College Confidential

Trinity's Manukainiu, Bowie's Hood make college picks; #TCU loses another; Sunday night recruiting notes #Sooners #KState #Longhorns

Euless Trinity defensive end Polo Manukainiu wasn’t shy about making his college announcement, choosing KDFW/Channel 4’s Sports Sunday as the platform to announce his intention to attend Texas A&M.
“I love the tradition and the fans and the coaching staff,” he told KDFW’s Fox 4’s Max Morgan.
Manukainiu, 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, committed to Oklahoma in September before reopening his recruitment in December.
He visited Baylor and UCLA earlier in the month and considered the Bears and Arkansas, in addition to Utah.
Sanchez set to decide
Keller Central receiver/defensive back Zack Sanchez said on Sunday that he plans on making his college choice sometime Monday.
Sanchez, who has been committed to Baylor since last summer, picked up an offer from Oklahoma earlier this month and visited Norman over the weekend.
He took an official visit to Waco last weekend and received an in-home visit from new Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops on Wednesday.
The Star-Telegram Super Team Defensive Player of the Year had nine interceptions (two for TDs) this past season, along with  1,100 total yards of offense and 17 touchdowns.
Frogs lose another
According to a report by the Longview News-Journal, Carthage safety Edward Pope, a four-star recruit who had been committed to TCU since February, has switched his commitment from TCUto Texas A&M.
Pope took an official visit to College Station over the weekend.
Late additions
A day after securing a commitment from Pflugerville Hendrickson running back Daje Johnson, who had been committed to TCU since last spring, Texas picked up another pledge from Van linebacker Dalton Santos.
Santos, who had been committed to Tennessee since August, and Johnson visited the Texas campus over the weekend, along with Plano West defensive end Bryce Cottrell, an Oregon commitment.
Hood picks Wildcats
Arlington Bowie defensive tackle Demonte Hood said that he has committed to Kansas State.
Hood, 6-2, 290, posted 60 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks while dealing with a knee injury that sidelined him for three games last season.
“It’s just a big family at Kansas State,” Hood said. “They were on me from the beginning and the coaches were there for me.”
He also considered Michigan State.
Briefly
-According to multiple reports, Mansfield defensive end Hassan Ridgeway, a Texas commit, visited Texas A&M over the weekend but remains firm in his commitment to the Longhorns.
-Arlington Martin offensive lineman Connor Trussell committed to North Texas and chose the Mean Green over New Mexico and Louisiana-Monroe.
-Keller Central OL/DL Simon Goines will decide between Missouri and UCLA, Central coach Bart Helsley said.
-Mansfield quarterback Jerod Evans committed to Air Force after considering Memphis and North Texas, Mansfield coach Jeff Hulme said.
Matthew Reagan
Twitter: @reaganmatthew

#Oklahoma football adds three more players to take part in spring drills

Oklahoma added three players to its 2012 football roster today, with the additions of early enrollee Taylor McNamara and two members of the 2011 signing class who have enrolled for the spring semester: receiver Trey Metoyer, who spent the fall semester at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. and defensive tackle Jordan Wade, from Round Rock Stony Point. The latest additions give Oklahoma six newcomers for the spring semester who will take part in spring drills.

_ Jimmy Burch

Aledo QB Bishop, Heritage DE Montes make college choices; #TCU commit Johnson wavering; Tarrant area recruiting notes #AirForce #Tarleton

Aledo quarterback Matthew Bishop, who helped the Bearcats to three consecutive state titles and was named Offensive MVP of last month's Class 4A Division state title game, has committed to Tarleton State, Aledo coach Tim Buchanan said on Thursday.

In 16 games last season, Bishop posted 3,000 yards and 33 TDs passing and was Aledo's second-leading rusher behind Texas-bound Johnathan Gray, accounting for 578 yards and eight TDs on the ground.

Bishop should be somewhat accustomed to his new confines as Tarleton's home games are played at Memorial Stadium, which is also the home of Aledo's rival - Stephenville High.

Montes picks Falcons

Colleyville Heritage defensive end Rex Montes, who was named all-state honorable mention this past season, has committed to Air Force, Heritage assistant coach Wes Campbell said.

Montes was named the Star-Telegram's defensive player of the week in Week 5 of the past season, when he posted three sacks and four tackles for loss against Grapevine.

He chose the Falcons over Arkansas State and becomes the second local commitment for Air Force, joining Kennedale LB Kola Ali.

*Mansfield QB Jerod Evans is also considering the Falcons and will decide between Memphis, North Texas and Air Force.

TCU commit Johnson to flip?

According to a report by ESPN HornsNation.com's William Wilkerson, Pflugerville Hendrickson RB/DB and TCU commit Daje Johnson could switch his commitment from the Horned Frogs to Texas.

Two days after confirming that he planned on visiting Austin this weekend, Johnson said in the report he is "90 percent" sure he will switch his commitment once he receives an offer. Texas coach Mack Brown traditionally extends scholarship offers in his office.

Johnson had originally decided against visiting Texas, going so far as to proclaim "STAYING WITH TCU" on his Twitter account on Monday.

Trinity's Kimpela, Lopez commit

Euless Trinity running back Joel Kimpela, who led Trinity's always powerful run game with  2,100 yards and 25 TDs this season, has committed to Georgetown, Trinity coach Steve Lineweaver said on Thursday.

Also, Trojans kicker Austin Lopez committed to San Jose State. Lopez connected on 56 extra points and eight field goals this season.

Briefly:

ESPN Midlands recruiting coordinator Damon Sayles reports that Aledo linebacker Dayne Davis has committed to Harvard.

- Arlington Seguin safety Jacovan Offutt has committed to Friends College (Kan.), while running back Will Martin (772 yds, 8 TDs) will decide between McMurry University, Abilene Christian, Emporia State and Harding University, Seguin coach Carlos Lynn said.

- Colleyville Heritage LB Jomar White has committed to Midwestern State.

-- Matthew Reagan

Twitter: @reaganmatthew

Nike chairman mentions TCU's Patterson during Paterno memorial service

Nike chairman Phil Knight mentioned TCU coach Gary Patterson during Joe Paterno’s public memorial Thursday.
Knight, who has held a retreat for Nike-affiliated college coaches for years, recalled how a yearly tradition began with former Colorado coach Rick Neuheisel playing guitar as Paterno sang Wild Thing.
“At its conclusion, the place exploded into a standing ovation and it became a tradition every year,” Knight told the crowd of 12,000 at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa.
When Neuheisel took an NFL job, Knight said, the tradition continued with Patterson, who has played guitar since he was a teenager.
“Gary Patterson, of Texas Christian, could also play guitar so Wild Thing became a tradition the last 15 years,” Knight said. “Twenty-one days from now there will be an enormous void on talent night.”

