Tag: Hook Em

The Draft Network: Calls Journey Brown to Texas a ‘perfect fit’

Kyle Crabbs of the Draft Network explores possible transfers and calls Journey Brown to Texas a perfect fit, but is it?

Following the cancellation of the Big Ten season, many began to wonder about the players from the conference. Would the players look to transfer to another school planning on playing in the fall? Given that the conference announced intentions to play in the spring, players likely wouldn’t be able to transfer and be granted immediate eligibility.

However that didn’t stop the Draft Network from exploring the idea of who could transfer. In the article Kyle Crabbs picked one Big Ten running back to Texas as a perfect fit.

What the Draft Network says

Max Gersh / The Commercial Appeal,

Journey Brown, Penn State

How about a little lightning to go with all that thunder in the Texas backfield? The Longhorns were hard-pressed for backs last season and between the size of quarterback Sam Ehlinger in the QB power game and backs Keaontay Ingram and Roschon Johnson (a former quarterback himself who only converted to running back ahead of the 2019 season), the Longhorns sure could use a little extra juice in the backfield.

The Longhorns didn’t offer Brown in the recruiting process (he ultimately decided to stay put in Pennsylvania), but they were one of just six teams that was pegged as an interested team by 247 Sports. The Lions run a wide open spread attack and, like Texas, offer plenty of QB run dynamics in their offense, so there are some parallels in the style of play that would make for a seemingly easy transition and offer a big upgrade to the Longhorns backfield.

With the devaluation of the running back position, Brown could use every boost he can find to his resume, even if it means a transfer for this fall.

The full article on the five Big Ten transfers can be found here.

Next what Longhorns Wire thinks about the idea

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Quarterback Sam Ehlinger named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm watchlist

Senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger joins two other Big 12 passers on Johnny Unitas watchlist. Looking to become the second Longhorn to win it.

Stop me if you have heard this before but Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger has been added to a preseason watch list. Yes, indeed after being named to the the Maxwell, Davey O’Brien, Manning and others you can add the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watchlist.

Texas Tech’s Alan Bowman and Baylor’s Charlie Brewer join Ehlinger as the only Big 12 passers to make the watch list. In a press release from Texas Athletics a list of the accolades for Ehlinger over the past two seasons show how good he has been.

Ehlinger, an Austin native, has started all 27 games for UT over the past two seasons and leads all active FBS quarterbacks in completions (571), attempts (879), passing yards (6,955), total offense (8,100) and total touchdowns (80) since the start of the 2018 season. He also ranks second among active FBS quarterbacks in touchdown passes (57) and fifth in completion percentage (65.0) during that stretch. Ehlinger is the only FBS player to account for at least 50 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons.

The award was first presented in 1987 with Don McPherson of Syracuse being the first recipient. In the 33 year history, five times a Big 12 quarterback has been given the award. Colt McCoy is the only Texas quarterback to earn this honor. Last season Joe Burrow walked away with the honor of being associated with a legendary quarterback in Johnny Unitas.

In 2017 Mason Rudolph of Oklahoma State was the winner of the award under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. As Ehlinger enters his senior season that kicks off September 12th against UTEP, expectations are high. The senior quarterback hopes to pick up the accolades as the looks to dethrone the Sooners as top dog in the conference.

 

Former Texas women’s coach Karen Aston should get call from Texas Tech

Following the dismissal of Texas Tech coach Marlene Stollins, they should give former Longhorns coach Karen Aston a call.

Early last week USA TODAY Sports writer Jori Epstein produced a report in collaboration with The Intercollegiate. The Intercollegiate is a college sports investigative media company. In the report they took exit interviews from players that detailed the abuse of players from the Texas Tech women’s basketball program. This led to the eventual dismissal of then head coach Marlene Stollings.

In a press conference that soon followed the announcement of the firing, Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt admitted that “We have failed them.” The one thing that Texas Tech and Hocutt need to do is find a coach that not only can heal them but can be a proven leader for the team.

One available head coach is former Longhorns women’s head coach Karen Aston. Upon the season’s cancellation, Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte decided to move on from Aston in favor of Vic Schaeffer. Schaeffer left Mississippi State to take over in Austin.

Aston was coming off six straight NCAA Tournament appearances with Texas. She likely would have made it seven had the season not been cancelled due to COVID-19. She left Texas with a career record of 184-83 overall. Aston also had a conference record 93-51. Over her career from Charlotte, North Texas and Texas she has a career .661 winning percentage. It was .689 in Austin.

It isn’t just her ability to to win games in Austin that should make her an attractive target but she is quite familiar with Big 12 basketball. Before getting her first job in Charlotte, Aston spent time as an assistant with Baylor twice and once with Texas. It is what she meant to her players. Following her dismissal, senior guard Sug Sutton posted a message about Aston on Instagram.

