Linebackers | Numbers & Targets | Breakdown

– Super K

With Josh White committed to LSU, I’ve been checking on the projected number of linebackers Texas plans on taking. Also, looking at the list of some of the current targets.

It sounds like the Horns are looking to take three to four linebackers in this class.

When I initially heard that, I was a little surprised they haven’t made more offers but as I looked at where things stand, it’s perhaps understandable (even though I’d personally be offering and pursuing more).

***Brennon Scott – This is a guy I think Texas eventually lands. Last I checked with him he said he still planned to take OVs to Oregon and Florida and didn’t sound like he was in much of a hurry to commit.

This is where I will note, I’d prefer to see more targets. I want to see Texas be able to put pressure on kids through action. Great example right now is what we see at Texas on the offensive line or at Oklahoma at the defensive backs position. When you’re landing kids, you’re pressuring kids. When you’re pursuing multiple targets, kids notice. They see other players at their position visiting.

Having said all that, I think Scott is likely to ultimately end up at Texas at some point down the road.

***Prince Dorbah – Here again I think Texas leads but there doesn’t seem to be any sense of urgency from Dorbah to commit.

If I’m a program, I’d love to have guys in the boat to help me recruit.

I don’t think you can count on Dorbah being one of those three or four guys, but I’d say it’s more likely than not.

***Justin Flowe – The 5-star linebacker has told us on multiple occasions he’d be visiting but has yet to do so.

You can’t withhold offers to other kids based on Flowe. To me, Flowe is an add a number guy. So if you get four guys in the boat, you take Flowe, anyway.

So, a guy like Flowe I don’t really consider when I’m looking at my vacancies vs. targets/offers.

***Mekhail Sherman – Another 5-star linebacker who Texas may get on campus but in my opinion you cannot make offer numbers contingent on him.

You are competing with everyone here.

***Josh White – He committed to LSU but I don’t think Texas is out of this one just yet.

If they can flip White, then I think you can withhold offers and use his commitment to apply a little pressure to someone like Scott.

But, as of right now, that isn’t the case.

***Sav’ell Smalls – To me, he’s in the same boat as Sherman and Flowe. Recruit him but don’t count on him. If you land him and you need room…make room.

***Damian Sellers – Sellers is Kelee Ringo’s teammate out at Saguaro. I haven’t spoken to Sellers as of late but plan to in the near future. I can’t comment definitively on Texas’ chances in this one but I’ve been told Texas is going to start pushing harder in this recruitment.

***Kourt Williams – This is an athletic linebacker out of California who will likely get a look from Texas this spring. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them extend an offer to Williams.

Texas would certainly be coming into the game late but I don’t think it’s too late. Last time I spoke with Kourt he was coming off some visits to places like Ohio State, Michigan, and Oklahoma. While he said he plans on returning to those schools for OVs, he did say that he has yet to go to a school where he felt in his heart, that’s where he needs to be. So, again, the door still seems to be open there.

With a desire to land three to four guys in this class, based on current intel, I’d like to see Texas offer two or three more guys this spring.

Texas on the Road | Ethan Pouncey

– Super K

A guy we’ve talked about a few times on here is 2020 DB, Ethan Pouncey (Winter Park, FL). Ethan is the brother of Texas WR, Jordan Pouncey.

Ethan has yet to receive an offer (I personally really like his film) but he tells me that Texas did stop by to see him earlier this week. Pouncey also said that the Horns told him they will be back to see him again in a week or two.

Vernon Broughton | Official Visit Update

– Super K

The mother of 2020 DL, Vernon Broughton tells me that Vernon will take his official visit to Texas on the big May 4th weekend.

Broughton actually made it to the Texas Spring Game and in speaking to some folks, I’m told that really helped Texas’ cause quite a bit.

I know there are a lot of folks who have just assumed Texas was Broughton’s leader but for a while I have maintained that I don’t believe that is the case.

Based on the information I’ve gathered, it sounds like LSU & Alabama are very real threats to land Vernon. At one point, I would’ve added Texas A&M in that mix but I believe Texas has overtaken TAMU.

