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 will start this week with an update on the 2016 Baylor signees still trying to get out of their NLI’s.
Devin Duvernay – The speedster was scheduled to be in Austin today, but he pushed his visits back to next week. It appears that Duvernay is zeroing in on Texas, TCU, and Oklahoma. All three schools have certain things in their favor to win over the Sachse star. Texas was a favorite of Duvernay’s last year, and they now run an offense that fits his skills in the best way. TCU is close to home, and they offered his brother Donovan during the recruiting cycle. Oklahoma has Duvernay’s cousin Kyler Murray, along with a fast paced attack where his speed would excel. I believe this recruitment will still come down to a packaged deal between Devin and Donovan. It was reiterated to me this weekend that Duvernay loves Texas, and if the Longhorns were to go all in for both brothers they would have a great chance to land them. We will see what shakes out on his visits.
Patrick Hudson – Much like during the season, the big man is pretty quiet when it comes to matters of his recruitment. The sentiment behind the scenes continues to be that Texas would be an overwhelming favorite should he choose to go elsewhere and receive his release.
Parrish Cobb – Cobb’s father has been outspoken about obtaining his son’s release, and rightly so since it was promised to him on the condition of a meeting with new Baylor coach Jim Grobe. The word last week was that Cobb would be headed to Oklahoma once he was released, but I was told yesterday that Texas is back in play, and Cobb is starting to warm to the idea. The reason I’m told, is that some of the incoming freshmen are doing their best sales pitch to get Cobb to Austin. I was told Brandon Jones is leading the charge to land Cobb, along with his cousin Eric Cuffee. Combine that with Cobb’s reported love for Clay Jennings, and Texas might be able to secure themselves the best pure cover corner from last year’s class.
JP Urquidez – Urquidez and his family have been equally as vocal about their desire to obtain a release from Baylor. The indications are still mixed on the back end, but I believe Texas would have some interest if he’s out there.
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Texas held their first mini-camp of the summer over the weekend, and we were able to speak to several attendees. One of the big headlines on the day was the offers extended to Yoakum twins Joshua and Jordan Moore. The 2018 brothers have been picking up big offers around the nation since the spring and it’s easy to see why. We spoke with both brothers last night to get the scoop on their day in Austin.
HornSports: Tell me about the offer, how did it feel?
Jordan: “It was a surreal feeling. I didn’t expect it, but at the same time I dominated in one on one’s so I kind of felt like I was going to get some kind of big newsâ€.
Joshua: “The offer meant a lot to me! It was a big one. My mother actually graduated from Texas, so that will definitely play a factor in the processâ€.
HornSports: Is she already recruiting you to Austin?
Joshua: “A little bit. I think she was more excited than me and Jordan. She just wants what’s best for us, so whatever school we decide to commit to we know our parents will be behind us 110%â€.
Jordan: “She’s been yelling ‘hook em’ all through the house today, but at the same time she tells us to do what’s best for usâ€.
HornSports: Most twins want to play together at the next level. Is that something you guys have agreed on?
Joshua: “Not really. As of right now, we’re just letting things happen. As it gets closer to decision time we will start to narrow things downâ€.
HornSports: Joshua, I heard you measured in at 6’3. Is that true?
Joshua : “Yes sirâ€
HornSports: I think I had you at 6’1 at the Opening in Houston.
Joshua: “Yes sir I was 6’1 a couple of months agoâ€.
HornSports: How did the offer go down?
Joshua: “Well actually he (Coach Strong) offered us out on the field right after camp. I went up to shake his hand and he gave us the newsâ€
Jordan: “Yes, he offered us both at the same timeâ€.
HornSports: Is it safe to say Texas will be one of your top options?
Joshua: “Absolutelyâ€.
Jordan: “I can honestly say Texas is my number oneâ€.
HornSports: Jordan, you guys have a ton of offers already. Is there one out there you don’t have but you’d love to get.
Jordan: “TCU. I’ve always wanted that one. My best friend, who is like an older brother to me plays receiver thereâ€.
HornSports: Which one?
Jordan: “Tre’vontae Hightsâ€.
HornSports: Have you guys thought about when you might make a decision?
Jordan: “No sir we actually haven’tâ€.
Both of the brothers are extremely friendly and great to talk with, so we should have a lot of great material from them over the course of their recruitment. It’s still early, but Texas should be considered the early favorite at this point.
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One of the prospects that generated the most buzz at the Texas mini-camp this past weekend was Trinity Valley Community College DB Curtis Jones. Jones is a bit of a late bloomer, and a product of South Grand Prairie in the class of 2015 where he teamed with Texas safety Jason Hall. Jones has developed since he left high school, and the 6’1, 180 lbs. junior was a freshman qualifier so he would be eligible to enroll in whatever school he chooses in the fall. Jones told us that the Texas staff had no idea who he was, but that changed when he showed up on Sunday. “Coach Bedford wants me to come to the next camp. He said he loved my physical play and 4.43 speed. He told me he was coming to watch me play at Trinity Valleyâ€. Jones told us he does plan to come back to Austin next week to compete again at the Texas mini-camp. Jones will attend the Abilene Christian camp this week as well in an effort to get as many eyes on him as possible. Now that Jones is on the Texas radar, a strong performance next week could make him a serious contender for an offer.
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The name Metcalf is near royalty in Austin. When 2018 Seattle (WA) Garfield High School receiver Mekhi Metcalf attended camp this past weekend, he got a taste of it. The son of former Longhorn Eric Metcalf had a great time in Austin, and he told us all about it. “It was great. As soon as we started I got to see the many trophies won by Longhorn legends, including the two Heisman trophies won by Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams. I also got to see all of the different facilities and spaces used by the football program. I was just amazedâ€. Metcalf measured in at 6’2, 168 lbs., and he ran a 4.83 40 on what he told us was a bum hip. Metcalf also got to interact with the Texas coaches, and he really enjoyed their feedback. “Coach Charlie Williams told me to keep up the good work so he can get a trip to Seattle to see me playâ€. It came as no surprise when Metcalf told us that he grew up a huge fan of Texas. If the Longhorns were to recruit him, he told us that they would most definitely be at the top of his list. Currently Metcalf is hearing from Washington State, Oregon State, Northern Colorado, Wyoming, and Hawaii. As he enters his junior season in high school, look for more schools to notice his ability and for his profile to rise.
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We caught up briefly with Hutto defensive end Ondario Robinson who was recently offered by Texas. Robinson has been pretty quiet since the offer, but he did tell us about what it meant to him. “It was good to get because Texas has a rich history in athletics. It’s a great schoolâ€. Robinson has been in contact with Texas since the offer, and he actually visited today. We will try to catch up with him again to get a recap on how it went. Robinson is being recruited by Vance Bedford, and at this point Texas faces its biggest competition from Oklahoma and Texas A&M.