Burnt Ends - 3-30

[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.

***DO NOT FORWARD***

There’s an early leader in the clubhouse for the guy that everyone on the Texas defense is looking to this season now that the voices of Quandre Diggs and Jordan Hicks are gone. We’re hearing that Duke Thomas has done more than just emerge as a defensive team leader – one player called him “the Jonathan Gray of that side [of the ball].”

It looks like Thomas is also in line to be one of UT’s team spokesmen. Thomas started speaking at a few press conferences as a junior, and now as a senior he was the first one to speak at the spring practice press availability.

It’s not rare to have a team leader on the field that is also trusted by the school in front of TV cameras, but it’s noteworthy that Thomas doesn’t just hand out canned answers to reporters. For example, Thomas spoke candidly about new faces on the defense like John Bonney, Jermaine Roberts, and Malik Jefferson at the press conference after the first spring practice.

With Sheroid Evans’ injury depleting depth at cornerback, Thomas’ value on the field increases. Couple that with his leadership on defense and UT’s trust in him, and it’s an understatement to say that Thomas is incredibly valuable this year.

+++++

Comparing first-year starters at safety in Jason Hall and Dylan Haines with the strength of players like Malcom Brown and Cedric Reed and it's obvious that the 2014 defense was built from the d-line flowing back to the secondary. We had an interesting conversation with an area high school coach that in 2015, the scenario would be the exact opposite – Texas will build from the defensive backfield and move forward.

Hall, Haines, and Thomas make the secondary the most experienced group of starters on defense. As a rule, coaches prefer to build a defense like Texas did in 2014 (starting closest to the ball and progressing back).

Our coaching contact said the 2015 blueprint is concerning:

“There are some experienced guys on the DL, but when you only consider the year this coaching staff has been there, the backfield is far and away the most experienced position group of the defense. That doesn’t guarantee that the defense will be worse, but it’s definitely not ideal. In fact, I don’t think the defense will be back to form before conference play starts, maybe even mid-season.”

+++++

2017 Woodrow Wilson ATH Darrion “Speedy” Green is a name that is jumping onto recruiting radars recently.  Green stars at running back and safety for Wilson and also runs track for the Dallas school. 

Green competed at the Texas Relays with his high school teammates and got a chance to check out a Longhorn practice while in Austin. HornSports caught up with Speedy to talk recruiting and get a few of his thoughts on the weekend in Austin…

Since he’s on record that Texas is his dream school, Green was very excited to see the Longhorns at work in their first week of spring practices: 

“It was really great. They are playing hard and working on fixing mistakes.” 

The Texas secondary has gone through some attrition recently via graduation, and Green could see some of the new guys trying to make a name for themselves. When asked how the defensive backs performed at the practice he attended, Green said:

“The wide receivers were getting open a lot.”

With Holton Hill and Kris Boyd enrolling this spring, Green guessed that they would both have a chance to start.  Green had a great visit and said that he wants to establish a closer relationship with the Texas staff in the coming months.

+++++

Last fall Defensive Coordinator Vance Bedford said defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway has a chance to be at least as good as Malcom Brown. According to Bedford, Ridgeway has the skill and stature necessary to be that type of talent, but needs to focus on his consistency.

Saturday was the first practice in full pads, so there hasn’t been enough time to gauge whether Ridgeway is taking the steps necessary to become the next force at tackle for UT. However, we have heard that Ridgeway is taking a leadership role off the field.

Specifically, we’re told that “Green Mile” is vocally asserting himself in positional meetings and it’s transferring onto the field as well. When Tank Johnson went down with the foot injury last Fall, not only was Ridgeway thrust into a larger role than anticipated, the Longhorn defense also lost one of it’s most vocal leaders in Johnson.

With Ridgeway emerging as a new voice and Johnson on pace to return this Summer, Brick Haley may find it tough to get a word in edgewise.

+++++

Quick Daje Johnson update…

The speedster has lined up almost exclusively in the slot and seems to be taking instruction from Jay Norvell really well. Someone that’s attended multiple practices told us that Daje’s route running and hands-catching are improved in his fourth year.

“Now that I’ve seen practices, I am not surprised that Charlie [strong] is talking up 23 in public. Johnson has bought in and it shows.”

+++++

One of the biggest needs the Longhorns have on offense is the presence of an explosive playmaker.  In our continued spotlight of the 2016 HornSports Top 50, we focus on the top big play threat in the state, Sachse receiver, Devin Duvernay.

