Don Adam's right hand man is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents at Texas A&M

I started doing some research today on the biographies of the BOR's at Texas A&M and apparently Don Adam's #1 guy is the vice chairman of the BOR. His name is Phil Adams http://www.tamus.edu/regents/bios/adams/



He previously served on the Board of Directors at Adam's last venture First American Bank. After that company was sold Adams moved onto American Momentum Bank, Don Adam's latest company.

There have been strong rumors that Adam is controlling the SEC move with his pending 100 million dollar donation. With his right hand man in a key position on the BOR its looking more and more like our attempt to go AWOL may be more reality than dream.

The key as always will be Rick Perry as he has consistently controlled the tiniest of minutiae at A&M. Better believe he will play a large role in any attempt at secession.

Still with Don Adam's $100 million and his best friend leading the way on the BOR we may actually finally have the leverage to bolt for the promise land.

Thursday's meeting

Longhorn Network has Aggies' attention

A&M regents to have special meeting about UT channel

By BRENT ZWERNEMANCollege Station Bureau

July 18, 2011, 10:19PM

Courtesy of ESPN

The Longhorn Network is a 20-year, $300 million partnership between ESPN, UT and IMG College.

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COLLEGE STATION – The Longhorn Network, more than a month before its scheduled start, already has at least one rapt audience: rival Texas A&M.
A&M has added a closed-door session concerning the Longhorn Network to its regents’ regularly-scheduled meeting on Thursday and Friday, a person with knowledge of the situation said Monday. The agenda item is dubbed “Big 12 Conference.”
The execution session will be informational only, including concerning UT’s plans to air a Big 12 football game on the ESPN-owned network, and to potentially air high school games, the insider said. No action will be taken, the person added, the regents will simply be informed of the latest by lawyers concerning the deep-pocketed network.
The insider said A&M is committed, for now, to making a 10-team Big 12 work, and that the threat of a potential move to the Southeastern Conference is not in the immediate future. The Aggies nearly bolted the Big 12 for the SEC last summer, after Nebraska left for the Big Ten and Colorado for the Pac-12, before last-hour financial pledges for the remaining members by Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe kept the league intact.
The A&M insider added, however, that UT’s network, funded by ESPN, might put the league’s other nine schools at disadvantages on multiple fronts, and A&M is leading the way in checking every possibility – and also leaving its long-term options open should the league appear to have one dominating member thanks primarily to the unprecedented network. The Longhorn Network is a 20-year, $300 million partnership between ESPN, UT and IMG College.
The network is scheduled to crank up on Aug. 26 with a two-hour show from the UT campus, followed by the Longhorns’ volleyball season opener against Pepperdine in Austin. The network is scheduled to air two UT football games: the season opener against Rice on Sept. 3, and the to-be-determined Big 12 game.

brent.zwerneman@chron.com

Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/texas/7659012.html#ixzz1SYpcUJrd

Another photo from today, courtesy of gigem247

Fat kid after the USA goal on TV

Big J-Mike news????

KU just signed a stud 4 star PG (#13 in the nation), Connor Frankamp today. KU is far and away our biggest competition for PG J-Mychal Reese.

Cayleb Jones and Matt Davis, courtesy of 247 sports

Ubben chimes in on the SEC

Aggies shouldn't run from new UT network

January, 25, 2011

Jan 25

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By David Ubben

Texas A&M's summer fling with the SEC ended with both parties going back to business as usual in the fall.

Now, Texas' recent partnership with ESPN has caused some trouble at home, and Aggies fans' eyes have drifted east once again, longing to recapture what they once had: a reported offer to join the SEC, the nation's premier conference on the football field.

Athletic director Bill Byrne made the right call in keeping the Aggies in the Big 12 over the summer. We discussed the issue briefly in a mailbag on Friday, but Byrne would be well-served to keep the Aggies in the Big 12 as long as the Longhorns do the same.

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Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesTexas A&M is 25-35 against the SEC, including a 41-24 loss to LSU in this season's Cotton Bowl.

The Longhorns need the Big 12 for rivalries and scheduling, but not for money. Now that the TV network is established and Texas can hang on to its TV network, the risk of the school going independent is overstated. There's not enough to gain and too much risk.

The majority of the fan base supported a move to the SEC. I posed a question on Twitter on Friday, but nobody presented any new arguments for why Texas A&M leaving the Big 12 would be a good thing.

I understand the basic arguments. There's an attraction to "escaping Texas shadow" and going out on their own. There's some value in offering recruits a chance to play in the SEC, something Texas wouldn't be able do.

My point is simple: Any of those peripheral advantages are completely negated if you don't win. Good luck recruiting if you can't win consistently. And good luck winning recruiting battles against Texas or SEC programs if both are winning more. The best recruits headed to the SEC don't want to play there. They want to win there. Proving you can do it is the easiest way to do it.

Texas A&M has historically been an underachieving program relative to its fan base and resources. The Aggies have no 10-win seasons in the Big 12 since 1998, the same year of the program's last conference title. That's their only title since 1993, the last of three consecutive Southwest Conference titles under R.C. Slocum.

