Bobby Burton

The problem here is that we can not use any official marks of The University within the logo. I agree the existing logo is not perfect. However, I like what we can do with some of the other logos, like Coffee & Football. Eventually, we should have a number of them that really work. I'm not looking to re-do the overall logo currently. In a year, that's a different story.

In my years following recruiting, I’ve seen top five classes not actually “fit” the needs of the program, either immediately or over the long haul. Texas has done that a few times in my career. The Horns would need more guys on offensive line yet come up short. Or perhaps they needed more guys in the secondary and it just didn’t get addressed as well as it could have. It’s typical, even for the very best classes, to have one or two positions that perhaps could have been better filled, or, worse, went completely unaddressed. Additionally, with the proliferation of the transfer portal, I no longer think simply grading a recruiting class for its overall composition of players does the topic complete justice. Instead, I think we need to look more at whether or not a recruiting class successfully addresses the long-term needs of the program -- the pipeline of talent entering the program. With all of that in mind, here’s my take on the 2024 Texas recruiting class, starting with the offense first, and whether or not the Horns adequately addressed their talent needs, both in term of quality and team needs. Quarterback Trey Owens I'm a big believer in Owens'. I'm not sure whether he will ever be a top-line starter because of potential mobility issues. But his arm strength and accuracy are high-level - his arm is every bit as talented as both Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. He will not look out of place in the Texas QB room. Despite his relatively lower national rating by others, I'm not giving a QB who I think will play pro ball lower than a grade in the A range. Player Grade: A- Did Texas fill pipeline at the position? Unquestionably, yes. This is the exact type of developmental quarterback Sark needed to follow Manning. Owens possesses the skills that are hardest to coach - the arm talent - but now he will need to work on his understanding of the offense and learning how to improve his maneuverability in the pocket, and he has ample time to do so. Pipeline Grade: A+ Running Back Christian Clark, Jerrick Gibson I don't understand how Clark wasn't rated higher by national experts. Actually, I do have an inkling about it, I just don't agree with their reasoning. Clark's able to make people miss in the hole, is extremely tough and does not shy from contact. When Sark said in his signing day presser that Clark reminded him of Bijan Robinson, there's a reason the head coach went out on that limb. As for Gibson, he's a mix of brute size - he's truly going to be a 230-pound runner before he is finished in college - along with a strong feel for the game and workman-like attitude. Both of these guys are possible future pros. Clark actually reminds me of Tashard Choice as a running back. Player Grade: A- Did Texas fill the need at the position? Easily, so much so that some might think the talent in the room is almost gratuitous. But Sark looks like he's preparing to utilize backs, like they do in the NFL, with multiple ball carriers who have multiple skill sets. For example, the differences between CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue are very evident, yet Sark seemed determined to utilize both down the stretch when Jonathon Brooks was injured. If that's Sark's vision for the future - like he did with Reggie Bush and Lendale White at USC - then maybe the number of RBs isn't as gratuitous as it might otherwise seem. Pipeline Grade: A+ Wide Receiver Ryan Wingo, Aaron Butler, Parker Livingstone, Freddie Dubose Jr. The only other receiver prospect in the same category as Wingo in the past 10 years is Xavier Worthy. Wingo is a legit five star, with legit speed, size, athleticism and plus ball skills. He's actually a better prospect than Worthy was IMO. Outside of Wingo, I'm not sure there is a likely No. 1 receiver in this group. Livingstone would be my next pick, but his injury history is now a thing we have to watch for. Dubose remained limited this year as well, also coming off of a knee injury. Butler is a bit of a wildcard for me. Some on the West Coast preferred him as a cornerback but he wants to play WR. I could see him challenging both Ryan Niblett and Deandre Moore for playing time in the slot. Player Grade: B+ Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position? I think the jury is out. Like I said, I think Wingo is a definite No. 1. I like the promise of Livingstone. The versatility of Butler is intriguing. And Dubose is a bit of a lottery ticket if he properly heals from his injury. Pipeline Grade: B Tight End Jordan Washington There is no player in this class that has a clearer path to success ahead of them. Washington, if he can continue to develop his body and his skills, is the dual-threat tight end that Texas and Sarkisian clearly covet. But we're also talking about someone who has been playing multiple sports most of his life, just stopping basketball a season ago. That means his body likely has farther to go in its development. But a year from now? I like Washington a lot. A whole lot. He could be the steal of the class IMO. Player Grade: A Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position? Yes. My only question, should Texas have even taken another tight end prospect? Perhaps. But the Horns opted to address the short-term need in the portal, in part because of exactly what Washington might bring to the table long-term. Pipeline Grade: B+ Offensive Line Daniel Cruz, Brandon Baker, Nate Kibble Player Grade: A Baker is a future starter and likely a future pro. It may not be this year or even next yearn when he contributes to the Horns, but so long as he stays healthy, he is as sure a bet to play pro football as any signee in this class. Cruz is an anomaly of sorts because he's such a menace as a run blocker - his natural strength is off the charts. He's also a fairly cerebral player. The only question surrounding his play will be pass blocking. Kibble's body type and arm length are ideal and Atascocita offensive lineman have had a really good history of turning out (Sam Cosmi, Kenyon Green, Kam Dewberry). Pass blocking looks like it will come natural to him. Did Texas fill the pipeline at the position? Given the Horns signed 11 OLs in the previous two classes, we knew this would be a lower year on numbers. Overall, I think Texas did a nice job of spreading out the numbers - one true tackle, one true guard and one combo center/guard. Could Texas have used another blue chip prospect at either guard or tackle? Sure. But, with this class, Kyle Flood continues to move the OL in the right direction - with size, athleticism and talent. Pipeline Grade: B View full news

