Burnt Ends (11-3)

[HornSports Staff]

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.

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...

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.

***DO NOT FORWARD***

In today’s press conference, Charlie Strong was asked about OT Desmond Harrison. His reply was the same as it’s been for weeks, “There’s no update on Des.”

There has been plenty of speculation about Harrison and much of it involves if his career is done at Texas. Since Strong isn’t giving any information about the situation, we checked in with a team source on Harrison.

The exact words we got were, "Harrison probably won't see the field this year"

*****

A few notes collected from various players and one team source:

1. The team is upbeat and thinks they can beat West Virginia. 

2. The talk about making a bowl game has stopped and reverted back to the paradigm of taking one game at a time.

3. After hearing talk of going to a bowl if the team wins 2 of their last three games, one player said "we can win all 3". This team is really beginning to believe in themselves.

*****

A quick note from the Texas coaching booth – the Horns went away from the zone read because Texas Tech’s fronts didn't dictate that Texas run it (zone read).  Tech basically wanted the Horns to run the ball.

*****

We caught up with a really solid team source and he shared some interesting insights on Tyrone Swoopes. Some of the info is intuitive, but it’s better to get it confirmed by somebody that sees practice snaps.

“He’s young, meaning he’s still developing. In my opinion, he still has a ways to go. That’s not an indictment so much as a comment on how much potential he has as a football player. One thing working against him is that he's still trying to understand the offense as well as Shawn [Watson] does.  This offense is extremely intricate, so it’s not surprising that Ty can get overwhelmed in games. One of the things they’re working on is that he tends to revert back to his old habits during those times when he gets overwhelmed.”

*****

One of the things that goes unsaid when talking about the Texas running game is that Johnathan Gray is still recovering from his Achilles injury. Since he’s played from Day 1, it’s like everyone forgot how significant the injury was.

One person we talked with in Lubbock assured us that, “He [Gray] can say he is 100%, but he isn't 100%.”

In that same conversation, we were told that the coaching staff was enthused that Gray showed a little more burst and quickness in the game.

And then they added this gem, “It is hard to run behind this line.”

*****

We talked with a recruiting expert that covers the southeast US and he told us to keep an eye on 4* defensive end Arden Key (Lithonia, GA). The South Carolina commitment is quietly looking around and talking with a few select coaches at other schools.

Key has an offer from Texas and we were told that he’s considering making it to Austin on an official visit. Coach Rumph is the guy leading the charge on Key’s recruitment and the two are supposed to talk at some point this week.

With each loss by the Gamecocks, more people are questioning whether or not Steve Spurrier will retire after the season. There are a lot of moving parts in this story, but it sounds like one that’s worth keeping your eyes on.

*****

If you don’t follow recruiting, then you might be unaware that this weekend’s game against West Virginia is shaping up to be incredibly important. Not only does Texas need a win to increase their odds at going to a bowl game, the Longhorns are hosting a bevy of the Sunshine state’s top recruits.

Expected to be in attendance are:

Cecil Cherry, LB, Lakeland (Victory Christian Academy HS)

Devonaire Clarington, TE, Miami (Booker T. Washington HS)

Davante Davis, CB, Homestead  Booker T. Washington HS)

Ronnie Harrison, S, Tallahassee (FL - Florida State Univ HS)

Tim Irvin, ATH, Miami (Westminster Christian Academy HS)

Of those five, Cherry and Harrison are already committed (Tennessee and Alabama, respectively), but both are interested enough to make the trip to Austin.

We’re told it’s been made very clear to Clarington that he could fill a position of need (TE) the day he sets foot on campus. With Will Gragg headed to Arkansas and Chris Clark a question mark at best, the whole offensive staff is getting involved in Clarington’s recruitment – that should tell you how important the coaches think he is to this class.

The other subplot on that list surrounds Tim Irvin, who is the cousin of Michael Irvin, Jr….who is Michael Irvin’s son. With the strong family connection to the Hurricanes and Tim’s proximity to campus, most think the pair are a lock to attend ‘The U’.

But, as Lee Corso likes to say, “Not so fast, my friend”. If you’ve been living under a rock, the shine is off the Hurricane program. Things are bad enough in South Florida that many are now wondering whether or not they will retain Al Golden, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Folks in South Florida still think Tim and Michael end up at Miami, but one DFW recruiting source we spoke to offered this, “I know for a fact that the family considers UT a serious option because of the mess in Miami. If Tim comes away impressed this weekend, I think the Longhorns become a major factor.”

We profiled Michael, Jr. in one of the first editions of Burnt Ends, so we decided to check with him and ask about his cousin coming to Austin. Irvin kept it close to the vest, admitting that he expects Tim will stop to see them, but he was noncommittal about the two of them talking about the Horns.