The facts are this: Texas A&M would win less in the SEC than it already has in the Big 12.

The Aggies are 25-35 against the SEC, and 0-6 since a win over LSU in 1995. That doesn't inspire confidence.

Arkansas has experienced financial windfall since joining the league in 1991. What they haven't experienced? Winning.

The Hogs won at least two Southwest Conference titles in every decade from 1954-1989. They haven't won the SEC since the move two decades ago.

Want to get away from Texas and Oklahoma?

Fine. Meet Auburn, Alabama, Florida and LSU. Together, they've won the past five national titles since Texas snagged its last one in 2005. You guys have fun with that.

Texas A&M? Can anyone outside Texas, who doesn't own an Aggie ring, name a player on the Aggies' 1939 championship squad?

Winning is what fuels successful programs. The money isn't there if the wins don't precede them. Yearly conference handouts aren't enough to build a big-time program.

If you value winning, the Big 12 is the place to stay.

Texas' new network should be a big boon to its checkbooks and recruiting classes, but really, how much more help can they get? The Longhorns routinely get the pick of the litter throughout the state. Having their own TV network doesn't mean they get to sign 100 players every February. Texas has the best facilities in the Big 12. More money doesn't mean Texas will figure out how to teach their players to fly.

It helps Texas, sure. But it doesn't hurt Texas A&M enough to make a rash decision to leave the Big 12.

Preach conference prestige and recruiting until you're hoarse. It won't matter. All that matters in college football is winning. If the Aggies are OK with doing less of it, then fine, book your bus ticket east and hope the SEC opens its arms once again like it did this summer.

bankrollsports top 25 games to bet on this season, #22:

2011-12 Top 25 College Football Games of the Year
#22 Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies

In the state of Texas, football is a heck of a lot more than just a game, especially when two of the teams from in state are playing one another. A Big XII title could be on the line at the end of the season when the Texas A&M Aggies play host to the Texas Longhorns in what is clearly one of the best battles on the NCAA football odds of the season.

Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies Picks & Info
Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies Date: Thursday, November 24th, 2011
Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies Location: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies Spread: Texas A&M Aggies -6

Texas was really a train wreck last season, finishing 5-7 and just 2-6 in conference play. Now, Head Coach Mack Brown also has to deal with the loss of his defensive coordinator, and his coach in waiting, Will Muschamp, who fled to the University of Florida in the offseason. This year though, the question is going to be whether QB Garrett Gilbert is going to be able to step up. He was an absolute disaster in 2010, throwing for just 2,744 yards and 10 TDs against 17 picks, numbers which just pale in comparison to those of his predecessors like Colt McCoy and Vince Young.

Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies Past Games (Since 1995)
2010: Texas A&M 24 – Texas 17
2009: Texas 49 – Texas A&M 39
2008: Texas 49 – Texas A&M 9
2007: Texas A&M 38 – Texas 30
2006: Texas A&M 12 – Texas 7
2005: Texas 40 – Texas A&M 29
2004: Texas 26 – Texas A&M 13
2003: Texas 46 – Texas A&M 15
2002: Texas 50 – Texas A&M 20
2001: Texas 21 – Texas A&M 7
2000: Texas 43 – Texas A&M 17
1999: Texas A&M 20 – Texas 16
1998: Texas 26 – Texas A&M 24
1997: Texas A&M 27 – Texas 16
1996: Texas 51 – Texas A&M 16
1995: Texas 16 – Texas A&M 6

For a change, the Aggies are really going to be the decided favorite in this game, something that they haven’t been in a number of years. And why not? Head Coach Mike Sherman saved his job last year by taking out his onetime Heisman Trophy contender, QB Jerrod Johnson and replacing him with QB Ryan Tannehill, who absolutely lit the world on fire. The Aggies have a great returning backfield and should have an offense that is tough to stop. The question is whether or not a defense which allowed 366 yards per game last season and had some absolutely brutal moments against teams like Oklahoma State and LSU can right the ship and keep A&M in the driver’s seat. This should be a game that Aggies fans are definitely looking forward to this season, as it could really be a romp. This might not be a bad number to invest in right now at -6.
Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/17/11):
(Get a HUGE 50% Bonus at 5Dimes.com When Using This Link)

Texas Longhorns (+6) @ Texas A&M Aggies

Daven Woodard video

http://www.ncsasports.org/college-recruiting-videos-highlights/daven-woodard

He is at Texas A&M as we speak.

A couple of 2013 Houston RBs on their way to Texas A&M

Delshon Waller and Ikenna Amalirir.

Ikenna was invited to The Opening in Oregon and is already on the ESPNU 150 Watchlist.

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/player?id=130883&_slug_=ikenna-amaliri&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2frecruiting%2fplayer%3fid%3d130883%26_slug_%3dikenna-amaliri 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXKQgeIUHTQ

Tannehill article

http://seahawksdraftblog.com/some-thoughts-on-ryan-tannehill-qb-texas-am

Some thoughts on Ryan Tannehill (QB, Texas A&M)

Tannehill went 6-0 during the regular season, with wins over Oklahoma and Texas

Ryan Tannehill isn’t like any of the other quarterbacks among the group of 2012 prospects. Until last year, he was’t even a quarterback.

