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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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There are currently 7 commitments in the 2016 class – 3 WR’s, 1 TE, 1 LB, 1 QB, 1 OL, 1 DT. Adding those numbers to the roster and removing players expected to graduate next Spring results in a solid look at which positions need to be areas of focus in this fall’s recruiting.
The top two positions in terms of quality and quantity are OL and DT. At running back, the quantity is on campus – without an RB currently committed, the position will be on where Texas is selective this fall.
Offensive Line:
The Longhorns already have a commitment from Tope Imade, and in-state targets Jean Delance and Patrick Hudson are discussed below. Denzel Okafor isn’t a Top 50 player and at this point it looks like he’s close to pulling the trigger in favor of TCU. Unless other targets emerge in Texas (unlikely), Joe Wickline will have to pull a rabbit out of his hat with Delance and Hudson, or look to the JUCO ranks.
Defensive Tackle:
Texas has a chance with Kendell Jones, but appears to be on the outside looking in with Ed Oliver and Chris Daniels (more on those three prospects below). The story to watch will be Stanford commit Mike Williams of Fort Worth All Saints who will visit Texas this season. Jordan Elliott seems to be the guy everyone is banking on to go along with Louisiana tackle Gerald Wilbon.
Running Back:
If Whaley doesn’t choose Texas there are several targets ranked behind him that Texas could pursue. The primary two are Darius Anderson of George Ranch and Kyle Porter of Katy. Texas took a large class at RB in 2015 and seems to only be interested in taking one (or a max of two) this year. Anderson is likely to commit if UT pursues him aggressively.
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Patrick Hudson (Silsbee HS), a 5-star offensive tackle and the No. 3 ranked player on the HornSports Top 50 for 2016 committed to Baylor as a high school junior in July 2014. With another full season left to play before making the transition to college football, it stands to reason that recruiting interest in Hudson will continue to grow. Along with offers from LSU, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Hudson holds an offer from the Longhorns.
Lately there has been speculation about Hudson’s pledge to Baylor and whether or not it will indeed materialize into a signature on National Signing Day. HornSports chatted with Hudson to talk about the recent rumors surrounding his commitment to the Bears and his thoughts on the Texas program.
On his commitment to Baylor and whether or not it was a firm pledge:
“I can't comment on that one. But my eyes are wide open.â€
His opinion about the Texas program:
“The program is really nice, I liked everything there.â€
What stands out most about the Longhorns?
“The coaches.â€
What does he think about Joe Wickline?
“Coach Wickline is an awesome coach.â€
Silsbee went 4-7-1 last season and Hudson says his team should be “way better than last year.†He’s focusing on the upcoming season with which kicks off on August 28th against Barbers Hill.
While the push for Hudson won’t be over until National Signing Day next February, expect the Texas coaching staff to go full-force in their attempt to land a needed player at a position of need.
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After a fast paced summer full of camps and recruiting visits, the UT coaches are entering one of the final legs for the 2016 recruiting class. While the period between the end of the high school season and signing day is defined as the home stretch, the fall represents one of the best chances to make a lasting impression. Generally, recruits that commit during the home stretch pledge to teams that recruited them well during their season.
HornSports is updating our 2016 rankings, and plans to release them in time for the start of the high school football season. If you haven’t already acquainted yourself with the names on the list, now is the time to do so.
Before our revision is complete, here’s a current look at the in-state recruiting landscape with the Top 25 players and how the Longhorns are trending with those players as everyone prepares for the fall:
1. Brandon Jones – Safety – Nacogdoches
Commitment status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this one will come down to an in-state battle between Texas and Texas A&M. The Aggies hold a slight edge at this point in time, but this recruitment seems tailor made for Charlie Strong to close down the stretch (much like he did with Malik Jefferson). Jones has a high comfort level with Texas A&M, but he has never been shy about his admiration for Charlie Strong.
The Prediction: I’m going to stick to my guns on this one and stay with the prediction I made at the beginning of the summer…like they did with Jefferson, Texas closes on Jones and deals a blow to Texas A&M in the final seconds of the recruiting season.
2. Greg Little – Offensive Tackle – Allen
Commitment status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Little decommitted from Texas A&M during the summer – he never seemed that comfortable with his decision from the beginning. The Aggies will fight and claw to get back in this one, but it is looking more and more like Nick Saban will pluck another prized Texan away from the in-state schools.
