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2015 Recruiting Season is in full swing

From Taylor Hamm:

Mack may be serious this time

In the past, I've been quick to shoot down schools I felt weren't going to be threats to A&M. I think we've done a great job covering all the ups and downs of this recruitment and have the best handle on his thought process.

With that said..

Honestly, this is the most distraught I've seen Mack since covering him. Whenever you have a player trying to figure how he's going to handle the fallout of leaving a class he's put his personal stamp on for this long, it's certainly time to get concerned. That's where we're at.

I still feel TCU isn't a big threat, but that's only my opinion, and based off what I'm hearing, LSU is the only school I can see Mack ditch A&M for and that's a real possibility.

As he told us last night, "I'm just thinking it all over because it's a huge decision just because of the class and what I've done. If I were to leave, I don't know how I'm going to handle it, and leaving is a possibility right now. LSU is a serious threat man. A serious one."

I'd say Daylon's situation is a lot like Maliks in the fact that if he ends up officially visiting LSU down the road then it's getting to the point where Terry Price may want to bring in another DT on a visit just in case. Along those same lines, you think DuVonta Lampkin coming in as Kemah Siverand's guest is not recruiting related? That's just something to keep an eye on.

The chances of Daylon returning to Baton Rouge are much higher than Malik at this point because Daylon isn't graduating early and his visit to LSU on Saturday was an unofficial so he'll have an official to use there. That means Les Miles and his staff will get another great opportunity, along with in-home visits, to make up ground on A&M.

There's also just as many question marks surrounding Daylon's recruitment, that have yet to be determined, as we outlined early with Jefferson's recruitment.

One being Malik himself. Where Malik decides to go will absolutely play a major role here. Obviously, if Jefferson ends up at A&M, I think that's game over and Daylon signs with A&M and it won't matter how the Aggies finish out this season. If Malik ends up at Texas or LSU then all the sudden you've given Daylon more ammon not to sign with A&M and then you'd have to factor in how A&M finished and a number of different scenarios i.e. Mark Snyder possibly not returning etc.

Daylon has come out and said A&M needs to go at least 3-1 to finish out the season, and they have a decent shot at that, but what he didn't say was that would absolutely lock him in. He just said that needed to happen first.

I think this is a situation where you want to get the last shot at Daylon, so if I'm A&M, I don't bring him in on his official until late January. He's seen the school, facilities, stadium etc. so many times that getting him in on a game weekend or banquet weekend in December doesn't help at all. I'd bring him in with Kris Boyd a few weeks before signing day so he's at least got one of his close friends with him and you want A&M fresh in his mind right before NSD because if he flips it won't be until the 11th hour.

So basically we're at a standstill until A&M finishes out their season, Malik makes his decision and Daylon decides on his remaining official visits. 

 
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Some Q&A with Higdon --

SMTX65 wrote: Jason, you seem to know more about Strong's way of recruiting better than any other media sources. Do you honestly think we'll end up with a top 10 class? Also, do you think there are any silent commits from this weekend?

Higs’ Answer: Absolutely Texas will no question. They are what, No 14 now? With 18 kids in the class?? Yes, Texas will end up with a top 10 class and I believe they have an "outside" shot at ending up at or around the No 5 spot IF things go the way they are hoping they go moving forward....LOT of ground to cover between now and things going the way they hope....and Yes to the 2nd part of your question I do believe that.

shotymee wrote: QB recruiting has slowed down, with now new offers for a while now. Is Texas still set on taking 2 QB commitments in this class. Any new names?

Higs’ Answer:I believe you will absolutely see a 2nd QB in this class...HS, JUCO name your pick it will happen my good man....I can think of one juco and one hs QB they could take right now if they wanted but they will be patient with this to the end...Gentry on board is a HUGE LUXURY I might add.

shotymee wrote: How confident are that Texas lands either K.Boyd or Holtin Hill? Any chance we land both?

Higs’ Answer: I think clearly they could l and both of these players...I like the relationship between Hill and the staff as well as Boyd, I also love the fact that Boyds younger brother has named Texas the leader...that is a big deal that has seemingly flown under the radar a little bit.

sawdin wrote: Jason, Given the lack of depth at many positions, and the lack of proven talent that is returning, UT should be scouring the JUCO ranks, especially for:

QB: What's the latest on UT checking out JUCO QB's? Are they still interested in Hubenak (Blinn) and Daniel Fitzwater (CLCC)? Anyone else?

OT: Anyone else besides Rankin (who seems more interested in staying in MS) and Hodges?

WR: No proven talent returning to make up Harris' and Shipley's production, and possible they whiff on their top HS recruits.

LB: Especially MLB, and again, be prepared in case they whiff on HS targets.

DT: Would be nice to have another who can step in and play.

Any names you can share?

TIA

Higs’ Answer: They need to further evaluate Hubenak..he is interesting for sure and really really loves Texas so that is one to keep an eye on moving forward....Texas needs numbers at QB for sure. I am not sure you can take both, meaning, either you take another HS kid OR you take another QB that is a JUCO.....The only thing that is certain on my end is Texas will not end NSD 2015 with one QB on board..

