Inside Texas 2017 Recruiting Review

2017 RECRUITING REVIEW

ALSO INSIDE: Eric Nahlin’s

ITTOP100

MR. GRAHAM GOES TO AUSTIN Polite and reserved off the field, Temple’s Taquon Graham is a dominant and disruptive force on defense.

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February/March 2017

in this issue

Inside The Gameplan | Ian breaks down Tom Herman’s first class.

by Ian

Class of 2016 - Offense |

Boyd

IT Staff Westlake’s Sam Ehlinger is a perfect fit for Herman’s offense. by

Class of 2016 - Defense |

by

IT Staff

6

12

20

Defensive end Taquon Graham bring his pass rushing skills to Texas.

Big XII Rankings |

by Ian

Boyd

26

Ian looks at how the other schools in conference fared in recruiting.

Inside Texas Top 100 |

36

Recruiting and Twitter

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By Eric Nahlin A comprehensive breakdown of the 2017 class.

Some of our favorite tweets from this cycle.

Junior Day Recap |

by

IT Staff

Positive returns from Herman’s first Junior Day.

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Publishers -- Michael Pearle, Clendon Ross | Managing Editor--Clendon Ross | Editor-- Mike Blackwell InsideTexas.com Editor -- Justin Wells | Lead Writer -- Bill Frisbie | Contributor -- Ian Boyd Designer/Photographer -- Will Gallagher | Recruiting Analyst -- Eric Nahlin To Subscribe/Customer Service -- Phone: 512-249-8916 | Email: help@insidetexas.com February/March - 2017

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by Ian

Boyd

T

he dreaded transition class has now finally come together for Tom Herman and includes several players that were obviously chosen for their fit and the staff’s comfort level with making the most of their talent. As Herman himself noted, their first class at Ohio State was ranked 5th nationally but only produced three contributors because of lack of fit.

Herman and his staff clearly didn’t have established relationships with some of the higher ranked players in the state, ironically resulting in many of them leaving for Ohio State, so they took a bunch of kids that they were excited to have at Houston with the belief that players they could have built into contributors at Houston would also be valuable in the Big 12.

Sam Ehlinger The reality of college football is that teams

game” but that’s not really how things play

Ultimately the hope is that Herman will

are comprised mostly of role players with

out on the field.

know how to land the best athletes in the

a few stars and the skills and talents of ev-

state and then develop them into a culture

eryone involved need to fit together for the

If you can recruit mostly kids with super-

that stresses teamwork and role aware-

team to be successful and for the talent of

star upside that can be great, but most of

ness effectively. In the meantime, here’s

the stars to be evident. Everyone loves the

them are going to have to learn how to

how his staff has done in putting together

Mack Brown “recruit 22 guys that can win

be role players or you might as well have

a first class that can fit together and pro-

their individual matchup in every

taken kids with lower ceilings but more self

vide some infrastructure for the future.

awareness.

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OFFENSE QUARTERBACK The Herman smashmouth spread is designed to dominate opponents between the tackles with physical, downhill running.

After that, he’ll use perimeter RPOs (run/

might have had two such players but to

Carter excelled in high school. At about

find even one is pretty exciting. They can

5’11” and 195, Carter is built to cut upfield

always add numbers later, Herman inher-

in a hurry and his acceleration in his first

ited a cornerstone here.

few steps allow him to maximize narrow windows of opportunity into big runs.

Grade: A Ehlinger is the perfect fit for most any spread offense but especially the Herman system. It would have been hard to do better here.

Young is more the type that you think of when it comes to pounding interior gaps, he’s built like a fireplug but while he has the burst to hit holes between the tackles,

pass options) and play-action to keep defenses from overloading the middle.

Finally, there’s the dropback passing game which is included to help control the ball and provide additional ways to attack defenses with good athletes.

The QB needs to be able to manage the offense and distribute the ball in all of the option concepts that exist in the playbook.

Any signal-caller that can do that will find success in this system if surrounded by the right athletes at the skill positions.

If the QB can add the ability to run between the tackles in the run game with his own legs to the distribution skills mentioned above, it takes the offense to a whole other level. There are few safe defensive tactics for stopping QB runs if the

Toneil Carter |

photo courtesy of varsityviews.com

RUNNING BACK

he doesn’t have Carter’s breakaway speed to turn a crease into an explosive play.

offense is lined up in a spread formation with a signal caller that can murder you

Texas really needs a guy here that can

For Herman he could be a change of pace

outside if you cheat numbers to the box.

excel at hitting the A and B gaps on power

back or potentially grow into a very versa-

and inside zone runs. Even if the QB can

tile fullback that does some lead blocking

With the ability to run sometimes comes

excel in that role as Ehlinger does, you

and short-yardage work. His skill set pairs

the ability to improvise and make things

don’t want to have to give your QB 10+

nicely with Carter who could be freed to

happen when passing plays break down.

carries every game to execute the base

get out on the perimeter while Young does

In college ball, those kinds of breakdowns

strategy of your offense.

some inside running and lead blocking for

passing game is a skill-intensive art form.

Beyond that, Herman has shown willing-

However, college ball also struggles

ness to use his RBs in a variety of different

mightily with defending QBs that excel at

ways to attack the perimeter or in the

improvisation. The QB who can overcome

passing game depending on the value-add

a protection breakdown or a lack of open

they bring outside of execution of the base

receivers by moving out of the pocket and

runs.

either Carter or the QB.

occur regularly because the modern

scrambling for yardage or hitting a receiver on the move is the great equalizer in col-

Herman took two very different backs, both

lege football.

out of Houston, in Toneil Carter and Daniel Young. Running between the tackles effec-

Grade: B+

Herman found both explosive talent and versatility in this group, he probably didn’t stockpile a pair of future NFL backs but he did get value and numbers.

TIGHT END

In Sam Ehlinger, Texas got a player that

tively often isn’t about size but about the

is not only competent but excellent in all

ability to make sharp cuts on a dime in or-

Normally I like to use the term ancillaries

three of these dimensions of QB play. If

der to hit creases within a narrow window

to describe fullbacks, h-backs, and tight

they’d managed to pull Bryson Smith they

of time before they close, and that’s where

ends who serve largely as support players

February/March - 2017

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for the other skill players, moving around

passing game. If he fills out and proves an

corners if Herman can get the rest of the

to create different blocking angles. In that

effective blocker in the box as well then

offense humming. In addition to his elite

respect, Daniel Young could potentially

he’ll open up a wide world of devastating

speed (4.49) Miller is also highly coordi-

count as an ancillary depending on where

possibilities for Herman.

nated with strong hands when it’s time to

his development takes him over the next

go up and bring the ball down. You can

four years. Both Reese Leitao and Cade Brewer have similarly ambiguous futures because both have figurative growth plates that could see them develop a wide variety of skills.

Leitao is fluid as a runner and very skilled in getting open on routes and blocking out

Grade: B+

throw it up to him matched up on a corner

Tight end is very much a developmental position and Herman just secured some clay that has the right consistency to be molded into the fearsome blocker and multi-use big target to make his offense a matchup nightmare for Big 12 defenses.

with a jump ball or back shoulder fade and expect him to win the battle.

It’s ironic that Texas should miss out on so much of the abundant in-state talent at WR yet benefit from Florida being similarly overflowing with skill and athleticism.

defenders like a basketball post (inci-

Jordan Pouncey probably fits inside where

dentally, his dad is a roundball coach) to

Herman likes to place guys with good short speed and acceleration to target on quick option routes, screens, and seam routes. If you hit Pouncey in enough space that he can take a step or two, he’s going to generate a lot of explosive plays and he has enough quickness to be a nightmare running in the space between the safeties and linebackers.

Grade: B-

Jordan Pouncey |

There’s two perspectives here to consider. One is the need to keep the roster stocked with athletes that can punish defenses in the passing game, which Herman successfully did here despite low numbers because of all the depth already on campus. photo courtesy of thespun.com

make catches, but he’s also a physical and

WIDE RECEIVERS

willing blocker in the box. He seems very likely to grow into a blocking tight end/

Texas is absurdly loaded at WR right

hammer-back at Texas but he also already

now to the extent that they could lose a

has skill running routes in the middle of the

potential star in Kai Locksley to transfer

field that would be foolish to waste.

and perhaps another in John Burt if he can’t get back on track and still be in better

Brewer is fluid like Leitao, but much more

shape than most of the other teams in the

sudden and capable of creating separation

conference.

even when facing tighter man coverage whereas Leitao does his work settling in

Herman’s asks of his WRs include physi-

soft spots in zone. Brewer’s film at Lake

cal blocking, the ability to make route ad-

Travis is replete with examples of double

justments based off coverage reads, and

moves, high point catches, and bring-

then the athleticism to hurt people when

ing down back shoulder fades against

they have the ball.

coverage. We’ll probably see Brewer

Another is the desire to lock down the state’s best talent, which Herman did not do. I worry less about that at this position though because Texas is routinely loaded with far more receivers that can wreak havoc in a spread offense than the Longhorns can allocate scholarships for.

There’s just no stopping the rest of the league from filling up on receivers you’d rather not face.

OFFENSIVE LINE Charlie Strong arguably set Herman up

spend most of his time at Texas flexed out

Damion Miller is going to find a lot of op-

on the OL better than at any other position

wide as a receiver where he can block on

portunities running deep verticals on play-

in the program. With Connor Williams,

screens or serve as a chain-mover in the

action and adjustable routes on isolated

Patrick Vahe, Jake McMillon, Zack Shack-

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elford, Jean Delance, Tope Imade, Buck

DEFENSE

Major, J.P. Urquidez, Denzel Okafor, Garrett Thomas, Elijah Rodriguez, and Patrick Hudson…there’s a lot of talent on campus that will be around for a while. More importantly, it’s talent chosen for athleticism at

developing player. Graham’s high ranking is thanks to his early eval as a likely passrushing DE while Cummins’ low ranking is due to his tweener-nature and the fact that

DEFENSIVE LINE

he was a late bloomer. Both are valuable projects for Oscar Giles and Yancy McK-

tackle and a willingness to get low and get

Ostensibly the move from Strong’s 3-3-5

dirty inside, both of which are essential in

heavy defense to Orlando’s 3-4 shouldn’t

Herman’s offense.

be that extreme but Orlando’s fronts put

With a couple of long-term fits in the

a greater emphasis on DEs that can work

calculator, Texas made a late addition with

With all of that talent in the underclassmen

in either the B-gap or the A-gap from snap

Jamari Chisholm. At 6-5, 280 with a knack

ranks and four returning starters, Herman

to snap. That requires skilled use of the

for engaging blockers and and moving

was really set up to go after players with

hands and either length and strength or an

laterally, Chisholm can fit in the 4i-tech

bigger development curves.

excellent first step, ideally both. The nose

spot if Texas’ young DTs struggle with the

tackle position is still what it’s been the last

adjustment. He’s not a major disruptor but

Sam Cosmi has very quick feet and a lot

few years, a place for a strong anchor that

he’s big and sound enough to do the job

of examples on film of performing difficult

can hold up to a double team in the A-gap

and occupy blockers while Orlando fires

night to tackle in upcoming offseasons.

tasks like finding linebackers in space. At 6’5”, 260 pounds he’ll need to spend a lot of time in the weight room before his clips of getting low and driving DL off the ball in high school could translate to the Texas inside zone run game. He might be a tackle prospect but he also projects better to guard then some other tall, underweight HS tackles because he plays with good pad level.

Derek Kerstetter is also something of a project, partly because he might end up moving inside to center where his quickness off the ball and size would be useful for anchoring the A-gaps in Texas’ run game. He played tackle in high school and

Taquon Graham |

photo courtesy of wildcatstrong.com

was very effective reaching DEs and LBs on outside zone or covering up DTs on inside zone. With increased strength and

and move well enough to stunt.

repetitions in handling DTs with angles and

This development is hardly a bad thing

double teams he might become Texas’

for Taquon Graham, who at 6-3, 255 has

long-term heir to Shackelford.

abnormal length and speed for his position

Grade: CBoth of these players fit the immediate goal, which is to stash guys with upside in the S&C program and in the OL meeting room that can become valuable contributors three years or so down the line. There aren’t good numbers here but don’t be shocked if Herman rectifies that by moving some of Strong’s extra DTs over.

yet seems likely to end up in the 270-290 range after college strength and conditioning. He’s a great candidate for the 4itechnique DE position in this defense that needs some explosiveness off the ball but also the strength to contend with offensive tackles.

Max Cummins is an ideal fit for the position thanks to his length at 6-5, his athleticism (they moved him up and down

LBs into the backfield off either hip.

Grade: C+ There are no nose tackles in this class but Charlie signed tons of DTs in previous classes that will inevitably produce a few prospects for that position.

Texas helped shore up the 3-4 DE position to provide insurance that the new scheme will translate without major hiccups and got potential gamechangers for the future in Cummins and Graham.

the line in high school to cause disruption), and his high ceiling as a still growing and

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LINEBACKER This position is the heart of the Orlando defense. One of the goals here was certainly to keep bringing aboard explosive athletes that could be fired into the backfield on stunts and blitzes but who had the versatility to learn how to make coverage drops or play the run as well. Additionally, Texas had great need for a player or two that already knows how to play the inside-backer position as the current roster is long on explosive athletes but short on know-how at that cerebral spot.

loves to engage OL with his hands before

down corner that can play on an island is

downshifting again to blow by them. He’s

as essential as ever.

explosive, but he’s already developed in using his explosiveness to set himself up

Kobe Boyce played a lot of cover 3 in high

with leverage to win battles rather than

school, which undoubtedly made him a

trying to run by everyone. His nose for the

great option to Strong and his staff, but

ball and the joy he takes in colliding with

Texas is now a base quarters defense with

people could translate to inside-backer

cover 3 as a change-up when Orlando

if he master the coverage drops and key

wants to blitz. His skill should translate in

reading, otherwise he makes a great deal

this scheme as well though, particularly at

of sense as a rush-backer on the edge.

field corner where he’d have more leeway to play off and jump routes.

