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submitted on Today, 02:14 PM in Recruiting By Horn Sports
Needing an injection of skilled playmakers to the Texas roster, Charlie Strong collected 22 letters of intent on National Signing Day. In Strong’s first year, the Texas offense was a woeful combination of poor execution, injuries to players, and dismissals that depleted depth.
A Texas high school coach reviewed film on Strong’s offensive skill players and shared his thoughts:
QUARTERBACK
Kai Locksley - 6’3, 190
Any time there is a chance to take a kid that was offered by Florida State, a school is getting a great player, no matter what position he ends up playing. Add to the fact that Locksley’s dad is a big-time offensive coordinator, and that means Locksley has a good mind for football. On film he is a true dual threat/zone read player. Locksley is a magician with his fakes and shows great touch on his passes. Doesn’t look like he has an extremely strong arm but he fits the ball in tight windows. When he decides to run with the ball he has A+ talent. He has some Vince Young to his game in my opinion.
WIDE RECEIVER
John Burt - 6’3, 180
John Burt is a big bodied wideout that can get deep or catch a short ball and take it the distance. Burt has the ability to return kicks and punts but I don’t think that is something fans will see him doing at UT. He averaged 20+ yards per catch and that is a big deal. Burt doesn’t show a ton of elusiveness but he is a long strider that will be hard to tackle because of his size. He reminds me of Limas Sweed.
Gilbert Johnson - 6’2, 190
Johnson is another thick bodied receiver that will be a good possession guy for UT. He doesn’t show elite speed on film but does have some big-time ball skills. Johnson has the ability to go up and get the ball over the top of people, and has a very wide catch radius. At Texas, Johnson looks to be a guy that will do a good job running slants and working the middle of the field.
Deandre McNeal - 6’2, 225
While the previous two guys are big bodied receivers, McNeal is the biggest of all three. It’s no secret that some people think he could be the best of the Mesquite Poteet duo when it’s all said and done. Texas beat out some big time programs to get this kid because he has an insane amount of versatility. If you watch his highlights, he is playing every receiver spot, running back, wildcat quarterback, and he is a monster linebacker. McNeal can play all special teams positions including returning kicks if the coaching staff wants a big body back there. He won’t run away from people but defenders will have a rough time bringing him down. McNeal is Fozzy Whitiker in Jermichael Finley’s body.
Ryan Newsome - 5’8, 175
Newsome will probably be the fastest Longhorn on the roster when he makes it to campus. This kid will be a great slot receiver than can run the jet sweep and catch quick bubble routes. Newsome brings the wiggle to this recruiting class. Although he may never develop into an every down receiver, Newsome will be a kid that coaches need to get the ball to during each game. He reminds me of Daje Johnson with better hands. I will be very surprised if he isn’t on the field for kickoff return vs Notre Dame.
TIGHT END
Devonaire Clarington - 6’5, 240
On his highlights, Clarington doesn’t play tight end – his coaches used him as a huge receiver. It doesn’t seem like he will be a big threat as a true blocking tight end but with Texas moving to the spread he will be used the way the New Orlean Saints use Jimmy Graham. Clarington is a huge mismatch problem because he will run away from linebackers and be too big for most defensive backs. For a guy his size he runs very good routes. If Clarington shows the ability to block, he could see some early playing time. From the looks of his film, he is in the NFL’s hybrid tight end mold. If all else fails, don’t be surprised to see Clarington turn into a dynamic defensive end.
RUNNING BACK
Tristian Houston - 5’11, 195
Houston played high school ball at one of the highest recruited schools in the country, so he is not afraid of competition. He is not very flashy and won’t wow you when watching his film, but Houston will be the type of player that always makes plays when Texas needs them. Houston does have some burst and can also catch the ball - he will be the guy that has a key block or big 3rd down catch. As the glue for his North Shore team, and very reliable, Houston could be a 5th round NFL draft pick and stick in the league for a while - he reminds me of a young Selvin Young.
Kirk Johnson - 6’1, 205
Johnson may end up being the best skill guy in this class. He runs with power, has vision, and will run away from defenders in the open field. Johnson will play early for Texas as a special teams utility guy. Even though he is not Jamaal Charles fast, he has the same instinctive skills that can’t be coached - Texas stole a monster from California. When he first committed the name Marshall Faulk popped into my head.
Chris Warren - 6’2, 240
Warren is a grown man and will have an instant impact for UT. He has great size but he will also run away from pursuit. He will punish defensive backs, and can’t be arm tackled. When he gets out in the open, he doesn’t get run down from behind. Of all the three backs left on the board, I think this was the best signing day pick up. He is another kid that could be a force on special teams. Recovery from a knee injury shows that this kid is mentally tough and a hard worker. I can see him playing at a strong 225-230. If it doesn’t work out at running back, he can be a dynamic linebacker.
