LSU Tigers: Texas Longhorns
For most college football recruits, announcing a top 12 doesn’t attract a ton of views. For someone like ESPN 150 safety Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Texas/Hebron), a top 12 is news that many programs have anticipated for months.
That’s because Adams, a 6-foot, 199-pound, four-star defensive back, has been quite vocal about his high school football team's expectations and teammates but very tight-lipped about his recruiting. Many have speculated his interest, but he’s rarely confirmed or denied any reports.
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NEW ORLEANS -- There are probably a lot of kids at St. Augustine High School who can do an impression of Avery Johnson, the former NBA player and coach with the distinctive, high-pitched voice.
They could probably tell you their favorite play by the "Honey Badger," Tyrann Mathieu, and they've seen the exploits of BenJarvus Green-Ellis on NFL Sundays.
Indeed, St. Augustine, New Orleans' historically African-American all-boys Catholic High school, has a rich history of stars including the two mentioned above.
They could probably tell you their favorite play by the "Honey Badger," Tyrann Mathieu, and they've seen the exploits of BenJarvus Green-Ellis on NFL Sundays.
Indeed, St. Augustine, New Orleans' historically African-American all-boys Catholic High school, has a rich history of stars including the two mentioned above.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- It was just 10 days ago that LSU fans were excited to have landed junior college receiver D'haquille Williams (Reserve, La./Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College).
Not so fast.
Not so fast.
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Get ESPN 150 safety Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Texas/Hebron) in any competitive environment and you’ll begin to understand very quickly why he’s so coveted.
Take for example the Dallas Nike Football Training Camp in Allen, Texas, on April 7 when he set the tone in 1-on-1 drills by shoving a wide receiver three yards behind the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball.
Adams, the No. 23 player overall and No. 3 safety, isn’t naming any favorites. But we caught up with him to get a sense for where he stands with a few of the programs generally thought to be in the mix.
Take for example the Dallas Nike Football Training Camp in Allen, Texas, on April 7 when he set the tone in 1-on-1 drills by shoving a wide receiver three yards behind the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball.
Adams, the No. 23 player overall and No. 3 safety, isn’t naming any favorites. But we caught up with him to get a sense for where he stands with a few of the programs generally thought to be in the mix.
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AUSTIN, Texas -- There was no way Kevin Shorter was going to be a well-kept secret for long.
Especially not after the statistics the Newton (Texas) athlete put up in 2012. His monster junior season has yielded an impressive number of offers this spring. The whole thing is becoming a bit more than he could have imagined.
Especially not after the statistics the Newton (Texas) athlete put up in 2012. His monster junior season has yielded an impressive number of offers this spring. The whole thing is becoming a bit more than he could have imagined.
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Harris on display as spring games flourish 
May, 20, 2013
May 20
10:40
AM ET
By
Gary Laney | ESPN.com
BATON ROUGE, La. -- The stage was set for Brandon Harris.
The 2014 quarterback, whose stock has risen steadily throughout the spring, had the stage to himself when his school, Bossier City, La.'s Parkway High, hosted Alexandria, La./Alexandria Senior High for a spring game.
The 2014 quarterback, whose stock has risen steadily throughout the spring, had the stage to himself when his school, Bossier City, La.'s Parkway High, hosted Alexandria, La./Alexandria Senior High for a spring game.
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The SEC and Big 12 announced an annual challenge on the basketball court, but colleague Edward Aschoff wondered what it would look like if that challenge extended to the football field.
There are already two games on the schedule this season -- between TCU and LSU, and Oklahoma State and Mississippi State. What else would I like to see?
Let me start by saying that renewing the Texas-Texas A&M and Missouri-Kansas rivalries are a given. I'm omitting those matchups, but I'd love to see them.
Let's get started:
Oklahoma State vs. Alabama: OSU narrowly missed out on playing for the national title back in 2011, and both are among their conference favorites again in 2013. When the BCS "snubbed" the Pokes after the 2011 regular season, OSU coach Mike Gundy half-jokingly suggested these two play for the right to play LSU in the title game. It would be fun to see this one finally played out on the field.
Baylor vs. LSU: Straight up offense vs. defense. That's the Big 12 vs. SEC debate at its heart. Baylor just might be the Big 12's best offense, and LSU will put together another strong defense. These are the matchups we want to see. The Big 12 has faltered on the big stage, helping the SEC stretch its run of national titles, but seeing Bryce Petty sling it around against an athletic defense would be a lot of fun.
Texas vs. Arkansas: Arkansas' exit from the Southwest Conference helped usher in the birth of the Big 12 after the SWC crumbled. Texas has bigger rivals like Oklahoma and Texas A&M, but these two played some of the greatest games in college football history, and as an Arkansas native, I've seen up close how much Razorbacks fans detest the Longhorns to this day. The result would be a great game and a hyped atmosphere.