Ranked 9th in the initial 2016 rankings, Duvernay possesses an impressive package of speed, skill, and athleticism.  The DFW prospect is highly sought after, and has garnered thirty nine offers from the likes of Texas, Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Clemson, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Stanford, TCU, Texas A&M, and UCLA. 

Duvernay is reportedly wide open in his recruitment, but has mentioned that Baylor stands out since they were his first offer.  Duvernay also mentions Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech among the schools that are recruiting him the most. 

While competing at The Opening regional camp in Dallas, Duvernay turned heads in SPARQ testing with a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, and a 37.7 inch vertical – his 40-time registered as the fastest in the nation among those who had been SPARQ tested.  Duvernay earned an invitation to the finals in Oregon on the strength of his strong numbers and play at the camp. 

AT 5’10 184 pounds, Duvernay doesn’t have the height that coaches covet in a receiver. In fact, his compact frame is built more like a running back.  However, his quickness and understanding of the game make him an ideal slot candidate that can score from anywhere on the field with great acceleration and elite top end speed. Duvernay is a natural pass catcher utilized mostly on screens and jet sweeps to get the ball into his hands quickly. 

From a critical standpoint, Duvernay needs to sharpen his route running which would add more potency to his overall game.  Once the ball is in his hands he shows enough wiggle to make the first man miss and breaks through arm tackles with his sturdy build.  His speed and open field skills also make him a dangerous threat on special team returns. 

Pound for pound, there is no better playmaker in the state.

+++++

Several players we talked with all commented on how different this Spring is in comparison to last year. Their comfort level extends from things like the schedule, and routine to knowing what the coaches expect from them.

Most players found it difficult to put into words, but we heard such a consistent theme of “being more comfortable,” that we started asking about it. One of the common things we heard was that both players and coaches spent more time talking than doing last Spring because both sides were still getting to know each other.

When we asked about the benefits of being in year 2, everyone talked about being able to play faster because of their comfort level. Another player cut this gem loose:

“No more slacking. There were guys last year that took advantage of the situation.”

When we pointed out that the offense was trying to learn a new style and add plays, so the newness-factor should still be there, one player told us:

“Nah – that’s fun because the defense doesn't know what's going to happen.”

+++++

At the beginning of March, we shared a conversation with you about the folly of folks trying to project the starting 22 based on nothing but conditioning drills. The same guy that laughed at the outlets projecting starters a month ago cautioned us again today:

“Tell your readers not to read too far into what’s happening in the first two weeks of practices. The coaches have talked and talked about ‘competition’ for months – that’s what’s happening right now.

I’ve been to practice. They’re mixing lineups and shuttling players in and out to make sure they get a good look at everybody. Beyond that, the coaches obviously realize there’s a difference in which line group you run behind and against. So when I say they want a good look at everybody, that means that some players are going to have to wait while other position groups take form.

These coaches know what they’re doing, and the players know the deal. Nobody on the 40 is in a hurry to write a depth chart, so you shouldn’t be either.

My sense from talking with them is that if it takes the whole Spring, then it takes the whole Spring.”

+++++

After 17 seasons at Texas, Rick Barnes and the University agreed to mutually part ways. The day after the announcement on Barnes was official, highly coveted McDonald’s All-American and Texas freshman Myles Turner declared for the upcoming NBA draft. While Turner’s decision to leave came as no real surprise, the Longhorns will be forced to compensate for losing the team’s 3rd leading scorer and top shot blocker.

Internally the players are mulling over the loss of both Barnes and Turner, but what about the two 4-star hoop recruits slated to enroll at Texas this summer in Eric Davis and Kerwin Roach? Davis and his Saginaw Hill teammates played in the Michigan Class A state championship game on Saturday and lost to Detroit Western International.  With the buzz of a potential coaching change set to go down in Austin, Davis told reporters Rick Barnes contacted him on Friday evening and told him he would be back next season. 

Galena Park North Shore combo guard Kerwin Roach, who also signed his Letter of Intent back in November, will enroll in classes at Texas this summer.  We caught up with Roach on Saturday evening after the news on Rick Barnes was out and asked him what his thoughts were:

“Kinda curious about it, but I know the University is going to choose the right person for the job.”

Remember, before selecting Texas, Roach narrowed his college choices to three schools – Texas, Cal and Wichita State.  Yes, Gregg Marshall’s Wichita State.  With Marshall’s name circulating as a possible candidate for the head coaching position in Austin, we asked Roach what he thinks about the Shockers’ head coach?