Thank you for giving me the best 4 years I could ask for. There was nothing that you wouldn’t have done for us! You had our backs just as much as we had yours. You weren’t perfect to everyone else but you were perfect to us (this team). You instilled the importance of Texas pride and Texas tradition into this program better than anyone could have ever done. Your hard-work, sacrifice, and commitment did not go unnoticed to us. You are an inspiration and I am so thankful for the relationship that we have built because it’ll go way beyond our time together at Texas.
I love you coach

Freshman guard Celeste Taylor also posted a message for her first collegiate coach.

Given how respected Aston was on and off the court plus her proven track record on it, should be enough to at least be considered in Lubbock.

Ahead of Tuesday’s Board of Directors meeting, Big 12 split on season plan

The Big 12 Conference is set to have their Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday. Reports being that the conference split on action plan.

While the news swirls  from source to source on the ongoing will the Big Ten cancel or won’t they, Big 12 is set to meet. The Big 12 Conference looks be caught in the middle of the cancel/postpone or proceed groups that the Power Five conferences are split into. On one side the Big Ten and Pac-12 seem poised to cancel while the ACC and SEC plan on moving forward with a college football season.

Social media is filled with so called medical experts on why they should or shouldn’t play. However, some of the actual medical experts in the field are weighing in on the topic. One such person is Mayo Clinic Genetic Cardiologist Dr. Michael J. Ackerman. He believes that the basis for cancellation that the Big Ten and Pac-12 are using isn’t supported by research.

This is also more fuel towards playing the season, while some state that the risk isn’t worth taking. According to the Oregon Duck’s 247Sports site, the Pac-12 medical experts are calling for a stop of contact and athletic activities.

News: UofU doctor tells @ESPN700 that #Pac12 medical advisors will recommend to “stop contact and competitive activities at this time” until criteria in place to move forward, including testing protocol – frequency will depend on rate of community spread.”

Meanwhile, medical experts have told the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey that they have the green light to continue towards a 2020 season. He appeared on the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday and provided that update.

Then we have the Big 12, who according to Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated is the one conference on the fence. According to his report, they are currently split on the best course of action heading into Tuesday’s Board of Directors meeting.

“If the SEC, ACC and Big 12 can play, I think they will,” says one industry source. One Big 12 administrator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “All of us know that the Big Ten and Pac-12 are going to do something. Are we going to be followers? Is it time to pull the plug? If we’re on the fence, let’s not make a decision. If we’re still questioning it, why do we have to make a decision? If the ACC and SEC are saying yes, we can gather more information.”

Added another Big 12 administrator: “In the event we cancel the season—and I’m not saying we will—we have to be able to come out and say why. It can’t be, ‘Well, because the Pac-12 decided to.’ We’re trying to get people who think we should cancel right now to take a deep breath. We don’t have a requirement to make a decision right now about the entire year.”

The Pac-12 and Big Ten conferences are expected to make their announcements ahead of the Big 12’s meeting but hadn’t officially done so at the time of publication. According to Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte, the Big 12’s meeting isn’t one that is expected to announce a course of action. More so that they are using the meeting to educate the decision makers.

The Longhorns administration and staff have made it well known that they want to play football. While their rivals up north and Lincoln Riley have talked about spring ball. With the two most powerful schools in the conference not in agreement, it should come as no shock that the conference themselves aren’t on the same page. Hopefully this meeting gives some idea of which way they are leaning.

Stay tuned.

Report: Longhorns’ Myron Warren no longer in transfer portal

According to a report from 247Sports, Texas redshirt freshman defensive lineman Myron Warren has removed himself from the transfer portal.

It was only a few days ago that Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Myron Warren put his name into the transfer portal. Texas has seen this occur a few times this offseason with Anthony Cook and Juwan Mitchell. Much like the previous two cases it appears that Warren has removed his name from the portal and will continue his playing career in Austin per 247Sports.

According to Chip Brown of Horns247, Warren removed himself on Monday morning.

According to a 247Sports check of the transfer portal, Warren’s name was removed shortly after 10 am CT on Monday.

Warren came to Austin as part of the Longhorns’ 2019 class and did not play last season. He ranked as the No. 289 overall player in the 247Sports Composite that cycle. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound Louisiana native is expected to be a part of the Longhorns’ two-deep this season as a redshirt freshman, potentially backing up defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham.

The redshirt freshman is looking to get into the mix among the defensive line now headed up by new defensive coordinator Chris Ash. The report also stats that Warren could be in the mix at nose tackle as a backup for Keondre Coburn.