Grade: B Texas got two very violent and athletic football players for a defense that’s

Josh Thompson played mostly field safety as a senior and he dominated from the middle of the field in a role that allowed him to attack offenses in a variety of different ways. He’s a tremendous athlete and could project to any position in the secondary but he’ll probably play inside at either field safety or nickel. Orlando will want to find a few more like him that combine real acceleration and range in the open field with natural aggression.

I was shocked when examining Montrell Estell’s senior film to discover an athletic destroyer of worlds who played every conceivable position in high school and totally dominated his competition. He might be

Gary Johnson |

the next Mykkele Thompson and hopefully

photo courtesy Jeanie Rose/DC3 Athletics

Herman’s culture will allow him to find his bite faster than Thompson, who frustrated

Gary Johnson is the potential solution at the inside-backer spot and his JUCO film reveals a player that can read flow, scrape into the right gaps, and then generate power up from the hips to stonewall blockers or runners. He’s a bit undersized

fans until Charlie arrived before finally

designed to feature the linebacker position. The numbers are low but the fits make a good deal of sense and neither are a reach or really even much of a question mark.

athletic requirements of the position when facing spread offenses. Johnson has a good chance to play immediately and help create wonderful problems for the staff in finding a place for Malik Jefferson.

Marqez Bimage is a versatile “attackbacker” whose major qualification for receiving a Texas offer is his outstanding capacity for winning violent contests with OL. He takes choppy initial steps and

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Like Thompson, Estell could project to a lot of different positions but we can probably expect to find him at field safety using his length and range to cover ground on

but in a league where players that aren’t undersized are often overwhelmed by the

becoming a multi-positional dog.

the back end and occasionally to come up

DEFENSIVE BACK

and lock down a slot.

Defensive back is an essential spot in the Big 12 where teams often have to play six of them at a time, real depth is essential, and versatility and cross-training are standard practices. Charlie put a premium on finding guys outside that could play without deep help so that he could load the middle of the field with tacklers. Orlando’s defense will emphasize more teamwork and versatility from the DBs, but the lock-

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Grade:BThere don’t seem to be any lockdown corners in this group and the overall numbers are somewhat low, but each of these guys are liable to make real noise after a few years of development. Orlando was lucky that Strong landed such versatile athletes here as that will play well in his coverages.

Kraken_Texas_mechanical.indd 1

5/19/11 2:17:09 PM

SAM EHLINGER Quarterback | 6-2, 215 | Austin Westlake, TX Notable offers: Florida State, Texas A&M, Stanford, LSU Ehlinger’s signing was worthy of some focus since we believe he is the best QB Texas has signed in perhaps a decade, and the perfect trigger-man for Tom Herman’s offense.

Ehlinger boasts Tebow-esque, fullback-style traits as a runner and an accurate arm that will remind Texas fans of Colt McCoy. He may not be quite as good in either regard as those players (or he might be), but the way he combines those skill sets makes for something pretty special.

A few months later I talked about how that might fit with Texas’ other targets for the 2017 class. I went ahead and used Westlake and smashmouth spread concepts to illustrate my points. I also drew formations more commonly found from a Herman-style team than a Veer and Shoot team because even back then it was evident that Ehlinger was just as likely to be coached by Herman as he was by Gilbert. Additionally, Ehlinger’s skill set screams for a certain deployment so even Gilbert would have had to adjust to make the most of his talent.

As member Halas noted early on, one of the most important skill sets that you need

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#9 | IT 100

in Herman’s offense is someone who can run between the tackles. With the spread offense in general, you need a QB that can constrain the defense by distributing the ball where the offense is at advantage, including on the perimeter or deep. Ehlinger can literally do all of these things from the QB position.

In a team sport, we should really assign more value to players that are easy to build an effective team concept around than guys who excel in limited roles. The guy who can do one thing and one thing only may look amazing if he has the right surrounding personnel but he can just as easily hold the team back if the players around him can’t cover for his weaknesses.

The more strengths a player has, the more he can allow his teammates to have weaknesses and shortcomings and the more easy he makes it for his coordinator to surround him with specialists. Ehlinger is a versatile player who’s going to make it very easy to build an offense around because of all the strengths he brings to the table as a runner, decision maker, pocket-passer, and improv artist creating off schedule.

He’s going to be a Longhorn, let’s celebrate! insidetexas.com

2017 - OFFENSE

February/March - 2017

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2017 LONGHORNS - OFFENSE

TONEIL CARTER

DAMION MILLER

Running Back | 5-11, 200 | Langham Creek - Houston, TX Notable offers: Georgia, Texas A&M, LSU, Michigan

#23 | IT 100

Wide Receiver | 6-1, 190 | John Tyler - Tyler, TX

#59 | IT 100

Notable offers: Baylor, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M

Tom Herman’s first com-

Miller was one of the

mitment as the head

first players to commit

coach at Texas might

in the 2017 cycle and

also be the most dy-

probably the top deep

namic of the 2017 class.

threat in the state.

Carter is plain fast, a

He joins the John

legit 4.5 guy in the 40,

Tyler to Austin pipeline

and he’s very adept and

which includes Earl

using that speed to fly

Campbell, Aaron Ross

through holes behind

and Tim Crowder.

lead blockers or to work the edge on power-read

Justin Wells/IT

plays of the sort that are

Miller is absurdly fast and it’s often a simple matter for him to just run by opposing defenders and take the top off of the defense.

surely coming to Texas in the near future.

He’s also has considerable skills at adjusting to the ball in the air, At Langham Creek he was regularly working on inside zone plays

often having to box-out corners on film to catch under thrown balls.

running behind an H-back and his knack for quickly finding the crease and exploding through it would make for exciting offense in

Texas hasn’t had a vertical speed demon like this since Mike Davis

Herman’s run game.

graduated and he wasn’t always a consistent threat here. Beyond that, Miller also has potential as a weapon on tunnel screens and

He also has the hands to do some work on the perimeter like Cata-

in the passing game as a possession receiver with an eye for soft

lon did at Houston this year, Carter is a likely feature back in the not

spots in zone coverage.

too distant future.

He could project as either a mobile weapon working off a big receivPreviously committed to Georgia for over a year, he was set to

er like Collin Johnson or as the go-to outside threat if he maximizes

enroll early in Athens and decided two days before the start of the

his athletic potential by learning to run good routes.

semester to stay in Texas and start his spring semester in Austin.

This kid can get out and go in a hurry and has the potential to be Carter is in the mold of a middle-income man’s Marshall Faulk --

a legit field-stretcher on the outside. Doesn’t matter if it is a short,

good out of the backfield in the passing game and a reliable runner

intermediate, or deep route, this kid shows that once he gets the

with the home-run ability to turn any play into a big play.

ball in his hands, he can take it the distance.

Look for Carter to play early and often as a true freshmen. He

He is potentially a guy you may have to compensate by putting a

whould get plenty of touches as a change of pace from the bruising

safety over the top because of his ability to flat-out run by corners.

style of Chris Warren.

Shows ability to shake a jam too.

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2016 LONGHORNS - OFFENSE

DEREK KERSTETTER

JORDAN POUNCEY

Guard | 6-4, 290 | Reagan - San Antonio, TX

#70 | IT 100

Notable offers: Oklahoma State, Houston, Minnesota, Texas Tech

Notable offers: Miami, Notre Dame, Alabama, Florida

One of the interesting

The way Pouncey

early actions of the Tom

and Texas got to

Herman staff was to

know each other

pursue new offensive line options rather than to bring along any of the

is a funny story.

players currently com-

Pouncey was a

mitted to Houston. This

closet Texas fan

gave us keen insight

and brought to

into who they had atop

the staff’s atten-

their Houston board, but were unable to land, likely because of the photo courtesy of John Davenport

Wide Receiver | 6-2, 185 | Winter Park, FL

Houston brand rather

tion by former UT staffer Andrew Sowder.

than through any real

fault of their own.

photo courtesy of Pouncey family

After the new staff settled in coach Drew Mehringer contacted Pouncey and the two quickly formed a bond. On his official visit Pouney was

A player who Houston targeted was San Antonio Reagan’s Derek Kerstetter. As you’ll read, he knew very early he was in line for a Texas offer. The staff moved swiftly and offered the Oklahoma State commit.

Herman and offensive line coach Derek Warehime were soon rewarded with a flip even before Kerstetter visited the new staff at Texas.

blown away -- he loved the school, the city of Austin and even got to feed Bevo. The rest was history.

Pouncey is a tall, long striding receiver that possesses some surprising elusiveness and nice burst for his size.

Kerstetter has largely flown under the radar of recruitniks, but his last high school football game will be a major All-American bowl. The native of the Alamo City was able to stay home to participate in the famed Army All-American game he grew up watching.

“It’s an honor to come out and represent my city and represent the troops -- it’s going to be a fun time,” Kerstetter said. “When it wasn’t on

He can eat up yards in a hurry with his stride and displays some nice vision and cuts as a runner. He looks like he has the ability to be a YAC machine once he gets the ball in his hands. Good athlete whose athleticism translated to running back and as a return man and was impressive at both.

TV I’d even come to the games and see them play.”

During the Army All-American game, Kerstetter was competing against

Pouncey is your prototypical Florida skill player, a really good athlete

several higher rated prospects for a starting position at guard. He

who plays the game hard and is faster on the field then in timed mea-

earned the starting nod, then had to compete against higher rated prospects on the defensive line. He held his own.

“I knew if I went in and worked hard I’d have a shot,” Kerstetter said. “I

surements.

was excited that I got to. I thought I had a pretty good performance. I

He looks like a 4.6 kid but the acceleration he gets in his first few steps

was pretty happy.”

is elite and he got a lot of carries out of the backfield to make the most of it. With training he might be good at winning deep on routes but he

Before Kerstetter received his offer, Texas was told “no” by several other offensive line targets. However, Texas never made Kerstetter feel like a backup plan, thanks in part to Warehime.

projects very obviously as a player that can catch at a standstill on a screen or snag route and then turn up-field and pick up chunk yardage after the catch.

“I was really comfortable with Coach Warehime and liked him a lot,” Kerstetter said. “He recruited me obviously at Houston. There’s nothing

His size and acceleration could fit very well in the Herman passing

better than to come in and play for the tradition of the Texas Longhorns

game but depth a wide reciever should allow Pouncey to redshirt.

and to come in and play for them. I want to help bring Texas back.”

February/March - 2017

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2017 LONGHORNS - OFFENSE

DANIEL YOUNG #97 | IT 100

Running Back | 6-0, 210 | Westfield - Houston, TX

Notable offers: Boise State, Nebraska, Minnesota, Houston Young was a

on the perimeter but he’s a wrecking ball between the tackles. If he

member of the

learns to block he could be a nice complement as a RB/FB hybrid

Touchdown

and as a punishing complementary type to a speed back with slash-

Club of Houston

ing ability. A guy like Toneil Carter.

pre-season team.

Behind a good line, Young can become very productive. He’s quick and light on his feet for his 6-foot, 210 (but still growing) pound

During his

frame.

senior year,

photo courtesy of Young family

he ran for 19

Besides his ability, one of the early eye-catchers for us was Young’s

touchdowns and

Boise State offer. Bryan Harsin has a good eye for talent and sche-

1290 yards on

matic fit, and Young will serve much the same Inside Zone function

176 carries.

for Texas he would have at Houston or Boise State.

His floor is a reliable short yardage back, but his ceiling is a punish-

Young is one of the more interesting running backs we’ve seen out

ing #2 back and fan favorite, imo. I’m operating in a world where the

of high school. He lacks breakaway speed but his first few steps

second back accumulates 800 yards so this is no slight.

typically get him to the hole and he has a spin move he uses liberally to help him cut through traffic.

He is one of the more unheralded kids in the class and followed Herman from Houston. He is your prototypical big back in the mold

He’s not a guy Texas will want to try and use to flank opponents

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of Cody Johnson.

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2017 LONGHORNS - OFFENSE

CADE BREWER

REESE LEITAO

Tight End | 6-3, 220 | Lake Travis, TX

Tight End | 5-11, 208 | Jenks, OK

Notable offers: SMU, Baylor, Kansas State, OU

Notable offers: Arkansas, Nebraska, Houston, Penn State

Brewer reminds us

Leitao is a fantastic pros-

of Ricky Seals-

pect for the TE/Hammer-

Jones in that he’s

back role at Texas that

just credible enough

Geoff Swaim and Caleb

as a blocker at

Bluiett filled before him.

H-back that he can

He’s a solid all-around

play the position

athlete with 4.6 (40), 4.4

and open up a wide

(shuttle), 33.5 (vertical),

world of possibilities

39.5 (powerball), and

in the world of play-

270 pounds (bench).

action, quick game, and misdirection TE screens.