The Prediction: Texas will get involved at some point this season and get the hopes of fans up, but barring a miracle they aren’t a factor in this one at all. Alabama wins the services of Little on signing day.
3. Patrick Hudson – Offensive Tackle – Silsbee
Commitment Status: Committed to Baylor
The Buzz: Hudson is a low-key country boy who doesn’t seem to care for all of the attention he garners by being one of the nation’s elite prospects. While he doesn’t do many interviews, he’s made it clear that his recruitment is still open and he is thinking about taking official visits this season. He already took a stealth visit to Austin a couple of weeks ago, and our sources are saying that behind the scenes the Longhorns are putting in a lot of work. Alabama looms large in the picture (like they seem to for just about every star recruit).
The Prediction: This will be an interesting battle between Texas and Baylor, as I don’t believe Hudson is likely to go far from home. It will come down to the Longhorns getting him on campus for an official and truly wowing him. Texas will put up a fight, mounting a valiant effort, but it’s one that I believe will ultimately fall just a bit short.
4. Ed Oliver – Defensive Tackle – Spring Westfield
Commitment Status: Committed to Houston
The Buzz: There really isn’t a lot of buzz right now. Oliver shocked everyone when he committed to the Cougars early in the summer, and hasn’t done a lot to indicate he’s entertaining any other schools.
The Prediction: While a team like LSU could certainly get involved in the fall, I have no reason to believe Oliver doesn’t stick with Houston.
5. Eric Monroe – Defensive Back – Galena Park North Shore
Commitment Status: Committed to LSU
The Buzz: Monroe seems firmly committed to playing in Baton Rouge, but there is a crack in the door for another team. Before Monroe pledged to the Bayou Bengals, the Aggies were thought to be a serious contender (with teams like Baylor and Texas bringing up the rear). Monroe seems to be the type who will take his visits and enjoy the process. If he does so, there’s no telling what fireworks may occur during the season.
The Prediction: He will pop up on campus at schools like Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and maybe even Texas, but Monroe has been locked on to LSU for a long time. Barring a disaster season for the Tigers (complete with the sacking of Les Miles), Monroe will head to Louisiana.
6. Devin Duvernay – Wide Receiver – Sachse
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Duvernay keeps a low profile, but the human jet pack quietly likes Texas and Baylor. The key hurdle to overcome will be the fact that Duvernay wants to play college ball with his twin brother Donovan Duvernay, who doesn’t hold an offer from the Longhorns, but does have one from Baylor.
The Prediction: Things look great for the Longhorns, but I don’t see UT offering Duvernay’s brother which could nullify them – Texas already holds commitments from three highly ranked receivers, and might decide they have enough. Baylor was the first school to offer Devin and thus holds a special place in his heart. That fact combined with the Bears’ offer to Donovan makes me think Duvernay winds up in Waco.
7. Kendell Jones – Defensive Tackle – Killeen Shoemaker
Commitment Status: Committed to Alabama
The Buzz: While “the Hulk†locked things down very early in the cycle, the buzz has always been that he will make things interesting until the very end. Jones will take all five of his official visits, and schools like Texas and LSU will hang around for his services.
The Prediction: I predict he sticks with Alabama, but I think Texas will get involved and make things very interesting. Jones is a bit unique so it wouldn’t surprise me to see it go either way.
8. Erick Fowler – Linebacker – Manor
Commitment Status: Committed to LSU
The Buzz: From the moment Fowler committed to LSU, there has been buzz that his recruitment is far from over. It’s a two horse race at this point between his childhood favorite LSU, and the local school in Austin that his family loves. Texas also managed to lock down one of Fowler’s good friends in 2017 Westlake quarterback Sam Ehlinger.
The Prediction: A strong defensive performance from Texas coupled with a meltdown in Baton Rouge could be key here, but even without those things I like the Longhorn’s chances. Ehlinger is a big presence in the ear of the talented defender, and the longer UT keeps the door cracked, the better it is for Charlie Strong and company. I predict the Longhorns end up with Fowler.