This will be a big weekend for Texas. It should give them a chance to catapult themselves to the top of the list.

Quick Hitter | The Next Big Weekend

– CJ Vogel

Following the great turnout for the Texas Spring Game the attention quickly turned to when the next big recruiting weekend would be for head coach Tom Herman and his staff would be.

At the moment it appears the next major recruiting weekend will be May 4th. Texas will host several commits and top targets on what will be a busy weekend in Austin.

Events in Austin May 4th Weekend:

JMBLYA – Circuit of the Americas

iHeart Country Music Festival – Erwin Center

Austin’s Hot Air Balloon Festival – Zilker Park

Texas has used JMBLYA in the past as an opportunity to get top recruits to visit the city and return to campus for an impromptu visit. The unique music festival is something on a select number of schools in the country can provide to recruits and Tom Herman and the current staff has made the most of it so far.

The ATX is the place to be this weekend….get you some of this……..👀 pic.twitter.com/UOUFpF01QA — Oscar Giles (@OscarGiles95) May 5, 2018

From last cycle. (2018 tweet)

Last year, Brayden Liebrock, Tyler Johnson, Makiya Tongue, Derek Stingley Jr., and NaNa Osafo-Mensah were all on official visits at the time of JMBLYA.

Getting top targets and committed players together on one of the busiest weekend’s in Austin will truly showcase the endless amount of activities the city has to offer outside of football. Of course the visits have to go well behind the scenes for any of this to matter, but there is tons of reason for optimism with the current slate of guys coming in.

Official Visitors:

OL Jake Majors (Texas commit)

OL Logan Parr (Texas commit)

OL Jaylen Garth (Texas Commit) ***** (SAT that weekend)

OL Chad Lindberg (Top target)

CB Jahquez Robinson (Top target)

S Chris Thompson (Top target)

DE Vernon Broughton (Top target)

*** indicates probables

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

Princely Umanmielen | Quick-Update

– Super K

Texas stopped by to see 2020 DL, Princely Umanmielen (Manor, TX). I’m told Oscar Giles and Todd Orlando were the coaches who went to see the big man.

In checking with Princely and folks around him, Princely plans on taking his official visits before making a decision.

However, I get the sense that if a decision was made today, it would be Texas. But, Texas A&M and Oklahoma are, in my estimation, threats.

Thirsty Thursday | Post Spring Defense, New RB Offer, Hoops & Draft

– Darius Terrell

Last week, we took a look at what we were able to learn about each offensive position group after 15 spring practices, as well as what questions still exist heading into the summer session and fall camp. This week, we shift our focus to the defensive side of the ball.

Defense

Defensive Line

(Keondre Coburn)

What we Learned: Redshirt Freshman Keondre Coburn appears to have supplanted Senior Gerald Wilbon as the first-team Nose after Coburn started the Spring Game with the first-team, continued to take first-team reps throughout the game, and proceeded to be a disruptive force on numerous occasions with his strength and surprising burst. JUCO signee Jacoby Jones isn’t projected to start currently, but I thought that he looked very good during the spring game. Jones does an excellent job of keeping his hips and shoulders square to the LOS and he has some strength in his hands that remind you, and I’m sure his opposing OL teammates, that he isn’t a Freshman. Jones is going to contribute in 2019. Texas is going to need these two guys to step up big-time to help aid the losses of Seniors Charles Omenihu and Chris Nelson. Freshman early enrollee Peter Mpagi appears to have put on some good weight very quickly and flashed in the game with a QB pressure that resulted in an interception. RS Freshman Daniel Carson is massive and didn’t look out of place.

Summer/Fall Outlook: Senior DE Malcolm Roach appears to be the spiritual leader of the defense. I thought that Roach looked very good during limited action in the game. TaQuon Graham looks the part and will enter fall camp as one of the projected starters at DE, however, I think that he may be headed for a battle with Jacoby Jones. Texas needs more production from Graham in 2019. Moro Ojomo, Marquez Bimage, Gerald Wilbon, Jamari Chisholm, and D’Andre Christmas all figure to factor into the Texas Defensive Line rotation in 2019. While Texas may not have a true standout among the down linemen, depth will be a strong suit for this unit heading into next season.

