The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Meet Texas' signing class of 2006
02.01.2006 | Football
Ben Alexander
Defensive Tackle
Fr.-HS - 6-0 - 298
Anderson, S.C. (T.L. Hanna)
H.S. Coach: Scott Parker
Prep All-American who was a four-year starter, primarily at DT ... totaled 302 tackles, 68 TFL, 15 sacks, four blocked kicks and four fumble recoveries for his career ... a versatile two-way star who played defensive tackle, defensive end and fullback as a senior ... posted 56 tackles, 16 TFL and four sacks despite missing four games due to injury ... named first-team all-state ... was a prep All-American as a senior ... played defensive tackle, defensive end, tight end and fullback as a junior ... earned all-state, all-area and all-region honors ... recorded 77 tackles, 30 TFL and seven sacks ... registered 16 tackles, five TFL and one sack versus Greenwood ... played DT and TE as a sophomore ... earned all-area and all-region honors ... competed in wrestling as a freshman ... named to the honor roll in every semester but one in high school ... helped his mother in working with the mentally challenged in the summer of 2005 by assisting in meal and activity set up ... participated in a food drive with Anderson Interfaith Ministries in the summer of 2004 ... volunteered time as a speaker at local S.C. elementary schools ... enjoys golf, tennis and fishing ... played drums in middle school ... father, Kim, started four years at defensive tackle for The Citadel from 1980-83 ... full name is Benjamin Grant Alexander ... born Aug. 27, 1987 in Augusta, Ga. ... lived in New Ellington, S.C. until age 3 ... lived in Newark, Ohio, from ages 3-10 ... moved to Anderson, S.C. in the fifth grade.
"Texas is a great school in a great town with great football. There are great academics, and I didn't think I could make a better choice than The University of Texas with all the tradition, all the people that have been through there, and I don't think it gets any better. You always here about Texas football, that it's one of the top programs in the country, and now it's THE top program in the country. I went and took a visit and it just blew me away. It's different from the schools in the ACC and SEC. It's a totally different feel and a feel that I liked."
Deon Beasley
Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Fr.-HS - 5-10 - 168
Orange, Texas (West Orange Stark)
H.S. Coach: Dan Hooks
Three-year starter who played in the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... versatile athlete who played wide receiver, cornerback and quarterback ... earned honorable mention 3A all-state by The Associated Press as a senior ... tabbed 3A Region III MVP ... named district 24-3A MVP ... tabbed first-team all-Greater Houton ... completed 116-of-204 passes (56.9%) for 1, 928 yards and rushed 244 times for 1,468 yards (6.0 ypc) and 23 TDs ... helped West Orange Stark to a 12-1 record and a state-semifinals berth in 2005 ... played quarterback in his team's state quarterfinal victory over Giddings ... named to Dave Campbell's Super Team first team on defense in the preseason ... made 33 catches for 801 yards and 17 TDs as a junior ... ran back two punts and one kickoff for TDs that year... averaged 32 yards per kickoff return ... helped West Orange Stark to a 7-3 record and a playoff berth in 2004 ... named district newcomer of the year as a sophomore ... also competed in track and field and power lifting ... an honor roll student in high school ... was active in high school FCA program ... enjoys working out and shopping ... cousin, Marcus Scott, played at Oklahoma ... uncle, Anthony Thomas, played linebacker at Stephen F. Austin ... full name is Kenneth Deon Beasley ... born Sept. 19, 1987 in Orange, Texas ... lived in Jackson, Miss. for a year.
"I decided to commit to Texas because I just feel attached to all of the coaches there. They also got some great facilities and I really like their academics. My parents and grandparents also feel comfortable with it."
Chykie Brown (Cheye-key)
Defensive Back
Fr.-HS - 6-1 - 180
Houston, Texas (North Shore)
H.S. Coach: David Aymond
An all-state standout who played safety, cornerback, running back and wide receiver in high school ... a two-time all-district performer who earned three leters ... registered 120 tackles, 10 interceptions, 19 PBU, eight TFL, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his career ... named first-team 5A all-state by The Associated Press and Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... also earned first-team all-district 23-5A, first-team all-region and first-team all-Greater Houston ... registered 78 tackles, five TFL, five INTs, seven PBU, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and returned a kickoff for a TD that season ... made the game-winning interception in a 7-6 win over The Woodlands, one of three interceptions in the game, along with eight tackles ... helped North Shore to an 11-1 record in 2005 ... was named first-team all-district as a junior ... had 35 tackles, one INT, 12 PBU, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery that year ... helped North Shore to an 11-1 record in 2004 ... named to the honor roll every semester as a junior and senior ... involved in a program to help maintain school grounds ... enjoys playing basketball and lifting weights ... sister, Dominique, plays basketball at Huston-Tillotson ... full name is Chykie Jerrod Brown ... born on Dec. 26, 1986 in Houston.