9. Kaden Smith – Tight End – Flower Mound Marcus
Commitment Status: Committed to Stanford
The Buzz: Smith looks solid to Stanford despite the fact he’s admitted that he still keeps in contact with several schools including Texas. The continued contact with schools other than the Cardinal, may be Smith covering bases in the event he is not admitted to Stanford.
The Prediction: Texas and Alabama might get visits from the talented tight end, but assuming Smith gains acceptance to Stanford there will be no real excitement in this recruitment.
10. Tren’Davian Dickson – Wide Receiver – Navasota
Commitment Status: Committed to Texas
The Buzz: There hasn’t been any since Dickson announced his surprise commitment in July. Dickson indicated he plans to be an early enrollee, and wants to focus solely on the goal of winning a second state title with Navasota.
The Prediction: Schools like Baylor and Texas A&M could try to make a run, but Dickson is no-nonsense and in love with Texas. He’s a Longhorn on signing day.
11. Isaiah Chambers – Defensive End – Houston MacArthur
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Chambers has been pretty quiet, but released a top 10 earlier this month that included the Longhorns along with schools like TCU, Oklahoma, Baylor, and Texas A&M. Texas has been in catch up mode after waiting to contact the talented defensive end, but they’ve put in enough work to gain some ground. Will it be enough? Chambers doesn’t talk much so it’s hard to say.
The Prediction: He isn’t tipping his hand at this point, and the Longhorns have as good of a chance as anyone. I’ll say he goes to TCU, but this one probably won’t heat up until around November.
12. Deontay Anderson – Safety – Manvel
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Anderson has been locked on to schools like Texas A&M and Ole Miss for a while, but the Longhorns have done enough behind the scenes to remain near the top of the pack. This ultimately comes down to a battle between Texas and Ole Miss in my opinion.
The Prediction: Reggie Hemphill puts in work and helps the Longhorns lock down another prospect from Manvel U.
13. Devwah Whaley – Running Back – Beaumont Central
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Whaley is fielding offers from all over the Big 12 and SEC, and his top five of Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Georgia are all real contenders to land the top back in the state. With no team other than perhaps Oklahoma standing out this one could run all the way to signing day.
The Prediction: If he actually has a favorite, Whaley isn’t tipping his hand. I don’t believe he has one yet, but if signing day were tomorrow I’d guess Oklahoma.
14. Dontavious Jackson – Linebacker – Elsik
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Jackson has a huge list of schools he’s considering, but the Longhorns remain a constant favorite. The Houston area pied piper loves Austin and has a strong relationship with Texas freshman Malik Jefferson.
The Prediction: From what we hear things continue to look very good for the Longhorns. He will take all five visits and decide on signing day, but I’d be very surprised if he didn’t fax his letter to Austin.
15. Dee Andersron – Wide Receiver – DeSoto
Commitment Status: Committed to LSU
The Buzz: Texas will make a push with the help of Anderson’s cousin, DeAndre McNeal. Anderson loves LSU, but has been to Texas quite a bit and admitted that the Longhorns are the only real threat to LSU for his signature.
The Prediction: I’m going to stick with LSU, but if I had to put a percentage on it I’d call it 55/45 in favor of the Tigers – it’s that close.
16. Justin Madubuike – Defensive End – McKinney North
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Madubuike doesn’t do many interviews, but this one is boiling down to a two team race between Texas and Texas A&M. The Longhorns are coming on strong, and many sources believe they might actually hold a lead.
The Prediction: Madubuike signs with Texas.
17. Jean Delance – Offensive Tackle – North Mesquite
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Perhaps the most important recruit on the board for Texas is starting to come around on the Longhorns. The Horns are locked in a battle with A&M (and to a lesser extent Oklahoma) for Delance. The big OT wants to see good things from the Longhorns this year, and steady improvement on the line could seal the deal. Regardless, the Longhorns have made up serious ground since summer and Delance is close with several current players and commits.
The Prediction: The longer it goes the better it is for Texas. If Delance pushes his announcement back to after the season I could see it ending in burnt orange.
18. Kameron Martin – Running Back – Port Arthur Memorial
Commitment Status: Committed to Baylor
The Buzz: While the Longhorns have always loomed large for the cousin of Jamaal Charles, it seems that Martin is locking into Baylor. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Martin in Austin for a game this year, but considering he just got a large Baylor tattoo on his arm it’s hard to see this one flipping. Stranger things have happened (google Ruben Foster).
