Football Recruiting - Midlands Region: UTEP Miners
TYLER, Texas -- East Texas often is considered one of the nation’s most underrated areas in finding elite talent when it comes to college football recruiting. Sunday featured the inaugural East Texas Sports Network combine, which showcased more than 100 players from East Texas.
The event took place at the Accelerate Performance Enhancement Center (APEC) training facility, which has trained professionals such as quarterback Graham Harrell, running back Kendall Hunter and pro baseball pitchers Phillip Humber and Josh Tomlin.
The event took place at the Accelerate Performance Enhancement Center (APEC) training facility, which has trained professionals such as quarterback Graham Harrell, running back Kendall Hunter and pro baseball pitchers Phillip Humber and Josh Tomlin.
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Each week this spring, GigEmNation reporter Sam Khan Jr. will bring you notes and nuggets from watching and visiting with high school football prospects in the Greater Houston area that week, including observations of Texas A&M commitments and targets and other players that catch his attention. Here's this week's installment:
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BRENHAM, Texas -- ESPN Watch List cornerback Darrion Johnson keeps his eye on one specific area when he takes in a team's practice during a visit.
Naturally, he watches the defensive backs.
Johnson is looking for several things: how the secondary coach works with his players, what the tempo is like, how physical the players are. Those are all important things for the 5-foot-10, 180-pound cornerback from Brenham (Texas) High School as he gets a feel for what school fits him best.
Naturally, he watches the defensive backs.
Johnson is looking for several things: how the secondary coach works with his players, what the tempo is like, how physical the players are. Those are all important things for the 5-foot-10, 180-pound cornerback from Brenham (Texas) High School as he gets a feel for what school fits him best.
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It has been a whirlwind of a month for Houston Alief Taylor defensive end Duke Ejiofor.
Since the former Rice commit and the Owls parted ways, Ejiofor has been busy taking visits and looking for a new home. On Sunday, he found one.
Since the former Rice commit and the Owls parted ways, Ejiofor has been busy taking visits and looking for a new home. On Sunday, he found one.
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Former Rice commitment Duke Ejiofor (Houston/Alief Taylor) has several options since recently parting ways with the Owls.
And he's leaning toward one of them with a possible decision coming soon, possibly as early as this weekend.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound defensive end is on an official visit to Wake Forest this weekend after receiving an offer from the Demon Deacons on Jan. 17.
And he's leaning toward one of them with a possible decision coming soon, possibly as early as this weekend.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound defensive end is on an official visit to Wake Forest this weekend after receiving an offer from the Demon Deacons on Jan. 17.
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Texas kicker Callahan chooses Baylor
January, 24, 2013
Jan 24
11:42
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
When 2013 kicker Chris Callahan (Houston/Second Baptist) attended a camp at Baylor over the summer, he felt he performed well, but he didn't hear much from the Bears.
Six months later, the Bears came calling, and Callahan was all ears.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound placekicker and punter gave his commitment to Baylor on Thursday, picking the Bears over Mississippi, Southern Mississippi, UTEP and William and Mary.
"It's such a relief and a nice weight off my shoulders and everything, so I'm happy," Callahan said.
Baylor receivers coach/passing game coordinator Kendal Briles reached out to Callahan a week ago, offering Callahan a grayshirt opportunity. After talking it over with his family, Callahan felt it was the right choice.
"They've got a great program that's been on the rise, and the facilities are top-notch," Callahan said. "The staff is great, the school itself, it's a great education and a great private school."
Callahan was 10-of-13 on field goals this season for Second Baptist, with a long of 47 yards. He averaged 44.5 yards per punt and 73 yards on kickoffs. He'll serve as a kicker and punter at Baylor.
The first-team all-state selection in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools [TAPPS] said he will join the Bears for the summer on scholarship, take the fall off, then re-enroll at Baylor in January 2014 on scholarship.
It took awhile for the Bears to recruit Callahan, but he's glad they did.
"I went to their camp this past summer, and I thought I did really well," he said. "I didn't hear from them at all until last Thursday. Then six, seven months later they came in the picture and swept me off my feet, and I'm married to them the next four years. ... I feel truly blessed that I got this opportunity."
Six months later, the Bears came calling, and Callahan was all ears.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound placekicker and punter gave his commitment to Baylor on Thursday, picking the Bears over Mississippi, Southern Mississippi, UTEP and William and Mary.
"It's such a relief and a nice weight off my shoulders and everything, so I'm happy," Callahan said.
Baylor receivers coach/passing game coordinator Kendal Briles reached out to Callahan a week ago, offering Callahan a grayshirt opportunity. After talking it over with his family, Callahan felt it was the right choice.
"They've got a great program that's been on the rise, and the facilities are top-notch," Callahan said. "The staff is great, the school itself, it's a great education and a great private school."
