Another One! Texas Lands Four-Star TE Malcolm Epps (by Harrison Wier)

[tejasrulz]

Back to the topic on hand, I seem to remember reading a lot of comments that people on this board would rather have other TE's. However Epps is higher rated than one or maybe both and has an offer from Bama. Throw in the fact that Herman likes him enough to offer and I'm OK with this get.

BTW, what's the deal with the appliance ads on the sides? It's cutting into the far right of all the posts making them hard to read.

 

[utparothed]

With Kendall Moore, DWA and Beck on the roster will Epps see playing time this season or is he a possible redshirt?

 

[Will Baizer]

With Kendall Moore, DWA and Beck on the roster will Epps see playing time this season or is he a possible redshirt?

Beck and Kendall Moore will not be on the roster next year.

Beck is a Senior and Kendall Moore is a grad transfer.

Next year there will be three current TEs on the depth chart. Two of them sophomores and the other is Garrett Gray.

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

Back to the topic on hand, I seem to remember reading a lot of comments that people on this board would rather have other TE's. However Epps is higher rated than one or maybe both and has an offer from Bama. Throw in the fact that Herman likes him enough to offer and I'm OK with this get.

lol

BTW, what's the deal with the appliance ads on the sides? It's cutting into the far right of all the posts making them hard to read.

Both Ford and Muhammad are ranked higher in the composite rankings. And personally I think Epps ranking is a bit inflated based on his film from this past year.

All three guys also hold offers from Alabama, but keep in mind Epps was more or less pushed out from their class.

 

[JMagana]

With Kendall Moore, DWA and Beck on the roster will Epps see playing time this season or is he a possible redshirt?

IMO on the reports it's a safe bet that Epps will red shirt, he lacks ideal weight for the position and playing basketball isn't going to help.

A combination of college diet plan and strength and conditioning for a year should get him ready.

I also remember reading that he's going to have to improve his in line blocking.

 

[RickyFlair]

When I watched his film he looks more awkward than slow. Its like he hasn't caught up with his height. He could hold 30+ pounds of good weight and never miss a beat. If the 5.0 forty is legit he needs to really focus on his speed or a position change might be in his future. A year in the program and he could be 250 with 4.8 speed. With his length and hands he would be tremendous. If he's not a stud on the hardwood he might need to hang up the high tops.

 

[Epictetus]

BTW, what's the deal with the appliance ads on the sides? It's cutting into the far right of all the posts making them hard to read.

Somehow KitchenAid knew my wife asked if we had a food processor. And liked the color red.

 

[Slimer]

Next year there will be three current TEs on the depth chart. Two of them sophomores and the other is Garrett Gray.

I'm betting Garrett Gray will be one of a few grad transfers next spring.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Back to the topic on hand, I seem to remember reading a lot of comments that people on this board would rather have other TE's. However Epps is higher rated than one or maybe both and has an offer from Bama. Throw in the fact that Herman likes him enough to offer and I'm OK with this get.

BTW, what's the deal with the appliance ads on the sides? It's cutting into the far right of all the posts making them hard to read.

1. Epps is rated too high and I think he drops during the next updated ratings, unless he really comes into his own. I don't see him as a 4-star and think eventually he won't be.

2. Epps does not have an offer from Bama. They will not take him. They once threw one out and wanted to slow play him, but he committed and they eventually just told him he needed to look elsewhere.

3. "Herman likes him enough." Thats probably all you needed to say. I'm going to put faith in Herman on this one.

4. On whether UT takes a third TE in this class . . . I cannot imagine a situation where Herman takes the MM or Ford offers off the table. I don't think we get Ford but I hear a buzz about MM. If he wants to come, I think Herman takes him. And I can't believe I just said that. 3 TEs. Wow.

 

[shotime73]

Lol it's a good thing I dont bet lol

 

[Coal Harbour]

I'm not concerned about his 40 time and hope he doesn't lose weight.  His frame provides incredible length, in fact, length that you hope your OT has.  I could see him with his hand on the ground turning into a useful blocker and once he learns how to use his hands better, a matchup nightmare for a nickel back or OLB.  Soft hands when he catches the football.  Comparing him to other TE prospects, who may be glorified slot types, may not be fair.  I hope he has a great career at UT.  Hook em!

