Burnt Ends (6-15)

[HornSports Staff]

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.

This is a free site, so anyone can read this report. If you share it with someone, please take time to attribute the information to HornSports.

+++++

The college camp season is in full swing, and The Longhorns hosted a number of prospects this past weekend.  A couple of quick hits from players who were offered this weekend:

• Killeen Shoemaker DE Rahssan Thornton received the scholarship offer from Texas he was anticipating. With the commitment of Manor edge rusher Erick Fowler to LSU, the Horns need an option for the WDE position. Thornton listed Texas in his top group before he had an offer, and is now listing them as co-leaders with LSU.  He is a teammate of Alabama DT commit Kendell Jones, which could ultimately work in favor of the Horns if Thornton pledges. 

• Fort Bend Elkins DT Ross Blacklock is a big bodied DT whose stock is on the rise – over the last few months Blacklock’s picked up offers including Texas A&M and LSU. We are still trying to reach Blacklock for comment, but he has become a very important recruit for a Texas program desperately needing success at the defensive tackle position.

• The last offer of the weekend was to 2017 Tyler John Tyler WR Damion Miller who checked in at number 21 on our initial HornSports 2017 Top 50 ranking. Miller is already a highly recruited prospect with offers from Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.  We are also trying to reach Miller for comment.

+++++

Not only did Texas host a number of 2016 prospects at Sunday’s camp, several talented 2017 and 2018 players made their way to Austin to compete as well. Here are some quick hits from conversations with some of the younger players at the UT camp: 

• 2018 Plano Prestonwood CB Verone McKinley is a name to remember.  The talented young defensive back has offers from LSU and Oklahoma…before his sophomore year of high school. McKinley said he performed well at the camp and really enjoyed the visit.  We asked what the best part of the trip was: “Talking with Coach Vaughn and touring the facilities.” Texas did not extend a scholarship offer but made it clear that McKinley is a high priority: “They said they’re definitely recruiting me now and want to build a relationship.”

• 2017 Palestine OL Jake Neal competed at the Texas camp, and wrapped up a busy week touring other campuses, “It was my fifth camp in the past week, and it was very different.” Neal who camped at Baylor, Texas A&M, North Texas, and Texas State, told us he enjoyed the Texas State camp the most because he could see himself playing there.  Although Texas is not recruiting him at this point, Neal hopes to hear from UT more after spending some one-on-one time with new Texas tight end coach Jeff Traylor. Neal told us: “The camp yesterday was great. Learned a lot, saw a bunch of great athletes, and met many great coaches.” Although he doesn’t hold an offer from UT, we asked If he would be interested in playing for the Longhorns - his reply: “Definitely.”

• 2017 Hutto defensive end Ondario Robinson was also in attendance at the Texas camp, and the 6’5, 240 pound edge rusher said the camp was great: “I enjoyed the one-on-one’s and walking through the football facility.” Navarro JC’s offensive tackle Gewhite Stallworth was a player that caught Robinson’s eye: “There was this huge offensive tackle but I never got a chance to go against him.  He had to be 6’8, 325 pounds.”  Robinson told us he believes Texas is recruiting him and he has a definite interest as well.

+++++

We had a chance to talk with defensive line coach Brick Haley about his coaching philosophy and what he wants UT’s d-line to accomplish. In terms of the defense’s top priority, Haley has one metric that he believes is especially important for his d-line and the entire defense:

“My philosophy is to get off the field on 3rd down. It’s not just about one element.“

Haley explained his philosophy by saying that sacks, quarterback pressures, tipped balls, creating bad throws – everything a defense does contributes to them getting the opposition off the field and getting the ball back to the offense. Even though Haley was talking about what makes team defense effective, it was easy to see the dominant role the line plays in his concept.

When talking about d-line contributions, Haley noted that a lot of times the guys getting lots of sacks aren’t the guys working hardest. According to Haley, the guys inside who are pushing everything out of the pocket are often working harder.