He excels grappling and

photo courtesy of Brewer family photo courtesy of Leitao family

blocking in-line and has some nice tape at DE

Brewer has better hands then RSJ though and is already about 220

where he does a lot of damage by beating blocks en route to the ball.

with the potential to reach 240 or better in college. Brewer is a willing blocker but he’s been working in Lake Travis’ outside zone-based run

Like Bluiett, he’s actually fairly fluid in space as well with some pretty

game and isn’t executing a lot of smashmouth techniques like kicking

good hands to boot. He’d be great at the role of doing dirty work in the

out a DE.

trenches but would also be worthy of some play-action or red zone

He’s also been spending at least half his time flexed out wide where his plus speed and route running at the position make him a favorite target amidst a loaded cast of skill talent for the Cavs. If Brewer can add size, strength, and blocking technique he could be a dominant, dual-threat TE. If he just grows enough to be a credible blocker he

looks in the passing game if teams don’t pay him enough mind.

With limited numbers at tight end, the staff was counting on Leitao to be able to play early and often in 2017. His recent arrest on charges of possession and delivery of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to sell within a thousand feet of a school could change that.

could still be a lethal weapon thanks to his athleticism and receiving

“We’re aware of the situation involving our signee, Reese Leitao,”

skills.

new Texas coach Tom Herman said in a statement. “We’re collecting information, will talk to Reese and his family, let the legal system run its

This year Houston’s tight end had more targets than both Andrew Beck

course and then address it further at the appropriate time.”

and Caleb Bluiett combined.

Brewer was used frequently in the passing game at Lake Travis and will fill the role of the “move” tight end and will line up all over the formation. Brewer caught 51 passes for 813 yards and 14 touchdowns in a Lake Travis offense that made it all the way to the state title game in 2015, and put up big numbers again in 2016.

The Texas staff got a very close look at Brewer when Lake Travis took on Westlake, and they must have liked what they saw because they offered right after the game.

February/March - 2017

17

2017 LONGHORNS - OFFENSE

SAMUEL COSMI Offensive Line | 6-5, 260 | Humble, TX

Notable offers: Houston, Memphis, TCU As you would hope from a kid that’s tackle height but still at DE

ability to get low and drive people that could see him bump inside if

weight, Cosmi is very light on his feet. There were games last year

tackle didn’t work.

where he exploded into defensive backfields and picked off LBs. He’ll need to spend some quality time with McKnight but Cosmi

At first Cosmi left us underwhelmed, but after watching him a

has the athleticism and feet to play outside at tackle but also a nice

second time it wasn’t as underwhelming as we remembered. That said, Cosmi looks to be a project who will need a few years in the program to develop.

He moves well, but he is also pretty light in the britches and is going to need to add some serious weight because he is probably around 250 pounds right now.

On top of that he is going to need to get much stronger in the weight room as there isn’t much finishing to speak of on his film, which is worrisome.

It doesn’t come from the lack of trying or effort, he’s just not strong enough yet.

photo courtesy Cosmi family

JOSH ROWLAND Kicker | 5-10, 185 | Madison, MS

Notable offers: Lamar, UTSA Rowland was a two-time All Conference selection and a second-team All American last year for Mississppi Gulf Coast Community College, hitting 9 of 12 field goal attempts. His longest kick was 44 yards.

Rowland was Tom Herman’s first commitment as Texas coach.

photo courtesy sunherald.com

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2017 LONGHORNS - OFFENSE

February/March - 2017

19

2017 - DEFENSE TAQUON GRAHAM Defensive End | 6-0, 193 | Temple, TX

#3 | IT 100

Notable offers: OU, Georgia, Michigan, Texas A&M, USC Althrough recruiters from around the country coveted his ability to disrupt offenses, Grahm always wanted to stay close to home to play in college.

A self-proclaimed “momma’s boy”, Graham chose the short drive down I-35 as his college destination.

OU and TCU both made last-minute pitches to lure him away, but Graham’s mom remained firmly in the Texas camp and at the end of the day Taquon also decided that the best place for him to find football and scholastic success was on the 40-Acres.

Despite his quiet, reserved disposition off the field, Graham brings a very different attitude to the football field.

He is a very lithe, 6-foot-4 edge-rusher with a nice wingspan and should end up filling out to be an explosive 250+ pound edge rusher by the time he’s completed his college career.

Despite a frame with big potential, he should

20 inside texas Will Gallagher/IT

remain as a pass-rusher and play Fox and not strongside end.

His greatest strength is beating tackles off the snap with his quickness and then using his long arms to keep them off his body and get free so he can bring down the QB. At Texas they will most likely utilize him much like Naashon Hughes and send him after the QB more often than not.

Hughes enters his college career with an impressive toolkit: he is strong, long, good with his hands, gets off the ball quickly and has some twitch to him.

While he loves to use his speed and strength to effectively rush the passer, he is also capable of setting the edge and being very disruptive in the run game.

Seeing a young defender be as good with his hands as he is right now is always refreshing to see and will go a long way as he continues to develop.

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February/March - 2017

21

2016 LONGHORNS - DEFENSE

GARY JOHNSON

JOSH THOMPSON

Linebacker | 6-1, 225 | Douglas - Birmingham, AL

Defensive Back | 6-0, 180 | Nacogdoches, TX

Notable offers: Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn, Georgia

Notable offers: TCU, Oklahoma State, Penn State, UCLA

Johnson could be one

Thompson, of Nacogdo-

of the most important re-

ches, was committed to

cruits of the 2017 class.

TCU before he flipped to

#31 | IT 100

the Horns.

He’s ultra-quick playing in the box and can

He’s the high school

scrape laterally as well

teammate and close

as anyone on the roster

friend of UT freshman

but with a much better

safety, Brandon Jones.

idea of what he’s trying to accomplish. photo courtesy of Gary Johnson

Thompson ran a 4.48 40

Justin Wells/IT

and 36-inch vertical leap This is what an ideal,

modern inside linebacker looks like. Johnson is quick and smart

at the ETSN combine in May while garnering Defensive MVP honors.

He saw his stock skyrocket and was invited to The Opening in Oregon.

enough to handle option or spread passing schemes but also sturdy enough to fill inside and handle lead run schemes.

Thompson is a fighter in addition to being a great athlete, he’s exactly the kind of cornerback that coaches love because he’s never out of a

Originally an Alabama commit, Johnson decided to forge his own path

play and gets involved against the run game.

and instantly clicked with Texas Defensive Coordinator Todd Orlando.

At Alabama he would have been a nice addition but at Texas Johnson

He’s definitely fast enough (4.48 40 and 4.38 shuttle) to hang outside

looks to be a key player to bring a physical presence to the middle of

at corner but what you find repeatedly on film is the kid using his initial

the Longhorn defense.

burst (36 vertical) and length to close on the ball and break up passes when it initially appeared that there was an open passing window.

He will play big role in 2017 and probably start at mike linebacker sooner than later, pushing Orlando to get creative with guys like Ed

He reminds us of OU’s Zach Sanchez crossed with K-State’s Danzel

Freeman and Malik Jefferson.

McDaniel with his sticky fingers and sharp breaks combined with savage instincts.

If Nick Saban recruits you to play linebacker at Alabama, then you can take it to the bank that the kid is a stud. Johnson gets downhill in a

There must be something in the water down there in Nacogdoches,

hurry and looks like he is shot out of cannon.

because this is the third year in a row they have produced a sure fire FBS defensive back.

He arrives at the ball carrier with bad intentions and I wouldn’t expect anything different from a guy who titles his highlight tape “I hate QBs

Thompson saw his stock soar during his senior year and deservingly

and RBs”.

so. He shows a willingness to compete for the ball in the air, he is going to get physical with you when he presses you up at the line, and he

He can run, he will strike you, he has good range, he squares guys up,

isn’t passive when it comes to lay a lick on ball carriers.

and he plays with a bad attitude.

22

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2016 LONGHORNS - DEFENSE

MONTRELL ESTELL Safety | 6-2, 180 | Hooks, TX

KOBE BOYCE #25 | IT 100

Defensive Back | 6-0, 165 | Lake Dallas, TX

Notable offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Texas A&M

Notable offers: OU, Baylor, Iowa, Texas A&M

Estell love three things

Boyce has some nice re-

in life: family, fishing

covery speed and played

and football.

a lot of press coverage

#41 | IT 100

at Lake Dallas, both of He is tall and very fast,

which bode well for his

which is enough to guar-

chances of making it at

antee that he’ll get some

Texas.

nice opportunities.

At about 6’0″ or so he’s

He played both ways

got nice size but will

at Hooks and projects as either an outside receiver or a deep safety

Justin Wells/IT

for Texas.

He’s murder after the catch and Hooks got him the ball in a lot of different ways to take advantage of his ability to reach speeds within a few steps that would take him to the end zone.

need to bulk up closer to

photo courtesy of Boyce family

190 or 200 without losing that recovery speed.

His technique should help and he clearly knows how to hang with routes while isolated in coverage. Another nice feature to Boyce’s game is that he understands how to play run-force and how to defend

Estell has a nice catch radius but he underhands a lot of balls and

screens, both of which are essential in the Big 12. If he gets heavier

doesn’t necessarily seem as fantastic a deep threat as you’d guess

and stronger he could be a future left cornerback at Texas.

from his size and speed.

At safety on the other hand, he effortlessly covers ground on the back end and gets his hands on a lot of throws, often housing interceptions.

I see Davion Hall, a big kid who may start at WR but is probably more of a natural at safety.

He measured at 6’0, 163 at the Dallas regional and clocked 4.49 in the 40 and 4.12 in the shuttle. The athleticism and agility show up on tape and he also shows a knack for always finding the ball in the air and making a play on it, which we love seeing from a young defensive back.

He’s such a good athlete and he makes the kinds of plays that make you cuss in a good way because he is so damn good. The question is where do you play him? He makes some damn good plays on both sides of the ball whenever he gets his mitts on the football and makes for quite a dilemma.

He also shows a willingness to fight through blocks on screens and appears to be a willing tackler as well.

Boyce flirted with other schools (OU, TCU and Baylor) for a good por-

Initially the thinking was that you put that type of athlete on the offen-

tion of his recruitment, but Texas continued to recruit him and eventally

sive side of the ball and let him touch the ball as much as possible, but

garnered his LOI on signing day.

the more we watch him the more we think his upside on defense is real hard to ignore.

Estell had a great offer list including Alabama, A&M and Ole Miss, but he was a Texas kid all the way after commiting before the 2016 season.

He has a chance to be a Carrington Byndom type of player at Texas -Boyce is a longer, slightly less athletic version of Byndom. With plenty of depth at defensive back, look for Boyce to redshirt in 2017, provide depth as an underclassman and be a starter in his junior or senior year.

February/March - 2017

23

2016 LONGHORNS - DEFENSE

MARQEZ BIMAGE

JAMARI CHISHOLM #48 | IT 100

Linebacker | 6-3, 230 | Brenham, TX

Notable offers: Baylor, Cal, Kansas State, LSU

Defensive End | 6-5, 280 | Valdosta, GA

Notable offers: Central Florida, Syracuse, Minnesota

Texas used to have a

Texas desperately wanted

pipeline to the capitol of

size and depth for a swing D-

Blue Bell. Guys like Limas

lineman and it got it in the form

Sweed, Brandon Col-

of the big Valdosta native.

lins, and Malcom Brown donned the Burnt Orange.

Though tall at 6-foot-5,

Now, Bimage joins that

Chisholm bends well enough

distinguished list.

to play low. This is of utmost importance when playing an

When we asked Bimage

interior role which the 4i partly

to give us one word about

is in this defense.

the Texas Longhorns; He should be stout versus the photo courtesy of KAGS

“Tradition.”

photo courtesy of Chisolm family

run while offering just enough quickness off the ball and athleticism to slant and stunt. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him slide further inside

Bimage is exactly the kind of guy that makes a zone-blitz scheme like

on passing downs to generate a rush and try and disturb passing lanes

Todd Orlando’s work, he’s relentless fighting through blockers to reach

with his length.

the QB and he’s probably even more comfortable working inside than taking the edge.

Like with much of this class, Chisholm’s value lies within fit to scheme.

4i’s with length aren’t in heavy supply.

The big question is which of the four LB spots in Orlando’s 3-4 would best suit him because all of them blitz on the regular. Where he ends up will depend on how well he takes to dropping into underneath zone

MAX CUMMINS

and also whether he balloons in college to 250+ or so, which could see

Defensive End | 6-6, 255 | All Saints Episcopal - Fort Worth, TX

him end up on the DL. You can probably expect to see him end up pretty close to the LOS when all is said and done either at MLB, rush LB, or DE. He plays like a savage in between the white lines and I love that about him. He plays, hard, fast, physical, and violently with a motor that burns red hot.

His potential is the most appealing. He runs a 4.7 (40), 4.1 (shuttle), 30′ vertical, 327 on the bench, and 500 on the squat. Texas likes him at defensive end.

He’s disruptive both against the run and the pass and he’s an absolute handful on the edge with his agility and quickness against tackles. Not only is able to utilize and his quickness to his advantage, he is able to disengage and get off blocks by using his hands.

He’s able to run the arc and beat tackles over the top, and he is able to cross their face back underneath them and blow up plays. There are some clips of him soundly beating a five star offensive tackle in Walker Little and while that most certainly doesn’t paint the entire picture of how that battle played out, it shows you that he most certainly has some tools to work with.

Not sure where you plug him in as far as your base defense when it comes to the 3-4, but we think you take him and figure it out later.

24

Notable offers: Air Force, Baylor, Houston, Army

inside texas

How often do you hear me talk about fit? I discuss it so often because it’s essential for success for all players who aren’t necessarily elite. Cummins couldn’t be a better fit at

photo courtesy of FW All Saints Athletics

a position where resources are limited – 4i defensive end.

In Orlando’s scheme he’ll be tasked to play big versus interior linemen while sometimes being asked to be a stand-up rusher. When not holding the point of attack, he’ll be asked to knife through and make plays.

