HornSports Staff
HornSports.com
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- Oct 20, 2013
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[SIZE=12pt]The point on a brisket is typically the fattiest cut. Pitmasters often trim the point and select edges off a whole brisket and return them to the smoker.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Are burnt ends tough, chewy worthless cuts of meat, or are they a heavenly bites of smoky goodness? I suppose it depends on who you ask...[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Rather than discard trimmings and fat, we chose to savor all the information that flows through the site. So, sit down and help yourself to some burnt ends.[/SIZE]
***DO NOT FORWARD***
[SIZE=12pt]The same ex-college football player that was kind enough to share his thoughts after a couple of the early season games chimed in with some interesting info after Texas lost to Baylor.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]The first point he made was to distinguish something about the offense, “Texas continues to find success moving the football but not much success in scoring."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]According to him that’s an important difference to all coaches because gaining positive yards shows the ability to be successful. He went on to explain that the coaches likely feel like there are small tweaks to make or errors to fix in order to score.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]According to him, gaining yards equates to ‘close but not quite’ and is a good reason to have patience and persistence instead of a complete overhaul.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]One other interesting thing he told us was that the coaches might consider some trick/gadget plays, especially in the Red Zone.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]We had a quick conversation with Tyler Moore (OL from North Shore HS) after his visit for the Baylor game. Although he didn’t leave town as a commitment, he did say this weekend’s trip was “really good.†When asked about the game, his first comment was that the defense played “lights out†and he added that it’s obvious the defense is extremely talented.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]The most interesting part of our short conversation centered on how other recruits in attendance took the loss to Baylor. According to Moore, “Honestly, much better than expected.â€[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]We asked when he was planning to announce his college decision, and he replied, “Honestly, I’m not sure.†Our natural follow-up question was if Texas still his #1 school? “Yes sir, it is!â€[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]Combo Guard Kerwin Roach took an official visit to Cal-Berkeley over the weekend. We couldn’t catch Roach, but did talk with a member of his family, who told us, “He had a good time."
After an ambiguous answer like that, we then asked if Texas was still Kerwin's first choice and were told, "We haven't really discussed it yet. We will sit down after his visit to UT and narrow it down."
FYI, Roach is still planning to take his official UT visit in about 10 days. Our source confirmed that Roach still plans to make the trip on 10/17.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Publicly, the final three schools are Texas, Cal and Wichita State. Since the family conversation above left some doubt on his intentions, we checked in with a high school coach in Houston to ask if he was aware of any changes for Roach.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]The coach told us that he is fairly certain that Roach is near 100% to Texas.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]We told you last week that it sounds like Kris Boyd is not going to pick Texas. That may have been the impetus for a very interesting scholarship offer last week…[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Get to know the name Justin Martin. At a shade over 6’1†and about 191 pounds, Martin is ranked as the No. 1 junior college cornerback in the country (as per 247).[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Even though he plays at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Martin is from Nashville, TN and is widely considered a lock to go to an SEC school (Tennessee and Mississippi are the favorites). But we’re told that the Longhorns’ offer and the chance to play defense for Strong and Bedford really caught Martin’s attention.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]NEO A&M is in Miami, OK (aka as close as you can get to the KC & MO borders) - certainly this weekend’s Texas/OU game will get plenty of coverage in Martin’s neck of the woods. A dominating performance by the Texas defense might be enough to grease the skids and get the ball rolling in earnest.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]We’re hearing talks on the new basketball arena are getting bogged down because so many city officials are being involved. Evidently, Steve Patterson is sold on the idea of a multi-purpose facility.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]At this point, it sounds like UT’s new basketball arena is destined to double as a venue for concerts, trade shows and other city events. Because of cost/expense allocations, Patterson is having to involve city and county personnel by the dozen.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]If you’re looking for examples for the new venue, we’re told it’ll be more like the old Summit in Houston or the Erwin Center than it will be like Cameron Indoor Arena. Patterson’s professional experience aligns better with a large, multi-purpose arena than an intimate, on-campus venue.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]At the end of July, wide receiver John Burt pulled the trigger and committed to Charlie Strong and the Horns. The burnt orange faithful did a happy dance and pointed to Burt’s commitment as evidence that Strong still recruited well in Florida (Burt is from Tallahassee). However, since his commitment, Burt has been ‘wandering in the wilderness’.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Most recruiting experts waved off two unofficial visits to FSU for games in September. After all, FSU is the defending national champion AND the school is right down the street. A few folks wondered though when Burt made an official visit to Auburn over the weekend.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Turns out that people were correct to dismiss Burt’s trips to FSU. He publicly eliminated them from consideration.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Wait? What? Why eliminate a school if you’re committed somewhere?[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]It also turns out that Burt’s trip to Auburn was enough to make him re-think his pledge to the Horns. On the record Burt says he’s still committed to Texas. Off the record, he’s telling people close to him that he’s “tornâ€.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]We asked someone that covers recruiting in the Southeast what they were hearing, and it isn’t good news for Texas…â€I talk to kids all the time that get caught up in the emotion of an official and then get home, talk to the coach they previously committed to, and everything calms down quickly. I haven’t spoken to Burt, but everyone I’ve talked to says that his feelings about Auburn are genuine. I don’t consider him committed anywhere at this point because he does really like Texas too.â€[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]This is from a guy that played college football in the state of Texas and was on the field during the Baylor game:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]“When I watch Swoopes, I see all kinds of correctable things that will improve with time – mechanics, footwork, his drop, timing on throws, where/when to deliver the ball…all that stuff can and will get better. My concern is that I don’t see a dynamic player. He’s had four games now and I’m still waiting for a play where I just know he has it. That moment hasn’t come yet.â€[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]“My experience tells me if I have to wait more than a game or two, then it’s probably not coming.â€[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]We have an update on one of everyone’s favorite topics….the Longhorns playing a football game in another country:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]What we’re hearing is that the idea has captured the interest of both UCLA and USC. Both schools have interest in a game in Mexico City. The parties are a long, long way from trying to set a date yet, but it is worth noting that our source told us that the Mexican government is all for it…so much so that they’re already pitching ideas on which soccer fields would convert the best for an American football game.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]Stay tuned on this one – the idea isn’t going away…[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]Couple of quick notes on 2016 prospects from a high school coach:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]- [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Keep an eye on D’Eriq King (Manvel HS). He’s getting a lot of attention from multiple coaches on the Texas staff.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]- [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]A name to file away…Demerick Gary (Dallas Kimball HS). This is a kid without an offer from a Power 5 school yet, but Texas and TCU are both watching him closely.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=12pt]We had an interesting chat with multiple Texas players after the loss to Baylor. It’s worth noting that all of the guys are offensive players.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]One player said they watched film and, “saw Baylor did nothing special.†At that point, another player chimed in by saying, “We just shot ourselves in the foot.â€[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]The team realizes they had Baylor where they wanted them but couldn’t finish. More than ‘frustrated’, their mood would be more accurately described as ‘angry’. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Despite being 2-3, the team is still very confident. As one player put it, “trust me, we all know we are close and we will get over the hump soon.â€[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]One other note: If the Texas defense is mad at the offense for lack of production, they haven’t shown it. According to these guys, the entire defense has been extremely supportive.[/SIZE]
