Texas Longhorns: Devonte Fields
Question of the Week: Let's talk trades 
May, 9, 2013
May 9
10:00
AM CT
By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
Free agency might be a long way off from never in college football -- at least as far as players are concerned. Coaches, they come and go. Players stick.
But now the time has come to change all that, if only for a day and if only for the purposes of this week’s question of the week. With that in mind and those rules set, here then is the aforementioned question: If you, as Texas’ general manager, could trade for one player within the Big 12, who would it be? And who would you give up for that player?
But now the time has come to change all that, if only for a day and if only for the purposes of this week’s question of the week. With that in mind and those rules set, here then is the aforementioned question: If you, as Texas’ general manager, could trade for one player within the Big 12, who would it be? And who would you give up for that player?
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AUSTIN, Texas – In 2012 Texas was the program stealing away with last-second recruits.
Dalton Santos was swayed from Tennessee. Daje Johnson was snatched from TCU. Shiro Davis spirited over the border from LSU.
The first two in that trio have already paid dividends for Texas. Santos became a special teams standout and emergency linebacker. Johnson proved to have the ability to break a game open when given that opportunity. Even Davis entered the fray a time or two as a backup defensive end.
Dalton Santos was swayed from Tennessee. Daje Johnson was snatched from TCU. Shiro Davis spirited over the border from LSU.
The first two in that trio have already paid dividends for Texas. Santos became a special teams standout and emergency linebacker. Johnson proved to have the ability to break a game open when given that opportunity. Even Davis entered the fray a time or two as a backup defensive end.
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1st Down: Lone Star battle
I am a citizen of the great state of Texas. I am a fan of college football. Those two things are enough to want the University of Texas and Texas A&M to play football against each other every year. It is the two biggest and best programs in the state, and Texas A&M has, seemingly, returned to its rightful place at the front of the line with Texas, both in the state and as a national program.
Ryan Guillen, a democrat from House District 31, filed a bill Monday that would require the Longhorns and Aggies to play every year.
I am a citizen of the great state of Texas. I am a fan of college football. Those two things are enough to want the University of Texas and Texas A&M to play football against each other every year. It is the two biggest and best programs in the state, and Texas A&M has, seemingly, returned to its rightful place at the front of the line with Texas, both in the state and as a national program.
Ryan Guillen, a democrat from House District 31, filed a bill Monday that would require the Longhorns and Aggies to play every year.
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Handing out some Big 12 freshman awards
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
12:00
PM CT
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
We took a look at our All-Big 12 Freshman team earlier today, but let's hand out a few superlatives from the young guys around the league.
Before we begin, a quick word: Devonte Fields was my defensive player of the year in the entire league. He is ridiculous. He would also dominate this post if we included him. As such, I'm excluding him from all of these awards so we can talk about a few other outstanding freshmen. We love Fields here at the Big 12 Blog. We also like talking about people other than Fields. So, no worries Frogs. He will continue to dominate Big 12 offensive lines. He just won't dominate this post.
Best offensive performance: J.W. Walsh, QB, Oklahoma State. Walsh lost the QB derby, but stepped up when Wes Lunt was hurt to lead Oklahoma State to a near-win over Texas, but did beat Iowa State and Kansas. After returning from a leg injury, he played a major role in a short-yardage package and accounted for five touchdowns in Oklahoma State's final three games. He finished with 11 touchdown passes to just three interceptions and completed 66.7 percent of his passes, the fourth-highest percentage in the Big 12. Walsh's passer rating of 165.67 led the Big 12.
Best non-Devonte Fields defense performance: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia. Joseph was probably the single best player on a struggling West Virginia defense all season long. The freshman stepped in and made 95 tackles to lead the team, but his ballhawking ability is what earns him this award. He forced three fumbles, broke up six passes and intercepted two more, adding a sack and seven tackles for loss. Quite the debut for Joseph.
Biggest upside: Dalton Santos, LB, Texas. Santos' teammate, Kenny Vaccaro, has the current title of the Big 12's biggest hitter, but Santos reminds us of a young Ronnell Lewis in the special teams. He made one start at linebacker this year, but had his biggest impact in the special teams, looking like a cruise missile at times. He had just 18 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, but hopes are high for him when he earns a bigger role on the defense. Honorable mention: Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma.