He demonstrates this ability throughout his tape, albeit against much lesser competition.

insidetexas.com

February/March - 2017

25

BIG XII RANKINGS

by Ian

Boyd

WE’VE BROKEN DOWN THE TEXAS RECRUITING CLASS FOR 2017.

HOW DID THE REST OF THE CONFERENCE DO?

1

B+

2

B+

3

B

4

B

5

BB-

6 7

B-

8

C+

To get my ranks I compiled all of

because they got a bunch of big

their grades and then triple-weighted

bodies on OL and DL. I think we all

QB and double-weighted OL and all

understand that’s why Oklahoma

of defensive units.

tends to win, anyways.

Basically the takeaway is that I don’t

Baylor was rewarded for taking lots

see as much separation between all

of guys that seem to be good fits

of these teams as you’d think from

with high upside. It’s a bit of an un-

normal rankings, although my order

fair advantage in comparison but the

is similar to what the services make

criteria of “most likely to be a crucial

of these classes. My main adjust-

component in a B12 title” means

ment is to view the K-State crew

that taking more numbers has to be

as a group that’s likely to win a lot

rewarded so long as you aren’t filling

of games which I think will hold up

up on bread. The Bears took a ton

provided they don’t overhaul their

of OL and DL that will be redshirted

coaching staff and go in a wildly dif-

and provide the infrastructure of the

ferent direction in the coming years.

team down the road.

I also knocked the Longhorns down

I liked Sam Ehlinger, Shawn Robin-

quite a bit. The 247 guys would say

son, and Sammy Wheeler the most

that Texas has a higher percentage

of all the QBs in this class and you’ll

of blue-chip talent in their class than

notice that each of them bring a lot

do the Bears or Frogs, and I agree

of value-add in the run game but are

some of their athletes are a notch

also capable in the passing game.

above, but they didn’t secure many

That’s the way to win titles in the

high-level athletes in the trenches

Big 12, everyone can throw the ball

and took lower numbers this year.

around but not everyone can also run the ball well and play defense.

Oklahoma’s gap was narrowed

9

C

10 26

C

considerably because I didn’t weight

Just about everyone scored pretty

all of the WRs and RBs they signed

well on offense but defense is what

as having nearly as much value

will separate the wheat from the

as the services would attribute to

chaff.

them. However, they still finish high

inside texas

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SIGNEES

27

5P 0 4P 18 3P 9

BIG XII RANK

1

This is the big one, the highest rated B12

This class is good but no better than their

class and by a very wide margin. This is a

classes of the last several years, despite

strong class full of really good athletes.

the lofty ranking. I don’t think they’re out of reach for Herman at all.

I found more or less exactly what I find every year when I observe the Sooners’

ensure that Oklahoma doesn’t have depth problems in the future.

They have some awesome WRs coming in and a QB that will probably thrive throwing it to them, they got a nice, big OL class and some solid looking RBs. There are more good pass-rushers and some intriguing interior DL guys, lots of big athletes that will need to be taught safety or linebacker, and then a small handful of guys that could play corner.

That last point is the killer, Oklahoma has been done in over and over again over the course of this decade for not having enough good coverage athletes to maximize their other advantages over the Big 12 and there is little here that will help them reverse that trend.

21

B

they will) he could have some amazing seasons.

OL | Tyrese Robinson: 6-4, 310. 4**** McKinney, TX. IT #16 more likely to end up there than Hayes but only

QB | Chris Robison: 6-2, 195. 4**** Mesquite, TX. IT #29 Robison reminds me of Landry Jones in terms of previous OU signal callers. He’s a pretty good athlete (better than Jones) but he mostly operates from the pocket and even when he moved out of it he liked to use his shoulder-mounted cannon to throw strikes down the field. As solid of an athlete as he is I don’t think he’s wired to run like Mayfield.

Robison is good at reading the leverage of defenders and then firing the ball into the window at the right time, which is everything in the spread passing game.

Leach used to kill people with guys that could do that well but Robison throws with better velocity and accuracy than your typical spread passing QB. If they can protect him and set him up with a run game and targets (duh, of course

5P 0 4P 0 3P 21

B+

Robinson is also listed at guard and perhaps

KEY ADDITIONS

recruiting class, a ton of really good athletes but not necessarily a class fitted to

OFFENSE DEFENSE

2

due to lack of length because this kid is a stud.

He’s excellent on the move and pulled a lot from the tackle position in high school which will be invaluable for understanding and executing their counter-trey scheme. He’s also good at playing lower and drive blocking guys and could bring more viability to their inside zone plays.

WR | CeeDee Lamb: 6-3, 172. 4**** Richmond, TX. IT #5 Eric Nahlin is really high on Lamb, it seems like most everyone is and if you turn on his senior HUDL the first play will reveal why. It’s an absurd one-handed catch going over the middle on a ball thrown both high and behind Lamb. His body control and hands when going up to get the ball are top shelf, it’s really hard to stop him from coming down with the ball and that’s going to make him hard to cover with just one guy.

A-

B

I think most people at this point have de-

would suggest a team that’s going to get

percentile across the entire nation, if these

termined that it’s best to tune out K-State’s

rung over the next few years.

rankings are to be believed.

see what Bill Snyder makes of his players

Since Snyder took over the Wildcats have

Meanwhile they’ve averaged a finish of

after they arrive on campus. This 2017

averaged a 64th finish in national recruit-

45th in S&P’s adjusted stats rankings. That

class ranked 60th nationally and 9th in the

ing rankings per 247’s composite rankings.

puts them in the 35th percentile for results

Big 12 in 247’s composite rankings which

That means their talent has been 50th

on the field while including Snyder’s first

recruiting class rankings and just wait and

February/March - 2017

27

season when he inherited Ron Prince’s horrifying mess and the 2015 season in which K-State lost QB Jesse Ertz in the first game of the year and had to make do with Joe Hubener and WR Kody Cook.

If you take out those two seasons then the Wildcats have averaged a finish in the 25th percentile

Some of that comes from having the abil-

could be truly lethal in this offense.

ity to project power up from his hips, but

DL | Bill Kuduk 6-5, 278 2** Chicago, IL

some of it is just that he plays football with a fury. This is the classic kind of JUCO that

Kuduk being rated a two-star while Creed is a three-star is emblematic of what the player rankings often get wrong. Kuduk is a superior athlete and when he gets locked on to a defender he finishes the

KEY ADDITIONS QB | Sammy Wheeler 6-3, 185 3*** Lenexa, KS Sounds like Wheeler is going to greyshirt, which is frankly kind of remarkable and horrifying because he’s certain to fill out pretty well down the line without losing speed and that could create more separation between him and Skylar Thompson, last year’s QB signee.

Wheeler totally fits the bill for this offense.

He can make some quick reads and accurate throws and he can throw on the run, with a few years of coaching he could be a very effective passer. What’s killer though is his running ability. He can get low and run between the tackles or he can bounce runs outside and stretch his legs to chew up grass in a hurry. When he’s 6-3, 220 down the road and a better passer he

21

block and administers real punishment, unlike the bigger, slower Creed. One of his strengths on film is checking a DE on zone read before advancing and picking off the LB before he can adjust and scrape to tackle the QB, which isn’t that easy to do.

I think Kuduk could be a featured tackle down the road and he translates inside if not.

think Texas has a similar one in ILB Gary Johnson.

At Cerritos Walker was a teammate of current Wildcat CB DJ Reed and he played at FS in a Virginia Tech style/cover 2-robber intensive scheme. In that system he got to hang around in the middle of the field and read the slot or the QBs eyes before breaking on the ball. It played very well to his athleticism and aggressive, instinctual nature as a player. Kansas State doesn’t necessarily use that same kind of role although the FS (on the boundary) does

DB | Elijah Walker 6-2, 195 3*** Norwalk, CA (JUCO)

play some robber and get to become

Walker is my third favorite player in the

fit at nickel if he could learn the keys fast

involved in the box. He’s physical and sudden enough to make a very interesting

class behind Kuduk and Wheeler and just ahead of Rivas and Patton. He apparently dropped out of high school as a sophomore for “family reasons” and didn’t play until he was a senior, scrambling to get enough classes in to even be eligible for a JUCO. At Cerritos he played like he has a huge chip on his shoulder, when he hits people they go backwards or they go

enough to replace Cre Moore, or perhaps he could sit as an understudy and then take over in 2018. He could also factor in at FS or even SS, but I imagine he might have to sit a year behind Kendall Adams or Sean Newlan before taking a spot. He’s a really good player but it may take some time before K-State figures out how to get his aggression on the field.

down. Every time.

5P 0 4P 4 3P 14

3

A-

B-

This was a lower rated group for the Frogs

same turf as East Texas, filled with tons of

physical and hard-nosed players on the

but I rarely pay much attention to that.

really raw but athletic players waiting to be

other side.

They actually signed eight of Eric Nahlin’s

molded into savage defenders.

top 100 Texas HS players and secured 11

Their quest for another Big 12 title will

Texans overall along with four Louisianans

TCU has always drawn an edge over the

depend on getting enough raw athletes for

and a few West Coast kids as well.

rest of the Big 12 for their ability to find raw

Gary to spin into defensive gold as well

and under recruited athletes, mix them into

as finding more star offensive players that

the TCU football culture, and then spit out

can match what Boykin and co achieved.

Gary loves Louisiana as it’s basically the

28

you want to find and get on your team, I

inside texas

insidetexas.com

KEY ADDITIONS QB | Shawn Robinson: 6-2, 215. 4**** DeSoto, TX, IT #28

and Sam Ehlinger are going to be by far

reasons I don’t understand.

the easiest guys to build elite offenses around in the 2017 crop of Big 12 QB

McMillon’s film is tremendous and features

signees.

him showing well above average quickness and athleticism finding blocking

I feel uniquely qualified to talk about Shawn Robinson and not just because I’ve watched a lot of his highlights and broke down his championship game triumph over Cibolo Steele in the 6A D2 title game.

In 2016 Robinson led the perennially loaded (seriously, go count how many kids DeSoto puts in D1 football every year) Eagles to their FIRST ever state title.

That’s remarkable and says something

explosive as an inside runner, an outside runner, or pushing the ball out to the hash marks or down the field with his arm. He

SIGNEES

27

Matt Rhule walked into a tough situation,

fullback type alignment.

He was also a dominant DL. McMillon was

results included a 4.41 40, 4.5 shuttle,

basically always helping Abilene win at the

37.5″ vertical, and 33′ power toss. I think

point of attack on either side of the ball.

he’s an outside receiver that TCU will want to hit on the run whenever possible with

and when he can turn upfield he’s gone

Robinson is an elite QB talent that is

back spot, and even leading from a more

bit unique from many of the rest. His Sparq

Robinson has top shelf arm strength and

when rolling right).

an in-line TE, pulling around from an H-

pects in this class for the Big 12 and he’s a

shallow crosses, slants, tunnel screens,

from the pocket OR on the run (at least

all over the place, caving in the edge as

Reagor was one of many elite WR pros-

about his level of talent and leadership.

can throw some accurate lasers either

targets on the move. Abilene moved him

WR | Jalen Reagor: 5-11, 182 4**** Waxahachie, TX -- IT #15

Patterson mentioned he might play TE next year simply because he’s already

posts, and dig routes. He’s blazing fast

such a brilliant blocker there now and then possibly move to center in the future. I’d

in a flash. He reminds me of Sterling

like to see him at guard since I think he’ll

Shepard.

be a brilliant puller but then that raises

OL | Coy McMillon 6-4, 270 3*** Abilene, TX -- IT #95

the question of whether TCU is going

His older brother is the second best run

zone run game without adding too much

to start pulling OL more or if they’ll plug Robinson’s running ability into their current schematic diversity. Either way, McMillon

blocker at Texas and a nearly certain

should be great.

starter in 2017 but Texas passed here for

5P 0 4P 0 3P 26

BIG XII RANK

4

for tough times ahead.

a true fixer-upper if you’ll forgive me, in

OFFENSE DEFENSE

B+ B

bunch of kids that may prove to be as troublesome as the ones that got Baylor

taking over Briles’ Baylor program. Beyond

That left Rhule with two distinctive chal-

into all of this trouble in the first place. How

the acrimony over the scandal that took

lenges in this class. The first was to set

do you vet enough kids to allow you to

down Briles and much of the leadership at

himself up to transition from grabbing over-

sign 27 players that you can be confident

Baylor, Rhule also came to find a gutted

looked kids in New Jersey and the north

will stay out of trouble in Waco? The new

roster and a recruiting class with only a

east to connecting with Big 12-caliber

Baylor head man is going to have to chan-

single committed player.

talent in Texas where he’d virtually never

nel all of his inner Coughlin to maintain a

done any scouting or recruiting.

#RhuleofLaw.

the BOR for allowing all of this to take

The next was to do so with enough quan-

Beyond the sticky politics in Waco right

place and at the departed staff for mailing

tity and quality to patch up a devastated

now, Rhule is also trying to provide Baylor

in the 2016 season and setting Rhule up

roster and to do so without grabbing a

a new edge over the rest of the league

If I’m a Baylor fan I’m pretty frustrated with

February/March - 2017

29

as a team that prioritizes defense in their

Lake Travis, TX

on routes and flying in a straight line. I’m

culture and loads up on versatile athletes to allow for flexibility and supremacy on that side of the ball. That means grabbing a ton of versatile players and grabbing a ton of good DBs or else you aren’t doing anything on defense in the Big 12.

