PART I
The point on a brisket is typically the fattiest cut. Pitmasters often trim the point (and select edges) off a brisket and return those pieces to the smoker.
Are burnt ends tough, chewy worthless cuts of meat, or are they heavenly bites of smoky goodness? It depends on who you ask…
Rather than discard the trimmings and fat, we choose to savor all the information that flows through the site. So, sit down and help yourself to some burnt ends.
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The 2017 Recruiting cycle came to an official close last Wednesday and things are moving fast on the 2018 front. Nike’s Opening Regional took place this past weekend and with it manifested tons of high school talent, including some big names with Texas offers.
HornSports’ Will Baizer was on hand to take in the event, interview recruits and bring you the latest on Tom Herman’s targets.
Let’s jump right in to Part I of Burnt Ends this week…..
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Josh Moore Heading to IMG Academy
The sleek 6’1†173lbs WR just announced he’ll be going to IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) yesterday in order to be better utilized in their offensive system, as opposed to the the smash mouth variety of football Yoakum runs. Josh is very athletic, jumping over 38†on his vertical and he possesses a clean technique. Almost every route he runs is run to perfection.
Texas has been sitting pretty in this recruitment since day one and Josh is a very big fan of Texas – he has been since before the recruiting process started. Even though he’ll be moving 16 hours away, this player will still have Texas on his mind.
HS: You’re going to Texas Junior Day, right?
“Of course.â€
HS: But you’re repping Ohio State today? What’s up with that?
“You know, mixing it up a little bit. Messing with people’s heads. Keeping them guessing. You got to.â€
HS: So, you’re going to IMG? You just announced it yesterday. Why did you decide to go to IMG?
“Just overall development. I feel like they have everything I need to bring my body to succeed at the next level.â€
HS: What have the IMG coaches been telling you?
“They love me. I’ve talked to the head coach, Coach Wright, a million times. He called me yesterday morning to tell me he can’t wait for me to get over there. I’m ready and excited to get going.â€
HS: Is your brother giving you the hard sell on Texas A&M?
“Oh man… He gets annoying. I just want to slap him. Just, “hey bro, A&M bro, we got 17 class phenomenal bro, we are going to win a natty.†Man, shut up. If I commit, I commit.â€
HS: And you guys aren’t tied at the waist?
“Nah, nah. I mean I’m going to Florida and he’s staying home. People think I’m going to commit to A&M just because of him, but I wouldn’t be going 16 hours away if I cared.â€
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Standouts from The Opening Regional
These are some of the guys who really blew our staff away during the camp.
Offense – Brennan Eagles
We weren’t able to interview Brennan at the campbut we will talk about him here.
When I told someone that Brennan measured in at 6’3.5†and 214 lbs they asked if I was talking about him or his shoulders. Brennan is built like a cartoon strong man. Every muscle on him is so ridiculously big that he dwarfed some of the tight ends.
He came out of the day with the best Nike score by far of 132.24 (20 points higher than 2nd place) and earned an invite to The Opening. That Nike score would have given him the 5th best Nike score from all the regionals in 2016. Beyond that he showed an ability to beat the best by snagging balls over the heads of guys like Anthony Cook on a regular basis. Give him the fifth star.
Defense – Anthony Cook
The five-star corner out of Lamar had a phenomenal day. So great that he got an invite to The Opening at the end of the regional and was crowned the defensive MVP of the camp. While he sits at 6’1†170lbs, he plays more like he’s 6’8†250lbs with the strength he showed while maintaining elite agility and speed of a CB. He was the best CB out of the field, even though he was a bit grabby all day long.
Anthony Cook has a tremendous relationship with the coaching staff at Texas, and the Longhorns are in prime position to reel this five-star in. He’ll have day 1 impact potential if he joins the Longhorns.
HS: Will you be headed to Texas Junior Day?
“Yes sir.â€
HS: Which coach has been in contact with you?
“Coach Washington. He calls me about once a week to check up on meâ€.
HS: You talk to Grant Delpit much?
“Yeah, I talked to him at the Under Armor game. Yeah. He talking that stuff, “come to LSU,†and that.â€
HS: Do you talk to Holton Hill?
“When I go to Texas’ Junior Day that’s who I’m going to talk to. Him, Eric Cuffee, and all of them.â€
HS: Is Holton trying to recruit like Delpit?