"Texas is close to home, and my sister is in Austin. It's a great football team, a great program, and my parents can come see my play every game. I like the campus and the facilities. It was just a good fit."
Buck Burnette
Offensive Line
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 295
Wimberley, Texas (Wimberley)
H.S. Coach: Weldon Nelms
A two-time first-team all-state selection who was a four-year letterman and starter on the offensive line ... registered 163 pancake blocks over his final two seasons ... helped Wimberley to a 23-4 record over that span ... voted first-team 3A all-state as a senior by The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association ... tabbed first-team all-district 27-3A ... led Wimberley to a 15-0 record and a 3A state championship ... recorded 92 pancakes and did not allow a sack on the year ... tabbed first-team 3A all-state by The Associated Press as a junior ... also earned second-team 3A all-state honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association ... helped Wimberley to and 8-4 record and the district championship (27-3A) ... notched 71 pancake blocks on the season ... earned academic all-district as a junior and senior ... an honor roll student in high school ... father, Grady, was an All-SWC offensive lineman and blocked for Eric Dickerson and Craig James at SMU ... was a youth group leader at his church ... enjoys playing the guitar, hunting and fishing ... full name is Buck Wilson Burnette ... born Nov. 3, 1987 in Austin, Texas.
"I prayed about it, and it's where God wants me to be. I'm really excited about already being here this semester and getting to know everyone and getting to know the campus. Everything felt right about the situation, and I'm excited to be here."
Antwan Cobb
Running Back/Linebacker
Fr.-HS - 6-0 - 205
Pflugerville, Texas (Pflugerville)
H.S. Coach: George Herrmann
An all-state and two-time all-district selection who played primarily at running back, but also saw action linebacker and safety ... tallied 2,182 yards and 29 TDs on 270 carries (8.1 ypc) over his final two seasons ... earned second-team 5A all-state honors as a senior ... tabbed first-team 5A all-region II ... named district 15-5A offensive MVP ... named to Dave Campbell's Super Team third-team in the preseason ... rushed for 1,670 yards and 24 TDs on 191 carries (8.7 ypc) as a senior ... also had 22 receptions for 417 yards (19.0 ypr) and three TDs ... returned 15 kickoffs for 383 yards (25.5 ypr) ... rushed for 250 yards and three TDs and recorded 350 all-purpose yards versus Austin Westlake ... named first-team All-CenTex as a junior ... tabbed first-team all-district ... rushed for 512 yards and five TDs on 79 carries (6.5 ypc) and helped Pflugerville to an 8-4 record as a junior ... named Central Texas Sophomore of the Year in 2003 ... also named first-team all-district as a punt returner that year ... also competed in track and field and basketball ... ran the 100m and 200m and made it to regionals as a sophomore ... played forward in basketball as a sophomore ... an honor roll student who earned academic all-district honors as a sophomore, junior and senior ... participated in PALs, collecting pennies for patients ... has helped feed the homeless through his church ... enjoys creating beats with his friends, watching movies and playing basketball ... twin brother, Antonio, will play offensive line for Sam Houston State ... full name is Antwan Maurice Cobb ... born on Dec. 15, 1987 in Heidelburg, Germany ... moved to Texas in fifth grade.
"When I first moved from Germany, my grandfather got me into the Texas life, and from watching Wane McGarity and Major Applewhite, and all those guys, I just fell in love with the Longhorns. I just bleed orange. I already knew I was sold before I got there, but when I visited, it just made my commitment that much stronger."
