Texas Longhorns: Caleb Bluiett
Texas spring takeaways: Edmond's future 
April, 4, 2013
Apr 4
8:00
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas has 19 starters back from last season.
But when Texas gets back to work, all might not be in the same positions. Therein lies the luxury of having so many starters as well as having played 34 freshmen and sophomores over the past two years. It allows for versatility. Some mixing and matching if you will.
But when Texas gets back to work, all might not be in the same positions. Therein lies the luxury of having so many starters as well as having played 34 freshmen and sophomores over the past two years. It allows for versatility. Some mixing and matching if you will.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Texas spring takeaways: Assessing the D
April, 2, 2013
Apr 2
8:00
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Manny Diaz was the master of disguise defense.
Remember, back in the halcyon days of 2011, when Kansas was fretting about preparing for the first-year Texas defensive coordinator and his supposed 130 blitz combinations?
Given how subterfuge gave way to substandard performances in 2012, those times have long been forgotten. The Texas defense was laid bare last season. So, it stands to reason, there is no hiding anything in 2013.
Remember, back in the halcyon days of 2011, when Kansas was fretting about preparing for the first-year Texas defensive coordinator and his supposed 130 blitz combinations?
Given how subterfuge gave way to substandard performances in 2012, those times have long been forgotten. The Texas defense was laid bare last season. So, it stands to reason, there is no hiding anything in 2013.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Position breakdown: Defensive end
February, 18, 2013
Feb 18
3:30
PM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- It was with a furious burst at the end of the year -- nine sacks against Oregon State -- that Texas finished just barely inside the top 20 in sacks.
Now while that last game was impressive, the overall production of the defensive ends mirrored the theme of the entire defense in 2012 -- hit or miss.
Now while that last game was impressive, the overall production of the defensive ends mirrored the theme of the entire defense in 2012 -- hit or miss.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Roundtable: Texas' biggest needs for 2014
February, 15, 2013
Feb 15
11:15
AM CT
By
Max Olson and
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Every Friday, HornsNation recruiting writers William Wilkerson and Max Olson answer a question about the Longhorns.
This week’s question: Which position is Texas’ biggest need for its 2014 class?
William Wilkerson: This comes down to a few positions for me.
This week’s question: Which position is Texas’ biggest need for its 2014 class?
William Wilkerson: This comes down to a few positions for me.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas A&M was the talk of the state in 2013 with its 32-man recruiting class. Don’t be shocked if Texas comes close to those numbers with its 2014 class.
As always, it’s a matter of math. Texas, by rule, can sign no more than 50 recruits in any two-year period. The Longhorns inked 15 this year, so 35 is the absolute maximum for 2014.
Texas isn’t going for 35 this year. Its 2013 team will feature 15 seniors if Jordan Hicks is granted his medical redshirt. A full class of 25 signees is likely. But don’t rule out the possibility of 30.
As always, it’s a matter of math. Texas, by rule, can sign no more than 50 recruits in any two-year period. The Longhorns inked 15 this year, so 35 is the absolute maximum for 2014.
Texas isn’t going for 35 this year. Its 2013 team will feature 15 seniors if Jordan Hicks is granted his medical redshirt. A full class of 25 signees is likely. But don’t rule out the possibility of 30.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Texas changing strategy after decommits
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
6:10
PM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Mack Brown refused to talk about the five recruits Texas didn't get on signing day.
But the Texas coach did have a message for players that might be interested in the Longhorns in the future.
[+] Enlarge
Kevin Jairaj/US PresswireTexas coach Mack Brown stressed the quality of his 2013 class but was clearly disappointed in the five recruits who decommitted.
Kevin Jairaj/US PresswireTexas coach Mack Brown stressed the quality of his 2013 class but was clearly disappointed in the five recruits who decommitted.It was a strong message and it permeated a signing day that dripped with disappointment over who Texas didn't get -- A'Shawn Robinson (Alabama), Daeshon Hall (Texas A&M), Ricky Seals-Jones (Texas A&M), Durham Smythe (Notre Dame) and Kyle Hicks (TCU) -- as much as the day was held up and celebrated for the 15 players Texas did get.
