40 Acres Sports

[tag]Oklahoma[/tag] recruit Donald Stephenson signed on the dotted line Wednesday like most of the nation’s top prospects, but he didn’t sign with his teammates in front of the local paper’s lone reporter and photographer. And he didn’t fax it in from the coaches’ office or get the school secretary’s help in the front office.

Instead Stephenson faxed in his letter of intent from Office Depot because he’s currently suspended from school. Apparently some “bad luck” made him break into cars and steal an iPod, a purse, and some caramel bars with his friends. He never denies he committed the crime in the article.

To top things off he accepts a favor from the Office Depot clerk because he’s an athlete, a clear violation of NCAA rules:

An Office Depot employee named Jeanne lights up when told she’s faxing copies for Oklahoma’s latest recruit. She doesn’t question why Stephenson’s at her counter at 8:58 a.m. instead of at school.

“Voila! Five pages sent,” Jeanne exclaims, then shows Stephenson the confirmation page. “And the fax is on me. You don’t have to pay for it.”

Stephenson flashes his dimpled smile.

“That’s the least I can do,” Jeanne gushes. “We’ve got a celebrity here!”

Stephenson finishes his eventful day of signing with Oklahoma and NCAA violations by flying through a school zone while driving without a license or proof of insurance. I think there’s an opening at Big Red Sports/Imports in Oklahoma City, sounds like we’ve got a top candidate here.

Vince will be the first rookie QB to play in the Pro Bowl, and it sounds like he’s enjoying the opportunity.

Name: [tag]Tray Allen[/tag]
Position: Offensive guard
Ranking:

Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX
School: South Grand Prairie
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 305 lbs

Background

Tray Allen is the premier recruit in this class. A dominant offensive lineman in the mold of Justin Blalock and probably the most upside of any lineman signed in the last several years by the Longhorns. Can line up at either offensive tackle or guard but is probably more suited to play inside and that’s where his NFL future likely lies. Great in pass protection and a dominant run blocker. Excellent strength and agility (he’s also a basketball player) and already has solid technique.

Allen is Rivals‘ top overall prospect in Texas and their number two offensive guard. Scout has him as their number six player in the country and the top rated guard. A great kid who is excited to be a Longhorn.

Immediate Impact

Allen has the talent to see the field in 2007 but the offensive line is one of the hardest places for true freshman to make a difference. This past season J’Marcus Webb played in eleven games as a backup tackle but Mack Brown would probably prefer to redshirt all linemen. He’s unlikely to earn a starting spot on the line, but guard depth is lacking and if Allen can beat out Chris Hall or Charlie Tanner he could see playing time.

Future

Should be a three year starter up front. A player to build the offense around. If he fulfills his potential he’s the next great UT All-American and top NFL draft pick. Future anchor in the trenches.

We’ll be updating this list as we get news (mostly from Rivals) of which players have officially signed their letters of intent and if everything goes as planned will be the newest Texas Longhorns in August. The first two players to become Longhorns were Ian Harris out of San Antonio and Cody Johnson from Waller. Keep checking back here because we’ll update this list as we hear more names.

Confirmed Signings

• Ian Harris
• Cody Johnson
• Kyle Hix
• Tray Allen
• Michael Wilcoxon
• Russell Carter
• Aundre McGaskey
• Tyrell Higgins
• Sam Acho
• James Kirkendoll
• Brandon Collins
• G.J. Kinne
• Ahmard Howard
• Keenan Robinson
• Malcolm Williams
• Blaine Irby
• Earl Thomas
• Christian Scott

Early Enrollees

• Curtis Brown
• John Chiles
• Michael Huey
• Andre Jones
• Ben Wells
• Fozzy Whittaker

Update: Just added Blaine Irby and Earl Thomas to the list which leaves only Christian Scott remaining. The stud safety just was the last player to commit to the Horns (just this weekend) and it looks like he’ll be the last one to fax in his letter of intent as well. Hopefully he’s not having any second thoughts. (10:38 am)

Update: Christian Scott’s letter is in and confirmed by both Rivals and Inside Texas (thanks Eric!). That means all 24 recruits, 18 today plus the 6 already on campus, are signed and will officially be Longhorns either this summer or in the fall if their grades are in order. Congrats to the class of 2007 and welcome to the family. (11:58 am)

Today is National Signing Day and recruits all around the country finally are able to sign on the dotted line and make those commitments a little more binding. We’ll be posting updates throughout the day as we hear news of the players who have signed their letters of intent and make their commitment to the University of Texas official.

There probably won’t be any surprises (good or bad) for the Longhorns or their fans but stay tuned for all the latest news.

MapGameDay.com has great information on NFL and college football stadiums, transportation, food, and hotels all integrated with Google Maps. Today on National Signing Day they’ll be updating their maps as the letters of intent roll in and plotting players on the map based on school, state or conference.

Check out the incoming Frosh from around the country. Top High School, and Junior College players will be moving this fall, and the recruiting map will help you see where your local favorites will be playing in the fall, or where your favorite university recruits most heavily. Some of these guys are gonna be piling up the frequent flier miles, and we have them covered.

Check out the their recruiting maps now.

(via EDSBS)

After his father’s shooting, G.J. Kinne is looking forward not back. The QB should sign with Texas today.

UT is number one party school and some are wondering if the university should do more to stop abuse by students.

After only two carries, [tag]Cedric Benson[/tag] may be done for the night. His first carry of the night he coughed up the football after a big hit from Colts’ safety Bob Sanders and his second carry may have been his last. He ran into his own lineman and then was nailed with a helmet-to-helmet hit by one of the Colts’ defenders. Benson was slow to get up after the play and CBS is reporting that he injured his knee and his return to the game is doubtful.

Tough break for Benson who had really been coming on late in the year and in the playoffs. Tough luck for the Bears as well as I’m sure part of their game plan was to bang away at the porous Indy defense with Benson and Thomas Jones. If Benson returns from the injury and is able to score a touchdown, he’d be the first ever Longhorn to do so in a Super Bowl.

Update: CBS’ sideline guy is now reporting that the Bears have ruled Benson out for the game. He will not be returning.

Baseball season gets going this weekend, Chance Wheeless and Nick Peoples are hoping it’s better than 2006.