Summer Additions: T’Vondre Sweat (DE/N) and Myron Warren (B-Backer/DE)

Linebacker

(Caleb Johnson)

What we Learned: Texas took a big blow to the LB core when True Freshman MAC De’Gabriel Floyd was ruled out for the 2019 season. JUCO signee Caleb Johnson and early enrollee Marcus Tillman received a ton of work over the course of the spring. Johnson saw action at both MAC and ROVER while Tillman worked at ROVER for the majority of the time. Both players figure to factor into the action heavily next fall on special teams at the very least. Redshirt Freshman MAC Ayodele Adeoye was solid during the spring game and remains with the first-team heading into the summer and fall. Redshirt Freshman B-Backer Byron Vaughns appears to be making strides in his development. He still needs another year in the weight room, but Vaughns showed an ability to bend the edge that bodes very well for his future. While he doesn’t figure to factor into the rotation this season, I was impressed with walk-on LB Luke Brockermeyer.

Summer/Fall Outlook: Everyone associated with the program is very excited about Sophomore B-Backer Joseph Ossai, who is looking to build off of his standout Sugar Bowl performance and take the next step as a playmaker for the defense in 2019. Senior ROVER Jeff McCulloch arrived in Austin as a highly-touted prep. The time is now or never for him to put it all together in his final season. He capped off a strong spring session with a very good showing in the spring game, including an interception of Sam Ehlinger that he nearly returned for touchdown. Texas is set at B-Backer and ROVER. The competition at MAC between Ayodele Adeoye and Caleb Johnson will add a third contestant when David Gbenda arrives in June. In an attempt to get the best players on the field, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Texas maybe experiment with Joseph Ossai some at a more traditional LB position. Ossai currently leaves the field when Texas goes to its Dime look that it has to use so often during Big XII play.

Summer Additions: David Gbenda (MAC/ROVER)

Defensive Back

(DeMarvion Overshown)

What we Learned: After beginning practices with the second unit, Jalen Green appears to have solidified his position as one of Texas’ starters at Corner. Green flashed early and often during the spring game and was one of the bright spots coming out of spring practices. D’Shawn Jamison made a move back to the defensive side of the ball after spending his Freshman season playing offense. It didn’t take him long at all to re-acclimate himself. Jamison has the ability to play the nickel as well as play outside corner. He’s a valuable commodity and will be on the field early and often for the Horns in 2019. Redshirt Sophomore Kobe Boyce, who struggled in limited action in 2018, registered an interception during the spring game.

Texas went without Senior Brandon Jones and Sophomore All-American Caden Sterns for the majority of the spring session. This provided an opportunity for the likes of Montrell Estell, Chris Brown, and DeMarvion Overshown to earn some trust from the staff. I found it very interesting that Estell and Brown were the starters for the spring game with Overshown being behind the both of them. Maybe the staff views Overshown and Brown as having similar skillsets, which prohibits them from being a tandem. I thought that Overshown looked very good during the spring game.

Summer/Fall Outlook: Although growing pains are expected, Texas has a ton of confidence in the Sophomore trio of Green, Jamison, and Anthony Cook heading into next season. I’m not sure that Kobe Boyce or Redshirt Junior Donovan Duvernay did enough to lock down positions with the second group before Kenyatta Watson and Marques Caldwell arrive. There is an opportunity for one of the true freshmen to break into the two-deep before the season begins.

Brandon Jones, Caden Sterns, and BJ Foster are going to be on the field at all times for Texas in 2019. Chris Brown is a veteran that has started games for Texas and has the staff’s trust. Texas is going to have to be creative to find situations for Overshown barring any injuries. The Safety room only gets more crowded when the uber-athletic Tyler Owens arrives, as well as 4-Star Chris Adimora from Lakewood, CA. Texas has the right kind of problems at Safety.

