Texas Longhorns: Deoundrei Davis
As spring camps begin, we'll offer up a preview and let you know what to watch for in each team's 15 practices over the next couple of months. Texas will start spring practice first, so today we start with the Longhorns.
Schedule: The Longhorns begin spring practice on Thursday and will host a spring game on March 30.
What's new: Offensive playcalling duties have fallen to co-coordinator Major Applewhite now, who was promoted when partner Bryan Harsin left to become Arkansas State's head coach. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz mulled a move after the season, but ultimately stuck around to help revive a defense that struggled in 2012.
On the mend: Defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat will likely be limited after undergoing surgery on a torn pectoral, but linebacker Jordan Hicks should return following a hip injury that cost him his 2012 season and a sexual assault charge that was eventually dropped stemming from an incident during the Longhorns' bowl trip.
Stepping up: Kenny Vaccaro's versatility will be tough to replace, but figuring out who will try and fill his role at safety will be huge for Texas' defense during the spring. My money is on Mykkele Thompson, but don't rule out junior Josh Turner or even a position move for physical junior cornerback Quandre Diggs.
New faces: Texas is welcoming a handful of early enrollees this spring, headlined by quarterback Tyrone Swoopes. Offensive lineman Jake Raulerson, the 2013 class' first commit, is also enrolled along with linebacker Deoundrei Davis and tight end Geoff Swaim, the nation's No. 4 junior college player at the position.
Breaking out: Linebacker Peter Jinkens already made an impact as a true freshman, but don't be surprised if he leaves spring practice with a starting gig, beating out a few older players like Steve Edmond and Kendall Thompson. Jinkens earned a start against Iowa State and snagged an interception in Texas' Alamo Bowl win over Oregon State, but the 6-foot-1, 213-pounder from Dallas could be a budding star in a linebacking corps that needs help after a disappointing 2012.
Under the radar: Texas struggled in the kicking game throughout 2012, making just 11 of 19 attempts, the lowest percentage of any Big 12 team. Nick Jordan had to carry the load as a freshman while Penn State transfer Anthony Fera battled a groin injury. They'll be back to battle this spring, and though it won't get much attention in a camp loaded with intrigue, its importance can't be overstated for a team that doesn't hang points by the buckets and played in six games decided by one possession a year ago.
All eyes on: Quarterback David Ash. Being just OK is no longer acceptable. He was reasonably efficient last season with a passer rating of over 153, but faltered late in the season and struggled with inconsistency. If Texas is going to be great, he has to be great, and most importantly, consistent. No more well-deserved benchings in favor of Case McCoy. Ash limited his interceptions and was fifth in the league in passer rating, but he's got to be even better as a junior.
Schedule: The Longhorns begin spring practice on Thursday and will host a spring game on March 30.
What's new: Offensive playcalling duties have fallen to co-coordinator Major Applewhite now, who was promoted when partner Bryan Harsin left to become Arkansas State's head coach. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz mulled a move after the season, but ultimately stuck around to help revive a defense that struggled in 2012.
On the mend: Defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat will likely be limited after undergoing surgery on a torn pectoral, but linebacker Jordan Hicks should return following a hip injury that cost him his 2012 season and a sexual assault charge that was eventually dropped stemming from an incident during the Longhorns' bowl trip.
Stepping up: Kenny Vaccaro's versatility will be tough to replace, but figuring out who will try and fill his role at safety will be huge for Texas' defense during the spring. My money is on Mykkele Thompson, but don't rule out junior Josh Turner or even a position move for physical junior cornerback Quandre Diggs.
New faces: Texas is welcoming a handful of early enrollees this spring, headlined by quarterback Tyrone Swoopes. Offensive lineman Jake Raulerson, the 2013 class' first commit, is also enrolled along with linebacker Deoundrei Davis and tight end Geoff Swaim, the nation's No. 4 junior college player at the position.
Breaking out: Linebacker Peter Jinkens already made an impact as a true freshman, but don't be surprised if he leaves spring practice with a starting gig, beating out a few older players like Steve Edmond and Kendall Thompson. Jinkens earned a start against Iowa State and snagged an interception in Texas' Alamo Bowl win over Oregon State, but the 6-foot-1, 213-pounder from Dallas could be a budding star in a linebacking corps that needs help after a disappointing 2012.