Click here for video of the speech: http://deadspin.com/5879688/heres-video-and-a-transcript-of-nike-chairman-phil-knights-vehement-defense-of-joe-paterno

-- Stefan Stevenson
@FollowtheFrogs 

Keller Central DB/WR and Baylor commit Zack Sanchez receives in-home visit from Sooners; Wednesday recruiting notes

Keller Central receiver/defensive back and Baylor commit Zack Sanchez said he received an in-home visit from new Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops on Wednesday evening.

Sanzhez, who has been committed to the Bears since last summer, received an offer from the Sooners earlier this month and will visit Norman this weekend, which is the final weekend for visits before signing day (Feb. 1). 

He visited Baylor last weekend.

Sanchez accumulated 1,100 total yards of offense and 17 TDs in leading Central to its first playoff appearance.

He was named the Star-Telegram's Super Team Defensive Player of the Year, posting nine interceptions (two for TD) and eight pass breakups.

Trinity players making moves

ESPN Midlands recruiting coordinator Damon Sayles reports the recruitment of Euless Trinity's Polo Manukainiu and Hiva Lutui could come to an end by the end of the week. 

Lutui (6-3, 290), an offensive lineman, originally committed to UCLA in August but after a visit to the Bruins' campus earlier this month, he withdrew his pledge and visited USC last weekend. He has also visited Utah.

Manukainiu was originally committed to Oklahoma but opened his recruitment back up two months ago. The 6-6, 260 defensive end visited Baylor and UCLA this month and made a trip to Utah in December.

He will visit Texas A&M , which he says is near the top of his list at this point, this weekend.

The duo's Trinity teammate, linebacker Brian Nance, committed to Baylor at the U.S. Army All-American game earlier this month and the Bears are also on Manukainiu's short list.

Rivals.com reports that Trinity DB Laiu Moeakiola has decommitted from UCLA and is strongly considering Arizona State.

Briefly:

- Arlington Lamar coach Trent Fuller said Vikings defensive lineman James Junious has committed to Emporia State and defensive back Paris Watson has committed to Tyler Junior College.

-- Matthew Reagan

Aggies BKB starters Harris, Middleton could miss Saturday's game against OSU

Texas A&M men’s basketball coach Billy Kennedy said starters Dash Harris (foot) and Khris Middleton (knee) remain “day-to-day” and could miss Saturday’s game against Oklahoma State (3 p.m., College Station).

Harris, A&M’s point guard, injured his arch in Monday’s 64-54 loss to No. 5 Kansas. Middleton, a forward, sat out the Kansas game with a knee ailment.

“Dash’s arch is just sprained. There’s no permanent damage,” Kennedy said. “We’ll know more about Khris in the next couple of days. He’s getting his knee looked at again (in an MRI exam). I really don’t want him to practice until he’s close to 100 percent.”

Middleton, A&M’s top scorer last season, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in November but re-injured the knee last week. A&M (11-8, 2-5 in Big 12) began the season in the Top 25 but has dealt with injuries to multiple players this season.

_ Jimmy Burch

Baylor forward PJ3 says ankle "close enough" to 100 percent that it no longer is hindrance

Baylor forward Perry Jones III said today that he is “close enough” to being 100 percent recovered from an ankle injury sustained Jan. 16 against Kansas that the ailment should not impact his play in Saturday’s game against Texas (noon, Waco).

Jones, the Big 12 pre-season player of the year, had 21 points and 12 rebounds in Tuesday’s 77-65 victory over Oklahoma. It marked his first double-double since tweaking the ankle, which bothered him last week when No. 6 Baylor (18-2, 5-2 in Big 12) dropped consecutive games to No. 5 Kansas, 92-74, and No. 2 Missouri, 89-88.

“I can cut more now,” Jones said. “In the Kansas and Missouri games, I couldn’t cut like I wanted.”

Saturday’s game against Texas (13-7, 3-4) sold out today, becoming only the second advance sellout in program history.

_ Jimmy Burch

Big 12 expansion committee takes no action in today's meeting; FB schedules still on hold

The Big 12 expansion committee met today for the first time since the decision to invite West Virginia as the league’s 10th member but a league spokesman stressed that does not signal the first step toward adding new schools.

“There is nothing imminent in regard to expansion,” said Bob Burda, the Big 12’s associate commissioner for communications. After this afternoon’s meeting, Burda said interim commissioner Chuck Neinas described the session as “routine” and said no additional meetings or conference calls with committee members are scheduled at this time.

Throughout the expansion process, league officials have acknowledged some conference schools favor a 10-member configuration and others prefer a 12-member league for the long-haul, with likely expansion candidates being Louisville and Brigham Young.

A report today in The Chronicle of Higher Education cited league sources saying the addition of at least one new member to the Big 12 was “very possible.” But nothing in today’s meeting, based on Neinas’ update, furthered the expansion process.

In addition, Burda said league officials anticipate “wiggle room” from TV networks if the Big 12 is unable to provide 2012 football schedules by the Feb. 1 deadline specified in existing contracts. Neinas has said he hopes to announce the 2012 football schedules by Feb. 1.

But until there is clarity about West Virginia’s departure date from the Big East, which is in the process of being settled in court, Burda said the Big 12 is in “a holding pattern” in regard to releasing schedules that include West Virginia as a 2012 member.

West Virginia has announced plans to join the Big 12 in July. Big East officials have said they plan to keep the school in their current league until 2014, per Big East bylaws. A Rhode Island judge has ordered West Virginia and the Big East to ender nonbinding mediation to resolve their competing lawsuits.

_ Jimmy Burch

Big 12 expansion committee to meet today; 2012 FB schedules still on hold

The Big 12 expansion committee will meet this afternoon for the first time since the decision to invite West Virginia as the league’s 10th member was finalized, a league spokesman confirmed this morning.

But that does not mean there has been significant movement in the idea of adding Louisville or Brigham Young to the league’s 10-member configuration that will exist for the 2012-13 school year. The Chronicle of Higher Education, citing sources, reported today that the addition of at least one new member to the Big 12 was “very possible.”

Throughout the expansion process, league officials have acknowledged some conference schools favor a 10-member configuration and others prefer a 12-member league. Today’s meeting is an attempt to sound out those differences, said Bob Burda, the Big 12’s associate commissioner for communications.

“There is nothing imminent in regard to expansion,” Burda said. “We have never ruled out the possibility of further expansion. I don’t know if anything is going to come out of (today’s meeting) other than charting the course for future calls” to discuss possibilities.