Callahan was 10-of-13 on field goals this season for Second Baptist, with a long of 47 yards. He averaged 44.5 yards per punt and 73 yards on kickoffs. He'll serve as a kicker and punter at Baylor.
The first-team all-state selection in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools [TAPPS] said he will join the Bears for the summer on scholarship, take the fall off, then re-enroll at Baylor in January 2014 on scholarship.
It took awhile for the Bears to recruit Callahan, but he's glad they did.
"I went to their camp this past summer, and I thought I did really well," he said. "I didn't hear from them at all until last Thursday. Then six, seven months later they came in the picture and swept me off my feet, and I'm married to them the next four years. ... I feel truly blessed that I got this opportunity."
Twin brothers Alvin Jones Jr. and Aaron Jones (El Paso/Burges) have done everything together. Most recently, they were big contributors on a Burges team that advanced three rounds deep in the Texas Class 4A Division I playoffs.
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QB Leftwich follows teammate's father 
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
5:33
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Sean Kugler was named UTEP's coach Monday. On Tuesday, he made a call to his son's quarterback.
North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.) quarterback Mack Leftwich plays with offensive lineman Patrick Kugler, Sean's son. When Sean Kugler called Leftwich on Tuesday to offer him a scholarship, Leftwich immediately accepted the offer from his friend's father.
"He called me earlier tonight to officially offer," Leftwich said Tuesday night.
North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.) quarterback Mack Leftwich plays with offensive lineman Patrick Kugler, Sean's son. When Sean Kugler called Leftwich on Tuesday to offer him a scholarship, Leftwich immediately accepted the offer from his friend's father.
"He called me earlier tonight to officially offer," Leftwich said Tuesday night.
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Derek Elmendorff (El Paso, Texas/Franklin) wants to be an FBS offensive lineman. Even more so, Elmendorff wants to be a dentist.
When Elmenroff, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive lineman, made an official visit over the weekend to San Antonio, Texas, to check out the UTSA campus, he became a fan of the campus environment and the overall atmosphere of the city. More importantly, Elmendorff was a huge fan of the school’s medical reputation, particularly the reputation of its dental program.
After the visit, Elmendorff -- who entered the weekend committed to UTEP -- decided to switch his pledge to UTSA. He became the Roadrunners’ 12th commit of the 2013 recruiting class.
When Elmenroff, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive lineman, made an official visit over the weekend to San Antonio, Texas, to check out the UTSA campus, he became a fan of the campus environment and the overall atmosphere of the city. More importantly, Elmendorff was a huge fan of the school’s medical reputation, particularly the reputation of its dental program.
After the visit, Elmendorff -- who entered the weekend committed to UTEP -- decided to switch his pledge to UTSA. He became the Roadrunners’ 12th commit of the 2013 recruiting class.
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Germod Williams chooses Texas State
November, 15, 2012
11/15/12
5:10
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Playing for a rising FBS team -- and being a part of future success -- was enough for defensive back Germod Williams (Conroe, Texas/Oak Ridge) to pull the trigger on his recruiting process.
Williams verbally committed to Texas State on Wednesday afternoon, choosing the Bobcats over offers from UTEP, Rice, Northwestern and Houston Baptist. A 5-foot-11, 185-pound safety, Williams was recruited by Bobcats defensive coordinator Craig Naivar.
"When I went up there for a game, the static and the environment, I liked a lot," Williams said. "It’s a good school, a beautiful camps, and it’s close to home. Everything fit right with it."
Williams verbally committed to Texas State on Wednesday afternoon, choosing the Bobcats over offers from UTEP, Rice, Northwestern and Houston Baptist. A 5-foot-11, 185-pound safety, Williams was recruited by Bobcats defensive coordinator Craig Naivar.
"When I went up there for a game, the static and the environment, I liked a lot," Williams said. "It’s a good school, a beautiful camps, and it’s close to home. Everything fit right with it."
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Memorable year for 2014 QB Aaron Sharp
November, 6, 2012
11/06/12
4:17
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
HUMBLE, Texas -- Aaron Sharp is not surprised with what his team has accomplished this season.
After going 9-2 and making the playoffs for the first time a year ago, Sharp and his Houston Summer Creek teammates had high expectations coming into this season and so far, they're meeting those, sitting at 9-0 heading into their regular season finale against 9-0 Dayton (Texas) High School for a district championship.
"Yeah, this was pretty much an expected season from us," Sharp said. "We had a lot of people coming back from a good year that we had last year. We had more talent come in, so I think it was a real big season expected for Summer Creek, and we're just doing what we're supposed to be doing.
After going 9-2 and making the playoffs for the first time a year ago, Sharp and his Houston Summer Creek teammates had high expectations coming into this season and so far, they're meeting those, sitting at 9-0 heading into their regular season finale against 9-0 Dayton (Texas) High School for a district championship.