Hodges is interesting..I agree with you on Rankin..Brandon is taking an OV to OkSt this weekend and then UF the following wknd..then plays in title game on Dec 7 and then goes to Louisville for an OV...I do not believe you will see Texas land either with the recent addition to the OL. It might come down to how serious Tillery is about taking an OV to Texas in the future..

Texas will not whiff at the WR position..some things might not be clear right now for the general public but they will not whiff at the WR position

LB keep an eye on Cecil Cherry my friend...

DT, I am not so sure the door is 100% closed on Mote but we will see what happens..

martymondragon wrote: With a possible addition of C. Warren or N. Brosette...which of RB recruits do you see jumping ship? I would hate to lose Stevenson, guy has been committed from the last staff and can flat our play. Different sort of back we need to keep....

Higs’ Answer: I think with Jordan its pretty clear he is looking at his options and this is without EITHER Brossett or Warren in the fold...can you imagine what he might do if one or both joined the Texas class?

Khaos27 wrote: How interested is Darrin Kirkland in Texas and realistically what are the Longhorns chances with him?

Higs’ Answer:Its very real and I think the fact he is taking this OV proves how serious he is. He has known these guys for a while, in particular the defensive coaches of Strong, Jean-Mary and Bedford..that is a big deal and he has opened things back up so he already has a built in comfort factor with the Texas staff and the facilities will sell themselves...After he takes this OV we will find out how serious he actually is about the Longhorns and joining this program.

wavoigt2791 wrote: Where are we with malik? Aggies seem to be gaining confidence....

Higs’ Answer:Aggies think they are a real option for MJ and McNeal. it is recruiting so anything could happen but that will surprise me to see go down. The great thing about this situation is we have about 5 weeks and both players will go public...

HookedonHorns2797 wrote: If Malik commits on the 20th of December (It's a big IF) will he be a great recruiter for us and who are some of the players recruitments he could effect if he did commit?

Higs’ Answer:Daylon Mack would be No 1 player I believe Malik would have an impact on....Boyd and Hill close 2nd and 3rd....Its the perception landing Malik brings to Texas that would be worth its weight in gold

JMan38 wrote: Former Florida HS and current Georgia Prep star WR Gilbert Johnson visited UT with the rest of the Florida crew, any news on him? At 6'5 200 looks like an option to replace Burt if need be.

Higs’ Answer:lol I guess I should have read all the questions before I answered them. Yes, Gilbert is a great LOOKING WR prospect...and as I have alluded since Charlie and company took over at Texas they have a LOT of things going on behind closed doors most ppl are simply not aware of...Gilbert is friends with those guys and Texas has a chance to pull some kids from the Sunshine state for 2015 imo for sure....He is not another option if Burt bolts, they want to land both of these players....both are VERY good WR's one would be great but you land both that would be fantastic

-- more at the link --  http://texas.scout.com/story/1480194-free-ultimate-ut-recruiting-q-a?s=110

 
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Some Q&A with Higdon --

SMTX65 wrote: Jason, you seem to know more about Strong's way of recruiting better than any other media sources. Do you honestly think we'll end up with a top 10 class? Also, do you think there are any silent commits from this weekend?

Higs’ Answer: Absolutely Texas will no question. They are what, No 14 now? With 18 kids in the class?? Yes, Texas will end up with a top 10 class and I believe they have an "outside" shot at ending up at or around the No 5 spot IF things go the way they are hoping they go moving forward....LOT of ground to cover between now and things going the way they hope....and Yes to the 2nd part of your question I do believe that.

shotymee wrote: QB recruiting has slowed down, with now new offers for a while now. Is Texas still set on taking 2 QB commitments in this class. Any new names?

Higs’ Answer:I believe you will absolutely see a 2nd QB in this class...HS, JUCO name your pick it will happen my good man....I can think of one juco and one hs QB they could take right now if they wanted but they will be patient with this to the end...Gentry on board is a HUGE LUXURY I might add.

shotymee wrote: How confident are that Texas lands either K.Boyd or Holtin Hill? Any chance we land both?

Higs’ Answer: I think clearly they could l and both of these players...I like the relationship between Hill and the staff as well as Boyd, I also love the fact that Boyds younger brother has named Texas the leader...that is a big deal that has seemingly flown under the radar a little bit.

sawdin wrote: Jason, Given the lack of depth at many positions, and the lack of proven talent that is returning, UT should be scouring the JUCO ranks, especially for:

QB: What's the latest on UT checking out JUCO QB's? Are they still interested in Hubenak (Blinn) and Daniel Fitzwater (CLCC)? Anyone else?

OT: Anyone else besides Rankin (who seems more interested in staying in MS) and Hodges?

WR: No proven talent returning to make up Harris' and Shipley's production, and possible they whiff on their top HS recruits.

LB: Especially MLB, and again, be prepared in case they whiff on HS targets.

DT: Would be nice to have another who can step in and play.

Any names you can share?

