Texas picked up two big commitments this past week. Darius James committed first, and Durham Smythe pulled the trigger late Thursday. Both are considered must gets at the their positions, and regarded as the best in the state.
If you're keeping score at home Texas has commitments from the #1 QB in the state of Texas, #1 OT, #1 C, #1 TE, #1 LB, #1 WR, and leads for the #1 DE, and #1 DB. Take your pick at ATH, Texas has 3 of the state's best in Jake Raulerson, Ricky Seals - Jones and Jacorey Warrick. The lowest ranked commit in the 2013 class, Daeshon Hall has an NFL frame and upside. Ridiculous start to 2013 recruiting cycle.
Spring Ball is on hiatus for spring break. Walters closed the the first practices at C, could be a sign of things to come. What did we learn? We'll discuss in SWB.
Talking points:
* Possible movement in DB recruiting? There's some smoke out there that Maurice Smith is close to being offered.
* Vonn Bell plans some visits. He could visit Texas in April. Best safety in the country in my opinion.
* Early spring game visitors. Samples and Manning have both said they'll be there.
* Robert Nkemdiche makes a final 8. Texas made the cut. My thoughts on his recruitment.
* Walters played and played it well. We could see a possible new starting 5 at OL.
* Josh Turner and Duke Thomas step up. The DB rotation is shaping up.
* Can Desean Hales break through as a senior? It's happened before at Texas.
* Joe Bergeron showing out at 241 pounds of marble.
* Texas Hoops makes the tournament again. Congratulations. How far can they go? The draw is favorable.
Let's get it started Citizens. Fire away.

Texas is now 5 practices into Spring Football. Mack lifted the curtain and allowed the public to attend 2 practices this week. What did we learn about the 2012 team?
Texas continued their torrid recruiting streak, picking up Naashon Hughes. Texas picked up a top 60 in state player without offering him an immediate scholarship. 5 star pick up.
Talking points:
* The JUCOs put on a show, and then hit the oxygen tank. Brandon Moore and Donald Hawkins should have a fun summer with Bennie Wylie. Immense talents, but their conditioning must improve.
* Texas has a QB and he's progressing. What to expect from David Ash in 2012.
* Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron, healthy and ready to go. Mean Joe looks like a number 1 back.
* Mike Davis returns. The junior is working hard and might have regained his freshman form.
* Steve Edmond gets comfortable as the starting MLB. Cobbs out for the spring, Tevin Jackson and Kendall Thompson step up.
* A flicker of light from the Reggie Wilson light bulb.
* Recruiting. Naashon Hughes joins his brother at Texas, Harker Heights High School adds a layer of burnt orange paint.
* Darius James didn't make OU's Junior Day this weekend, but another Texas target did. OU picks up a big one in Keith Ford.
* Durham Smythe visited Stanford this weekend. How'd it go? Commitment timeline.
" Wait a minute, wait a minute. What have we here, gentlemen? The police have themselves an RV."
Sundays with Bill is underway, fire away.

Texas continued their recruiting tear picking up commitments from Ricky Seals-Jones on Wednesday, and Deoundrei Davis and Jacorey Warrick today. That;s the top TE in the state, top LB, and top ATH if you need them.
Spring Ball has started. Who has impressed? Who needs work? The pod formation, coming to a Big 12 conference schedule near you.
Talking points:
* Texas ends the Hyphen Curse (BFLT Trademark) and picks up Ricky Seals - Jones. What it means for the WR and TE corps.
* Texas picks up a couple of Cy Kids / blue chips in Deoundrei Davis and Jacorey Warrick. The 2013 Class had a Metroplex feel, but the Greater Houston Area is representing.
* Spring / Klein and Cypress, the new recruiting frontiers.
* Who's next? Daeshon Hall and Kent Perkins could both be close to pulling the trigger.
* Torrodney Prevot gets his long awaited Texas offer. How does this effect Mike Mitchell and Deon Hollins Jr.?
* Spring Ball is in full swing. Texas goes to full pads next week. Who has been showing out, and who needs to be shown the bench.
* My list of players who need to step up this spring. It's now or never for Reggie Wilson.
"The circuits that cannnot be cut are cut automatically in response to a terrorist incident. You asked for miracles, Theo, I give you the FBI."
It's a great time to be a Longhorn. Plenty of optimism for the 2012 squad and Texas is cleaning up on the recruiting trail.