“Greg Marshall is a great coach with a résumé to back it up so he knows what he's doing when he takes mid-major guys and develops them into high major talent; and knows how to get everyone involved.”

Remember, Roach and Davis not only committed to the University of Texas but also to Rick Barnes. Speculation on Davis is that he is considering playing elsewhere. Roach, however, is quelling any second-guessers that think he might play elsewhere. 

“I’m still solid with my Texas commitment.”

Good enough for us.

+++++

It’s no secret that the University of Texas and Athletic Director Steve Patterson are in search of a suitable location to build a new basketball arena. Like most projects of this scope, the University and the City of Austin are forced to work together.

Permits, parking, proximity…finding a location that meets the needs of the University, students, fans, and the community is no easy task - especially when not everyone involved in the process wants what’s best for everyone.

Wait…what?

As far as the new basketball arena is concerned, a source tells us, “The politics involved in establishing a suitable locale for this arena are off the charts.” 

He continued, “You would think mutually beneficial propositions are no-brainers.  They aren’t.” 

Our source went on to tell us that like a lot of things with Austin politics, “Interests just don’t match up. There are people involved in this deal that do not want to see the University of Texas succeed.”

+++++

We’ll close with a few notes from Monday’s full squad practice. One of our best team sources was at practice and checked in with a few last minute observations:

• The offense didn’t perform well today.  The defense was throwing a lot of blitzes and the offensive line didn’t know what to do.

• Swoopes threw a pick to Dylan Haines, literally, right at him.  That being said, Swoopes still looked better than Heard.

• Duke Catalon looks good. Really good.

• Kevin Vaccaro destroyed Blake Whiteley – massive, massive hit.

• Dylan Haines got trucked by Alex De La Torre.

• Dalton Santos missed too many plays today.

• Bryson Echols filled in for Sheroid Evans today and did fine.  Echols’ performance was inconspicuous – that’s not a great endorsement, but for a DB, not being noticed means you didn't mess up too bad.

• Bryce Cottrell looked really good today and the defensive line had a good day overall.

• Prior to today, JUCO transfer Quincy Vasser hadn’t shown much. That changed during one-on-ones. Vasser had a super nasty pass rush move – it was impressive to say the least. It was only one day, but could be a sign of more to come. The coaches are keeping an eye out for more of that from Vasser.

 

[TeamMayhall]

Awesome write up

 

[utisdabomb12]

If Texas hires Shaka, Davis won't go anywhere IMO. 

Davis is a perfect fit in Shaka's system. I tweeted something about Davis being a good fit in Shaka's system, and his father RTed it. Based on what I've seen Davis' father is a big fan of Shaka. 

 

[Worster1]

Excellent BE's.  Several things to comment about:

1. Re: new arena -  "There are people in this deal that just do not want the University of Texas to succeed."  This pisses me off.  If true I think those people should be identified and in a business like way and pointed out in public if they hold back the progress.  Easier said than done I realize.

2. Swoopes still better than Heard concerns me.

3. Catalon looks "really good" is great news.  Gray is the man but Catalon may be called on in an instant to consistently tote the rock.

4. Santos "missed too many plays today"  sound like last season unfortunately.  We need him to be much much better than this.

5. Daje has bought in, in the slot and is running better routes and using his hands better - we are really counting on him this fall.

6. Barnes - I have mixed feelings about his dismissal but overall I thought it was time for him to go.  I think in the end UT ends up with Marshall as the new HC.  We sill see.

Hook 'Em

 

[Randolph Duke]

Excellent BE's.  Several things to comment about:

1. Re: new arena -  "There are people in this deal that just do not want the University of Texas to succeed."  This pisses me off.  If true I think those people should be identified and in a business like way and pointed out in public if they hold back the progress.  Easier said than done I realize.

It is a bit disingenuous to accuse anyone who doesn't sign on to Patterson's vision of having Austin taxpayers write a blank check for the university's facilities of being an enemy of the university. Before we go accusing individuals of wanting UT to fail, possibly we could identify the source of the quote. My guess would be the source of that quote, either directly or indirectly, is Steve Patterson. 

