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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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News and information on recruiting is challenging to come by at this point in the process, so while Burnt Ends will be a bit skinny this week, we are still going to give you a few choice morsels. Let’s start with what we know about the new coaching hires made by the Texas staff.
Anthony Johnson – The new Texas running back coach is returning to Austin after a playing career in the early part of the century. Johnson has since bounced around a couple of lower level schools, but he learned his craft under some great head coaches. His time under Willie Fritz at Sam Houston State is big time, and gives him the Texas ties fans desire so much. He also learned under Matt Campbell, a fast rising name in the coaching community who was just hired at Iowa State. Johnson is an east Texas native which also makes him a very attractive option. We spoke to a few sources in east Texas familiar with Johnson, and they had nothing but good things to say.
“Anthony is as legit as they comeâ€, said one source. “He’s not going to be out-worked on the recruiting trail, and he has such a gift for reaching young menâ€. Another source told us that his east Texas roots give him a codified status that many cannot attain. “Being from Jefferson, he’s one of usâ€, said another source. “That kind of thing carries a lot of weight when you go into these schoolsâ€. Johnson also has experience as an offensive coordinator in a run heavy spread attack, so he seems to be a great fit for the direction of the new offense.
Charles Williams – The former Indianapolis Colts assistant is a bit more of an unknown at this point. We have yet to connect with any sources that can tell us much about Williams, but what looks evident is that his resume stands up strongly against anyone else’s. Williams has been in the game for more than 30 years, including stops collegiately at TCU, Minnesota, Miami, South Carolina and North Carolina. Williams also has an extensive professional resume including positions with the Buccaneers (1996-2001) and Colts (2012-2015). While it’s unclear how effective of a recruiter Williams will be, we can see where Charlie Strong is going with this hire. Sterlin Gilbert’s offensive staff is fairly young, and Williams can provide the veteran mentor role to the position. If the other members of the staff are recruiting at a high level, it won’t matter if Williams is an ace or not. His ability to coach the position and provide guidance for the youthful staff could prove to be invaluable. It won’t hurt on the recruiting trail to tell players he’s coached Keyshawn Johnson, TY Hilton, Reggie Wayne, and Andre Johnson.
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2017 Kennedale (TX) linebacker Baron Browning is a freak of nature. He possesses linebacker size with safety like speed and movement ability. One look at his film shows skills that are among the elite of the elite in the nation. On Valentine ’s Day, Browning broke Art Briles’ heart when he dropped his commitment to Baylor in favor of opening up his recruitment. Following his de-commitment, Browning requested no press contact him for new interviews. We, of course, respected those wishes, but we can tell you this is a move we’ve been expecting for a long time.
We spoke to Baron a week or so ago, and he did confirm he will be at the Texas junior day on February 27. So who is in the running for Browning’s services? The answer is just about everyone. Browning has offers from the likes of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Stanford, TCU, Texas A&M, and UCLA. While that type of national profile affords him many options to explore, the early race is between Texas and TCU from what we are hearing. Stanford is also looming in that race, and the Cardinal prove to be a pesky foe for recruiting in-state.
Since Browning isn’t giving new interviews, let’s look back to what he said to us about Texas after his visit last summer. “The best part was talking to coach Strong. People don’t know the real coach Strong looking from the outside in. You’ll think man he’s crazy doing this or doing that, but everything he does is for the sake of his players. He really does care about his team.â€
If that sentiment seems familiar, it’s because it was quite prevalent with many of the 2016 top prospects. Browning will probably take his recruitment a long way, but Texas has a chance to jump in and create some room starting this month.
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Texas extended an offer today to 2017 Denton (TX) Ryan defensive end Earnest Brown. We caught up with Brown afterward to get his thoughts on the offer from Strong and the Longhorns.
“It feels greatâ€, Brown told us. “That is a big time programâ€. Brown told us that he definitely has an interest in Texas but he doesn’t know much about the program. In fact, Brown doesn’t know much about any programs as this is just his second year following college football. Brown told us he grew up a basketball fan, but started following football when he realized his future was on the defensive line. He has yet to receive a junior day invite, but if one does arrive he plans on making it to Austin.
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Timarcus Davis isn’t a big name in recruiting circles, but the College Station (TX) prospect most likely will be soon. Davis doesn’t have overwhelming size (5’11 170 lbs), but his long frame should allow him to add weight that couples with his explosive athleticism. Davis has offers from Texas State and Cincinnati, and while he’s hearing from a number of other schools none of them have made an offer yet. Baylor, Arizona, TCU, Houston, and Missouri are also in the picture. If Texas were to get involved here it sounds like they could be near the front of the pack.
“Growing up, everyone around me liked Texas. In my eyes I can see myself in any jersey, as long as I’m given a chance on the fieldâ€, Davis told us. Davis was recently named Second Team All-State, and plans to run track in the offseason. We’ll keep you updated on this recruitment as it progresses.
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We are still in the process of compiling a junior day list for you, and we’ll have a complete one out as the date draws closer. For now this is who we have confirmed to be attending the Texas junior day on February 27.
(Commits noted in bold)
QB – Sam Ehlinger – Austin Westlake
QB – Jalen Mayden – Sachse (2018 class)
RB – Eno Benjamin – Wylie East
WR – Camron Buckley – Cedar Hill
WR – Damion Miller – John Tyler
WR – Drue Jackson – Sachse (2018 class)
OL – Tyrese Robinson – McKinney Boyd
OL – Grayson Reed – Cy Creek
ATH – Montrell Estell – Hooks
TE – Major Tennison - Bullard
DE – Taquon Graham - Temple
DE – LaGaryonn Carson – Liberty Eylau
DE – Alex Duke – Bellaire
LB – Kenneth Murray – Elkins
LB – Levi Jones – Austin Westlake
LB – Baron Browning – Kennedale
LB – Anthony Hines – Plano East
LB – Loren Mondy – Mansfield Lake Ridge
DB – Darrion Green – Woodrow Wilson
DB – Josh Thompson – Nacogdoches
Maybe Attending
RB – JK Dobbins – La Grange
WR – Mannie Netherly - Crosby
DB – Derrick Tucker – Manvel
Not Attending
WR – Tylan Wallace – Fort Worth South Hills
DT – Marvin Wilson – Bellaire Episcopal
#HookEm