Texas was busy this week. After not landing a single commitment at the First Junior Day Texas got on a roll landing Jake Oliver, A'Shawn Robinson, Tyrone Swoopes and Kyle Hicks in consecutive days. All 4 were Texas' top targets at their respected positions. Texas is far from slowing down. RSJ is expected to commit to the Horns on Wednesday afternoon.
Talking points:
* Texas ends the QB debate, and signs Tyrone Swoopes. Huge get, but is the staff done at the position? J.T. Barrett is expected to be at JD2.
* A'Shawn Robinson pulls the shocker and commits to Texas early.
* Jake Oliver picks Texas. Darrell Wyatt is cashing in.
* Kyle Hicks went from a possible DB evaluation to a Texas' top RB target. How did the fast rising junior get here?
* The Second Junior Day looms large. Favorites for offers, Bill's Guys. I have an updated list.
* The County Fair is in swing. I'll share my thoughts. Spring ball begins February 28th.
"Theo:"So Kareem rebounds, right? Feeds Worthy on the break, over to A.C., to Magic, then back to Worthy! Right? "
[Karl shoots and kills the desk guard with a perfectly timed aim]
Oh that Theo.
Fire away Citizens.

Texas' First Junior Day ended without any commitments. That changed today when Jake Oliver committed to Texas earlier today. I have a scouting report of the top 50 national player.
Texas coaches contact out of state blue chip recruits.
Pre-season workouts are full swing, but the Texas players aren't the only members of the program working hard.
Talking points:
* Jake Oliver. Aggie Legacy to Texas Longhorn. How did it go down? What Oliver brings to the table.
* Will Oliver committing cause a verbal avalanche? I have some thoughts.
* The Second Junior day is just around the corner. I'll have a brief preview. Kent Perkins reschedules. Bill is very excited about one invitation.
* There's been a change in recruiting philosophy. We'll discuss.
* Welcome our Mountain brothers. WVU joins the Big 12.
* TCU joins the conference and promptly poops the bed. We'll discuss, but keep it civil and polite.
*Spring workouts start at the end of the month. What to expect.
"Due to the Nakatomi Corporation's legacy of greed around the globe, they are about to be taught a lesson in the real use of power. You will be witnesses."
Fire away Die Hards (you see what I did there?)

Sundays with Bill was so rudely interrupted by the Super Bowl last night, so the phenomena is coming at you on Monday night. National Signing Day surprises are usually reserved for schools other than Texas, but Shiro Davis pulled the shocker and picked the Horns on NSD. How'd it go down? I'll dish. With the 2012 class on the books, Texas looks forward to the 2013 class. Jake "The Bell Cow" Raulerson is in, and is already paying dividends. The First Junior Day looms on Sunday.
Talking points:
* Shiro Davis, the Bayou Samurai. What kind of impact will he have in Year 1?
* Jake Raulerson picked Texas last Friday and sent ripples across the 2013 recruiting pond. What kind of impact will Raulerson have as a player and recruiter? Raulerson has made 17 unofficial visits, and he made some friends in state and nationally.
* Biggest impact player in the 2012 class? Let the debate begin.
* The 2012 Texas class features 8 flipped players, 4 OOS players, and 2 JUCOs. What it means for Texas recruiting.
* Looking forward to the 2013 class. As many 7 players could be ready to pull the trigger. The First Junior Day is on Sunday. I have the comprehensive Junior Days list.
* Off season work outs are underway. Has a TE emerged from the darkness?
Come at me bro.
" I am an exceptional thief, Mrs. McClane. And since I'm moving up to kidnapping, you should be more polite."

