The big day for Texas continues with the commitment of Jalen Campbell. The Corpus Christi cornerback is now the third commitment for the 2015 Longhorn class and the second in the past day. Campbell (5'11/175) picked up a Texas offer (his only so far) last week at their sophomore day. Campbell is one of the top 2015 prospects in the state and is ranked 8th in the 2015 LSR. Texas is off to an incredibly hot start to 2015 with Mack Brown now having three commitments and having sent out several more offers today.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Terrell Cuney Becomes #9 For Texas
The top ranked center in the nation has committed to the Texas Longhorns. Terrel Cuney announced his commitment earlier today via Twitter. Cuney is a 4-star recruit in the 247Composite and one of the best OL in Texas. He chose Texas over offers from TCU and Texas Tech and had heavy interest in A&M and Oklahoma State. Today has already been a very busy day for the 'Horns and their spring game has yet to start. Follow @Big12Recruit throughout the day for more updates.
Friday, March 29, 2013
2015 DT Bryce English Commits to Texas
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| (h/t @ESPNwilkerson) |
Thursday, March 28, 2013
2014 TCU Recruiting Preview
2013 Recap: TCU finished 6th last year in the Big 12 in the recruiting rankings. The class (23 players altogether) didn't have much top-end talent, but was solid top to bottom (19 3-star prospects). Headlining the class was a pair of 4-star Texans in RB Kyle Hicks and OLB Dac Shaw.
Needs: It seems like almost every Big 12 team needs a safety this year. TCU continues the trend after only signing one last February. 247 lists three safeties signed in the 2013 class, however from what I've seen only one is actually going to play safety in Fort Worth. Also, the Horned Frogs only picked up one DT last cycle, so that is another need.
Early 2014 Commitments: TCU has gotten off to a hot start for 2014 with four commitments already including a pair of 4-stars from Texas. Those two are CB Nick Foster and DT Zaycoven Henderson; a prospect at the position that was listed above as a need for TCU. Besides those two, TCU has verbal commitments from 3-star Texans WR Emanuel Porter and QB Grayson Muehlstein. TCU for both of those players are their only offer, but expect that to change especially in the case of Porter, who has only been on the varsity team for a year (was a pretty good basketball player).
Preview: With a year under their belt in Big 12 play, can TCU become one of the top performers in the conference on the recruiting trail? They definitely have the resources with being positioned in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. TCU already has two Top247 prospects on the edge of committing. 4-star TX DE Myles Garrett (#68 in 247Comp) has TCU among his favorites with powerhouses LSU and Texas A&M. 4-star TX OLB Edwin Freeman (#147 in 247Comp) also has TCU in his top three with A&M and Oklahoma. Some other notables with moderate interest in Gary Patterson's program include TX WR KD Cannon (seriously, is there a Big 12 school this guy isn't interested in?), TX S John Bonney, TX OT Ty Barrett, and KS OT Braden Smith among several others.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
2014 Oklahoma State Recruiting Preview
2013 Recap: Oklahoma State signed 23 in last year's class which ranked 4th in the Big 12. The class included four 4-stars including TX WR Ra'Shaad Samples. Samples, and Under Armour All-American, stuck with the Pokes after late visit to Kentucky.
Needs: From what I've seen, Oklahoma State has three positions of need they should focus on this cycle. The first is at safety; a position where they'll have five seniors this year and no juniors or seniors. Second is linebacker where they only signed one last cycle. Last is defensive tackle where the roster is primarily consisting of juniors and seniors. With the lack of underclassmen at defensive tackle and safety, don't be surprised to see the Cowboys get some help through the JUCO route.
Early Commitments: 4-star OK RB Devon Thomas is the first of two commitments for 2014 so far for OSU. Devon Thomas was previously committed to Oklahoma, but decommitted and a week later committed to the other Big 12 team in the state. Thomas stated that his family had a lot to do with his decommitment/commitment and also wasn't pleased with what OU fans were saying about him. Thomas is #93 in the Top247 and looks like he'll be a top 10 RB in this class. The second commit for Okie State is 3-star TX LB Justin Phillips who chose OSU over Baylor, Colorado, Boise State, and Northwestern.