Patterson has made some major political missteps that will make his efforts moving forward much more difficult for him. At this point, he is increasingly seen by area taxpayers and a growing number of the alumni as a polarizing personality. To many, UT athletics seems to have a severe spending problem. If Patterson wants to see the university succeed, he needs to appoint someone less polarizing to manage the basketball facility project and to handle relations with the city and county. Patterson needs to focus on managing fundraising and to change the perception of UT athletics such that more people not drawing a paycheck from Bellmont see Bellmont as an example of good stewardship of financial resources and less bloated, less out of control and less wasteful.

Having more resources than any other university athletic department in the nation and pleading extreme poverty isn't the best formula for convincing area taxpayers to divert hundreds of millions from schools, relieving traffic congestion or infrastructure issues to instead build a basketball Taj-Mahal for Bellmont when Bellmont currently wastes money with no accountability. I have no doubt more people want to tell Steve Patterson to f-off and to stay away from area tax revenues than who want to see UT fail miserably. Patterson isn't going to be able to do enough damage repair to be the one to lead a university-municipal partnership. Patterson decided from the start to rely entirely on the 30,000 alumni in the suites at DKR and to ignore the rest of the people he needed to build relationships with. Having failed to build important relationships with others, the tactic now seems to be branding the needed to make the various facilities projects happen as enemies. Not a smart plan. 

The question now isn't whether outsiders want to see UT succeed, the question is whether Steve Patterson wants to see UT succeed.  If he does, he needs to admit his mistakes, check his ego and find a new point person to lead the basketball facility project. That being said, I expect Patterson to continue to accuse anyone who disagrees with him of being an enemy of the university and, as a result, municipal cooperation with the university will become even less likely. Whoever offered the quote about people wanting to see the university fail is horribly out of touch and is just adding to the problem. The problem isn't the outsiders. The problem is the perception of utters waste and irresponsibility Bellmont has presented to the taxpayers. Right now, standing up for the interests of the taxpayers is one and the same as opposing a municipal-university partnership for the new basketball arena. That will take many years and some radical change to how Bellmont is run to change and Patterson isn't going to reform Bellmont. Patterson wanted to rely only on his 30,000 favored alumni and now, pretty much, that is all he has to work with. 

 

[JimR]

I would much rather Duke Thomas be in the same zip code as the receiver than speak at press conferences.

 

[TeamMayhall]

I would much rather Duke Thomas be in the same zip code as the receiver than speak at press conferences.

Literally laughed when i read this...you are totally right Jim

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

It is a bit disingenuous to accuse anyone who doesn't sign on to Patterson's vision of having Austin taxpayers write a blank check for the university's facilities of being an enemy of the university. Before we go accusing individuals of wanting UT to fail, possibly we could identify the source of the quote. My guess would be the source of that quote, either directly or indirectly, is Steve Patterson. 

Unfortunately, in this case Patterson can't use the NBA-like tactic of threatening to move UT if the city won't acquiesce to his demands.

Boorish

 

[streettopeschel]

Unfortunately, in this case Patterson can't use the NBA-like tactic of threatening to move UT if the city won't acquiesce to his demands.

Boorish

unless of course the Mexico City game is a scouting trip for relocation. That Steve's a wily one.

 

[doc longhorn]

Randy - I like you and, for the most part, have enjoyed your posts.  But I feel compelled to reply to this one as your conjecture and opinions come off as the gospel.  And it couldn't be further from the truth.  You and this board will simply have to trust that I know what I am talking about.  I have spies.

Let me start off by saying I am no advocate of Steve Patterson.  I have met the man and he is very engaging but his rep, in Houston as a prick, is well deserved.  But his rep as a wily businessman is well deserved as well.  The city of Houston was well leveraged to enhance the Aeros, Rockets and The Summit, I promise you.  And he was the architect behind it all.  He was just a terrible General Manager.

It is a bit disingenuous to accuse anyone who doesn't sign on to Patterson's vision of having Austin taxpayers write a blank check for the university's facilities of being an enemy of the university. Before we go accusing individuals of wanting UT to fail, possibly we could identify the source of the quote. My guess would be the source of that quote, either directly or indirectly, is Steve Patterson. 

This is a non-issue as it was simply the OP reporting what he heard from someone that heard from someone else.  In other words, unconfirmed gossip and not worth replying to.

Patterson has made some major political missteps that will make his efforts moving forward much more difficult for him.

Patterson is the love child of those that approved his hiring.  He is and has been doing exactly what was asked of him.  At this point he will have zero difficulty moving forward.

At this point, he is increasingly seen by area taxpayers and a growing number of the alumni as a polarizing personality.