In addition, Burda said league officials anticipate “wiggle room” from TV networks if the Big 12 is unable to provide 2012 football schedules by the Feb. 1 deadline specified in existing contracts. Until there is clarity about West Virginia’s departure date from the Big East, which is in the process of being settled in court, Burda said the Big 12 is in “a holding pattern” in regard to releasing schedules that include West Virginia as a 2012 member.

Burda said today's meeting of the expansion committe is not related to issues regarding finalization of the 2012 football schedules.

_ Jimmy Burch

Texas officials confirm plans to extend Brown's contract

Texas officials confirmed Tuesday that they will recommend a four-year extension for football coach Mack Brown that is expected to be approved in a Thursday meeting of school regents.

The extension would keep Brown, 60, under contract through the 2020 season. In a joint statement, men’s athletics director DeLoss Dodds and university president Bill Powers said they want Brown to be Texas’ football coach “for as long as he wants.”

The extension for Brown, who currently earns $5.2 million per year, is expected to include annual raises of $100,000 as well as a provision that would allow the university to dismiss Brown for $3.5 million with six months’ notice. Brown has compiled a 141-39 record in 14 seasons at Texas, including a 2005 national championship. But his teams are only 13-13 in his last 26 games, including an 8-5 mark last season.

Dodds initially suggested the extension in December, calling it a way to debunk rumors that Brown was considering retirement. In Tuesday’s joint statement, Dodds and Powers said Brown “is as energized as ever, has a great staff and an exciting young team. Our future is very bright.”

_ Jimmy Burch

Patterson to have in-home with TCU commit Daje Johnson; Tuesday recruiting notes

Pflugerville Hendrickson athlete Daje Johnson, a TCU commit, will receive an in-home visit with Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson on Thursday, sources said on Tuesday afternoon.

One of the top-rated players in the country, Johnson has been committed to TCU since March but has been courted by several schools as of late, including Texas.

Johnson accumulated 2,500 total yards on offense and 32 TDs this past season and projects as a wide receiver or defensive back in college.

Arlington Martin duo to visit UNT

Arlington Martin coach Bob Wager said defensive tackle Mustafa Haboul and offensive lineman Connor Trussell will visit North Texas this weekend.

The 6-foot-1, 230 Haboul was a force for the Warriors during their playoff run this season and racked up 49 tackles, seven sacks and a fumble return for TD this past season.

Trussell (6-4, 270) helped pave the way for a Warrior run game that amassed nearly 3,500 rushing yards.

Mansfield QB to take final visit

Mansfield quarterback Jerod Evans is set to visit Memphis this weekend, Mansfield coach Jeff Hulme said.

Evans (6-4, 210) totaled 2,600 yards of offense this season and has visited the campuses of North Texas and Air Force in the past two weeks.

Briefly:

- Denton Ryan defensive end Mario Edwards reaffirmed his commitment to Florida State via his Twitter account on Monday. "Its official ima Nole," he tweeted.

Edwards had been committed to the Seminoles for some time but was looking at LSU and Oklahoma recently.

- Alvarado linebacker TJ Johnson is receiving interest from Louisiana-Monroe, Sam Houston State and Texas State, Alvarado coach Jeff Dixon said.

- Arlington offensive lineman Daniil Lysenko has committed to Penn.

-- Matthew Reagan

Texas A&M forward Middleton expected to miss tonight's Kansas game

Texas A&M forward Khris Middleton, a pre-season All-Big 12 selection, is not expected to play in tonight's game against No. 5 Kansas, coach Billy Kennedy said on today's Big 12 coaches conference call.

Middleton, the Aggies' leading scorer last season, underwent athroscopic knee surgery in November and tweaked the knee during Saturday's 81-75 victory over Oklahoma. Middleton played only 12 minutes in that contest, scoring four points and grabbing three rounds.

"We're not planning on him playing," Kennedy said, reflecting on Middleton's status for tonight's 8 p.m. tipoff in Lawrence, Kan on ESPN. "He's still having problems with his knee. He's not 100 percent and we're planning on playing without him."

Kennedy said Middleton is expected to get a second medical opinion in regard to the knee later this week. At this point, Kennedy said the plan is to "get him more time to heal and rest."

A&M (11-7, 2-4 in Big 12), a co-favorite with Kansas (16-3, 6-0) in the Big 12 pre-season coaches poll, has battled injuries, illness and inconsistency this season.

_ Jimmy Burch

 

 

Texas A&M adds Yates to its FB coaching staff

Texas A&M has hired Marcel Yates, a former Boise State player and coach, as its co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach, school officials announced today. Yates has coached the Broncos’ defensive backs for the past nine seasons.

A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said Yates is a “terrific recruiter who has a proven record in developing the young men he coaches.”

_ Jimmy Burch

Missouri's Ratliffe, Iowa State's McGee earn Big 12 weekly player honors

Missouri forward Ricardo Ratliffe, who averaged 22 points and 7 rebounds per game last week in victories over then-No. 3 Baylor and Texas A&M, was selected today as the Big 12 men’s basketball player of the week for games played Jan. 16-22. Iowa State guard Tyrus McGee, a junior-college transfer who averaged 18.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in victories over Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, received rookie of the week honors.

_ Jimmy Burch

Arlington Bowie DT Demonte Hood favoring K-State, other local recruiting notes

Kansas State has been on Arlington Bowie's Demonte Hood for several months and the 6-foot, 290 pound defensive tackle said he is close to making his college decision with National Signing Day just 10 days away.

"I like their program," Hood said of the Wildcats. "Everything just feels right."

Hood indicated he has developed a strong relationship with the Kansas State coaching staff and wanted to be sure he felt certain before making a decision.

He is also considering Michigan State, which has shown heavy interest as of late, as well as Colorado State and said he is waiting to see if additional offers came his way.

"To be truthful, I would love to play in the SEC," Hood said. "But it's all about football and there's just as much competition in the Big 10 or the Big 12."

The 6-foot, 290 pound Hood racked up 60 tackles this season (seven for loss) and two sacks while dealing with a knee injury that kept him sidelined for three games.

This past season, he helped Bowie reach the Class 5A Division I regionals, where the Volunteers fell to eventual state champion Southlake Carroll.

Hood said he is working to make sure his standardized test scores were in order but felt confident he would qualify.

Trinity OL Lutui decommits

Euless Trinity offensive lineman Hiva Lutui has decommitted from UCLA, according to a report by ESPN.com's Recruiting Nation.

The 6-foot-4, 280 pound Lutui had been committed to the Bruins since August and according to the report, he decommitted during his official visit to the campus last weekend.

Lutui is scheduled to visit USC this weekend before making a final decision. He visited Utah in December.

The Bruins currently have commitments from two other local players as Lutui's Trinity teammate, safety Laiu Moeakiola, has been committed since October.

All Saints quarterback T.J. Millweard gave his pledge to new UCLA head coach Jim Mora earlier this week.

