I was looking over the Thorpe Award watch list and noticed a few things. 

1) Earl Thomas is listed as the only Soph. on the list

2) There aren't a lot of big name players on that list (Eric Berry, Taylor Mays, and Perrish Cox). Earl and the other 3 mentioned are probably going to be the finalists.

3) Seems like they left a name off - Rahim Moore UCLA Soph (7 INT's -t1st nationally, 12 Passes Defended -3rd nationally)

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Yes, the bumbling idiot strikes again.  This time, he picks Notre Dame to play in the title game against Florida.  Really?  To his defense, he doesn't suggest that Notre Dame is the #2 team in the country, just that they have the easiest schedule.  Their only true test will come against #4 USC, who, lets be honest, probably gets their ranking on name this year. 

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Extended hiatus' suck.  Plain and simple.  I need to get back into the swing of things.  Apparently there was an OU troll and I missed it? {*kicks self*} What else have I missed?  Any really good threads I should be reading?  I mean, has anything come close to the level of the Scott Ware threads?  Can that even happen?

And, I'm so sorry, PHF, but I've lost track of all recruiting.  I feel so lost.

Anyway, good to be back.  Can't wait to discuss some more with the old faces (names) and get to know some of the new ones.

I've been away for quite some time, and I gotta say, it's good to be back!  I missed you guys.  I can't wait to get involved in some of the discussions again and get to know some of the new members as well as get some discussions with some of the old timers (I'm talking to you, PHF and 54b).

It may take me a few days to get caught back up.  As far as the sight goes (I've been keeping up with the 'Horns) what have I missed? 

All of us have a mancrush on someone.  Don't deny it, you know you do.  Who is it?

This morning, on Mike and Mike (ESPN radio, bleh), it was mentioned that Derek Jeter has been romantically liked to 6 of the Maxim Hot 100 (I'm at work, no link).  I have to say: Shortstop for the Yankees (even though I hate the Yankees), Bachelor in a jungle of women (though the majority aren't up to par with Texas Women), and then there's the whole 6% of the MH100, I may be developing a mancrush on Derek Jeter.

But I have to say, that Sherrod Harris is my Longhorn Mancrush.  Dude is just cool.  I haven't met him, but every single person that I've heard that has, says he is an awesome person.  I truly hope nothing but the best for that young man.  If he succeeds on the gridiron, I may just shed a tear for him.  Much love, Sherrod.  Keep up the great work and making The University of Texas fanbase proud to call you a Horn.

I'll be the first to admit: I know next to nothing about basketball.  I know that the ball goes in the hoop and it counts for either 1, 2 or 3 points.  I know what traveling, charging, blocking, and goaltending are.  I know a lot of the basics, but don't know anything about match-ups, strengths, weaknesses, or schemes.

So, to you basketball educated, what is your score for tonight?

To those going to the game: YELL LIKE HELL and HOOK 'EM!!

So, I know a lot of you are lawyers and I promised a buddy of mine I would ask you legal types.  Basically, he's going through a messy divorce.  This has been going on since mid-late last year and he dropped her from his insurance because she cheated on him, left him, and said she was going to file the divorce papers.  

She did leave him, but kept the money he gave her to file the paperwork (I know, dumb move.  I told him as much).  

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And I'm not referring to the obvious: his talent.  No, there is far more to this thing than just Scott's talent.  With a greater impact than his talent alone can accomplish.

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Cheesehorn's diary got me thinking.  Yes, the kick return is a problem.  Why has nothing been mentioned about the effort we are not giving on Blocking kicks this year?  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember a single block this year.  Much is made of how Texas leads the nation since 2000 in blocked kicks, but NONE?!!  

Whenever I post a diary, I try to be thoughtful, so I tried to counter my arguement:

We don't have Brian Robison or Michael Griffin anymore.

So?  Yeah, they blocked a lot, but they weren't here since 2000.  Where's the drop off?

It could be a coaching philosophy.  We don't know why they aren't blocking kicks

True, this could be a change in philosophy.  But Mac Duff was supposed to be this Special Teams Wizard.  I'm not seeing it.

Teams could be aware that we have an exceptional kick blocking unit and are taking steps to prevent the blocked kicks.

