Update on the ‘Good News’

– Super K

In a post last week, I noted that Texas needs some good news to get some momentum going for this class.

I had noted that some good news would be on the way and could be coming before the end of the month.

It does look like the good news – in fact, multiple pieces of good news – is still on the way but not likely this month. The timelines are getting pushed back a bit.

I think you’ll start to see things come together in June. As the time gets closer and there I have a more definitive timeline I’ll give you a heads up but based on what I’m hearing, it’s looking like this summer should finally win Texas some recruiting momentum.

Texas Offers 2020 LB | Kalel Mullings

– Charlie S

Earlier this week, Texas extended an offer to 2020 Linebacker Kalel Mullings out of Boston Massachusetts.

Mullings measures in at 6’1″ 225 lbs and he holds well over 20 offers which include Northwestern, Stanford, Michigan, and Clemson.

I was able to touch base with him via messaging. Kalel let me know that he and Coach Orlando have been in communication for a while now. Orlando was planning on getting up to Boston to see him last week, but he was leaving for his official to Northwestern and they were not able to connect.

However, Mullings let me know that Orlando did make it in to see him earlier today.

When I asked him about his interest in Texas, he said: “They have a great team, a great coaching staff, and a top 10 undergraduate business school”. Academics are very important to him and Texas checks that box as well.

I then asked him if there was a chance he would take a visit to Austin and he told me, “I am definitely interested in getting down there. They are having a get together at the end of June (Pool Party) and I will try to get down there for that.”

As far as his recruitment goes, so far he has officially visited Northwestern and he is scheduled to visit Wisconsin in early June. He had been planning on making his commitment at the end of June, but he mentioned he may push that back to the beginning of his season this fall.

I will keep in touch with Kalel and should the visit come together I will let you know.

Cali Update | Johnny Wilson & Justin Flowe

– Super K

A couple of notes here on some 5-star Cali prospects…

***On the Justin Flowe front, it sounds like Texas is trying to get him to Austin for the big June 22nd event.

The issue is whether it will be an official or unofficial visit. Texas would prefer it be an unofficial visit so that they can hold the official visit till the season.

Personally, I think this plan would be the most sound. Let’s face it, you aren’t going to land a player like Justin Flowe off of one visit. So, in my estimation, bringing him on an official visit right now may solidify you in the race but you’re going to have to end up getting him back out on a second visit, anyway. If you’re going to only get one visit out him (as in an official) then it doesn’t seem wise to shoot that shot this early.

This one is still in the works.

***I’m also told that the staff is trying to get 5-star WR, Johnny Wilson on campus during the first weekend of June.

This visit would not be an official visit. If it happens (and it still isn’t locked in) it would be an unofficial visit.

The issue with unofficial visits, of course, is whether the player is able to make it out on their dime.

Again, this is something Texas is working on but it isn’t set in stone either, yet.

2021 RB Brandon Campbell Talks Texas

– CJ Vogel

Introducing another 2021 prospect that will be a name to know moving forward – Brandon Campbell.

Campbell is a 2021 running back out of Pearland HS who currently stands at 5’10” and 190 pounds. The interest from schools around the nation is beginning to pick up for the talented back.

Texas is among the schools that have briefly been in contact with Campbell so far.

“I have been in contact (with the staff) slightly,” said Campbell. “It’s been off and on, but I would love to build a relationship with the staff.”

If the staff does turn up the heat in Campbell’s recruitment, the return interest would be very high.

“Texas is one of those schools if they offered me, they would automatically be high on my list. Texas was my childhood dream school but I would like to talk to the staff more because I haven’t heard from them.”

Among the schools that are in contact with Campbell the most are Houston, Virginia Tech, Memphis and Arkansas. Though Campbell says he is hearing often from USC, Washington, Colorado, LSU, Texas Tech and Baylor.

So what about a program intrigues Campbell the most?

“The system and style of play is big for me. Just somewhere I feel like I can compete early on for playing time.”

Campbell claims a 4.52 40-yard dash and 35-inch vertical on his Hudl page.

Texas, at the very least should establish a relationship with Campbell before the start of the season in my opinion. It would not be very smart to let him bolt without giving him a chance at being the 2021 back.