Texas picked up a big commitment from Pflugerville Hendrickson speed merchant Daje Johnson. Daje could contribute immediately on a Texas offense starved for playmakers. Texas also hosted Van MLB Dalton Santos, and Plano West LB / DE Bryce Cottrell. Santos just pulled the trigger. Cottrell is playing it close to vest, but Texas gave him something to think about. Texas needs them both.
DGB made a visit to Mizzou this weekend, how'd did it go? We'll discuss.
In team news, off season workouts are underway. We'll talk spring ball and what to look for.
Talking points:
* Let the Great Daje Johnson positional debate begin. He's needed on offense, but many believe he's the next member of the Millionare's Club at DBU.
* Dalton Santos becomes #26. Possible immediate impact?
* As I said, Bryce Cottrell is playing it close to the vest. Could proximity finally work in Texas' favor?
* DGB visited Mizzou, did the dark horses improve their standing. Columbia bouncers say no.
* Junior Days are just around the corner. I'll have the updated list for both JD1 and JD2.
* Hassan Ridgeway was allegedly looking around. He just told Orangebloods he's 100% committed to Texas. Hook that Sumlin.
Fire away.
"And when Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept, for there were no more worlds to conquer." Benefits of a classical education.

Texas held an official visit weekend this weekend for the committed recruits who were unable to attend during Banquet Weekend. Johnathan Gray, Kennedy Estelle, Caleb Bluiett, and Jalen Overstreet all attended. As did Texas target 2012 Mesquite Horn TE Vincent Hobbs.
The off season also has begun in earnest as the Texas payers grind through Bennie Wylie's work outs.
Talking points:
* DGB Thoughts. Walk back from the ledge, Texas is still in it. I'll explain why.
* Daje Johnson will visit Texas on the 28th. Texas needs another offensive playmaker in this class.
* How will Texas finish the 2012 class? I have a prediction.
* The Raulersons take a photography tour across the 40 Acres. Yeah I'd say it looks pretty, pretty good.
* 2013 recruiting is humming away. I'll have a complete Junior Day visitor list. A new JD1 visitor confirmed today.Needs and wants in the 2013 class.
* The off season is here. Early enrollees, Longhorns looking to improve their draft stock, players that must have a good off season.
I'm ready to go, fire away Citizens.
"Nine million terrorists in the world and I gotta kill one with feet smaller than my sister."

The 2011 College Football Season ended with Bama hoisting another trophy. Say what you want about Saban, or Satan depending on your preference, but the man is lethal with a month to prepare. Looking forward to 2012, can Texas join the BCS Party?
Talking points:
* Mario Edwards cuts his list down to 3. Texas, FSU and LSU. Edwards finished his FSU official visit a few hours ago.
* DGB cuts his list? Is Alabama out? Is it down to Texas and Arkansas. I'll break it down for y'all.
* Junior Day is shaping up to be huge. 2013 DeSoto RB Dontre Wilson was invited today. I'll have the complete list.
* Tyrone Swoopes appears to the QB in 2013.
* Texas looks out of state early in 2013. Two foreigners have Junior Day invites.
* Spring Ball is about a month away. Team rumblings, state of the program,what to expect in 2013 Spring Practice.
Sundays with Bill approached 600 responses last week. Time to shatter some records. Fire away.
"Hey, what am I, a method actor? Hans, babe, put away the gun, this is radio, not television."