Preview: Luckily for Oklahoma State, they already have several players that fill positions of need with "warm" interest in Mike Gundy's program. At DT, 3-star Joyan Williams from Louisiana was once thought to be an OSU commit (turned out he didn't) and Trey Lealaimatafao from Texas has interest in Oklahoma State along with other Big 12 schools. 4-star Texans John Bonney and Jamal Adams (Texas and OU are favorites) are both safeties with interest in Okie St. Besides those players, the Cowboys are still in the running for others including standout 4-star TX WR KD Cannon.
Texas: Jerrod Heard Scouting Report
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| (h/t allenpub.com) |
Position: QB
Height/Weight: 6'2/185
School: Guyer (Denton, TX)
Other Offers: Ohio State, LSU, Arizona State, Baylor, Arizona, Nebraska
40: N/A
Ratings:
Rivals: 4*, #73 OVR
247Sports: 4*, #13 TX, #3 DUAL, #107 OVR
Scout: 4*, #4 QB
ESPN: -
Report: Heard is the best QB in the state and one of premier signal callers in the nation for 2014. He led Guyer to a 4A Division I championship last December, beating Georgetown 48-37. He completed 155 of 250 passes last year for over 2,000 yards and 17 TDs compared to 7 INTs. Heard also proved himself as a threat with his legs, running for over 2100 yards and 35 TDs on 250 carries. With those massive numbers, Heard was awarded several postseason honors including All-State.
Heard is more of a threat on the ground than he is through the air at this point in his development. What stands out is how smooth of a runner Heard is on the field. He isn't all that shifty and quick, but is very smooth and his the holes so gracefully. As for throwing, Heard has a compact delivery. He has room for improvement when it comes to arm strength and accuracy, but he does posses nice touch on his deep balls. Also, he seems very poised and doesn't make the plays any harder than they need to be.
Last Updated March 27th.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Elijah Lee Commits to Kansas State
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| New K-State commit Elijah Lee |
Missouri OLB/DE Elijah Lee became Kansas State's fourth commitment of 2014 today. He's a 3-star prospect by both Rivals and 247Sports along with being the #5 overall prospect in the state of Missouri. According to 247Sports, Lee totaled 72 tackles, 15.5 sacks, and an INT on his way to being named the Co Defensive Player of the Year in Missouri in 2012. While Lee plays some defensive end with Blue Springs, KSU wants him to play OLB in Manhattan. Lee, who chose K-State over Toledo and Wyoming, joins close friend Dalvin Warmack as 2014 Kansas State commits.
Monday, March 25, 2013
2014 Oklahoma Recruiting Preview
2013 Recap: The Sooners signed 24 players back in February in a class that was the best in the Big 12 according to 247Sports. This was the first time in a while that OU finished ahead of Texas in the standings. Obviously with the top ranking in the conference, the class had a lot of talent which was headlined by 5-star TX RB Keith Ford. Ford was a top 50 player overall and one of the best backs in the country (#3 in 247Composite). Besides Ford, the Sooners signed many other 4-star recruits including OK DE D.J. Ward, FL S Ahmad Thomas, and CA S Hatari Byrd.
Needs: Okahoma's biggest need is probably offensive linemen. A large majority of their current ones will graduate in the next two years, leaving only a few for the 2014 season. Now is not a good time to have that particular need as the crop of offensive linemen in the Texas and Oklahoma region is weak according to most experts. Also, linebacker will be another need for Stoops and the Sooners this year.
