HornSports Staff
HornSports.com
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- Oct 20, 2013
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And we want to make sure to tell you what they're saying while it's "fresh". No this isn't a feature article - it's just a few sourced things we thought you'd like to hear....
***DO NOT FORWARD***
Opinions on Desmond Harrison differ widely. Some close to the team maintain that they don't think he'll be around this Fall, while others say that "he's good to go". There is no consensus, but more people tended towards the fact that Harrison will be around this Fall.
One guy even went as far as saying that Harrison did so well in the first Summer session that "his grades definitely won't be an issue."
*****
The name mentioned most often by folks talking about who has impressed during the first week of practices is Jake Raulerson. When considering that the team has only spent a couple of days in full pads, it's noteworthy that an offensive lineman would be garnering so much attention.
Wickline has been clear that versatility will be a key attribute to earn your way into the rotation. With Raulerson's ability to play up and down the line, it's easier to understand why he's getting mentioned.
If Raulerson can hold his own against Cedric Reed or Malcom Brown, then he'll be fine. Having elite players on the defensive line will make it easier for Wickline to see exactly what a guy like Raulerson can do.
*****
“I’ll say this – J. Gray is in phenomenal shape. What he’s done in recovery is absolutely amazing. BUT, remember, being in top physical condition is not the same as being in “football shapeâ€. I know everybody says Ash is the key to the season….Malcolm should be 1A on everyone’s list. Especially early in the season, like nonconference games. It’s gonna take time for Gray, no matter how good he looks in the weight room.â€
*****
The other name that was mentioned by more than one person with regard to top performers in the first week is Jacorey Warrick. With Sanders and Meander gone, plus Shipley being held out because of his hammy, Warrick has gotten lots and lots of chances. Apparently he's making the most of them.
One source says that Warrick is clearly the team's top guy after the catch, "It's not his top end speed. It's his moves and quickness. Dude looks like someone is controlling him on XBOX."
To say that Warrick has become a key player for this team is a gross understatement. If his teammates are impressed, then you can be assured that Warrick is one of the kids that is taking advantage of added opportunities.
*****
A month ago, most projections pegged Armanti Foreman and Lorenzo Joe as the two most likely freshmen to be contributors at wide receiver. If the first week is any indication, that was only half correct.
While Joe's name was mentioned by multiple people as a newcomer that impressed in the first week, Foreman was the last name mentioned. That's not terribly surprising, but it happened twice.
In two different talks, Foreman's name was dead last. Being an after thought isn't necessarily an indicator that he had a bad week, but when 2 different guys list 3-4 other names before yours...
*****
The defensive back class in 2016 is ridiculously loaded and several highly ranked kids already have Texas at or near the top of their list. If you want a name that’s way under the radar right now (only one offer), then keep an eye on cornerback Josh Drayden (Bishop Dunne HS). Drayden broke his leg, but has fully recovered – he’s back on the field and is reportedly going full speed. He’s undersized still but young enough to have time to grow before playing college ball. Both Texas and Baylor are watching him now that he’s back on the field.
*****
Everyone is in agreement that the defensive line is the key to the Texas defense's success. With both talent and depth, the DL is one of, if not the, best units on the entire team. And that might a good thing according to one source...
"The back 7 still has a ways to go. It's only been a week, but I'd be concerned if my job was relying on those units."
A disruptive front four will mask a lot of flaws. It sounds like that may need to be the case early in the season.
*****
Speaking of the defensive front, one of the more surprising comments from this week focused on the d-tackle position:
"[Desmond] Jackson is a damn load. I don't care if it's 1's or team stuff, the guy is making plays all day. Everybody is talking about Brown and Reed, but let me tell ya', if they sleepin' on 99, he'll make 'em pay."