TCU vs. Texas A&M: Texas A&M fans take exception to the idea that TCU was an on-field "upgrade" over the Aggies in the Big 12. The Aggies largely struggled in the Big 12 after some early success and a Big 12 title under R.C. Slocum. Since leaving for the SEC, the Aggies have gone nowhere but up, and ended 2012 as the hottest team in college football. Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel has a Heisman Trophy. Could he shred the Frogs? Want to prove TCU is not an upgrade? Beat TCU on the field.
Kansas State vs. Florida: Kansas State is perpetually underrated and wins with a bunch of junior college guys, and high school players overlooked by major programs. Florida won big under Urban Meyer, but has been largely overrated since Meyer left and was whacked by Louisville to end 2012. The Gators would be suiting up an army of recruiting stars, but could Bill Snyder, the Manhattan Magician, grab a win for the Big 12?
There are already two games on the schedule this season -- between TCU and LSU, and Oklahoma State and Mississippi State. What else would I like to see?
Let me start by saying that renewing the Texas-Texas A&M and Missouri-Kansas rivalries are a given. I'm omitting those matchups, but I'd love to see them.
Let's get started:
Oklahoma State vs. Alabama: OSU narrowly missed out on playing for the national title back in 2011, and both are among their conference favorites again in 2013. When the BCS "snubbed" the Pokes after the 2011 regular season, OSU coach Mike Gundy half-jokingly suggested these two play for the right to play LSU in the title game. It would be fun to see this one finally played out on the field.
Baylor vs. LSU: Straight up offense vs. defense. That's the Big 12 vs. SEC debate at its heart. Baylor just might be the Big 12's best offense, and LSU will put together another strong defense. These are the matchups we want to see. The Big 12 has faltered on the big stage, helping the SEC stretch its run of national titles, but seeing Bryce Petty sling it around against an athletic defense would be a lot of fun.
Texas vs. Arkansas: Arkansas' exit from the Southwest Conference helped usher in the birth of the Big 12 after the SWC crumbled. Texas has bigger rivals like Oklahoma and Texas A&M, but these two played some of the greatest games in college football history, and as an Arkansas native, I've seen up close how much Razorbacks fans detest the Longhorns to this day. The result would be a great game and a hyped atmosphere.
TCU vs. Texas A&M: Texas A&M fans take exception to the idea that TCU was an on-field "upgrade" over the Aggies in the Big 12. The Aggies largely struggled in the Big 12 after some early success and a Big 12 title under R.C. Slocum. Since leaving for the SEC, the Aggies have gone nowhere but up, and ended 2012 as the hottest team in college football. Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel has a Heisman Trophy. Could he shred the Frogs? Want to prove TCU is not an upgrade? Beat TCU on the field.
Kansas State vs. Florida: Kansas State is perpetually underrated and wins with a bunch of junior college guys, and high school players overlooked by major programs. Florida won big under Urban Meyer, but has been largely overrated since Meyer left and was whacked by Louisville to end 2012. The Gators would be suiting up an army of recruiting stars, but could Bill Snyder, the Manhattan Magician, grab a win for the Big 12?
Oklahoma vs. Georgia: Mark Richt and Bob Stoops have one big thing in common: Neither fan base truly appreciates what their coach has accomplished. Consider this an opportunity for both to quiet the hot-seat talk. It's been a lot more intense for Richt, who endured a 6-7 season back in 2010, but he's won the SEC East in each of the past two seasons. Stoops has averaged just over 10 wins a season at Oklahoma, and Richt has averaged just under 10 wins. Call this the "Underappreciated Bowl."
2015 CB Sheffield bonds with Texas coach
May, 16, 2013
May 16
10:00
AM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Class of 2015 defensive back Kendall Sheffield (Fort Bend, Texas/Marshall) walked with a bit of a lean forward on Saturday, but with good cause. He’d just won three silver medals at the UIL State Track and Field Meet in Austin.
Sheffield placed second in the 4A 110-hurdles, 300-meters and 4x100-meter relay.
Sheffield placed second in the 4A 110-hurdles, 300-meters and 4x100-meter relay.
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Q&A: 4-star prospect Martin deciding soon
May, 15, 2013
May 15
1:00
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Versatility is a trait widely admired by college programs, but one that doesn’t always come in the form of someone 6-foot-6 and 247 pounds.
Koda Martin’s size alone makes him an attractive prospect, but couple it with his ability to play on either side of the ball and it’s easy to see why the four-star recruit from Manvel, Texas, has close to 20 offers.
Martin, who is rated as the No. 21 offensive tackle and No. 43 player in the state of Texas, was in Austin on Saturday to get a better feel for one of those schools that offered him.
We caught up with Martin at the Texas State track and field meet to see how everything went with the visit with Texas, and where he stands overall.