So what?  They aren't the people that count.

To many, UT athletics seems to have a severe spending problem. If Patterson wants to see the university succeed, he needs to appoint someone less polarizing to manage the basketball facility project and to handle relations with the city and county. Patterson needs to focus on managing fundraising and to change the perception of UT athletics such that more people not drawing a paycheck from Bellmont see Bellmont as an example of good stewardship of financial resources and less bloated, less out of control and less wasteful.

What does this mean?  He is doing exactly this.  All the bad mouthing of Patterson is coming from the Bellmont rats fearful of losing their jobs.  One of SP's reps is that he does not suffer fools or sycophants very well.  This is not good for all of the legacies currently drawing salaries for doing nothing.

Having more resources than any other university athletic department in the nation and pleading extreme poverty isn't the best formula for convincing area taxpayers to divert hundreds of millions from schools, relieving traffic congestion or infrastructure issues to instead build a basketball Taj-Mahal for Bellmont when Bellmont currently wastes money with no accountability.  I have no doubt more people want to tell Steve Patterson to f-off and to stay away from area tax revenues than who want to see UT fail miserably. Patterson isn't going to be able to do enough damage repair to be the one to lead a university-municipal partnership. Patterson decided from the start to rely entirely on the 30,000 alumni in the suites at DKR and to ignore the rest of the people he needed to build relationships with. Having failed to build important relationships with others, the tactic now seems to be branding the needed to make the various facilities projects happen as enemies. Not a smart plan. 

This is simply your conjecture and opinions - based on zero data and no actual inside information.

The question now isn't whether outsiders want to see UT succeed, the question is whether Steve Patterson wants to see UT succeed.

This is silly.

 If he does, he needs to admit his mistakes, check his ego and find a new point person to lead the basketball facility project.

What mistakes?  Once again, he is doing exactly what he was hired to do.  You need to separate your personal feelings from the truth.

That being said, I expect Patterson to continue to accuse anyone who disagrees with him of being an enemy of the university and, as a result, municipal cooperation with the university will become even less likely.

Personal feelings based on false innuendoes and what is beginning to appear as an agenda.

Whoever offered the quote about people wanting to see the university fail is horribly out of touch and is just adding to the problem. The problem isn't the outsiders. The problem is the perception of utters waste and irresponsibility Bellmont has presented to the taxpayers. Right now, standing up for the interests of the taxpayers is one and the same as opposing a municipal-university partnership for the new basketball arena. That will take many years and some radical change to how Bellmont is run to change and Patterson isn't going to reform Bellmont. Patterson wanted to rely only on his 30,000 favored alumni and now, pretty much, that is all he has to work with. 

I don't like SP as a person.  But I didn't like Deloss Dodds either - whom I know did more damage to the football program and the Big 12 than Patterson has even come close to.

Here is something for you to chew on.  Patterson was hired to get rid of Mack - that's true.  But he was hired for his business chops as well.  Neither of which Luck either wanted to do or had the experience to do.

Are we still friends?

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

What does this mean?  He is doing exactly this.  All the bad mouthing of Patterson is coming from the Bellmont rats fearful of losing their jobs.  One of SP's reps is that he does not suffer fools or sycophants very well.  This is not good for all of the legacies currently drawing salaries for doing nothing.

Okay, Doc

Why is it taking Patterson so long to trim the fat in Bellmont if he's such a respected "change agent"? Politics? I mean, we've now got Les Koenning on staff doing God knows what.

 

[Randolph Duke]

Randy - I like you and, for the most part, have enjoyed your posts.  But I feel compelled to reply to this one as your conjecture and opinions come off as the gospel.  And it couldn't be further from the truth.  You and this board will simply have to trust that I know what I am talking about.  I have spies.

Let me start off by saying I am no advocate of Steve Patterson.  I have met the man and he is very engaging but his rep, in Houston, as a prick is well deserved.  But his rep as a wily businessman is well deserved as well.  The city of Houston was well leveraged to enhance the Aeros, Rockets and The Summit, I promise you.  And he was the architect behind it all.  He was just a terrible General Manager.

We see Steve Patterson's future somewhat differently. UT athletics doesn't have a revenue problem. It has a severe spending problem and a leadership problem. Money donated to UT athletics is far more likely to be wasted on bloat and mismanagement than to help any student athlete. I have only given to the academic side for the past few years and there is no way in hell I will change that to donate to the athletic side and see my money pissed down the drain by an athletic director who looks down his nose at alumni such as myself and who would only waste the money if I did let him get his hands on it.