Dustin Earnest
Linebacker
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 217
Texarkana, Texas (Texas)
H.S. Coach: Barry Norton
A two-time all-state selection who competed in the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... recorded 304 tackles, 24 TFL, seven sacks, five fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and scored five defensive TDs over his final two seasons ... named first-team 4A all-state by The Associated Press and earned second-team all-state honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... also earned first-team all-region and all-district honors ... named district 12-4A defensive MVP ... earned a spot on Dave Campbell's Super Team first team in the preseason ... registered 140 tackles, 11 TFL, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, five sacks and scored three defensive TDs ... helped Texas High School to a 9-2 record ... played middle LB as a junior ... named second-team all-state and district MVP that year ... recorded 164 tackles, 13 TFL, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, two sacks and scored two defensive TDs ... also had four rushing TDs ... had 19 tackles versus North Lamar ... played strongside LB as a sophomore and was named all-district ... had 48 tackles, five TFL, three fumble recoveries and two sacks ... also competed in track and field and powerlifting ... ran hurdles as a freshman and sophomore ... competed in the discus as a sophomore and junior and made regionals ... a prep honor student who was a second-team academic all-state selection ... named a scholar athlete at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... member of the National Honor Society ... member of a leadership class that heads the student council ... participated in community service projects, including Christmas caroling at hospitals and hosting a cookout for victims of Hurricane Katrina ... interested in architecture and design ... full name is Dustin Carlyle Earnest ... born on March 16, 1988 in McAllen, Texas ... lived in San Antonio from ages 3-14.
"I grew up in San Antonio, and you were either a Longhorn or an Aggie, and I picked the Longhorns pretty early. I stuck with them and it was a dream to play with them, so when they said I could come, I said yes. I liked the way everyone handled themselves there. The facilities they have are awesome, especially the bubble, and they have a nice locker room and weight room. I'm hoping to spend a lot of time in there, so that was a plus. The academics are great and the coaches really made you feel part of the family."
Brian Ellis
Defensive End
Fr.-HS - 6-5 - 250
Grand Prairie, Texas (South Grand Prairie)
H.S. Coach: David Fisher
An all-state and two-time first team all-district pick at defensive end who posted 120 tackles and 17 sacks over his final two seasons ... also played tight end ... earned honorable mention 5A all-state by The Associated Press as a senior ... also a first-team all-district (6-5A) selection ... totaled 55 tackles, 16 TFL and nine sacks ... named Fort Worth Nike Camp MVP ... named to Dave Campbell's Super Team first team in the preseason ... helped lead team to a 10-2 record and an appearance in the playoffs in 2005 ... earned first team all-district honors as a junior ... tallied 65 tackles and eight sacks as a junior ... earned a starting position half way through the season ... also participated in track and field ... member of the Decca business organization ... volunteered as a guest speaker at local elementary schools on prep game days ... played pee-wee football until middle school when he took up the trombone and then switched back to football in high school ... interested in model cars and enjoys playing video games ... full name is Brian Christopher Ellis ... born on Nov. 20, 1987 in Grand Prairie, Texas.
"It was my favorite school and I came in with the mindset that if they offered me, I was going to commit. It's always been my favorite school. It was my team growing up."
Sherrod Harris
Quarterback
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 212
Arlington, Texas (Bowie)
H.S. Coach: Anthony Criss
A three-time all-district pick and four-year letterman as a dual-threa quarterback ... became Bowie High School's all-time leading passer (third all-time in Arlington ISD history) with 4,321 yards passing over his three seasons at quarterback ... earned second team 7-5A all-district honors despite missing five games due to a hernia as a senior ... named to Dave Campbell's Super Team third team in the preseason ... posted 1,883 yards and 11 TDs and rushed for an additional 413 yards and six scores as a senior ... recorded 969 passing yards, rushed for 385 yards and totalled 13 TDs as a junior ... earned 5A third-team all-state and district 7-5A Sophomore of the Year honors in 2003 ... threw for 1,469 yards and 16 TDs and scored six rushing TDs on 489 yards ... played free safety as a freshman ... also competed in basketball and track and field ... ran the 200m and was a member of the 4x200 and 4x400-meter relays ... a prep honor student who was a four-year academic all-district selection in all three sports ... maintained a 4.0 GPA and scored 1310 on his SAT test ... active in National Honor Society and Spanish Club ... attended the American Legion's prestigious Boys' State summer program ... volunteered delivering food with Arlington's local food banks ... his uncle, Gerald Lawrence, played running back for Louisiana Tech ... enjoys reading and writing poetry, as well as bowling ... full name is Sherrod D. Harris ... born March 17, 1988 in Irving, Texas.
"This is a school with great academics, athletics, and location. It is unique to combine all three aspects. Where else would you rather play football than in Austin, Texas?"