Summer Additions: Kenyatta Watson (CB), Tyler Owens (S), Chris Adimora (S), and Marques Caldwell (CB)

New In-State 2020 RB Offer

When I heard that Texas had stopped by Fort Bend Marshall earlier this week, I assumed that they were checking on the progress of 2020 QB Malik Hornsby.

I was wrong.

Texas is in the hunt for some big fish at the Running Back position in the 2020 class (Zach Evans, Bijan Robinson, Marshawn Lloyd, etc.), but Texas will be looking to land multiple backs in this cycle. The likelihood of landing multiple big fish is very slim and Texas has offered some guys (Ty Jordan, Kelvontay Dixon) that profile as change-of-pace options as well as receiving threats.

After seeing him in person, Texas extended an offer to Fort Bend Marshall 2020 ATH Devon Achane who fits into the category of RB2/Slot.

Blessed to receive an Offer from The universe of Texas #HookEm 🤘 pic.twitter.com/bkI4wJR1Il — Trained To Go🔥 (@ffvmousvon_) April 24, 2019

Achane brings something to the table that every program desires: speed.

He is a member of FB Marshall’s 4x100M relay team, which happens to currently hold the fastest time in nation (40.15) and he also has a 20.44 200M time under his belt this track season. Keep an eye on this one moving forward.

Junior Highlights:

Texas makes top 3 for 2020 DB Target Kitan Crawford

Texas is looking to take at least four Defensive Backs in 2020. John Tyler (Tyler, TX) DB Kitan Crawford is among the Longhorns’ top targets in the secondary this cycle. He recently announced a Top 3 on Twitter, which included Texas, Tennessee, and Baylor.

Crawford has the feet, hips, and versatility to play both in the Nickel and at Outside Corner in college. He is also a member of John Tyler’s 4×100 relay team, which at one point early in the season, held the fastest time in the nation this year (40.66). We are big Kitan Crawford fans here at TFB and we continue to feel good about Texas’ chances in this race.

Junior Season Highlights:

This Can’t be a Bad Sign …

Vernon Broughton has been a tough guy to get into contact with directly, but if his mom’s twitter is any indicator, Texas continues to be a major player in his recruitment.

Texas is facing some very stiff competition for Broughton’s signature (namely LSU and Texas A&M), but if they can win mom over, obviously that would go a long way towards tipping this thing is their favor. Broughton is the top Defensive Line target for Texas and as Super K reported yesterday, is expected to be on campus the weekend of May 4th.

Junior Season Highlights:

Take 4 Minutes Out of Your Day to #GoalUp

If you have a few extra minutes, this video of Texas Running Back Kirk Johnson is worth your time. What a truly inspiring individual. Can’t wait to see #28 making plays in 2019 for the burnt orange.

Grad Transfer Possibility?

I’ve been asked by some if Texas would look to pursue any other options on the Grad Transfer market (particularly RB and LB) after successfully recruiting Parker Braun from Georgia Tech.

An intriguing RB option became a public member of the transfer portal yesterday:

Tavien Feaster, who rushed for 1,330 yards in three years at Clemson, is pursuing a graduate transfer: https://t.co/Up2fIT7UpQ — Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) April 25, 2019

Tavien Feaster is a former 5-Star prospect from Spartanburg, SC, who rushed for over 1,330 yards and 15 touchdowns over three seasons at Clemson. While I don’t think it’s likely, Feaster would fit the criteria for the type of quality pickups that you look for in a grad transfer. Texas finds itself in a different situation than they did last off-season when they landed Tre Watson from Cal, as the depth chart is not nearly as inviting coming out of this spring. We will be keeping an eye on Feaster and the places that he decides to visit.

Men’s Hoops 2019 Recruiting & Season Outlook

On the hoops front, Texas currently has a three-man class that is headlined by local 5-Star big man Will Baker (Austin, TX) and ranks among the top-15 classes nationally. Athletic 6’9 Forward Kai Jones (Wolfsboro, NH) and 6’5 Wing Donovan Williams (Houston, TX) round out the class.

