Brennon Scott | Post Visit | Bottom Line

– Super K

2020 LB, Brennon Scott (Bishop Dunne) made a return trip down to Texas this past weekend for the Spring Game.

Going into the visit, I thought perhaps Scott may pull the trigger but that did not happen.

That isn’t to say the visit didn’t go well, it did, “Texas is always live. Enjoy it every time I go down there but I don’t yet [when I’ll announce]. I’m going to wait till I take all my officials”.

In terms of visit timelines Scott said, “I’m going to try two officials in this spring and summer and the rest in the fall”. He said his Texas OV will come in the fall.

Outside of Texas, the two officials he wants to take are Oregon and Florida.

Bottom Line: In my estimation, the weekend strengthened Texas’ already strong position but a decision isn’t as imminent as I once expected.

Thirsty Thursday | Spring Game Offense, 2020 Sleeper & 2021 Talent On Campus

– Darius Terrell

Welcome back to another edition of Thirsty Thursdays! As always, I’m here to try to help quench your thirst for Longhorn Football in the drought of the offseason, along with other topics of interest in Longhorn sports this week.

Texas hosted its annual Orange-White Spring game this weekend at Darrell K. Royal-Memorial Stadium. This was the first opportunity for the public to get a look at the 2019 version of the Texas Longhorns. Over the course of this week and next, we’ll take a look at what we were able to learn about each position group after 15 spring practices, as well as what questions still exist heading into the summer session and fall camp.

Offense

Quarterback

(Jared Wiley and Roschon Johnson)

What we Learned: As expected, Casey Thompson emerged from spring practices firmly entrenched as the backup Quarterback to pre-season Heisman hopeful Sam Ehlinger. Thompson has continued to earn the trust of the offensive staff and had some nice moments during the spring game over the weekend. True Freshman QB Roschon Johnson is very likely to redshirt in 2019 and continue to indulge himself in the playbook and develop within the system.

Summer/Fall Outlook: Sam Ehlinger is the unquestioned leader of the program. While there are still some concerns about what his behind him if anything were to happen (Ehlinger has missed time in each of his first two seasons), there is more confidence in what Texas has in the QB room coming out of spring practices than there was heading into them after the losses of Shane Buechele (SMU) and Cameron Rising (Utah).

Summer Additions: N/A

Running Back

(Kirk Johnson)

What we Learned: True Freshman Jordan Whittington is the real deal and appears to have firmly established himself as the #2 back on the depth chart after his performance this spring. Whittington and returning starter Keaontay Ingram give Texas a chance to have the best pass-catching RB duo in the Big XII. The versatility that Texas will have with these two on the field on the same time is something that Texas hasn’t had maybe since Ramonce Taylor and Jamaal Charles shared a backfield in 2005. This will also give Texas a distinct advantage this season if/when they decide to use a quick tempo/no-huddle approach. Opponents won’t be able to sub or matchup when Whittington motions out of the backfield into a slot WR position.

Summer/Fall Outlook: The questions that Texas has heading into the summer and fall are good questions to have. Where does Daniel Young carve out a role for himself in 2019? If Kirk Johnson is able to stay healthy, he will provide Texas with some home-run hitting ability. Texas heads into the summer with four healthy, scholarship Running Backs and are not expected to be active on the Grad Transfer market this year at the position.

Summer Additions: N/A

Wide Receiver/Tight End

(Devin Duvernay)

What we Learned: Malcolm Epps was one of the breakout players during spring practices and has forced his way onto the field this fall. The comfort level that Sam Ehlinger has in Epps was apparent during the spring game, as he targeted Epps often, sometimes consecutively. Bru McCoy has been as advertised and will receive plenty of action in 2019 if he is ruled immediately eligible by the NCAA. Josh Moore was able to hold off Jordan Pouncey and McCoy for competition at Slot WR (H). Cade Brewer, as expected, is the starter at Tight End and will be backed up by Reese Leitao. True Freshman H-Back/TE Jared Wiley turned some heads this spring.

Summer/Fall Outlook: Collin Johnson will spend the summer rounding back into form and is expected to be 100% for fall camp. He and Devin Duvernay (who returned before spring ball ended and appears to be fully healthy) will form an extremely reliable Senior duo for the 2019 Texas Longhorns. The arrival of Jake Smith is one to watch this summer and fall, as he arrives as a Gatorade National Player of the Year from his home state of Arizona and is expected to contribute immediately on Special Teams and will have a package offensively. Jared Wiley was utilized exclusively as an H-Back during the spring game, which makes me wonder if incoming highly-touted Freshman Brayden Liebrock will be groomed as more of a traditional in-line TE. Kennedy Lewis and Marcus Washington are exciting prospects, but aren’t expected to contribute much in 2019 with the depth ahead of them. I am expecting some attrition at this position at some point before summer arrives.