James Henry
Defensive Back
Fr.-HS - 6-2 - 205
Schertz, Texas (Clemens)
H.S. Coach: Greg Ferrara
A two-time all-state pick and a three-year letterman who selected to the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... rushed for 3,587 yards and 46 TDs on 357 carries (10.0 ypc) over his final two seasons ... named first-team 5A all-state by The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... tabbed offensive MVP of district 25-5A ... earned first-team all-district and all-region honors as well ... named Greater San Antonio MVP ... named Dave Campbell's Super Team second team on defense in the preseason ... rushed for 1,747 yards and 22 TDs on 179 carries (9.8 ypc) in 2005 ... also had eight receptions for 142 yards and two TDs ... had two 200-yard rushing games as a senior ... rushed for 270 yards and six TDs versus Highlands ... also rushed for 218 yards and two TDs on 16 carries versus Austin ... helped Clemens to a 10-1 record in 2005 ... named second-team all-state as a junior ... rushed for 1,840 yards and 24 TDs on 178 carries (10.3 ypc) ... earned 2003 San Antonio Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore ... was also an all-district defensive back ... rushed for 800 yards to go along with four INTs ... also a four-year letterman in track and field ... competed in the 100m, 200m, relays and long jump ... assisted with local Katrina victims as a prepster ... participated in the PALs program ... assisted on youth camping trips and helped feed the homeless through his church ... enjoys playing video games ... full name is James Anthony Henry ... born on Nov. 7, 1987 in Denver ... has also lived in Converse, Texas (ages 2-9).
"It's close to home, and when I went down there, it felt like a family. Everyone was so nice, and I'm familiar with Austin."
Lamarr Houston
Defensive End
Fr.-HS - 6-2 - 257
Colorado Springs, Colo. (Doherty)
H.S. Coach: Mike Sirko
Prep All-American and two-time all-state selection who starred at running back and linebacker ... earned Parade All-America honors as a linebacker ... also tabbed second-team All-American by EA Sports ... finished his career with 3,325 yards rushing and 49 TDs to go along with 239 tackles and 13 sacks in three seasons ... posted over 100 tackles in his final two prep seasons ... averaged 8.1 yards per carry (411 carries) for his career ... named the Rocky Mountain News Colorado Defensive Player of the Year as a senior ... also earned Gatorade's Player of the Year for Colorado... rushed for 1,770 yards and 28 TDs on 230 carries (7.7 ypc) ... also made 101 tackles, including 19 TFL and eight sacks, one interception and three fumble recoveries ... rushed for 339 yards and four TDs on 33 carries in a win over Gateway in 2005 ... named first-team all-state as a junior ... one of only three juniors to be named to the all-state team ... also made first team all-conference as a linebacker and fullback ... rushed for 779 yards and 11 TDs on 70 carries (11.1 ypc) and tallied 100 tackles, two sacks and three fumble recoveries ... earned first team all-conference, second-team all-area and first-team all-city honors as a sophomore while playing fullback and defensive end ... carried 111 times for 776 yards (7.0 ypc) and 10 TDs to go along with 38 tackles and three sacks that year ... played fullback and middle linebacker as a freshman ... also competed in basketball and track and field ... a three-year letterman as a power forward in basketball ... competed in the dicus, shot put and 100-meter hurdles in track and field ... placed first in the city and sixth in the state in the discus as a senior with a throw of 163-0 ... participated in activities for Mothers Against Drunk Driving ... spoke during a program called Smart Girls in 2005 that builds self-esteem in young girls ... enjoys playing the piano and drums ... cousin, Stan Gill, played tailback at Stanford in 1985 ... full name is Frederick Lamarr Houston ... born on June 24, 2987 in San Francisco ... moved to San Francisco at age 5 ... also lived in Sacramento until age 10.
"Texas was always a dream school for me and I've always known that I wanted to go there. They have great players, a great atmosphere and there's a great relationship there between everyone in the program. There's a great tradition there and it's a great place for me."