You mention the taxpayers and a growing number of alumni aren't the people who count. Sadly, I believe he sees things exactly that way. I have long said Patterson cares only about the 30,000 well-heeled alumni in the suites and as far as he cares, the rest of the alumni can go to hell. That quite simply isn't good business. Patterson needs at least $350 million to build his basketball arena. If the taxpayers aren't willing to go 9-figures deep into the public coffer to help finance the project, that money will have to come from more debt or from his 30,000 best friends. Had Patterson been less of a prick, the university would have been at least $100,000,000 to the better. That is a big price to pay for Patterson's arrogance. 

We will see how far the "people in city government are enemies of UT" meme goes. My instinct tells me Patterson is going to continue to piss people off. Patterson's biggest problem is no one likes an arrogant prick. The home schedule this year is anything but compelling. The belief that Swoopes is all we have at QB for next year and the above posted comment "In fact, I don’t think the defense will be back to form before conference play starts, maybe even mid-season.†Makes me think another 6-6 season with atrocious attendance is looking like a safer and safer bet. Basketball this year was a let-down. Baseball is looking to be far less than expected. Another dismal football season with ever higher prices and Patterson not giving two shits about anything but the 30,000 suite dwellers. UT football is on the verge of turning into a hot mess. 

Where are the positives to look forward to when it comes to Steve Patterson? He essentially redshirted his first year. He has done nothing to get Bellmont's Jabba the Hut-esque spending addiction under control, he hasn't shown any ability to develop a marketing plan, I don't even think he is even trying to deal with the game day atmosphere issues outside the suites. What exactly is he doing to justify his $1.4 million base salary? Why should the alumni other than his all-important 30,000 suite dwellers even care about UT athletics for the next few years until Patterson is gone? Loyalty to the university is wanting what is best for the university in the long run. In my mind, that isn't Steve Patterson as AD, so pushing for his ouster is a more legitimate show of loyalty than the mistake of supporting him. 

 

[duqu]

Now that we're out of the running for Marshall, was told "thanks but no thanks" to a conversation with Jay Wright and haven't even reached out to Smart I really have to wonder if Patterson really had someone in mind before he let Barnes go.

I have a sinking feeling this is a clusterf##k. I really hope that's just my ignorance talking.

 

[doc longhorn]

We see Steve Patterson's future somewhat differently. UT athletics doesn't have a revenue problem. It has a severe spending problem and a leadership problem. Money donated to UT athletics is far more likely to be wasted on bloat and mismanagement than to help any student athlete. I have only given to the academic side for the past few years and there is no way in hell I will change that to donate to the athletic side and see my money pissed down the drain by an athletic director who looks down his nose at alumni such as myself and who would only waste the money if I did let him get his hands on it.

You mention the taxpayers and a growing number of alumni aren't the people who count. Sadly, I believe he sees things exactly that way. I have long said Patterson cares only about the 30,000 well-heeled alumni in the suites and as far as he cares, the rest of the alumni can go to hell. That quite simply isn't good business. Patterson needs at least $350 million to build his basketball arena. If the taxpayers aren't willing to go 9-figures deep into the public coffer to help finance the project, that money will have to come from more debt or from his 30,000 best friends. Had Patterson been less of a prick, the university would have been at least $100,000,000 to the better. That is a big price to pay for Patterson's arrogance. 

We will see how far the "people in city government are enemies of UT" meme goes. My instinct tells me Patterson is going to continue to piss people off. Patterson's biggest problem is no one likes an arrogant prick. The home schedule this year is anything but compelling. The belief that Swoopes is all we have at QB for next year and the above posted comment "In fact, I don’t think the defense will be back to form before conference play starts, maybe even mid-season.†Makes me think another 6-6 season with atrocious attendance is looking like a safer and safer bet. Basketball this year was a let-down. Baseball is looking to be far less than expected. Another dismal football season with ever higher prices and Patterson not giving two shits about anything but the 30,000 suite dwellers. UT football is on the verge of turning into a hot mess. 

