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Addison Being Pursued
Missouri City (Texas) Hightower athlete Bralon Addison (2012) has hit the
ground running in this just his junior season. The standout prospect has been
lining up at quarterback this year, although he is a factor all over the field.
"This year I play quarterback, but last year I played slot receiver, running
back, punt returner and I was the kick returner, also."
Addison has already received two verbal offers, one from Oklahoma State and one
from Texas Tech and both schools are recruiting him to play as a slot receiver.
He also noted that he has been hearing quite a bit from Oregon, but only through
the mail.
"I've just been getting mail from Oregon, so like weekly updates and wishing me
luck on my season," he said. His conversations with Tech coaches Neal Brown and
Chad Scott have been quite different, though.
"I talk to them both about their season and my season; they just continue to let
me know to keep working hard. Things will fall into place where they need to be.
They're just making sure that I had all those things; just trying to make sure
that I'm taking care of my school work, still working hard, making sure I'm
still on the right track."
The 5-foot-10, 180 pound standout has said that he will take the recruiting
process as it comes and will heavily rely on his family during the decision
making process.
"This is something that me and my family feel like, if it's the right time and
we found a home; what's the best place for me. I'm still young, so I've still
got a little bit of time. I've just been trying to take the process nice and
easy," he said. When asked about what in particular he and his family were
looking at, he added, "They're my family, so they're looking out for the best
interests for me. We're looking at each school, things like their academic
quality, the graduation rates, and things like that. We're just looking at it
all together and see what the best home for me to play college football."
Addison currently holds offers from Baylor, Houston, Nebraska, Oklahoma State
and Texas Tech. He does not claim any favorites.
- Rogers
.
Arkansas After Edwards
Brenham (Texas) wide receiver Derek Edwards has seen some
things change in his recruitment recently as programs continue to vie for the
services of the Texas Tech commit.
"Behind Texas Tech, Arkansas has been after me the most lately. They've
surpassed A&M now, and along with TCU and Oklahoma State, they're who I've been
hearing from the most."
The 6-foot-1, 163-pounder has remained in contact with the staff at Tech, most
notably assistant coach Tommy Mainord.
"I talk mostly with Coach Mainord. Coach Brown shoots me messages on Facebook
sometimes, and Coach Cumbie too," he said. "Coach Mainord is super-cool. I've
been good with him since day one. I've still got the card he gave me with his
number on it when he first extended the offer. He's a real cool guy."
Edwards has yet to make a visit this season, saying that his focus is "on
Brenham football." He plans on taking multiple visits after the season.
"I'm going to try and make my visits after the season. Right now I'm focusing on
Brenham football and that's the way I want to stay until it's done," he said.
"I'm going to take as many visits as I can, but really just play it by ear. If I
get to where I don't want to take any others, then I'll stop. That might be
after one or four, we'll see."
"I'll definitely go to Tech. Other than that I'm thinking about Arkansas
probably, and maybe Oklahoma State and TCU. I haven't really gotten that far
yet, though."
As an aside, Edwards suffered a fractured thumb a couple of weeks ago. He took
an open date to heal, and has not missed any time because of the injury. He says
it's "healing smoothly."
- Cowan
.
The Networking Continues
The Red Raider recruiting network continues to grow as Tech commits reach out to
those already committed and otherwise. Michael Brewer said he's
continued to "talk with Ramik Wilson and Cayleb Jones
(2012) a lot lately. I've got their ear, that's for sure."
2012 standout Matt Davis has also been networking with other
Red Raider targets.
"I talk to Derek David and the Morales brothers a lot. Some of
us met at the camp in Lubbock," he said. "I've stayed in touch with guys like
Bradley Marquez and Blake Dees. I talk to (Michael) Brewer
pretty often too."
- Cowan
.
Long Names Early Favorites
Edna (Texas) offensive linemen Mac Long is drawing interest
from schools across the country.
"Right now Oregon, Texas Tech, Houston, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Alabama,
SMU, Arizona, Duke, Oklahoma, Purdue, Stanford and Virginia have been sending me letters
on a regular basis," he said. "So far the ones I like are Houston, Texas Tech,
Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Oregon and Arizona."
After two unofficial visits so far this fall, the 2012 standout prospect has
named Texas Tech and Houston as the early favorites.
"I went up to the Texas game up there in Lubbock. It was crazy, those fans up
there definitely go wild, talked and hung out with most of the coaches before
the game and got to hang out with some of their commits. It was a very unique
experience," he said. "I also went to Houston for the Tulane game. I talked to
the coaches there; it was a pretty good time too."
The Edna Cowboys boast a 6-1 record and the 6-foot-4, 277-pound prospect thinks
that by the end of this season he will have added some more schools to his offer
list.
"Houston and Texas Tech have actually offered me so far. I am sure some more
will soon if we keep playing well."
- Rogers
..
Premium Q&A: 2012 WR Cayleb Jones
How is your season going so far?
CJ: "It is going pretty good, we are not winning games like I would have wanted
to but we are still doing pretty good as of right now. I have not been healthy
the whole time so I guess being 100 percent will help me this week and I should
be a lot better."
You haven't been healthy?
CJ: "Early on in the season I had a knee injury that kept me out for a few
weeks. I jumped up to catch a ball and a guys helmet hit me right above the knee
so I now have a damaged nerve and a lot of fluid in it and stuff like that but I
am better now and ready to play Bowie this weekend. Last week about seven
minutes into the second quarter I got a concussion so I have just be taking it
easy this week, and have practiced just two days and feel a ton better for this
weekends game."
What schools are really talking to you right now?
CJ: "Not really many at all right now, Oklahoma came up and watched me practice
and a game a few weeks ago. Honestly I haven’t really talked to anyone right
now, I am just trying to focus on this season and winning games."