Eddie Jones
Defensive End
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 240
Kilgore, Texas (Kilgore)
H.S. Coach: Mike Vallery
A first-team prep Parade All-American, first-team USA Today All-American and EA Sports first-team All-America ... played in the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... two-time first team all-state pick who finished his career with 310 tackles, 27 TFL, 28 sacks, 25 PBU, eight forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, 30 pressures and a blocked punt which he returned for a TD ... named first-team 4A all-state by The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... also earned district 17-4A MVP honors ... 2005 all-East Texas Defensive MVP ... named to Dave Campbell's Super Team first team in the preseason ... had 95 tackles, 11 TFL, 11 sacks, six PBU, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 11 pressures and one blocked punt which he returned for a TD ... helped Kilgore to an 11-2 record in 2005 ... named first-team all-state by The Associated Press and Texas Sports Writers Association as a junior ... named District 17-4A MVP ... earned all-East Texas first-team honors ... recorded 131 tackles, 10 TFL, 11 sacks, 11 PBU, one forced fumble and 15 pressures ... helped Kilgore to the 2004 4A State Championship and a 16-0 record ... had 11 tackles and two sacks in the title game win over Dallas Lincoln ... named honorable mention all-state as a sophomore ... earned all-East Texas first-team honors ... tabbed 17-4A Defensive Newcomer of the Year ... had 84 tackles, six TFL, six sacks, eight PBU, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four pressures ... also played running back and linebacker as a freshman ... also played basketball and baseball ... played power forward on the basketball team as a freshman, junior and senior ... was the designated hitter and played in the outfield on the baseball team as a sophomore, junior and senior ... has spoken to children at local elementary and middles schools ... enjoys video games ... full name is Eddie Lewis Jones, Jr. ... born on Jan. 11, 1988 in Henderson, Texas.
"I chose Texas for the family atmosphere. When I took my visit to Texas, I just liked the family atmosphere, and I had made up my mind that I wanted to be somewhere that was just like a family back home. Everything was impressive, the field, the football building, and the crowd when you come to watch a game, everybody is cheering so loud. I'm just glad to be coming to be with the fans, players and coaches."
Robert Joseph
Defensive Back
Fr.-HS - 6-2 - 195
Port Arthur, Texas (Memorial)
H.S. Coach: Barry Norton
Versatile, three-year letterman who was a two-way standout ... a two-time all-state and three-time all-district pick at free safety ... recorded 213 tackles (132 solo) and three interceptions over his final two seasons ... also played running back, wide receiver and quarterback ... was a Willie Ray Smith finalist (Outstanding Offensive and Defensive Players in Beaumont area) as a junior and senior ... tabbed first team 5A all-state by The Associated Press as a senior ... earned second-team all-state honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association ... named the district MVP ... was a member of the Port Arthur News Super team for three years and was named that publication's Defensive Player of the Year as a senior ... tabbed second-team all-Greater Houston ... named to Dave Campbell's Super Team second team in the preseason ... notched 80 tackles (54 solo) two TFL, one INT and one forced fumble in only seven games that year ... named honorable mention all-state by The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a junior ... earned first team all-district (22-5A) honors ... recorded 133 tackles (78 solo), 14 PBU and two INTs that year ... earned second team all-district as a sophomore ... has been on the Honor Roll since his sophomore year ... ran track for the first time as a senior ... enjoys playing video games ... full name is Robert F. Joseph ... born Sept. 11, 1987 in Port Arthur, Texas.
"It's been a dream my whole life to play at Texas, and I had the opportunity to have it come true. It's a very family oriented program. Coach Brown is down to earth and humble, and I'm excited to play there."
Sergio Kindle
Linebacker
Fr.-HS - 6-4 - 225
Dallas, Texas (Wilson)
H.S. Coach: Bobby Estes
Prep All-American who was the only Texas player to earn all-state honors on both offense and defense ... a two-time all-state player who recorded 411 tackles and 55 TFL, while rushing for 5,632 yards and 86 TDs over his final three seasons ... averaged 9.5 yards per carry during his final two seasons ... a Parade All-America selection and Parade Player of the Year finalist as a senior ... named the Parade AFL Ironman (best two-way player nationally) ... earned the Old Spice Red Zone National Player of the Year award ... also named first-team All-American by USA Today ... tabbed first-team All-American by EA Sports ... named 4A Defensive Player of the Year by The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association ... tabbed the Dallas Morning News all-area defensive MVP ... named region defensive MVP and all-region first team ... secured unanimous district MVP honors (10-4A) ... posted 218 carries for 2,298 yards (10.5 ypc) and 40 TDs ... also recorded 157 tackles, 36 TFL and one touchdown at linebacker ... while fighting a stomach virus, notched 247 yards on 31 carries in a playoff win over Lake Dallas ... earned Associated Press and Texas Sports Writers Association honorable mention 4A all-state running back honors as a junior ... named district 10-4A's offensive MVP and was named first-team all-district on both offense and defense ... wracked up 1,825 yards and 25 TDs on 214 rushing attempts (8.5 ypc) and posted 107 tackles and 19 TFL ... named district 9-4A Player of the Year as a sophomore ... rushed for 1,509 yards and 21 TDs while recording 147 tackles ... named district 9-4A Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman ... also blocked five punts and two field goals while playing on special teams ... was the starting center on the basketball team ... ran the 400m, 4x400-meter relay and competed in the long jump ... full name is Sergio V. Kindle ... born on Sept. 20, 1987.