*****
OT Madison Akamnonu committed to Texas Tech. That’s a really good get for the Red Raiders. It prompted a Big 12 coach to say, “With Stid [Jarret Stidham] and the OL they’re building, this is shaping up to be an excellent class. If they continue at this pace/quality, this could be the best in school history kind of class.â€
***DO NOT FORWARD***
Opinions on Desmond Harrison differ widely. Some close to the team maintain that they don't think he'll be around this Fall, while others say that "he's good to go". There is no consensus, but more people tended towards the fact that Harrison will be around this Fall.
One guy even went as far as saying that Harrison did so well in the first Summer session that "his grades definitely won't be an issue."
*****
The name mentioned most often by folks talking about who has impressed during the first week of practices is Jake Raulerson. When considering that the team has only spent a couple of days in full pads, it's noteworthy that an offensive lineman would be garnering so much attention.
Wickline has been clear that versatility will be a key attribute to earn your way into the rotation. With Raulerson's ability to play up and down the line, it's easier to understand why he's getting mentioned.
If Raulerson can hold his own against Cedric Reed or Malcom Brown, then he'll be fine. Having elite players on the defensive line will make it easier for Wickline to see exactly what a guy like Raulerson can do.
*****
“I’ll say this – J. Gray is in phenomenal shape. What he’s done in recovery is absolutely amazing. BUT, remember, being in top physical condition is not the same as being in “football shapeâ€. I know everybody says Ash is the key to the season….Malcolm should be 1A on everyone’s list. Especially early in the season, like nonconference games. It’s gonna take time for Gray, no matter how good he looks in the weight room.â€
*****
The other name that was mentioned by more than one person with regard to top performers in the first week is Jacorey Warrick. With Sanders and Meander gone, plus Shipley being held out because of his hammy, Warrick has gotten lots and lots of chances. Apparently he's making the most of them.
One source says that Warrick is clearly the team's top guy after the catch, "It's not his top end speed. It's his moves and quickness. Dude looks like someone is controlling him on XBOX."
To say that Warrick has become a key player for this team is a gross understatement. If his teammates are impressed, then you can be assured that Warrick is one of the kids that is taking advantage of added opportunities.
*****
A month ago, most projections pegged Armanti Foreman and Lorenzo Joe as the two most likely freshmen to be contributors at wide receiver. If the first week is any indication, that was only half correct.
While Joe's name was mentioned by multiple people as a newcomer that impressed in the first week, Foreman was the last name mentioned. That's not terribly surprising, but it happened twice.
In two different talks, Foreman's name was dead last. Being an after thought isn't necessarily an indicator that he had a bad week, but when 2 different guys list 3-4 other names before yours...
*****
The defensive back class in 2016 is ridiculously loaded and several highly ranked kids already have Texas at or near the top of their list. If you want a name that’s way under the radar right now (only one offer), then keep an eye on cornerback Josh Drayden (Bishop Dunne HS). Drayden broke his leg, but has fully recovered – he’s back on the field and is reportedly going full speed. He’s undersized still but young enough to have time to grow before playing college ball. Both Texas and Baylor are watching him now that he’s back on the field.
*****
Everyone is in agreement that the defensive line is the key to the Texas defense's success. With both talent and depth, the DL is one of, if not the, best units on the entire team. And that might a good thing according to one source...
"The back 7 still has a ways to go. It's only been a week, but I'd be concerned if my job was relying on those units."
A disruptive front four will mask a lot of flaws. It sounds like that may need to be the case early in the season.
*****
Speaking of the defensive front, one of the more surprising comments from this week focused on the d-tackle position:
"[Desmond] Jackson is a damn load. I don't care if it's 1's or team stuff, the guy is making plays all day. Everybody is talking about Brown and Reed, but let me tell ya', if they sleepin' on 99, he'll make 'em pay."
*****
OT Madison Akamnonu committed to Texas Tech. That’s a really good get for the Red Raiders. It prompted a Big 12 coach to say, “With Stid [Jarret Stidham] and the OL they’re building, this is shaping up to be an excellent class. If they continue at this pace/quality, this could be the best in school history kind of class.â€
