2014 DB Brandon Simmons enjoys UT visit 
July, 31, 2012
7/31/12
6:00
PM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
The Longhorns haven’t always been on Brandon Simmons' radar. But they are now after the 2014 defensive back from Mansfield (Texas) Timberview took an unofficial visit to Texas on Tuesday.
“It went real well. I liked it a lot,” he said. “The facilities were real impressive and I enjoyed myself.”
Simmons made the three-hour trip south with 2014 safety Ed Paris of Timberview. The two, who make up one of the best secondaries in the state, were approved for offers by the Longhorns coaches.
“It went real well. I liked it a lot,” he said. “The facilities were real impressive and I enjoyed myself.”
Simmons made the three-hour trip south with 2014 safety Ed Paris of Timberview. The two, who make up one of the best secondaries in the state, were approved for offers by the Longhorns coaches.
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Ranking the nation's best running games 
July, 31, 2012
7/31/12
2:30
PM CT
By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
Football scientist KC Joyner takes a look at running games in college football. He points out that three of the last four national champs have averaged less than 25 pass attempts per game. So that mean, the running game matters.
Joyner ranked the best rushing attacks and the Longhorns are among them at No. 4 in Joyner's top 10:
Joyner ranked the best rushing attacks and the Longhorns are among them at No. 4 in Joyner's top 10:
4. Texas Longhorns
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Video: Jeffcoat on UT defense, facing Geno Smith
July, 31, 2012
7/31/12
12:30
PM CT
By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
Two seasons ago Dequone Shaw was merely an onlooker when Dallas Roosevelt took the field on Friday nights.
He had the athleticism to play at the varsity level but hadn’t fully grasped the mental aspect of the game. So with a keen eye, the freshman watched and took mental notes.
“Just going to varsity games and seeing how people gave it their all and didn’t care about anything but football,” Shaw said. “That next season my coach came to me and told me I had to work hard to make varsity. I knew what I had to do to be a good varsity player. I did it and here I am now.”
He had the athleticism to play at the varsity level but hadn’t fully grasped the mental aspect of the game. So with a keen eye, the freshman watched and took mental notes.
“Just going to varsity games and seeing how people gave it their all and didn’t care about anything but football,” Shaw said. “That next season my coach came to me and told me I had to work hard to make varsity. I knew what I had to do to be a good varsity player. I did it and here I am now.”
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Each day, as a countdown to fall camp opening Aug. 5, we are going to provide you with a number that was important in 2011 and let you know why it will be important in 2012.
The Texas defense didn’t know where it was going or when it had to be there at the start of 2011.
The results were big runs allowed at the start of the season, culminating in a 64 yards allowed against Oklahoma and 74 yards against Oklahoma State. Eventually, the defense stiffened. The level of competition might have had something to do with that, but so too, most assuredly, was the level of competence attained by the players with defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s scheme.
The Texas defense didn’t know where it was going or when it had to be there at the start of 2011.
The results were big runs allowed at the start of the season, culminating in a 64 yards allowed against Oklahoma and 74 yards against Oklahoma State. Eventually, the defense stiffened. The level of competition might have had something to do with that, but so too, most assuredly, was the level of competence attained by the players with defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s scheme.
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University of Texas Freddie Steinmark's story serves as an inspiration to those walking on Joe Jamail Field.The Freddie Steinmark Sign stands at the entrance to the field at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium and tells Steinmark's story. He started at safety for the Longhorns in 1968 and 1969, but after the so-called "Game of the Century" against Arkansas in 1969, he felt pain in his leg from a bruise that wouldn't go away. It was a tumor in his leg, which had to be amputated less than a week later. Less than a month later, he showed up on the sidelines on crutches, but lost his battle with cancer less than two years later.
Today, he guards the entrance to the field and inspires all who see his story.
Burnt Orange Breakdown: 99 D. Jackson 
July, 30, 2012
7/30/12
5:30
PM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
HornsNation, will analyze each of the scholarship players currently on the Texas roster. (The bulk of the 2012 class is not currently on the roster.) We will look at the player’s past contributions, what he might do for Texas this year and the future impact he could have on the program. Starting with No. 1 Mike Davis we will go through the roster numerically before ending with No. 99 Desmond Jackson.
No. 99
Desmond Jackson
Defensive tackle, 6-1, 303, sophomore
No. 99
Desmond Jackson
Defensive tackle, 6-1, 303, sophomore
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LHN Video: Gridiron Kickoff highlights
July, 30, 2012
7/30/12
2:30
PM CT
By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
Seven schools on Caleb Benenoch's list 
July, 30, 2012
7/30/12
12:30
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Since reopening his recruitment last month, four-star offensive guard Caleb Benenoch (Katy, Texas/Seven Lakes) has been enjoying the process on all angles. Part of his fun has been hearing from the already-committed players on a regular basis.