Where are the positives to look forward to when it comes to Steve Patterson? He essentially redshirted his first year. He has done nothing to get Bellmont's Jabba the Hut-esque spending addiction under control, he hasn't shown any ability to develop a marketing plan, I don't even think he is even trying to deal with the game day atmosphere issues outside the suites. What exactly is he doing to justify his $1.4 million base salary? Why should the alumni other than his all-important 30,000 suite dwellers even care about UT athletics for the next few years until Patterson is gone? Loyalty to the university is wanting what is best for the university in the long run. In my mind, that isn't Steve Patterson as AD, so pushing for his ouster is a more legitimate show of loyalty than the mistake of supporting him. 

All I can tell you, Randy, is you have no idea what he is doing, frankly.  What has been going on behind the scenes, is just that - behind the scenes and not for public consumption.  Not yet, anyway.

The only thing that you and I, as fans, can deal with is what he has done publically.  He has forced two winning coaches out of their jobs - without embarrassing the university.  He has hired, IMO, the best possible HC for our football program.  It appears he is getting ready to do the same for our BB program.  He is working to consolidate the AD job to one entity - thus eliminating the women's AD job.  And you know what that means.

He mailed a million questionaire's to the general fanship - requesting input on what could make the stadium experience more enjoyable.  (Did you ever see Dodds do that?)  The result being the eliminating of jetpac and the obnoxious scoreboard ads (and the scoreboard) - that's coming.  He is working to make the UT brand more global and that is all I can tell you about that, right now.  And what he is doing to get Austin's feet in the fire has been long overdue.  They have been riding the UT freebies for way too many years and it is finally time to pay the piper.

I'm waiting for the full brunt of his work, just like you.  But I know a little more than you and patience is a virtue.

Randy, I think you have just might have an agenda against him and are on a bashing quest.  And you are doing this without the slightest knowledge of what is really going on.  I really don't know your motives other than you were probably a Luck supporter.  At least that is what the other SP bashers have mostly been.  I know you know that the AD's position is not the role of an emperor.  That is the roles of the president, BOR and select BMD's.  Whom, I might add, are FULLY behind Patterson.  And that is all that really matters in the UT scheme of things.  Fan disapproval doesn't mean diddly and never has.  Deloss Dodds says hi.

Besides, would you prefer to have Dodds back - along with his cronies, including Mack and Rick?

 

[doc longhorn]

Okay, Doc

Why is it taking Patterson so long to trim the fat in Bellmont if he's such a respected "change agent"? Politics? I mean, we've now got Les Koenning on staff doing God knows what.

Be patient.  This university is monstrous and, like the battleship Arizona, it takes a while to get it to turn around.  The mess at Bellmont is totally systemic and requires the footspeed of a 5* running back to navigate the landmines.

Remember, the University of Texas is a political organization with many, many political favors integrated in the system.  The AD is a little guy compared to the ripples of what his reorganization could create - all the way up to the governor of the state and, yes, even beyond.

It ain't that easy, my friend.

 

[Randolph Duke]

Be patient. This university is monstrous and, like the battleship Arizona, it takes a while to get it to turn around. The mess at Bellmont is totally systemic and requires the footspeed of a 5* running back to navigate the landmines.

Remember, the University of Texas is a political organization with many, many political favors integrated in the system. The AD is a little guy compared to the ripples of what his reorganization could create - all the way up to the governor of the state and, yes, even beyond.

It ain't that easy, my friend.

The Arizona went to the bottom within its first hour of being tested in combat. I hope UT athletics doesn't have many more comparisons with the Arizona.

 

[Randolph Duke]

All I can tell you, Randy, is you have no idea what he is doing, frankly. What has been going on behind the scenes, is just that - behind the scenes and not for public consumption. Not yet, anyway.

The only thing that you and I, as fans, can deal with is what he has done publically. He has forced two winning coaches out of their jobs - without embarrassing the university. He has hired, IMO, the best possible HC for our football program. It appears he is getting ready to do the same for our BB program. He is working to consolidate the AD job to one entity - thus eliminating the women's AD job. And you know what that means.

He mailed a million questionaire's to the general fanship - requesting input on what could make the stadium experience more enjoyable. (Did you ever see Dodds do that?) The result being the eliminating of jetpac and the obnoxious scoreboard ads (and the scoreboard) - that's coming. He is working to make the UT brand more global and that is all I can tell you about that, right now. And what he is doing to get Austin's feet in the fire has been long overdue. They have been riding the UT freebies for way too many years and it is finally time to pay the piper.

I'm waiting for the full brunt of his work, just like you. But I know a little more than you and patience is a virtue.