"I didn't want to leave the state and everybody in the country knows that if you're going to stay close to home, you pick the best school and that's Texas no doubt about it. Everybody there takes you in as part of the team, but on the other end the school part is really important to me as well. I know that if our recruiting class sticks together, we're really going to have something special."
Hunter Lawrence
Kicker
Fr.-HS - 6-0 - 180
Boerne, Texas (Boerne)
H.S. Coach: Tommy Bludau
A two-time all-state selection ... connected on 32-of-44 (.727) of his FGs and 63-of-70 PATs in his final two prep seasons ... earned first-team 4A all-state by The Associated Press as a senior ... named second-team 4A all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association ... earned first-team all-district 28-4A honors ... converted 12-of-19 FGs and 43-of-45 PATs with a long of 49 yards ... seven of his FGs were for 40 or more yards with two of the misses having been blocked ... helped Boerne to a 9-3 record in 2005 ... earned first-team 4A all-state by The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a junior ... made 20-of-25 FGs and 44-of-46 PATs with a long of 48 yards as a junior ... connected on four field goals during an 18-16 win over New Braunfels in the state playoffs his junior year ... also a two-year letterman in golf ... member of the National Honor Society ... a prep honor roll student who posted a cumulative 98 GPA on a 100-point scale over four years ... tabbed second-team academic all-state as a senior ... earned academic all-district honors as a sophomore and junior ... participated in the STARS program that assists first-grade teachers at local elementary schools ... enjoys hunting and fishing and used to take regular snow skiing trips ... father, Sid, played linebacker at SMU before transferring and earning his degree at UT ... mother, Karen, also graduated from UT ... full name is Hunter Davis Lawrence ... born on June 28, 1988 in San Antonio ... lived in San Antonio until age 6.
"I've always been a Texas fan. When I had the option to go there, there's nowhere else I'd really rather be. There's nowhere better than going to Texas. They have awesome facilities, from the weight room to the locker room to the bubble, it's just amazing. I'm looking forward to being able to get to Texas and use them."
Josh Marshall
Wide Receiver
Fr.-HS - 6-4 - 205
Arlington, Texas (Martin)
H.S. Coach: Ronnie Laurence
A two-time all-district player who was a three-year letterman at wide receiver ... had 114 catches for 1,459 yards and 11 TDs over his final two seasons ... tabbed honorable mention 5A all-state by The Associated Press as a senior ... a unanimous all-district (7-5A) selection that year ... also earned all-area accolades ... made 81 receptions for 1,091 yards and six TDs ... named second-team all-district as a junior ... tallied 33 receptions for 368 yards and five TDs that year ... was a two-year letterman as a pitcher and earned first-team all-district honors his junior season ... switched to track and field for his senior year ... an honor roll student in high school ... was a regular speaker at local junior high schools ... enjoys playing video games and shooting pool ... father, Tank, was a defensive end at Texas A&M (1973-77) and in the NFL (1977-81) for the New York Jets and the Houston Oilers ... full name is Joshua Anthony Marshall ... born Aug. 13, 1987 in Grand Prairie, Texas.
"It was a little bit of everything; Academics, athletics all of it. It fits me better than all of the other schools. My parents and I feel like I'll do well at Texas. It was difficult at first, but I am so glad I picked Texas -- it's a blessing."