Lathan Ransom Sets Two Texas Visits

– Super K

I checked in with the father of 4-star AZ DB, Lathan Ransom and he tells me that Lathan has nailed down not just one but two visits to Texas this summer.

Earlier this year we were first to report that Ransom would be in Austin for an unofficial visit from May 31st to June 3rd. As I noted at that time, they have family friends in the Austin area.

But Ransom’s father tells me they will return to Austin almost immediately after that unofficial visit for an official visit on June 14th-16th.

Ransom has already taken official visits to OU and LSU. Texas will make his third OV.

He will also visit Notre Dame on June 8th-10th and then Ohio State on June 21st-23rd.

So, it seems safe to say that Texas, OU, LSU, Notre Dame and Ohio State are in his top group.

In terms of a decision timeline, Lathan’s father says, “he hasn’t planned that yet. Should be around July or August time frame”.

In other words, he will finish his OVs in June and then make a summer decision, most likely.

TFB Update | Tom’s Big Extension

– Will Baizer

Herman receives two-year contract extension

The UT System Board of Regents approved an extension for Texas Head Football Coach Tom Herman that takes his contract through 2023.

Austin, Texas – The UT System Board of Regents approved a two-year contract extension for Texas Head Football Coach Tom Herman Thursday morning. Herman’s contract is now for five years and runs through 2023.

“Coach Herman is building something very special and we couldn’t be more excited about his leadership of our football program,” Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte said. “There have been many great accomplishments, and the culture he is establishing is one that focuses on maximizing the student-athletes on the field and developing them as young men off the field, in the classroom and in our community. We are lucky to have him and thrilled to be extending his contract. The future of Texas Football is in great hands.”

In 2018, Herman led Texas to a 10-4 record, which was its best since 2009, a victory in the 2019 Allstate Sugar Bowl over No. 5 Georgia, and a Big 12 Championship Game appearance in just his second season at the helm. The Longhorns were one of only two teams nationally to defeat two programs that finished ranked in the Top 10 in No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 7 Georgia. Texas finished ranked No. 9 in the final polls of both the Associated Press and the Amway USA Today Coaches, which was its first top-10 final ranking since 2009. After guiding the Longhorns to a victory in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl over Missouri in 2017, Herman is now 17-10 in two seasons at Texas.

“I’m so grateful for President Fenves, Chris Del Conte and the UT Board of Regents, and for all the support they provide me, my family and our football program,” Herman said. “I truly love being the head football coach at Texas. I’m enjoying every minute of it, am so fortunate to have a tremendous staff, and the players in our program are just awesome to work with. We’ve done some good things, but have so much more we are preparing to accomplish. I’m excited for the future.”

Herman came to Texas after compiling a 22-4 record in two seasons at Houston, the fourth-best record in the FBS in that span. It included a win over No. 9 Florida State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, which was UH’s first New Year’s Bowl in 30 years. He also led the Cougars to their second 13-win season in program history and their 11th conference championship by claiming the inaugural AAC Championship. He is now 39-14 overall as a head coach.

Thirsty Thursday | 2019 Playing Time, 2021 DL Duo Visits, 2022 Watch List

– 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.

With the 26 members of the 2019 recruiting class arriving next week, I thought that this week would be a fun exercise taking another look at the class and trying to project who does what next season.

There will be three different tiers that I group players into today. The categories will be “Will Play,” “May Play,” and “Likely to Redshirt.” All of these projections are barring injury at their position forcing them into action.

Will Play

RB Jordan Whittington

DE Jacoby Jones

WR Bru McCoy

LB Marcus Tillman

***Not much more needs to be said about this group than what already has. Jordan Whittington is going to play and he’s going to get touches as a rusher and receiver.

*** Bru McCoy will also see plenty of action in 2019 after the NCAA flips a coin to decide his fate (joking …. sort of).

*** Jacoby Jones will almost certainly be in the mix of the Defensive Line rotational players following spring practices and Marcus Tillman, who surprised some people, will be counted on to contribute on Special Teams at the very least.

May Play

WR Jake Smith

LB David Gbenda

S Tyler Owens

CB Kenyatta Watson

LB Juwan Mitchell

LB Caleb Johnson

CB Marques Caldwell

*** As everyone is well aware of by now, Texas needs help at Linebacker. Basic math suggests that at least one of the trio of Caleb Johnson, David Gbenda, and Juwan Mitchell will be relied upon in 2019 to contribute. Fall camp will determine which of these guys will have a meaningful role to fulfill for the team.

