Burnt Ends – 08/08/2016

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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This is a free site, so anyone can read this report. If you share it with someone, please take time to attribute the information to HornSports.

 

 

 

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Texas commit Josh Thompson talks to HornSports

 

 

 

Since Nacogdoches defensive back Josh Thompson committed to Texas, he’s been fairly quiet with members of the media. He wanted to shut down the outside distractions as he prepares for his senior season, but he was good enough to grant our Mike Roach a one-on-one to discuss the events surrounding his recruitment.

 

 

 

As we’ve stated in the past, Thompson held Texas as a dream school in his mind. We asked him to describe what it was like to finally receive that offer. “Just a blessing! It’s something that I really wanted,” Thompson told us. “Texas has always been a school of choice, and I was shocked but also relieved when I received the offer”. Thompson was previously committed to TCU, and he was very happy with that commitment. Thompson’s flip came quickly, and he described what it was that caused that. “Just knowing the coaches were straight-forward. I’m comfortable with them, and also knowing that I can fit in with Texas. It’s just the atmosphere that will get your attention. I love it up there, just knew for a fact that’s where I wanted to attend school.”

 

 

 

Thompson is close with Texas safety Brandon Jones and Texas commit Kobe Boyce. We asked him how big of a role those two played in his switch, and he admitted it was huge. “They played a really big role. The big thing was just them being excited that Texas offered.” Thompson also said the coaching staff was very excited to hear of the news. “They were all excited, Coach Strong was very hype.” So what’s next for Thompson and his recruitment? “I’m completely done,” he told us when asked if he was shutting things down. “Texas is where I want to be.”

 

 

 

Thompson is excited for the upcoming season, and he’s ready to see Texas take the next step under Charlie Strong. “Texas should be a threat this year with most teams,” Thompson told us. “I see them balling out. The talent we have is unbelievable, and I know Coach Strong will get them back on track. Overall Texas is heading forward and not backward, and that’s why I committed.”

 

 

 

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Mike Roach speaks with Omar Manning about his recruitment

 

 

 

The Lancaster Tigers opened their pre-season practices with their annual midnight practice session. The workout was non-padded, and mostly included simple drills and some team and 7 on 7 work, but the environment was evidence of just why the Lancaster staff is one of the best in the state. Lancaster’s head coach Chris Gilbert started off the evening by quoting Sun Tzu to the media members on hand. “Sun Tzu was one of the greatest generals of all time. One of his beliefs was to create a spectacle as many times as you could to capture the attention of your troops. Gentlemen, this is a spectacle,” Gilbert told us with a laugh. While many members of the media came out to see the incredibly coveted Omar Manning, there was plenty more talent to feast your eyes upon.

 

 

 

Mike Roach was on hand to take in the action, and he spoke to Manning following the spirited event.

 

Lancaster made a deep playoff run last year before eventually losing to Frisco Lone Star in the fourth round. The Tigers are loaded with top end athletes again, and Manning hopes for a big season during his senior year. “I think we’ll have a great year. Our opening game against Denton Ryan is going to get us prepared for pretty much every game. It’s a pretty tough non-district schedule, so we’ll be ready.” Lancaster faces off against Ryan in week one, and the Tigers focus was on the Raiders during the night practice. Players and coaches alike echoed the challenges presented by Ryan, a legit state title contender for this season. Aside from just his play on the field, Manning is stepping up his senior leadership this season. “Anything I can do. Everything from the classroom, weight room, everywhere. I’m just trying to be a leader.”

 

 

 

Manning is one of the most sought after recruits in the state. His college ready frame and exceptional ability are already on record, but Manning is hard at work trying to polish himself before he enrolls in college. “I want to just work on my overall game and my route running.” Manning tried to work on his game this summer, but a lingering hamstring injury held him back and hampered his participation at The Opening in Oregon. “It was great other than that (hamstring injury). I didn’t get the full experience, but to be able to be with the top players in the nation and get coaching from the top coaches was great.” The major concern is getting Omar healthy, because he told us with a wince that his hamstring was still about the same as it was in Oregon. Manning also spent time with Texas commit Sam Ehlinger at The Opening, and he told us Sam did some heavy recruiting. Manning said he enjoyed his time with Ehlinger and acknowledged that he is a pretty good recruiter.

 

 

 

On the recruiting front Manning is down to a top five of TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Alabama. He told us he plans to take official visits to all of those schools, but he does not yet have an announcement date planned. He originally intended to announce his choice during the Midnight practice, but that didn’t quite happen. “It was actually going to be tonight, but I changed my mind because I wasn’t all the way sure.” What is it about Texas that landed them in Manning’s top 5? “Tradition and the coaching staff. I have a great relationship with Coach Williams, Coach Traylor, Coach Strong and just about everybody.” Manning’s recruitment is being led by Charlie Williams and Jeff Traylor, and he loves the way the new offense is shaping up in Austin. The Omar Manning recruitment will have intense scrutiny throughout the fall, but HornSports will be right on top of the action.

