Recruiting Notebook - 10/2/14

A couple Mesquite prospects, an out-of-state QB, and one of the best defensive tackles in Texas are the Longhorns targets previewed in this week’s Recruiting Notebook. Ian Boyd tells us how they fit at UT, we get evaluations from college coaches, and Justin Wells tells us how it all affects Texas.

 

Jean DeLance – OT, North Mesquite (2016)

DeLance Junior Hudl higlights

How he fits at Texas: DeLance is the 2016 version of Madison Akamnonu – Texas Tech pledge from Arlington Bowie. He has ideal length and quickness to play left tackle but he’s a good many cheeseburgers and Wickline chewout sessions from being ready to play for Texas on Saturdays. If his frame can get to 300, he has the athleticism to be the left tackle of the 2016 class. – Ian Boyd

Coach says: Initially when I watched DeLance’s tape I wasn’t too impressed. But the longer I watched, the more I liked what I’m seeing. What stands out about DeLance to me is how well he moves around for a guy his size, definitely think he has the athleticism and the feet to stick at tackle. He will have to get better at playing with a lower pad level and instead of catching defenders, he needs to take the fight to them. He has a decent punch, but he doesn’t seem to always utilize it and his functional strength doesn’t consistently show up on tape.

How this affects Texas:The numbers don’t lie. Texas needs talented offensive tackles. DeLance fits the mold. The junior OT from North Mesquite is becoming a popular man these days. Playing such a premium position coupled with being 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, and you’ve got yourself a potential monster. Texas, OU, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Arizona State are a few of the schools pursuing DeLance early on. He looks to visit Texas Tech, TCU, and A&M fairly soon, plus catch a Texas game if possible. There’s a ton to like about DeLance’s game, and his upside is obvious. Getting him on campus in Austin should become a priority sooner rather than later. – Justin Wells

 

David Moore, QB – Milton HS (Alphretta, GA) (2016)

Moore Junior Hudl highlights

How he fits at Texas: Moore is like an out-of-state version of Dillon Sterling-Cole. He’s very quick and can get outside on zone read runs or rollouts and elude pass-rushers with ease. Moore also has good arm strength and is capable of working his eyes around the field from the pocket or on the move, although when he’s on the move it’s natural for him to just take off since he’s so quick. He’d be a good fit in a shotgun-spread focused version of the Watson offense. – IB

Coach says: Man, this kid doesn’t give up on plays. He strikes me as the kind of player that is going make some huge plays with his feet, but he will take a big loss occasionally. He has the ability to extend plays with his feet, but he needs to know when to throw ball away, because he won’t be able to make every play. I saw him throw across his body to the middle of the field a couple times on tape, someone needs to tell him those will get picked off against better competition. He snaps off some nice throws into some tight windows on tape and gets the ball up and out pretty quickly.

How this affects Texas: Moore and UT are keeping tabs on each other. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound signal-caller from Georgia is starting to pick up serious interest, and for good reason. Just look at the tape. Texas did. UT coaches even requested more film from Moore’s coach and want to continue to evaluate Moore midway through his junior season. He currently holds offers from UAB and Southern Miss, but Arkansas, North Carolina, Mississippi State, and especially Marshall have increased contact and Moore’s visiting Clemson this weekend. Advice to Watson: Invite him to a game, Junior Day next spring, and the UT Passing Academy next summer. UT takes two quarterbacks in this class. Moore deserves a strong look. – JW

 

Dee Anderson, WR – West Mesquite (2016)

Anderson Junior Hudl highlights

How he fits at Texas: Anderson combines some serious fast-twitch speed with long strides that make him an absolute nightmare to cover. He can high point the ball with his long arms and frame but he’s also a capable receiver underneath due to effective route running and good use of his hands. Anderson will be a featured outside receiver somewhere. Pair him with Collin Johnson and make people quit. – IB

Coach says: Tall, long strider who runs pretty good routes. He will pose a problem for just about any DB who lines up across from him due to his length. Plucks balls out of the air and will fight for every ball his way. By no means a burner, but will get behind you if you let him. He will be a quarterback’s best friend in the red zone, will win he his fair share of jump balls in the end zone. Every team needs a Dee Anderson.

How this affects Texas:The story of Dee Anderson and the Texas Longhorns has yet to be written. Anderson was interested in Texas early, but I’m not certain if that remains to be the case. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound pass-catcher is committed to LSU for the class of 2016. Texas must keep recruiting Anderson, who is most likely the top junior WR in the state. He’s a classic fit in the Shawn Watson offense and 2015 4-star QB commit, Zach Gentry, needs someone opposite ’16 4-star stud Collin Johnson in the future Texas offense.  – JW

 

Ed Oliver, DT – Spring Westfield (2016)

Oliver Junior Hudl highlights

How he fits at Texas: Oliver is the best DT in state for 2016. He plays with great pad level and a high motor which allows him to split double teams, chase down plays from the weakside, and create a pass-rush. He could fit at Texas as disruptive 3-4 DE or 3-technique DT or even as a nose that has to be doubled to avoid calamity. Coaches will have an easy time making use of his speed off the ball, low pad level, and ability to turn his hips and explode with power on blitzes. – IB

Coach says: To keep a long story short, he is a GO DADDY. Best defensive tackle in the state for his class. The way he moves around on the football field is scary for a guy playing the defensive tackle position. He can be wrecking a play in the backfield or making a hustle play and making a tackle down the field in pursuit. He will have every college in America knocking at his door.

How this affects Texas: Oliver is a “class maker”. You sign the top DT in Texas for 2016, and your class instantly becomes attractive. He’s that talented. Oliver has his pick of where he’ll play college ball, with LSU the early leader. But UT has a few things working in its favor with Oliver’s recruitment. Former Westfield and current Texas DT Tank Jackson and Oliver are fans of each other. Also, Texas will be losing Malcom Brown and Jackson in two years, so the allure of early playing time is there. You pair Oliver with another Texas target in Kendell Jones, and you’ve got two franchise interior tackles and your program instantly becomes sweeter. – JW