Koda Martin’s size alone makes him an attractive prospect, but couple it with his ability to play on either side of the ball and it’s easy to see why the four-star recruit from Manvel, Texas, has close to 20 offers.
Martin, who is rated as the No. 21 offensive tackle and No. 43 player in the state of Texas, was in Austin on Saturday to get a better feel for one of those schools that offered him.
We caught up with Martin at the Texas State track and field meet to see how everything went with the visit with Texas, and where he stands overall.
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LAKE CHARLES, La. -- If one drives down West McNeese Street in Lake Charles, a town of about 75,000 people in Louisiana's southwest corner, you can't help but notice the "Brag Board" at Barbe High School's baseball field.
It mentions the six state championships the Bucs have won in Louisiana Class 5A, all since 1998. It talks about the program's numerous national rankings and its distinction of being named one of the nation's 10 best programs in the 2000s by Baseball America Magazine.
Cross the street to Barbe's football field and you'll see a beautiful prep facility, but it lacks that brag board.
Barbe, you see, is a noted baseball power, first and foremost.
It mentions the six state championships the Bucs have won in Louisiana Class 5A, all since 1998. It talks about the program's numerous national rankings and its distinction of being named one of the nation's 10 best programs in the 2000s by Baseball America Magazine.
Cross the street to Barbe's football field and you'll see a beautiful prep facility, but it lacks that brag board.
Barbe, you see, is a noted baseball power, first and foremost.
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John Saunder gives his take on Texas, Alabama, LSU, Florida, Florida State and other schools offering eighth-grader Dylan Moses a scholarship.
Juco receiver adds Texas offer, likes three
May, 10, 2013
May 10
12:00
PM ET
By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
A junior college receiver who has offers from several big-time programs was recently offered by Texas.
D’haquille Williams is the first junior college prospect to land a Texas offer. HornsNation caught up with two of his coaches at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College this week, and both made it clear they’ve never coached a guy like him.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound wide receiver is one of the nation’s top juco prospects. He put up 1,295 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns on 67 catches as a freshman at MGCCC and also has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Miami, Texas A&M, USC and a long list of schools.
D’haquille Williams is the first junior college prospect to land a Texas offer. HornsNation caught up with two of his coaches at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College this week, and both made it clear they’ve never coached a guy like him.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound wide receiver is one of the nation’s top juco prospects. He put up 1,295 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns on 67 catches as a freshman at MGCCC and also has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Miami, Texas A&M, USC and a long list of schools.
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MANVEL, Texas — On the wall across the Manvel (Texas) High School locker room and weight room, there is a poster with the words "Hoka Hey."
Though the term's original meaning was "It's a good day to die," when Crazy Horse let the Sioux to a victory at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, around Manvel High, it takes on a much more amiable meaning. Specifically, it's used to symbolize teamwork. At the top of the poster are the words "Hoka Hey = Play Unselfish."
Though the term's original meaning was "It's a good day to die," when Crazy Horse let the Sioux to a victory at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, around Manvel High, it takes on a much more amiable meaning. Specifically, it's used to symbolize teamwork. At the top of the poster are the words "Hoka Hey = Play Unselfish."
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In the few times he has found reprieve from his busy track season, ESPN 150 cornerback Tony Brown has managed to get out of town for two big spring game visits.
Things are moving so fast, though, that Brown has had little time to sit down and think things through. His grand plan is being made up on the fly right now.
Things are moving so fast, though, that Brown has had little time to sit down and think things through. His grand plan is being made up on the fly right now.
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#BlueChipBattles: ESPN 150 release edition
April, 19, 2013
Apr 19
12:49
PM ET
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
Student Sports, ESPN, ESPNSpeedy Noil, Adoree Jackson and Da'Shawn Hand are three of the most coveted recruits in the Class of 2014.
: RecruitingNation summoned its writers from around the country to outline the recruiting battles for the ESPN 150's top 10 prospects.
Plus, rank the battles in SportsNation.
#TopFBMixtapes: Athlete mixtapes are all the rage in this highlight-crazed era of sports. We reached out to our Twitter followers to find out which 2014 football stars had the best highlight reels on YouTube, then had our staff rank and comment on the top submissions.
Tom Luginbill writes
: After talking to many coaches across the country and hearing their frustrations, here are their five biggest complaints about homemade highlight videos.ABOUT GEAUX TIGER NATION
Gary Laney
Gary Laney joined ESPN.com in 2012 after spending a year and a half as online sports editor of the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate. Before that, he covered LSU sports for the Advocate. He has also been the sports editor at the Beaumont (Texas) Enterprise and covered McNeese State athletics for the Lake Charles (La.) American Press. Laney currently lives in Baton Rouge. Email him at glaneyespn@gmail.com