Biggest impact: Johnathan Gray, RB, Texas. Texas needed help with Joe Bergeron and Malcolm Brown banged up, and Gray was there to pick up the slack. He racked up 100-yard rushing games in wins against Texas Tech and Kansas, and I don't think it's a stretch to say that if he's not out there logging those carries, Texas doesn't win those games. The Longhorns were 8-4, but could they be 6-6 without Gray? He led the Longhorns in rushing as a true freshman.
Best offensive lineman: Spencer Drango, Baylor. He was on our watch list for fresh faces to begin the season, and showed why with a huge year after beefing up during his redshirt season. The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder seized a starting position at tackle and helped block for the nation's No. 1 offense. Honorable mention: Le'Raven Clark, Texas Tech.
Before we begin, a quick word: Devonte Fields was my defensive player of the year in the entire league. He is ridiculous. He would also dominate this post if we included him. As such, I'm excluding him from all of these awards so we can talk about a few other outstanding freshmen. We love Fields here at the Big 12 Blog. We also like talking about people other than Fields. So, no worries Frogs. He will continue to dominate Big 12 offensive lines. He just won't dominate this post.
Best offensive performance: J.W. Walsh, QB, Oklahoma State. Walsh lost the QB derby, but stepped up when Wes Lunt was hurt to lead Oklahoma State to a near-win over Texas, but did beat Iowa State and Kansas. After returning from a leg injury, he played a major role in a short-yardage package and accounted for five touchdowns in Oklahoma State's final three games. He finished with 11 touchdown passes to just three interceptions and completed 66.7 percent of his passes, the fourth-highest percentage in the Big 12. Walsh's passer rating of 165.67 led the Big 12.
Best non-Devonte Fields defense performance: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia. Joseph was probably the single best player on a struggling West Virginia defense all season long. The freshman stepped in and made 95 tackles to lead the team, but his ballhawking ability is what earns him this award. He forced three fumbles, broke up six passes and intercepted two more, adding a sack and seven tackles for loss. Quite the debut for Joseph.
Biggest upside: Dalton Santos, LB, Texas. Santos' teammate, Kenny Vaccaro, has the current title of the Big 12's biggest hitter, but Santos reminds us of a young Ronnell Lewis in the special teams. He made one start at linebacker this year, but had his biggest impact in the special teams, looking like a cruise missile at times. He had just 18 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, but hopes are high for him when he earns a bigger role on the defense. Honorable mention: Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma.
Biggest impact: Johnathan Gray, RB, Texas. Texas needed help with Joe Bergeron and Malcolm Brown banged up, and Gray was there to pick up the slack. He racked up 100-yard rushing games in wins against Texas Tech and Kansas, and I don't think it's a stretch to say that if he's not out there logging those carries, Texas doesn't win those games. The Longhorns were 8-4, but could they be 6-6 without Gray? He led the Longhorns in rushing as a true freshman.
Best offensive lineman: Spencer Drango, Baylor. He was on our watch list for fresh faces to begin the season, and showed why with a huge year after beefing up during his redshirt season. The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder seized a starting position at tackle and helped block for the nation's No. 1 offense. Honorable mention: Le'Raven Clark, Texas Tech.
What Kyle Hicks flipping means for Texas
December, 3, 2012
12/03/12
2:47
PM CT
By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
Kyle Hicks’ decision to flip to TCU leaves Texas in a bit of a tough spot.
The Arlington (Texas) Martin running back had been committed to Texas since February and was really the only true tailback the Longhorns seriously pursued during the spring.
His decision to decommit and go with the Horned Frogs is a bit of a surprise, but certainly an understandable one.
The Arlington (Texas) Martin running back had been committed to Texas since February and was really the only true tailback the Longhorns seriously pursued during the spring.
His decision to decommit and go with the Horned Frogs is a bit of a surprise, but certainly an understandable one.
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Q&A: Arlington Martin coach Bob Wager
November, 6, 2012
11/06/12
8:30
AM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Longhorns running back commitment Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin) endured a broken foot during the playoffs last season and the added responsibility of playing quarterback for the Warriors this season.