Recruited by Texas A&M (Tannehill wanted to play at Texas Tech, but received no offer) as a red-shirt freshman he lost a quarterback battle which included Stephen McGee (now with the Dallas Cowboys) and Jerrod Johnson, before making the switch to receiver. A 6-4, 219lbs receiver.

Tannehill took to his new role comfortably, recording a school freshman record 844 yards and a record 55 receptions. He’s since posted 1596 receiving yards and scored ten touchdowns. That was, of course, before his return to quarterback.

Jerrod Johnson took over the starting role from McGee after the 2009 draft and had some success in year one as a starter. However, he struggled in 2010 and it led to Tannehill’s opportunity. In six regular season starts last year he posted a 6-0 record with eleven touchdowns and just three interceptions. He averaged a 66% completion rate and led the Aggies to wins over Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Baylor, Kansas and Texas Tech.

Such an achievement cannot be underestimated. Remember, prior to those six big wins against no easy opponent, TAMU had lost their previous three to Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Missouri. The impact Tannehill had, the success he enjoyed and the end product was nothing short of excellent.

At least, that’s what the statistics and score books say.

I had no opportunity to scout Tannehill last season. I witnessed the three defeats prior to Johnson’s benching, but none of the subsequent games. The Cotton Bowl – where they were defeated 41-24 by LSU – was not broadcast in my region. Fortunately this off season we’ve been able to rely on an increasing number of individuals publishing game tape – and not just the positive highlights either. Draft Monsters made available Cotton Bowl tape which I’ve had on the blog before, but for the purpose of this thread I’ve added it again below:

It’s easy to make an assumption about a player based on his circumstance, but I was surprised by how orthodox Tannehill looks for a quarterback who has switched positions twice. His technique isn’t as awful as you’d presume and in fact there’s some things to like. His footwork is good dropping back from center, he gets the ball out quickly when necessary and his release isn’t bad at all. There’s a couple of instances where he clearly looks through his options, progressing quickly before making a sharp decision. The touchdown at 0:43 doesn’t go to his first option and I liked the maturity shown in that situation and the ability to stay composed.

He’s an athletic player as you’d expect for a converted receiver. The run on the very next play after the touchdown shows he has that ability to make plays with his legs, not just have freedom of movement in the pocket. I actually think this is a major area for improvement because the guy can run, but in this game shows no feel for pressure. He took some sacks that ideally he’d be able to dodge or extend the play using his legs. When he chooses to run, he can break it off. When a pass rush gets close, he’s often a sitting duck.

Of course accuracy trumps everything and that is an area where Tannehill also has to improve. He hasn’t got a lot of velocity in his throws, so he needs to be accurate. Too often he just flat out misses the target, going a bit high or asking too much of the receiver. I’m encouraged by the occasional pro-quality pass, such as the back-shoulder lob at 3:42 that picks out Jeff Fuller despite tight coverage from this year’s #5 overall pick Patrick Peterson. That throw is absolutely on the mark, so perhaps an off-season of work will provide the necessary polish to make that type of pass a more regular occurrence?

The first interception is clearly a communication issue or a trip by the receiver, so Tannehill gets a pass. The second pick is a different matter, a lazy pass into double coverage on a slant which gets the treatment. Likewise the third turnover is just a bad read and decision.

As I touched on earlier his arm strength doesn’t look great. He doesn’t try a lot of deep passes but he’s got adequate velocity on the short stuff. It’s not a major issue but certainly nobody is going to be drooling over Tannehill because of a cannon arm. That isn’t to say he isn’t capable of making deep passes, but he’s going to need a big target and better timing.

I’m loathe to be too critical or judgemental because Tannehill will not have received maximum attention to work on his quarterback skills the last two years. This off-season he gets that opportunity and you simply cannot ignore the big wins he managed in 2010 during the regular season. It also has to be remembered that LSU’s defense is no slouch either and there’s no shame in losing the Bowl game – his only defeat as a true starting quarterback to date.

If he can start the 2011 season how he finished last year, who knows how that will improve his stock? Can he become an even better technical passer, can he perhaps improve his upper body strength in order to create more velocity and can he get a better feel for pressure? He has the advantage of a decent running game and a receiver in Jeff Fuller that I ranked at #12 overall in my top-50 for 2012. Fuller’s presence alone should make life a lot easier, as you can see in his performance against Patrick Peterson.

I’ll reserve judgement on a grade for now, but it’s not unrealistic to offer a modest mid-round suggestion if he can take the full benefit of this off-season. Teams will certainly be intrigued by a player who has shown faultless character and effort and multi-talents in different positions. There’s always the knowledge that if he doesn’t work out as a quarterback, you can try him at receiver. It’ll be very interesting to watch Texas A&M and Ryan Tannehill’s progress this year.

2012 lineup

The 2011 roster is obvious. Its pretty much what you saw in 2010 sans Miller and Hodges. But what about 2012?


