Max Olson

  (3:02 PM)

Hey guys, welcome to this week's HornsNation chat. This is my first time doing one of these so bear with me a little. Hope you guys are having a good Valentine's Day. I just wolfed down a Mighty Fine burger so I'm ready to go, let's do this.

Jimmy K (Toronto)

Max, nice of you to fill in today. Thoughts on zero 1st Junior Day committments? I'm actually fine with it because I want the 'Horns to be sure they are getting the best of the best. Plus, I figured there would be a drop off considering the possible lack of Freshman playing time after these last two recruiting classes.

Max Olson

  (3:05 PM)

The lack of commitments from Sunday did surprise a lot of Texas recruiting writers and analysts, but I won't say I was shocked. A lot of kids said they were going to wait it out and that they still wanted to visit Oklahoma, Oklahoma State or Texas A&M in the next few weeks. I do think, to answer your question, that Texas fans should not be worried just yet. The coaches definitely went for the best of the best with their first junior day, and that's promising considering some of the overhyped guys they took in past classes just because the kid was going to say yes right away.

Shane (San Marcos, Texas)

Looking at the 2012 schedule for the longhorns I can see them going 9-3. What do you think their record will be?

Max Olson

  (3:09 PM)

Shane, that's probably my guess too. I look at that schedule and say there's 7 wins and 5 swing games: West Virginia, Oklahoma, TCU, Kansas State and Oklahoma State/Iowa State. If Texas comes out hot - and they absolutely have to when you look at those first three Big 12 games - they'll have a shot at a 10-win season. If this team beats Oklahoma, they'll get on a roll.

Max Olson

  (3:09 PM)

Shane, that's probably my guess too. I look at that schedule and say there's 7 wins and 5 swing games: West Virginia, Oklahoma, TCU, Kansas State and Oklahoma State/Iowa State. If Texas comes out hot - and they absolutely have to when you look at those first three Big 12 games - they'll have a shot at a 10-win season. If this team beats Oklahoma, they'll get on a roll.

Nick Erturkuner (Dallas)

How soon are we expecting commitments and possibly from who? I know Mack wanted the recruits to talk to their parents before committing but there must be sort of timetable.

Max Olson

  (3:12 PM)

Nick, that's always hard to say when you're dealing with 16- and 17-year-old kids who change their minds quickly, but here's who you should keep an eye on: the receivers. Ra'Shaad Samples, Ricky Seals-Jones and Jake Oliver all have Texas high on their lists and could make their choices by the end of the month. I know there's been talk Seals-Jones might even decide by the end of the week between Texas and LSU.

Quinton (Cantue)

With the success the longhorns had last year with the young team with most comeing back, A year older in the system and a year of experience why dont many people have the Longhorns as a top team??

Max Olson

  (3:15 PM)

Quinton, you and I both know the answer to this: The quarterback play. I think most people have a lot of faith in Manny Diaz's defense by now and are excited to see what he does in year two, even with so much inexperience at linebacker. But until McCoy, Ash and Brewer battle it out this spring, it's hard to know what to expect from the offense even with all the weapons returning and the addition of Johnathan Gray.

Carey (Tyler, Texas)

Hey Max! Just wondered if you knew how big of an impact Jake Raulerson could have on getting Swoopes to sign, and if he does, what kind of QB could he posess to be? I don't know much about him, but with his size possibly thinking VY v2.0? Thanks!

Max Olson

  (3:18 PM)

I know when our recruiting writer William Wilkerson sat down with Raulerson in Celina a couple weeks ago and brought up the name Tyrone Swoopes, Jake's eyes lit up. Swoopes is Raulerson's No. 1 target right now, no doubt about it. Swoopes is the best junior quarterback in the state and one of the best in the nation. If he does pick Texas - and he told me last night he's most likely going to stay in-state with the exception of Oklahoma - he'll be saddled with Vince Young expectations forever. But the kid is a special talent and similar in build and abilities.

mack (austin)

Who should start at WR this year?