Under the radar: Texas struggled in the kicking game throughout 2012, making just 11 of 19 attempts, the lowest percentage of any Big 12 team. Nick Jordan had to carry the load as a freshman while Penn State transfer Anthony Fera battled a groin injury. They'll be back to battle this spring, and though it won't get much attention in a camp loaded with intrigue, its importance can't be overstated for a team that doesn't hang points by the buckets and played in six games decided by one possession a year ago.
All eyes on: Quarterback David Ash. Being just OK is no longer acceptable. He was reasonably efficient last season with a passer rating of over 153, but faltered late in the season and struggled with inconsistency. If Texas is going to be great, he has to be great, and most importantly, consistent. No more well-deserved benchings in favor of Case McCoy. Ash limited his interceptions and was fifth in the league in passer rating, but he's got to be even better as a junior.
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.
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Texas' small class is officially complete
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
10:40
AM CT
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Texas lost five previously committed players in its 2013 recruiting class, something that never used to be a problem for the Longhorns. But they'll finish with the Big 12's top class in 2013, featuring eight ESPN 300 signees.
Each of the following players have officially sent in their letters of intent, and here's who's heading to the 40 Acres.
It's a really small class for Texas with just 15 signees after signing 28 players a year ago and 22 and 25 the previous two seasons. But the Longhorns are sitting at No. 14 in our ESPN class rankings, down a spot from where they began the day.
Each of the following players have officially sent in their letters of intent, and here's who's heading to the 40 Acres.
- No. 17: Darius James, C, Kileen, Texas
- No. 76: Kent Perkins, OT, Dallas
- No. 113: Jake Raulerson, OT, Celina, Texas (early signing, enrolled)
- No. 119: Jacorey Warrick, WR, Houston
- No. 148: Antwuan Davis, CB, Bastrop, Texas
- No. 151: Deoundrei Davis, LB, Cypress, Texas (early signing, enrolled)
- No. 215: Jake Oliver, WR, Dallas
- No. 252: Chevoski Collins, ATH, Livingston, Texas
It's a really small class for Texas with just 15 signees after signing 28 players a year ago and 22 and 25 the previous two seasons. But the Longhorns are sitting at No. 14 in our ESPN class rankings, down a spot from where they began the day.
HornsNation signing day live blog
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
10:30
AM CT
By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
Max Olson/ESPNLinebacker Naashon Hughes (left) and offensive lineman Darius James are officially Longhorns.Watch live coverage on ESPNU | Talk signing day on our "The Tower" forum
| Texas class
Follow the live blog after the jump.
Horns Snapshot: OLB Deoundrei Davis 
February, 2, 2013
Feb 2
4:30
PM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
To gear up for 2013 national signing day, HornsNation’s William Wilkerson is breaking down every commitment in the Longhorns' 2013 recruiting class.
Vitals: Outside linebacker Deoundrei Davis, Cypress, Texas/Cy Woods | 6-foot-2, 215 pounds
Vitals: Outside linebacker Deoundrei Davis, Cypress, Texas/Cy Woods | 6-foot-2, 215 pounds
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Team needs: Texas hit the recruiting trail this year seeking improved depth on the offensive line and at linebacker. Its line got almost no production from backups in 2012, and an inexperienced linebacker group started six players last season and endured struggles throughout. With only nine seniors in 2012, the Longhorns don’t have many other holes that need to be filled by this class of recruits. The most irreplaceable cogs are safety Kenny Vaccaro and defensive end Alex Okafor. Both are potential first-round NFL draft picks whose production will be tough to match.
Help is on the way: The offensive line questions have been answered. Texas is set to sign one of the nation’s best classes up front with five commits, including No. 1 center Darius James (Killeen, Texas/Harker Heights) and No. 4 tackle Kent Perkins (Dallas/Lake Highlands). Contra Costa (Calif.) College tackle Desmond Harrison joined the class this week. Texas also landed ESPN 300 outside linebacker Deoundrei Davis (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Woods), who enrolled early and should contribute as a freshman.
Other key commits: Two more early enrollees, ESPN 150 lineman Jake Raulerson (Celina, Texas/Celina) and Butte (Calif.) College tight end Geoff Swaim, should play right away. Texas also has pledges from ESPN 150 defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson (Fort Worth, Texas/Arlington Heights), receiver Jacorey Warrick (Houston/Cypress Falls) and cornerback Antwuan Davis (Bastrop, Texas/Bastrop). The Longhorns will pair Warrick with Jake Oliver (Dallas/Jesuit), who broke the Texas state record for career receptions.