"What we found is the 15 [recruits] that we got are very passionate about being at Texas and that is what we want," Brown said. "And very honestly if a young person tells you they're coming and their parents tell you they're coming and then they don't, you wouldn't want them to be here.
"You may be disappointed on the day it happened but you want people that will look you in the eye and tell you the truth and you want people who want to be at your school.”
This signing day Texas didn't need that many people at its school. It only had room for about 16. So the search was for quality over quantity. Brown, who because of all the decommitments and misses seemingly has gone from coach February to Father Time with this class, tried to hammer that point home repeatedly.
Redshirt report: UT has played 14 frosh
September, 20, 2012
9/20/12
8:00
AM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Head coach Mack Brown and the rest of the Longhorns coaching staff will continue to evaluate their freshmen class as they try to determine which players to redshirt as the season wears on.
Texas has played 14 freshmen through three games.
“That will probably continue to occur until the seventh week of the season,” Brown said. “You won’t travel with all of them but you still look at them.”
Texas has played 14 freshmen through three games.
“That will probably continue to occur until the seventh week of the season,” Brown said. “You won’t travel with all of them but you still look at them.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Texas' recent success with position swaps
September, 4, 2012
9/04/12
8:00
AM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Four of the five schools that offensive lineman Andrew Billings (Waco, Texas/Waco) is still considering are selling him on the idea of being a defensive tackle.
That’s exactly where the 6-foot-1, 315-pound state powerlifting champion wants to play.
“It’s more fun,” the four-star prospect said. “Offense is OK. You build good relationships with the guys on the line. But defensive line is more individual. You get more recognition. It's more my style of play. I don't like to wait on people. I like to go out there and get it."
That’s exactly where the 6-foot-1, 315-pound state powerlifting champion wants to play.
“It’s more fun,” the four-star prospect said. “Offense is OK. You build good relationships with the guys on the line. But defensive line is more individual. You get more recognition. It's more my style of play. I don't like to wait on people. I like to go out there and get it."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
New offer Prevot hopes to make junior day
February, 16, 2012
2/16/12
8:16
PM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Class of 2013 defensive end Torrodney Prevot (Houston/Alief Taylor) woke up Thursday morning with three offers. By mid afternoon he’d doubled that.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Prevot received an offer from Baylor early in the morning and added offers from Oklahoma and Texas after that.
“It was a crazy day for me,” said Prevot, who already had offers from LSU, Texas A&M and Utah.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Prevot received an offer from Baylor early in the morning and added offers from Oklahoma and Texas after that.
“It was a crazy day for me,” said Prevot, who already had offers from LSU, Texas A&M and Utah.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Spring position preview: Defensive ends
February, 8, 2012
2/08/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
For weeks the constant question surrounding Texas’ defensive ends was about production.
Jackson Jeffcoat had no sacks in the first six games of 2011. Alex Okafor had just two. Those were not the numbers anyone expected from the new Manny Diaz pin-your-ears-back defense. That the pair finished with 15 combines sacks is a testament to the fact that they finally started to understand the defense. Really that Texas finished with 30 sacks, 29th in the country, is testament that they all started to figure it out.
But the keys were Jeffcoat and Okafor. Texas has to have pressure from one or both for the defense to be good in 2012.
Jackson Jeffcoat had no sacks in the first six games of 2011. Alex Okafor had just two. Those were not the numbers anyone expected from the new Manny Diaz pin-your-ears-back defense. That the pair finished with 15 combines sacks is a testament to the fact that they finally started to understand the defense. Really that Texas finished with 30 sacks, 29th in the country, is testament that they all started to figure it out.
But the keys were Jeffcoat and Okafor. Texas has to have pressure from one or both for the defense to be good in 2012.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Longhorns show off on signing day
February, 1, 2012
2/01/12
12:12
PM CT
By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
Here are a few shots of some of the newest Longhorns enjoying national signing day at the International Bowl.
