Texas Longhorns: Torshiro Davis
We're moving on with a new series today looking at the players across the Big 12 who have to replace program legends. We might as well call this the Nick Florence Memorial team, but let's talk Texas Longhorns.
Big shoes to fill: Texas' defensive ends
Texas isn't replacing much next season; the Longhorns bring back 19 starters to lead the Big 12 and tie for the national lead. That's got to bring a smile to Mack Brown's face, but the departing Alex Okafor leaves behind a big hole at defensive end following a season with 16.5 tackles for loss and a Big 12-leading 12.5 sacks. Jackson Jeffcoat has the opposite end spot locked down, of course, but filling Okafor's role will get really interesting this spring. Senior Reggie Wilson contributed each of the past three seasons, made a start in 2012 and may step into that role, but junior Cedric Reed started the last six games of the year without Jeffcoat and had 4.5 tackles for loss in the final five games of the season. It seems like he might be the safer bet, but sophomore Torshiro Davis could be a dark horse after burning his redshirt year following Jeffcoat's injury. The Longhorns need production opposite Jeffcoat and have a few solid options to do it, so even with Okafor's absence, Texas has reason to feel solid about this spot heading into the 2013 season.
More big shoes to fill:
Big shoes to fill: Texas' defensive ends
Texas isn't replacing much next season; the Longhorns bring back 19 starters to lead the Big 12 and tie for the national lead. That's got to bring a smile to Mack Brown's face, but the departing Alex Okafor leaves behind a big hole at defensive end following a season with 16.5 tackles for loss and a Big 12-leading 12.5 sacks. Jackson Jeffcoat has the opposite end spot locked down, of course, but filling Okafor's role will get really interesting this spring. Senior Reggie Wilson contributed each of the past three seasons, made a start in 2012 and may step into that role, but junior Cedric Reed started the last six games of the year without Jeffcoat and had 4.5 tackles for loss in the final five games of the season. It seems like he might be the safer bet, but sophomore Torshiro Davis could be a dark horse after burning his redshirt year following Jeffcoat's injury. The Longhorns need production opposite Jeffcoat and have a few solid options to do it, so even with Okafor's absence, Texas has reason to feel solid about this spot heading into the 2013 season.
More big shoes to fill:
Five recruits worth stealing for Texas 
December, 21, 2012
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By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
Last year, Texas picked up 10 commits after the month of November. Six of those pledges came from recruits who were already committed elsewhere.
The Longhorns are taking a smaller class this year, so getting 10 late commits isn't feasible. But as Texas coaches hit the trail in these next few months before signing day, they won’t be afraid to inquire about other schools’ commits.
Sometimes it’s even easier than that: Coaching changes or late decommitments can lead to unexpected opportunity.
The Longhorns are taking a smaller class this year, so getting 10 late commits isn't feasible. But as Texas coaches hit the trail in these next few months before signing day, they won’t be afraid to inquire about other schools’ commits.
Sometimes it’s even easier than that: Coaching changes or late decommitments can lead to unexpected opportunity.
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Q&A: 2013 junior college DE Kewan Alfred
November, 7, 2012
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
The Longhorns don’t have a true defensive end commitment in 2013, but they might be able to do without one.
Jackson Jeffcoat could return for his senior season after tearing his right pectoral muscle against Oklahoma. Even if he doesn’t come back, Texas still has Reggie Wilson, Cedric Reed, Shiro Davis, Hassan Ridgeway and Bryce Cottrell returning.
Then there’s the plethora of defensive ends in 2014, including commitment Derick Roberson, which the Longhorns have to think about.
Jackson Jeffcoat could return for his senior season after tearing his right pectoral muscle against Oklahoma. Even if he doesn’t come back, Texas still has Reggie Wilson, Cedric Reed, Shiro Davis, Hassan Ridgeway and Bryce Cottrell returning.
Then there’s the plethora of defensive ends in 2014, including commitment Derick Roberson, which the Longhorns have to think about.
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Brown, UT change recruiting philosophy
August, 2, 2012
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By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
Texas, which had two stepped around the edges of early offers, finally has succumbed to the Siren’s song of getting in the 2014 recruiting game.
No more waiting until after the current recruiting class’ signing day so as not to take away their moment in the spotlight. No more being "approved" for an offer to come in February. No more waiting.
So now it is no holds barred. Texas has entered the fray. With the Longhorns comes a big stick. The Longhorns, long the recruiting bullies of the Lone Star State, have now placed themselves on equal footing with the likes of Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama, LSU and even TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma State.
No more waiting until after the current recruiting class’ signing day so as not to take away their moment in the spotlight. No more being "approved" for an offer to come in February. No more waiting.
So now it is no holds barred. Texas has entered the fray. With the Longhorns comes a big stick. The Longhorns, long the recruiting bullies of the Lone Star State, have now placed themselves on equal footing with the likes of Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama, LSU and even TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma State.
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Robinson makes plans for UT summer camp
March, 1, 2012
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Shreveport (La.) Woodlawn defensive tackle Chris Robinson has not heard from Texas since his plans to attend the Longhorns’ junior day on Saturday fell through.
Robinson, a teammate of 2012 Texas’ commitment Torshiro Davis, was unable to make it to Austin because of car trouble. He did say he would try and make it down to Austin for a Texas summer camp.
The Longhorns currently have one defensive tackle commitment in A'Shawn Robinson (Fort Worth, Texas/Arlington Heights), and will likely only take one more. Texas already has an offer out to Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) and is further evaluating players like Vincent Taylor (San Antonio Texas/Madison) and former commitment Quincy Russell (San Antonio, Texas/Sam Houston/Trinity Valley Junior College).