The Prediction: Martin stays with Baylor.
19. Chris Daniels – Defensive Tackle – Trinity
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Daniels is all over the map with his favorites, and, for whatever reason, the Longhorns haven’t engaged themselves in his recruitment. While TCU and Texas A&M look like the smart money, keep an eye out for Arkansas.
The Prediction: If Daniels gets back to Fayetteville for an official visit, the Razorbacks will seal the deal.
20. Reggie Hemphill – Wide Receiver – Manvel
Commitment Status: Committed to Texas
The Buzz: A spring visit to Ole Miss gave Longhorn fans some worries, but the long time UT commitment is putting in serious work on the recruiting front and looks rock solid to land in Austin.
The Prediction: Hemphill is all Longhorn.
21. Courtney Lark – Wide Receiver – Bellaire
Commitment Status: Committed to TCU
The Buzz: To this point there has been no buzz around Lark since his commitment. Lark seems pretty dialed in to the Horned Frogs, and if TCU performs to expectations this season it’s hard to see that changing.
The Prediction: Lark signs with TCU.
22. Jeffrey McCulloch – Linebacker – Aldine Davis
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: McCulloch maintains that he is wide open at this point, but like his close friend Dontavious Jackson we are told things look very good for Texas. Michigan and Texas A&M might threaten to make this one exciting, as McCulloch is expected to take all of his visits.
The Prediction: It’s Texas barring a monumental change in his recruitment.
23. Shane Buechele – Quarterback – Arlington Lamar
Commitment Status: Committed to Texas
The Buzz: Buechele committed early and hasn’t entertained any other schools. After torching the competition at The Opening this summer he’s due for a big senior season and is recruiting hard for the Longhorns.
The Prediction: Texas
24. Eric Cuffee – Defensive Back – Waco
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
The Buzz: Cuffee made it to Austin several times over the summer, and it looks like it’s shaping up to be a Big 12 battle between Texas, Baylor, and TCU. All three schools are running an even heat at this point, and each has the opportunity to break away from the pack this season.
The Prediction: This might be the toughest one to predict in the Top 25, but the Longhorns have to like their chances. I’ll go with Texas.
25. Jared Mayden – Defensive Back – Sachse
Commitment Status: Committed to Oregon
The Buzz: Mayden committed to Oregon over the summer and seems pretty comfortable with his decision. He never seemed to forgive the Longhorns for not offering him early and really never considered them despite expressing respect for their defensive recruits on twitter.
The Prediction: He sticks with Oregon.
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University Lab School (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) cranks out a lot of Division-1 talent. “UHighâ€, as it is known to its students, is home to 2017’s top-ranked prospect in the nation, Dylan Moses.
Moses, who plays offense and defense, committed to LSU in 2013 – the Tigers offered when he was in 8th grade. Alabama joined LSU, offering Moses as an 8th grader, and Mack Brown soon followed suit. After Texas’ offer, more than 25 other Division I programs and extended an offer to Moses.
Unexpectedly Moses decommitted from LSU a week ago, via a statement on his twitter account. While Moses re-opening his recruitment doesn’t mean he won’t wear purple and gold at the next level, it does open doors for schools like Alabama and Texas.
To add intrigue to the story, it should be stated that Moses camped at Texas the previous two summers – he’s very familiar with the program. How much so? The day after he removed his pledge to LSU, his dad tweeted a picture of him from a visit to Austin. In the photo, Moses was decked out in burnt orange and holding up double “Hook’Em†signs.
A source close to his recruitment told HornSports that the Moses family and Charlie Strong maintain communication and they are in the process of scheduling a visit to Austin. From that conversation:
HS: Why would Texas be ideal for Moses?
“The family likes the education Dylan would receive at Texas. They are also comfortable with Brian Jean-Mary training him at linebacker. This is a big reason why Texas is in play.â€
There’s an X-factor in Moses’ recruitment that isn’t getting much attention…
Malik Jefferson has packed on 25 lbs. of muscle since enrolling early at Texas in January and is working diligently under the tutelage of Jean-Mary. Our source indicated that Malik and Dylan talk and have maintained communication since they met at a Nike Football Training Camp last year.
“They had good chemistry on the field. If Malik Jefferson does well, look for Texas to jump way up.â€
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