Despite rumors swirling around the possible cancellation of the college football season, the Longhorns are in the midst of fall camp. Provided the season continues as planned they will open up the year hosting Texas-El Paso on September 12th at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The kickoff time has yet to be announced. As the Big 12 meeting draws near, we hope to have some finality on all these questions.

Former Longhorn Charles Omenihu ‘plays with a chip on his shoulder’

Former Longhorn pass rusher Charles Omenihu is having a reunion with his former coach Chris Rumph. Said he plays with a chip on his shoulder

The Longhorns defense missed a player like Charles Omenihu in 2019. During his senior year he finished with 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. The team didn’t have a way to replace that production. The hope and thought is Joseph Ossai can bring that production back to the pass rush in 2020. As for Omenihu, he is looking to bring that production and competitive edge to the Houston Texans.

Omenihu was reunited with his former coach at Texas. Chris Rumph spent 2014-15 with the Longhorns before he departed to the Florida Gators. This past season he left Tennessee to join Bill O’Brien’s staff with the Texas. It brought on a reunion with Omenihu.

“Besides being a really good football player, he’s a great young man who comes from a really, really good family. I’m excited to get back with him. When I saw him for the first time the other day, I was just amazed at how much he’s grown.” – Texans outside linebacker coach Chris Rumph

“He was just a big, tall, lanky, skinny kid and now he’s grown into a young man,” said Rumph. “He looks really good and I’m excited for him. The sky is the limit for him.”

Omenihu’s coach goes on to talk about how he plays with a chip on his shoulder. If you play in the NFL you have to have a driving force and for the former Longhorn it is that chip that will help propel him to new heights. Omenihu is looking to make a bigger splash in the NFL during his sophomore campaign.

For all updates on Charles Omenihu and the Houston Texans, check out our colleagues at the Texans Wire.

Former Longhorn Connor Williams has stiff competition in Dallas

Former Longhorn and All-American Connor Williams finds himself in a battle for playing time. However he may be the best man for the job.

When former Texas Longhorns and All-American Connor Williams was selected by the Dallas Cowboys, he was expected to compete for the starting left guard spot. Since joining his hometown team, Williams has played in 24 games starting 21. Last season the injury bug bit him again and he missed five games. After coming off the torn ACL, he is expected to be right in the mix once again.

From the Athletic’s Dane Brugler on Williams coming out of Texas:

A three-year starter at Texas, Williams earned the starting left tackle job as a true freshman and had an All-American season as a sophomore, putting himself on the NFL radar. However, he appeared to take a step back in 2017 followed by a knee injury that sidelined him for most of his junior season. Williams learned under three different offensive coordinators in three seasons in Austin, which helped diversify his skill-set. He is technique-focused and moves with above average athleticism, flashing the competitive finish and instincts required for the next level. While the intent is there, he isn’t an overpowering player and contact balance can be an issue at times. Overall, Williams will be a guard/center on some draft boards due to his lack of length, but his sophomore tape showed a capable NFL starter at tackle and NFL teams will need to trust the 2016 tape to draft him in round one.

Ben Grimaldi of the Cowboys Wire recently talked about his outlook for the left guard battle in Dallas. Another Connor, McGovern who missed all of last season is also in the mix to start. Just don’t count out Williams who has the experience at the position in the NFL.

If he’s healthy and recovered from his injury, Williams is in the best position to be the starter at LG, but he’ll have to earn a starting role. If he can’t beat out the competition, he’ll be one of the best back-up offensive linemen in the league.

The 23-year old kid from Coppell, Texas has already had a roller coaster ride to begin his career. Williams may always be linked to Goedert and Cowboys fans are hoping he’ll take the next step to having the impact the TE in Philadelphia’s had.

The jury’s still out on Williams.

For the most up to date information on the Dallas Cowboys, make sure you check out The Cowboys Wire as part of the USA TODAY Sports Media Group.

Could Texas land another blue chip wide receiver?

The Longhorns recently landed a commitment from 2022 receiver Phaizon Wilson, could Ketron Jackson be the next to Austin?

Tom Herman and the Texas Longhorns recently secured their first commitment in the 2022 recruiting cycle. They landed a blue chip talent from Lancaster, Phaizon Wilson. Wilson could become the next top wide receiver for the Longhorns once he gets to campus. However another blue chip talent at the position could be coming to the Forty Acres a little sooner than 2022.

Following the 2019 season the Longhorns lost both Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay to the NFL Draft. Both players were listed as blue chip talents as four-star prospects. This year they are expected to be replaced by some combination of Brennan Eagles, Jake Smith, Jordan Whittinton, Joshua Moore and newcomer Tarik Black. It still remains unclear who will remain standing when the dust has settled.