Early Commits: Bob Stoops has picked three commitments so far in 2014. The first was TX WR Armanti Foreman, a 4-star recruit who is the #3 WR in the state of Texas according to the LSR Top 100 and a top 250 player overall by both Rivals and 247. The second commitment is from 3-star TX S Vontre McQuinnie. Listed as a safety right now, McQuinnie at 6'2/190 may end up at OLB during his time in Norman. 3-star TX RB Samaje Perine was the last to commit of the three. Perine, who chose OU over the likes of Alabama and Baylor, rushed for 2000 yards and 16 TDs last year with Hendrickson.
Preview: Is there any way OU can top Texas in the rankings again this year? Well, Oklahoma has already offered over 100 players according to 247. Dozens already have "warm" interest in Oklahoma and there are many other who already have OU as an early favorite. 4-star NV ATH Nathan Starks is one of those players. Starks comes in at #26 in the Top247 and is the top player in the state of Nevada. 4-star TX LB Edwin Freeman, who has OU in the lead with TCU and A&M, could help fill the need at LB. Others that have OU at the top include 4-star TX S Jamal Adams (also has Texas at the top) and 3-stars Texans OL Koda Martin, OLB Christian Sam, and others.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Texas Lands 2015 OL Aaron Garza
TX OL Aaron Garza became the first 2015 commitment for Texas earlier today at their inaugural sophomore day. The 6'3/300+ Garza is one of the top 2015 offensive linemen in the state and is ranked 23rd in the 2015 LSR. Besides the Longhorns, Garza had earlier offers from Baylor and Michigan. Here is a quote from Garza on why Texas offered him so early:
“Maybe they see my frame and body,” Garza said. “My dad is 6-7 and I’m supposed to be just as big as him so maybe they see a lot of me in him. I’m a fairly thick guy all around. When I spoke with their coaches the other day he said he really liked my frame. He said I was what they are looking for.”
Friday, March 22, 2013
2014 Big 12 Recruiting Rankings
Below is the first set of rankings for the 2014 cycle. I'm hopeful that I can do a new set of rankings about every other week with new analysis. The rankings aren't scientific and are based on a number of factors including talent (obviously), class size, potential for growth, and others. Agree or disagree? Leave a comment below or email Big12recruit@gmail.com.
1. Texas: With 8 commitments including 6 4-stars, Texas has the best class in the Big 12 so far and one of the best in the nation. We all know Texas and the resources they have to attract the top recruits, but there are teams that are starting to take away premier prospects from the Horns. Although in the end, it is going to be tough for anyone to knock the Horns off the top in 2014.
2. Baylor: Baylor may only have 3 commitments, but they are some pretty good ones. TX S Davon Hall is a top 100 recruit and chose Baylor over the likes of LSU, A&M, Arkansas, and more. TX RB Terence Williams is #209 in the 247Composite rankings and the last commitment, TX WR Chris Platt, has elite speed. Baylor seems poised for another top 25 overall ranking.
3. Oklahoma: OU got a big verbal commitment back in October from 4-star TX WR Armanti Foreman. Foreman is a top 100 recruit and at 5'11/175, Foreman seems destined to be a threat in the slot. However, both Texas and A&M are threatening to steal Foreman away from OU. Besides Foreman, OU has commitments from RB Samaje Perine and S Vontre McQuinnie.
4. TCU: TCU is another team that is off to a fast start for 2014. Already they have 4 verbal commitments with half of them being 4-stars. Right now, TCU ranks 9th nationally according to 247Sports, but don't expect that to hold.
5. Texas Tech: With 4 commitments, you could make a case for Tech being higher than where they are currently positioned. The level of talent may not match the teams above, but Tech is still off to a pretty good start for the class which is headlined by D.J. Gillins, the top dual-threat QB according to 247Sports.
6. Oklahoma State: The Pokes currently have a pair of commitments; 4-star OK RB Devon Thomas and 3-star TX LB Justin Phillips. Thomas, a former OU commit and top 200 player, will be one of the top RBs signed in the Big 12 next February.
7. Kansas State: K-State got a big commitment from 4-star MO RB Dalvin Warmack a couple weeks ago. Bill Snyder also has a pair of 3-star offensive line commits; CO OG/C Dalton Risner and and TX OG/OT Robert Castaneda.