+++++

The newest Texas commit, Tope Imade, made it down to Austin to take part in Sunday’s camp and we caught up with him after the visit.  Imade really enjoyed camp and got to compete against the previously mentioned Rahssan Thornton:

“We went against each other twice in one-on-one’s and I kinda ripped his shirt.  He was, in my opinion, the best d-lineman out there.”

Imade got a chance to work closely with the coaching staff for the first time and it sounds like the experience really made an impact: 

“It was a great opportunity working with Coach Wickline. It was something I really looked forward to.  I enjoyed having the opportunity to play and compete against raw Texas talent, and I really enjoyed coach Wick’s coaching style.”

Imade also got the chance to do some recruiting while he was on campus.  He spent time with several players including Thornton, Jean Delance, and Bellaire Episcopal (TX) offensive lineman Gio Pancotti.  Imade told us about the broad view he has when he is recruiting other players to join him in Austin:

“Right now I’m focused on getting those guys to Texas.  Not only are they great players, they have great personalities.  I have to keep in mind that I’m spending the next three to four years with these guys.”

Pancotti does not hold a Texas offer as of yet and is currently committed to Texas Tech. However, the Longhorn staff is evaluating him and one could be coming soon.

When he made his commitment, Imade told us that he might keep the door open to some other schools.  After speaking with him, it appears the visit to Austin solidified his status – Imade told us he feels good about his decision to commit to the Longhorns: 

“Especially after meeting Coach Strong and talking to him about the entire program.  It’s like home.  My hope is to contribute to the football program, and receive a quality education.”

+++++

Jay Norvell was hired to coach wide receivers, but obviously the guys throwing passes own half of that equation. Given the impact QB’s have on how his position group will be judged, Norvell shared some thoughts on what the team needs out of it’s quarterback this fall:

“One of them [Tyrone Swoopes & Jerrod Heard] will surface before September and be that guy. There’s a lot of work to be done before then. They’re both gonna have to prove themselves. Whoever is eventually the starter is gonna have to prove it over the course of time between now and then.”

Rather than predicting whether Swoopes or Heard will start, Norvell sang the company line regarding depth at the position:

“I really think way too much is made of it [naming a starter] because they’re both gonna have to play well for us to have a good season. If just one of them does, I don’t know that we can have that kind of season. You have to have two good quarterbacks to have a good year.”

However, listening to Norvell talk about the whole-team concept within offensive structure added enough insight to the conversation to indicate his remarks about UT needing two quality quarterbacks are more than coach-speak. Texas’ wide receivers coach went in detail about how big plays are a result of a lot of people doing their job.

For example, Norvell talked about how a long touchdown reception is much more than a good catch or throw. Only crediting the catch and throw ignores OL play, blitz pickup, routes run by other receivers, and countless other details. Although it sounds elementary here, it’s a concept that eludes many fans.

+++++

Speaking of quarterbacks, the Horns are hosting their Elite QB Academy this week and have several of the state’s top passers set to attend. The Academy kicked off on Monday and runs through Wednesday. 

Austin Westlake QB Sam Ehlinger and Refugio signal caller Jaylon Mascorro are among those in attendance. Colleyville Heritage QB Cam Roane will also be on hand, and it’s notable that he’s picked up some serious interest from the Texas staff. 

Denton Guyer’s Shawn Robinson is not expected to attend, but will almost certainly be invited to the “Under The Lights” camp later this summer. 

+++++

On Monday a trio of big time 2017 talent came through Austin on a visit – Plano East linebacker Anthony Hines, Wylie East running back Eno Benjamin, and Mansfield Lake Ridge LB Loren Mondy were all on the 40 to meet with the coaching staff.  We talked to each player briefly to get their thoughts on their visit:

• Mondy is committed to Arizona State, but said he’d be willing to listen if Texas offered.  After not hearing from many of the in-state schools earlier in the spring, Mondy is starting to generate interest. The coaching staff has been by Lake Ridge to see him practice and invited him to UT. Mondy said the visit went very well: “We just walked around and talked to the coaches.  We saw all the facilities and talked about how it will be in 2017.”  Mondy is being recruited by Texas LB coach Brian Jean-Mary, but got to meet some of the other coaches on staff and told us they were great and fun to be around. While he is firmly committed to Arizona State, this recruitment could get interesting if the Longhorns offer.