Other key targets: Holding on to Robinson is crucial. He has taken official visits to USC and Alabama and could make a late-second flip on signing day. With a pledge from Harrison, the biggest remaining priorities are finding another running back and wide receiver. ESPN 150 receiver Sebastian LaRue (Santa Monica, Calif./Santa Monica) and Ole Miss running back commit Peyton Barber (Alpharetta, Ga./Milton) could visit in January.
Help is on the way: The offensive line questions have been answered. Texas is set to sign one of the nation’s best classes up front with five commits, including No. 1 center Darius James (Killeen, Texas/Harker Heights) and No. 4 tackle Kent Perkins (Dallas/Lake Highlands). Contra Costa (Calif.) College tackle Desmond Harrison joined the class this week. Texas also landed ESPN 300 outside linebacker Deoundrei Davis (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Woods), who enrolled early and should contribute as a freshman.
Other key commits: Two more early enrollees, ESPN 150 lineman Jake Raulerson (Celina, Texas/Celina) and Butte (Calif.) College tight end Geoff Swaim, should play right away. Texas also has pledges from ESPN 150 defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson (Fort Worth, Texas/Arlington Heights), receiver Jacorey Warrick (Houston/Cypress Falls) and cornerback Antwuan Davis (Bastrop, Texas/Bastrop). The Longhorns will pair Warrick with Jake Oliver (Dallas/Jesuit), who broke the Texas state record for career receptions.
Other key targets: Holding on to Robinson is crucial. He has taken official visits to USC and Alabama and could make a late-second flip on signing day. With a pledge from Harrison, the biggest remaining priorities are finding another running back and wide receiver. ESPN 150 receiver Sebastian LaRue (Santa Monica, Calif./Santa Monica) and Ole Miss running back commit Peyton Barber (Alpharetta, Ga./Milton) could visit in January.
Davis ready to start career as Longhorn
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
1:00
PM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO - - The U.S. Army All-American Bowl had reached its final second and players from both sidelines rushed toward midfield for daps and pictures.
It was a moment of brotherhood and celebration that players from the East and West had waited for all week.
It was a moment, though, that took Longhorns outside linebacker commitment Deoundrei Davis (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Woods) a little longer than most to get into.
It was a moment of brotherhood and celebration that players from the East and West had waited for all week.
It was a moment, though, that took Longhorns outside linebacker commitment Deoundrei Davis (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Woods) a little longer than most to get into.
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The Heard: UT recruiting news and notes
January, 3, 2013
Jan 3
10:00
AM CT
By
Max Olson and
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Welcome to The Heard, HornsNation’s weekly in-depth look inside the never-ending world of Longhorns recruiting with news, notes and interesting tidbits on the latest happenings around the program. We’ll release this every Thursday.
Talk about it in our forum and, if there’s a recruit out there you’d like to hear more from, let us know.
A few of the notes in today's The Heard:
Talk about it in our forum and, if there’s a recruit out there you’d like to hear more from, let us know.
A few of the notes in today's The Heard:
- Update on Texas' four early enrollees
- Commits impressing at all-star games
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Will 2013 Texas class make early impact?
December, 22, 2012
12/22/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Nobody has played more true freshmen than Texas over the past two years.
Eighteen hit the field in 2011. Another 16 in 2012.
In 2013, few teams will play less newcomers than the Longhorns. The simple fact is Texas, despite the record, is loaded with returning talent at every position. And those few freshmen who did not play at the start of their careers are starting to appear more and more ready to step up now.
Eighteen hit the field in 2011. Another 16 in 2012.
In 2013, few teams will play less newcomers than the Longhorns. The simple fact is Texas, despite the record, is loaded with returning talent at every position. And those few freshmen who did not play at the start of their careers are starting to appear more and more ready to step up now.
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Editor's note: This story was updated on Wednesday following Hutchinson Community College's decision to retract its release announcing De'Vondre Campbell's decision.
Despite reports to the contrary on Tuesday night, De'Vondre Campbell has not decommitted from Tennessee or committed to Texas.
A release put out by the school on its official website announced that the Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College three-star outside linebacker had signed with Texas on the eve of junior college signing day. Hutchinson has since retracted that release and removed it from its website.
Despite reports to the contrary on Tuesday night, De'Vondre Campbell has not decommitted from Tennessee or committed to Texas.
A release put out by the school on its official website announced that the Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College three-star outside linebacker had signed with Texas on the eve of junior college signing day. Hutchinson has since retracted that release and removed it from its website.
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What if ... Diaz is replaced as DC?
December, 7, 2012
12/07/12
9:00
AM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
What if Manny Diaz is replaced as Texas’ defensive coordinator after the Alamo Bowl?