 

 

 

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An X-factor in Omar Manning’s recruitment?

 

 

 

Here’s a bit more from Mike Roach’s time at Lancaster. If Texas wins out for Manning, a definite factor will be the ties that Texas coaches have with the Lancaster staff. Lancaster head coach Chris Gilbert knows Texas offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert very well from their days at Angelo State University. Chris Gilbert gushed about his relationship with Sterlin afterwards and even called him his “brother from another mother.” In addition, Gilbert mentioned strong ties with Texas secondary coach Clay Jennings as well as Jeff Traylor. During the spring Texas sent Gilbert, Charlie Williams, and Traylor out to Lancaster to show Manning just how big of a priority he is.

 

 

 

Manning is very guarded when you speak to him, so he won’t give you a lot on his recruitment. In speaking to some other people around the program we got the feeling that while his top five are all contenders to land him, the schools really sticking out for him are TCU, Oklahoma, and Texas. TCU has been the leader in the clubhouse for some time, but Omar keeps pushing back his planned announcement which is giving others a chance to make up ground on the Frogs. If the Horns can stay the course, win some games, and flash some offensive ability they should be able to run a strong race down the stretch.

 

 

 

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Stealth visitors on The 40 Acres this past weekend

 

 

 

It was a big weekend for stealth visits in Austin. Texas hosted Kimball ATH (and Texas A&M commit) Devodrick Johnson on Friday. Johnson is evaluating his options, and Texas is definitely on the table if they come through with an offer. Johnson plays quarterback and safety for Kimball, but his college position will probably be at linebacker. Johnson could be in line for an offer if Kenneth Murray picks another school on Wednesday (more on that later). We’ll have to see what happens when Texas offers, but we expect Johnson to decommit soon (he did today) and eventually jump on a Texas offer if it happens.

 

 

 

The other stealth visitor on campus was North Shore pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson. Chaisson doesn’t talk to many people, but feedback following the visit was extremely positive for Texas. The feeling is that this one is a race between Texas, Oklahoma, and LSU. All of those schools have the best shot to land him depending on who you talk to. This one will probably come down to the end, and Texas will be trying to push the fox position and ability to turn him into an NFL player. This is really one of the biggest needs for the ‘Horns in this class.

 

 

 

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Will it really be OU for Elkins LB Kenneth Murray?

 

 

 

We spoke earlier about Elkins LB Kenneth Murray and his upcoming decision (Wednesday at 8:30 AM), and though we have a pretty good relationship with him we honestly have no idea where this will end. Murray ran this recruitment in a way that would make most military leaders proud. There is some talk out there that Oklahoma will be the pick, but it honestly wouldn’t surprise me if he picked any of the three (Texas, Texas A&M, OU). We are going to try and connect with Murray once more before his announcement, but we don’t expect to get any hints from Murray himself.

 

 

 

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On The 40 Acres – Team Notes

 

 

 

Practices kicked off over the weekend in Austin, and we talked to some sources to get the scoop on the team mindset.

 

 

 

*We spoke to 2018 recruit Stanley Lambert who was at practice, and had this to say.

 

 

 

“It was really great, everything was full speed. The team is looking as strong as ever, and disciplined. They’re going to be really good this season.”

 

 

 

*The biggest question will always be quarterback, and while Tyrone Swoopes and Shane Buechele are performing at similar levels so far, we still expect Buechele to be named the starter. Just the fact that a freshman is competing at the same level (if not slightly better) as a senior is an indicator of where things are.

 

 

 

*We are told there is some real optimism surrounding offensive lineman Tristan Nickelson. If he can make the transition to the next stage of his game, the offensive line has a chance to be a plus this year. Nickelson’s move to right tackle allowed Texas to move Kent Perkins inside to guard where his size and strength plays more of a factor.

 

 

 

*Armanti Foreman has been the star through two early practices. Fans and those who cover the team are still waiting on Foreman to put it all together, but if he can he’s an absolute terror in this offense. Sources within the program are crossing their fingers that Foreman becomes a huge weapon this year.

 

 

 

*The freshman class is holding their own early in camp much like last year’s group. The most impressive aspect is the performance of the less heralded guys on campus. Davion Curtis, Reggie Hemphill, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey have all looked strong throughout early workouts. Humphrey in particular has turned some heads with his physical development and natural ball skills.

 

 

 

*Expectations from folks we talk to are that Charles Omenihu turns into the best defensive lineman on the team this year. Omenihu is physically developing into what everyone thought he would when we first saw him in high school. With the added weight he should be able to make some noise.

 

 

 

*Many fans would like to see Jason Hall and Dylan Haines overtaken by younger players, but those two are the traffic controllers on defense, and they help the young defensive backs line up correctly and call coverages. If the day comes that players like Brandon Jones and DeShon Elliott can perform the same function, they have a chance to win those jobs. At this point the experience of Hall and Haines is a huge chip in their favor.