It was a rough Thursday and Friday night for Texas fans. On Thursday night, Connor Brewer got knocked out of the UA Game, and Johnathan Gray hopped off the field with an ankle injury. Mario Edwards and Malcom Brown looked great. On Friday night, Thomas Johnson decommitted, and that news was chased with Texas backing off JUCO QB Bo Wallace. Things got better on Saturday at the Army AA Bowl. Kendall Sanders pulled down a couple picks and a MVP trophy while Hassan Ridgeway flashed some big time potential. DGB was well DGB.
Talking points:
* The Thomas Johnson decommitment. What it means and who Texas is looking at for a replacement.
* The Bo Wallace story then non-story. It looks like Texas will dance with the ones that brung them.
* All Star Game whispers on DGB and Mario Edwards.
* 2013 FL Safety Marcell Harris visits Texas for the second time with an eye on a third visit.
* Kendall Sanders and Hassan Ridgeway represent.
* Johnathan Gray flashes his immense skills as a receiver, and Malcom Brown dominates the line of scrimmage.
* Finishing off the 2012 class, how Texas might finish.
* Looking forward to the 2013 class, Raulerson is the first confirmed Junior Day visitor.
I'm here and ready to go fire away.
"Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho."

Texas took a big step forward on Wednesday. Hey a bowl win is well, a bowl win. I'll have my thoughts on the Holiday Bowl.
Talking points:
* Looking forward to Spring Ball and the 2012 season.
* Recruiting tidbits galore: Mario Edwards narrows his list, and Texas is one of the leaders. DGB returns to State of Texas for the Army All American Bowl and Tim Cole is waiting. Arik Armstead's interesting wardrobe selection. The Texas Ten arrive in Florida for the Under Armour All American Game. Thomas Johnson plans a visit.
* J.T. Barrett vs. Tyrone Swoopes. Let's debate their merits Citizens.
I'm here and ready to go.
"Hey babe, I negotiate million dollar deals for breakfast. I think I can handle this Eurotrash."

Having trouble getting up for the Holiday Bowl? Texas won't play another game until September 1 and it's against Wyoming. Take another look at the home schedule next year, and you'll get where you need to be for the Holiday Bowl. It's a big game, against a good opponent. Period. On to the chat.
Talking points:
* The Holiday Bowl: What to expect. Bergeron and Shipley return to health, Malcolm Brown is getting there. Manny Diaz has had 3 weeks to draw a game plan. Good luck Cal.
* DGB and Mario Edwards update. Remaining targets. What's the hold up with additional offers? I'll explain.
* 2013 Junior Days look to be one of Texas' best. Which blue chips might commit?
* Jake Raulerson had a very Merry Christmas, was Bevo under the tree?
"Oh my God, the quarterback is TOAST!"

There was some breaking news yesterday, DGB could be down to 2 teams, Arkansas and Texas. Distance appears to be a diminishing factor with the Beckhams. Texas is sitting in the best possible position. Not to be forgotten, things are looking very good for Texas in Mario Edwards' recruitment. A UT commit gave Texas a 80% chance of landing the heralded recruit.
Talking points:
* Thomas Johnson tells everybody to chill out.
* Reasons for optimism with DGB and Mario Edwards.
* Bowl prep. Practices started last week.
* Mack gets "chippy" and drops an one hour press conference on the media. Mack Brown tells the media Brown and Bergeron would play if the game was last week.
* Attrition strikes, and strikes again. We'll discuss the benefits.
* Class size for 2012 and 2013.
* Top targets for 2013.
* Big win for Texas hoops yesterday.
* Retooling ideas. Obviously with football drawing to a close, I'll have to change the format of Sundays with Bill. Send me some ideas. Recruiting and hoops will be a focus.
I'm in place and ready to go. Shoot the glass.

The Texas coaches feasted on the recruiting trail this weekend, picking up commitments from 2012 Brownwood DB Kevin Vaccaro and 2012 Mineral Wells Safety Adrian Colbert. Colbert is a huge pick up, he has gone from an unranked recruit to a top 100 national recruit in the span of a few months. Texas had to get a safety in the 2012 class and Colbert is the answer.
Kevin Vaccaro is a risk, but he's a risk Texas is wise to roll the dice on. Kenny Vaccaro was a similar size before a growth spurt at the same age. Kevin hasn't grown yet, but he's the type of prospect Texas couldn't pass on. He either becomes a starter or he'll contribute on special teams. Kevin won't just occupy a scholarship.
Talking points:
*Mack explodes the internet when he tells the banquet audience that Texas could consider taking a graduate or JUCO QB. I'll have some candidates and of course some film.
* Mario Edwards dons a UT helmet and throws up the Hook 'Em with the other recruits.
*Torshiro Davis had a good time, but didn't put Texas in the lead.
* Bruce Chambers is discussing a visit with a 2012 TE.
* Looking ahead to 2013 class.
* The bowl game, my thoughts on Cal, bowl practices, the Holiday Bowl.
Let's get it started.

