Blue-chipper’s late flip pushes class to No. 3
AUSTIN — For a majority of programs around the nation, the early signing period was supposed to siphon most of the drama from February’s national signing day.
And that seemed to be the case for Texas after it signed 22 players to its 2019 class in December.
Then the Bru McCoy saga started to unfold.
At the time, no one could have foreseen how Texas Tech’s firing of former head coach Kliff Kingsbury would trigger a domino effect that would eventually deliver one of the nation’s most coveted prospects into the waiting hands of coach Tom Herman and Texas.
The fallout left one blueblood program a laughing stock and made another even stronger than before. And it’s all, or at least mostly, due to Kingbsury hopscotching from USC offensive coordinator to Arizona Cardinals head coach in the span of about a month.
McCoy excelled as an uber-athletic linebacker and receiver at Mater Dei (Calif.). The nation’s No. 1 athlete and No. 9 prospect, per 247Sports, was reportedly thrilled to work with Kingsbury, long regarded as one of college football’s brightest offensive minds despite an underwhelming record at Tech.
Kingsbury’s sudden departure from Los Angeles led McCoy to enter his name into the NCAA transfer database only weeks after he had signed his national letter of intent. By Jan. 28, McCoy was enrolled at Texas and taking classes, the newest member of a class now ranked No. 3 in the nation.
McCoy’s addition gave Texas two five-star signees — Cuero receiver Jordan Whittington received an upgraded five-star rating last month — for the second time in as many years. That hadn’t happened since 201112. Broad-shouldered and fleet-footed, McCoy projects as a wideout and could help offset the departure of leading receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey should he be permitted to play. Since McCoy enrolled and took a few weeks of classes at USC, he must seek a waiver from the NCAA to avoid redshirting in 2019.
“We feel like we're on track, having been at this program for a couple years,” Herman said in the afterglow of a Sugar Bowl triumph. “We've recruited really well. We've developed really well. I think we've got the best strength coach (Yancy McKnight) and strength program in America.
“So I think we're going to need to continue to recruit at that elite level. And once we get them here, we've got to develop them at an elite level like those programs (Alabama and Clemson).”
All eyes on Shepherd
North Forest offensive tackle Javonne Shepherd held off on signing a national letter of intent during the early period. He opted to stick to the traditional February date and will hold a ceremony Feb. 6 at Delmar Stadium.
Shepherd is expected on campus this weekend for one final meeting with coaches, future teammates and other prospective Longhorns.
The 6-foot-6, 327-pound lineman has been targeted by Alabama, Texas A&M and a host of others. Texas is still considered the favorite to land Shepherd, but Jimbo Fisher’s Aggies are pushing to flip him before signing day.
If Shepherd signs, he would be the third four-star lineman committed to Texas, along with Conroe Oak Ridge tackle Tyler Johnson and Fort Worth Dulles tackle Isaiah Hoofkin.
An uncertain duo
Texas also is hosting Dodge City Community College linebacker Lakia Henry this weekend.
The nation’s top-ranked junior college inside linebacker has been courted by Arkansas and Ole Miss, among others, following his decommitment from Tennessee last month.
Adding Henry would provide some veteran depth to a position group that lost seniors Gary Johnson, another former Dodge City recruit, and Anthony Wheeler.
Buford (Ga.) running back and 2019 Texas signee Derrian Brown was hospitalized Thursday morning for undisclosed reasons.
Buford High School Principal Ed Shaddix released a statement: "As many of you have heard, one of our students, Derrian Brown, has been hospitalized following a medical situation. At this time, Derrian's family has asked for there to be no visitors at the hospital, as there is no room and Derrian needs to focus on his recovery.”
There have been few updates on Brown’s status. His father, Derrick, tweeted a message thanking people for their support.
Brown signed with Texas last month during the December early period. He is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 12 running back and No. 23 prospect in Georgia.