Looking forward to the 2021 recruiting class, could the Longhorns find yet another blue chip talent for the new look Mike Yurcich offense? Billy Bowman is a part of that group and the second-highest rated commitment behind teammate Ja’Tavion Sanders. Both players are listed as athletes and both play wide out for Denton Ryan. Sanders is likely playing defensive end while there is an unknown element with Bowman.

Will Bowman play slot receiver or defensive back? Many feel it will likely be receiver since he is so dangerous with the ball in his hands as a return specialist. Outside of Bowman, there could be another receiver on the way to Austin, Ketron Jackson of Royse City is picking up steam.

[protected-iframe id=”dfdadd531c22119f063b3ef181613de6-162776761-85508312″ info=”https://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/Ketron-Jackson-at-Royse-City-192874/CurrentExpertPredictions/Embed/?SnapShot=637319520473648794″ width=”600″ height=”200″ frameborder=”0″ class=”twofourseven-embed”]

Up until recently Jackson was predicted to go with fellow Big 12 school Texas Christian or with an old rival in Arkansas. Now the Longhorns are in the mix and crystal ball predictions are giving them the edge. Texas offered him back in March and in the past 48 hours it seems like many feel like it is a done deal.

Jackson fits the mold of some of the recent Longhorn receivers such as Marquise Goodwin or John Burt. He is a football player who also competes in track. His athletic prowess could be on full display very soon under the lights of Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Two Longhorns listed among ‘Mount Rushmore’ of Big 12 backs

Texas has had their fair share of top running backs but where do they rank among the ‘Mount Rushmore’ of Big 12 running backs?

During one of the weirdest offseasons in recent memory, the amount of football news has been minimal. Well expect for the constant updates on conference scheduling, COVID-19 updates and award watchlists. One good topic of conversation revolves around the “Mount Rushmore of” insert topic here. Heartland College Sports gave their Mount Rushmore of Big 12 running backs.

What they said

TEXAS RUNNING BACK RICKY WILLIAMS (1995-1998)

Even though Ricky played his freshman season in the Southwestern Conference, it would be insane to leave him off this list. From his sophomore season in 1996 to his senior season in 1998, he was arguably the best running back in college football during that time. Not only is Ricky the all-time leading rusher at Texas but he is the second all-time leading rusher in Big 12 history rushing for over 5,200 yards and 64 rushing touchdowns. However, do not forget that he almost racked up nearly 1,000 receiving yards as well. Oh yeah, in case you forgot, he won the Heisman trophy back in 1998.

TEXAS RUNNING BACK CEDRIC BENSON (2001-2004)

I feel like people sometimes forget just how good Cedric Benson was in college. From his freshman season in 2001 to his senior year in 2004, Cedric rushed for at least 1,000 yards and in his final three years in Austin, he never rushed for less than 1,293 yards in a season. And due to Ricky Williams playing a year in the Southwestern Conference, Cedric Benson is the all-time leading rusher in Big 12 history with 5,540 rushing yards and 69 rushing scores.

It should really come as no surprise to see both Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson are both part of the Mount Rushmore of Big 12 running backs. Williams an obvious member given how dominant he was and the fact that he won a Heisman. Benson is the all-time leading rusher in Big 12 history and he was one of the most consistent backs each and every season.

Texas wide receiver Jordan Whittington has a new look for 2020

Texas wide receiver Jordan Whittington didn’t only make a position change but also a change in his jersey number for 2020.

Jordan Whittington is making a couple of changes for the upcoming 2020 football season. He will battle along with sophomore slot receiver Jake Smith for the starting job. Whittington was recruited to play running back but an injury forced Roschon Johnson into the position and the addition of Bijan Robinson has filled the void. The losses of Devin Duvernay and Colin Johnson left a hole at receiver. Whittington will now look to make his mark at the position once he is healthy again.

He did announce on Twitter another change for the upcoming year, a new number.

Jordan will make the switch from 21 to the number four. Jersey numbers in college football are less traditional than those of the NFL. However, 21 feels like a number worn by running backs and defensive backs, not receivers. There have been several notable Longhorn receivers that wore the number during their time in Austin.

Roy Williams is the first to come to mind, the Longhorns all-time leading receiver wore it for his four seasons with Texas. He snagged 241 passes for 3,866 yards and 36 touchdowns over that span. Another name is Limas Sweed.

He also wore the number during his four year run at the University of Texas. Sweed hauled in 124 passes for 1,915 yards and 20 touchdowns. Can Whittington make a similar level of an impact? Possibly but the first thing he needs to do is stay healthy so he has the opportunity to compete for snaps at wide receiver.

On a related note, Michigan transfer Tarik Black will also have a new number and it is more on the odd side. Black wore the number seven for the Wolverines but will have the number zero on his jersey for Texas.