Local recruits on visits

Several high-profile local recruits are taking official visits with two weekends left before signing day.

Zack Sanchez, ATH, Keller Central - Baylor commit visiting Waco this weekend, will visit Oklahoma next weekend

Aaron Curry, DL, Keller Fossil Ridge - uncommitted and visiting Nebraska this weekend

Polo Manukainiu, DL, Euless Trinity - former Oklahoma commit visiting Baylor this weekend, will visit Texas A&M next weekend

Brian Nance, LB, Euless Trinity - Baylor commit visiting Waco this weekend, could schedule another visit for next weekend

-- Matthew Reagan

Texas A&M regents preparing to take action in regard to Big 12 exit fees

Texas A&M’s board of regents will meet in a Monday teleconference to consider allowing school president R. Bowen Loftin to negotiate a settlement agreement with the Big 12 in regard to the school’s move to the Southeastern Conference in July.

The agenda item, posted today, calls for regents to consider “authorization for the president of Texas A&M University to negotiate and execute a settlement agreement with the Big 12 Conference and its members.” It is the only item on Monday's agenda.

Under Big 12 bylaws, the school would forfeit more than $28 million, based on projected revenues, to leave the Big 12 after this school year. But A&M officials have said they envision cutting that total _ perhaps in half _ through negotiations, a move that worked for former Big 12 members Nebraska and Colorado when those schools left the league.

_ Jimmy Burch

TCU men's hoops sophomore Jarvis Ray academically ineligible for the rest of the season

TCU sophomore Jarvis Ray is academically ineligible for the rest of the season. The guard did not make the trip to UNLV Wednesday and did not play in the Mountain West Conference opener last Saturday at Colorado State. He played in 12 of the Horned Frogs' 16 games this season, including one start Dec. 19 at USC. He last played Jan. 11 against UT Pan American, scoring two points in 14 minutes. His most productive game came Nov. 14 when he scored a career-high 12 points, had two blocks and three steals.
Ray (6-foot-6) attended O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans.
TCU (10-7, 0-2 in MWC) plays Boise State (10-7, 0-2) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.

-- Stefan Stevenson
@FollowtheFrogs 

 

Oklahoma defensive coordinator Venables leaves for Clemson

Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who came to OU along with head coach Bob Stoops in 1999, told media outlets late Wednesday night that he would accept the defensive coordinator's job at Clemson.

Venables' departure comes a few days after the formal announcement last week that Mike Stoops, Bob's brother, would be returning to OU as co-defensive coordinator. Mike Stoops was fired as head coach at Arizona in midseason.

The Oklahoman reported that two of the names being mentioned early to fill the vacancy on the Sooners' defensive staff are TCU linebackers coach Tony Tademy and former Miami Hurricanes' head coach Randy Shannon.

Venables, one of OU's top recruiters, had seen his defense slide in the national rankings in recent years. Mike Stoops and Venables were co-coordinators early in the Bob Stoops' regime, and from 2000 to 2003 the Sooners were ranked in the top 10. Last year OU ranked 55th in yards allowed per game. Venables had been the defensive signal caller since Mike Stoops left for Arizona after the 2003 season.

At Clemson, Venables could see a significant pay increase, according to The Oklahoman and Tulsa World. Venables' salary at OU was $440,000 a year and he could be in the range of $600,000 or more at Clemson.

Venables fills the vacancy left by the departure of former Baylor coach Kevin Steele, whose defense gave up 70 points to West Virginia in the Orange Bowl.

All Saints QB switches commitment to UCLA, other local recruiting notes

Fort Worth All Saints quarterback T.J. Millweard, who committed to Arizona State last summer, has decommitted from the Sun Devils and committed to UCLA, Saints coach Aaron Beck said.

Millweard, who originally committed to Virgina Tech last February, threw for 2,367 yards and 22 TDs as a senior in leading All Saints to the Southwest Preparatory Conference championship game.

Beck said former Arizona State offesnive coordinator Noel Mazzone, now the offensive coordinator at UCLA, was the primary recruiter for Millweard.

Beck also said All Saints running back Brian Vaughn gave his verbal pledge to play for Larry Coker and UT San Antonio.

Bell QB commits to E. Kentucky

Hurst L.D. Bell quarterback Kyle Romano committed to Eastern Kentucky, Bell coach Mark Smith said.

The 6-1, 180 pound Romano, who threw for 1,851 yards and 14 TDs and rushed for 913 yards and 17 TDs this season, also considered Air Force, Sam Houston State and Abilene Christian.

Local duo commits to La.-Monroe

Fort Worth Dunbar cornerback Alex Johnson and Mansfield defensive back Lenzy Pipkins have committed to Louisiana-Monroe.

Legacy QB considering his options

Mansfield Legacy coach Chris Melson said quarterback DaCarlos Humphrey is currently considering several schools.

New Mexico, Air Force and three Ivy league schools are all options for the 5-11, 170 pound dual threat QB, who accounted for nearly 1,100 total yards and 16 TDs this season.

Melson also said Legacy wide receiver Andy Ritter is receiving heavy interest from several Ivy League schools.

-- Matthew Reagan

Wyoming WR Doctson, a Mansfield Legacy grad, transferring to TCU

Wyoming freshman receiver Josh Doctson, a Mansfield Legacy graduate, has transferred to TCU, Legacy coach Chris Melson said Wednesday.Doctson (6-foot-4, 185 pounds) caught a 7-yard touchdown pass against TCU in the first quarter of a 31-20 loss in November. He had 35 catches for 393 yards and five TDs last season.

— Matthew Reagan

 

Keller Central and Baylor commit Zack Sanchez to visit Oklahoma

Keller Central athlete and Baylor commitment Zach Sanchez said on Wednesday that he plans to visit Oklahoma next weekend, the final weekend for visits before national signing day (Feb.1).

"I'm still committed," Sanchez said. "OU offered so they're in the picture now but I'm still thinking about everything and haven't made a decision yet."

Sanchez, who has been committed to the Bears since last summer, said he plans on visiting Baylor this weekend and will make his decision next weekend after he visits the Sooners.

He said he received the offer from Oklahom a week and a half ago and spoke with new OU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops.

"Coach Stoops just came back and he came and visited me the other day," he said.

Sanchez, who was named the Star-Telegram's Super Team Defensive Player of the Year, likely projects as a defensive back in college.

He racked up 41 catches for 944 yards and 15 total touchdowns, grabbed nine interceptions (two for TD) and broke up eight passes during the regular season this year.

-- Matthew Reagan

Wyoming WR Josh Docston transfers to TCU

Wyoming freshman receiver Josh Doctson, a Mansfield Legacy graduate, has transferred to TCU, Legacy coach Chris Melson said on Wednesday.