Offensively it looks like they’ll be very Oregon-esque and if I’m a Baylor fan I’m hoping that what they mean by “NFL elements” is that they mimic Lake Travis and run a spread-option offense with a lot of

honestly confused why A&M didn’t offer, People often misevaluate Lake Travis QBs

pretty much everyone else in the world

and they’ve been doing so for as long as

did. Here’s his sparq test results: 4.63 40,

I can remember. No one thought much of

3.95 shuttle, 45.8″ vertical, 35′ toss. That

Todd Reesing but he took Kansas to the

shuttle and that vertical tell you that this

only BCS bowl in their sad history. Every-

kid is pretty much impossible to beat within

one bought high on Garrett Gilbert but he

a 10-20 yard area, he’s just too sudden.

struggled to make the most of his physical

I think he could be a lockdown corner for

talents. Michael Brewer was probably

them in time.

pegged about right but Baker Mayfield was obviously wildly underrated.

checks, motions, and options that requires a versatile roster of hybrid skill players.

Charlie Brewer will prove to be more like

After all, they already signed the trigger-

Baker Mayfield or Todd Reesing in my

man from that unit.

estimation, both of whom were underes-

That would be a wild departure from Art Briles’ cookie cutter, plug and play Veer and Shoot offense, but it’d be fun and it’d probably be effective provided they signed the right players. It’d also jive well with a defensive approach.

of size.

ers with hybrid capabilities and upside on either side of the ball when you need two dozen or more and you only have a few months to find them.

KEY ADDITIONS QB | Charlie Brewer | 6-1, 188 3***

22

Newman was the LT protector for Shawn Robinson at DeSoto in their championship run and obviously a key feature of their run game as well. He needs to add weight but he has some nice length and

He’s accurate, he understands the game at a high level and knows how different routes and options affect a defense, he’s got enough arm strength and more than

The challenge is in trying to grab play-

30

timated as athletes because of their lack

OL | Xavier Newman | 6-3, 272 3*** College Station, TX -- IT #60

enough quickness and athleticism (obviously), and he’s unlikely to be a total bust.

DB | Timarcus Davis | 5-11, 165 3***

major athleticism that could even see him stay outside at tackle in a more run-heavy scheme. There’s been lots of projection of him inside at center but I saw him make a few errors in the championship game that make me think he’s a bit aways from calling out combos and protections for the rest of the OL. Anyways he could be an

College Station, TX -- IT #83

amazing guard but if he masters things

Davis has really loose hips and can turn

to be a major asset for their run game and

then perhaps center. Either way he’s likely

and run with WRs with ease but he’s also supremely athletic and capable of breaking

5P 0 4P 2 3P 19

6

OL overall down the line and is certainly a fit for what Rhule wants to do.

B C+

I was not at all impressed with Oklahoma

The biggest change in 2016 is that they

bug trophy for most outstanding tiny per-

State’s 2016 recruiting haul, it seemed

found their run game again, making heavy

son) really took off.

a major step down from what they had

use of Hammer-back Zac Veatch, who

brought aboard in previous years. Then

must now be replaced. With that estab-

Gundy is one of the smartest coaches

they had a brilliant season and really

lished, the RPO and play-action passing

in the Big 12 and loves multi-sport stars

upped their game in DFW, leading to this

game with Mason Rudolph and lead WRs

and particularly wrestlers because they

group which seems much more promising

James Washington and Jalen McCleskey

have a propensity to grow as players well

overall.

(2016 winner of the Darren Sproles water

beyond what they show in high school. He

inside texas

insidetexas.com

has also put a priority on finding “cerebral”

Woods’ HUDL film is pretty worthless,

players for defense that can make reads

He’s going to end up being a 6-3, 230

mostly him dropping dimes on play-action

and decisions quickly to handle all the

pound target with legit breakaway speed

tosses where you can’t even see how well

spacing and spread-option.

and real power to go through defenders.

he hits the WR in stride because the cam-

Gundy took a shot at recruiting rankings

WR | Tylan Wallace 6-0, 179 4**** Ft. Worth, TX -- IT #24

noting OSU’s normally low rankings but great success and saying, “We’re either damn good coaches or damn good evaluators.”

Wallace is the presumed better half of two brothers who both committed to Oklahoma State and arguably the crown jewel of

KEY ADDITIONS

the 2017 OSU class, although Shamond Greenwood and Chuba Hubbard also have

TE | Shamond “LC” Greenwood 6-3, 215. 4**** Garland, TX -- IT #45

some compelling cases to make.

Greenwood is a strange athlete to behold.

his athleticism. In the SPARQ test he ran a

He is very thickly built in his legs with room yet to grow in his upper body, he packs a

The upside from Tylan comes largely from 4.58 40, 4.2 shuttle, jumped a 33.4″ vertical, and threw the power toss 34′. In other

serious punch in the blocking game and

words, virtually every movement you can

regularly dominates DBs in that pursuit,

conceivably make in any direction Wallace

and yet he has some serious speed. He

makes with close to elite suddenness and

ran an 11.17 100m which translates to something like 4.6 speed, which is devastating from a guy that big, especially when he starts with the ball out wide away from everyone else on the field with anything close to comparable size. Greenwood might be something really special down the road because that kind of speed combined with this height, and perhaps more importantly, this kind of thick build generally makes for a dominant player.

power for his position. He’s also a really tough player who was a punishing cornerback and a hard running and aggressive

era lags…so I found some of his team’s full games on YouTube instead.

Honestly, it’s kinda foolish to make definitive opinions on any player without watching a full game and this is particularly QBs. I’m not going to those lengths with most of these kids but it was worth it to get a better idea of what Woods’ brings to the table.

His offense at Georgia was basically what I call a 3rd generation spread O, based primarily around run blocking with RPOs and play-action attached as a constraint. They didn’t seem to have Woods drop back, make progressions, and throw it much because why would you? His accuracy on the RPOs and play-action shots was quite good though. As you might guess from the fact that he’s massive, Woods has a strong arm but he’s also accurate and pretty light on his feet for such a big man.

catching receiver. Sounds like they’ll use him at WR where he’ll be the superior

The only question is whether OSU can

athlete against most every DB he faces in

teach him how to operate the drop back

the Big 12.

spread game well enough to complement

QB | Jelani Woods 6-7, 230 3*** Elfenwood, GA

the run-centric approach he’s already mastered. I’d say that’s a pretty good bet.

February/March - 2017

31

SIGNEES

24

T

BIG XII RANK

5P 0 4P 0 3P 24

OFFENSE DEFENSE

B- C+

7

his was the first full class for new

should help immediately.

head coach Matt Campbell and a

The class includes 12 midwestern kids of

Moore grew on me the more his tape

good glimpse at whether he’s aiming to

the 24 signed and then four JUCO addi-

rolled. He’s got a pretty strong arm,

make Iowa State “the midwestern pro-

tions to aid in boosting the current roster

as you’d expect from someone of that

gram” of the Big 12 and how he plans to

to a level that can do better than 2-7 in the

size, and also possesses enough lateral

get after the rest of the league. The obvi-

Big 12.

quickness to make all that size useful for

ous theme of this class was signing big,

evading pass-rushers and running some KEY ADDITIONS

physical players for the trenches on either

QB option. He’d be a good fit for some

side of the ball.

power-read runs but he can also threaten

Allen Lazard, Kamari Cotton-Moya, Mike

DL | Kamilo Tongamoa: 6-5, 320. 3***

the edge well enough to leave a backside

Merced, CA (JUCO)

DE unblocked on zone or any other run

Warren, and some other promising young

scheme.

skill athletes on their roster were wasted

It’s a wonder to me that Iowa State was

due to an OL that couldn’t win the point

able to add this guy to the 2017 team. He’s

What really stood out was how well he

of attack and a DL that couldn’t inflict any

a massive human being with athleticism

managed pressure and coverage. He

real damage on opponents.

and looks like he could contend for a

made some anticipation throws, stayed

spot at Alabama. Laugh if you will but his

calm under pressure and made some

The crucial need in this class was for Iowa

first step is quick and once he has initial

plays down the field throwing, and was

State to get the kinds of players that would

leverage it’s over because he is huge and

fairly accurate overall. With a few years

allow them to field more physical, impact-

powerful.

to develop I think Moore could be a guy

ful linemen on both sides of the ball and

that could allow the Cyclones to do a lot of

they got some players that will allow them

QB | Devon Moore: 6-4, 221. 3***

to pursue that goal, including a few that

Waterloo, IA

19

5P 0 4P 1 3P 17

different things on offense.

8

B-

C

It’s a make or break year for Kliff Kings-

secutive losing season in Big 12 play but

and Jaylon Lane were at JUCOs in the

bury at Texas Tech and that’s evident in

247 has this rated as the 6th best class in

first place and not already at established

this recruiting class, which features 11

the Big 12 and I was generally impressed

Power-5 programs. Everyone knew Jaylon

early enrollees and nine total JUCO trans-

with the quality of the players they signed

Lane was an exceptional talent when he

fers in a group of 19 total players.

and the projections.

was at Nacogdoches and he was once an

I wondered if Kingsbury’s recruiting would

What has to be noted, however, is that

fall off a bit here given the hot waters he’s

Kingsbury took some very JUCO-y JU-

treading in Lubbock after his fourth con-

COs. There’s a reason that Dakota Allen

Oklahoma State commit, the reasons he

32

inside texas

insidetexas.com

ended up in a Kansas JUCO are evident.

Similarly, Dakota Allen was a really solid

LB for Tech in the recent past, the reason

the discipline to build a physical and

he was at a JUCO last year was because

effective run defense for the last several

He’s not going to stretch the field like

of a robbery he committed in which he

years and now we’re hoping that they can

Mahomes did but he can add something

stole and sold some guns on the streets.

produce a demanding enough culture to

similar in the run game and he can create

keep everyone in line off the field? I think

off schedule plays by scrambling for time

those issues might be correlated and I’m

or yardage. Cibolo Steele used him to con-

concerned that this isn’t going to end well

strain the main feature of their offense, RB

for Kingsbury and the Raiders.

Brenden Brady (btw, he seems underrated

Yikes.

So perhaps these guys are reformed and can be trusted to stay on the straight and narrow…perhaps. Another Tech signee that was an early enrollee was already kicked off the team. Also noteworthy, QB Jett Duffey was kicked off the team (by the university, not the football team) for the spring and summer.

to me), and he did so both with option KEY ADDITIONS

keepers and pass options to the perimeter.

QB | Xavier Martin 6-0, 180 3*** Cibolo, TX -- IT #100

DB | Jaylon Lane 6-1, 185 3*** Independence, KS (JUCO)

I rather like Martin and was impressed

There’s never been any question of Lane’s talent and he was every bit as domi-

with his performance trying to keep pace

Let’s be real, a lot of what is going on at Tech reeks of desperation to win and to take chances on some players that might present real risks.

nant playing up in Kansas as you would

with DeSoto and Shawn Robinson in the

have expected from his HS film. He also

6A D2 title game. It seems like many have

played some at field safety, which has to

him pegged as a “try him at QB, move him

give some hope that he’s been good at

into the slot as needed” player, but I was

focusing on his craft and avoiding trouble.

impressed with what he did throwing the

I evaluated this class as I have the others, based on projection, fit, and talent, but it’ll be interesting to see if Kingsbury’s program gets into trouble in the future.

We’re talking about a team that has lacked

SIGNEES

21

He’s a great athlete that can turn and run

ball. Every now and then it seemed the

with people or easily close when playing

ball would get away from him a little and I

off coverage at either corner or safety.

wonder if he has big hands or not but he

Lane has the potential to bring a dramatic

also threw some lasers outside the hash

upgrade to the Tech secondary as a lock-

marks that suggest he could be just fine in

down corner.

this offense.

5P 0 4P 0 3P 21

BIG XII RANK

9

The 247 composite rankings didn’t think

OFFENSE

C

DEFENSE

C+

upgrade their level of talent as well.

too much of this West Virginia recruiting

The other issue is that Holgorsen loves

class (57th nationally, 8th in the B12), but

taking transfers, such as likely 2017 start-

West Virginia clearly has a very tight-knit

there are a few missing components that

ing QB Will Grier, who had to leave Florida

staff together at this point and they have

have to be considered which may make

when he was busted for PEDs. I think

a program on both sides of the ball that’s

future WVU rosters better than expected.

Grier is a good player who could have a

working to make the most of their roster,

substantial impact on the Mountaineers

particularly when they have the right sorts

offense this coming season.

of fit for their scheme. I think they got a lot

One is that Holgorsen has been investing in beefing up their walk-on program and

of good fits in this class and will probably

this class of preferred walk-ons is well

They might have some other transfers

regarded.

stepping in I don’t mention there that will

over achieve relative to their rankings.

February/March - 2017

33

KEY ADDITIONS WR | Tevin Bush: 5-8, 165. 3*** New Orleans, LA I list Bush here but I think he’ll probably spend more time in the slot. He has good hands and his incredible quickness really plays in the slot. A lot of his highlight runs consist of him just bouncing everything outside and then reversing field and outrunning his competition when things go

SIGNEES

21

Kansas doesn’t have to be the worst

wrong. That won’t play in the Big 12, you

He played inside more in high school and

gotta be able to turn upfield and threaten

was phenomenal at timing blitzes both up

the interior gaps. Maybe he’ll get there

the gut or off the edge and was a physical

with time, we’ll see. Either way he projects

player. I think he makes a ton of sense for

really well as a WR despite his lack of

their Spur position and he’s got loose hips

height.

that could allow him to learn to play pretty good man coverage. Overall I think his

DB | Derrek Pitts: 6-1, 175. 3*** Charleston, WV

speed translates better inside where he’ll be running straight ahead more often.

A really good athlete, Pitts ran a 4.58 40 with a 4.27 shuttle and 29.5″ vertical leap.