8. Iowa State: Iowa State's only commit so far is 4-star IA WR Allen Lazard, who is the top receiver in the nation according to Rivals. Who would have thought before December that Iowa State, not Alabama or Texas, would have arguably the best WR in the nation for 2014? If ISU had another commit or two, they would be a couple spots higher.
9. Kansas: 4-star KS RB Traevohn Wrench is KU's only commit for 2014, but he was one of KU's top targets. With the talent in Kansas this year, I expect Kansas to rise from the cellar of the Big 12 this year.
10. West Virginia: With just a single commitment from 3-star PA WR Ricky Rogers, the 'Eers are currently ranked last. But the 'Eers have a couple close to committing including one of the top QBs in the area.
2014 Kansas State Recruiting Preview
2013 Recap: KSU signed a total of 19 players last February and it ended up being ranked 9th in the conference for 2013. While the class doesn't compare to that of Texas, Baylor, Oklahoma, etc., they did pick up a guy who could make as big of an impact as anyone in 2013. The top-ranked JUCO QB, Jake Waters, chose Kansas State over Penn State. Waters is expected to compete throughout the offseason for the role of replacing Collin Klein.
Needs: The need in 2014 seems to be offensive tackle as they didn't sign one last cycle. As discussed below, K-State has picked up a pair of OL commits, but one is a guard/center and opinions seem to vary whether the other is fit at guard or tackle. Either way, expect the Wildcats to go after another tackle.
Early 2014 Commits: The Wildcats didn't pick up a verbal commitment until March, but three have given their commitments to K-State so far in March. The group is led by 4-star MO RB Dalvin Warmack, one of the top recruits in Missouri this year. Warmack rushed for 2300 yards and 39 TDs last year for Blue Springs. Besides Warmack, Bill Snyder has picked up a pair of 3-star offensive linemen. Robert Castaneda (TX) chose K-State over Texas Tech and Dalton Risner (CO) had other offers from Mizzou, Arizona State, and other smaller schools.
Preview: Kansas State and Bill Snyder are notorious for recruiting JUCO players. However, so far at least, they've toned it down on the JUCO players as KSU has only offered a couple. As mentioned with the KU preview, the state of Kansas has a good amount of talent in it this year. Two of the Sunflower state's prospects; DT Peyton Newell and TE Deandre Goolsby have "warm" interest in KSU according to 247. Besides those two, another pair of solid prospects also have decent interest in Bill Snyder's program. 3-star TX OL Blake Blackmar has KSU along with Baylor as his early top two and 4-star IL DE Dewayne Hendrix has also has "warm" interest.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
2014 Kansas Recruiting Preview
2013 Recap: Considering the lack of success in recent years, KU signed a pretty nice class last February which ranked 7th in the Big 12. Charlie Weis got some immediate impact players last cycle by signing a JUCO-heavy class; 17 out of 25 to be exact. The top signee was 4-star CA JUCO DT Marquel Combs, who was ranked #3 among all JUCO players last year. Along with Combs was a long, long list of 3-star recruits.
Needs: The Jayhawks didn't sign a RB last year, but as discussed below, they've already picked one up this cycle. Still, with James Sims graduating, I bet that Weis and the staff are looking for another RB. Also, KU signed four offensive linemen in 2013, but there was only one that was a high schooler. Expect Kansas to sign 2-3 high school linemen this year.
Early 2014 Commits: Charlie Weis picked up his first verbal commitment of the cycle in early March with 4-star KS RB Traevohn Wrench. Wrench is one of the top players in Kansas, a state that has a surprisingly high amount of talent this year. Last year as a junior, Wrench rushed for over 2000 yards and 25 TDs.