We're not even attempting to block kicks!  We can't block them if we don't try.

What am I missing?  Why have we not only not blocked a kick, but it appears that we are not even trying?

A few weeks ago, someone mentioned that we had a definite lack of dread power.  I said at the time that Jamaal Charles was growing them but didn't have anything to back it up.  The Statesman has a slideshow of some pictures from the voluntary workouts.

http://www.statesman.com/news/mediah...

3 notes:

1. Jamaal's dreads are looking totally bad ass.  By the time his Sr. year rolls around, he should have them hanging out of the helmet (and maybe by the end of the Jr. year).

2. Colt is looking big.  I can't wait to see him and the WR's on the field this year.  The Heisman should be a serious thought.

3. Brian Orakpo.  DAMN

Ok, so I know this has little to do with sports.  Bear with me.  I got to thinking today, "What is the greatest cover song of all time?"  It's not such an easy question as I have several that I just wouldn't be able to take out of my MP3 player.  How does this relate to sports?  I'll get to that.

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OK, I can't credit a source, I don't have that kind of time, but just to let you guys know, it's happened.  They made some minor changes, but for the most part have reverted back to the old rules.

If someone doesn't beat me to a link, I'll post as soon as I have time.

John Brantley was just named the Gatorade Player of the Year!  What a stud.  

http://playeroftheyear.gatorade.com/playeroftheyear/national.php?sprt=FB

From Rivals.com:

"Brantley ended his high school career completing 61.4 percent of his passes and throwing for 6,802 yards with 99 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions."

http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=616633

Kicker posed a pretty good question that I think deserved it's own topic.

http://www.burntorangenation.com/comments/2006/11/28/111659/80/6#6

Is 2006 tOSU as good as 2005 UT?

I think on the surface, we can, and will, all agree that Texas 2005 was better than the 2006 Ohio State team is, but looking at the teams a little closer, I balk.  There are a lot of parallels that can be drawn between the two teams.  

1. Great Leadership (VY & TS)
   
2. Best Player in NCAA (VY & TS)
   
3. Breakout receivers
   
4. Stellar offense
   
5. Solid defense
   
6. Special players on both sides (Ross, Huff, VY, Taylor - Ginn, Laurenitis, Smith, Pittman)
   
7. Hard fought victories against great teams (USC & Michigan)

I am curious as to what you think about the comparisons.  The level of competition may be a notch lower this year, but are the comparisons apt?

In recruiting there are times you get a good player and just can't wait to see him in your home teams uniform.  Then there are those times where you get a good kid and just can't wait for the first time they see the field.  They're the feel good story.  There are lots of examples I could give to support both.  On one side, you have raw, unadulterated talent.  On the other, you have a heart warming story of achievement or overcoming adversity.  Both have their place in sports.  And those that have both are truly a rare breed.

My new favorite player, who has yet to even sign his letter of intent, is Sam Acho.  This kid has amazing talent, but even more appropriate for a Mack Brown kid, he is a great young man.  Todd Wills of the Dallas Morning News writes a great piece on Sam.  It is well worth the time to read this.  I just can't wait to see Sam wearing Burnt Orange.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/highschools/topstories/stories/102606dnspostmarks.30 4ee64.html

Ok, by now you know about the brawl that took place this weekend.  It's deplorable how these kids acted, blah, blah, blah.  I'm not defending their actions, but their kids.  What I'm so upset about is freakin' Larry Coker.  Thug U has tried hard to relinquish that title, but it just fits.  Always has, most likely always will.  Rivals has a good write up on the story, but Larry Coker's comments were despicable for any coach in any position.

Story: http://miami.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=595560

Larry's unforgivable comments:
"It started in the pre-game warm-up, that's when it started," Coker said. "We had one of their players run through and shove one of our guys, was talking noise. That's when it all started. It kind of escalated from there. When the game started to get away, you'll see they actually slam-dunked our holder [Matt Perrelli], grabbed our holder, lifted him up and threw him to the ground."

Oh, but wait...  The next comment out of his mouth:

"But this isn't about who started what, it's about how we reacted. It's about the University of Miami."

So which is it Larry Boy?  Your players' faults or theirs?

Let's move on.

"What's going to be portrayed around the country is probably not going to be positive,"

Ya Think?