5 years ago if you told me Baylor would beat Texas in consecutive seasons, and the Bears would boast a Heisman candidate, I would have said you were crazy. Things change. There's not many silver linings from the game. Jaxon Shipley, Marquise Goodwin, Jeremy Hills and few others played hard. Otherwise it was a lost day in Waco.
Talking points:
* The Baylor Game: Art Briles has put Baylor on the map, Case McCoy gets picked. The Defense disappears. Injuries devastate Texas again. Jaxon Shipley and Marquise Goodwin have their best days as Longhorns.
* The Bowl Game: It's looking like the Holiday Bowl against the the explosive Cal Bears, the importance of bowl practices, getting the team healthy. Yes I expect Bergeron and Brown to able to play.
* Recruiting: Texas lands 2 explosive playmakers in 72 hours, what it means for the offense.Donald Hawkins commitment looks imminent. Brandon Moore a silent commit? Banquet Weekend, I'll have a complete list, hint, it's impressive, LSU - Bama impressive. What to expect from Banquet Weekend.
* Texas Hoops gets a big road win against UCLA.

I didn't say it publicly, but the final TAMU game was a must win for Texas. When friends discussed how important this game was, I pointed out it was more important for Texas to get to 7 wins to insure a winning season. Privately, I wanted a win, badly. Thankfully, the Texas players shared my desire.
Talking points:
* Final TAMU Game: When a win is more than just a win, Justin Tucker becomes a legend, Case McCoy's gutsy final drive, defense steps it up, Byndom houses an interception in a play that turned the game, the trick play Shipley to Irby, Quandre the Giant shows outs.
*Recruiting tidbits: Targets at the TAMU Game (I'll have the best list I can find), Donald Hawkins cancels a visit but makes a another, Colbert attends an OOS game, Marcus Johnson commits to TAMU, DGB's thoughts on Johnathan Gray.
* A look ahead to Baylor: Can RGIII go? Stopping Baylor's offense, scoring enough points to win, again.
* Bowl projection: Why I'm hoping the Longhorns take the Riverwalk Boat Tour, Insight, Alamo, Holiday, 3 more weeks+ of practices.
* A glimpse into next season: Texas will become a more versatile, multiple, and dynamic offense next year, also a look at the defense. A look at the state of the program.
I'm here and ready to go. Celebrate the TAMU win with me.

These chats get a little tougher to do each weekend. Last night was painful. We've spent the last 10 years watching Texas win these types of games. Make no mistake about it, Texas has been fortunate. It all comes back to the quarterback. At this point I would take adequate QB play. Moving forward.
Talking points:
* The K State game: Dominant defense and woeful offense, Texas outgains KSU by almost 200 yards and loses, Texas rushes for almost 200 yards and loses, Texas shuts down Kline and still loses. Yeah you get the point.
* Big recruiting weekend and some potentially huge developments: The Maturation of Brandon Moore, 4 star OT Donald Hawkins gives Texas a 5 star rating, DGB taking in the sights at Texas and enjoying himself, Johnathan Gray plays host and cheerleader, Marcus Johnson drives from Baytown after a playoff game for the possibility of an offer. I'll have a full visitor list.
* Looking ahead to TAMU: A tough challenge to be sure, if Texas were ever to rise up this season and win one as a team, this is it.
* Skyline - DeSoto, I posted some quick thoughts on Twitter today, I'll go more in depth here. Bill meets a Recruitocosm icon.
* Looking for silver linings: The bowl practices, the young pups getting playing time, selling Texas as a place where freshman can play immediately.
Let's get it started. Fire off your chat salvos.

