Texas Longhorn's 2014 Recruiting Class

           The "resignation" of Mack Brown in December brought mixed feelings to The 40 Acres, and rightfully so. After all, Mack Brown resurrected football at UT, bringing it back to its deserved prominence.  But, with great success there will also be devastating loss. And so the trend continues, after one losing season and two mediocre (mediocre by the standards of The University of Texas, Mack Brown, and fans of Texas), Brown became a product of his own success and expectations.
          Before his "resignation", Brown put together the last of his usual recruiting classes, filled with 4 and 5 star recruits who were excited to play for Texas and Brown. The loss of Brown and his entire coaching staff, save one, tight end coach Bruce Chambers, had an impact on the 2014 recruiting class new head coach Charlie Strong inherited. Texas lost 10 recruits from the 2014 class. These things happen when there is a major coaching change at any university. The decommits do not necessarily reflect the loss of Brown or the addition of Strong and a new coaching staff. Perhaps the decommits knew it would take a while for Texas players to adjust  to a new coach and staff that are the complete opposite of Mack Brown. Let's be honest, sure you sign with a university, but the coach of that university plays a major part in where athletes sign. I mean, if Charlie Weiss (entering his 3rd year as the head coach of a Kansas team that has been the bottom of the barrel in the Big 12)  didn't still have some sort of clout (deserved or not), no athlete would sign with a Kansas team that went 1-11 two years ago, and 3-8 this year.  Conversely, Alabama wouldn't be where it is without Head coach Nick Saban. So, yes, the recruiting coach plays a huge role.
           When Charlie Strong was hired as the new head coach of The Texas Longhorns, his main goal was keeping this class in tact. I don't think it's necessarily his fault that 10 recruits flipped, he hasn't been tested yet as head coach at Texas. His test will be how he develops the recruits that stayed and how he recruits in the future. As it stands, Texas has the #2 recruiting class in the Big 12, behind Oklahoma, and is ranked 16th nationally.
          The Longhorns have a total of 23 total commits, no 5 star recruits but eight 4 star recruits, and 15 3 star or lower. The most exciting prospect is quarterback Jerrod Heard. Hailing from Denton Guyer High School, Heard stands 6'1" and 195 lbs. He recorded 2,136 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, 2,161 rushing yards, and 22 rushing touchdowns. He ranks #6 in 2014's  Lone Star Recruiting Class top 100.
          Offensively, Texas looks solid, building on an already strong rushing attack by adding Donald Catalon.  Catalon is a four star recruit out of Eisenhower High School, and is 1 of only 2 running backs recruited. Catalon stands 6'0" and 200 lbs. His senior year stats include 765 yards rushing, 7 rushing touchdowns, 311 yards receiving, and 2 receiving touchdowns. He is #27 in 2014's Lone Star Recruiting top 100. Joining Catalon in the backfield is running back Kevin Shorter. Shorter is a 3 star running back out of Newton High School. His senior year stats include 61 carries, 630 yards rushing, 9 rushing touchdowns, 11 receptions, 224 yards receiving, and 4 receiving touchdowns. With these additions, Texas could be unstoppable in its rushing attack. Rounding out the gains on the offensive side are:
Amanti years Foreman- 4 star wide receiver from Texas City High School. Foreman stands 6'0" and 174 lbs and his stats include 750 yards receiving, 9 receiving touchdowns, 390 yards rushing, 4 rushing touchdowns. Ranks #14 in Lone Star Recruiting Top 100.
 Lorenzo Joe- 4 star wide receiver from Abilene Cooper High School, ranks #15 in Lone Star Recruiting Top 100.