Texas continues to recruit 5-Star Forward Jaden McDaniels (Federal Way, WA) but are considered a longshot to land the talented 6’9 scorer. This week, I was planning to share some information about Texas poking around on 6’6 San Antonio (O’Connor High) Shooting Guard Brendan Wenzel, who had been let out of his LOI to UTEP after a coaching change, and shot over 40% from 3-point range this season. Before that could happen, Wenzel took an official visit to Salt Lake City over the weekend and committed to Utah. Wenzel’s sister, Carleigh, is already a major target for Texas for the 2022 class on the women’s side.

I would like to thank the coaches that recruited me throughout the years. I also want to thank my family & coaches/trainers that helped me to be the player I am today. I’m happy to say that I will be continuing my education & basketball career at The University of Utah. 🔴⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/9DvGRohhqt — Brendan Wenzel (@WenzelBrendan) April 18, 2019

Texas doesn’t currently have any available scholarships, with three known departures (Roach, Osetkowski, Hayes) and three incoming signees. The continued courtship of McDaniels and the interest in finding another shooter means that Texas is expecting some other spots on the roster to come open soon. Whether it be a high school signing, traditional transfer, or grad transfer, Texas is clearly looking to make more moves to upgrade the roster outside of what they have scheduled to return.

Roster heading into 2019 without any late additions (13 of 13 scholarships used):

Guards: Matt Coleman, Courtney Ramey, Eli Mitrou-Long, Andrew Jones

Wings: Jase Febres, Gerald Liddell, Donovan Williams

Posts: Jericho Sims, Will Baker, Royce Hamm, Kamaka Hepa, Kai Jones, Brock Cunningham

As you can see, there’s an overload of post players on the roster that don’t have the ability to stretch the floor outside of Baker and Hepa. Texas also needs backcourt depth with Andrew Jones being a wildcard. The wing options are uninspiring, as Febres would remain the only outside shooting threat, and incoming freshman Donovan Williams will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact.

Way-too-early Projected Starting Lineup

PG: Matt Coleman (Jr.)

SG: Courtney Ramey (Soph.)

SF: Jase Febres (Jr.)

PF: Jericho Sims (Jr.)

C: Will Baker (Fr.)

I’m confident about the three starting guards being Coleman, Ramey, and Febres. The question for Texas will be whether or not they want to start games off by using a 4-Out, 1-Post approach, which would remove Sims from the starting lineup in that scenario and allow Texas to play small-ball. Jaden McDaniels would make that a more likely approach with him manning the Power Forward position as a “Stretch 4”.

Darrin Horn has reached an agreement in principle to become the next head coach at Northern Kentucky, a source told @CBSSports. — Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) April 23, 2019

Shaka Smart will also have to find a replacement for Associate Head Coach Darrin Horn, who served under Smart for four seasons at Texas, who is accepting a position as Head Coach at Northern Kentucky. Horn worked with the big men for Texas, and played a large role in the last three one-and-done Posts that have come through the program (Jarrett Allen, Mo Bamba, Jaxson Hayes).

Men’s Hoops Portal Watch

Oregon sophomore wing Victor Bailey is transferring, source told @Stadium. Top 100 recruit who averaged 7.4 points this season and shot 40 percent from 3. — Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 23, 2019

Victor Bailey Jr. is a local product from the 2017 class that played at McNeil High School in Round Rock, TX. Bailey, who is the son of former Texas Track Coach Tonja Buford-Bailey, has the type of elite athleticism that Shaka Smart likes and could be a name to watch with Texas still looking to add shooters (Bailey shot 40% from 3 last season) to the roster.

Women’s Hoops Closes the Book on 2019 Class

Texas’ Women’s Basketball team added their final piece to the 2019 recruiting class when Australian Point Guard Isabel Palmer signed her LOI (Letter of Intent) last Wednesday.

Palmer joins fellow Australian, Center Ashlee Hannan, and New York Gatorade Player of the Year, Shooting Guard Celeste Taylor, to form a three-player class that does not rank among the top 20 nationally for the first time in Head Coach Karen Aston’s tenure. Taylor will arrive in the summer while Palmer and Hannan will likely be participating for the Australian U-19 National Team, which would cause their arrivals on campus to be delayed until August.

