Big 12 Classes of 2007: Texas
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February 19, 2007 by
If Mack Brown ever decided to write a book on recruiting, it would become an immediate best-seller in the coaching community. Sure, Texas will always recruit well, but he's so far ahead of the curve that he can lock in a top class by the time the season begins. That provides a huge advantage during the season as it allows more time for coaching and less time chasing future talent.
The bar is higher to be a standout player for Texas. There are so many four-star players that you have to get five to differentiate yourself. The Longhorns had four five-star players including the top offensive guard prospect in the country (per Scout.com) in Tray Allen, and top four talents in wide receiver John Chiles, defensive tackle Andre Jones, and cornerback Curtis Brown. Also, Rivals.com considers fullback Cody Johnson the top player nationally at his position (though he only rates a paltry four stars).
It's hard to call the three-star players "misses". Nebraska and Missouri were fighting over Army All-American tight end Ian Harris before the Longhorns swooped in. Likewise, the Huskers offered three-star quarterback G.J. Kinne. Even if three-star defensive tackle Michael Wilcoxon didn't get offers from all of the top programs in the country, you have to think the Longhorns liked him (versus settled for him) or they wouldn't have taken his commitment back in June. Similarly, they probably wouldn't have pried two-star defensive end Tyrell Higgins from Oklahoma State unless they thought he was worth it.
So as is the case most every year, the Longhorns took what they wanted. With this kind of talent its hard not to see the 'Horns continuing to win ten or more games a year. As frightening a prospect as that might be for other Big 12 teams, it's one reason to be grateful for sitting in the North division. You might not have to face this team or beat this team to win the conference. Thank heaven for small favors.
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Gregory Feb 20 07
All that is sadly, very true. It seems you have to "catch" Texas napping, at this point. They won't be napping when the Cornhuskers visit, next fall.
Allow me this; Nebraska's still improving, effort and performance should be even more consistent- and possibly at a higher level.
It's still a quarterbacks game and only their best 11 play at any given moment....
Steve Feb 21 07
Greg,
So true about the QB position. Swap any two players OTHER THAN the quarterbacks and the outcome is probably the same - Colts win. But swap Manning for Grossman and it's hard to see the Colts prevailing.