Summer Additions: Jake Smith (Slot WR), Marcus Washington (Z-WR), Kennedy Lewis (X-WR), and Brayden Liebrock (TE)

Offensive Line

(Tyler Johnson)

What we Learned: Samuel Cosmi had no issue whatsoever transitioning to the left side after starting every game last season at Right Tackle. Denzel Okafor appears to have made some big strides after redshirting last season and is expected to be the starter at Right Tackle. I thought that Okafor and Derek Kerstetter (who could also slide over to Center in a pinch and will likely serve as the primary backup there) were very solid, if not good, during the Orange-White game on a re-watch. Okafor looked much smoother kicking back in pass protection than he ever has. Their performance on Saturday falls in line with what we’ve been hearing about the tandem throughout the spring. Redshirt Freshmen Reese Moore and Christian Jones are starting to look the part, but continue to be works in progress. Jones gave up the hit (Peter Mpagi) on Casey Thompson that resulted in a Kobe Boyce interception.

Summer/Fall Outlook: Zach Shackelford is a plus-player at his Center position. Texas OL Coach Herb Hand appears to be settled at Left Tackle, Center, Right Guard, and Right Tackle. Redshirt Freshman Junior Angilau saw more work with the first-team at LG than Redshirt Junior Tope Imade did during the spring game. If a Freshman is even with a Junior coming out of the spring, it is very likely that the older player will be surpassed come fall. Parker Braun, Angilau, and Imade will be competing for the final spot along the line come August. The arrival of Javonne Shepherd and Isaiah Hookfin in the summer provides some immediate competition for Reese Moore and Christian Jones, and represent possible talent upgrades at both positions.

Summer Additions: Parker Braun (G/C), Javonne Shepherd (T), and Isaiah Hookfin (T)

We will touch on the Defense next week. Here are some of the highlights from the Orange-White Game in case you missed it:

Another week, Another 2020 Sleeper

A sleeper that we have talked about for the past two weeks here on Thirsty Thursdays (Jalin Conyers) was in town and picked up a Texas offer over the weekend.

With all of the big names that were expected in town, there were sure to be a few guys that made it in without a ton of attention or fanfare. Every year, there are a few commitments that happen from guys that seemingly weren’t on the radar of the fans that follow recruiting (Jaden Hullaby has already been one surprise for Texas fans).

Mark down Dayron Butler III as a name to add to the list that the Longhorns are keeping an open line of communication with at the Defensive Back position. Butler is a speedy 5’10, 160lber that has the nation’s top 100-meter dash time this year, with a time of 10.24 (you can watch it here) at Austin suburb Pflugerville High School. That’s some serious speed and anytime you see a time like that, it is going to attract attention. He’s been receiving steady attention from the likes of Iowa State, Baylor, Houston, SMU, Kansas State, and feels like Army and Air Force are close to making offers.

In addition to having the top 100-meter time this year, he also competes on Pflugerville’s 4×100 and 4×200-meter relays and in the Long Jump. Butler III says he also has an interest in running track at the next level and the attention there has increased in recent weeks as well.

Butler III was invited out by Texas Assistant Coach Corby Meekins, and told me that Texas informed him that they’re going to keep the lines of communication open. He says that Texas is interested in him as a Cornerback and Butler III also brings added value as a Return Specialist. If the Longhorns were to eventually turn up the heat and present an offer, Butler III made it clear that he knew what he would do, “I would take it right away. I would commit on the spot.” Butler III informed me via text.

My take: I believe that Butler III falls into the category of guys that Texas is going to continue to keep in contact with (similar to Ethan Pouncey) while waiting to see what some other targets do first. He could be an intriguing option in later months if Texas is still in search of adding some speed to the roster, which is something that Head Coach Tom Herman has stated in the past that Texas will constantly seek to improve.

Highlights:

2021 National Top 100 ATH makes First Visit to UT

4-Star Texarkana (Texas High) ATH Clayton Smith is going to be one of the most coveted recruits in the country in the class of 2021. The Texas coaching staff was able to get Smith on campus for the first time this weekend when he and several family members made the trip down from East Texas. The 6’4, 210lb playmaker tells me that he enjoyed himself during his time in Austin.

“I could get used to this place. I really felt the energy.” Smith told me via text.

Smith says that he was invited by Tight Ends Coach Derek Warehime, which may give a bit of a hint as to where Texas may be interested in Smith playing at the next level. When I asked about his preference, he told me that he didn’t have one.

“Nah, I really just want to be on the field,” Smith replied. “It doesn’t matter which side of the ball.”