Roster heading into 2019 without any additions looks like this:

(12 of 15 alotted scholarships used)

Guards: Alicia “Sug” Sutton, Lashann Higgs, Celeste Taylor, Joanne Allen-Taylor, Isabel Palmer

Forwards: Joyner Holmes, Audrey Warren, Jada Underwood, Shae Routt

Posts: Charli Collier, Sedona Prince, Ashlee Hannan

I’d be surprised if Texas isn’t active on the Grad Transfer/Portal market before next fall with Destiny Littleton’s transfer becoming official. They’ve got three scholarships available to work with.

Way-too-early Projected Starting Lineup

PG: Sug Sutton (Sr.)

SG: Lashann Higgs (RS Sr.)

SF: Audrey Warren (Soph.)

PF: Joyner Holmes (Sr.)

C: Charli Collier (Soph.)

While getting Lashann Higgs back healthy will be a major boost, Texas is in need of perimeter shooting as well as depth along the interior. Highly-touted Redshirt Freshman Center Sedona Prince continues to recover from her broken leg last summer and incoming Freshman Ashlee Hannan is considered a developmental prospect.

Final Draft Predictions

(Charles Omenihu)

Coming out of the combine, where Texas had five participants, I did a section during Thirsty Thursdays where we looked at how each player performed and what the buzz was surrounding them coming out of Indianapolis. We have FINALLY reached draft week in the NFL with the First Round beginning tonight.

Not everyone has the attention span to sit and watch the entire thing, so below is a “watch list” of some Texas hopefuls and where you can begin watching for their name to be called:

Charles Omenihu – Late 1st- 2nd Round

Omenihu was a skinny, 3-star project coming out of high school. His development at Texas has been a fun one to watch. Omenihu has an outside chance of hearing his name called on Thursday night. More than likely, he’ll go somewhere in the Second Round between picks 36-50.

Kris Boyd – 4th-5th Round

Boyd was a 4-star and National top-100 recruit. Boyd had buzz surrounding him heading into the Senior Bowl as a guy that could potentially be a Day 2 pick (Rounds 2-3), but a poor showing during the week of practices and during the actual game soured Boyd’s stock for many. He’s too strong, fast, and physical to fall past Round 5, IMO.

Gary Johnson – 5th- 7th Round

Johnson was a 4-star recruit and the consensus #1 JUCO Linebacker in his class. The consensus on Johnson is that he’s undersized, struggles to get off of blocks, and isn’t as good in coverage as you’d expect. His immediate impact will have to come on Special Teams and I think that he will provide excellent value in that phase of the game, which gives him a great chance to hear his name called at some point on Saturday. He’s too fast to the football not to be in someone’s camp and I think the situation that he lands in is going to play in big factor in his success at the next level.

Lil’Jordan Humphrey – 6th-UFA

Humphrey was a 3-star recruit that was a 6’4 Running Back in High school. Everyone is down on Humphrey after he failed to test well at the combine and Pro Day. Humphrey has consistently run among the slowest 40 times of the Wide Receiver hopefuls in this year’s draft. I’m too big of a proponent of “film doesn’t lie” to share the same lack of excitement for his game due to him not running great in shorts and a t-shirt. While he likely made a big mistake financially, Humphrey will be a steal for someone.

Andrew Beck – 6th Round – UFA

Beck was a 3-star recruit that was originally recruited as a Linebacker out of high school. He shocked everyone and blew the doors off of the Texas pro day. He’s had multiple workouts set up for NFL teams and has a legitimate chance to hear his name called on Day Three. Beck is a lock to be in someone’s Training Camp.

Davante Davis – 7th Round – UFA

Davis was a consensus 4-star recruit from Miami, Fla. He has some stiffness and recognition issues on tape that are hard to ignore. What is equally hard to ignore are his excellent size and physical traits. Davis has a chance to get drafted late and will be in someone’s Training Camp this summer.

Likely Undrafted/Camp Hopefuls

Chris Nelson

Patrick Vahe

Breckyn Hager

PJ Locke