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Grading the Class (Part II)


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Continuing the earlier discussion that focuses on whether or not - or just how well - Texas has refilled the roster pipeline this recruiting campaign, here's a look at the defensive side of the ball.

Edge

Colin Simmons, Zina Umeozulu

Player Grade: A

Simmons is a true blue chip. His explosiveness is rare. So too is his ability to bend the edge. He has long arms and good motor and a willingness to play through contact. There's a reason he's the two-time defensive MVP of the state championship game and a five star prospect. Umeozulu is situated differently. Texas passed on a couple of higher ranked prospects to further pursue Umeozulu, who is just starting to grow into his body. He's a long, lanky defender with good acceleration and outright speed. If he can properly hone his craft and body with years of development, he has as much upside as anyone in the class.

Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position?

Texas needed two legit prospects in this recruiting class, ones who can get the QB to the ground. Sure, both of them may need a year or two of development, but they have the skill sets of elite pass rushers. I really like that Texas didn't over-sign at the position.

Pipeline Grade: A+

 

Defensive Tackle

Alex January, Melvin Hills

Player Grade: B-

Neither January nor Hills entered their senior seasons as "elite" prospects. Yet both performed exceedingly well in 2023. January, no longer playing baseball, continued his physical development, and showed tremendous strength at the point of attack and perhaps a better motor than analysts had thought. Hills put up some staggering numbers in a lower classification.

Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position?

I don't think so. Not to the level needed. If D'Antre Robinson had stayed, then maybe I see things differently. But the interior of the DL needs at least three prospects in every recruiting class, hopefully two of which are highly regarded and the third who has a high floor. Simply not enough interior DLs in this class to warrant a higher grade.

Pipeline Grade: D

 

Linebacker

TyAnythony Smith

Player Grade: B+

Smith is a do-everything linebacker. He can play in coverage, he can play off the ball, and he really likes contact. He's actually probably at his best competing in space against fleet-footed players. His long arms, quickness and outright speed all really help him compress space.

Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position?

Given they signed four LBs the previous year, Texas could have forgone the position altogether this year. So Texas really only wanted to sign one linebacker in this recruiting class. And they only entertained two of them - Smith and Justin Williams of Conroe Oak Ridge.

Pipeline Grade: A

 

Cornerback

Kobe Black, Wardell Mack, Santan Wilson

Player Grade: A-

Black is the highest ranked of the group but may actually have farther to go to get on the field because he's a multi-sport athlete who also played multiple positions in high school. Black is a gifted athlete, however. Mack and Wilson are somewhat similar. Mack routinely shows good quickness and smarts on the field, plus he has long arms. Wilson is the son of former all-pro safety Adrian Wilson, and clearly already understands the finer points of playing corner.

Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position:

Yes. Did they do it with a true lockdown corner that would push this grade to a high A? I'm not so sure. Of the group, I like Mack's long-term prospects the best. But there's also a lot to like with both Black and his athleticism as well as Wilson's pedigree and know-how.

Pipeline Grade: B+

 

Safety

Xavier Filsaime, Jordon Johnson-Rubell

Player Grade: A

Filsaime could end up being one of the key recruits of the class. He has elite speed (10.5 100 meters) and plays the game with a physical nature. The only question is whether or not he sees the game fast. That's the opposite of Johnson-Rubell, who already sees the game extremely well. Well enough, in fact, to be a real possibility at the nickel position.

Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position:

I like Filsaime as a long-term starter for the Horns. I like Johnson-Rubell as a starter in year two or three with the potential to contribute overall even sooner. This is a good class and sets the Horns up for the next go-round of safeties. Texas didn't over-sign yet laid the groundwork necessary at the position.

Pipeline Grade: A+


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100% agree with the Safety pipeline grade! Really believe Texas got two terrific safety prospects ... with different skill sets. The 2024 safeties and 2025 mix very well together, and have upgraded the speed/quickness and overall athleticism at the position in the program. 

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Where does Nickel fall into this ranking? Have to figure 2 of the 3 Corners stick there and the 3rd goes to Nickel, which would probably up your grade at Safety. Just a way too early guess, but that Safety class could be Black (NB), Filsame, and Rubell. Went with Black to NB, based on his size/athleticism profile. This is also why I would love Texas to always take more CBs, than Safeties in a recruiting class

Edited by codaxx
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3 minutes ago, codaxx said:

Where does Nickel fall into this ranking? Have to figure 2 of the 3 Corners stick there and the 3rd goes to Nickel, which would probably up your grade at Safety. Just a way too early guess, but that Safety class could be Black (NB), Filsame, and Rubell. Went with Black to NB, based on his size/athleticism profile

It's more likely one of them doesn't pan out than actually becomes helpful at nickel or safety.

That's just the nature of recruiting classes. A third just never pan out for whatever reason.

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1 minute ago, Bobby Burton said:

It's more likely one of them doesn't pan out than actually becomes helpful at nickel or safety.

That's just the nature of recruiting classes. A third just never pan out for whatever reason.

That is a good thing. I would be happy, if Texas took 4 Cbs and 1 safety in every class. 

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15 minutes ago, Bobby Burton said:

It's more likely one of them doesn't pan out than actually becomes helpful at nickel or safety.

That's just the nature of recruiting classes. A third just never pan out for whatever reason.

Thought JJR was going to be tried at Nickel first, per a conversation OTF had with him earlier.

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19 minutes ago, GoHorns1 said:

Thought JJR was going to be tried at Nickel first, per a conversation OTF had with him earlier.

He has the skillset to eventually be used closer to the ball, but I bet his career begins back deep at safety.

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2 hours ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

100% agree with the Safety pipeline grade! Really believe Texas got two terrific safety prospects ... with different skill sets. The 2024 safeties and 2025 mix very well together, and have upgraded the speed/quickness and overall athleticism at the position in the program. 

 

So did Hills sign LOI or not?  🤷‍♂️

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24 minutes ago, Modern Day Warrior said:

My chief concern is the DL. Feel like we need at least 4 this cycle including the beast Brandon Brown. I like the potential of Mitchell and January. From a depth perspective, feels thin. 

A portal tackle is still a must get but I agree 3 or 4 for 2025 DT

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32 minutes ago, Modern Day Warrior said:

My chief concern is the DL. Feel like we need at least 4 this cycle including the beast Brandon Brown. I like the potential of Mitchell and January. From a depth perspective, feels thin. 

While I don’t disagree with your comment, I have to say this is what I love about offseason. This time last year we had very similar concerns with depth at DL after Coburn and Ojomo left, and look at how that turned out. 

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