Randy, I think you have just might have an agenda against him and are on a bashing quest. And you are doing this without the slightest knowledge of what is really going on. I really don't know your motives other than you were probably a Luck supporter. At least that is what the other SP bashers have mostly been. I know you know that the AD's position is not the role of an emperor. That is the roles of the president, BOR and select BMD's. Whom, I might add, are FULLY behind Patterson. And that is all that really matters in the UT scheme of things. Fan disapproval doesn't mean diddly and never has. Deloss Dodds says hi.

Besides, would you prefer to have Dodds back - along with his cronies, including Mack and Rick?

At some point leaders display leadership and Patterson hasn't delivered. The only positive actions he has taken have been to reach even deeper into the pockets of season ticket holders and to then proclaim the highest revenue generating athletic department in the history of college athletics not only can't live within its means, but that it is destitute. The list of ADs who have done far more with far less is growing every week.
Personally, I am tired of hearing what is supposedly coming. He has been on the job almost a year and a half and we get immediate revenue demands but deferred action on every other front. Almost a year and a half and we are still only getting empty promises that some day he will show some vague commitment to fiscal responsibility. Not good enough. Quite frankly, some of us hold leaders at UT to a much higher standard.

Patterson has delivered nothing substantive. Nothing. After a year and a half on the job his lack of reforms and lack of leadership pretty much confirms he is not the leader we need or expected. Many of us are past tired of his money grab in an instant, the endless promises and excuses and the undelivered leadership.

He is part of the problem. He has had his opportunity and has failed. He needs to go. Those who support Patterson are among the elite 30,000 Patterson has carefully made his sole priority. As the rest of the fanbase inevitably turns against Patterson, the fracture between the BMDs and the majority of fans will grow. Texas needs leadership, not someone who holds the majority of the fanbase in contempt. Patterson is an enormous mistake whose continued presence will only add to the cost of cleaning up the damage he is causing. For the good of the university, he has to go. If the President of the United States can be evaluated on his first 100 days in office, the AD at Texas can be evaluated on his accomplishments during his first 500 days. No one can honestly claim running Bellmont is a quantum level of complexity above being the leader of the free world.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

All that football info and we're discussing Patterson?!?

 

[doc longhorn]

At some point leaders display leadership and Patterson hasn't delivered. The only positive actions he has taken have been to reach even deeper into the pockets of season ticket holders and to then proclaim the highest revenue generating athletic department in the history of college athletics not only can't live within its means, but that it is destitute. The list of ADs who have done far more with far less is growing every week.

Personally, I am tired of hearing what is supposedly coming. He has been on the job almost a year and a half and we get immediate revenue demands but deferred action on every other front. Almost a year and a half and we are still only getting empty promises that some day he will show some vague commitment to fiscal responsibility. Not good enough. Quite frankly, some of us hold leaders at UT to a much higher standard.

Patterson has delivered nothing substantive. Nothing. After a year and a half on the job his lack of reforms and lack of leadership pretty much confirms he is not the leader we need or expected. Many of us are past tired of his money grab in an instant, the endless promises and excuses and the undelivered leadership.

He is part of the problem. He has had his opportunity and has failed. He needs to go. Those who support Patterson are among the elite 30,000 Patterson has carefully made his sole priority. As the rest of the fanbase inevitably turns against Patterson, the fracture between the BMDs and the majority of fans will grow. Texas needs leadership, not someone who holds the majority of the fanbase in contempt. Patterson is an enormous mistake whose continued presence will only add to the cost of cleaning up the damage he is causing. For the good of the university, he has to go. If the President of the United States can be evaluated on his first 100 days in office, the AD at Texas can be evaluated on his accomplishments during his first 500 days. No one can honestly claim running Bellmont is a quantum level of complexity above being the leader of the free world.

There is really not much you and I can discuss about SP.   Your mind is made up and that is the end of that.

Honestly, I don't know what you consider substantive anyway.  At least from an AD.  If firing and hiring the HC's of the two main UT athletic programs, alone, is not substantive then I don't know what to tell you. 

I can tell you this, and you can take it to the bank..  There is NO fracture between him and the BMD's.  This is just a creation in your mind based on nothing.  Frankly, I don't understand why you keep beating this pointless drum.  Do you think if you say it enough it will come true?

I understand now, that you opposed his hire and this is just sour grapes bashing.  That's fine, you are entitled to your opinion.  But I would suggest that you quit creating falsehoods and innuendos about a cat you know nothing about.  Frankly, it hurts your credibility.