“Nah. He’s real chill.â€
HS: What’s your connection to Eric (Cuffee)?
“That’s my cousin.â€
HS: Who’s the best player you’ve ever gone up against?
“Al’Vonte (Woodard). He’s good.â€
Defense – D’Shawn Jamison
D’Shawn had an amazing camp filled with highlight reel plays, including one play where he tip drilled the ball to himself for a pick against the best of the best on the field. He really stood out as one of the best players on the field, and gave quarterbacks fits all camp long. He’s got long arms and wonderful speed to close throwing windows. The 5’10†174lbs DB got a Nike score of 112.4 and could have done much better.
The combination of D’Shawn’s attitude and his ability to make incredible plays has landed him as one of our staff’s favorite player to cover.
HS: You have a Texas offer. How you feeling about it?
“Real excitedâ€.
Who else is in the running with Texas?
“TCU.â€
HS: Will you be going to UT Jr. Days?
“Yes sir.â€
HS: Who’s recruiting you right now?
“At TCU it’s Coach Gonzalez and for Texas it’s Coach Washington.â€
HS: How do you feel about Coach Washington?
“He’s a great dude. He’s one of the people I can say is more of like a big brother to me. He’s more of a chill coach than the other Texas coaches. That’s what I like about him.â€
HS: You’ve been to campus right?
“Yeah! When I usually go there, I watch one of my friends and former teammates Hollywood Holton Hill.â€
HS: What is Holton telling you? Is he trying to sway you to Texas?
“Nah! He just saying make the right choice because UT is a great school academically wise, so that means a lot.â€
Offense – Mustapha Muhammad
This top target for Texas had a great day as well as he was named to the top 5 TE’s at the camp. The #1 TE in the state is a very smart guy, looking to major in business when he gets to college, and he’s got the brains and grades to do it. Mustapha measured in at 6’4†230lbs. He’s big, a very good route runner, and has some great hands.
The Texas staff has been on Mustapha for a very long time now, and he might be one the guys they have the best relationship with.
HS: Are you going to be at the Texas Junior Day?
“Yes, I’m going to Texas’ Junior Day. I’ve already been to one, but I’m also trying to get out to UT, A&M… closer schoolsâ€.
HS: Corby Meekins was over at your school a few weeks ago right?
“Yeah before the dead period and he brought over Coach Herman two weeks agoâ€.
HS: How do feel about Coach Herman?
“I really like Coach Herman. I’ve had a good relationship with him ever since he was at U of H. He’s a very relatable guy and he also isn’t afraid to be realistic with youâ€.
HS: What has been the staff’s pitch to you?
“They’ve been telling me how they are going to use me in their offense. You know, they are going to have a spread offense, but I’ll be attached, at H-Back or split out. Kind of getting into the nitty gritty of what they want to do.â€
HS: How do you like Corby Meekins?
“We’ve really built a relationship. We’re always calling, texting and whatnot just to stay in touch. Keep Texas on my mind. He does a good job of that.â€
HS: What other schools are in the mix right now?
“There’s a lot. I’m just pruning my top 10 list right now. It’ll come out in May.â€
HS: What are your plans for this summer?
“Working out and going on as many visits as I can.â€
Defense – Keondre Coburn
Often rated as the top DL in the state, Keondre Coburn is one of the top defensive tackle targets for the Longhorns in the 2018 class. He’s got the size and he’s got the feet. His hips are fluid and his pad level stays low. While he could work on his first step, his game is very clean. He’s one of the best in the nation and will be highly sought after.
HS: How you feeling about that Texas offer?
“It’s a dream come true. I love Texas ever since Vince Young. Watching him when I was little. It was a blessing to get that.â€
HS: Are you going to be at Texas Junior Day?
“Yes sir. February 25th. Looking forward to it.â€
HS: How old were you when Vince Young was in charge?
“They won in 2005? So I was like 5. And it was in my home town.â€
HS: So you’re from California? Why’d your family move to Texas?
“My dad got a job in Texas. He also said that Texas high school football is much better than California. It’s the best.â€
HS: Who do you model your game after in college or pro?
“Aaron Donald. That man is unbelievable. What else can you ask for a defensive tackle to do? He’s quick off the ball, he doesn’t quit, he’s undersized, and he’s proved everybody wrong every play. That man is just an animal.â€
HS: What do you want to change in your game to be more like Aaron Donald?
