Elite level DT's UT: match made in heaven

[CraigHorn]

When I take my orange-colored glasses off--which is seldom, indeed--I can recognize that there are a number of college choices for talented young football recruits in the state of Texas. With schollie limits, the Horns can't have them all, and I am excited for Texas kids who get free rides, wherever they go--OU excluded, of course! Having said that, MB has built an incredible program--one of the elite one's in the country--and I am esp proud for every young man who gets an offer from UT.

Having said that, I'm esp impressed by any young DT that gets an offer. While different teams have diff schemes, and needs change from year to year, one constant is that teams covet elite-level DT's who can wreak havoc in the interior. I can't say this for every position, but I will say that any top-notch DT in the state of Texas can't do better than coming to UT right now (academics; the program; the coaches; the tradition/legacy).

This is a rich tradition indeed--a great company of hosts, reaching back pre-Brown (Appleton, Talbert(s), English, Shearer, McMichael, Acker, Sims, Jeter, Patton, etc.) and into the Brown years (Hampton, Rogers, Tubbs, Wright, Okam, Lokey, and Miller).
The tradition will continue; I look forward to seeing who the new names will be. (McFarland? Guy?).

 

[Knoxville-Horn]

And, might I add to the post ---early playing time.

 

[TheContractor]

Very true. In the Mack Brown era, we are DBU and DTU and very damn close to OLU and WRU. The talent level that UT provides to the NFL is exceptional.

 

[Mr. Orange]

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[3nnsang]

I'm hoping that Limas Sweed fairs pretty well at the next level. Prior to Sweed, the only UT WRs that I remember playing in any NFL game (other than Roy Willams) is Sloan Thomas and BJ Johnson, but I am not sure if they're both in the NFL any longer.

 

[CHETOLONGHORN]

Wane McGarity

 

[Steel Shank]

Craig, don't forget Degrate.

 

[OldHippie]

Johnny "Lam" Jones played in the NFL, but that was a while back.

 

[eastexhorn]

Craighorn two of your Brown players were recruited by the guy who could not recruit or coach Hampton and Rogers.

 

[hornpharmd]

I agree with the WR part and the reason behind it is very complicated.

OLU, DBU, and DTU no doubt!!

9 such guys drafted since 05, 18 drafted since 01!!!!

DB's:
Griffin (07)
Ross (07)
Brown (07)
Huff (06)
Griffin (06)
Vasher (04)
Babers (03)
Jammer (02)

OL:
Blalock (07)
Studdard (07)
Scott (06)
Dockery (03)
Williams (02)
Davis (01)

DT:
Wright (06)
Tubbs (04)
Hampton (01)
Rogers (01)


Defensive end isn't far off....give this position a few more years and I think it explodes:
Crowder (07)
Robison (07)
Redding (03)
Woodward (00)

This year we should be able to add:
Hills (OL)
Okam (DT)
Lokey (DT)
Griffin (DB)...possibly

Next year could add:
Dockery (OL)
Lewis (DE)
Miller (DT)
Orakpo (DE)
Melton (DE)...maybe, see how he does this season

Hopefully many DB's next couple of years after that.

 

[UT4EVR]

Twilight Zone stuff.

Elite level DT recruits and Texas have been mutually exclusive the last few years. Yes, the history is great, but none of them can suit up this fall.

 

[pulque]

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[CraigHorn]

That's what I'm talking about.


(btw: good call, Steel Shank. I also appreciate the reminder from eastexas on who recruited CH and SR)

 

[LongestHorn]

Stoney Clark earned a mention here.

Texas has certainly taken on a Miami quality in the DT's in the last 12 years.

You cannot overstate the importance of great DT play.

Games are won on the line and defense wins championships yada yada.

 

[Mr. Orange]

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[CraigHorn]

I agree completely re: WR's and expect that to change. I really thought BJ and Sloan would play more at the next level, along with Roy.

Also agree with the comments about DBU. Incredible legacy.

 

[hornpharmd]

It has been a disappointment. Thought that BJ would do something in the NFL. McGarity didn't seem to last long. Sweed looks ready to jump in and make it. There is a bit of depth at the position now with some top guys so perhaps this will start to change over the next few seasons. UT has put a couple of TE's into the league though and maybe you have to count TE's as WR's too.

 

[bularry]

4 DT's drafted in 7 years and you are "DTU"? are you serious?

I think FSU has a DT drafted in the top couple of rounds every year.

 

[skyranger43]

They were talking draft on NFL radio today and said there is no way that Limas lasts past the 1st round.

 

[CraigHorn]

i hope it's so: both for Limas' sake and to see us send someone in the 1st round