Preview: So KU had a pretty nice class last year, can they better it in 2014? They've already got one of their top targets in Wrench. Many of their offers already have warm interest in the Jayhawks according to 247. That includes 4-star KS DT Peyton Newell (Carolina is the favorite), 3-star KS TE Deandre Goolsby, 3-star MO OLB Jimmie Swain, KS ATH Joe Dineen (from Lawrence, has KU at the top), and others.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
2014 Iowa State Recruiting Preview
2013 Recap: Iowa State signed a total of 25 players last year in a class that ranked last in the Big 12. However, it was a pretty good class for Paul Rhoads whose program has risen much over the past four years. The biggest get for the Cyclones last year was 4-star IA OT Jake Campos. Campos, the top player in the state of Iowa, was originally committed to Mizzou, but switched his commitment to the home-state team in December. Other notables include FL OT Shawn Curtis who ESPN ranks as a 4-star and a pair of Iowa Western Community College players in DE Rodney Coe and RB Aaron Wimberly.
Needs: Iowa State needs the most talent they can get no matter the position. If Iowa State needs to focus on any particular position, it may be at corner. The state of Texas has a lot of depth at CB this year which is great news for Iowa State. They also need to keep the commitment of the prospect below.
Early 2014 Commits: The Cyclones have only a single verbal commitment so far, but it is a big one. 4-star IA WR Allen Lazard committed to the school where his father played and is brother currently does. So how big is this? Well he is the top player in the state and Rivals lists him as the top receiver in the nation. If Lazard does indeed sign with ISU, and he seems pretty strong with his commitment, it will be the biggest signing in program history. Big-time get.
Preview: Can Iowa State finish in the middle of the conference compared to the usual bottom three? With Lazard, they're off to a great start. ISU doesn't have many targets close to committing right now. Iowa State seems to be competing with Iowa for IA OL Keegan Render's commitment. A unique thing about Iowa State compared to the rest of the Big 12 is the fact that they recruit the state of Florida just as hard, if not harder than the state of Texas. They've already offered 10 Florida players compared to only 1 Texan. Another advantage that Iowa State has is JUCO powerhouse Iowa Western that has produced many solid prospects lately.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
2014 Baylor Recruiting Preview
2013 Recap: Baylor's momentum from all their success in the past two years continued to their 2013 recruiting class. Baylor signed a total of 24 players and the class finished third in the Big 12. The star of the class was without a doubt 5-star receiver Robbie Rhodes. Rhodes has elite speed which is the biggest reason why he was one of the top WRs in the nation. 4-stars DT Andrew Billings and dual-threat QB Chris Johnson are other notable names from last year's class.
Needs: With Baylor's record-setting defense (in a bad way), the Bears loaded up on defense last year to give d-coordinator Phil Bennett some help. They took 15 defensive players compared to 8 offensive last year and are targeting that side of the ball again this year; 32 defensive players offered this year compared to 18 offensive. Baylor added some much needed offensive linemen in the 11th hour last February. OG Maruice Porter was one of them and signed with the Bears after being a Tech commit. However, there was some rumors of his academic uncertainty and I'm not sure how it is currently, but adding o-line depth is never a bad idea. Briles has already offered 8 offensive linemen so far this cycle.
Early 2014 Commits: So far Art Briles has picked up three verbal commitments, all from the state of Texas. The group is led by 4-star Texarkana safety Davion Hall who is the top safety in the state according to the Lone Star Rankings. Also with early commitments are 4-star RB Terence Williams and 3-star WR Chris Platt. It has been a great start to the 2014 recruiting cycle for the Bears who are really starting to compete with the top two programs in the state (Texas and A&M).
Preview: Can Baylor keep up the momentum and have another top 3 class in the Big 12? As I discussed above, they're off to a great start. Baylor is closing in on some other very solid recruits right now. 4-star TX OG Josh Pelzel currently has Baylor as his favorite, 4-star TX S Brandon Simmons has Baylor in his top three (along with West Virginia and LSU), JUCO DT Ajay Fanene lists Baylor as his favorite, and I'd put my money on TX OLB Somari Wright signing with the Bears.
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