Diaz is a young, energetic, inventive defensive coordinator who led the top defense in the Big 12 in his first season with Texas, as the Longhorns ranked first in the conference in total defense, rushing defense and pass defense.
But he suffered through a drastic sophomore slump in Austin that saw Texas finish as the Big 12's worst rush defense and give up 33.9 points per game, fifth-most in the conference.
Diaz is a young, energetic, inventive defensive coordinator who led the top defense in the Big 12 in his first season with Texas, as the Longhorns ranked first in the conference in total defense, rushing defense and pass defense.
But he suffered through a drastic sophomore slump in Austin that saw Texas finish as the Big 12's worst rush defense and give up 33.9 points per game, fifth-most in the conference.
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The Heard: UT recruiting news and notes
December, 6, 2012
12/06/12
2:00
PM CT
By
William Wilkerson and
Max Olson | ESPN.com
Welcome to The Heard, HornsNation’s weekly in-depth look inside the never-ending world of Longhorns recruiting with news, notes and interesting tidbits on the latest happenings around the program. We’ll release this every Thursday.
Talk about it in our forum and, if there’s a recruit out there you’d like to hear more from, let us know.
A few of the notes in today's The Heard:
Talk about it in our forum and, if there’s a recruit out there you’d like to hear more from, let us know.
A few of the notes in today's The Heard:
- Texas team banquet visitors list
- UT leaders for McEvoy?
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Texas offers juco LB De'Vondre Campbell
November, 20, 2012
11/20/12
12:58
PM CT
By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
Texas is in need of some instant-impact help at the linebacker position, and on Monday it reached out to a new junior college target.
Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell received an offer yesterday from Texas defensive ends coach Oscar Giles, Campbell's coach confirmed.
The 6-foot-5, 224-pound linebacker has been verbally committed to Tennessee since May. Now that Vols coach Derek Dooley has been fired and his staff is on the way out, Hutchinson coach Rion Rhodes wants Campbell to keep his options open.
Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell received an offer yesterday from Texas defensive ends coach Oscar Giles, Campbell's coach confirmed.
The 6-foot-5, 224-pound linebacker has been verbally committed to Tennessee since May. Now that Vols coach Derek Dooley has been fired and his staff is on the way out, Hutchinson coach Rion Rhodes wants Campbell to keep his options open.
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Texas RB commit Kyle Hicks tears ACL
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
10:00
AM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
If there is one thing you can say about Longhorns running back commitment Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin) it’s that he is as tough as they come.
For the second time in two seasons Hicks has suffered a serious injury at the end of his football season, the latest is a tear of his left ACL and meniscus.
Hicks said he was injured on Oct. 26 in a 42-21 win over Arlington Lamar, but that he didn’t do the most damage until two weeks later in a 44-26 loss to Arlington Bowie.
For the second time in two seasons Hicks has suffered a serious injury at the end of his football season, the latest is a tear of his left ACL and meniscus.
Hicks said he was injured on Oct. 26 in a 42-21 win over Arlington Lamar, but that he didn’t do the most damage until two weeks later in a 44-26 loss to Arlington Bowie.
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Warrick makes jump in new ESPN 150
November, 7, 2012
11/07/12
10:50
AM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Wide receiver Jacorey Warrick made the biggest jump of any Longhorns commitment in the ESPN 150, which was updated today. Warrick, who has been out since tearing the meniscus in his right knee on Oct. 4, moved up from No. 114 to No. 59. He is now the No. 8 wide receiver.
Darius James remains the Longhorns’ top-ranked player at No. 17 overall, which also makes him the No. 1 center. Jake Raulerson dropped a spot to No. 56 and remains the No. 3 offensive tackle.
Offensive tackle Kent Perkins stayed at No. 81, while defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson moved up from No. 130 to No. 107, and athlete Tyrone Swoopes dropped from No. 100 to No. 128. Cornerback Antwuan Davis stayed put at No. 149 to conclude Texas’ representation in the 150.
Darius James remains the Longhorns’ top-ranked player at No. 17 overall, which also makes him the No. 1 center. Jake Raulerson dropped a spot to No. 56 and remains the No. 3 offensive tackle.
Offensive tackle Kent Perkins stayed at No. 81, while defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson moved up from No. 130 to No. 107, and athlete Tyrone Swoopes dropped from No. 100 to No. 128. Cornerback Antwuan Davis stayed put at No. 149 to conclude Texas’ representation in the 150.
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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.