Robert Gilbert

Thanks.

Will OTF have its own HS ranking system for future classes like Rivals or On3?

On this morning’s Coffee and Football the topic of HS players reclassifying in order to get on campus a year earlier was discussed. While Gerry seemed to generally favor it, except in the case of QBs. On the other hand, Bobby and CJ were generally opposed to the idea except for the very rare case. The argument of whether it was better for a stud receiver like R. Williams to dominate HS as opposed to getting on campus and start a college weight training program was insightful. Gerry saw it as a development year which would be beneficial. However, my question is should colleges encourage it? Take Quinn for example (I think most would agree for a QB reclassifying is a bad idea). He left HS a year early and started his three year window at college a year early. His goal was to enter the pro draft this year. So essentially a reclassified player, unless he is an absolute once in a generation stud, will have one developmental year and two years to contribute. Thoughts.

I have been a fan of UT football since 1967 when I was in third grade. My first game was in 1977 vs Baylor when Earl ran for over 180 yards and a TD (6th Street was an amazing sight for a small town freshman in college). I have been to numerous football, basketball, baseball games since then and I have never been more excited about an upcoming team and season as the 2024 season.

Basketball use to use a saying, “Offense sells tickets, defense wins games, and free throws win championships”. Football should be, “Offense sells tickets, defense wins games, and special teams wins championships”. At least in my opinion. I love UT’s decision to put our beat athletes, even starters, on special teams. My Freshman year at Donna (go Redskins) we lost the district title due to a punt return for a TD by Mercedes. For the next three years we spent time every day covering punt returns and kick returns. We did not give a TD to either at any level those three years. Anecdotal to be sure but we all know how a blocked kick or a return for a TD can change a game.

I am not arguing against athletes being ‘school employees’ but this could open up a new can of worms. A couple of thoughts, my wife worked for her college through a Student Works program and did not make her a ‘school employee’. Of course, this was over thirty years ago and things have obviously changed. Secondly, since UT receives federal dollars, could it also be argued that they are Federal employees? I have no idea the answers or even if those are good questions or not. That is why I come here and ask.

Are we looking to sign three or four LBs in 2025?

I am watching it now and I am loving the content. It is just this type of insightful and to the point commentary which has propelled OTF to being the best and most watched YouTube channel covering the Longhorns. Keep up the good work. Get well soon Rod.

I agree with that but let us go into more depth. 2023 was the first year in well over a decade that UT lived up to expectations. As the Spring semester unfolds with the Spring Game, possible additions through the portal, and 2025 recruits committing expectations will continue to rise. I imagine every home game will be a sell out as the fans want to relive the success of 2023 and look forward to seeing SEC opponents for the first in DKR. As we continue to win, the fans’ expectations will continue to soar and explode at each home game.

Depending on which team drafts each player, I can see Mitchell, Worthy, Sweat, Murphy, and Sanders all starting. For example, if KC were to draft either Worthy or Mitchell I believe they could start but not is Miami does.

Thanks

His Hudl looks great, especially that very first highlight.

1. I agree, no cap for any player. Let them earn what they can. 2. Two thoughts. Are there 64 teams that are good enough to be apart of a new ‘super conference’? For example should teams like Rutgers or Boston College be apart of this? The more teams the less money to be distributed per team. 3. Exactly 4. Real punishments for real infractions. 5. Something unique needs to be created that will keep the traditions, pageantry, and excitement of college football.

As Ray said, a lot of very smart people making some great points on this topic. I have no idea what is going to happen and I don’t have really any new points to add. But what I would like to see is: 1. some control over NIL…full transparency, multiple year contracts where there are penalties for student if he changes schools 2. I would prefer the 48 team model 3. preserve the regional rivals (UT vs A&M, UT vs OK) 4. Real rules and the power to enforce them (Harbaugh’s cheating at Mich for example) Those are some thought off the top of my head. Far smarter people than me have already made many good suggestions and I am sure this debate, which has been needed for years, is just getting started.

Does anyone know the full story behind UT’s rowing team losing a race during the 2023 championships due to hitting a bird or something similar? I heard CDC mention that several times and I think Bobby mentioned it during one of the Coffee and Football shows. I tried to look it up but could not find anything. Thanks.

I remember people mentioning that Teddy and his success at Louisville was one of the reasons that Charlie Strong was hired at UT. Does anyone know if that was true or was it just some urban myth?

I agree. While Saban would lend a great deal of credibility to any group an older coach, someone like Bill Snyder (if he is able) for example, would really send a message that this is an honest attempt. Pete Carroll, or any former college/pro football, would also be needed, IMO.

Love seeing Baker out on the recruiting trail. I believe that adding Baker and Nansen will elevate an already very good recruiting staff to a level of excellence (from top to bottom) never seen at UT before.

When CDC hired Sark. i thought he would be successful. But he has surpassed all my expectations. He always seems to know what to say and has done so very convincingly.

Gerry and CJ were great together. I am looking forward to many, many more videos.

I have heard people (from several websites and YouTube channels) mention Glasscock as being a key piece of Texas recruiting for three years. However, given Sark’s ability to replace on field coaches with better ones, I fully believe he will hit a home run with Glasscock’s replacement.

Fasusi is a must get for 2025. He will continue the most recent run of great UT olinemen.

Coffee and Football was awesome this morning, as it is everyday. However, the return of Gerry made it ‘winning the Big 12 Championship’ special.

Gerry, great to have you back on OTF. You are far and away the best Texas Longhorn analyst on YouTube. You were a huge part of making OTF the best UT channel and it will only get better.