Alex Anderson- 3 star offensive guard from Landry Walker High School. Stands 6'5", 305 lbs, and was a surprise commitment for Texas.
Roderick Bernard- 3 star wide receiver from Sharpstown High School. He stands 5'10" and 175 lbs and his stats include 594 yards rushing, 4 rushing touchdowns, 364 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns. #62 in LSR Top 100.
Terrell Cuney- 3 star center from Jasper High School. He stands 6'3" and 260 lbs, is an Army All-American, and ranks 81st in LSR Recruiting Top 100.
Garrett Gray- 3 star wide receiver from Marble Falls High School. He stands 6'5" and 205 lbs. His stats include 75 receptions, 1,191 yards receiving, and 16 receiving touchdowns. Ranks 69th in LSR Top 100.
Dorian Leonard- 3 star wide receiver from Longview High School. Leonard is 6'4" and 200 lbs. His stats include 34 receptions, 643 yards, 10 touchdowns. Ranks 40th in LSR Top 100.
 Blake Whiteley-3 star tight end from Arizona Western Community College. His stats include 8 receptions for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns. Texas has under utilized this position in recent years, so hopefully Whiteley can bring some attention to this position.
D'onta Foreman- 2 star athlete from Texas City High School. Foreman is 6'0" and 198 lbs. His stats include 186 carries for 1893 yards, and 28 touchdowns. Could be a great back up for a number of positions.
Elijah Rodriguez- 2 star offensive tackle from Cy-Creek High School. He is one of only 3 OTs in the 2014 class.
Offensively, this is a good class for Strong, staying the course and adding some depth (especially at quarterback, where Texas has recently struggled).
           Defensively, Texas took some hits with decommits. Texas lost 3 defensive tackles, 4 star DT Zaycoven Henderson to Texas A&M, 3 star DT Trey Lealaimatafao to LSU, 3 star DT Courtney Garnett to OU,  and failed to recruit 5 star defensive end, Soloman Thomas, who signed with Stanford.Texas has struggled the last 3 years defensively, but hit their stride after Manny Diaz was fired and Greg Robinson took over. The defense will now have to adjust to yet another defensive coordinator, Bruce Chambers. However, considering the remarkable turnaround the defense had last season there are signs of great things to come for the Longhorns defensively. Strong did keep some key recruits at crucial positions:
Edwin Freeman- 4 star DB from Arlington Bowie High School .Freeman is 6'1" and 215 lbs. Freeman ranks 21st in LSR Top 100.
Derick Roberson- 4 star DE from Brennan High School. Roberson is 6'3" and 225 lbs. Ranks 9th in LSR Top 100.
Andrew Beck- 3 star LB from Plant High School in Tampa, FL. Beck is 6'3" and 230 lbs.
John Bonney- 3 star DB/safety from Lamar High School. Bonney is 6'1" and 183 lbs. Ranks 42nd in LSR Top 100.
Poona Ford- 3 star DT from Hilton Head High School in South Carolina. Ford is 6'1" and 288 lbs.
Jason Hall- 3 star DB/safety from South Grand Prairie High School. Hall stands at 6'2" and 190 lbs. Was unsure he would stay at Texas after the departure of Duane Akina. #44 in LSR Top 100.
Cameron Hampton- 3 star LB from Dallas Carter High School. Hampton is 6'0" and 201 lbs. #58 in LSR Top 100, and is 1 of only 2 LBs to sign with Texas.
Jake McMillon- 3 star DE from Abilene High School. Stands 6'3" and 240 lbs. Ranked 90th in LSR Top 100.
Chris Nelson- 3 star DT from Victory Christian Academy (Florida). Nelson is 6'2" and 295 lbs. Originally committed to Strong at Louisville, and followed him to Texas.
Jermaine Roberts- 3 star CB/DB from St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, LA. Roberts is 5'9" and 270 lbs. Roberts chose Texas over Ohio State and Oklahoma.
              This class is good, not great, What the Whatbut can build a solid foundation. It will all depend on how Strong and his coaching staff develop new players and acclimate the current squad to a totally different coaching style. Only time will tell.