Already holding two offers (Arkansas and Southern), Smith tells me that he is being recruited heaviest by Arkansas, Miami, Texas, and Memphis currently. As far as an offer and Texas, he says that the Texas staff wants to see him work out in person before joining the mix. “They want to evaluate me at practice and then it should come.” Smith said.

When asked about what some of the main factors would be in his recruitment, Smith told me the city atmosphere, academics, and the opportunity to play early will be most important. “The atmosphere of the city. Their team history,” Smith continued, “Whether or not my major is available and if so, how good is the program? Would I have a chance to start or play my Freshman year?”

My take: Arkansas and new Head Coach Chad Morris are all over the 2021 class in Texas, having already extended offers to many of the prospects that I’ve spoken to. Arkansas has a proximity advantage over Texas and has also gotten Smith on campus already. Texas has a good chance of getting Smith back on campus and the groundwork is being laid in this recruitment. It’s early in this one, but I see Smith being a guy that wants to stay in the region and I could easily see this shaping up as a Texas/Arkansas battle for the signature of the 4-Star.

Highlights:

Top 2021 DB and Talented Friends on Campus

(From L-R; Pearland RB Brandon Campbell, Austin LBJ CB Latrell McCutchin, Texas LB signee David Gbenda, Katy CB Hunter Washington, and Hutto DE/LB Landyn Watson)

Texas did a great job putting on an exciting event last Saturday full of fun and football. While the 2020 class is in the early stages of being put together, it is also never too early to start building relationships for the future as well. Texas had an extensive list of talented 2021 visitors on hand to take it all in, one of the names that figure to be near the top of that list is 4-Star Katy Cornerback Hunter Washington.

With visits to Mississippi State, LSU, Arizona, and Texas A&M scheduled, Washington has a busy spring and summer planned ahead.

I was able to catch up with Washington following his visit to Austin and he tells me that he really enjoyed himself.

“What stood out the most were the facilities and the atmosphere of the UT fans,” Washington stated. “It was my first time visiting and I had a good time.”

Following an impressive Sophomore season that was him start every game for 6A powerhouse Katy, Washington already holds two FBS offers from Tulane and Houston. Similar to Clayton Smith, Texas told Washington that they want to evaluate him in person this spring before coming forward with an official offer.

What are some of the things that Washington will be looking for as deciding factors when it comes time to choose a program?

“Staying close to home so that my family can come and see me play,” Washington continued. “The atmosphere is going to be important too.”

My Take: Washington made it clear to me that he prefers to stay in-state if he has a choice. He’s already been to A&M and this past weekend was his first visit to Texas. I could see some regional powers coming into play as well, such as LSU or Oklahoma, but this could shape up to be a Texas/Texas A&M battle in the future. He is friends with a lot of the top recruits in the class and could be a big get for either program based on the possible influence that it could have on others.

Highlights:

I noticed some posters on the board asking when the next big recruiting weekend will be for Texas. As many know, Oklahoma and Texas A&M, Texas’ biggest competitors in recruiting, began hosting players for official visits last weekend during their spring games.

Football + Music.



Come to @TexasFootball Orange-White spring game + have a chance to win @thejmblya tickets!



1) Post a 📸 of yourself inside DKR

2) Tell us why you’re the biggest 🤘 fan

3) Hashtag #Hookem & #JMBLYA2019

https://t.co/0jwA0eGIpq pic.twitter.com/z8x9IUCd2q — Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) April 12, 2019

The weekend of May 3-5, JMBLYA 2019 will be taking place in Austin. For those that aren’t familiar with the event, many of the top acts in music of all genres make their way to town for concerts and it causes a tremendous amount of excitement for the youth in the city. Texas appears to be targeting this weekend to begin bringing players in for official visits for the 2020 class and is smartly using some of the advantages that the city of Austin has in comparison to the competition.

An example of what type of recruiting advantage Texas will have on that weekend:

Mannn y’all know where to find me May 4th #HookEm 🤘🏾 https://t.co/sF8uC97MFf — Tunmise (@tunmiseadeleye) April 12, 2019

Brilliant stuff. Just another example of Tom Herman and staff truly understanding what they have to work with and the resources that they have available to them.

Texas makes the cut for 5-Star OOS LB and 4-Star OOS CB

For those not active on Twitter, Texas made 12-team cut for 5-Star Upland (CA) Linebacker Justin Flowe. Texas is expected to get Flowe on campus sometime this spring/summer. Until this happens though, it’s hard to see Texas as a legitimate contender in this race.

..Top 12🖤† | The CountDown | “ May the Lord Heavenly Father Guide me “ pic.twitter.com/9j9u3RyIqE — Justin Flowe (@justin_flowe) April 16, 2019

Texas also made the cut for Baton Rouge (LA) Cornerback Joel Williams, who trimmed his list to 13 teams. Williams recently visited campus a few weeks ago. Texas is keeping a long list of Defensive Backs that they are staying in contact with. Williams attends the same High School as Texas Defensive End Malcolm Roach and is coached by Roach’s father, which can’t hurt at all if you’re Texas.