 

[TexExSpur]

His eval isn't going to take a massive hit.  Heck, the kid plays on a 5-6 team.  Rivals has him higher than MM at the position, ESPN has him 4th at his position, etc...  

He's 225 at 6'6", he's fluid in pads with soft hands and athletic enough to receive D1 BB scholly offers.  He's always been a take!  

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

His eval isn't going to take a massive hit. Heck, the kid plays on a 5-6 team. Rivals has him higher than MM at the position, ESPN has him 4th at his position, etc...

He's 225 at 6'6", he's fluid in pads with soft hands and athletic enough to receive D1 BB scholly offers. He's always been a take!

Rankings aside. After watching both of their films do you think Epps should be ranked higher than Muhammad?

I don't pay attention to Rivals or Espn for the record. If I'm looking at rankings I look at the composite rankings on 247 since they take all of the network rankings into account.

 

[TexExSpur]

Rankings aside. After watching both of their films do you think Epps should be ranked higher than Muhammad?

I don't pay attention to Rivals or Espn for the record. If I'm looking at rankings I look at the composite rankings on 247 since they take all of the network rankings into account.

IMHO, no.  But, I also don't see Muhammad as an option so it doesn't matter to me (I think he heads OOS).  Epps is a take with DWA already committed.  My point with ranking data is that they all have him rated highly, some much higher than others.  They're not all going to back off their evals in a big way, they all have a different philosophy.  

I agree 247 composite is the go to these days.  

Now, should Herman and company win 10 games....MM, Cook, Brown, etc...They all may jump in.

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

IMHO, no. But, I also don't see Muhammad as an option so it doesn't matter to me (I think he heads OOS). Epps is a take with DWA already committed. My point with ranking data is that they all have him rated highly, some much higher than others. They're not all going to back off their evals in a big way, they all have a different philosophy.

I agree 247 composite is the go to these days.

Now, should Herman and company win 10 games....MM, Cook, Brown, etc...They all may jump in.

Muhammad is still considering Texas, so don't rule him out yet.

Epps and DWA are similarish players to me in the way that they are good receivers, but need to develop to their blocking skills.

IMO Epps benefited in the rankings early on when he blew up and committed to Alabama, but the film since then hasn't exactly been favorable. He may have a huge senior year and prove the ranking right, but I know many think his ranking a little inflated right now.

I'm not hating on the kid, just giving my honest take on it. I hope he goes out and has a great year and puts concerns to rest.

 

[JMagana]

1. Epps is rated too high and I think he drops during the next updated ratings, unless he really comes into his own. I don't see him as a 4-star and think eventually he won't be.

2. Epps does not have an offer from Bama. They will not take him. They once threw one out and wanted to slow play him, but he committed and they eventually just told him he needed to look elsewhere.

3. "Herman likes him enough." Thats probably all you needed to say. I'm going to put faith in Herman on this one.

4. On whether UT takes a third TE in this class . . . I cannot imagine a situation where Herman takes the MM or Ford offers off the table. I don't think we get Ford but I hear a buzz about MM. If he wants to come, I think Herman takes him. And I can't believe I just said that. 3 TEs. Wow.

Texas has had 3* turn into something special before. Let's watch it play out.

 

[TexExSpur]

Muhammed is also on a much-much better HS squad.

 

[JMagana]

Daniel, what would you say the main difference from MM and Epps?

I'm not an evaluator... I see two big kids that can play ball. I I get the 40 time and measurables (height/weight/speed) and how they give you better opportunity to succeed.

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

Daniel, what would you say the main difference from MM and Epps?

I'm not an evaluator... I see two big kids that can play ball. I I get the 40 time and measurables (height/weight/speed) and how they give you better opportunity to succeed.

MM is more well rounded as a blocker and a receiver and is more college ready than Epps. It won't take MM long to see the field wherever he ends up.

 

[TexExSpur]

MM is more well rounded as a blocker and a receiver and is more college ready than Epps. It won't take MM long to see the field wherever he ends up.

Just curious, but would you have said the opposite about Brewer at the same position?  Kid is getting noticed.