.

With a skill set similar to outgoing veteran QB Eric Soza, he passed for 4,003 yards and 57 touchdowns against only four interceptions.

In assessing the defensive signings, Coker referred to Dye and Gaines as players who can change a game's complexion with bursts of athleticism.

Coker said Dye, who has been timed in a 40-yard dash in the 4.3-second range, reminds him of former Miami and current NFL star Devin Hester.

“Stanley's that type of player,” Coker said. “I think he's a game-changer. He'll play corner for us and he'll also return kicks.”

Dye, from Orange Park, Fla., had been committed to Marshall. Gaines, from Mesquite Poteet, switched from SMU and Davenport from UNLV.

Davenport, the only player in the class from San Antonio, paid his official visit last weekend and committed to the Roadrunners on Sunday.

“I feel good about it,” Davenport said. “It's home, you know. I like the guys. Love the coaches. It's time to get to work.”

jbriggs@express-news.net

Twitter: @JerryBriggs