“I hear from Jake Raulerson a lot,” Benenoch said of the Celina, Texas, offensive lineman who has committed to Texas. “We’re pretty good friends and very good competitors. It’d be fun to be teammates with him. I’m probably going to let him know which school I’ll commit to before I announce it.
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Each day, as a countdown to fall camp opening Aug. 5, we are going to provide you with a number that was important in 2011 and let you know why it will be important in 2012.
Texas defensive coordinator Manny Diaz makes no secret that his mission in coaching is to get his guys into the opponent’s backfield.
The constant harassment, he figures, is the best way to force a quarterback into a bad decision. To do that, Diaz has more than 100 blitz packages that he can deploy. Those packages employ just about every available player on his defense.
Texas defensive coordinator Manny Diaz makes no secret that his mission in coaching is to get his guys into the opponent’s backfield.
The constant harassment, he figures, is the best way to force a quarterback into a bad decision. To do that, Diaz has more than 100 blitz packages that he can deploy. Those packages employ just about every available player on his defense.
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Sean Adams sounds off on Texas Tech looking at just how hot the seat could get for Red Raiders' coach Tommy Tuberville.
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Trio of Longhorns swimmers take medals
July, 30, 2012
7/30/12
9:30
AM CT
By Jeremy Willis | ESPN.com
Sunday’s action at the London Olympics featured several Longhorns.
Kevin Durant had a game-high 22 points and 9 rebounds to lead U.S.A. past France in both teams’ Olympic opener.
Durant converted 6 of 13 field goals, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, and 7 of 7 free throws while adding two assists, two blocked shots and two steals in 28 minutes of action.
At the Aquatics Centre, it was Texas Ex Brendan Hansen who climbed the podium. Hansen took the bronze after surging ahead three spots in the 100m breaststroke.
Hansen came out of retirement in 2011 and won the 100m breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials. The bronze was Hansen’s second medal after taking home silver in the 2004 Athens games.
Ricky Berens and Jimmy Feigen also made it to the medal stand, earning silver through their participation in the 4x100m freestyle relay.
The pair was part of the U.S. men’s foursome for the qualifying heat of the 4x100m freestyle relay. The United States advanced to the relay final with the second-best time of 3:12.59 after two heats.
The foursome of Nathan Adrian, Michael Phelps, Cullen Jones and Ryan Lochte won the silver medal for the U.S. later Sunday. Though Berens and Feigen did not swim in the relay final, both will still receive medals for their qualifying efforts.
“The men's 400 relay tonight was almost a carbon copy of the 2008 final with a flip-flop of who got first and second,” Kubik added. “Jimmy and Ricky did their parts to contribute by their efforts in the preliminaries, and that allowed the U.S. to race tonight with four new swimmers. They are now proud owners of a silver medal from the 2012 London Games and have added another chapter to the rich tradition of Texas Swimming and Diving.”
For Feigen, this is his first Olympics. Berens is in his second Olympic Games. He won a gold in the 4x200 meter relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Kevin Durant had a game-high 22 points and 9 rebounds to lead U.S.A. past France in both teams’ Olympic opener.
Durant converted 6 of 13 field goals, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, and 7 of 7 free throws while adding two assists, two blocked shots and two steals in 28 minutes of action.
At the Aquatics Centre, it was Texas Ex Brendan Hansen who climbed the podium. Hansen took the bronze after surging ahead three spots in the 100m breaststroke.
Hansen came out of retirement in 2011 and won the 100m breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials. The bronze was Hansen’s second medal after taking home silver in the 2004 Athens games.
Ricky Berens and Jimmy Feigen also made it to the medal stand, earning silver through their participation in the 4x100m freestyle relay.
The pair was part of the U.S. men’s foursome for the qualifying heat of the 4x100m freestyle relay. The United States advanced to the relay final with the second-best time of 3:12.59 after two heats.
The foursome of Nathan Adrian, Michael Phelps, Cullen Jones and Ryan Lochte won the silver medal for the U.S. later Sunday. Though Berens and Feigen did not swim in the relay final, both will still receive medals for their qualifying efforts.
“The men's 400 relay tonight was almost a carbon copy of the 2008 final with a flip-flop of who got first and second,” Kubik added. “Jimmy and Ricky did their parts to contribute by their efforts in the preliminaries, and that allowed the U.S. to race tonight with four new swimmers. They are now proud owners of a silver medal from the 2012 London Games and have added another chapter to the rich tradition of Texas Swimming and Diving.”