*****

If there is a playmaker in the state of Texas that can overpower that recruiting clout from Florida, it’s DeAndre McNeal (ATH, Mesquite, TX - Poteet HS). In addition to the crew from the Sunshine State, McNeal is coming to Austin for his official visit this weekend.

McNeal stars on both sides of the ball at Poteet, but made it clear to college coaches that he would prefer to play offense in college. The Texas coaches got the message and are more than willing to give McNeal the shot he wants at wideout. In fact, a team source told us that the coaching staff believes McNeal would make an impact in 2015 and could be the gamebreaker that is missing this year.

We caught up with McNeal to ask what he is looking forward to the most about this weekend, and he responded, “The atmosphere – the city, the campus, the team, the game…all of it – just the atmosphere.”

*****

There’s one more recruiting note of interest for this weekend…commit Zach Gentry is also scheduled to make his official visit. If you need a reminder who Gentry is, he’s a 4* pro-style quarterback; the No. 1 player in New Mexico; and, most importantly, a Texas commitment.

After this Summer’s Under the Lights camp, recruits raved about Gentry’s abilities.  Couple that with the fact that star players want to play with other star players, and there’s an obvious connection to this weekend.

It seemed so obvious that we decided to ask one of our best team sources about the conflux of players coming to town. Here’s what we were told:

“Don’t think it’s an accident that the staff is bringing all these kids in on the weekend that Zach will be here. It’s a been a major effort and focus for the past few weeks. The coaches are pretty pumped about how it worked out. I don’t know if we’ll get a chance since it’s a game weekend, but they want to see if the kid from Mesquite can outrun Gentry’s throws.”

*****

It’s been a while since we checked in with North Shore offensive lineman Tyler Moore. Although several outlets have pegged him as the next recruit to commit to Charlie Strong, Moore is taking things slowly. In the interest of researching his options, Moore is planning OV’s to both Colorado and Minnesota.

We asked whether he was going to make it to Austin for the West Virginia game and he said he wasn’t sure, but added, “I am going to try to."

He said he talks with Joe Wickline pretty regularly, but neither party appears to be in a rush. While Moore sees value in making sure to get a look at other schools, it also appears that the Texas coaches are confident to let him do so.

For those of you expecting him to be the Horns’ next commitment, don't bank on it just yet.

*****

There’s been plenty of reports about players in College Station being unhappy. In last week’s Burnt Ends, we gave you names of three players that are considering leaving the program.

This week we’re hearing more of the same, but the unrest has spilled over into recruiting. We’re hearing that Kyler Murray is strongly considering leaving the state of Texas to play his college ball. Obviously that means he would decommit from A&M. While it would hurt the Ag’s to lose a talented quarterback, what may hurt worse is the picture that his departure would paint for the rest of the recruiting class.

If Murray does leave Texas, we’re told to look for OU and LSU to be major factors. Evidently both schools have been in Murray’s ear as of late and he’s listening.

 

[drgilbert]

I thought Oregon was the major player for Murray

 

[MikeV73]

I thought Oregon was the major player for Murray

That has been the theme, but Murray was in Norman recently as well. Plus, Oregon's uniforms are not as cool as aggies and that will be the deciding factor...had to add that swag barb. Both schools with awful uniforms of late.

 

[texasdobbs]

Interesting. ..

 

[Bear19]

An excellent burnt ends. Very tasty.

 

[doc longhorn]

Matt - this was very good.  Very good.

 

[streettopeschel]

i liked it, but i'm sure mcphaul thinks it sucked.

reports here, and elsewhere, continue to talk about the mood of the team as upbeat and positive. if true, that's a real testament to the coaches.

this team has had it's share of adversity (suspensions, injuries, losing) and it's not uncommon for the wheels to come off a team going though all that (our agricultural pals to the east seem to be experiencing a bit of that). positive sign if everybody truly is keeping the right attitude.

 

[Bevostuntdouble]

Thanks a lot... Good info.

Its really unfortunate that we are down right now with the other programs that are free falling, currently. South Carolina, UF, a&m, etc... With a bit more on-field success I think we could capitalize on some great talent that will be freeing up.

Out of curiosity, is there any chatter about the QB position outside of Swoopes? Im not even clear on who the number 2 is...

So far it sounds like every single game this year was a huge and terribly important recruiting weekend for us... There any thought that bringing all these recruits in for losses that showcase horrible play is more adverse than positive? I haven't been shy about my dislike for Watson and his play calling but his inability to construct a solid game plan versus a team with more than 2 wins would give me pause. I get the one side that shows recruits that they can come in and play early. Flipside, it says to me that we have all the talent we do on O and can't find any way to play a really good Offensive game vs even decent teams. Controlling our exposure would seem more logical to me... Thoughts?

 

[Chitownhorn]

Great stuff this week.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Thanks a lot... Good info.