"Yeah, this was pretty much an expected season from us," Sharp said. "We had a lot of people coming back from a good year that we had last year. We had more talent come in, so I think it was a real big season expected for Summer Creek, and we're just doing what we're supposed to be doing.
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CB Austin shining, has UTEP, UNM offers
November, 5, 2012
11/05/12
10:00
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Defensive back Dakota Austin (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) has offers from UTEP and New Mexico, but his play on Friday was worthy of a couple more scholarships.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound cornerback had six tackles, three breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 51-14 win over Ennis, Texas. Austin recorded these stats against an Ennis team that was previously undefeated.
Austin called the game one of his best ever, and he credited his elevated play to solid offseason preparation.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound cornerback had six tackles, three breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 51-14 win over Ennis, Texas. Austin recorded these stats against an Ennis team that was previously undefeated.
Austin called the game one of his best ever, and he credited his elevated play to solid offseason preparation.
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Javia Hall ready for second chance at FBS
October, 28, 2012
10/28/12
11:05
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
The season is over for junior college quarterback Javia Hall (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley Community College). While Trinity Valley didn’t have the season he wanted, he was happy to be a part of the program and basically get a do-over on the college football level.
Now it’s time for Hall to begin reconsidering playing for an FBS program. A UTEP transfer, Hall chose to take the junior college route after a lack of playing time at UTEP, leaving as a redshirt freshman. As a 6-foot-1, 185-pound sophomore, Hall now is looking to re-establish himself as an FBS quarterback.
“I’ve had a good time [at Trinity Valley]. I’ve gotten to meet some new people I’ll never forget,” Hall said. “There’s not too much difference in talent here. These guys are really talented.
Now it’s time for Hall to begin reconsidering playing for an FBS program. A UTEP transfer, Hall chose to take the junior college route after a lack of playing time at UTEP, leaving as a redshirt freshman. As a 6-foot-1, 185-pound sophomore, Hall now is looking to re-establish himself as an FBS quarterback.
“I’ve had a good time [at Trinity Valley]. I’ve gotten to meet some new people I’ll never forget,” Hall said. “There’s not too much difference in talent here. These guys are really talented.
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UTEP is latest to offer Germod Williams
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
4:31
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Germod Williams (Conroe, Texas/Oak Ridge) has picked up an offer from UTEP, and the rising defensive back -- who had no offers in May -- is now up to five offers.
A 5-foot-11, 185-pound safety who most likely will play cornerback in college, Williams has FBS offers from UTEP, Northwestern, Texas State and Rice, as well as one from FCS school Houston Baptist.
“Whenever you don’t have them, you always wish for them,” Williams said of the scholarship offers. “You’ve just got to wait and be patient for them. It’s good to have them all, but I know I’ve got to stay humble and keep working.”
A 5-foot-11, 185-pound safety who most likely will play cornerback in college, Williams has FBS offers from UTEP, Northwestern, Texas State and Rice, as well as one from FCS school Houston Baptist.
“Whenever you don’t have them, you always wish for them,” Williams said of the scholarship offers. “You’ve just got to wait and be patient for them. It’s good to have them all, but I know I’ve got to stay humble and keep working.”
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Blinn College center/offensive tackle Tyler Edwards has committed to play in the Big 12 for the Mountaineers, multiple sources report. He was recruited by West Virginia OL coach Bill Bedenbaugh.
Edwards, a Malvern, Ark., native, made an official visit to Morgantown last weekend for West Virginia's 70-63 shootout win over Baylor.
Kansas State, Louisiana Tech, Texas Tech and UTEP also extended scholarship offers to the 6-foot-5, 288-pounder. Arkansas, New Mexico, North Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State showed interest.
Edwards is the third pledge on the offensive line and first from the junior college ranks for West Virginia during this cycle.
Edwards, a Malvern, Ark., native, made an official visit to Morgantown last weekend for West Virginia's 70-63 shootout win over Baylor.
Kansas State, Louisiana Tech, Texas Tech and UTEP also extended scholarship offers to the 6-foot-5, 288-pounder. Arkansas, New Mexico, North Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State showed interest.
Edwards is the third pledge on the offensive line and first from the junior college ranks for West Virginia during this cycle.
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RECRUITING NATION MIDLANDS COVERAGE
The Midlands Region consists of the states of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and
Texas and is where Big 12 programs make a living recruiting. However, with the deep talent pool in the Lone Star State, teams from all over the country flock to the Midlands to find players.
More RecruitingNation blogs
RecruitingNation has the latest recruiting news from across the country:
• On The Trail
• East Region blog
• Midwest Region blog
• Southeast Region blog
• West Region blog
MIDLANDS RECRUITING CONTRIBUTORS
Sam KhanESPN Archive |
Max OlsonESPN Archive |
Bob PrzybyloESPN Archive |
Damon SaylesESPN Archive |
Mitch ShermanESPN Archive |
William WilkersonESPN Archive |