Really like this.

Could be a number of things. Wanted to be even more involved with the football side of things, more autonomy, more money, etc.

Actually, I’d like to change my answer. Let’s go with Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the SEC championship game. 😉

I’d vote for Georgia. And I want to see Texas play LSU in Tiger Stadium.

She’s done a nice job IMO. I hear lots of positive reviews and she’s done a nice job of hiring as well.

I think Sark trusts Brandon Harris and he now has him as the leader of that entire function. But Sark is the alpha. He’s not going to hire an equal as a GM. That’s just not his vision for Texas football, and you can’t really blame him. He just went to the CFP using his structure.

He’s the director of high school relations. Not within the recruiting staffing section. There may be a bit of a re-org here.

This is what I wrote on Monday: I continue to be told that both Brandon Harris, currently the director of recruiting, and John Michael Jones, the assistant director of player personnel, are expected to be elevated. Harris is likely to become the team’s general manager or whatever terminology Steve Sarkisian opts to call it, a role which was expected to be held by Billy Glasscock prior to his move to Ole Miss last week. Harris has been a steady, trusted force in the recruiting department for the Longhorns under Sark. Jones is expected to become the director of player personnel. Jones has been a behind-the-scenes figure for Texas for several years. The team’s successful walk-on program can be partially attributed to his efforts beginning several years ago.

Texas announced the elevation of Brandon Harris to general manager and John Michael Jones to Director of Player Personnel. View full news

None that I can think of.

Join Erin Hogan, CJ Vogel and myself to talk about the Longhorns, recruiting and more! https://youtube.com/live/ocTqXGqbPlk View full news

Everybody's money is the same color and will be around the same amount. Gonna have to recruit them first and foremost.

Oh, I think everyone should be excited by Blue. I think Baxter has so much growth ahead of him it’s almost ridiculous though. Quite a tandem.

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In this week’s Recruiting Breakdown, CJ and Gerry discuss Sark v Elko and the recruiting battles that are just beginning. View full news

Have heard very little in that regard. Was recovering from ACL almost all fall.

1. Sure. But I think Baxter remains the better power runner. And Sark loves running between the tackles. 2. Baxter IMO. 3. Baxter/Blue both probably have more "upside" than Roschon and less so than Bijan. But Roschon had the heart of a lion. Hard to even quantify that IMO.

I don't think Kenny Baker has any ties to either player. I think Texas will attempt to create a tie the second either Graham or Grant enter the portal. Post haste.

Always been an elite talent. But at some point, hard work must prevail.