Duane Akina

Coach Strong is wasting no time cleaning house on the 40 acres, as Assistant HC/DB coach, Duane Akina is no longer employed at The University of Texas.Akina was interviewed tonight on Fox, and although he tried to sound upbeat, you could not deny his sadness. This is a man who loves this game, loves this university, loves his players, and is passionate about his job. He put on a brave face, but anyone could see how devastated he is.
I understand that bringing in a new coach after 15 years is tough, and Strong has every right to put together a staff which will take the Longhorns in a different direction, I get it. But, when your team has relatively the same coaching staff for 16 years, we begin to think of these guys as family, and you hate to see one family member sad. I am sure he is not the only one upset, but Akina has always worn his heart on his sleeve.
We will miss you, Duane, especially your passion and love for the Texas Longhorns.

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes

As promised, I did my research, and here is Coach Strong's new staff at Texas. Keep in mind, these are only stats and facts, I will save my critique after the first game of the 2014 season...just kiddin' I will ALWAYS give my thoughts and opinions ALWAYS. HOOK 'EM!!!! \m/

• Vance Bedford: was at Louisville last year with Strong. He is a graduate of The University of Texas, and will now become the Longhorn's defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. At Louisville, under Strong, Bedford was key in the Cardinals ability to lead the FBS in total defense, rushing defense, sacks, fewest 1st downs allowed, and 3rd down conversion defense. Bedford spent 6 years with the Chicago Bears as a defensive backs coach. Under Bedford, the Cardinals ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense, passing efficiency defense, passing yards allowed, tackles for a loss, and red-zone defense. 
• Brian Jean-Mary: will serve as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at Texas. He is an alum of Appalachian State and has been part of Strong's coaching staff since 2010. He has also coached at Georgia Tech and North Alabama.
• Shawn Watson: spent last two years at Louisville with Strong. Watson will assume the role as quarterbacks coach at Texas. His most recent achievement is working with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who some say is arguably the top prospect in the up coming NFL draft. Watson is credited for getting Louisville's offense where it is today. During the 2013 season, the Louisville Cardinals led the FBS in completion percentage, fewest passes intercepted, and fewest turnovers lost. Watson's offense also ranked in the top 3 in 3rd down conversions, time of possession, and passing efficiency. Watson is an Alum of Illinois and Southern Illinois. 
• Pat Moorer: has become the new strength and conditioning coach. Moorer is an alum of Florida. he has worked at South Carolina for two stints. He has 4 years experience at Louisville under Coach Strong, and has Certification of Master Strength and Conditioning.
• Joe Wickline: Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Wickline spent the last 9 years at Oklahoma State under Mike Gundy. Under Wickline, Oklahoma State averaged over 40 points per game in 4 of the last 6 seasons. Wickline coached with Strong at The University of Florida from 2002-2004. Has been touted as best offensive line coach in the Big 12. He is an alum of The University of Florida.
• Tommie Robinson: heads up position as runningbacks coach. Has worked at USC (where he coached last year), and the Arizona Cardinals. His resume also includes stints at The University of Miami, Memphis, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State, the Dallas Cowboys, TCU, and Utah State. He is an alum of Troy.
• Les Koenning: will serve as the wide receivers coach. He is an alum of The University of Texas. Has 34 years coaching experience, and his resume includes Mississippi, South Alabama, Texas A&M, Alabama, TCU, Houston, Duke, Rice, and Lousiana-Layfayette.
• Bruce Chambers: Chambers is in his 17th year coaching at The University of Texas, and remains the only coach retained from the Mack Brown era. His jobs will include recruiting and the tight-ends coach. He is an alum of North Texas.
• Chris Rumph: defensive line coach. Rumph spent last year at The University of Alabama under Nick Saban. Rumph is an alum of South Carolina. Has had great success not only at Clemson, but also at Alabama. Rumph's defenses have never been ranked outside the top 20 in total defense.
• Chris Vaughn: Secondary and special teams coordinator. Vaughn coached at Ole Miss in 2011, and has worked at Arkansas, Tulsa, Ole Miss, and Memphis. Has 16 years coaching experience. He is an alum of Ole Miss.

Cha-cha-cha Changes

Charlie Strong is cleaning house. As it stands, the only coach from the Mack Brown era who still has a job is tight ends coach Bruce Chambers....more info to come, as I am researching the coaching overhaul. \m/

Nick Saban

Is is just me, or did not playing in the National Championship make Saban go bananas? Who in their right mind would hire Lane Kiffin to do anything??????I cannot think of a more entitled, lazy, smug, who gives a c--p coach than Kiffin. Maybe that's just me...oh and most of the fans of USC.

Coach Strong

Coach Strong's first press conference as a Longhorn, which rumors held he would fail miserably. Those naysayers could not have been more wrong. I, for one, am elated he passed the first of what will be many tests for the new Texas head coach. He will undoubtably face much tougher scrutiny as his assistant coaches are named, and he begins recruiting in earnest. The interesting part of this story is how the current players and recruits acclimate. This post is just an Orangeblood thinking out loud, and there will be much research and much more to come. I have just one small issue... I am already tiring of the endless "Texas Strong" moniker. Just sayin' .

Will Charlie Strong give the Longhorns a much needed change?

Ok, my friends...I still think Mack Brown was thrown under the bus, and I still love this man. However, I am hating what this game is becoming. Anyone ever see The Last Boy Scout? If you have, you know what I'm saying. If you haven't...watch it. It was pseudo-announced today that Louisville coach, Charlie Strong will take the helm, now that the "Mack Brown era" was ground to a halt.The whole situation regarding Coach Brown leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but it is what it is, and we have to accept it.
Enter Charlie Strong. An Atlantic Athletic Conference coach who will now become the face of The University of Texas. Taking the helm of a football program such as Texas (thank you, Mack Brown), is no easy task. The University of Texas has not only the most money for their respective programs in the nation, but is also one of the most recognized college football teams anywhere. I truly believe people forget those facts. Charlie Strong is walking into Mordor. Now, as a member of the Atlantic Athletic Conference, Strong was impressive, and he did it without the money or recruiting Texas has...and I find that fact not only comforting, but also hopeful.
Strong definitely has the credentials. In his four years at Louisville:
2010: 7-5 overall, 3-4 in conference play, tied for 5th. 2011: 7-6 overall, 5-2 in conference play, tied for 1st. 2012: 11-2 overall, 5-2 in conference play, tied for 1st. 2013:12-1 overall, 7-1 in conferena play, tied for second. He is also 3-2 in bowl games, and has coached defensively for Florida, Ole Miss, and Notre Dame.
As per Sports Illustrated, Strong will have a five year contract worth $5 million annually. Charlie Strong is also a notable recruiter, something The University of Texas and Mack Brown built a reputation around.Time will tell if Strong can capitalize on what Mack Brown made of Texas. Statistically, it looks as though he can. However, I feel as though the "gentleman's game" is going the way of Mack Brown, and for that, I worry about the future of college football.