QB - Johnny Manziel, Matt Davis
RB - Christine Michael, Trey Williams
WR - Nate Askew, Trent Momon
WR - Uzoma Nwachkwu, Kenric McNeal
WR - Ryan Swope, Bralon Addison
TE - Nehemiah Hicks, Hutson Prioleau
OT - Luke Joeckel, Cedric Ogbuehi
OG - Jarvis Harrison, Kimo Tipoti
C - Ben Compton, Mike Matthews
OG - Patrick Lewis, Shep Klinke
OT - Jake Matthews, Joseph Cheek


DE - Ivan Robinson, Eric Davis
NT - Logan David, Kirby Ennis
DE - Spencer Nealy, Shayvion Hatten
OLB - Sean Porter, Denzel Devall
ILB - Steven Jenkins, Jordan Richmond
ILB - Dalton Santos, Jonathan Stewart
OLB - Damontre Moore, Brandon Alexander
CB - Toney Hurd, Darion Monroe
S - Howard Matthews, Kenneth Marshall
S - Steven Campbell, Corey Thompson
CB - Dustin Harris, Floyd Raven


Offense will struggle with a new QB and no Jeff Fuller. Our WR corps is lacking that big time talent starting in 2012. Hopefully we bring in Gibson and Oliver in 2013. That would be an instant reload. Manziel should have the starting job by 2012. Davis will be a nice backup but incredibly green. Similar to Gibson and Oliver at WR, we need to bring in Kohl Stewart in 2013 to reload at QB. With a new QB and no go to Jeff Fuller we will lean heavily on the running game. Luckily Christine and Trey will be ready to go behind a stud OL. Joeckel, Harrison, Compton, Lewis, Matthews might be the best front line we will ever field at Texas A&M. TE??? LOL/who cares?

Defense is VERY scary with regards to the DL. One of the starters I have slotted (David) is a grade risk so there is no guarantee he gets in. The loss of Strahan is huge obviously. Brandon Jackson will take a medical redshirt for 2011. We are as thin as could be. This needs to be priority #1 for the 2013 class. We should be pretty solid 2 deep at all 4 LB positions assuming Santos and Devall hop on board as expected. In the defensive backfield we are equally solid. It would be nice to add Antwaun Davis for 2013 to add more depth.

Two big IFs will determine our 2012 season. #1: Can Manziel or Davis step in and provide quality production at QB? #2: Can we shore up our DL by getting both Strahan and Logan David in and maybe a surprise or two in the 2012 recruiting class (Malcom Brown, Javonte Magee, Damien Jacobs, Aziz Shittu, etc.)?

Note the date

HullabalooR HullabalooRecruiting

Smart money is on John Reese joining the Texas A&M basketball staff in July. He is likely recruiting for us as we speak.

28 Jun Favorite Reply Delete

Koolaid...let it flow

Liucci
posted 11:36a, 07/15/11



It’s been two weeks since our last update on the Ags’ summer progress, so here’s your Friday follow-up. The notes will be lighter this time around, as I try to simply get you guys caught up with all the latest and greatest from voluntary 7-on-7 work and S&C workouts under Coach Dave Kennedy.

-First and foremost, allow me to comment on the turnout at voluntary 7-on-7 sessions. It’s been unbelievable. So much so that you’d be hard-pressed to name a player who wasn’t taking part this past week. And, yes, I’m also talking about offensive and defensive linemen. Whether they’re firing out of their stance and “punching” the mats against the indoor facility wall, working on pass sets or “get-offs” or going through intensely competitive one-on-one pass rush drills, the Aggie linemen are flat-out getting after it. Very impressive indeed. Some of the guys who really stand out in leading the way are Jake Matthews, Patrick Lewis and Luke Joeckel.

-Speaking of linemen, Rhontae Scales has moved from No. 2 right tackle back to nose guard. Scales did a decent job at the position last time around but, at this point, the Ags are simply moving the 6-5, 330-pounder there for depth purposes. That doesn’t mean that the Ags aren’t seriously considering making a similar move with a younger offensive lineman. There is still considerable talk that true freshman Ben Compton could get an early look in the middle of the Aggie defense, if not redshirt freshman Jarvis Harrison. While Harrison is opposed to such a move (his heart simply isn’t in it, as he absolutely loves the idea of playing the offensive line), Compton is open to whatever might get him on the field sooner. “It’s obvious already that Ben’s a very tough guy,” explained one insider who has been impressed with what the Friendswood product has shown thus far. “He’s not going to take much of anything in the trenches…he’ll be dishing it out. Strong, physical, eats up space and is explosive. Plus, he’ll scrap – he’s exactly what the defense might be looking for to replace what Lucas Patterson brought to the table.”

-There isn’t a lot Cyrus Gray didn’t do last year, but I’m pretty positive that Coach Sherman and the Aggies will get #32 the ball a little more frequently in the passing game. Gray is just so smooth catching the football, turning upfield and accelerating in an instant. He doesn’t drop ANYTHING and is an impossible coverage assignment for a linebacker. He just runs away from them…even some of the faster Aggie LBs.

