Ruling class: master recruiter Mack Brown helps Texas consistently bring in top talent, but the Longhorns' 2002 group—led by highly lauded quarterback Vincent Young—might be one of the best recruiting classes ever

Sporting News, The, Feb 11, 2002 by Tom Dienhart

Texas coach Mack Brown is a man in motion. With just days to go before February 6--national signing day--a to-do list races through his head.

Who does he need to call today? What recruits are coming to campus this weekend? What home visits does he still have to make? But the internal frenzy is belied by his placid exterior. Brown knows he is about to tie a bow around what many think is his best recruiting class ever.

"Going in, it would be," he says.

That's a Texas-sized mouthful when you consider Brown is regarded as one of nation's best recruiters. But this collection of Longhorn wannabes is among the nation's best classes in the last 10 years.

"It could go down in the recruiting annals as the best ever," says Jeremy Crabtree of Rivals100.com.

Best ever? That's a big statement, even for college football recruiting, which is filled with more hyperbole than a Don King press conference. But all of the hot air about this Texas class may be legitimate.

The guy generating the most babble is Vincent Young, a 6-5, 195-pound quarterback from Houston's Madison High.

When Young took his official visit to Austin the weekend of January 11-13, he wasn't planning on committing. Why should he? A long, lean passer with 4.4 speed, Young was considered the nation's No. 1 prospect by Rivals100.com. Parade magazine had named him its co-National Player of the Year (along with running back Lorenzo Booker of St. Bonaventure High in Ventura, Calif.). Young, who threw for more than 5,000 yards and ran for more than 4,000 in his high school career, was in position to commit wherever and whenever he wanted.

But as Young was leaving the Baylor-Texas men's basketball game on January 12, a fan recognized Young and shouted his name. Young responded by flashing a "Hook 'em Horns" sign. That caused a spontaneous cheer from thousands of Texas fans as they inched out of the Erwin Center.

"That brought a tear to my eye," says Young.

Forgive Texas fans if they weep joyfully upon seeing a roster packed with several of the nation's most highly-sought blue-chippers. Joining Young are:

* Justin Blalock, a 6-4, 325-pound offensive tackle from East High in Plano, Texas.

* Marquis Johnson, a 6-3, 190-pound receiver from Centennial High in Champaign, Ill.

* Edorian McCullough, a 5-11, 190-pound cornerback with 4.3 speed from North Garland (Texas) High.

* Bryan Pickryl, a 6-6, 225-pound defensive end from Jenks (Okla.) High.

* Rodrique Wright, a 6-5, 330-pound defensive tackle from Hastings High in Alief, Texas.

"Texas did particularly well in-state," says Bobby Burton of Rivals100.com. "Nobody has dominated this state from a blue-chip perspective like Texas did this year."

Of course, it's as easy to accurately project how a group of recruits will develop over four or five years as it is to get Texas mascot Bevo to lay down and roll over. That's why Brown wants to temper the enthusiasm of its face-painting/replica-jersey-wearing fans.

"I like to evaluate them going out," he says. "So let's look at it four or five years from now and see if these guys develop like they're supposed to."

But the group figures to have an immediate impact. Texas has amassed the best collection of incoming linebackers and defensive linemen in the nation. Among them, linebackers Garnet Smith, Brian Robison and Aaron Harris and linemen Wright and junior college transfer Sonny Davis could work into the rotation immediately. The three linebackers offer a solid blend of speed and power, and Wright and Davis have the size and strength to compete in the Big 12.

Offensive line is the toughest place for a true freshman to make an impact, but Blalock has the size, quickness and balance to play right away at guard. His chances are further enhanced by the fact Texas lost three starting linemen from 2001.

As for Young, he may have to wait for his chance at quarterback. The coaching staff has promised him an opportunity to compete for the starting job, but Young wasn't guaranteed anything with senior Chris Simms returning.

"They aren't gonna give me the job," says Young. "I have to compete for it. But I love to compete. Any decision to redshirt me likely won't be made until midseason. We'll just have to see how it goes."

Expect Young to compete with sophomore Chance Mock for the backup role. Athletically, Young is unlike any quarterback on the roster. His ability to make plays with his rifle arm and nimble feet is remarkable. He just needs experience.

Like Young, Pickryl, McCullough and Johnson likely will have to wait a year to make an impact. Texas already has Cory Redding and Kalen Thornton at end, which doesn't bode well for Pickryl. Johnson will be met by one of the best receiving corps in the nation, and McCullough may not qualify academically. But even if this class' contributions are muted next fall, you can be sure the Longhorns will feel its effect in years to come.

"They signed a starting quarterback, running back, fullback, receiver and two linemen," says Burton. "On defense, I think they got four linemen, two linebackers and two defensive backs. That's possibly 14 starters in one class."