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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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While the 2016 class is in the final stages, the Texas staff is sending out selective offers to some of the top 2017 prospects in the state. One of those players is Austin (TX) Westlake linebacker Levi Jones. Jones, who is the younger brother of former Texas receiver Cayleb Jones, received an offer from Texas a couple of weeks ago and we were able to catch up with him to get his thoughts on the Texas program.
We asked Jones what it meant to him to receive an offer from the flagship University in his state and he was very excited. “It’s awesome to know my hard work is appreciated in my home town. Where I grew up means a great deal to meâ€. Obviously the proximity gives the Longhorns some advantage, but Jones says he isn’t looking to make a quick commitment. “I’m leaving all doors open and considering all of my options, but Texas would definitely be high on my list and a potential front runnerâ€.
Jones plays with Texas quarterback commit Sam Ehlinger, and is in fact very close with him. That relationship could play into the recruitment as well from what Jones told us. “I mean yes it plays a big part because we are best friends. We grew up together and of course talked about going to the same school or even playing against each other and how awesome it would be. I mean I wouldn't say recruiting but he's always there saying ‘come to Texas we need you’ and stuff like that. He does understand and knows that I want to take visits and look at all of my options and find the school that fits me best and will help me get to the next levelâ€.
Look for Jones to make a visit to junior day this year to see more of what the Horns have to offer him.
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The Longhorns' big recruiting weekend was a great success based on everyone we spoke with. The Texas staff did a great job of creating an exciting environment for a slew of highly ranked recruits on campus. The visit weekend gave us a great chance to update info with sources and get a better read on where each prospect was leaning. Zach Shackelford is off the board after committing to Texas earlier today and as you will see there are a few more names we will be dropping for various reasons.
In this week’s edition of the signing day forecast we give you our take on the crystal ball to track the top targets on the Texas board. Each week we will give you a look at how these recruitments are trending and give you our prediction and a confidence rating based on a scale of 0-5.
Running Backs
Devwah Whaley – Whaley did not make his official visit to Austin this week, which pretty much takes him off the board for me. I believe Texas has chosen to move on to their other targets. We will be dropping Whaley from the board barring something unforeseen.
Prediction: Arkansas (Last week: Arkansas)
Confidence level: 5 (Last week: 2)
Kyle Porter – Porter doesn’t like the attention recruiting brings, and he just wants to play football. He will be in Austin for an official visit next week, and Texas likes where they sit in his recruitment.
Prediction: Texas (Last week: Texas)
Confidence level: 3.5 (Last week 3)
Darius Anderson – The Longhorns have a great chance to turn the tide in this recruitment when they host Anderson next week. The state’s hottest prospect at this moment has a muddy recruitment ahead, but for now I’m going to stick with TCU.
Prediction: TCU (Last Week: Unknown)
Confidence Level: 1 (Last week: 2)
Wide Receiver
Lil’Jordan Humphrey – We’ve heard very good things coming out of the weekend and I’d be surprised if LJH didn’t announce to Texas. Don’t be surprised to see him cancel his Cal visit.
Prediction: Texas (Last week: Texas)
Confidence level: 5 (Last week: 4)
Tight End
Irvin Smith – Smith is committed to A&M, and while he may still make a return trip to Austin it appears the Aggies have done a lot to hold onto the talented New Orleans tight end. At this point I’ll swing the points back to their favor.
Prediction: Texas A&M(Last week: Texas)
Confidence level: 1(Last week: 2)
Offensive Line
Patrick Hudson – Hudson is a longshot but there is talk behind the scenes that he’s intrigued about the possibility of playing for Texas. Let’s see if he makes an official to Texas because if he does things could get interesting this late in the game. For now I’ll stick with Baylor.
Prediction: Baylor (Last week: Baylor)
Confidence level: 3 (Last week: 3)
Defensive Line
Jordan Elliott – Elliott was adamant during the Army Bowl that he was sticking with Michigan and not visiting Texas. To our knowledge the Texas staff has not been in contact but there is thought they will make a last minute run at the Houston DT.