*** To a lesser degree, the same holds true at Cornerback. Texas is young and unproven at Corner with the starters and the backups. While the chances of either guy starting barring a rash of injuries is slim to none, both Kenyatta Watson and Marques Caldwell will have opportunities to supplant one of the incumbents with the second unit.

*** Tyler Owens is too freaky of an athlete to not be a standout gunner on the Punt and Kickoff teams this season while he learns behind three All-Big XII candidates.

*** Texas will have a good problem on their hands trying to find ways to get Jake Smith onto the field during his Freshman season. I think there’s a chance that fans may have to temper their excitement and wait slightly longer than expected to see Jake regularly.

Likely to Redshirt

OL Willie Tyler

DE/LB Peter Mpagi

OL Tyler Johnson

OL Isaiah Hookfin

OL Javonne Shepherd

TE Brayden Liebrock

TE Jared Wiley

LB De’Gabriel Floyd

WR Kennedy Lewis

DL T’Vondre Sweat

S Chris Adimora

WR Marcus Washington

RB Derrian Brown

DE Myron Warren

QB Roschon Johnson

*** Texas appears to have finally reached a point where they can redshirt entire Offensive Line classes after accomplishing the feat with their 2018 group (Angilau, Moore, Jones, Ghirmai). The hope is that none of the Offensive Line members from this class see the field until 2020 at the earliest.

*** After a promising spring showing, Peter Mpagi will spend the year continuing to add weight and learn the position while T’Vondre Sweat and Myron Warren are also expected take a year or two to acclimate.

*** I don’t see a scenario where Marcus Washington or Kennedy Lewis see the field as true freshmen. The same goes for Jared Wiley and Brayden Liebrock, but more so due to the fact that Texas has very rarely used more than one Tight End on the field at any time in Coach Herman’s first two seasons.

*** Chris Adimora is likely buried by depth and barring something catastrophic happening under center, Roschon Johnson won’t see any action in 2019.

*** Side note: I’ve been following the progress of Derrian Brown on social media with regularity. Derrian’s recovery appears to be going so well to the point that there is optimism that he will be able to participate next spring with the team after redshirting this upcoming season.

Star 2021 D-Line Duo visits UT

(L-R) Landon Jackson, Jordan Whittington, Marcus Burris

May 11, Texas hosted Texarkana (Pleasant Grove) Defensive Linemen Landon Jackson and Marcus Burris, two of the top players in the 2021 class. Burris and Jackson have been bookends for Pleasant Grove since they were Freshmen, leading the school to two consecutive state title game appearances.

I was able to catch up with Burris and get his thoughts on the visit.

“We didn’t initially plan to visit campus at first, we were actually in town to watch the state track meet and they (Oscar Giles) asked if we could stop by and visit for a while.”

The visit didn’t last long (they were on campus for a few hours), but they were able to speak with the staff that was in town as well as take photos in full uniform with current UT Freshman RB Jordan Whittington. Burris did inform me that he and Jackson are no strangers to Austin or the UT campus.

“That was my third time at UT.” Burris told me. “They have great facilities and I really like the players and staff. They always make us feel welcome and give off great vibes.”

Burris says that the relationship that he has with the staff and his position coach is going to likely be the primary factor in his recruitment.

“What I’m mainly looking for in a school is a great staff like I have here at PG (Pleasant Grove).”

While his teammate already holds a Texas offer, Burris, who has over a dozen offers from the likes of Alabama, LSU, Arkansas, Texas A&M, and Miami, is still waiting on the Longhorns to make him an official offer.

Burris says that recruiting isn’t his main priority at this current point in time, but he did take note of the fact that one school seems to be prioritizing him early.

“I have been in contact with A&M a lot lately. Other than that, really no one right now.”

My Take: Texas will have more than a few very good in-state options available in 2021. The only offers that have been made to Defensive Linemen in the class so far are to the aforementioned Jackson, Jatavion Sanders, and Tunmise Adeleye. I believe that once Texas finishes their evaluations of some of the other players that are still emerging in a deep group, Burris, who is still in the early stages of his recruitment, will likely begin to come more into focus as a priority for the Longhorns as we get closer to next fall. Texas A&M has seemingly targeted Burris as a priority and is showing him a ton of attention early.

