2009 Classes to Watch: Texas

Many people credit JoePa with the emergence of the 'early commitment' years ago. Mack brown has taken it to a new level. The newly formed Junior day has gained tremendous popularity amongst coaches in which hundreds of juniors from around the area show up on campus.

Of course, being in Texas provides an added bonus. High School football and the recruiting process is more mainstream and sped up in the Lone Star state more so than any other. Kids and parents are more accustomed, earlier, than any where else. There are more independent film companies promoting high school athletes in Texas. There is dramatically more media coverage of high school football in Texas more so than anywhere else. Hell, fans have to buy PSL's just to get tickets to Southlake Carroll games.

All this means that the Texas Longhorns are at the precipice of the recruiting calendar. As Brown and staff were inking their No. 11 recruiting class as ranked by Athlon Sports in February, the Horns already had 10+ commitments for 2009.

Now, they have the early lead for the No. 1 class in 2009 with 15 commitments. All of them hail from the state of Texas.

There are two names that really catch my eye on film:

Garrett Gilbert - QB - Austin, Texas (6-3, 190)

Gilbert has been nothing if not incredibly productive. Throwing for nearly 5,000 yards and 52 touchdowns (versus 12 INTs) in only his junior year is quite impressive. He throws a great deep ball, shows some escapability and will stand tall in the pocket and take the hit in order to deliver the ball. He shows good arm strength, solid accuracy and good footwork/throwing motion. Gilbert is mechanically sound and VERY productive. To me, those are signs of future success.



Chris Whaley - RB - Madisonville, Texas (6-3, 220)

Whaley is the definition of a work horse. His size and speed combo could be deadly in Austin. He is a smaller version of Brandon Jacobs. He has similar running style and is certainly not afraid of contact. It is fun to watch this kid run the rock. He has quick enough feet to be a factor in the passing game but his strength will be between the tackles. He will wear defenses down and will be a dominant fourth quarter runner.



Greg Timmons (WR, Aldine, TX) and Thomas Ashcraft (OL, Cedar Hill, TX) will both be in the Athlon Consensus 100.

Once again, the Texas Longhorns beat everyone out of the recruiting gate.