Prediction: Michigan (Last week: Michigan)
Confidence level: 4.5 (Last week: 4.5)
Kelvin Lucky – Lucky is tentatively scheduled to visit the last weekend of the recruiting season, and if he does the confidence goes up. The Texas staff could close this one if they push for it.
Prediction: Texas (Last week: Texas)
Confidence level: 2.5 (Last week: 2.5)
Chris Daniels – I held him off the board until I had a better idea about how serious things were. Texas did a good job getting themselves into position this weekend, but I still have a feeling they are behind.
Prediction: Oklahoma
Confidence Level: 2.5
Stephon Taylor – Taylor was one of the guys that were mentioned to me as someone who really enjoyed his visit. The Longhorns were in a good position already but they improved position this week.
Prediction: Texas (Last week: Texas)
Confidence level: 3.5 (Last week: 3)
D’Andre Christmas-Giles – DCG visited LSU this week and the hometown team reportedly did a very good job. This one almost feels like a complete toss up, but I’ll give LSU the slight edge.
Prediction: LSU (Last week: Texas)
Confidence level: 0.5 (Last week: 2.5)
Marcell Southall – All signs still point to Norman, but his surprise visit to Austin this weekend shows Texas is still in it. I’m still leaning Oklahoma, but I’ll drop the confidence level a bit.
Prediction: Oklahoma (Last week: Oklahoma)
Confidence level: 3.5 (Last week: 5)
Mark Jackson – Jackson and his family enjoyed their time in Austin and Texas improved their position, but I still feel like they are running third. The Aggies feel that Jackson is still theirs after his initial wavering.
Prediction: Oklahoma (Last week: Oklahoma)
Confidence level: 2 (Last week: 2)
Linebacker
Dontavious Jackson – It really depends on whom you ask. Florida State people feel confident, Florida people feel confident after last week’s official, and there are still some that believe he ends up at Texas. We could know more if he makes it to Austin with his teammate Chris Brown this week.
Prediction: Florida State (Last week: Florida State)
Confidence level: 2.5 (Last week: 3)
Jeffrey McCulloch – We’ve heard some things that have us feeling bullish on the Shark. Notre Dame is a factor but Texas is in the lead right now. This visit was very positive for McCulloch, and sources from Austin indicated Texas took a big lead.
Prediction: Texas (Last week: Texas)
Confidence level: 4.5 (Last week: 4)
Erick Fowler – Fowler has been quiet following his visit, but we heard the Texas staff sold their vision for him very well. LSU gets a visit next week though, which could help them lock things down. I’d say it’s very close with a slight edge to LSU.
Prediction: LSU (Last week: LSU)
Confidence level: 0.5 (Last week: 4)
Defensive Back
Deontay Anderson – Texas still trails Ole Miss, but Anderson was handled perfectly in Austin. I still think Ole Miss, but Texas has a chance.
Prediction: Ole Miss (Last week: Ole Miss)
Confidence level: 2.5 (Last week: 4)
Brandon Jones – Jones loved his official, and while he was very quiet on campus several folks told us Texas made a big impression. It’s not done yet, and he still may visit A&M unofficially but Charlie has a chance to close this with a big in-home.
Prediction: Texas (Last week: Texas)
Confidence level: 3.5 (Last week: 3.5)
Eric Cuffee – Cuffee will still visit A&M, but he made an unofficial to join in on the fun this weekend in Austin. We still believe it will be Texas.
Prediction: Texas (Last week: Texas)
Confidence level: 5 (Last week:5)
Chris Brown – Some of this will depend on Dontavious Jackson, but if Texas pushes for his commitment they can win it. Arizona State might be the surprise team.
Prediction: Texas (Last week: Texas)
Confidence level: 0.5 (Last week: 3)
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