"It's a done deal - he's a Horned Frog," Melson said.

Doctson (6-4, 185) caught a 7-yard touchdown pass against TCU in the first quarter of a 31-20 loss in November and posted 35 catches for 393 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games for the Cowboys this season.

 

 

Baylor forward Jones on Midseason Top 25 list for Wooden Award

Baylor forward Perry Jones III is one of three players from the Big 12 named to the Midseason Top 25 for the Wooden Award, officials announced today. Other Big 12 candidates include Kansas forward Thomas Robinson and Missouri guard Marcus Denmon.

_ Jimmy Burch

Three Texas defensive players headed to Senior Bowl

Three Texas defensive players have accepted invitations to compete in the Senior Bowl, Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala. The list includes linebacker Emmanuel Acho, linebacker Keenan Robinson and defensive tackle Kheeston Randall. All three will play on the South team, which will be coached by members of the Washington Redskins’ staff.

_ Jimmy Burch

OU cornerback Jamell Fleming to play in Senior Bowl

Oklahoma cornerback Jamell Fleming, an All-Big 12 performer and Arlington Seguin graduate, has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl, Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala. Fleming will play for the North team in the contest.

_ Jimmy Burch

Texas adds six FB signees for spring semester, including QB Brewer and two JC linemen

Six members of Texas’ football recruiting class have signed scholarship agreements and enrolled for the spring semester, school officials announced today. The list includes four high school signees _ quarterback Connor Brewer, linebacker Alex De La Torre, offensive lineman Camrhon Hughes and defensive back Orlando Thomas _ and two junior-college transfers: offensive lineman Donald Hawkins and defensive tackle Brandon Moore. All six players will take part in spring football drills, which begin Feb. 23.

_ Jimmy Burch

Baylor men's BKB team climbs to No. 3 in AP poll, earns first No. 1 vote in program history

Baylor earned a pair of milestones in today’s updated men’s college basketball rankings. The Bears climbed to No. 3 in The Associated Press poll, the loftiest perch in school history. Baylor also earned the first No. 1 vote in the history of the men’s program, provided by AP voter Jason Franchuk of the Provo (Utah) Daily Herald. Baylor (17-0, 4-0 in Big 12) puts its new ranking on the line at 8:30 p.m. tonight against No. 7 Kansas (14-3, 4-0) in Lawrence, Kan.

_ Jimmy Burch

Baylor players earn weekly Big 12 basketball honors

Baylor players Perry Jones III and Pierre Jackson received weekly player honors today from Big 12 officials.

Jones, a forward, shared player of the week with Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor. Jones averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds in two victories for No. 4 Baylor. Taylor averaged 15 points and five assists in two victories by No. 10 Kansas.

Jackson, a junior-college transfer, was selected as the league’s rookie of the week after averaging 14 points and 8.5 assists in two games for Baylor.

_ Jimmy Burch

College football all-star game has area players

North Texas running back Lance Dunbar, from Haltom High School, and Baylor offensive lineman Robert T. Griffin, from Euless Trinity, are on the rosters for the Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game at 7 p.m. Monday in Tucson, Ariz. (Fox Sports Southwest Plus). North Texas defensive end Brandon Akpunku is also on one of the rosters.

Griffin, a 330-pounder who started two years at Baylor and protected quarterback Robert Griffin III in his Heisman Trophy-winning season, was referred to as "RG-not-3" in an Arizona newspaper headline.

 

Mansfield QB down to two, other local recruiting notes

Mansfield quarterback Jerod Evans has narrowed his choices down to two schools, Mansfield coach Jeff Hulme said on Thursday.

"It's probably a two-horse race between North Texas and Air Force right now," Hulme said.

The 6-foot-4, 210 pound Evans visited Air Force and will visit North Texas on Jan. 20th.

Evans threw for 1,871 yards and 25 TDs and rushed for 717 yards and 6 TDs in leading the Tigers to the Class 5A Div. II regionals this year.

Hulme said Mansfield receiver Gary Davis (6-3, 180), who caught 23 passes for 498 yards and 8 TDs this year, could end up at Air Force as well.

Bell QB looking at four

Hurst L.D. Bell quarterback Kyle Romano is focused on four schools with just a few weeks remaining before signing day and is very high on Eastern Kentucky, Bell coach Mark Smith said.

Romano is also considering Air Force, Sam Houston State and Abilene Christian.

He will visit Eastern Kentucky this weekend and Smith said Romano as developed a good repore with the Colonels' coaching staff.

Romano was a true dual-threat for the Blue Raiders this season, acting as the team's leading passer and rusher.

He threw for 1,851 yards and 14 TDs and rushed for 913 yards (6 yards per carry) and 17 TDs while leading Bell to a bi-district berth.

- Matthew Reagan

 

 

Texas A&M FB coach Sumlin announces majority of first-year staffers

Texas A&M football coach Kevin Sumlin announced the majority of his staff today, including offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Mark Snyder.

Kingsbury, a former Texas Tech quarterback, is one of three offensive assistants who were part of Sumlin’s staff last season at Houston. The others are offensive line coach B.J. Anderson and running backs coach/recruiting coordinator Clarence McKinney. The Cougars finished 13-1 last season and led the nation in total offense (599.1 yards per game), passing offense (450.1 avg.) and scoring (49.3 avg.).

Snyder, a former head football coach at Marshall (2005-09), spent last season as the defensive coordinator at South Florida. The lone holdover from predecessor Mike Sherman’s staff will be defensive line coach Terrell Williams, who oversaw a unit that helped A&M lead the nation in sacks last season (51).

Other members of Sumlin’s staff announced Friday include wide receivers coach David Beaty, special teams/tight ends coach Brian Polian, strength and conditioning coach Larry Jackson and Justin Moore, the associate athletic director for football.

_ Jimmy Burch

Texas OL Snow to compete in East-West Shrine Game

Texas offensive lineman has accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game, Jan. 21 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Snow will join two former Texas teammates, safety Blake Gideon and running back Cody Johnson, on the West team.

_ Jimmy Burch

TCU third baseman Jantzen Witte out 8-10 weeks

TCU third baseman Jantzen Witte will miss the first 16 to 20 games of the season while recovering from surgery Friday to repair a minor torn hip labrum.
Witte sustained the injury late last fall, according sources close to the team. He batted .331 last year and led the Horned Frogs with 84 hits, including a team-high 21 doubles. His 45 runs batted in was second on the team.
Witte, a junior who attended Arlington Martin High School, missed the first 10 games of the 2010 season with a broken wrist. Junior Davy Wright, from Fort Worth Country Day High School, and freshman Keaton Jones are possible candidates to fill in at third.
TCU's season begins Feb. 17 with a three-game series against Ole Miss at Lupton Stadium. If Witte's recovery stays on schedule he could be back for the Frogs' final 30 regular season games.