Vondrell McGee
Running Back
Fr.-HS - 5-10 - 180
Longview, Texas (Longview)
H.S. Coach: John King
A prep Parade All-American and a two-time all-state pick who rushed for 3,400 yards and 44 TDs over his last two seasons ... earned second-team 5A all-state honors from The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... tabbed 5A Region II Offensive MVP ... named district 12-5A Offensive MVP ... earned first-team all-district honors ... a second-team all-Texas selection ... tabbed 2005 all-East Texas MVP ... rushed for 1,361 yards and 17 TDs on 163 carries (8.3 ypc) ... also had 11 receptions for 160 yards and five kickoff returns for 274 yards ... helped Longview to a 10-1 record ... earned third-team all-state honors from The Associated Press as a junior ... named first-team all-district 12-5A ... tabbed first-team all-East Texas ... rushed for 2,039 yards and 27 TDs ... the 27 TDs is a Longview High School record ... helped Longview to a 12-1 record in 2004 ... also competed in track and field ... ran the 100m and sprint relays ... played basketball as a freshman and sophomore ... is active in community service ... participated in Red Ribbon week for drug prevention ... assisted with youth car washes and litter projects ... enjoys basketball and weightlifting ... father, Victor, played QB at West Texas State and for the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League ... full name is Vondrell M. McGee ... born on July 18, 1988 in Longview, Texas.
"Not many people get to go to a good school like that. It's great because everybody gets along and everybody really likes the coaches. Now we can come in and be a part of something special."
Britt Mitchell
Tight End
Fr.-HS - 6-5 - 250
Kilgore, Texas (Kilgore)
H.S. Coach: Mike Vallery
A two-time honorable mention all-state selection by The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association ... a physical tight end who was considered to be a sixth lineman by his high school coaches ... a four-year letterman who helped his team to a 39-4 record over his final three seasons including a state championship in 2004 ... made 16 receptions for 181 yards over his final two seasons in Kilgore's run-oriented offense ... selected to the 2005 Dave Campbell's Super Team prior to his senior year ... blocked for an 1,800-yard running back as a senior, a 2,800-yard back as a junior and two 1,000-yard rushers as a sophomore ... recorded 80 knockdowns and graded out at 96 percent as a senior ... also competed in basketball and track and field ... was a four-year letterman in track and field and made regionals in the discus ... had a personal best toss of 152-0 ... a prep honor roll student who was an AP student at Kilgore ... was involved in Adopt-A-Highway, Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels ... enjoys being outdoors ... grandfather, Vernon Mitchell, played football at UTEP from 1955-56 ... full name is Britt Parker Mitchell ... born on July 20, 1988 in Longview, Texas.
"The coaching staff and the family-based atmosphere stood out to me. Texas makes you really feel like you're a part of something. They make you feel comfortable."
Steve Moore
Offenisive Line
Fr.-HS - 6-5 - 275
Houston, Texas (Jersey Village)
H.S. Coach: David Snokhaus
An all-state and two-time all-district selection who played primarily at offensive tackle in high school ... spent his senior season at left tackle ... earned Associated Press second-team 5A all-state honors ... also tabbed second-team all-district (17-5A) ... named second-team all-greater Houston by the Houston Chronicle ... recorded 30 pancake blocks and 15 knockdowns on the year ... led Jersey Village to 360 yards rushing in a victory over Cypress Springs ... played mainly at right tackle as a junior ... led the Falcons to an 8-4 record and 5A Division II area finals appearance ... earned second team all-district (17-5A) honors ... also threw the shot put and had a personal best of 52 feet ... is a member of the National Honor Society ... is heavily involved in mission trips through his church ... spent 10 days in Lima, Peru helping to rebuild a church ... volunteers at the library ... enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and playing the guitar ... his grandparents, Margaret and William Wilborn, are UT graduates ... full name is Steven Galloway Moore ... born Nov. 15, 1987 in Houston, Texas.
"Being born and raised in Texas, I felt right at home. I think because most of the guys that play at Texas are from Texas we all feel like we are representing the same thing and it helps to build a bond."