-Nehemiah Hicks is recovered from off-season shoulder surgery that kept him out of spring ball. The big tight end is now going 6-4 and 252 pounds. When he arrived in College Station a year ago, “Nemo” weighed in at just under 230.

-Coryell Judie, Steven Campbell and Terrence Frederick are back and participating in all of the 7-v-7 work. That should be music to the ears of any A&M fan, because all three are potential All-Big 12 defensive backs in 2011. The guy who is really standing out as a leader on the defensive side of the ball is Frederick. The senior is a “by example” guy because he very rarely gets beat but he’s also become much more vocal throughout his senior off-season. When I say T-Fred rarely gets beat on the left side of the A&M defense, I mean RARELY. “He’s just so incredibly patient,” explained a veteran teammate. “He doesn’t fall for a lot of unnecessary moves. He’s played a lot of football and there aren’t any receivers out there who can fool him into taking a false step or making a bad decision.”

-T-Fred’s high school teammate and fellow senior Trent Hunter has been working incredibly hard throughout his final off-season in Aggieland and it’s paying off. Not only does Hunter look to be in the best shape of his A&M career, he’s moving around better than I can remember. It’s obvious that Trent has worked hard to get better in every area, and it’s particularly evident in his footwork, ability to turn his hips, change of direction and being able to stop his backpedal and move forward while still looking smooth and fluid. From a physical and athletic standpoint, I’d put Trent up there with Sean Porter in terms of “known commodities” who have made the most noticeable strides this off-season.

-LaKendrick Williams is a young player whose name has come up more than once when I’ve asked Aggie veterans about young returnees who are turning heads. He’s working on both the inside and outside in an attempt to make himself more versatile and valuable and is catching the ball much better than he did as a true freshman.

-Another second-year player who continues to impress is Toney Hurd, Jr. Perhaps more than any A&M corner, Hurd loves to line up in the face of opposing wide receivers and dare them to make it off the line of scrimmage. While Hurd will be a depth guy in the veteran Aggie secondary, I have to think that Tim DeRuyter will find ways to get him on the field. Toney is particularly tough on receivers wanted to run a quick slant, as he not only holds them up at the line and disrupts timing but also aggressively attacks the ball.

-Redshirt freshman Cedric Ogbuehi told me that he’s now checking in at over 300 pounds. I know I mentioned this in the last update, but it’s worth repeating. The big man looks as good as anyone on the A&M roster and he’s still only begun to scratch the surface on his tremendous potential.

-I didn’t mention junior safety Steven Terrell in my last update, but I need to this time around. Terrell is not only one of the hardest-working athletes in the A&M program, he’s also one of the fastest and most athletic. Terrell has had his ups and downs in years one and two, shuffling between corner and safety but, talk to any insider, and they’ll quickly tell you that Steven’s last two years are going to be his best. Terrell’s growing pains may be behind him for good, as he appears ready to turn into a steady, consistent contributor on the back end of the Aggie defense.

-Kyle Mangan has shown great leadership in the weight room and during 7-on-7 work. He’s fighting hard for that open ILB position but isn’t at all hesitant to offer help or advice to his younger teammates who are also competing for the job.

-Jeff Fuller is still the big man on campus…something that he reminds A&M defenders every time he steps to the line of scrimmage. That hasn’t stopped senior corner Lionel Smith from stepping up and really challenging Fuller during 7-on-7 work. Smith is one of the Ags’ more competitive defenders and is a player who has the size and physicality to battle with Jeff at the line. This week, the entire team watched as Lionel got physical with Fuller at the line and ran, stride-for-stride with #8 down the left sideline. Displaying chemistry that only a senior QB/WR duo could possess, Ryan Tannehill underthrew the ball ever so slightly, off of Fuller’s left (outside) shoulder and against the left chalk. Without so much as looking back to find the ball until the last possible instant, the 6-4 receiver hit the brakes and peeled off to his left, catching the pass over his shoulder just before stepping out of bounds. An amazing completion on multiple levels.

-Eazy Nwachukwu and Dustin Harris pretty much go at it every day on the right side of the field. Harris still needs to add weight and work on being more consistent, but he’s a special talent capable of a big play at any time. Nwachukwu continues to build on what was a turnaround spring.

-I’m more and more impressed every time I see both Howard Matthews and Darzil Washington on the hoof. Both are very impressive specimens, as far as incoming freshmen go. Washington is going to be a big, big inside linebacker before it’s all said and done, while I still think there’s a good chance that Matthews will ultimately (maybe not this year, but in the future) end up playing in the box at inside linebacker.

-Oh yeah, and fellow true freshman Floyd Raven continues to turn heads at corner, as does DeShazor Everett.

-Finally, for those wondering, sophomore linebacker Damontre Moore is still working out with the team and participating in 7-on-7 work. Coach Sherman just returned to College Station, at which time I’m sure the head coach and second-year Joker will discuss his recent off-field troubles.

Dom Wheeler

Wearing A&M gear in College Station right now.

This was made by Connor Knight a month or two ago prior to his decommitment.