Stefan Stevenson
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
@FollowtheFrogs

Three Texas FB players, including DE Jackson Jeffcoat, to miss spring drills

Three Texas football players will miss spring football drills because of post-season surgeries, school officials announced today.

Defensive back Adrian Phillips (right shoulder) and defensive tackle Greg Daniels (right shoulder) underwent surgery Wednesday. Defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (ruptured pectoral muscle), an All-Big 12 performer, will undergo surgery Monday. All three players are expected back for the start of fall drills in August.

In addition, offensive guard/tight end Luke Poehlmann recently had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee but is expected to take part in spring drills. Texas begins spring football practice on Feb. 23.

Texas also learned Thursday that running back/kick returner Fozzy Whittaker was selected to receive the College Football Performance Awards 2011 Kickoff Returner Trophy. Whittaker, a senior, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns last season and led the NCAA in kickoff return average (42.4) before suffering a season-ending knee injury Nov. 12 against Missouri.

_ Jimmy Burch

 

Texas Tech player Petteway to serve one-game suspension against A&M

Texas Tech basketball player Terran Petteway, a freshman from Galveston, will serve a one-game suspension Saturday against Texas A&M, coach Billy Gillispie announced today. Petteway was ejected from Wednesday’s game against Kansas after throwing a punch at an opposing player.

Gillispie said Petteway was “immediately apologetic” after the incident but Tech coaches “do not and will never condone an emotional outburst of the physical nature like what happened” in the Kansas game.

_ Jimmy Burch

TCU announces Glasgow, Burns, Haverty moves are official

TCU officially announced Thursday that former safeties coach Chad Glasgow is returning to the Horned Frogs staff. The school also announced, as the Star-Telegram reported Jan. 3, that Rusty Burns has been promoted to co-offensive coordinator. Burns coached TCU receivers the last three seasons. He’ll also coach quarterbacks. He’ll work alongside Jarrett Anderson, who has been co-offensive coordinator and coached running backs since 2009. Trey Haverty, who coached safeties in 2011, will move to receivers.
Glasgow was Texas Tech’s defensive coordinator in 2011 after being hired away from TCU last spring. He coached safeties for 10 seasons at TCU before taking the job at Tech.
Haverty, who was a graduate assistant at TCU from 2007 to '09, was an All-American receiver at Texas Tech from 2001-04. Burns has been an offensive coordinator at six other schools; the last was at SMU from 2004-07.
Justin Fuente, who coached Frogs’ quarterbacks and was co-coordinator the last three seasons, took the head job at Memphis in December.

-- Stefan Stevenson
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
@FollowtheFrogs 

 

Arlington Bowie RB switches commitment, other local recruiting notes

Arlington Bowie running back Russell Hansbrough has switched his commitment from Arizona State to Missouri.

"Decommiting from a college is by far one of the hardest things to do. I am officially a man and I am officially a Mizzou TIGER," Hansbrough wrote on his Twitter account.

Hansbrough, who posted 1,250 rushing yards and 20 total touchdowns (even while dealing with a leg injury) this season, also held offers from Texas Tech, Baylor and Auburn among other schools.

He becomes the fourth player from the area to commit to the Tigers, as Keller Central offensive lineman Simon Goines, Everman linebacker Torey Boozer and Cleburne defensive back have given Missouri their pledge.

Taylor sticking with baseball

Mansfield Timberview quarterback Charles Taylor said on Tuesday that he will stick to his baseball commitment to UT Arlington, rather than pursuing football in college.

Taylor, who recorded nearly 4,000 total yards and 39 touchdowns in leading the Wolves to the Class 5A Div. II state semifinals, turned down offers from Air Force and Navy.

Oakridge QB considering four

Oakridge quarterback Calvin Garret is down to four schools, according to Owls coach Phillip Farhat.

Garrett, the nephew of Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, plans to choose between Dartmouth, Princeton, Bucknell and Holy Cross.

He plans on visiting Holy Cross later this month and will make his decision afterward, Farhat said.

Garrett accumulated 2,500 passing yards and 20 touchdowns this season to go with four rushing touchdowns.

-- Matthew Reagan

Baylor QB RG3 schedules news conference today to announce future plans; signs point to NFL in 2012

Baylor officials have scheduled a 3 p.m. news conference today in Waco, with quarterback Robert Griffin III and football coach Art Briles to discuss the Heisman Trophy winner’s future plans. Griffin, a fourth-year junior, is expected to announce plans to enter the 2012 NFL Draft, based on multiple media reports citing information received from family sources.

Griffin, who holds Baylor career records for passing yards (10,366) and touchdown passes (78), is projected as a first-round pick by NFL officials, possibly a Top 5 selection. Fans can watch the announcement online. It will be streamed live at www.BaylorBears.com. 

_ Jimmy Burch

Math was never my strong suit

I want to apologize for briefly freaking some readers out over TCU's new ticket prices. In a hastily posted blog item I sent as the TCU "seating summit" began Tuesday evening I incorrectly wrote that the $200 ticket prices for 2012 were per game, not per season. That error was quickly caught by a Star-Telegram copy editor and fixed, but I compounded the problem and confusion by replying to a twitter question asking if the original info was correct. I was already trying to listen to the "seating summit" presentation and didn't compute what the reader was pointing out: That $200 per game would be ludicrous.
Anyway, I heard through phone calls, tweets and emails that some readers were confused and annoyed by the mistake. I understand. My apologies. Math was never my strong suit.

Stefan Stevenson
@FollowtheFrogs 

How TCU's season ticket prices and plan compare to Big 12 foes

So you've had a few hours to digest TCU's new season-ticket policy and pricing? TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte proudly claimed to the 3,000 fans attending Tuesday night's seating summit at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum that TCU is offering the cheapest tickets in the Big 12. If you thought TCU's new system was confusing, check out some of its competition. This Information was gathered from the institution's athletic web sites.

How other Big 12 schools do season tickets:
Oklahoma State
Best seats: $479 (season ticket) + $832 donation (home side) or $416 (behind visitor bench)

Elsewhere in the 100-200 level: $384(corners) - $479 per season + donation per seat $104-$832 (with a $150 minimum) No donation needed for "Wild West Zone" corners.

Texas Tech
Best seats: $429 (season ticket) + $300 annual seat license + $350 Red Raider Club donation (minimum donation allows purchase of up to 4 seats)

Other lower level seats available for $399-$429 + up to $150 license (none for corners) and $100-$200 donation; one end zone section available for $269 (no license or donation required).