So worry more about it after the season?
CJ: "Yes sir, I will pick it up after the season with a few camps and visits.
Right now I am not even worrying about it."
Have you taken any visits or planning any visits before the end of your season?
CJ: "Yeah, I went to the Texas v. UCLA game a few weeks ago but other than that
I just haven’t been doing much of anything."
Calling any coaches?
CJ: "Not really much at all right now, no rush for me."
- Hair
Henderson Leaning Towards Florida State
Corsicana (Texas) Navarro J.C. strongside defensive end Cameron
Henderson has remained a prime target from big name schools around the
country. Henderson was on campus back in June with teammate and fellow defensive
lineman, Toby Jackson. Both were taking tours of the campus and
checking out practice.
"I was just up there for one day and it was a one day camp with Coach Tuberville
on a Sunday; I just came and watched."
While Robert Prunty has been spearheading the recruiting effort on the Texas
Tech side, Henderson has noted that he has not heard from Tech in some time.
"I haven't really talked to them lately," he said. "Really, I haven't talked to
them in a while. When I was talking with them, I was talking to Coach Prunty."
Henderson noted that, lately, Florida State and UCLA have been pursuing him. The
lack on contact may be a contributing factor as to why he has indicated that as
of now, he is leaning towards the Seminoles.
Aside from Texas Tech, Henderson holds offers from Arizona, Baylor, and
Louisiana Tech.
- Rogers
.
Ask The Expert: Colorado
We checked in with Colorado expert Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede.com and
got his thoughts on Saturday's game between the Red Raiders and Buffaloes.
Colorado seemed to be in good shape after beating Georgia, what has happened
over the last two weeks?
AM: "After defeating Georgia, the Buffaloes were 3-1, but then they traveled to
Missouri and the Tigers have dominated that series in recent years. Under Dan
Hawkins, the Buffs have lost all five of their games against Mizzou by a
combined score of 203-to-40. And Colorado has yet to win a game outside the
state of Colorado in nearly three years. Their last win on the road was actually
in Lubbock on Oct. 27, 2007.
"The Buffs returned home last weekend to face Baylor, and a patchwork Colorado
defense simply could not stop Robert Griffin and Jay Finley.
The Buffs' rushing defense ranked third in the Big 12 going into that game, but
the Bears were able to gain 309 yards on the ground. A lost fumble in the end
zone and an interception in the red zone really hurt Colorado in that game, too.
The Buffs had a chance to win it in the final seconds, but a pass to CU receiver Toney Clemons in the end zone was thrown just short.
"Six different Colorado defensive backs have been sent to the sidelines due to
an injury so far this season. The Buffs were also without their top pass rusher
Josh Hartigan for most of the Baylor game. So as the injuries have
continued to mount, the production of the Buffs' defense has declined. Hartigan
and senior cornerback Jimmy Smith will likely be back in the lineup
this week against the Red Raiders.
"The Buffs' offense had its moments (29 points against Hawaii in the second half
and 29 points in three quarters against Georgia) but was largely unproductive
through the first half of the season. Colorado currently ranks 102nd in the
nation in scoring offense. A bright spot has been the play of junior tailback
Rodney Stewart, who is averaging 103 rushing yards per game."
What's with Hawkins going for two against Baylor? Do you expect him to go
for two at all on Saturday?
AM: "That had me scratching my head, too. It did not seem to make any sense.
Hawkins was put on the spot during his post game press conference but he refused
to admit it was a mistake. They went for two-points, and actually converted, two
weeks prior to that against Georgia in a peculiar situation. Do I expect them to
go for two on Saturday? I have no clue. Hawkins is as unpredictable as they
come."
How healthy are the Buffs heading into this weekend?
AM: "With Jimmy Smith and Josh Hartigan likely to be back, the Buffs are
expected to be healthier going into Saturday's game than they finished the
Baylor game. Hawkins said on Tuesday that it is possible Travis Sandersfield
will be healthy enough to play on Saturday. With Sandersfield and Paul
Vigo out the last three weeks, the Buffs have been playing a converted
linebacker at the nickel back position. Colorado will still be without Vigo and
safety Anthony Perkins, who was the quarterback of the Buffaloes'
secondary before he suffered a torn ACL on Oct. 9. Colorado has lost
second-string running back Brian Lockridge for the rest of the season
with an ankle injury, but the Buffs are otherwise healthy on offense."
What individual matchup do you feel is most favorable to CU? Least
favorable?
AM: "The Buffs have fared well against spread offenses that feature more of a
pro-style quarterback. Colorado is 2-0 against the Red Raiders under Hawkins.
With Jimmy Smith (the Buffs' best defensive player) expected to be back at
cornerback, and the return of Travis Sandersfield possible, I think the Buffs
actually match up fairly well against the Red Raiders' offense. That is not to
say I think Colorado will shut down Texas Tech's offense. I just don't see the
Red Raiders putting up 40-plus points. Can the Buffs score against Texas Tech?
That will be interesting to see. Colorado is averaging just 19.3 points per
game, while Texas Tech's defense is giving up an average of 434.8 yards per
contest."
How do you see Saturday's game playing out?
AM: "I see this as a pick ‘em game. Both programs have had their issues with
injuries on defense and both squads have been very inconsistent this season.
Colorado is generally pretty good at home, but I haven't liked the vibe around
the team the last couple weeks. The Buffs' players continue to say the
speculation about Dan Hawkins' future does not affect them, but I don't buy
that. I'll pick the Red Raiders to win by a narrow margin. I'll say Texas Tech
30, Colorado 28."
.
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This post was edited on 10/28 10:46 AM by A. Dickens