Scout article

Winds of Change Blowing Again?
		By David Sandhop Aggie Websider Publisher Posted Jul 13, 2011 | More A year ago the issue of realignment swept across the country and Texas A&M was in the middle of the discussion. Thirteen months later, recent events surrounding the new Big 12 have sparked rumors once again among Texas A&M donors and insiders. Aggie Websider's David Sandhop dives into the issues and discusses the current chances of a move out of the Big 12. Is there substance to the rumors?
First, for those ready to take to the streets in celebration, let me say that it is unlikely anything regarding realignment or acceptance of an SEC offer will happen in the near future. First of all, while there has been a shift in the winds in terms of certain Texas A&M officials now willing to entertainment the idea of at least analyzing the SEC option, I think some inside sources have misinterpreted the change in tone to mean that a decision has been made to join the SEC. To my knowledge based on the lack of response from certain internal sources, I’d have to say that there is not an eminent deal …but there has been a change in thought and mindset from some of the decision makers. If you have followed my thoughts on the matter recently, President Loftin has told A&M donors privately that the Big 12-2 deal in its current form was not an ideal solution for Texas A&M, and acknowledged that the sweetheart deal Texas has with ESPN as he said “is a problem for us.” In fact, Loftin has made it crystal clear to A&M people who ask that the university has not signed anything that legally binds A&M to the new Big 12 despite what has been released to the public. That “problem” is getting worse and it has energized the A&M donor base again, but apparently the announcement of ESPN buying a second game (this time a conference game) along with all of the many Longhorn Network ads that ESPN broadcast during the College World Series and the issue of showing high school football games on the LHN has also finally gotten the attention of Loftin and even those in the AD that were previous adamant in their support for the new Big 12 and in their opposition of the SEC. Why the change of heart? Well, because it has become clear that ESPN will do anything to see that their investment in the LHN is successful. That was evident when ESPN purchased a game from Fox to include in the LHN package. Let’s be clear here. A lot of people see that move and blame Texas for getting greedy. But, Texas already has its money from ESPN. What you saw last week was ESPN trying to sweeten the content package for LHN. It was ESPN that paid a hefty premium for a game…so hefty that Fox Sports was willing to part with a valuable game in their inventory that they just paid over $90 million annually for a few months ago. Sounds strange right? Well, it is. That tells you how desperate ESPN was to buy this game and how much over market value they likely paid for it. It also suggests that ESPN might be a little worried about the success of the LHN network, so they felt obligated to purchase the second game to attract the attention of cable providers and specifically Dish Network and DirecTV who have yet to agree to offer the network. Texas doesn’t even have to do the heavy lifting here. ESPN is doing it for them. Plus, if ESPN is willingly throwing money at the network to insure its success, what else will they do…like make sure Texas commits are invited to the ESPN-sponsored and televised all-star games, special college gameday events in Austin, more Longhorn advertising that builds national awareness of the Longhorn brand and name. You get the point. With this deal and what we are now seeing with this second game purchase from Fox, ESPN has deemed Texas too big to fail…much like Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, and GM is to the federal government now. It sounds like the light bulb finally went off for the A&M leadership, especially those in the AD that were ferociously opposed to a move from the Big 12 to the SEC. But just because there’s been a break-through in terms of mentality with regard to the Big 12-2 situation doesn’t mean A&M leaves tomorrow. There are many issues to deal with and many things must fall into place. First, if A&M is to take on the risk of moving, they want to be in position to take advantage of that move financially and that means renovate and expand Kyle Field. The electrical system re-wire has been an albatross around Bill Byrne’s neck and there are many, many complications and heavy expenses for the re-wire, renovations, and expansion of the south end zone. A&M has needed to do this work, but the financials pushed it down the list. But, we’re hearing that a certain big donor has once again resurfaced and has been looking for a big project where he could donate and get some PR in return for his new business venture. So the buzz now is that there’s a proposal on the table for a $100 million donation to refurbish and expand Kyle Field in exchange for naming rights to the stadium (the field will remain Kyle Field). That funding is a key component to any future conference moves. If A&M is to change over to the SEC and play with the big boys, they must be prepared for the increased ticket demand and suite demand. So this is a first step, and a necessary step if and when A&M moves on from the Big 12-2. But it’s not as easy as simply making the decision to go to the SEC. What is happening over at the SEC? I know a lot of people ask me if the SEC offer to A&M is still valid. So I contacted my source who has direct contacts inside the SEC offices and has given me great information over the past year. He told me that in the spring, the SEC was really focused on working with CBS and ESPN to restructure their TV deal given how the dollars have skyrocketed with the ACC , new Big 12, and Pac-12. He also told me that the SEC felt they could get a new deal by expansion of two teams to get the networks to the table and that a priority was Texas A&M. In fact, my source claims that the SEC has/had Clemson ready to go and they were simply waiting to see if Texas A&M could get their ducks in a row and leave the Big 12. When I asked whether the SEC would still take A&M, he said paraphrasing “are you kidding me, the SEC is drooling over the Aggies. They bring the state of Texas to the table.” But he was clear to say that was the focus in the spring. He says that while the SEC would take A&M and expand in a minute, he questioned whether Texas A&M would want to come to the SEC right now given what he called “the mess that is building here”. He told me that with all the media attention on the Cam Newton situation at Auburn along with the Will Lyles stuff and other things that “there are other allegations that will come out that will implicate 3-4 other SEC schools”, the SEC has shifted its attention to managing the fallout he said will likely come when these allegations hit. So instead of worrying about whether the SEC will take A&M, it appears the issue could be whether the time is right for A&M to take the SEC. So that is another strike against an immediate decision. However, if the NCAA starts cleaning up the SEC, that could actually be a positive for the Aggies since the biggest hurdle on the AD side has been the concern about the recruiting environment and the infamous SEC tactics. But, a multiple school scandal likely won’t sit well with CBS and ESPN at the negotiating table, so that is a big question mark. Plus, the deadline for announcing a move was July 1 to start playing in the SEC or any conference in 2012. So 2013 is the earliest A&M could start playing in a new league, so really there is no incentive or hurry to make any type of decision or announcement at this time. As I’ve always said, the time for these announcements is in June…after the athletic season and before the next contract year kicks into gear July 1. So, to bring this to a conclusion, I think the big news that has people buzzing is that the A&M leadership that has been mostly hesitant of breaking away from Texas and the Big 12 over the past 13 months now see that the current situation is not feasible in the long-term. Thus, they see it’s time to get their ducks in a row and prepare for a change in the future, and that change starts with Kyle Field. However, the landscape at the SEC has changed and an immediate move may or may not be prudent. Either way, it’s something that Texas A&M must look into and analyze, and frankly they have about 11 months to do so and see what happens with these power conferences because it makes no sense to jump into an agreement before next June. I think the big news from all of this is that Texas A&M leadership privately does not see the Big 12-2 as a good long-term fit for the university. Given the public statements of leadership in support of the new Big 12 in the spring and the resulting apathy from the general fan base to realignment, I see that as pretty significant…if not immediate.

