Burnt Ends – 08/15/2016

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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We spoke with Anthony Hines on Saturday at Plano East media day to get the latest on the nation’s top inside linebacker as he enters the final stretch of his recruitment. After an off-season full of competition at events like The Opening, Hines had an extra spring in his step at the thought of the pads coming on. “I can’t wait,” Hines told us. “It’s always a good opportunity to come up here and try on the new jerseys, and just get a feel for the season. It’s getting close and we are just looking to dominate.” The long off-season can be torture for fans, and it can also take its toll on the players. “Now that the Opening is over, I’ve just been anxious for the season and kind of antsy.”

Hines is the most decorated high school recruit in the country with over 90 offers. He cut his list to a top 10 in July, and he’s looking to make a decision in the coming months since he plans to enroll early. His cut consisted of Texas, Texas A&M, SMU, Oklahoma, Ohio State, TCU, UCLA, Auburn, Florida, and Oklahoma State. While Hines isn’t tipping his hand much, the behind the scenes talk has Texas, A&M, and Oklahoma out in front. We talked to Hines about what each school had to offer.

Oklahoma – “I have a really good relationship with Coach Kish and Coach Stoops. I’ve just been building that relationship since freshman year. I know what they are about. I’ve been there since their old facilities, and just to see how they are growing and expanding is awesome. I’ve been there so many times, and I’ve been over academics more times than I can remember.”

Texas A&M – “The Chief (John Chavis) is really the difference maker there. He’s such an awesome coach, and he has a great track record when it comes to developing top linebackers. I’ve always had a good relationship with Coach Sumlin, and it’s always a family atmosphere every time I go. The facilities are off the charts, the academics are really good, and the Aggie network is just hard to compare to.”

Texas – “Coach Bedford, Coach Jean-Mary, and Coach Strong, I have a really good relationship with all of those guys. Every single time I go they roll out the red carpet for me and make me feel welcome. Academics wise they are the number one public school in the nation, so you really can’t beat that. They are really an up and coming program, and I believe they are going to dominate this year.”

Hines has a previous relationship with Texas linebacker Malik Jefferson, and even though it’s tough to connect with their busy schedules he told us they do still stay in contact. As expected, Malik is putting out a recruiting pitch to get Hines on board.

Hines has one official visit set up at this time (Clemson vs. Auburn), and he told us he might use officials for schools that are farther away. He doesn’t have a set decision date, but he said he’d like to take his visits in September and October and then make a commitment shortly thereafter.

Last season Hines totaled 205 tackles and 8 sacks, but he told us his biggest goal is increasing his production this season. “The best way to do it is to make that state run and get sixteen games. Last season we had eleven games, but I only got to play in ten. This season I want to go deep and feel I can increase my production in that way.” Hines will be one of the more anticipated recruits in this cycle, and we will be on top of that recruitment all the way to the end.

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The good news of the day is that Erick Fowler was officially cleared to enroll in Austin. This is very positive for Texas due to the need for an impact pass rusher. Our sources were pessimistic on the chances of Fowler making it in, but things moved quickly with the clearinghouse and now Fowler will be able to get to campus. Fowler will now come in and get to work at the FOX position, but he will be at a bit of a disadvantage due to missing summer workouts. Fowler is a very talented player, so he might be able to make an impact situationally, but he does have a lot of catching up to do.

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We reported a few weeks ago that Oklahoma was making up ground in the race for Temple (TX) defensive end Taquon Graham. We spoke to our sources there to see if anything changed in the last few weeks, and it seems the post visit high is starting to wear off. While Oklahoma made a strong impression, Texas had a big lead in this race from the beginning and it seems like they are starting to open back up again. Graham wants to take some visits this year, and his mother doesn’t want him to commit until he’s sure about his decision. We expect his commitment to be pushed back as a result of this, but Texas is still in the best position to win it at this point.

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We spoke to several of our sources, who shared some great nuggets on this past weekend’s scrimmage.Here’s the latest on what we have.'”

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[*]Charlie Strong made news when he said he might not announce his starter prior to Notre Dame, but we were told that Shane Buechele is still the favorite to win the job. Buechele shows the abililty to make the throws and has a nice command of the offense. His biggest issue right now are freshman mistakes throwing the ball, but even with that he’s still on par if not better than Swoopes at this point. For Tyrone, he’s having good practices as he’s done in the past, but we are told he’s still a bit too tentative with the ball. We will see what unfolds in the next two weeks, but we still expect Shane Buechele to be named starter.

 

[*]While Charlie Strong announced they expect Zach Shackelford back for Notre Dame, things sound worse behind the scenes. We did some more checking, and the ankle is better off than we originally heard, there is still a feeling that it could drag on into the first few games.

 

[*]If Shackelford could make it back for Notre Dame that would obviously be the best scenario. Backup center Jake McMillon is having a tough time with the job, and Texas might explore other alternatives like Patrick Vahe or other freshmen.

 

[*]D’Andre Christmas (No Giles anymore) is really coming on at the defensive tackle position. Christmas was arguably the most skilled defensive tackle signed in the spring, and he’s certainly playing like it. The Louisiana native is using his athleticism well, and he’s creating havoc in the backfield. All hands will be needed once the season rolls around, but Christmas has some potentially plus ability.

 

[*]We were told that Jason Hall and Dylan Haines still have a hold on the starting safety positions, but Hall has a fight on his hands with DeShon Elliott.

 

[*]Look for Lil’Jordan Humphrey to make an early impact this year. Humphrey has the ability to play both inside and outside. Humphrey is making plays early in camp, and he’s surprising everyone with his natural fluidity.

 

[*]We’ve heard Trent Domingue is starting to settle in and looking more reliable at kicker.

 

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