“I’d like to be quicker and just have the mindset that I’m the best and nobody can stop me.â€
HS: So who else is in the mix with Texas?
“Every school I have an offer from. Nobody has a downfall, nobody is at the top. Everybody is the same.â€
HS: How does it feel to be competing at a camp like this?
“Oh it’s fun competing with other people you know. I’m just ready to prove to everybody that I’m number one.â€
Offense – Al’Vonte Woodard
The 6’1†180lbs Lamar pass catcher was not guardable. He arguably was the best WR at the camp, he didn’t have a single drop, and he made some acrobatic catches to boot. His speed, size, and athleticism make him pretty tough on defensive backs.
HS: What has the experience out here been like for you?
“It’s real good hanging out with guys you don’t normally hang out with because you’re at school. On the weekends you either have homework or are working out. So it’s a pretty good feeling hanging out with these guys.â€
HS: Anthony Cook told me you’re the best WR he’s ever gone up against. How you feel about that?
“Well, since we go to the same school, we’re not going to go up against each other today. He’s a very physical DB. He goes to my school, so you get that competitive, D1, next level feeling.”
HS: Speaking of D1, how you feeling about your Texas offer?
“Very pumped. I talk to the WR coach almost every day. Talking shop and checking up.â€
HS: How do you like Coach Mehringer?
“He’s a cool dude, really cool dude. I talk with him, if not every day, every other day.â€
HS: Are you attending Texas’ Junior Day?
“Yes sir.â€
HS: Do you communicate with any of the Texas players?
“Well Hollywood (Holton Hill) goes there, but we don’t talk much. We talk every once in a while, but not much.â€
HS: Who would you say your game is most reminiscent of?
“AJ Green. No matter where the ball is, he’s going to adjust to it. He’s a deep threat. Take the top off the defense.â€
HS: What’s your favorite part of your game?
“When we play another team, I know I’m going to be double covered. So I know I can create separation and beat any double team. It’s a good feeling.â€
HS: What do you want to work on?
“Pad level and staying low.â€
Defense – Leon O’Neal Jr.
Maybe one of our favorite kids in the class due to his energy on and off the field, and another guy who had a spectacular day. He’s a physical defensive back that likes to use 6’2†190lbs frame to push guys around, but he’s also got the athleticism to make plays on the balls. In fact, there was a play that displayed just exactly what he brings to the table when he knocked one receiver on his ass and made a diving interception on a ball down the field. He received the 13th highest Nike score of the day with a very respectable 99. With his great length and make up speed, he was able to cover any target on the field and do so impressively.
HS: How you feeling about the Longhorns and your offer?
“Getting a Texas offer is a unique thing. It’s the best school to go if you really want that foundation to be set. There are a lot of great Texas schools like Texas A&M and TCU, but getting an offer from them is like another feeling. Herman is doing something special over there that he’s going to be part of. So it really means a lot.â€
HS: You’ll be going to the Texas Junior Day then?
“Yes sir. On the 25th. Like I said, one of the best schools in the nation, so why not? Why not try to get on board and see what it’s like.â€
HS: Which Texas coach is in contact with you?
“Naivar. He’s got a lot of energy. I have a lot of energy so we click on that basis. He is always calling home to see how everyone is doing.â€
HS: You love to trash talk on the field. What was one of your favorite moments on the field where you punked somebody and then told them a little something?
“Oh, I just wake ‘em up is all I do. It just comes naturally; I don’t really know what I’ll be saying. It just comes off the top of the head like tha.t.
HS: Who do you model your game after?
“Kam Chancellor and maybe some Landon Collins. Those dudes come down and hit and they have a lot of fire in their heart when they play the game. That’s what I try to maintain. I have a lot of fire in my heart from my past. I got a family to feed. So when you come out here you have to get the energy up and be ready to eat.â€
You mind letting others know about your family?
“My mom at a point lost a cousin this season and at that same point in the season I turned into a warrior. It hurt. And after that I just had to play for him. Zero offers to twenty. Just goes to show if you really want something, you gotta go out and get it, no matter how long it takes. It could take one year, two years, three years, or maybe make it ten, but it’s going to happen. I’m just blessed.â€