For Feigen, this is his first Olympics. Berens is in his second Olympic Games. He won a gold in the 4x200 meter relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Depth at key positions gives UT pause
July, 30, 2012
7/30/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas guard David Snow rarely came off the field in 2011.
The same goes for guard Mason Walters, defensive end Alex Okafor, defensive tackle Kheeston Randall and so many others on the first line of Texas’ depth chart. That’s because Texas had no depth, except, as every fan painfully remembers, at quarterback.
Bob Levey/Getty ImagesDepth along the defensive line will be a huge asset for Texas in 2012.
Nothing has changed with the quarterback situation. But when it comes to the other 21 spots, Texas is no longer and all-hat-no-cattle organization. It has depth, not everywhere, but there is enough to allow for a sigh of relief from those who had nowhere to turn or sideline to sit on in 2011.
“Right now there are three to four guys who can come in there and with [offensive line coach Stacy] Searels, you never know where any of them might play,” Walters said. “But you know they will be ready.”
Ready is one thing, able is the key when it comes to depth.
Clearly Texas is more than able at multiple positions.
At running back the Longhorns have Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron returning and add Johnathan Gray.
Along the offensive line Texas has four starters back, added Donald Hawkins at tackle and has Sedrick Flowers (guard), Luke Poehlmann (tackle), Garrett Porter (center) and Thomas Ashcraft (guard/tackle).
“Those guys are ready to step up,” Mack Brown said.
The same goes for guard Mason Walters, defensive end Alex Okafor, defensive tackle Kheeston Randall and so many others on the first line of Texas’ depth chart. That’s because Texas had no depth, except, as every fan painfully remembers, at quarterback.
Bob Levey/Getty ImagesDepth along the defensive line will be a huge asset for Texas in 2012.Nothing has changed with the quarterback situation. But when it comes to the other 21 spots, Texas is no longer and all-hat-no-cattle organization. It has depth, not everywhere, but there is enough to allow for a sigh of relief from those who had nowhere to turn or sideline to sit on in 2011.
“Right now there are three to four guys who can come in there and with [offensive line coach Stacy] Searels, you never know where any of them might play,” Walters said. “But you know they will be ready.”
Ready is one thing, able is the key when it comes to depth.
Clearly Texas is more than able at multiple positions.
At running back the Longhorns have Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron returning and add Johnathan Gray.
Along the offensive line Texas has four starters back, added Donald Hawkins at tackle and has Sedrick Flowers (guard), Luke Poehlmann (tackle), Garrett Porter (center) and Thomas Ashcraft (guard/tackle).
“Those guys are ready to step up,” Mack Brown said.
Burnt Orange Breakdown: 97 B. Moore 
July, 29, 2012
7/29/12
5:30
PM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
HornsNation, will analyze each of the scholarship players currently on the Texas roster. (The bulk of the 2012 class is not currently on the roster.) We will look at the player’s past contributions, what he might do for Texas this year and the future impact he could have on the program. Starting with No. 1 Mike Davis we will go through the roster numerically before ending with No. 99 Desmond Jackson.
No. 97
Brandon Moore
Defensive tackle, 6-5, 320, junior
No. 97
Brandon Moore
Defensive tackle, 6-5, 320, junior
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ESPN 300 DE Prevot gives pledge to Trojans
July, 29, 2012
7/29/12
4:57
PM CT
By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
Texas A&M, LSU and Texas were long considered the favorites to land four-star defensive end Torrodney Prevot (Houston/Alief Taylor).
On Sunday, Prevot reached a decision -- and it’s a bit of a shocker.
Prevot confirmed to RecruitingNation he has committed to USC. The ESPN 300 end becomes commit No. 18 for the Trojans.
The 6-foot-3, 201-pound lineman chose USC after making two visits to the program this summer. He’s ranked 247th in the ESPN 300 and 19th among defensive end prospects.
Prevot is the third defensive end in USC’s top-ranked 2013 class, joining Kylie Fitts (Redlands, Calif./Redlands East) and recent commit Jason Hatcher (Louisville, Ky./Trinity).
On Sunday, Prevot reached a decision -- and it’s a bit of a shocker.
Prevot confirmed to RecruitingNation he has committed to USC. The ESPN 300 end becomes commit No. 18 for the Trojans.
The 6-foot-3, 201-pound lineman chose USC after making two visits to the program this summer. He’s ranked 247th in the ESPN 300 and 19th among defensive end prospects.
Prevot is the third defensive end in USC’s top-ranked 2013 class, joining Kylie Fitts (Redlands, Calif./Redlands East) and recent commit Jason Hatcher (Louisville, Ky./Trinity).