Baylor
Best seats: $285 (season ticket) + $750 donation (50 yard line) or $500 (one section to the immediate left and right of center)

Also a “Bear Heights” section in the shade under the press box, with free concessions and other perks for an extra $1,500 per seat donation

Other premium seats $195 + $250 donation (total annual, not per seat). 

Texas
$395 (season ticket) + “Based on past allocations, The Longhorn Foundation can provide general donation amounts necessary to be in a specific area of the stadium or arena. These estimates are NEVER A GUARANTEE, but it is the most effective way to guide and educate patrons on the seating process." 

In other words, if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it.

Texas Tech hires Kaufman from NC staff as its new defensive coordinator

Texas Tech has hired Art Kaufman as its new defensive coordinator, school officials announced tonight. Kaufman spent last season on the staff at North Carolina, where he was the linebackers coach. Kaufman, a 28-year veteran, was on Tech coach Tommy Tuberville’s staff when Tuberville was at Mississippi.

_ Jimmy Burch

TCU 2012 football ticket prices chart

TCU unveiled its season ticket prices for the 2012 season during a "seating summit" at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum Tuesday evening. The Horned Frogs tout the prices as being the cheapest in the Big 12.
But for the best seats in the house fans will still be asked to lay down some serious coin.
Every season ticket (except south end zone seats) will cost fans $200 a game. But each season ticket requires a donation to the Frog Club. The best seats in Amon G. Carter Stadium, near midfield on the west side, will cost season ticket holders $500 per ticket, which includes a $300 donation. Field level seats in the sections on either side of the midfield premium seats, will go for $300. Frog Zone packages with seats located in the south end zone (formerly known as the family package will sell for $150 per seat but must be bought in groups of four.

Individual game ticket prices will be announced after the Big 12 schedule is announced.
In March, fans, beginning with 2011 season ticket holders, will get a chance to choose their new seats. Based on Horned Frog Priority System, each season ticket holder (about 6,700 accounts covering almost 23,000 seats) will be given an exclusive seat selection time based on their respective June 1, 2011 priority points ranking. Account holders must choose their new seats in one of three ways: online, by telephone appointment, or in person. The deadline to designate the preferred method is Feb. 6. All current season ticket holders are allowed to purchase their 2011 allotment of season tickets, plus up to an additional four tickets. 

The entire lower section on the east side goes to students and band.

Here's a look at the new season ticket prices:

Download 2012-AGCS-Seat-Map

-- Stefan Stevenson
@FollowtheFrogs 

Baylor sets football celebration for Saturday in Ferrell Center

Baylor officials have scheduled a Saturday celebration at the Ferrell Center to honor the Bears’ football team and quarterback Robert Griffin III, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner.

The event, which is free to the public, begins at 7 p.m. in Waco. Fans will be allowed to take their picture with the Heisman Trophy and with the team’s championship trophy from the Alamo Bowl.

Baylor (10-3) finished No. 13 in Tuesday’s final Associated Press poll and placed 12th in the final coaches poll. It marked Baylor’s highest finish since 1986 in the post-season polls. The Bears matched the school record for victories in a season, established in 1980.

_ Jimmy Burch

LSU pegged as next year's BCS champion by oddsmaker

LSU lost in Monday's BCS National Championship Game and finished second in today's final college football polls. But the Tigers, after a 13-1 season, already have been installed as a slight favorite to unseat reigning champ Alabama (12-1) in next year's BCS title showdown.

At least, that is the take from Bovada Sportsbook (www.Bovada.lv), which offered a variety of opening odds today in regard to the 2012 college football season and the upcoming NFL Draft. Among them: the site likes USC QB Matt Barkley to win the 2012 Heisman Trophy and considers Oklahoma (12/1) and Texas (25/1) the most viable national title contenders from the Big 12 next season.

The top three spots belong to LSU (4/1), Alabama (5/1) and USC (9/1).  Kansas State (35/1) and TCU (50/1) also are in the mix among Big 12 candidates.

Below is a look at some of the site's early odds on the 2012 college football season:

 
NCAA FOOTBALL
Odds to win the 2012-2013 BCS National Championship        
LSU                              4/1
Alabama                       5/1
USC                             9/1
Florida State                  12/1
Georgia                         12/1
Oklahoma                     12/1
Oregon                          12/1
Notre Dame                   18/1
Arkansas                      18/1
Michigan                       20/1
Texas                           25/1
Clemson                       25/1
Virginia Tech                 25/1
Florida                          30/1
West Virginia                 30/1
South Carolina               30/1
Wisconsin                     35/1
Nebraska                      35/1
Kansas State                35/1
Auburn                          50/1
Boise State                   50/1
TCU                              50/1
Washington                   65/1
Cincinnati                      65/1
Mississippi State           65/1
Oklahoma State             75/1
Stanford                        75/1
Iowa                              75/1
Michigan State              75/1    
Arizona                         75/1
Missouri                        85/1
Penn State                    100/1
Pittsburgh                     100/1
Tennessee                    100/1
Texas A&M                   100/1
BYU                             125/1
California                       125/1
Miami (Florida)               125/1
North Carolina                125/1
UCLA                            150/1
Boston College              150/1
Georgia Tech                 150/1
South Florida                 150/1
Oregon State                 200/1
*Others on request
 
Odds to win the 2012 Heisman Trophy
Matt Barkley (QB USC)                          7/2
Montee Ball (RB Wisconsin)                   5/1
Denard Robinson (QB Michigan)              5/1
Landry Jones (QB Oklahoma)                 13/2
Geno Smith (QB West Virginia)               7/1
Marcus Lattimore (RB South Carolina)     10/1
A.J. McCarron (QB Alabama)                  15/1
Tajh Boyd (QB Clemson)                        20/1
Taylor Martinez (QB Nebraska)               20/1
De'Anthony Thomas (RB Oregon)            25/1
Rex Burkhead (RB Nebraska)                 25/1
Robert Woods (WR USC)                       35/1
Tyler Wilson (QB Arkansas)                    35/1
Aaron Murray (QB Georgia)                     35/1
Sammy Watkins (WR Clemson)              40/1
Keith Price (QB Washington)                  50/1
Tyrann Mathieu (CB LSU)                       50/1
Giovani Bernard (RB North Carolina)        55/1
Isaiah Crowell (RB Georgia)                    60/1
James Franklin (QB Missouri)                 75/1
Kenny Stills (WR Oklahoma)                  75/1
Malcolm Brown (RB Texas)                     75/1
Henry Josey (RB Missouri)                     80/1
 
Will Matt Kalil (OT USC) be the #2 overall pick in the draft?
Yes                  7/2
No                    1/6
 
Will Justin Blackmon (WR Oklahoma State) be the #2 overall pick in the draft?       
Yes                  5/2
No                    1/4
 
Who will draft Robert Griffin III (QB Baylor)?
Cleveland Browns                       1/1
Washington Redskins                3/1
Miami Dolphins                          7/2
Buffalo Bills                               5/1
Seattle Seahawks                      8/1

 _ Jimmy Burch

OkState finishes No. 3 in final polls, earns four first-place nods from AP voters

Oklahoma State, the Big 12 football champion, caught the attention of enough voters to prevent Alabama from earning a unanimous decision as The Associated Press’ national champion in the final college football polls, released today.