BIG XII RANK OFFENSE DEFENSE

5P 0 4P 0 3P 19

10

estly reminds me of Justin Blackmon with

football?

the way he easily blows by people both on

Power-5 football team in the country.

KEY ADDITIONS Their resources are better than many other schools, their recruiting situation isn’t necessarily as bad as it seems (KS kids are underrated and they can always recruit Texas), and their culture has proven it knows how to put together a winning effort in the basketball sphere. Whoever is in charge of making football decisions though…those people might be the

Sounds like this guy slipped under the radar in a major way. Tabor is probably a good enough athlete that he could spend some time at outside WR but his ability to win over the middle and make difficult catches in traffic would probably be most

The goal with the David Beatty hire was

school. He’s also a willing and halfway de-

useful inside, where he played in high

(A&M’s top Dallas guy) so as to restock the Jayhawks with Texas kids and slowly get back on track. Now we come to the 2017 class, which features 21 signees, nine of which are JUCOs, three Texas high schoolers, and two kids from the DFW metroplex.

This begs the question, do the Jayhawks think that their foundation is strong and just needs a few key additions here and there to finally field a competitive team?

Or are they struggling to enact a good long-term plan for the rebuild of Jayhawk

34

WR | Kenyon Tabor 6-4, 215 3*** Derby, KS

problem.

supposed to be to grab an ace recruiter

C+ C

cent blocker in-line, perhaps he’ll be better after some college S&C when he gets his weight up. However, there’s no question that Tabor will be a guy that the Jayhawks use to try and gain a matchup advantage in the seams and he has plus athleticism

his routes or after the catch.

His QB trusted him deeply and even throws a post to him at one point on his film before he’d even broken his route inside. He caught it, of course, and ended up in just the right spot. Guys like Travis Jordan can really lower the bar for what Kansas needs at QB. DB | Shakaial Taylor 6-1, 188 3*** Mesa, AZ (JUCO) Taylor played some really good bump and run coverage at Mesa. I’d test him out in practice to see how he might hold up playing press coverage on the boundary with and without safety help over the top. If he could perform well enough without it, he’d

and good size for it.

make defense much easier for Kansas

WR | Travis Jordan 6-3, 185 3*** Marrero, LA

He was good at really sticking on guys

The surest sign of a future dominator is the guy who runs without any apparent effort.

Jordan has a totally effortless gait, he’s a natural catcher, and he’s physical. He hon-

inside texas

insidetexas.com

next season.

and using his physicality to bump them off routes. If he lacks top end speed (possible) it wasn’t obvious from film because he never allowed anyone enough room to get going.

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35

Eric Nahlin’s

TOP IT 100

AFTER A YEAR OF TRAVELING THE STATE TALKING TO COACHES, ATTENDING CAMPS AND BINGE WATCHING HUDL, WE UNVEIL THE TOP 100 PLAYERS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS FOR 2017.

Walker Little | OT | 6-7, 315 Bellaire Episcopal HS This is how you draw up a LT, but Little wasn’t considered the state’s, and maybe nation’s top player early on, though you could see the obvious upside as a sophomore. When I first saw his film, I thought, “eh, a little clumsy at times but to be expected at his height. Could become a top 100 kid.”

1

Through hard work and physical development, he’s become the LT Vitruvian Man and we expect him to become a future 1st rounder. What’s exciting about Little is he still hasn’t bumped his head on his ceiling; there’s still plenty of room for growth, and he’s extremely coachable. A 5-star in every sense, especially when you factor for the mental side of things.

Jeffrey Okudah | DB | 6-1, 190

JK Dobbins | RB | 5-10, 200

South Grand Prarie HS

La Grange HS

My first recollection of “Bear” Okudah was of him running down the field on kick off as a freshman.

I thought to myself ‘that’s a future top 50 player in the nation.’ It was crazy to say that at that point, even crazier is I undersold him. Great length and frame, explosive, easy athleticism, and solid feet.

Some question whether he’ll stick at corner or be moved to safety, but he has the athleticism to play anything in the Buckeye secondary. Yet another player with 5-star mental attributes.

One of the worst developments of the 2017 season was Dobbins being lost early in the first game. If you knew how hard he works, your heart had to ache for him. About a year ago I joked with him, “you’re going to get too big spending all that time in the gym and lose some speed.” Then he won the SPARQ testing in Oregon last July. Dobbins isn’t just an athlete, he’s an all-around running back. I have to chuckle when I see him listed as an APB; he projects to being a volume carrier because of his dense build and innate running back abilities.

Being hyper-explosive is the cherry on top. There are a handful of running backs in the NFL who might be on the shorter side, but they’re anything but small. Dobbins will get to 215 and keep his speed and maybe join guys like Doug Martin and Devonta Freeman.

3

Marvin Wilson | DT | 6-4, 330 Bellaire Episcopal HS Wilson’s combination of size and feet make him special in his own right, and he’ll be able to play early regardless of where he signs. He comes ready-made and has the highest floor of any player in the class. If I had to pick one person who is an absolute lock to be drafted from this class, it would be Wilson. Questions I have are how close is he to his ceiling, and will he drop a bit of weight to increase quickness? He’s going to set up over center for 3-4 years and be a constant anchor in a defense at a bare minimum. Great mental attributes once again.

4

6

Walker Little | Will Gallagher/IT

Baron Browning | LB | 6-2, 225 South Grand Prarie HS I went back and forth on who to have #1 this year.

For a very long time I had Browning as the state’s top player, and he would be in pretty much any other year. Great size, explosive, fluid, and physical, he can project anywhere from outside, stand-up rusher, to a sideline to sideline inside linebacker.

I think you play him to the field and just let him swallow anything that invades his space. His versatility will lend to overall scheme versatility. He’ll be a difference maker as soon as Ohio State needs him to be. He is also a 5-star on the mental side.

2

36

CeeDee Lamb | WR | 6-2, 180 Richmond Foster HS Nobody’s stock rose more over the course of the year in my view, even if Lamb was already well known coming into the season. I still remember watching his sophomore film for the first time and thinking, “this kid makes it look easy like KD Cannon.” Lamb may not have Cannon’s top-end speed, but he’s bigger and much more physical.

He’s as smooth in his stride as they come, chewing up grass with ease, and was just playing a different game than anyone else he faced. His ceiling is exceedingly high.

inside texas

5

insidetexas.com

JK Dobbins | Will Gallagher/IT

Anthony Hines | LB | 6-2, 225

Austin Deculus | OL | 6-6, 330

Plano East HS

Cy-Fair HS

7

What makes Hines so unique is he has the closing speed and range of an outside linebacker while projecting to the inside. So often nowadays we see outside guys being square-pegged into a Mike role, especially in this state. A&M is going to be able to do some interesting things with such a good athlete lining up in the middle.

11 12 13

Deculus is the biggest kid in the class; from ankles to head, this kid is a monster. Heading into this year I thought he was too blocky to be a tackle, but he had a very good year. I think his upside is at guard, and it’s considerable.

Brock Wright | TE | 6-5, 245 Cy-Fair HS

The best blocking TE this state has produced in years, but he’s also a good receiving threat you can line up outside a times. Having Wright on the field is like a permanent tackle eligible because of his blocking strength.

Earnest Brown | DE | 6-5, 240 Denton Ryan HS

K’Lavon Chaisson | photo courtesy chron.com

K’Lavon Chaisson | DE | 6-4, 220 North Shore HS Speaking of allowing schematic versatility, Chaisson is the fox in the hen-house as a pass rusher while also having the fluidity to drop into short zones and the flat. He’s terrifically fluid and flexible which helps him project to an immediate passrushing threat. He’ll need to add a good 20 pounds or so, but you don’t want to get him too big and negate his considerable strengths.

8

In my opinion the second biggest riser in the state behind Lamb. I liked Brown when I first saw him but he’s light years ahead of where he was a year ago when it comes to his movement skills. He’s all of 6-5 but plays with excellent leverage and quickness. At one point he reminded me of Cedric Reed.

His senior year was considerably better than the former Longhorn’s. Expect Brown to hit the scene early on the next level.

Jalen Reagor | photo courtesy Waxahachie Daily Light

Tyrese Robinson | OG | 6-4, 310

more length. Gets out of his stance with ease. Will be great on the pull and getting to the second level.

Charlston Rambo | WR | 6-2, 175 Cedar Hill HS

I have him rated this high because of his considerably high floor while still having room for physical maturity. Rambo is a well-schooled receiver who can line up inside or out, and can run just about any route. He has exceptional hands and ball skills.

He’s the frustrating guy who seems to always be open. He had a monster year.

Sam Ehlinger | QB | 6-2, 215 Austin Westlake HS Ehlinger is still growing and is nearly 6-foot-3 at this point. This helps him project a bit better as a pocket passer where lanes are easier to find, but this lofty ranking comes from his ability to win games with his head, heart, legs, and arm. I also have him this high because he’s a fantastic fit for the Herman offense. Ehlinger isn’t a facilitator, you can build an entire offense around him. Ehlinger’s leadership abilities and natural feel for the position give him a chance to compete early. My lone concerns are injuries as he seems to think he’s a linebacker at times.

9 10

Jack Anderson | OL | 6-5, 300 Frisco HS

It was a tough call to put Anderson over Deculus, I simply think he bends a bit more naturally and is lighter on his feet. I think Jack could end up at tackle; he’s athletic enough.

16 17 18 19

McKinney Boyd HS

Ultra-athletic for a guard. He’d be a left tackle with

Tyrell Shavers | WR | 6-5, 200 Lewisville HS Kary Vincent | photo courtesy panews.com

Kary Vincent | CB | 5-11, 175

14 15

Port Arthur Memorial HS

Electric athlete with quick feet and elite make-up speed. Vincent also won’t shy away from trading paint, which is important in the conference he’s going to play in. Should be a guy you can put to the field and not be forced to give constant safety help.

Jalen Reagor | WR | 5-11, 175 Waxahachie HS

Some of the most exciting highlights you’ll find.

Reagor isn’t just explosive, his field vision and ability to find daylight is superb. For not being that big, he still attacks the ball like a taller receiver when the ball is in the air. TCU can get creative with how they line him up and get him the ball. The more touches the better.

This is all upside here. Shavers is giant with sprinter’s speed and great change-of-direction. Bite on Alabama’s play action at your own peril. He can run by or jump over defensive backs. If his hands are just average and he hones his route running he could be a monster.

Paulson Adebo | CB | 6-1, 180 Mansfield HS

Adebo could play corner or receiver at Stanford but he’ll play defense and that’s the right call. He’s silky smooth and fluid with a great build and above average speed. His offensive playmaking ability will be evident when the ball is in the air. Duane Akina is going to love this guy.

February/March - 2017

37

IT Top 100 | 2017

Eno Benjamin | RB | 5-10, 205 Wylie East HS

20

Eno provides APB skill in a full-time runner’s body. His best traits are quickness out of cuts, lateral agility, and running with a chip on his shoulder.

He’s a fine all-around runner who can play outside or inside.

Tylan Wallace | WR | 5-11, 180

Desoto HS

Does anyone get more out of a variety of wide receivers than Oklahoma State? They’ll line up smaller guys all over the field and target them.

They’ll get the most out of ‘target’ receivers of average ability. They’re going to love Wallace and with their ability to scheme him open, coupled with his speed, he’s going to make a ton of noise in the Big 12. Oh yeah, and he’s tough.

The state champion has some mechanical/accu-

Montrell Estell | S | 6-2, 180

Chris Robison | QB | 6-2, 190

Hooks HS

Eno Benjamin | photo courtesy thegazette.com

Shawn Robinson | QB | 6-2, 210

South Hills HS

24 25

Estelle is one of the most intriguing prospects in the state because of both his explosive athleticism, as well as his coordinated athleticism. His high school film is entirely unfair. He could easily play receiver in college but he’ll start off at safety. If he takes to the position he’ll be an elite athlete for it.

The new scheme will require range from the safeties and Estell has that in abundance.

28 29

racy issues to clean up but if he does he’ll have as much upside as anyone. He owns a strong arm

and is a very good athlete. If Sonny Cumbie can do for Robinson what he did for Trevone Boykin,

TCU will be back credibly contending for the Big 12 crown, and maybe more.

Mesquite Horn HS

I don’t know that Robison is a guy you build an

offense around, but I do think he’ll be excellent at taking advantages of all available weapons. He seems to be very smart and to always have a clear idea of where he wants to go with the ball. Lively

arm and good enough feet that he can cause dam-

age either behind the LOS while keeping his eyes downfield, or by simply taking free yards. If surrounded with a very strong cast – and he probably will be – Robison could be an awards contender.

Robert Barnes | S | 6-3, 194 Southlake Carroll HS

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Barnes is a big defensive back with the coverage

Jayden Peevy | DL/OL | 6-5, 280

skill of someone smaller. His range at safety will

Bellaire HS

his upside is as at left tackle, but he’s definitely

great filling the alley regardless. He was surpris-

athletic enough for defensive line. I’ll be intrigued

ingly fluid playing in off-coverage when I saw him.

to see where he fits because he seems more like a

3-4 end than 4-3. Regardless, his potential is monMontrell Estell | photo courtesy Evan Lewis

Omar Manning | WR | 6-2, 210 Lancaster HS

Great size and speed combination; Manning can win downfield balls as well as take a short hitch to the house. He has #1 receiver in the state upside if he catches cleanly.

Toneil Carter | RB | 5-11, 200 Langham Creek HS

Home-run hitter out of the backfield, Carter’s quickness to daylight helps him find more of it as he reduces angles to nothing. He also has great hands, something the Texas staff will take advantage of. My big question about him is if he’s a contact runner or not.