Good rivals basketball writeup

Eric Bossi
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting

Talk about it in The Farm Report

DUNCANVILLE, Texas- For a while, the annual Great American Shootout which moved to Duncanville from Denton just a few years ago was one of the best kept secrets in the country. Sure there were always coaches, but the event didn't always attract media.

Those days are over as the media and coaching crowds (over 400 have been through the building) swelled to record highs for the 2011 edition. Saturday night, in front of a throng of coaches rising sophomore Emmanuel Mudiay demonstrated why he may ultimately be in the discussion when it comes to talking about the top player in the class of 2014.

Emmanuel Mudiay will be a five-star prospect.

Mudiay has talent galore

The future of the point guard position is big, physical guys who make their living making plays off of the bounce in the lane. That's exactly what rising sophomore Emmanuel Mudiay of Family First does best.

After what would be considered a so-so effort by the 6-foot-4 point guard from Arlington (Texas) Grace Prep in his afternoon game, he kicked it into high gear in the evening's final game. Often operating in pick and roll situations with 2012 five-star Isaiah Austin, Mudiay was a beast either getting into the lane or pulling up for jumpers.

There were some mistakes, but then again the kid is only 15 years old and he was operating on zero sleep.

"I just got back from Akron and the Lebron camp," Mudiay told Rivals.com. "I haven't gotten any sleep. I've basically been up for like 24 hours and was just trying to get through the day."

Get through the day he did. With guys like Rick Barnes, Scott Drew, Billy Kennedy, Billy Gillispie and several others on hand, Mudiay showcased a rare blend of speed, size, power and athleticism for such a young player. He saw the floor and most impressively played under control.

"It's great," said Mudiay of playing in front of so many coaches," I'm just trying to show them what I'm capable of. If a coach wants to be my future coach, that's what they come here to see me do. I'm just trying to play hard for them. That's what I always try to do, play hard."

Though he has the size and shooting ability to play off the ball, Mudiay wants to be recruited as a point guard and that's how most schools are approaching him. He currently has offers from Texas, Baylor, Arizona, Kansas, Missouri and "most of the Big 12 and Pac-12."

More GASO Standouts

Justise Winslow, SF, Houston Select 2014- Another potential five-star in Texas' class of 2014 is this impressive southpaw wing. A physically strong wing who plays with speed and energy, he's always attacking off of the dribble and is pretty crafty for a guy who goes left almost every time. His jumper is still developing, but he sure can attack the rim in transition and is an outstanding rebounder for his position.

Alex Robinson, PG, DJH5- Yet another talented 2014 player from Texas. The rising sophomore point guard attracted a head coaching crowd that included Texas' Rick Barnes, Texas Tech's Billy Gillispie, Texas A&M's Billy Kennedy, TCU's Jim Christian, SMU's Matt Doherty, North Texas' Johnny Jones and Fresno State's Rodney Terry. A quick lefty who is lean and has some length to his 6-foot-1 frame, Robinson is a natural dribble-drive playmaker and is at his best in the open floor.

	Marcus Smart is all about doing damage in the lane.