"But I will tell you this: We have great kids in this program. They're not good kids, they're great kids."

Tell me something...  Do great kids stomp on other player's legs and back?  Do great kids hit people with helmets?  Do great kids use their own crutch to hit other people?  If, you answered yes, then yeah, your kids are great.

"I do have a grip on this program," Coker said. "Don't ever doubt that."

Too late.  We've doubted that for quite some time.

OK, PatientHornsFan (PHF) and I believe that John Brantley is going to be true to his word and sign his letter of intent to play at the University of Texas.  A -LOT- of talk lately on this site says that he will decommit and play for OU.  I will lay out the reasons why I think he will absolutely not play for OU and you can give me your rebuttal.  Or, you can agree with me.  Either way.  I want to hear arguements for both sides, but I have this feeling that only PHF and I will be the ones defending John.  Lay it on me...  Here are my reasons:

1. John Brantley is a good kid.  By all accounts, he seems like an honest and trustworthy person who is mature far beyond his years.  There is nothing to indicate that he is anything like Peri-loser.
   
2. John is a better QB now than Colt McCoy is right now.  Not to say that Colt isn't growing, but as far as talent is concerned, there is just no comparison.  I realize that Colt is the current QB and has had a year and a half in the system and knows that plays.  Put them on even ground and I think Brantley out performs Colt.  Just my opinion.
   
3. A lot of talk has been the opportunity to play right away in Norman.  The fact is, John doesn't want to play in his first year.  That is one of the big reasons why he chose Texas.  No pressure to play in the first year.  Do you honestly think Bob Stoops, of all people, will not pressure this kid to play right away?  Imagine the push the Sooner faithful would give to get this guy on the field in year 1.
   
4. More talk is that Bob Stoops is friends of the family.  Ok, so?  Stoops is still an ass.  That gives him more of an opportunity to know that.  Besides the fact that if loyalty to friends was the issue, he would be going to Florida.  His dad, uncle, and current HS coach all played QB at Florida.  Anyone go to or care about OU?  No.
   
5. John has developed serious friendships with the current class of commits that he will join on campus next year.  They are constantly in contact and have developed a chemistry before even attending school.  He wants to play with these guys.
   
6. Tray Allen.  What QB in his right mind wouldn't want to play behind this guy?
   
7. The rest of the O-line commits.  Seriously?  This is widely considered the best o-line recruiting class in more than a decade.  Again, What QB in his right mind wouldn't want to play behind that confort?  Does OU's O-line bring a comfortable feeling to the Sooner faithful?  I doubt it.
   
8. Did you see the Red River Rivalry game?  I did.  What I saw was the changing of the guard.  OU is no longer the top dog in the conference.  Texas is.  Texas is still not out of the hunt to repeat.  Yes, it's a long shot, but we won last year, can wind up playing for it again, and with the current class already committed, will be set up for a long run at the top of the polls.  That's exposure.  If he has any plans at all for a future in the NFL, he will get much more national exposure at Texas than he will at OU.  I base that statement on the fact that OU has been slipping, Stoops will probably bolt within a couple of years, and the OU recruiting is taking a hit for it.  That means less talent to play with, thereby decreasing national exposure.  It may be only a couple games a year, but 2 games a year times 4 years is more than half a season.  Even if he only stayed 3 of his 4 eligible years thats half a season.
   
9. Probably most important of all, and cannot be understated.  ALL of the rumors of his possible decommittment are coming from Oklahoma.  Since when did we start trusting any rumors coming from that state?

Is your name Andrew, too?  Well, mine isn't but my son's is.  Seriously, how many Andrews do we have here?

Do you think McCovey's first name is Andrew too?

How about this for a Google search.....

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=%22Andrew+McCovey%22  

One-line diaries blah, blah, blah on McCovey Chronicles. Give your whatever balls, then it probably belongs as a comment under another appropriate thread.

Not a whole lot of information right now, but last night during a game in College Station, Matt Nadar, future Longhorn collapsed on the sideline.  CPR and defibrillator paddles were used to revive him.  He stayed in a hospital in College Station overnight for observation.

