Mack Pushes Back

Thursday, August 2, 2012 will go down in history as the day Texas adjusted and Mack Brown decided it was time to push back. Over the last year Power programs such as Alabama, LSU, Florida, and Ohio St. decided it was time to step on Longhorn turf and make a run at the talent that was usually earmarked for the Longhorns. Today Mack Brown said I don't think so.

Mack Brown and his staff extended 18 scholarship offers to the 2014 recruiting class over the course of the day. They accepted their first pre-signing day commitment of an underclassmen of Mack Brown's tenure at the University of Texas, when Abilene Cooper wide receiver Lorenzo Joe gave his pledge to the Longhorns, and 15 other 2014 Texas prospects received official verbal offers.

The maneuvers of today were not just some minor shift these were major shake-ups.

"They're changing with the times and do not want to get too far behind, especially with guys they've been able to evaluate in camp," a source close to the program said Thursday afternoon.

Texas has been making some changes in their recruiting policies over the last couple of years. Before Texas signed two junior college prospects in the 2012 class, Texas rarely looked at the junior college ranks and had not signed one in several years. In the 2013 class Texas already has a junior college commitment from Geoff Swaim.

Over the years Mack Brown and his staff have not had to make many adjustments, but it should come as no surprise that they are willing to change their policies. When Mack Brown arrived in Texas he brought what was then thought to be the early offer, and recruiting policies that put him at the head of the curve.

As Texas won and competed for conference and national championships it was easy for prospects to look on and have no doubts about wanting to join the fun in Austin. With Derrick Johnson, Cedric Benson, Ricky Williams, Aaron Ross, Colt McCoy and of course Vince Young reaching or at the very least approaching legendary status, Texas was as hot as ever with the talent in the Lone Star State.

However, the last few seasons have seen some rough times on the field and coach Brown and his staff have been criticized for being outdated on the recruiting front.

Today Mack Brown issued a statement. He is Mack Brown and he is the head coach at the University of Texas, and he will not be pushed around in his home state.

Mark it down. Thursday, August 2, 2012, is a day to remember. It is certainly one these 18 guys will not forget.

Lorenzo Joe, WR, Abilene Cooper (Committed)

Derick Roberson, DE, San Antonio Brennan (Committed)

Jerrod Heard, QB, Denton Guyer

Donald Catalon, RB, Aldine Eisenhower

Leonard Fournette, RB, New Orleans (La.) St. Augustine

Nathan Starks, RB, Las Vegas (La.) Bishop Gorman

Daniel Gresham, FB, Fort Worth All Saints

KD Cannon, WR, Mount Pleasant

Demetrius Knox, OL, Fort Worth All Saints

Myles Garrett, DE, Arlington Martin

Solomon Thomas, DE, Coppell

Hoza Scott, LB, La Porte

Nick Watkins, CB, Dallas Bishop Dunne

Jamal Adams, DB, Lewisville Hebron

Tony Brown, DB, Beaumont Ozen

Edward Paris, DB, Mansfield Timberview

Edwin Freeman, S, Arlington Bowie

Brandon Simmons, S, Mansfield Timberview

Nick Harvey, ATH, Lancaster

Get Inside the 40 Acres at Orangebloods.com for more on Today's historic events.