• Anthony Hines is a household name – the #3 ranked prospect on the HornSports 2017 Top 50 has offers from just about every school in the nation. We caught up with Hines while he was on his way home and he said it was a great visit overall. Hines, who looks up to Texas linebacker Malik Jefferson, said he got to spend time with Jefferson, Deandre McNeal, and Charles Omenihu. While Hines hasn’t tipped his hand on where he might go, we are told the Longhorns are sitting very pretty at this early point, and could even be considered the leader.

• While Hines and Mondy were expected to be on campus, Eno Benjamin showed up by surprise. Benjamin has always been friendly and forthcoming in interviews and told us he loved this visit even more than the first one he took earlier in the spring. When asked what the best part of the visit was, Benjamin said: “It would have to be being able to converse with all the coaches. When I went up there last time they were just finishing up their spring recruiting so the coaches were in and out.  I also enjoyed seeing the players go through a live workout.” Benjamin is another player who has yet to receive an offer but could see one in the coming months – if that happens, Texas would be at the top of his list.

+++++

It’s a hectic time for camps and recruiting – in addition to all the above happenings, a trio of 2016 Houston-area players are making their way to campus later this week as well.  Elsik’s Dontavious Jackson (LB) and Chris Brown (DB) will be joined by Hightower DT Darius Anderson. Jackson is the only player that currently holds a Texas offer, but the staff has evaluated Anderson and Brown throughout the past few months.

Jackson is thought to be a “pied piper” of sorts among other recruits and is very high on the Longhorns.  Look for more notes throughout the week regarding these upcoming visits.

+++++

One final note for you on the action packed visit/camp weekend…

2017 La Grange RB J.K. Dobbins received a UT offer and took a subsequent visit to Austin this past weekend, but we haven’t been able to connect with him. There was some thought that the #10 player in the state might pull the trigger on a commitment this past weekend while on campus. 

Dobbins told Rivals.com that Texas is his leader, and we confirmed that with a source who has knowledge of Dobbins’ recruitment.  From what we were told, Dobbins is very close to making the call but decided to go home and consider things.

While it would have been nice for Charlie Strong to lock a player of that magnitude down, Texas fans should not worry.  The Horns are way out in front early on in Dobbins’ recruitment.

+++++

After sharing insight into the defensive line and the quarterback competition, Brick Haley and Jay Norvell each shared insight on why they chose Austin and UT. When talking about the opportunity to come to Texas, both coaches focused on Charlie Strong, saying:

Haley: “His [Charlie Strong’s] demeanor and how he handles people. It’s amazing. It’s different. A lot of guys talk about being about family, but he truly is. Him being so genuine about the fact that family is very important – It’s not just talked about, it’s done.”

Norvell: “He [Charlie Strong] really has a way of rubbin’ off on players, recruits and really making kids think…re-think their priorities.”

 

[Throthefade]

great stuff

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Tons of info in this one. Great job guys.

 

[Mike Roach]

There will be more to follow. Just got done talking to some of the guys at the QB camp. Donte Sparaco of Colorado is quite a player at 6'5 257 lbs. He can move a little bit too. Told me he loves Coach Watson and is praying for an offer.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

donde esta su graphico nuevo?

 

[doc longhorn]

donde esta su graphico nuevo?

Hey this America.  We don't talk French here.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

The more I hear the coaches say starting QB is up for grabs, the more I believe them. If they intended for Swoopes to start in South Bend, there would be subtleties in their quotes.

Having an open competition at the most visible position is a strong reinforcement to the entire team.

 

[echeese]

Just an FYI but on your Top 50 for 2016, Hurts has committed to Bama.

 

[Mike Roach]

We are aware, just need to update every once in a while.

 

[Juan]

— Twitter API (@twitterapi) November 7, 2011

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Daje Johnson also had video footage of the workout with the JUGS machine (on his IG).