Marcus Smart, SG, Texas Assault- What a surprise. Smart waited until things got tight and then took over the game over the final 10 minutes as the Assault held off a very game Texas D1 Ambassadors San Antonio squad. As usual, the physical guard moved over to the point guard spot and made things happen off the dribble, attacked the rim and bullied anybody who tried to stop him. Texas' Rick Barnes was there with an assistant as was Oklahoma -- who is emerging as a sleeper in the race to land him -- head coach Lon Kruger and Baylor's Scott Drew. North Carolina, Kansas State and Marquette were among those that dispatched assistants.

Connor Lammert, PF, Texas D1 Ambassadors San Antonio- There can't be many, if any, players in the state of Texas who have improved as much in the last year as the 6-foot-8 insider from San Antonio. The lefty is a bit dominant in turning to his right shoulder, but he's adding size, strength and is a terror trailing to drain jumpers in transition. Even though he's nearing the start of his senior year he's still only 16 and would appear destined to play high major basketball. He listed Texas A&M, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Nevada and Baylor among others and they were all represented on Saturday night.

Josh Scott, PF, Colorado Chaos- After impressing at a May tournament in Kansas City, the future Colorado big man struggled a bit at NBPA Top 100 Camp. Matched up with the nation's third-ranked player in 2012 -- Isaiah Austin -- on Saturday afternoon Scott took the fight to Austin, overpowered him and actually got the better of the much more highly ranked player. It doesn't mean he's a better prospect, but all that mattered was that game and his physicality in the lane earned his team a win over Family First. Big and strong, his skill level and ability to create out of the high post are better than we'd initially realized.

Michael Hoffman, PF, Texas Select 2013- The 6-foot-7 rising junior was a nice find on Saturday. A big time athlete who tries to dunk everything on offense and block every shot on defense, he didn't back down one bit from the more highly decorated Houston Select 2014 kids. He runs the floor, has a body to grow into and looks to be at least a mid to upper mid major level prospect.

Darryl Milburn, SG, Texas D1 Ambassadors Houston- The Baton Rouge native is moonlighting with the Ambassadors so his playing time was spotty in stretches. He's got an Austin Freeman type body and is looking to score in all situations using his strength, toughness and ability to extend defenses with the jumper. Some of his shot selection isn't the best, but he can fill it.

Phil Forte, PG/SG- Prior to Marcus Smart taking over, it was Forte who did the bulk of the damage. A strong kid who has obviously put some serious time into the weight room, he leads with toughness and knocks down shots.

Final Saturday GASO Notes

Isaiah Austin was up and down but is a prospect with immense potential.

Saturday was all about the yin and yang of Isaiah Austin. There were times that that he played point guard, times he protected the rim as a shot blocker, times he hit jumpers and times he totally disappeared. After getting bowled over some in his afternoon game, he responded with a better effort in the nightcap. Austin looks to be th perfect example of a player whose game and style may project better to the NBA than it does college. ? Also much improved for the Texas D1 Ambassadors San Antonio squad is 6-foot-5 wing Uche Ofoegbu. A physically strong and attacking wing, he's always trying to get into the lane or bust loose in transition to make plays. He claims a Colorado offer and said Gonzaga and Texas A&M have been showing more interest. ?

Another attraction for DJH5 on Saturday was rising senior big man Chris Washburn Jr. At 6-foot-7, maybe 6-foot-8, the South Grand Prairie (Texas) High product has lost at least 50 pounds over the last year or so and deserves credit for the work he's done with his body. As a result, the power forward has developed himself into a legitimate three-star prospect and looks to have some high major potential thanks to his strength and skill -- clever passer and scorer between the low and high post. ? Mid-major programs were swarming to watch Deron Williams Elite four man Antoine Burrell. A long and lean 6-foot-7 rising senior from The Colony (Texas) High, Burrell shows a good skill level, makes jumpers and runs the floor very well. What's more impressive is the edge that he plays with despite not having the bulk to be a muscle guy. Effort and nastiness in the lane can solve a lot of problems and he seems to understand that. ? It wasn't his best night, but it's hard to believe that Taylor Luster of the Texas Assault can't find a home somewhere at a division one program. Still developing physically, he's a hard worker who plays hard and will knock down some open jumpers from the perimeter. ?

Khadeem Lattin still has a long way to go from a skill standpoint. That's understandable, though, the insider is just nearing the start of his sophomore year. However, he also has game changing length, athleticism and timing as a shot blocker. ? Finally, one to watch for the future is rising sophomore Omar Sherman of Texas Select 2013. A product of Duncanville (Texas) High, the 6-foot-7 power forward is a potential space eater in the lane. Additionally, the southpaw has tremendous touch and can already nail shots to the three point stripe. ?

Texas A&M #1 prospect Shabazz Muhammad

http://www.slamonline.com/online/media/slam-tv/2011/07/video-shabazz-muhammad-drops-42-at-adidas-invitational/

Free Scout clip on Darion Monroe

http://recruiting.scout.com/2/1084988.html


Should ease any fears about Darion looking around.

He seems solid to me in the video.