40 Acres Sports

The first Rivals100 list is out for 2007 and it had a decidedly burnt orange hue. Nine Texas Longhorn commitments are on the list and three receive five-star status. Guard/tackle [tag]Tray Allen[/tag] is the highest ranked Horn at number eight, followed by the two quarterbacks [tag]John Chiles[/tag] and John Brantley at twelve and thirteen respectively.

Not a ton of controversy (and keep in mind this is an early list that will definitely change) over the rankings but there are a couple of things that stand out. Hempstead wide receiver Terrance Toliver is a tremendous raw talent but hasn’t put up big numbers despite playing at a small school. Definite potential but a bit of a reach as the nation’s number ten overall prospect. Interesting to note that Toliver has big time talent but Mack Brown has decided not to pursue him, there’s usually a reason for that.

The omission of future Texas linebacker [tag]Keenan Robinson[/tag] from the list is a little surprising, Robinson’s camp performances have been impressive and he’s been rising quickly. His latest performance at last weekend’s Texas Junior Day had people talking. There are reports that he’s a near lock to be on the next top 100 list.

To put things in perspective, the Longhorns have more top 100 commitments than any other school has total commits. With three, or possibly four, more spots available, it’ll be interesting to see how the coaching staff decides to use those final scholarship offers.

I’ve been busy and haven’t had time to post about this weekend’s invitation-only junior day and the successful recruiting flurry that Mack Brown and the Longhorns had. The Horns picked up eight commits from some of the best athletes in the state. While I was putting off this post, three more commits rolled in today including a couple of big ones to bring the total to eleven. These early offers are only handed out to the players Brown and staff feel are true standouts. Other recruits will be evaluated more and decisions on them will be made later, so we know how highly they think of the group they offered.

Gilmer wide receiver Curtis Brown is probably the biggest star of the group so far. Big, fast, and physical he could see either side of the ball at Texas. The Horns are really assembling a monster class of offensive linemen, with five commits already onboard including future 4-stars Kyle Hix, Aundre McGaskey, and Matt Nader. They’ll probably hold a scholarship for blue chipper Tray Allen, but otherwise they’re probably done at the position for the year already.

With three of four members of next season’s secondary set to graduate, defensive back is a big need in the 2007 recruiting class and it’s already been addressed. Brown could end up at corner and athlete Earl Thomas is headed for that position as well. Ben Wells has the size to play either CB or safety. Highly rated Lennon Creer is also rumored to be a big Texas lean as well and could join the growing list of future Longhorns soon.

I don’t think it’s hyperbole to call this the best weekend ever in Texas recruiting, and possibly the biggest and best group of kids pulled in by any school in such a short time span.

Check out the full haul from the weekend below…

*Note: The star ratings are just my best guesses based on the little bit of video I’ve seen of the recruits and Orangeblood.com’s Lone Star Top 100.