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Absolutely fantastic build and I personally think

become tested if he gets too big, but he should be

strous.

Kenneth Murray | LB | 6-1, 220 Elkins HS

26 27

Great linebacker for the Big 12 because of his ability in coverage. Murray also has experience rushing off the edge in high school, which is what he was doing when he first caught my attention. He has a lot of utility in OU’s scheme.

Damion Miller | WR | 6-1, 190 John Tyler HS

True vertical threat with great acceleration and speed. Because of his ability to get up to speed quickly I see a bright future in the screen game. If he shows the ability to become more well-rounded and exploit the middle of the field he become a big weapon.

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Josh Thompson | photo courtesy Mark Martin

IT Top 100 | 2017

Josh Thompson | DB | 6-0, 180

Edward Ingram | OG | 6-4, 325

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Nacogdoches HS

Desoto HS

Thompson had a huge year and displayed pretty

I thought he looked quicker as a junior. He may

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much everything you look for: closing speed, striking ability, playmaking, nose for the ball, and return prowess. Some of his clips look like that of a top-15 player. Sometimes it’s bad if you don’t

need to drop some weight and LSU is just the S&C program to get him right. He’ll be a road grader

over time and if he gets lighter on his feet he’ll be a good one.

know if a guy is a corner, nickel, or safety, but with Thompson it’s good because it could be D) all of the above.

Chuck Filiaga | OG | 6-6, 330 Aledo HS

Profiled to many as a tackle but he’s definitely a

guard in college. He struggles with quicker edge

rushers. He’s an enormous guy with a great head on his shoulders, he just needs to spin inside where his pass protection won’t be a liability.

Zacchaeus McKinney | DT | 6-4, 300 Weatherford HS Chevin Calloway | photo courtesy 247Sports

Chevin Calloway | CB | 5-10, 180

This is a total upside ranking. He’s just a big kid who moves like he has a basketball background and shows the ability to play low. Would have been UT’s had OU not offered. Great get. No idea why he’s not more highly thought of.

Kobe Boyce | photo courtesy Boyce family

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Avery Davis | QB | 5-11, 190 Cedar Hill HS

He has a ton of great traits; like his arm, leadership, toughness, doesn’t just look to run, though he runs rather well. I do question his feel in the pocket.

Hezekiah Jones | WR | 6-0, 195 Stafford HS

man versus true vertical threats.

Jones and Miller have a lot of similarities in that they both eat up a lot of cushion quickly, and with one subtle move, are running to open grass. Jones shows the feet to become a complete route runner, something he’ll have to be to maximize his value. I don’t think he’s going to just run by people in college like he did in high school.

Levi Jones | LB | 6-2, 215

Kobe Boyce | CB | 6-0, 165

Bishop Dunne HS

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Highly intelligent and aware corner with quick feet, great ball skills, and instincts. He’s going to

piss off some QB’s while playing zone because of

how well he uses his eyes. May struggle some in

Austin Westlake HS

Lake Dallas HS

Talking to different coaches, some love Jones, and

some aren’t quite as high on him. He has great potential in the right fit but will have to get thicker

and more physical to play inside. He may end up as an edge rusher because of his ability to bend and come off the corner.

Chuck Filiaga | photo courtesy Paul Moseley

Wes Harris | OG | 6-4, 290 Aledo HS

Selflessly played defensive tackle this season to make room for Chuck Filiaga and maximize both lines. His traits on defense will definitely transfer to the offensive side.

Played with great leverage and drive as a defender. He’ll have excellent feet for a guard.

Great get.

Grayson Reed | OL | 6-4, 300 Cy Creek HS

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Reed missed a lot of time in his high school career

and frankly I’m not sure anyone knows how good he can be. When I see him he reminds me of one of

the Pouncey twins. If he stays healthy I think he’ll be a three-year starter at guard.

Boyce is an industry miss – and I still might have him too low – because people look at what he is rather than what he’ll be. Assuming he gets up to 180-185 while keeping his lightning quick feet, he’s going to be a fantastic field corner. He’s exceptionally fluid and shows the ability to track the ball well. He’s going to live on the receiver’s hip. I think I have him too low.

Mannie Netherly | WR | 6-2, 185 Crosby HS

Good speed and intelligent receiver. He played quarterback a lot and showed great coordination doing so. Kind of reminds me of Lorenzo Joe coming out. He could be an inside or outside receiver.

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February/March - 2017

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IT Top 100 | 2017

Dayo Odeyingbo | DE | 6-4, 250

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Marqez Bimage | DE | 6-2, 235

Carson Green | OT | 6-5, 285

Carrolton Ranchview HS

Brenham HS

Southlake Carroll HS

His movements are a little out of control but as he gets bigger and stronger he’ll move more efficiently and with more coordination. He’s a good athlete as far as quickness and pursuit. A real steal for Vanderbilt, who inked his brother in 2015.

Bimage’s initial quickness, hip explosion, and strong hands make him a great pass rusher off the edge. He’ll have the chance to also play in space some in the Texas scheme, where some questions are still to be answered with regards to mobility.

He likely has those abilities, I just haven’t seen it much because of how he was used in high school.

The Texas staff loves him and he’s one of the few guys they had to have upon leaving Houston.

The Aggies raised a lot of eyebrows when they offered Green so early but there’s no reason for alarm. Green has a lot of tools and obviously great size. He’s athletic in his kick-step and getting out on the move while keeping his shoulders square.

He bends effortlessly to fight for leverage. Should be able to stick at LT with some development.

Taquon Graham | DE | 6-3, 260 Temple HS

Graham was hurt much of this season so I’m not judging him by that. His strength will be versatility to play from 4i on out, and the ability to rush from the outside or shoot gaps to create pressure.

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Mansfield HS

Grant Polley | OL | 6-4, 275

Lakeview Centennial HS

Denton HS

Who the hell is this guy? He’s big and explosive and Oklahoma State will turn him into a big-time player.

Denton Guyer HS

I could very well have him higher. He’s a very solid dual-threat tight end as a receiver and blocker; strength at the point of attack, fluidity as a receiver.

Derrick Tucker | S | 6-2, 195 Manvel HS

My problem projecting Tucker is he’s a bit of a tweener to me, part safety, part linebacker. He’ll hit and has a good nose for the ball when it’s in the air. He’ll require a clear plan from the staff when he gets to campus. Either get him bigger for linebacker, or get him faster for safety.

Tackle type of athlete but may be relegated to guard because of length. If he plays inside he’ll be a valuable puller. I can see him being someone with the ability to play all five positions before settling in at one.

Bryson Smith | photo courtesy Mark Martin

Bryson Smith | QB | 6-0, 175 John Tyler HS There’s a good chance he’s Greg Ward 2.0, and while that’s a bit of a lazy comparison for obvious reasons, it fits. He’s an electric athlete (Ward’s superior, in fact) with a solid arm. If he can improvise and play with the toughness Ward did, Houston will get another steal from East Texas. If not, put him at slot and he’ll still have tons of value.

49 50 51

Lakendrick Van Zandt | ATH | 6-1, 200 Henderson HS

I absolutely love his film. He’s extremely explosive and runs with energy and heart. He’s a slasher as a running back, so he’s not necessarily nuanced, but his speed makes him lethal. I think his upside is at safety, and by upside, I mean pay day. He reminds me of Brandon Williams a bit. Had Williams switched to DB earlier in his career he would have been quite the college player.

Myles Jones | DB | 6-4, 185 Magnolia West HS

Marqez Bimage | photo courtesy Bimage family

Kennedy Brooks | RB | 6-0, 200 Volume back with a lot of subtle nuance. Good vision/feel, follows his blockers, patient, and good top-end speed. Good cutback runner.

Shamond Greenwood | WR | 6-3, 195

Brian Polendey | TE | 6-5, 230

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Big corner who moves well for his size, but there aren’t a lot of CB’s his size because of the importance of change-of-direction. That said, he has the quick feet and fluidity of a corner so you can’t rule him out there long term. If he moves to safety that opens up a whole new set of questions.

RJ Sneed | photo courtesy Antonio Morano

Terry Petry | CB | 5-11, 180 Ridge Point HS

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Kept a real low profile throughout the process but I’ve always been high on him. Has ‘field corner’ upside which means he’s quick, and can turn and run. He also has offensive ability when the ball is in the air.

RJ Sneed | WR | 6-2, 185 Cypress Ranch HS

Was in a high school offense that didn’t throw nearly as much as other schools but has the tools required to become a complete receiver. I don’t see him being defined by any one route, they’ll use him in myriad ways. Good size and burst.

February/March - 2017

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IT Top 100 | 2017

Gavin Holmes | WR | 5-11, 180

Jason Shelley | QB | 6-8, 180

Justin Northwest HS

Frisco Lone Star HS

Explosive homerun hitter who can play inside or out. He’s also the type you want to involve on sweeps if it’s in the playbook. Possible kick and punt returner as well. If he gets good blocking, he won’t be fun in the screen game either.

He’s a pocket-dual. He’d prefer to pick you apart but will take off when game situation allows or demands it. Good arm to the outside. Great touch on deep throws. Has the ability to throw players open.

Utah has won a lot of games with guys like him in years past.

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Josh Rogers | DT | 6-5, 280 Houston Christian HS

Raw clay but very intriguing size and movement kills. Giant guy, with giant hands that should help him guide blockers. He played horrendous competition in high school which leads to a lot of questions, but his baseline strengths will translate as long has he puts in the work and loves the game.

Could be a steal. Surprised Texas didn’t pursue.

His upside is much greater than this ranking, but the questions marks remain.

Devodrick Johnson | LB | 6-1, 210 Max Cummins | photo courtesy Greg Powers

Rashawn Slater | OL | 6-4, 280 Clements HS He really flew under the radar but I love his energy and athleticism. Seems to be well coordinated. His own Hudl lists him as a guard, but he’s a tackle if he has the length. I like how he gets out of his stance and on the move in space. He’ll be a good outside zone blocker or puller. Northwestern quietly had a nice year in Texas.

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Kimball HS

Really good athlete for the position — he has great coordination and runs very well, as evidenced by his tape showing offensive ability. Linebacker is a very tough position to evaluate because of the mental capacity and instincts to play the position, and those will be Johnson’s questions. He should redshirt and with good coaching he has a chance to be a very active linebacker with real upside in space.

Max Cummins | DE | 6-6, 240

Desoto HS

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Travis HS Farrar was one of the early names on the 2017 radar and he’s remained a very fine player. If he was taller he’d have a chance at tackle to give you an idea of how he moves. I think he’s going to become a very fine guard. Nice haul for Tech with Farrar, Jack Anderson, and Dawson Deaton, a player who just missed making the Top 100.

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Stephan Zabie | OT | 6-5, 290 Austin Westlake HS

About as raw as you’ll find an upper-echelon project but that could excite coaches. At least he’ll arrive with few bad habits. A natural athlete with great size, Zabie has a very high ceiling. His success will depend on how much he applies himself.

Desoto HS

High ceiling player. Very good athlete with terrific size. He’ll fill out to as much as he needs to with ease. Only played one year of defense. It’s easy to project him to 4i and on out. Cummins blew up late and Texas was able to hold off other regional schools.

Really good athlete, especially for guard or center. Seems to have good power in his hips as I’ve seen him handle some big defensive linemen with ease in a camp setting. Can really fire out low in run blocking. Pass protection should become a strength. Needs to get bigger.

Will Farrar | OL | 6-4, 290

Laviska Shenault | WR | 6-1, 200

FW All Saints HS

Xavier Newman | OL | 6-2, 275

Stephan Zabie | Will Gallagher/IT

Chris Miller | photo courtesy dallasnews.com

Love this guy as a pure football player. I know that sounds like John Gruden ridiculousness, but that’s Viska’s game. He reminds of Anquan Boldin in that he’s not a blazer, but he’s extremely strong with the ball in his hands. I don’t see him killing man coverage on the outside, but I think he can raise hell versus zone. He’s like a running back with the ball in his hands.

Tariq Woolen | WR | 6-5, 205

Chris Miller | ATH | 5-11, 175

Arlington Heights HS

Denton HS

Just a very rare combination of size and burst, perhaps the best in the entire state. I’ve heard he doesn’t have natural hands but he should positively light up UTSA’s competition.

Very explosive athlete who could feature on either side of the ball. He’d be a slot receiver on offense but a potential island corner on defense because of his make-up speed and quickness.

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IT Top 100 | 2017

Trestan Ebner | WR | 6-0, 190

Kenedy Snell | WR | 5-8, 170

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78 79 80

Waxahachie HS

Henderson HS

When I talk about fit, this is a prime example. Snell was born to take advantage of the space created by the Air Raid. Very explosive guy who will be tough to match-up and defend, not unlike Jakeem Grant or Kavontae Turpin.

Honestly I’d probably have him higher had he stuck with TCU to play safety but props to a great kid for finding the fit he wanted. He’ll be a slot in all likelihood. Good ability in the open field and also quick in close quarters.

Ondario Robinson | DE | 6-4, 245 League City HS

Derek Kerstetter | OL | 6-4, 290 San Antonio Reagan HS

Tons of value as a very versatile, and intelligent player. He does a great job to fight and keep his body in front of more talented or stronger defenders, which suggests a bright future at center. Good base, good feet. Would have a chance to be a right tackle with more length.

Thabo Mwaniki | photo courtesy dentonrc.com

Waydale Jones | WR | 6-4, 190

73 74 75 76 77

Beeville Jones HS

Great catch radius and he uses it by extending and catching away from his body. Great stride and good burst. It’ll be interesting to see how his career evolves. Tons of upside.