TIA

Higs’ Answer: They need to further evaluate Hubenak..he is interesting for sure and really really loves Texas so that is one to keep an eye on moving forward....Texas needs numbers at QB for sure. I am not sure you can take both, meaning, either you take another HS kid OR you take another QB that is a JUCO.....The only thing that is certain on my end is Texas will not end NSD 2015 with one QB on board..

Hodges is interesting..I agree with you on Rankin..Brandon is taking an OV to OkSt this weekend and then UF the following wknd..then plays in title game on Dec 7 and then goes to Louisville for an OV...I do not believe you will see Texas land either with the recent addition to the OL. It might come down to how serious Tillery is about taking an OV to Texas in the future..

Texas will not whiff at the WR position..some things might not be clear right now for the general public but they will not whiff at the WR position

LB keep an eye on Cecil Cherry my friend...

DT, I am not so sure the door is 100% closed on Mote but we will see what happens..

martymondragon wrote: With a possible addition of C. Warren or N. Brosette...which of RB recruits do you see jumping ship? I would hate to lose Stevenson, guy has been committed from the last staff and can flat our play. Different sort of back we need to keep....

Higs’ Answer: I think with Jordan its pretty clear he is looking at his options and this is without EITHER Brossett or Warren in the fold...can you imagine what he might do if one or both joined the Texas class?

Khaos27 wrote: How interested is Darrin Kirkland in Texas and realistically what are the Longhorns chances with him?

Higs’ Answer:Its very real and I think the fact he is taking this OV proves how serious he is. He has known these guys for a while, in particular the defensive coaches of Strong, Jean-Mary and Bedford..that is a big deal and he has opened things back up so he already has a built in comfort factor with the Texas staff and the facilities will sell themselves...After he takes this OV we will find out how serious he actually is about the Longhorns and joining this program.

wavoigt2791 wrote: Where are we with malik? Aggies seem to be gaining confidence....

Higs’ Answer:Aggies think they are a real option for MJ and McNeal. it is recruiting so anything could happen but that will surprise me to see go down. The great thing about this situation is we have about 5 weeks and both players will go public...

HookedonHorns2797 wrote: If Malik commits on the 20th of December (It's a big IF) will he be a great recruiter for us and who are some of the players recruitments he could effect if he did commit?

Higs’ Answer:Daylon Mack would be No 1 player I believe Malik would have an impact on....Boyd and Hill close 2nd and 3rd....Its the perception landing Malik brings to Texas that would be worth its weight in gold

JMan38 wrote: Former Florida HS and current Georgia Prep star WR Gilbert Johnson visited UT with the rest of the Florida crew, any news on him? At 6'5 200 looks like an option to replace Burt if need be.

Higs’ Answer:lol I guess I should have read all the questions before I answered them. Yes, Gilbert is a great LOOKING WR prospect...and as I have alluded since Charlie and company took over at Texas they have a LOT of things going on behind closed doors most ppl are simply not aware of...Gilbert is friends with those guys and Texas has a chance to pull some kids from the Sunshine state for 2015 imo for sure....He is not another option if Burt bolts, they want to land both of these players....both are VERY good WR's one would be great but you land both that would be fantastic

-- more at the link --  http://texas.scout.com/story/1480194-free-ultimate-ut-recruiting-q-a?s=110
I would really enjoy out recruiting the aggies after the head start they had and finish in the top 10. We need a Juco QB or transfer, someone who can compete for the starting job next year. Swoops is still unproven, Heard has no experience, and I assume the coaches will want to redshirt Gentry.

 
Sounds like Oklahoma State is about to lose their top commit in Ronald Jones. Now it makes sense why they offered Chris Warren so late. 

 
It's starting to sound like we might be getting in the game for Soso. 
Soso is a really impressive back. I feel like we had the lead on his recruiting there for a while and then just kind of...fell off. Although, I know Strong says he's not crazy about recruiting in-season. With that said, my concern is that we might be focusing on too many halfbacks. Even if you use two different backs a year (Which no team does), that's still only eight backs. I feel like Texas has their focus on 5 or 6 right now.

 
Soso is a really impressive back. I feel like we had the lead on his recruiting there for a while and then just kind of...fell off. Although, I know Strong says he's not crazy about recruiting in-season. With that said, my concern is that we might be focusing on too many halfbacks. Even if you use two different backs a year (Which no team does), that's still only eight backs. I feel like Texas has their focus on 5 or 6 right now.
I think Texas is recruiting him as an athlete. I'm not sure Strong sees him as a RB. Granted, that may cost us Soso but if we land Warren and Brosette it's all good. 

 
How is aggy gaining confidence with Malik? I've heard that he's not even taking an OV with them.

 
My confidence is a little low for mizzou after watching Indiana pummel them at home. Let's Hope mizzou exposes them for who they really are and we continue to improve.

 
He's visiting this weekend. Hopefully Mizzou wipes the field with them.
I'm still holding out hope that he cancel's the visit or no shows like he's done in the past. The meltdown will once again be epic.

 
Anybody hearing any behind the scenes rumblings about Jamabo and Texas?? I think something may be going on.

 
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