Through it all he has still produced at a level that should make Texas fans giddy for his arrival in Austin.
Hicks, the No. 236 recruit overall, has rushed 168 times for 1,105 yards and 22 touchdowns while doubling as a quarterback, where he’s completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 461 yards and six touchdowns. Martin is 7-2 overall and 6-0 in District 3-5A and will play Arlington Bowie (6-0 in 3-5A) for a district title on Thursday.
Through it all he has still produced at a level that should make Texas fans giddy for his arrival in Austin.
Hicks, the No. 236 recruit overall, has rushed 168 times for 1,105 yards and 22 touchdowns while doubling as a quarterback, where he’s completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 461 yards and six touchdowns. Martin is 7-2 overall and 6-0 in District 3-5A and will play Arlington Bowie (6-0 in 3-5A) for a district title on Thursday.
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The Under Armour All-American game is set for Jan. 5 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., and there should be plenty of future Big 12 players on the roster.
Here's a look at how many commits from each school will be playing. The Longhorns have the most in the Big 12, and the most of any team in the nation, too.
See the full list here.
1. Texas - 10
Top talent: Connor Brewer (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral)
Ht.: 6-2 | Wt.: 190 | ESPNU 150: 34 | QB rank: 3 | Stars: 4
Breakdown: Brewer is an accomplished, polished passer for the high school level. He has adequate-to-good height and the frame to really blossom and add bulk. Full eval
2. Oklahoma - 3
Top talent: De'Vante Harris (Mesquie, Texas/Horn)
Ht.: 5-10 | Wt.: 160 | ESPNU 150: NR | CB rank: 14 | Stars: 4
Breakdown: All Harris needs is a bit more size to be considered a top national corner prospect. In terms of footwork, speed and cover corner skill-set, this prospect is an upper-tier category. Full eval
3. Missouri - 1
Evan Boehm (Lee's Summit, Mo./Lee's Summit West)
Ht.: 6-3 | Wt.: 300 | ESPNU 150: 52 | OG rank: 1 | Stars: 4
Breakdown: Boehm is a tough linemen displaying the explosion and playing strength necessary to be effective as both a run and pass blocker. Full eval
3. TCU - 1
Devonte Fields (Arlington, Texas/James Martin)
Ht.: 6-3 | Wt.: 225 | ESPNU 150: 68 | DE rank: 7 | Stars: 4
Breakdown: Fields can play the game and be a productive defender. He is a kid who possesses good size and looks to have a sturdy build and should be able to continue to develop his frame some as he physically matures. Full eval
Here's a look at how many commits from each school will be playing. The Longhorns have the most in the Big 12, and the most of any team in the nation, too.
See the full list here.
1. Texas - 10
Top talent: Connor Brewer (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral)
Ht.: 6-2 | Wt.: 190 | ESPNU 150: 34 | QB rank: 3 | Stars: 4
Breakdown: Brewer is an accomplished, polished passer for the high school level. He has adequate-to-good height and the frame to really blossom and add bulk. Full eval
2. Oklahoma - 3
Top talent: De'Vante Harris (Mesquie, Texas/Horn)
Ht.: 5-10 | Wt.: 160 | ESPNU 150: NR | CB rank: 14 | Stars: 4
Breakdown: All Harris needs is a bit more size to be considered a top national corner prospect. In terms of footwork, speed and cover corner skill-set, this prospect is an upper-tier category. Full eval
3. Missouri - 1
Evan Boehm (Lee's Summit, Mo./Lee's Summit West)
Ht.: 6-3 | Wt.: 300 | ESPNU 150: 52 | OG rank: 1 | Stars: 4
Breakdown: Boehm is a tough linemen displaying the explosion and playing strength necessary to be effective as both a run and pass blocker. Full eval
3. TCU - 1
Devonte Fields (Arlington, Texas/James Martin)
Ht.: 6-3 | Wt.: 225 | ESPNU 150: 68 | DE rank: 7 | Stars: 4
Breakdown: Fields can play the game and be a productive defender. He is a kid who possesses good size and looks to have a sturdy build and should be able to continue to develop his frame some as he physically matures. Full eval
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.