Deionte Watts | DT | 6-3, 300 Plano East HS

Probably a nose/1-tech, he can play low and I like his lateral agility. He seems to have reshaped his body some. I just assume of all of Mike Riley’s players will maximize so Watts is going to a good place.

My biggest problem with Robinson is defensive fit. He’s not really a ‘bend the corner’ defensive end like the Aggies prefer. He should be good versus the run, however, and I do think he has a good bit of quickness to him. The last thing he probably wants to hear is he might be a great 3-tech, but I can’t rule that out if he can carry the weight.

Noah Daniels | CB | 6-0, 195 Katy HS

This one is pretty simple, he has great size and runs extremely well. If you’re a believer in TCU’s ability to develop defensive backs you should be high on this take. Offensive tape displays very solid fluidity.

Devin Morris | CB | 6-2, 175 Caldwell HS

Major Tennison | Justin Wells/IT

Major Tennison | TE | 6-6, 245 Bullard HS

71 72

He’ll be as good as he wants to be and has the best receiving upside at tight end in the state. He runs very well for his size.

Ryder Anderson | DE | 6-6, 230 Katy HS

Senior film matters. I did not care for his junior film all that much, but he’s moving so much better than he did previously. That’s not a surprise as it’s often the case with taller players. They’re on a longer development curve than most. Anderson could become a very good defensive end as he continues to become stronger and more comfortable in his body. This year’s film suggests someone who is improving rapidly.

Good length, fluidity, and ball skills. Morris appears to have great coordination and flexibility. His feet need a lot of cleaning up but they’ll get him right. Some real upside here.

Thabo Mwaniki | S | 5-11, 180 Denton Guyer HS

As a guided missile he’s my favorite type of player — a safety who runs downhill at 100 MPH. He reminds of Jordan Sterns quite a bit. Ok. St. has done great with players like Mwaniki, even before Sterns. I suspect we’ll be hearing more from him over the years.

Alan Ali | OT | 6-5, 270 Timber Creek HS

Another early name on the OL radar, Ali committed very early to SMU and has stuck with it. I can only assume he’s had many other suitors. He’ll definitely be a tackle. Fires out quickly on seal blocks, and aggressively on drive blocks. Seems to do a good job of bringing his feet with him and not just lunging. This allows you to lock on and push guys out of the screen. Total steal for SMU.

Noah Daniels | photo courtesy chron.com

David Anenih | DE | 6-3, 220 Mansfield Timberview HS Love this guy. Here’s an end who can bend, dip, and get to the quarterback. His ability to get underneath offensive tackles is going to cause a lot of frustration. If was just a tad bit more explosive he’d probably be known to all. There aren’t a lot of d-ends who can run the arc in this class. I probably have him too low, to be honest.

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February/March - 2017

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IT Top 100 | 2017

Henry Klinge | OT | 6-5, 295

Lamarcus Morton | ATH | 6-0, 205

Southlake Carroll HS

Gilmer HS

Upside, upside, upside. Klinge was set to become a household name but missed his junior season.

He bounced back very well this year. Already with great size, Klinge moves well. He’ll need to loosen up his hips a bit, but I think he’ll stick at tackle.

His ability to regroup and root-out shorter defenders suggests he could be a guard as well. Baylor with the steal.

Everything about Morton reminds me of a corner, though he was a very productive receiver for Gilmer. I’m thinking there’s enough Justin Gilbert here to where his upside is on the defensive side of the ball. Great build for corner.

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86 87 88 89 90 91

Damion Daniels | DT | 6-1, 315 Bishop Dunne HS

He’ll be a run plugger with the ability to anchor and move laterally down the line. I don’t project him to being a force in the back-field, but he does have some nice quickness.

Beau Corrales | WR | 6-3, 205 Georgetown HS

Henry Klinge | photo courtesy scout.com

Timarcus Davis | CB | 5-11, 170

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College Station HS

One of the most explosive athletes in the entire state, Davis’ senior year was robbed due to injury.

He had very entertaining junior year film where his athleticism leapt off the screen. He also showed the willingness to hit and tackle.

Camron Horry | TE | 6-5, 260 Katy Taylor HS

I see his upside on either the offensive or defensive line, rather than tight end. If he adds weight, that future would likely be on the o-line, rather than dline because of fit. If he remains at TE he should become a very good blocker with the ability to exploit free releases in the flat but he doesn’t project to a seam stretcher.

Octavius Evans | WR | 6-2, 195 Center HS

Very good all-around prospect. Kind of reminds me of John Harris with his build and ability after the catch. Evans does a great job of attacking the ball in the air. There’s a coordination to him that’s evident in everything he does. I’m a fan.

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Great size and a natural, if not overly explosive, athlete. Corrales uses his size well and has great coordination and body control. At worst, he should become a reliable chain mover but his size and ability to attack the ball should make him an interesting down-field target.

Cameron Buckley | WR | 6-1, 185 Cedar Hill HS

Buckley’s a slick, underneath target with enough speed to exploit space or slip through cracks. He can create space through quickness even when pressed. Reliable hands.

Lamarcus Morton | photo courtesy etvarsity.com

Lake Travis HS

Jamies needs to get bigger and is a bit stiff, but he’s pretty quick and shows good ability as a run blocker on the perimeter.

Dennis Bardwell | OL | 6-5, 280 Huffman Hargrave HS

Bardwell looks like a future World’s Strongest Man competitor, but moves a lot better. I’ll be interested to see if he plays tackle or guard. I’d think guard at this point. Bardwell plays with good strength and impressed the previous Texas staff at camp.

Sam Miller | DL | 6-3, 260 Stratford HS

Miller moves very well for his size and depending on where his body goes he can become a very interesting guy for Pat Fitzgerald. As of now he’d be a SDE better suited to playing the run and shooting gaps to get pressure on the passer, rather than running the arc, but I’m intrigued by what happens if he gets to 275-285. He could become a guy who slides inside on passing downs. He uses his hands well and also shows a swim move.

Roshauud Paul | WR | 6-0, 170 Bremond HS

Aggies are hoping the high school legend can become an approximation of another high school legend, Bralon Addison. While the comparison is fairly apt, I don’t see Paul with the same type of explosiveness. Still, he’s a winner, and intelligent player who can be trouble in space.

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Brendan Jameis | OL | 6-5, 260

Trelon Smith | RB | 5-8, 180 Cy Ridge HS

An APB, pin-ball type with homerun speed. Guys like Smith need their touches in space where they can do the most damage. Good burst and longspeed.

Coy McMillon | OG | 6-4, 270 Abilene HS

Looks a lot like his older brother but with better length. McMillon has very active feet that help him gain leverage in blocking and get out in space to locate defenders. He’ll need to add significant weight but his brother did so with ease. I see him as a guard long-term, yet another similarity to Jake.

IT Top 100 | 2017

Keynel McZeal | TE | 6-3, 230 Port Neches-Groves HS

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Tons of athletic upside but questions over hands and how he’ll be used in the offense remain. I wonder if he doesn’t end up rushing the passer. He’s athletic enough to do so for sure.

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Corey Bethley| DT | 6-1, 290 Katy HS

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James Lynch | OL/DL | 6-4, 285 Round Rock HS

Lacks length but is fluid in his hips and has a little bounce to him. Not overly quick, or powerful, but there’s definitely some ability to work with.

I see him very similar to McMillon in that his upside is at guard.

Daniel Young| RB | 6-0, 210 Westfield HS

Good downhill runner for a gap-scheme. Runs behind his pads and with good leg drive. Good quickness to the hole, and good feet, though he doesn’t have breakaway speed. If he gets the corner on the outside he’ll be a load for defensive backs. If you start to see him do that with regularity I missed this eval by 60 spots. Will carry more weight with ease but they don’t want him to get too big and lose quickness because he already has the power trait.

Xavier Martin | photo courtesy Marvin Pfeiffer

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Xavier Martin | QB | 6-0, 180 Cibolo Steele HS

100

Dual threat quarterback with a ton of wins under his belt. He’s a ‘slot’ level athlete with good quickness and balance as a runner. Martin has thrown well when I’ve seen him at camps, with good rotation on the ball.

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THE YEAR IN TWITTER Each year one of the best ways to follow the madness of recruting is on Twitter.

Here are some of our favorite Texas-related tweets from the 2017 recruiting cycle.

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Follow Inside Texas twitter.com/InsideTexas February/March - 2017

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JUNIOR DAY KICKS O Tom Herman’s first Junior Day was a big success with over 60 of the state’s top prospects visiting the UT campus. Highlights included a commitment from the top-ranked athlete in the country and building solid relationships with key targets for the 2018 cycle.

CASEY THOMPSON | QB

Familiarity with Tim Beck: “I’ve known Coach Beck since last winter. He recruited me at Ohio

Initial impressions of the campus:

State so, it was just like another time to be around Coach Beck. He

“I got here yesterday [Friday] afternoon. This is the most impressive

didn’t have to ask me a lot of questions. I knew Coach Beck, I talk to

campus I’ve been on by far. I’ve been to Clemson, Ohio State, I’ve

him almost every day.”

been a lot of places. Overall it was just really impressive. Yesterday when I go to the facility I was like, ‘why didn’t somebody tell me it

Creating familiarity with players:

would be like this?’”

“I think Texas isMajor a great I got Tennisonfit.

- Justin Wellsto | IT be around Sam. I got to be around Shane Buechele. I got to be around all these guys this weekend.....I

What stood out to that point:

hung out with all of these guys last night and I’ll be here again

“The city of Austin is real nice. I was really impressed with Coach

tonight.”

Herman. I had a meeting with him this morning -- me and my dad -and we got to talk a lot and I’m actually about to go to the basketball

His recruitment in a nutshell:

game and visit with Coach Herman again.”

“Texas is a great program. They’re not, I don’t think either side, like I’m not ready to commit and they’re not ready [to take a commitment], but like I said, getting to know Coach Herman, I think they’re wanting to get to know me more. The guys that they’ve offered that are uncommitted are me and Dorian (Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman), and I know Dorian and have much respect for him and I think we’re very similar so, you know, either way it goes they’re going to get a great quarterback. If they wait on me -- I would like for them to wait on me, obviously -- like I said Texas is still in the top-3 like they were entering this weekend.”

His passion for football in a nutshell: “I love football. I eat, breathe, and sleep football. I watch film every day. I’m going to start playing on Fast 7 on 7 out of Houston. So, some of the guys here, Jalen (Waddle), and some of those receivers here, I’ll get to meet a lot of the Texas receivers.”

Casey Thompson - Will Gallagher | IT

Thompson wants to announce sometime during the Spring, and I believe that’s about the time Texas would prefer to land a quarter-

More on Herman:

back. Obviously Thompson would be a fine leader in the class, like

“We just talk about family history. He visited with my dad and we

Buechele and Ehlinger before him, and his reach would extend well

talked about my family, with my brother Kendal and my dad Charles.

in to Texas despite being a native Oklahoman. My feeling is the stars

He just kinda got to know me, it was kinda like an introduction. That’s

are aligning for this to end in UT’s favor but only time will tell.

actually my first time meeting Coach Herman in person.”

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OFF 2018 RECRUITING

By IT Staff JUSTIN WATKINS | ATHLETE The first 2018 commitment was a flip as Ocala (FL) Vanguard athlete Justin Watkins flipped from Florida State.

“The way coach planned on using me in this offense, getting the ball into my hands, he’s a great guy,” Watkins said. “I like how he came at me. He understands my life. He talked to me about my personal life, not just football. He understands it. I just feel like this is the best fit for me. This is the right place. I’m going to stand out here. I’m from Florida. I want to stand out. I feel like this is the right place to make Brennan Eagles - Will Gallagher | IT

BRENNAN EAGLES | WR

me stand out. I want to be that different player on the offense.”

Watkins is insanely fast and spends most of his time on his highlights destroying opponents in the run game with his unstoppable combina-

It’s crazy how big Eagles is when you stand next to him. Pictures

tion of lateral and vertical explosiveness. In the Herman offense he’d

don’t do him justice; just a tall, wide, receiver. He dropped a top-10

be best deployed on the perimeter running sweeps, screens, and

last night, but Texas would be in his top-5 or top-3 at this point.

eventually some routes.

Modernizing: “They’re going to upgrade the weight room and upgrade the locker room. They showed us a three-dimensional futuristic thing where it walks you through.”

Returning: “Yes [coming back in the Spring to catch a practice]. You know it’s not far, it’s only two hours from Houston so I can come back anytime.”

Familiarizing: “Really just everything that was close. Tom Herman was close. Same people from U of H that recruited me from U of H recruited me here.

Everything’s the same, no different, so that really stood out to me.”

Justin Watkins - Will Gallagher | IT

What he’s looking for in a school:

Unlike most water-bug quick skill athletes, Watkins is 5-foot-11 and

“Family. And my major, mechanical engineering.”

might be easier to find down the field if his hands allow him to become a reliable target. This is an elite level athlete which is undoubt-

How he sees himself in the offense:

edly why Herman and his staff even bothered to go out of state to

“Big fast, outside X wide receiver that’s going to dominate and be a

grab him

playmaker.”

What he lacks in size he makes up for in a big way in speed and Thoughts:

elusiveness, as he puts quite a bit of strain on a defense. He can

Eagles will be a high-profile, late-cycle announcement, probably on

stop and go on a dime and gets up to speed quickly and is probably

ESPN. Texas will recruit him as hard as anyone until that point and

the last guy you want to see with the ball in his hands and lots of field

I’d pick Texas at this point. He said the coaches already treat him like

to work with.

one of the players.

February/March - 2017

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