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future” #Jeremiah29:11 #Top13

•Recruitment is still open pic.twitter.com/AICNeYluTV — Joel Williams🌹 (@sayyjoee) April 16, 2019

Struggles on the Diamond

The last time that we discussed Texas Baseball on Thirsty Thursdays, Texas was coming off of a weekend sweep the week before of then #1 ranked LSU and a 17-3 thrashing of Texas Southern at home. The Longhorns were sitting at 13-6 overall and a #11 national ranking heading into Big XII play.

Glancing at the results of the schedule since one word comes to mind when I look at how Texas has fared: inconsistent. Texas is 5-6 in conference play and currently, sit in 7th place in the conference. They have lost their final three Big XII series. I’m not sure what the expectations were this season, but for myself, they have steadily dropped over the past month. I caught the end of the Kansas State game on Sunday, a 2-0 loss, and saw parts of the 6-4 loss on Friday. Six runs at home against last-place Kansas State simply isn’t good enough.

With only four Big XII series remaining (OSU, WVU, KU, OU), Texas is going to need to find their groove quickly if they are going to avoid being left out of the post-season activities this season as the basketball team did.

Speaking of hoops, be on the lookout for a Basketball update next week.

Bryson Washington | Trending

– Super K

Before this past weekend, I would’ve said 2020 DB Bryson Washington (CE King) was trending Texas.

This past weekend he took a visit to OU and based on my conversations with a few sources, it appears he is trending Oklahoma.

I’m told he will announce a list of top schools tonight (both OU and UT will be included).

In terms of a commitment timeline, I was originally told he wants to do something this summer but that may get moved up significantly.

Texas fate, I surmise, is tied to how soon he does something. If he makes a quick decision I think OU is in the best spot to land him. If he holds off then it gives Texas a chance to get him back on campus and work to turn things back in their favor.

But again right now my trending report says OU.

Chris Thompson | Update | Visit Schedule

– Super K

Texas is still looking for their first defensive commit in the 2020 class. At the safety position, the staff loves guys that’ll split em’ a ball carrier in two. Chris Thompson is one of those guys.

With things looking less certain on the Bryson Washington front, Chris Thompson, a long time Texas priority, becomes that much more important.

Thompson is coming off an unofficial to Auburn. I checked in with the father of Chis Thompson and they have set some of their official visit dates as they eye a likely summer decision.

Texas is set to host Thompson for his first official visit on May 4th. That will be followed an official to Florida on May 18th. On June 23rd, they are headed up to Notre Dame for an official visit.

Thompson Sr tells me they will also take an official visit to LSU but no date has been set yet.

Those schools are the likely competition for Texas.

Thompson did take an unofficial visit down to Texas last month during, “we were checking out practice. Nice visit for sure. Texas is definitely headed in the right direction”. Thompson Sr said.

He also added something that sounds pretty promising for Texas fans, “We want to make sure we are truly committed before we take that next step”.

That does not mean they’re committed to any particular program. It means they don’t want to do anything before they are absolutely certain – hence the visits. But I do think that going into these visits, the other schools are in the position of trying to shake Thompson’s confidence in Texas and not the other way around.

Bru McCoy | Eligibility Update

– Super K

This is a bit of a non update. We are staying on top of the Bru McCoy eligibility situation.

I reached out to a family member to see where things currently are. As you may know, the McCoy family retained an attorney (a darn good one) to handle the immediate eligibility request.

Family member said that they are currently not able to comment on the NCAA matter. They’ve been asked to stay mum on the matter until it’s resolved.

So, it would appear that as of now nothing is final.

Quick Hitter | Overshown Health Update

– CJ Vogel

Got a bit of injury news for y’all but not a lot of details.

Texas S DeMarvion Overshown was seen on campus Thursday morning riding on one of those electric wheelchair/scooters. The safety also had one of his knees completely wrapped in athletic wrap and a brace.

This was my first time seeing Overshown since the Spring Game, however he hinted at rehabilitation or a procedure two days following the game.

Recovery mode activated 🤘🏾 — DeMarvion Overshown (@dee_overshown6) April 15, 2019

The health of Overshown looked pretty good in the Spring Game, especially on this goal line hit of Casey Thompson… Sheesh.

Spring game rule: Don't hit the QBs.



DeMarvion Overshown: Watch this. pic.twitter.com/E6W4HTEqVU — Max Olson (@max_olson) April 14, 2019

We’ll dive into this more to find his status for the summer workouts and fall practices.