Caleb Bluiett
Max Olson/ESPN.comDepth on the defensive line could and his athleticism could see Caleb Bluiett moving to a new position with Texas.
Tim Cole
Max Olson/ESPN.com
Daje Johnson
Max Olson/ESPN.comTexas coaches have high hopes that Daje Johnson can make a variety of contributions as a freshman.
Caleb Bluiett
Max Olson/ESPN.comDepth on the defensive line could and his athleticism could see Caleb Bluiett moving to a new position with Texas.Tim Cole
Max Olson/ESPN.comDaje Johnson
Max Olson/ESPN.comTexas coaches have high hopes that Daje Johnson can make a variety of contributions as a freshman.Signing day update: DE Caleb Bluiett
February, 1, 2012
2/01/12
9:11
AM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas - - Four-star defensive end Caleb Bluiett (Beaumont, Texas/West Brook) has sent in his letter of intent to Texas.
Bluiett (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) is the No. 26 defensive end in the nation and the No. 47 player in Texas, according to ESPNU. He could also play tight end.
Bluiett has been committed to Texas since Feb. 26, 2011.
He is one of three defensive end commitments in this class along with U.S. Army All-American Hassan Ridgeway (Mansfield, Texas/Mansfield) and two-star Bryce Cottrell (Plano, Texas/West).
Scouts take: “Bluiett is a kid who will move around the defensive line in high school though he seems to spend a good amount of time inside, which is not where he will play in college. He is a kid who could potentially stand up, but will more likely just slide outside and settle into the end position. Bluiett needs to keep developing aspects of his game as well as developing his frame, but displays the tools to be a good, well-rounded, and productive defensive end at the college level.”
Importance to class: The Longhorns return five defensive ends, including both starters in Jackson Jeffcoat and Alex Okafor. But only one of those (Cedric Reed) will be an underclassman next season. So defensive end was a position of need in this class. Texas missed out on the nation and state’s top defensive end in Mario Edwards, who has decided to go to Florida State. But they were still able to land Bluiett, the sixth-rated DE in Texas and No. 26 DE overall. He is a very versatile edge rusher, who has the athleticism and hands to play tight end if needed.
How soon can he make an impact? It is going to be tough for Bluiett to see the field in 2012 because of the numbers Texas’ returns at the position. Jeffcoat, Okafor, Reed, Chris Whaley and Reggie Wilson all return. So Bluiett could be a redshirt option if everyone stays healthy.
Bluiett on signing with Texas: “It’s going to be great. The whole program, the coaches, you are like family to them. They help you out. Sometimes if you get hurt in a game some schools might take away your scholarship. But at Texas once you are on scholarship you know you aren’t going to come off unless you really screw up. If you got hurt you would still be able to be a part of the Longhorn family and get your degree.”
Bluiett (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) is the No. 26 defensive end in the nation and the No. 47 player in Texas, according to ESPNU. He could also play tight end.
Bluiett has been committed to Texas since Feb. 26, 2011.
He is one of three defensive end commitments in this class along with U.S. Army All-American Hassan Ridgeway (Mansfield, Texas/Mansfield) and two-star Bryce Cottrell (Plano, Texas/West).
Scouts take: “Bluiett is a kid who will move around the defensive line in high school though he seems to spend a good amount of time inside, which is not where he will play in college. He is a kid who could potentially stand up, but will more likely just slide outside and settle into the end position. Bluiett needs to keep developing aspects of his game as well as developing his frame, but displays the tools to be a good, well-rounded, and productive defensive end at the college level.”
Importance to class: The Longhorns return five defensive ends, including both starters in Jackson Jeffcoat and Alex Okafor. But only one of those (Cedric Reed) will be an underclassman next season. So defensive end was a position of need in this class. Texas missed out on the nation and state’s top defensive end in Mario Edwards, who has decided to go to Florida State. But they were still able to land Bluiett, the sixth-rated DE in Texas and No. 26 DE overall. He is a very versatile edge rusher, who has the athleticism and hands to play tight end if needed.