Max Olson

  (3:22 PM)

Is that you, Mack Brown? This is one of the big questions marks on the 2012 team, and a lot hinges on the progress Mike Davis makes this offseason. If he can turn the scrutiny into motivation, you could see a different Davis take the field this fall. I like Shipley if he can stay healthy, and I really like what this team can do with Goodwin if he does decide to play football this fall. I do think, among others, Cayleb Jones, Daje Johnson and probably Kendall Sanders will get snaps this fall, too.

Stephen (Seattle)

Can Toshiro Davis be an Bryan Orakpo?

Max Olson

  (3:24 PM)

Mack Brown brought up the comparison during his signing day press conference, and I think it's a fair one. Shiro is going to get a chance to pass rush from day one and could become a really exciting situational threat for this defense. I know a lot of recruiting guys I talked said they think Davis is a guy who will have first-round talent down the road.

Concerned Longhorn (Houston)

With the lack of commitments on our first Junior Day, and the projected lower amount of recruits should we be worried about this recruiting class?

Max Olson

  (3:28 PM)

This is the question every is asking, isn't it? No. I don't think you should be worried yet. A smaller class isn't going to hurt anybody, and when we say small we're talking 18-20. That's still plenty, and it could increase if there's more offseason attrition. And remember, there are still more than 350 days before the next signing day. There's plenty of time for Texas coaches to win over the guys they want.

kyle (lubbock)

If Swoopes was to commit to UT, how do you see the QB situation working out over the next 4yrs?

Max Olson

  (3:31 PM)

Well, if 2011 taught us anything it's that we can't assume a guy is going to stick around if he's the backup. If you were planning the 4-year QB situation the morning after the BCS title game loss to Alabama, you'd say Gilbert was going to be a 3-year starter and eventual Heisman contender, right? Honestly, IF Swoopes becomes a Longhorn, the long-term future could come down to Swoopes vs. Brewer. But don't discount Ash - he was only a true freshman and is probably the starter to start this next season.

steve (austin)

which game do you think will be tougher in the 3 game stretch early in big12 play...ok state, WVU, or OU?

Max Olson

  (3:35 PM)

Great question, Steve. I've got to pick the easy choice, Oklahoma, but I'll explain why. I think Oklahoma State brings back a good team but definitely not another 12-win one. If the Longhorns figure their offense out, they can definitely win that game. And West Virginia? Flash, for sure, but I'd imagine Manny Diaz will be salivating when he watches tape of the Orange Bowl. The guy likes a challenge. He can find a way to slow them down.

Manny Diaz (Austin, TX)

I'm one of the best Defensive Coordinators in all of College Football....Given Mack's extension how long is it until I bolt for my first head coaching gig?

Max Olson

  (3:38 PM)

Welcome to the chat, Manny. I don't think they're going to name you the coach-in-waiting anytime soon after how messy the Muschamp plan got. I think you bolt after 2-3 more seasons in Austin. If Texas gets back into BCS contention soon, the offers are going to come. You're good enough, you're smart enough, and, doggone it, people like you.

Dave (DC)

Ash with a full offseason of reps coupled with Brown/Gray/Bergeron and Manny Diaz's defense -- a realistic ceiling has to be challenging OU for the league title?

Max Olson

  (3:41 PM)

No doubt about it, Dave. Look at the ups and downs of 2011: When Texas ran the ball well, they could put up points on anybody. And when they couldn't - look at the Missouri game - it was pretty tough to watch. Do keep this in mind, though: A lot of pundits are saying TCU and West Virginia will be among the conference's best. Don't underestimate the challenge of playing teams you've never seen before.

Aaron (Austin)

Everyone keeps talking about Connor Brewer, but what about Jalen Overstreet? Wouldn't you consider redshirting Brewer and possiblly give Overstreet some first team reps?

Max Olson

  (3:43 PM)

I'm a believer when it comes to Overstreet. He's going to get a chance to get on the field and run the ball this fall. If Ash and McCoy stay healthy, Texas would benefit greatly from having Brewer redshirt.

Tom Ware (Austin , Tx)

Does Texas have a problem with evaluating talent or a problem developing talnet?