Over the past few weeks, I have revealed my inaugural Top 25 of 2020 and Top 25 of 2021 for the state of Texas. I felt like this week would be a good week to put a bow on it all by introducing you all to a few names that have already started making headlines and figure to be future Texas Longhorn targets in the class of 2022. Texas already has offers out to three in-state players in the 2022 class. This not a ranking, but a general introduction of tomorrow’s stars in Texas High School Football.

DT’s Texas 2022 Watch List *denotes Texas offer

*** Keithian “Bear” Alexander DL 6’4 335 Dallas (Skyline) *

Thoughts: I’ve never seen a kid his size move as well as he does at his age. Maintaining his flexibility is going to be key to his development, but we are looking at a potential monster.

Highlights:

*** Emeka Megwa RB 6’0 210 Fort Worth (Nolan Catholic) *

Thoughts: Megwa has offers from every major program in the country. Texas recently added their name to the mix.

Highlights:

*** Kameron Dewberry OL 6’3 290 Humble (Atascocita) *

Thoughts: Texas is well aware of Dewberry as he attends the same school that Samuel Cosmi graduated from and he has already camped at Texas. Dewberry already holds several P5 offers and received an offer from the Longhorns earlier this week.

Highlights:

*** Caleb Burton III WR 6’0 165 Del Valle

Thoughts: Burton III reminds me a lot of 2019 Lake Travis WR Garrett Wilson. His offer list has exploded in recent weeks, including an offer from Oklahoma. He’s a local prospect that is high on the Longhorns.

Highlights:

*** Thomas Gort III DL 6’0 290 Dallas (Bishop Dunne)

Thoughts: Poona Ford, anyone? Gort III started every game in the middle for the reigning TAPPS State Champions and was difference-maker.

Highlights:

*** Erick Conley DL 6’3 260 Alief (Taylor)

Thoughts: A standout in the classroom and on the field, Conley is a disruptive force along the Defensive Line.

Highlights:

Other names to watch:

Austin Jordan DB 6’0 175 Denton (Ryan)

Jordan was a member of Denton Ryan’s 4x100m relay team that finished 5th at the State Championships and runs a 10.7 100m as a Freshman.

Armani Winfield WR 6’2 175 Lewisville (Lewisville)

Although he’s still fairly new to the sport, Winfield was the 6-6A Newcomer of the Year this past season.

Cameron Williams OL 6’5 260 Duncanville (Duncanville)

Williams already holds multiple P5 offers and sports a near 7’0” wingspan.

Kobie McKinzie LB 6’3 225 Lubbock (Cooper)

The uber-athletic McKinzie is a big-time early commitment to Texas Tech.

Trenton Shaw TE 6’4 220 DeSoto (DeSoto)

Shaw is also a standout pitching prospect in baseball.

UT Softball Update

After suffering a surprising 2-1 loss at home in the opener of the Austin Regional to Sam Houston State, the Lady Longhorns bounced back to win four straight games (Texas A&M, Sam Houston State, Houston 2x) to advance to the Tuscaloosa Super Regional for a best-of-three series against #4 ranked Alabama for a chance to advance to the 2019 Women’s College World Series.

The catalyst for the Longhorns and their run has been superstar Pitcher Miranda Elish, who is one of four players that transferred to Texas from Oregon when Coach Mike White took the job.

In the four wins (all of which Elish has started, she didn’t start in the opening loss) Elish has pitched 29 Innings for the Longhorns. Here is her stat line during these four games:

1. A&M (3-2 W): 8IP/6H/0ER

2. SHSU (3-0 W): 7IP/1H/0ER

3. Houston (5-2 W): 7IP/9H/2ER

4. Houston (7-0 W): 7IP/4H/0ER

Over the course of those 29 Innings, Elish has allowed only 20 Hits and a meager 2 (TWO!!!) Earned Runs.

Texas has a superstar on their hands, the likes of which the program possibly hasn’t seen since the legendary Cat Osterman led the Longhorns to three Women’s College World Series appearances in the early 2000’s. During the lull of May, Texas Softball is providing everyone with an opportunity to cheer on the Burnt Orange.