Most lost weekends in Missouri usually originate in Branson, Missouri and involve some combination of the Andy Williams Show and Ann Margret or Yakov Smirnoff. Texas' lost weekend occurred on a dreary November morning at the J School Capital of the World.
Talking points:
*The Missouri Game: I'll share some venting thoughts. Let's try to limit this to the first couple hours, but have at it.
* Looking ahead to the Super Recruiting weekend and oh yeah, Kansas State, visitors galore including DGB, the JUCO train heads west, The Colbert Report, Daje Johnson will make it 4 straight Texas home games, and possibly the outstanding Plan B at WR.
* Texas Hoops, the Horns tip off at 6 pm on the LHN against Boston U. Can Texas make the Tourney?
I'll be here at 5 pm on the nose, fire away.

As I watched the Texas Tech Game and Malcolm Brown didn't run on to the field on the first drive, a quiet panic came over me. This panic was unwarranted. No Malcolm Brown, no Jaxon Shipley, no problem. Texas took care of business yesterday and heads into the final 4 games as a team on the rise.
Talking points:
*Texas Tech domination, Mean Joe shows out, Waka Waka Time in the redzone, Texas has DEs again, the punishing ground game, the subtle genius of Manny Diaz.
*Looking ahead to Mizzou, our opponents can expect pain from Mean Joe, do Malcolm Brown and Jaxon Shipley make it back to give a Mizzou a proper send off?
Recruiting notes: Johnathan Gray takes in a game, Daje Johnson makes it 3 in a row and stares at the mail box, some Adrian Colbert news, blue chips at the Football Banquet.
I'm here and ready to go. Hit me with your best shot, fire away.

After taking a work related hiatus from the Sunday chat, I'm back. Texas whipped Kansas yesterday, slump buster or sign of things to come? We'll discuss.
Talking points:
*KU Game: The emergence of Joe Bergeron, the workmanlike Malcolm Brown, Quandre the Giant shows out, wait we have DEs again? Jaxon Shipley and Leroy Scott's injuries.
*Looking ahead to Tech, thank goodness it's a home game. Tech should be plenty angry.
* Recruiting: a new 2012 QB offer, Adrian Colbert's pending offer, Daje Johnson stares at the mail box and waits. Blue chips expected at Purple Kansas game
Realignment: Welcome West Virginia, what does it mean to the future of the conferene?

I'm here and in place. Get at me.

Texas had the weekend off, but there was plenty of Big 12 action.
Talking points:
* Texas Tech's stunning victory over OU on the road, K State rises again under Bill Snyder.
*Looking forward to Kansas, the schedule gets a lot tougher after the Jayhawks.
* Recruiting notes: Texas offers JUCO OT Donald Hawkins, Bo Davis and Stacy Searels in Louisiana, Friday Night Light recruiting trips.
* Climate change in Austin? Texas has offered 2 JUCO players.
Let's get to it. Fire away BON citizens.

Tough loss yesterday in a game that very well could have Texas' way. There's some positives in the loss, but also some concerns.
Talking points:
* The positives: Carrington Byndom going head to head with Justin Blackmon, Malcolm Brown's big day, D.J. Monroe continues to impress, Mike Davis is back hopefully.
* The negatives: lack of pass rush, run defense, offensive play calling in the red zone, the turnover bug.
* Moving forward with Ash
* Recruiting notes : confirmed visitors at the OSU game, the Daje Johnson Offer Mystery Hour, of the 5 2012 QBs (Childress, Armstrong, Barnes, Millweard, and Overstreet) being considered by Texas which one do you want the most? Does Texas take a flyer on Trevor Knight?
* Thankfully no realignment news of note.

I've a couple aspirin to get over the OSU loss. I'm ready to go, fire away with your questions. Let's start the discussion.