Mike Roach
Staff
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2013
- Messages
- 2,021
Today hasn't been the best day for fans of Longhorn recruiting, and I'm sure it's been a bad day for the coaching staff as well. While meltdowns in recruiting are quite common and warranted at times I wanted to hit you guys with some thoughts I was spinning around in my head.
1. The loss of Toby Weathersby was a big one. Weathersby was one of the bona fide blue chip recruits this class had. The signs have been there for a while, but it appears as if Weathersby was holding this offer as insurance against an injury only to jump to another school. If that is the case and Texas finds themselves in that position, it's time to change something drastically.
2. Not winning the committment of Darrin Kirkland Jr., while disappointing shouldn't be a huge indictment of this staff. He would have been a great victory, and the staff will have to start winning some of these battles, but this was clearly a case of familiarity with the Tennessee staff coupled with proximity to his home. By all accounts Texas really impressed Kirkland on his official visit, and were in the game late but couldn't close it out. It happens a lot in recruiting national talent but the staff will have to start winning some of these battles. While it feels good to gain ground like that, second place is the first loser.
3. All signs point to Malik Jefferson committing to Texas A&M. I think anyone following this closely has seen that. Remarkable job by the staff to get back in on this recruitment after it was dead in the water a year ago, but this will be another place where they come up short. There are a number of reasons you can use as excuses for this, but the bottom line is Texas needs to start winning in state for the top recruits to get back to where they want to go.
4. While the loss of Jordan Stevenson was puzzling, I don't see it as a huge loss talent wise. I've seen Stevenson live and frankly was underwhelmed by his lack of explosive ability. It always hurts perception wise, but the Longhorns have a big chance to upgrade at that position with Chris Warren which brings me to my next point.
5. While the timing of these events looks bad for the coaching staff, if we examine each situation in a vacuum we can really get a look at each recruitment and how to fix or repair it.
Weathersby - There is no way to replace Weathersby right now. While Texas has a deep incoming offensive line class, no one has the top end talent that Weathersby does. Patrick Vahe might come close, and Connor Williams and Ronnie Major may have higher ceilings, but Weathersby was the jewel of the line class.
Jefferson - There is no way to replace not getting the top player in the state and top outside linebacker in the nation. The Kirkland win would have helped, but Texas has to figure out something at that position because Townsend and Hager aren't enough to get it done.
Stevenson - As I mentioned, the possible committments of Chris Warren or Nick Brosette are clear upgrades at this position. Neither have the speed of Stevenson, but I believe both are better players.
Kirkland - While losing Kirkland stings, Texas would really have to mess things up to not get Cecil Cherry at this point. While Cherry isn't as highly rated (mostly due to height) he's got a ton of talent and will be a very nice consolation prize.
John Burt - The writing has been on the wall regarding this one for a long time as well. Texas took a big WR class last year and have the chance to get Ryan Newsome this season to go along with the 2016 committments of Reggie Hemphill and Colin Johnson. However, with an offense in need of talent losing a big time national player with the skills Burt has would hurt. Texas must win that recruitment or formulate a backup plan.
Other - I think Texas has a chance to close with Cecil Cherry, Devonaire Clarington, Chris Clark, Tim Irvin, Davante Davis, Kris Boyd, and Holton Hill. I don't believe they get that entire haul but they have a chance with each of those guys. 3 or 4 would go a long way since they are all national blue chip type recruits.
6. Yes this staff has been known for development, but the overwhelming research shows that better talent equals better production. While I've just outlined a way for the coaching staff to salvage this class they simply must get better in this department. They also need to be on red alert for any other possible defections. Deshon Elliott has taken some visits as well as Du'Vonta Lampkin. Protect your own home and make sure these kids are locked in.
7. This staff was criticized from the beginning as lacking ace recruiters. I think at this point it's a fair criticism and shows some weaknesses at key points. From what I can see Bruce Chambers and Les Koenning aren't making big impacts in recruiting. Chris Rumph and Brian Jean-Mary are better but not great, while the stars may be Chris Vaughn and Tommie Robinson. Chambers has long outlived his usefulness and could be ushered out to bring in a top recruiter. This may be something for Charlie Strong to look at.