How soon can he make an impact? It is going to be tough for Bluiett to see the field in 2012 because of the numbers Texas’ returns at the position. Jeffcoat, Okafor, Reed, Chris Whaley and Reggie Wilson all return. So Bluiett could be a redshirt option if everyone stays healthy.
Bluiett on signing with Texas: “It’s going to be great. The whole program, the coaches, you are like family to them. They help you out. Sometimes if you get hurt in a game some schools might take away your scholarship. But at Texas once you are on scholarship you know you aren’t going to come off unless you really screw up. If you got hurt you would still be able to be a part of the Longhorn family and get your degree.”
Caleb Bluiett finally gets his visit
January, 22, 2012
1/22/12
6:56
PM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
Caleb Bluiett had to wait for his turn.
The defensive end out of West Brook (Beaumont, Texas) was originally scheduled to make his official visit to Texas Dec. 9. His mother fell ill which forced Blueitt to postpone the trip to Austin. It was well worth the wait, Bluiett said.
"We were able to hang out with the coaches and the players," he said. "Most of the coaches I know them so well know it is like they are family."
The defensive end out of West Brook (Beaumont, Texas) was originally scheduled to make his official visit to Texas Dec. 9. His mother fell ill which forced Blueitt to postpone the trip to Austin. It was well worth the wait, Bluiett said.
"We were able to hang out with the coaches and the players," he said. "Most of the coaches I know them so well know it is like they are family."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Scheduled weekend visitors for Texas
January, 20, 2012
1/20/12
9:30
AM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Here are the recruits scheduled to visit Texas this weekend.
Texas commitments:
DE Caleb Bluiett (Beaumont, Texas/West Brook)
OT Kennedy Estelle (Pearland, Texas/Dawson)
Texas commitments:
DE Caleb Bluiett (Beaumont, Texas/West Brook)
OT Kennedy Estelle (Pearland, Texas/Dawson)
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Latest departures hurt D-line depth
December, 16, 2011
12/16/11
12:00
PM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas defensive line has lost two more players.
Just two days after news broke that Taylor Bible would be transferring, defensive end Dravannti Johnson announced his transfer. Additionally, freshman defensive lineman De’Aires Cotton has been forced from football due to a medical condition. He will remain on scholarship and stay at Texas.
“My decision to transfer is based off of the fact that since I did graduate this semester, and I also have another year of eligibility left, that I can go somewhere with more playing time and also where I have a future to go to graduate school,” Johnson said. “Playing time and education played equal parts in my decision.”
Just two days after news broke that Taylor Bible would be transferring, defensive end Dravannti Johnson announced his transfer. Additionally, freshman defensive lineman De’Aires Cotton has been forced from football due to a medical condition. He will remain on scholarship and stay at Texas.
“My decision to transfer is based off of the fact that since I did graduate this semester, and I also have another year of eligibility left, that I can go somewhere with more playing time and also where I have a future to go to graduate school,” Johnson said. “Playing time and education played equal parts in my decision.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ABOUT HORNSNATION
Sean Adams
Sean Adams has covered the Texas Longhorns and college football for the last 12 years as a writer and radio host. Sean co-hosts "The Big Show" with Erin Hogan each afternoon on ESPN Austin 104.9 The Horn. He lives with his family in Round Rock, Texas. Email him at thisean@gmail.com.
Max Olson
Max Olson joined ESPN in 2012 after covering the University of Nebraska for the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald and high school and college sports for the World-Herald and Rivals.com. Olson is a University of Nebraska graduate and lives in Austin, Texas. Email him at maxolsonespn@gmail.com.
Carter Strickand
Carter Strickland joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Georgia for Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the University of Oklahoma for The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman and Washington State University for The (Spokane, Wash.) Spokesman-Review. Strickland lives with his wife and family in Austin. Email him at cstrickland70@gmail.com.
William Wilkerson
William Wilkerson joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering high school sports, college sports and the Texas Rangers over four years at the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram. William is a University of Texas graduate and lives in Austin. He can be reached at wilkerson.espn@gmail.com.