Again, as of right now, as you can understand, there isn't a lot of information about what happened being released.  Matt's parents are apparently doctors and were on the scene to give him CPR to revive him.  As more information is given I'll let you know.

Get well, Matt.  The Burnt Orange Nation is behind you.

And gains a 5 star recruit.  

Curtis Brown was initially given a 4 star label by Rivals, but in their most recent listing, he was bumped up to a 5th star.  For those keeping track...

4  - 5 Star recruits
13 - 4 Star recruits
6  - 3 Star recruits

Joseph Barksdale is a 5 star guy and Christian Scott is a 4 star guy.  Some more movement could happen before they sign their LOI's, but what a class this is!

Other players just short of a 5th star (6.1 on Rivals.com scoring system)

Andre Jones - 6.0
Michael Huey - 6.0
Russell Carter - 5.9
Cody Johnson - 5.9
Aundre McGaskey - 5.9
Matt Nader - 5.9
Keenan Robinson - 5.9
Earl Thomas - 5.9
Ben Wells - 5.9
Malcolm Williams - 5.9

Texas added another blue chip proespect today in Sam Acho.  Doesn't ring a bell?  Don't feel bad.  Not too many people knew about him until a couple of months ago.  He turned down schools like USC, Virginia, and OU to come to Austin.  We'll have more on this guy later in the year, but I wouldn't be surprised if this guy adds a star or two to the three that he has right now.

BON's favorite running back, technically, is listed as the backup behind Selvin.  Rivals.com has listed the country's best "back up" running backs and has JC listed as #1.  My favorite quote from the blurb on Charles: "Calling Charles a backup is like suggesting the second bullet in a chamber is any less lethal."

2. Justin Forsett, Cal
   
3. Felix Jones, Ark
   
4. Kevin Grady, Mich
   
5. Reggie Merriweather, Clemson

I just have to share my misery.  Hopefully, none of you fine people here have the burden of understanding my plight.  Read.  Enjoy.  Laugh.  But whatever you do, pity me.

    Some things just can't be accurately described.  Some good, some bad.  Like for example, trying to explain just how good Vince Young really is.  You can try, but you will inevitably fall short.  Good.  My mother-in-laws voice?  It sounds like a shrieking monkey.  Bad.  But is that accurate enough?  Can a sound feel like something?  How about this: grow out your pinky nail for a couple of months and scrape it upside down on a flint rock.  Yeah.  That shiver you just got?  Me too.

     As bad as her voice is, it is not nearly as bad as hearing her have a conversation with Susan, her "special friend", in my living room.  Either voice is enough to make a deaf man cringe.  But together?  Really!  I thought vengeance was the Lord's?  What did I do to deserve hearing this?  But wait, there's more.  Combined with the train wreck that was that conversation was the knowledge that it was in my living room.  If the walls could talk they would just mumble while slapping their ears on their shoulder.  There's a special place in hell for conversations like these.  They are recorded and played on a loop for all of eternity for people like Osama, Jeffrey Daumer, and Johnny Knoxville (only for playing the Ringer).  I'd rather volunteer at a nursing home changing adult diapers for the clinically comatose dust collectors than listen to another conversation between those two.  If I had a dollar for every time either one of them made a smart comment, I'd owe money.

     And they don't like going to the zoo?!!  You would think they would love to go.  It smells just like home.  And my mom-in-law can actually communicate with the monkeys.  Granted, afterward they all wrap the ropes around their necks to end the madness, but it's a conversation none the less.

     I can't be the only one to have a mother-in-law like this.  Sure, there are evil in-laws.  Sure, there are conniving in-laws.  But my mother-in-law is retarded.  I'd take my chances with an evil one if I could.

If there was any doubt what-so-ever, John Chiles has eliminated it.  The extremely gifted QB from Mansfield Summit had an interview with Rivals.com and confirmed that he was not even considering OU or any other school.

More great news!

One interesting note from the article - he's graduating early so he can get an early entry into Texas.

I have a question for you.  I'm not calling you out, just a curiosity question to get an OU fan perspective.

With the loss of Bomar and Quinn, assuming that no other players are investigated and tossed, how many losses does this add to your record for '06?  I know you think OU is still in ok position as far as the South is concerned (based on your story yesterday), but where do you think OU should be ranked now in the overall rankings?