Its really unfortunate that we are down right now with the other programs that are free falling, currently. South Carolina, UF, a&m, etc... With a bit more on-field success I think we could capitalize on some great talent that will be freeing up.

Out of curiosity, is there any chatter about the QB position outside of Swoopes? Im not even clear on who the number 2 is...

So far it sounds like every single game this year was a huge and terribly important recruiting weekend for us... There any thought that bringing all these recruits in for losses that showcase horrible play is more adverse than positive? I haven't been shy about my dislike for Watson and his play calling but his inability to construct a solid game plan versus a team with more than 2 wins would give me pause. I get the one side that shows recruits that they can come in and play early. Flipside, it says to me that we have all the talent we do on O and can't find any way to play a really good Offensive game vs even decent teams. Controlling our exposure would seem more logical to me... Thoughts?

Nice post. Well-constructed argument, IMO.

The thing you are missing is that recruits and players see a much different game than fans do. In addition to having a personal relationship with the coaches & players on the field (which changes everything), rather than judge the playcalling or offensive production, a recruit is more likely to watch and think, "I could do XYZ better than that guy."

Recruits and players are comparing themselves to what they see. These guys know in their gut who is more talented than them & vice-versa.

 

[Bevostuntdouble]

Nice post. Well-constructed argument, IMO.

The thing you are missing is that recruits and players see a much different game than fans do. In addition to having a personal relationship with the coaches & players on the field (which changes everything), rather than judge the playcalling or offensive production, a recruit is more likely to watch and think, "I could do XYZ better than that guy."

Recruits and players are comparing themselves to what they see. These guys know in their gut who is more talented than them & vice-versa.

That is a solid point and I had considered that, to an extent. I guess I may be looking more full picture than a recruit would. I guess theoretically, when I think about it, the kids would choose to go to schools that give them the best opportunity for individual and team success. Which means having confidence in the coaches to put you in the best position possible for success and to assemble the best cast possible... Then again, they are kids...

Good perspective, thanks.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

I thought Oregon was the major player for Murray

That's what I've heard - Oregon. Previously, the distance was a problem. Maybe not any more.

I can see what might attract him about LSU, but OU's armor is showing a bunch of rust.

If Murray bails out, look for a few others to follow. I would expect Daylon Mack to be one of those.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

That has been the theme, but Murray was in Norman recently as well. Plus, Oregon's uniforms are not as cool as aggies and that will be the deciding factor...had to add that swag barb. Both schools with awful uniforms of late.

I think we've learned that no matter what you do with maroon, it's still maroon. Throwing gray in there doesn't help it. Confusing your head with a bunch of stripes doesn't help it. Using Star Trek fonts doesn't help it. Probably one of the more underrated underlying issues through all of aggy's power slide here - they realized their color really does suck.

 

[MikeV73]

I think we've learned that no matter what you do with maroon, it's still maroon. Throwing gray in there doesn't help it. Confusing your head with a bunch of stripes doesn't help it. Using Star Trek fonts doesn't help it. Probably one of the more underrated underlying issues through all of aggy's power slide here - they realized their color really does suck.

I don't know Mark, I didn't even notice the three losses in a row due to the mesmorizingly awesome aggie uniforms they have worn this year...mission accomplished Sumlin!

 

[SanTexHorn]

i liked it, but i'm sure mcphaul thinks it sucked.

reports here, and elsewhere, continue to talk about the mood of the team as upbeat and positive. if true, that's a real testament to the coaches.

this team has had it's share of adversity (suspensions, injuries, losing) and it's not uncommon for the wheels to come off a team going though all that (our agricultural pals to the east seem to be experiencing a bit of that). positive sign if everybody truly is keeping the right attitude.

I seriously doubt McPhaul has read it.  This is one of the best Burnt Ends I've read. But it's not quite as good as what McPhaul posted.  Just my opinion, of course.

Just saw that McPhaul posted here a minute or two ago.  Didn't think he had anything to do with this board.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

 

[Darrell McPhaul]

i liked it, but i'm sure mcphaul thinks it sucked.

reports here, and elsewhere, continue to talk about the mood of the team as upbeat and positive. if true, that's a real testament to the coaches.

this team has had it's share of adversity (suspensions, injuries, losing) and it's not uncommon for the wheels to come off a team going though all that (our agricultural pals to the east seem to be experiencing a bit of that). positive sign if everybody truly is keeping the right attitude.

Joe,

<edited>

I will certainly go with my record over what is reported on any board.

 

[JimR]

Darrell, please. You are better than this.

 

[Throthefade]

I dont think anyone really knows what Mack is going to do. He really likes the attention, its going to go down to the wire with him. I think its a good chance that Murray goes else where specially if they get blow out by UA and LSU.