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Hello, all. I finally have time to catch up! We have been on Spring Break, yeah! Took the Grandsons to the UT Basketball game last Saturday. The oldest one was so disappointed that we lost. He loves competition, and does not relish losing, but we made the best of it. Yes, I am big on T'Vondre. He is a great young man, and he knows his mind. I respect that, and respect him. He doesn't complain about the work required to become the best you can be. He just does what needs to be done. I believe that the lack of a work ethic is what holds so many athletes back, rather than coaches, or facilities, or dining halls. Everyone knew he would play in college, and most of the people I work with expected him to go to A&M. Then Texas started recruiting him. It was obvious that he really liked Texas, and then he was finally able to visit. When he got back, he told me that he loved his visit and was very comfortable in Austin. He was really happy the day he committed to Texas. There was no doubt, no tension, just excitement. He was completely comfortable with his decision. From that point on, he was all Longhorn. He occasionally made trips to Austin. He took a friend with him to the OU game. Our coaches stayed in touch with him from the time they began recruiting him until he left to go to Austin in June. It was a seamless transition, high school team to college team, one coaching staff to another. An important part of a high school team to a valued part of a college team. It was a joy to watch. Yes, I'm a fan of his. Hook 'em!

If you want to see winning mentality, go back and watch Big 12 Tourney when Horns came from the Loser’s bracket to win the Championship! I was there, when Huston ran onto the field the Horns were tired, the fans were tired, but you could feel the momentum shift. Huston knew we would win it, the fans gave him a standing O, and the team had all the energy they needed. I will never forget it. It’s an invaluable lesson that sports teaches Hook ‘em!

Way to go, Horns! Hook ‘em! Winning Mentality!

Ironically, I believe that Orlando is very bright and could have adjusted, but for some reason we will probably never really know, didn’t adjust. Did the players on D, in particular, seem like they played with a weight lifted from their shoulders last night? They were rarely out of position, and they played with intensity and absolute abandon. It was fun to watch, though it irritated the Utes. Hook ‘em!

At Texas, we attract some elite athletes, and we attract some very intelligent athletes. I loved watching Orlando’s defense, but we saw, this year, what happens when you have to insert young, inexperienced players into a complex scheme. If you switched to LHN after the game, Herman said they had 8 bowl practices. Ossai said they learned a different defensive scheme in those 8 practices. I think it simplified the game so that the players could use their athleticism to make plays. If you recall what one of our National Championship players said Chizik did in 2005, he simplified the defense and allowed the players to use their instincts rather than overthink while playing. It matters. That’s exactly what made Vince so hard to defend. Hook ‘em!

Now, that was fun.

Is it possible that Herman can’t announce the OC yet because that man’s team either doesn’t want to wreck a R/C (saw that mentioned here), or because they are in the playoffs? Just a thought.

Bingo! He was a really, really good 3 star, ah-hem.

I recall a 3 star lineman that we recruited and at this moment I cannot remember his name, but he was a critical part of the 2006 National Championship team. He may have retired in the last few years, but he had a long Pro career, as well. Recruiting services don’t always get it right.

You are a man among men, Dee. Hook ‘em! btw, to whoever said it, I am not the resident optimist, I see what happens every game; however, I think some people should say what they have to say, and forego beating that poor nag into dog food.

This is a rhetorical question. Why would Harrell want to stay at USC? I have heard that it is not a well-run program. We floundered a little after Dodds retired, but we are in extremely capable hands with CDC. It’s also obvious that The University administration supports our program. Coaching at Texas is a great opportunity, if and only if, a coach is not concerned about coaching on a big stage. For the naysayers, we are on a big stage, regardless of what you may say. Hook ‘em!

A lady at school makes them every year. They are good. The best I ever bought were from the Valley, when I was living in Corpus. Oh my, you could order pork with cheese and jalapeño, or cheese and jalapeño, the list went on and on. An elderly man went to office buildings, and his family made them. They were outstanding.

Off topic, but have all of you fellows finished all of your Christmas shopping? My last purchase came two days ago, and the tamales that I ordered were delivered today. I ordered 4 dozen & wish I had ordered 6. On-line shopping has certainly helped this working woman finish Christmas shopping in a timely manner. I think that I am going to top off my grandson’s Christmas with tickets to a Longhorn basketball game for the 3 of us. Hoping to catch a baseball game after. Hook ‘em!

Uh-hem, has anyone considered that they may have told some or all recruits without letting anyone else know. Recruits can be pretty tight-lipped when it comes to their college choice. I haven’t seen ours mouthing off, not at all. Not a ripple during all of this. Hook ‘em!

May this particular horse Rest In Peace. He died a very slow, painful death. Don’t take offense, I have had STAAR tests to monitor since Tuesday. Almost over! Next week finals. That is definitely cruel and unusual punishment Hook ‘em!