Jared Norton
Linebacker
Fr.-HS - 6-3 - 236
Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett)
H.S. Coach: Kiff Hardin
A two-time all-state selection and four-year starter who tallied 326 tackles, 18 sacks, 52 TFL and six forced fumbles during his final two seasons ... started his career as a cornerback before switching to linebacker ... earned first-team 5A all-state honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior ... tabbed second-team 5A all-state by The Associated Press ... named 5A Texas Football Defensive Player of the Year and Linebacker of the Year ... tabbed 5A Region II MVP ... earned District 11-5A MVP from the Dallas Morning News ... named to Dave Campbell's Super Team second team in the preseason ... led Rowlett High to its first ever playoff appearance and victory in 2005 ... finished with 195 tackles, 13 sacks, 42 TFL, two forced fumbles and one interception ... his 195 tackles broke the Garland Independent School District record ... made 19 tackles, including four sacks, and had an INT in a victory over Plano West ... earned honorable mention all-state honors from The Associated Press as a junior ... made 131 tackles and recorded five sacks ... made 24 tackles in a game against Cedar Hill ... also competed in track and field and basketball as a freshman and sophomore ... took engineering classes at El Centro Community College when he was in ninth grade ... joined teammates in cleaning around Lake Ray Hubbard ... cousin, Patrice Bullock, played basketball at Iowa ... uncle, Fred Bullock, was an NFL Draft pick ... full name is Jared D. Norton ... born Jan. 8, 1988 in Dallas, Texas.
"The family atmosphere at Texas is so close. Also, the coaches were great. Each time I thought I had a favorite coach, I would meet another one and they all ended up being my favorite."
Philip Payne
Wide Receiver
Fr.-HS - 6-2 - 205
Garland, Texas (South Garland)
H.S. Coach: Mickey Moss
A two-time all-district performer and three-year letterman who split time between wide receiver and running back ... would line up in the I-formation when South Garland would go to its running game and would split wide in their spread formation ... made 64 catches for 907 yards and seven TDs and carried the ball 121 times for 591 yards and 13 TDs over his final two seasons ... earned all-region and all-district (11-5A) honors as a senior ... named to Dave Campbell's Super Team first team prior to the season ... caught 47 passes for 601 yards and four TDs and rushed for 224 yards and four TDs on 61 carries while leading South Garland to the Regional semis that year ... had seven catches for 94 yards and a TD and took another reception to the one-yard line in South Garland's 14-13 upset of Longview, who was ranked No. 3 in the state and No. 8 in the country, in the first round of the playoffs ... added five receptions for 111 yards in a playoff loss to Lufkin ... earned all-district (11-5A) as a junior ... made 17 catches for 306 yards and three TDs and rushed for 367 yards and nine TDs on 60 carries ... had four receptions for 197 yards and two TDs against W.T. White ... read to elementary school students and participated in Angel Tree, where small groups of football players would adopt a needy child and provide toys and other items ... also spent time at an elementary school conducting a form of student teaching ... interested in becoming a teacher ... was involved in his church choir and youth group ... enjoys playing video games ... full name is Philip A. Payne ... born on Jan. 21, 1988 in Dallas, Texas.
"I liked the atmosphere and the family vibe. When I was there, it just felt like home. The players were fun and everybody was just cool."
Greg Smith
Tight End
Fr.-HS - 6-4 - 238
Montgomery, Texas (Montgomery)
H.S. Coach: John Bolfing
A two-time all-district selection who lettered in four sports -- football, basketball, track and field and soccer -- as a prepster ... was a two-year starter before missing his senior season with an injury ... two-year member of the team leadership council ... voted second team all-district (18-4A) and honorable mention all-county as a junior ... made 10 receptions for 165 yards and three TDs ... named honorable mention all-district as a sophomore ... three-year letterman in basketball ... led his team to a bi-district championship as a junior ... earned first team all-district and all-county ... named honorable mention all-county as a sophomore ... played on the USA People to People Ambassador basketball team, leading them to a second-place finish at the Switzerland Invitational ... earned all-tournament team honors ... lettered twice competing in the 200 meters, 400 meters, long jump, triple jump, sprint relays, shot put and discus in track and field ... was a regional qualifier in the 200 meters and the shot put ... helped his 4x200 relay team set a school record ... also earned a letter in soccer as a sophomore ... a member of the National Honor Society ... involved with the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society ... earned second-team academic all-state and academic all-district as a senior ... made Montgomery HS and national Honor Roll ... participated in the Student Leadership Conference in Jan. 2004 ... was a children's leader at his church ... spent time as a math tutor ... was a Special Olympics coach ... worked at the Star of Hope homeless shelter ... uncle, Gus Jr., and grandfather, Gus Sr., played football at St. Joseph's ... cousin, Vick Fortino, played football at Wisconsin from 1985-88 ... enjoys drawing and playing the bass guitar ... full name is Gregory David Smith ... born on Jan. 13, 1988 in Greenbrae, Calif.
"Texas is a balanced school. They are competitive both academically and athletically."