Robinson, a teammate of 2012 Texas’ commitment Torshiro Davis, was unable to make it to Austin because of car trouble. He did say he would try and make it down to Austin for a Texas summer camp.
The Longhorns currently have one defensive tackle commitment in A'Shawn Robinson (Fort Worth, Texas/Arlington Heights), and will likely only take one more. Texas already has an offer out to Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) and is further evaluating players like Vincent Taylor (San Antonio Texas/Madison) and former commitment Quincy Russell (San Antonio, Texas/Sam Houston/Trinity Valley Junior College).
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New offer Prevot hopes to make junior day
February, 16, 2012
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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.
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Spring position preview: Defensive ends
February, 8, 2012
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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.
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Texas cancels visit with Torshiro Davis
January, 23, 2012
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By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
Four-star LSU defensive end commit Torshiro Davis (Shreveport, La./Woodlawn) will no longer receive an in-home visit from Texas coaches on Wednesday.
Former Woodlawn coach DeCarlos Holmes confirmed to HornsNation that UT assistant Bo Davis called him on Monday to cancel the visit.
"He's going to LSU," Holmes said. "The coach said they're not going to waste any more time and they're going to let him honor his commitment. ... Basically they're not going to keep trying to beat a dead horse."
Former Woodlawn coach DeCarlos Holmes confirmed to HornsNation that UT assistant Bo Davis called him on Monday to cancel the visit.
"He's going to LSU," Holmes said. "The coach said they're not going to waste any more time and they're going to let him honor his commitment. ... Basically they're not going to keep trying to beat a dead horse."
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Chat wrap: A few recruiting updates
January, 18, 2012
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By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
HornsNation's William Wilkerson stopped by to chat and offered up a ton of recruiting updates as we get closer to national signing day. Read the full chat here.
Here's some of the best questions"
Joseph T (Texas)
Here's some of the best questions"
Joseph T (Texas)
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There are less than three weeks to go until prospects put pen to paper on national signing day. But Texas still has much to determine between now and then.
For example, what to do after last week’s decommitment from Thomas Johnson (Dallas/Skyline)?
Do the Longhorns look at another wide receiver? Do they try and go after another defensive back that would add depth to a depleted safety position? Or are they content with what they have on board?
For example, what to do after last week’s decommitment from Thomas Johnson (Dallas/Skyline)?
Do the Longhorns look at another wide receiver? Do they try and go after another defensive back that would add depth to a depleted safety position? Or are they content with what they have on board?
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AUSTIN, Texas -- The Longhorns improved their chances with four-star defensive end Torshiro Davis (Shreveport, La./Woodlawn) over the weekend. But it is still going to be an uphill battle to get him to switch his commitment from LSU.
Davis, the No. 8 defensive end and No. 70 player overall in the Class of 2012, took his official visit to Texas with around 20 other recruits. His host was Tevin Jackson.
When asked how much his trip helped Texas’ cause, Davis replied “A little bit.”
Davis, the No. 8 defensive end and No. 70 player overall in the Class of 2012, took his official visit to Texas with around 20 other recruits. His host was Tevin Jackson.
When asked how much his trip helped Texas’ cause, Davis replied “A little bit.”
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Torshiro Davis sets official visit date
November, 1, 2011
11/01/11
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Class of 2012 defensive end Torshiro Davis (Shreveport, La./Woodlawn) will take his official visit to Texas on Dec. 9, he told HornsNation on Tuesday.
Davis, an LSU commitment, is rated as the No. 8 defensive end and No. 70 prospect overall by ESPNU.
He has been a hot commodity for Texas since defensive tackles coach Bo Davis joined the staff. The two have been in communication since the summer before Torshiro’s sophomore year, when he went to a camp at Alabama, while Bo Davis was the Crimson Tide’s defensive line coach.
Davis, an LSU commitment, is rated as the No. 8 defensive end and No. 70 prospect overall by ESPNU.
He has been a hot commodity for Texas since defensive tackles coach Bo Davis joined the staff. The two have been in communication since the summer before Torshiro’s sophomore year, when he went to a camp at Alabama, while Bo Davis was the Crimson Tide’s defensive line coach.
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Torshiro Davis sets Texas visit
October, 11, 2011
10/11/11
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Class of 2012 defensive end Torshiro Davis (Shreveport, La./Woodlawn) told HornsNation on Tuesday that he will be in attendance with his mother for Texas’ home game against Oklahoma State on Oct. 15.
Davis, an LSU commitment, has been intrigued with the Longhorns ever since Texas’ defensive tackles coach Bo Davis came over from Alabama. The two Davis’ got to know each other during the summer going into Torshiro’s sophomore year at an Alabama camp where Bo Davis was the Crimson Tide’s defensive line coach.
Torshiro Davis was going to go to Texas’ game against Oklahoma on Oct. 8 so his mother could speak with the Texas coaching staff, but Bo Davis told Torshiro they probably wouldn’t have much time to talk. Thus, the reason for this trip, which could turn out to be a huge weekend for the Longhorns (4-1).
Davis, an LSU commitment, has been intrigued with the Longhorns ever since Texas’ defensive tackles coach Bo Davis came over from Alabama. The two Davis’ got to know each other during the summer going into Torshiro’s sophomore year at an Alabama camp where Bo Davis was the Crimson Tide’s defensive line coach.
Torshiro Davis was going to go to Texas’ game against Oklahoma on Oct. 8 so his mother could speak with the Texas coaching staff, but Bo Davis told Torshiro they probably wouldn’t have much time to talk. Thus, the reason for this trip, which could turn out to be a huge weekend for the Longhorns (4-1).
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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.