But the Crimson Tide, which swept all first-place votes in the coaches poll, earned 55 of 60 first-place ballots from AP voters and easily finished No. 1 in that post-season poll as well. Oklahoma State (12-1) landed at No. 3, with four first-place votes _ one spot behind No. 2 LSU (13-1), which received the remaining first-place vote in the AP poll despite its 21-0 loss to Alabama in Monday’s BCS National Championship Game.

OSU, which set a school record for victories this season, had zero first-place votes in either poll before defeating Stanford, 41-38, in overtime in the Fiesta Bowl. The Cowboys finished as the nation’s highest-ranked Big 12 team, placing No. 3 in both the AP and the coaches polls. It marked the highest post-season finish in school history.

Baylor (10-3) finished with its loftiest post-season perch in 25 years. The Bears landed at No. 12 in the coaches poll and finished 13th with AP voters. It marked the Bears’ best finish since the 1986 team placed 12th in the AP poll and 13th in the coaches poll.

TCU (11-2), which will join the Big 12 in July, placed 13th in the coaches poll and was No. 14 with AP voters. Texas (8-5), which defeated California 21-10 in the Holiday Bowl, finished unranked in both polls.

Other teams with Big 12 or Texas connections to crack the final polls included Houston (13-1 record; 14th in coaches poll, 18th in AP); Oklahoma (10-3; 15th in coaches poll, 16th in AP) and Kansas State (10-3; 15th in AP; 16th in coaches). West Virginia (10-3), the Orange Bowl champion scheduled to join the Big 12 in July, finished 17th with AP voters and 18th in the coaches poll.

Texas, Missouri (8-5) and Texas A&M (7-6) received votes in the coaches poll after bowl victories but finished unranked. Texas and Missouri also were included on AP ballots but failed to crack that Top 25 as well.

Oklahoma State was left out of the BCS title game mix in favor of Alabama, which did not win its division in the Southeastern Conference, after the Cowboys finished .009 of a point behind the Crimson Tide in the final BCS standings on Dec. 4. Any hope that a Cowboys’ bowl victory might trigger a title split among AP voters disappeared when Alabama dominated then-No. 1 LSU in the BCS title game, avenging a 9-6 overtime loss to the Tigers on Nov. 5.

Alabama topped the final AP poll with 1,495 points. LSU finished with 1,425 points and OSU had 1,399. The No. 3 finish marked the highest post-season ranking in school history for Oklahoma State.
   
Twitter: @Jimmy_Burch.

_ Jimmy Burch

Southlake Carroll athlete Sabian Holmes switches commitment, other local recruiting notes

Southlake Carroll defensive back and receiver Sabian Holmes switched his commitment from Baylor to Texas A&M on Sunday evening.

Holmes, who was part of Carroll's 4x400 state championship relay team in May, had been committed to the Bears since October.

"Can officially call myself an aggie!!!!!" Holmes said on his Twitter account on Sunday.

He told ESPN.com his decision to switch his commitment was in large-part due to the Aggies' willingness to allow him to play receiver instead of defensive back.

Holmes helped the Dragons to their eighth state championship last month, with 11 catches for 138 yards and a touchdown to go with three tackles and a pass breakup in Carroll's 36-29 victory over Fort Bend Hightower and fellow Aggies commit Bralon Addison in the Class 5A Division I title game.

The 6-foot, 180 pound Holmes posted 1,250 yards and 14 TDs his senior year and joins Hurst L.D. Bell offensive lineman Kimo Tipoti and Aledo offensive lineman Michael Wilson as the third local commit for the Aggies.

He becomes Texas A&M's 24th overall commitment for the 2012 signing class.

The commitment is actually the third for Holmes, who originally committed to Texas State early in his senior season.

Verbal pledges are non-binding.

Early enrollees

- Richland linebacker Jeremiah Tshimanga graduated high school early and will enroll at Oklahoma State next week.

- Arlington Bowie QB Kolby Listenbee also graduated early and will enroll at TCU next week.

-- Matthew Reagan

Texas CB Diggs leads four-player contingent from Big 12 on Freshman All-America team

Texas cornerback Quandre Diggs led a four-player contingent from the Big 12 selected today as members of the 2011 Freshman All-America team. The squad, selected by the Football Writers Association of America, also included Oklahoma kicker Michael Hunnicutt, Kansas State center B.J. Finney and Kansas State kick returner Tyler Lockett.

_ Jimmy Burch

Fields earns first MWC honor after stellar game vs. Rice

TCU forward Amric Fields was named the Mountain West Conference Player of the Week after scoring 18 points and grabbing six rebounds in the Horned Frogs’ 78-74 win over Rice.
Fields, a sophomore, matched a season high with 18 points, shooting 7 of 11, including 2 of 5 from the 3-point arc. He also had two assists, two steals and a blocked shot in 22 minutes.
His 3-pointer gave TCU the lead late in the win against Rice. It’s Fields first MWC honor and the Frogs’ first this season. TCU (9-5) hosts UT Pan American (5-13) at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.

Carder, Fobbs to represent TCU at All-Star games

TCU linebacker Tank Carder and safety Johnny Fobbs have been invited to play in All-Star games Jan. 21.
Carder will play in the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. Fobbs will play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.
Carder, the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, is the lone TCU player to be invited to the NFL Combine.
-- Stefan Stevenson
@FollowtheFrogs 

 

Aggies prepared to defend trademark infringement in use of phrase "12th Man"

Texas A&M officials have consulted with their legal team in charge of trademark enforcement, a school spokesman confirmed today, after the Denver Broncos allowed a parachutist to enter the team’s stadium Sunday under a flag with the words “12th Man” on it. A&M holds the trademark for the phrase “12th Man,” which led to a public battle _ and eventual settlement _ with the Seattle Seahawks during the 2005-06 season, when that franchise used the phrase prominently during its playoff run.

Jason Cook, Texas A&M’s vice-president of marketing and communications, said today that no formal action has been taken in regard to the Broncos’ situation. In an email, Cook said the school’s first step in trademark infringement cases “is always education.” But a cease and desist order is possible.

After Sunday’s game, Cook tweeted: “FYI #Broncos, the 12th Man belongs to Texas A&M. We saw the flag today and will defend our trademark. #TAMU #gigem.”

_ Jimmy Burch