8. Bottom line, let's see what this class looks like on signing day. It sucks right now but it can get better.
1. The loss of Toby Weathersby was a big one. Weathersby was one of the bona fide blue chip recruits this class had. The signs have been there for a while, but it appears as if Weathersby was holding this offer as insurance against an injury only to jump to another school. If that is the case and Texas finds themselves in that position, it's time to change something drastically.
2. Not winning the committment of Darrin Kirkland Jr., while disappointing shouldn't be a huge indictment of this staff. He would have been a great victory, and the staff will have to start winning some of these battles, but this was clearly a case of familiarity with the Tennessee staff coupled with proximity to his home. By all accounts Texas really impressed Kirkland on his official visit, and were in the game late but couldn't close it out. It happens a lot in recruiting national talent but the staff will have to start winning some of these battles. While it feels good to gain ground like that, second place is the first loser.
3. All signs point to Malik Jefferson committing to Texas A&M. I think anyone following this closely has seen that. Remarkable job by the staff to get back in on this recruitment after it was dead in the water a year ago, but this will be another place where they come up short. There are a number of reasons you can use as excuses for this, but the bottom line is Texas needs to start winning in state for the top recruits to get back to where they want to go.
4. While the loss of Jordan Stevenson was puzzling, I don't see it as a huge loss talent wise. I've seen Stevenson live and frankly was underwhelmed by his lack of explosive ability. It always hurts perception wise, but the Longhorns have a big chance to upgrade at that position with Chris Warren which brings me to my next point.
5. While the timing of these events looks bad for the coaching staff, if we examine each situation in a vacuum we can really get a look at each recruitment and how to fix or repair it.
Weathersby - There is no way to replace Weathersby right now. While Texas has a deep incoming offensive line class, no one has the top end talent that Weathersby does. Patrick Vahe might come close, and Connor Williams and Ronnie Major may have higher ceilings, but Weathersby was the jewel of the line class.
Jefferson - There is no way to replace not getting the top player in the state and top outside linebacker in the nation. The Kirkland win would have helped, but Texas has to figure out something at that position because Townsend and Hager aren't enough to get it done.
Stevenson - As I mentioned, the possible committments of Chris Warren or Nick Brosette are clear upgrades at this position. Neither have the speed of Stevenson, but I believe both are better players.
Kirkland - While losing Kirkland stings, Texas would really have to mess things up to not get Cecil Cherry at this point. While Cherry isn't as highly rated (mostly due to height) he's got a ton of talent and will be a very nice consolation prize.
John Burt - The writing has been on the wall regarding this one for a long time as well. Texas took a big WR class last year and have the chance to get Ryan Newsome this season to go along with the 2016 committments of Reggie Hemphill and Colin Johnson. However, with an offense in need of talent losing a big time national player with the skills Burt has would hurt. Texas must win that recruitment or formulate a backup plan.
Other - I think Texas has a chance to close with Cecil Cherry, Devonaire Clarington, Chris Clark, Tim Irvin, Davante Davis, Kris Boyd, and Holton Hill. I don't believe they get that entire haul but they have a chance with each of those guys. 3 or 4 would go a long way since they are all national blue chip type recruits.
6. Yes this staff has been known for development, but the overwhelming research shows that better talent equals better production. While I've just outlined a way for the coaching staff to salvage this class they simply must get better in this department. They also need to be on red alert for any other possible defections. Deshon Elliott has taken some visits as well as Du'Vonta Lampkin. Protect your own home and make sure these kids are locked in.
7. This staff was criticized from the beginning as lacking ace recruiters. I think at this point it's a fair criticism and shows some weaknesses at key points. From what I can see Bruce Chambers and Les Koenning aren't making big impacts in recruiting. Chris Rumph and Brian Jean-Mary are better but not great, while the stars may be Chris Vaughn and Tommie Robinson. Chambers has long outlived his usefulness and could be ushered out to bring in a top recruiter. This may be something for Charlie Strong to look at.
8. Bottom line, let's see what this class looks like on signing day. It sucks right now but it can get better.