Max Olson

  (3:48 PM)

Excellent question. The answer is both. That's probably the most important summary of what went so shockingly wrong in 2010 and why 2011 was a rebuilding year. I think the new guys on the Texas coaching staff have worked hard to fix the evaluation problem - the full staff now meets and watches as many as 5 full-game tapes of a recruit before they decide to offer. Now we'll find out if they can coach these last two recruiting classes up. Those classes are the key to which direction this program is going.

Max Olson

  (3:49 PM)

I figure I've got to answer at least one basketball question, right? Here's one:

J'Covan Brown (Austin, TX)

We've been playing strong and the team is really starting to come together I feel like we can make a suprise in the Big 12 tourney this year... [your thoughts]

Max Olson

  (3:51 PM)

Texas is on a good roll right now, but the Longhorns absolutely have to win the 4 easier games left and put up a fight against Baylor and Kansas. This is a more resilient and talented team that a lot of people give it credit for. But the Big 12 tourney is all about momentum, not just matchups.

duke (dallas)

Any chance Texas will ever wear the Nike Pro Combat uniforms?

Max Olson

  (3:57 PM)

That's my Question of the Day, Duke. Love it. I know I'm new to town and I get that the tradition at Texas is so strong nobody wants to "tarnish" it for one game with a cool uniform. But come on. I love Pro Combat unis, and there's lots of classy ways of doing that that don't involve mirror helmets or anything that will offend the older fan base. Also, for trivia purposes, you should know Texas DID wear a very conservative Pro Combat uni in 2009: http://bit.ly/zYQyNh

Max Olson

  (3:58 PM)

You guys have sent in a lot of great questions (and as I suspected, nearly half of them are about the quarterbacks). I'll answer a few more.

jerry (dallas)

do you think the lb santos will make any kind of a impact this year?

Max Olson

  (4:00 PM)

Absolutely yes. When I spoke with him the night he committed to Texas, he vowed he's going to become the start at middle linebacker by the time Texas takes on Wyoming. I would not doubt that, especially with the inexperience Texas has at that spot. The kid is a lunatic on the field and he's plenty motivated. Manny Diaz is the perfect mentor for him, and I expect big things from Santos this fall.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Will the Longhorns offensive line be a strength or weakness in 2012?

Max Olson

  (4:04 PM)

I say strength, but a lot of Texas' plans will depend on how quickly Donald Hawkins can prove he's ready to be in the starting lineup. If the junior college transfer assumes the right tackle spot, you have to like the depth they'd have and the versatility you'd get with Hopkins.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Which of the young stud DT tandem do you predict will step up and have breakout year for Horns in the middle. Dorsey and Bible from 10, or Russell and Jackson from 11)?

Max Olson

  (4:06 PM)

Gotta go Dorsey and Jackson. I'm excited to see what Jackson does with more opportunity for snaps. Look for juco transfer Brandon Moore and monster true freshman Malcom Brown to make an impact right away, too. Bible and Russell aren't in the program, by the way.

Trey (Fort worth)

How will they split the carries between the three running backs.

Max Olson

  (4:09 PM)

I'm guessing Jeremy Hills and D.J. Monroe are asking the same question. I think Brown is the starter and splits time with Gray in a timeshare similar to what A&M has done with Gray-Michael or Oregon with James-Barner. Bergeron will be an excellent change-up as a power and short-yardage back. But remember, let's not assume everyone will be healthy all the time.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

My bad! :)

Max Olson

  (4:10 PM)

Don't worry, Tony. I've been covering this team for a month. I'm sure I've made lots of similar mistakes.

Max Olson

  (4:10 PM)

One final question:

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who will be the First Longhorn to be Selected in the 2012 NFL Draft?

Max Olson

  (4:14 PM)

Blake Gideon? Nah. I'll go with Keenan Robinson. The big question for Longhorns in the draft: Will Fozzy Whittaker get drafted? He's been invited to the NFL Combine, and I think we're all interested to see how far along his rehab is by the time he heads to Indianapolis.

Max Olson

  (4:16 PM)

That's all I've got for today. Thanks again for all the questions, guys. Keep reading our stuff over at HornsNation and have a great day.