With the new coaching staff coming in we need to recap where UTSA stands in recruiting. Below is a breakdown of each position and what needs UTSA has for 2016.
Quarterback: 0 Commits
Some programs like to take at least one quarterback every recruiting cycle. I don’t see why UTSA should be an different. The Roadrunners return So. Blake Bogenschutz, Jr. Dalton Sturm, Fr. Manny Harris, and Fr. Jaylon Henderson. Although it looks good on paper UTSA needs a JUCO or grad transfer quarterback for 2016. With it being so late in the cycle a JUCO quarterback might be out of the question, but do not count out a grad transfer coming in, in the summer. Best case scenario UTSA gets a grad transfer that can come in and complete with Bogenschutz and Sturm for the job.
Running Back: 0 Commits
The departure of Jess Anders will sting a bit, but UTSA is lucky to have some great backs in the stable. UTSA has 1,000 rusher Sr. Jarveon Williams, So. Jalen Rhodes, So. Tyrell Clay, and So. Brett Winnegan. Pretty solid group of running backs for Frank Wilson to work with. Depending on the offensive scheme backs like So. Halen Steward, and Sr. Corbin White will also be at Wilson’s disposal. My guess is that UTSA will take one back this cycle. Preferably a bigger, bruising back.
Wide Receiver: 1 Commit
WR Jesse Ebozue [Bowie]
The deepest most talented position on the team in my opinion. There is no doubt that UTSA has the talent at wide receiver to do some serious damage in CUSA. UTSA returns Jr. Kerry Thomas, Sr. JaBryce Taylor, Jr. Aron Taylor, Jr. Cannon Cavil, So. Greg Campbell, So. Peyton Hall, and So. Derrick Dick, Impressive, right? UTSA’s lone commit at wide receiver should be the lone commit at the position. He is already on campus and will participate in spring camp.
Tight End: 2 Commits
TE Jack Giblin [Port Neches-Groves], Austin Blake-Smith [Ventura C.C.]
Giblin could be seen as a wide receiver, but I think he will end up playing tight end for UTSA. Blake-Smith will only be at UTSA for one year, so expect him to contribute immediately. UTSA returns Sr. Trevor Stevens, Jr. Shaq Williams, and So. Triston Crossland. With two commits and Blake-Smith already on campus do not expect for UTSA to target anymore tight ends for 2016.
Offensive Line: 2 Commits
Stefan Beard [Navarro J.C.], Tanner Myers [Coffeyville C.C.]
Arguably UTSA’s most important pick-ups during the mid-year transfer period. Both have a good chance at seeing significant playing time next year. I can see UTSA targeting one or two high school offensive lineman to help build depth. UTSA returns some talent for 2016, but we have all seen the offensive line struggle time and time again. Expect one high school target and maybe another JUCO lineman.
Defensive Line: 1 Commit
Jarrod McLin [Carthage]
If there is a spot where UTSA needs some serious influx of talent its at the defensive line. There’s some talent returning like Jr. Marcus Davenport, Sr. Vontrell King-Williams, and Sr. Jonathan Triolosega. The problem here is that there is no depth. UTSA will have to rely on redshirt freshman and walk-ons to provide significant playing time. UTSA should target at least two defensive ends and one defensive tackle for 2016.
Linebackers: 2 Commits
Leslie Maruo [Hutchinson C.C.], Anthony Hickey [Saddleback C.C.]
Depth at linebacker is practically non-existent. Maruo and Hickey are already on campus and will join Jr. Marcos Curry and Sr. La’Kel Bass. Look for Wilson and staff to want at least two linebackers both form the high school ranks. UTSA needs to start developing depth at the linebacker position.
Cornerbacks: 3 Commits
Brenndan Johnson [Naval Academy Prep], Carrington Kearney [Hendrickson], Derrick Worthy [Orange Coast]
UTSA lost two senior cornerbacks in Bennett Okotcha and Trevor Baker. The Roadrunners return talent, but it is mostly inexperienced. Derrick Worthy will come in and contend for early playing time. Johnson might see some time as well, but most likely on special teams. Kearney will probably redshirt in 2016. Don’t expect for UTSA to take any more cornerbacks this cycle.
Safeties: 0 Commits
UTSA had talent and depth at this position for 2016, but do not be surprised if Wilson targets one safety this cycle. It is dangerous not to spend at least one scholarship on a position as important as safety.
Quarterback: 0 Commits
Some programs like to take at least one quarterback every recruiting cycle. I don’t see why UTSA should be an different. The Roadrunners return So. Blake Bogenschutz, Jr. Dalton Sturm, Fr. Manny Harris, and Fr. Jaylon Henderson. Although it looks good on paper UTSA needs a JUCO or grad transfer quarterback for 2016. With it being so late in the cycle a JUCO quarterback might be out of the question, but do not count out a grad transfer coming in, in the summer. Best case scenario UTSA gets a grad transfer that can come in and complete with Bogenschutz and Sturm for the job.
Running Back: 0 Commits
The departure of Jess Anders will sting a bit, but UTSA is lucky to have some great backs in the stable. UTSA has 1,000 rusher Sr. Jarveon Williams, So. Jalen Rhodes, So. Tyrell Clay, and So. Brett Winnegan. Pretty solid group of running backs for Frank Wilson to work with. Depending on the offensive scheme backs like So. Halen Steward, and Sr. Corbin White will also be at Wilson’s disposal. My guess is that UTSA will take one back this cycle. Preferably a bigger, bruising back.
Wide Receiver: 1 Commit
WR Jesse Ebozue [Bowie]
The deepest most talented position on the team in my opinion. There is no doubt that UTSA has the talent at wide receiver to do some serious damage in CUSA. UTSA returns Jr. Kerry Thomas, Sr. JaBryce Taylor, Jr. Aron Taylor, Jr. Cannon Cavil, So. Greg Campbell, So. Peyton Hall, and So. Derrick Dick, Impressive, right? UTSA’s lone commit at wide receiver should be the lone commit at the position. He is already on campus and will participate in spring camp.
Tight End: 2 Commits
TE Jack Giblin [Port Neches-Groves], Austin Blake-Smith [Ventura C.C.]
Giblin could be seen as a wide receiver, but I think he will end up playing tight end for UTSA. Blake-Smith will only be at UTSA for one year, so expect him to contribute immediately. UTSA returns Sr. Trevor Stevens, Jr. Shaq Williams, and So. Triston Crossland. With two commits and Blake-Smith already on campus do not expect for UTSA to target anymore tight ends for 2016.
Offensive Line: 2 Commits
Stefan Beard [Navarro J.C.], Tanner Myers [Coffeyville C.C.]
Arguably UTSA’s most important pick-ups during the mid-year transfer period. Both have a good chance at seeing significant playing time next year. I can see UTSA targeting one or two high school offensive lineman to help build depth. UTSA returns some talent for 2016, but we have all seen the offensive line struggle time and time again. Expect one high school target and maybe another JUCO lineman.
Defensive Line: 1 Commit
Jarrod McLin [Carthage]
If there is a spot where UTSA needs some serious influx of talent its at the defensive line. There’s some talent returning like Jr. Marcus Davenport, Sr. Vontrell King-Williams, and Sr. Jonathan Triolosega. The problem here is that there is no depth. UTSA will have to rely on redshirt freshman and walk-ons to provide significant playing time. UTSA should target at least two defensive ends and one defensive tackle for 2016.
Linebackers: 2 Commits
Leslie Maruo [Hutchinson C.C.], Anthony Hickey [Saddleback C.C.]
Depth at linebacker is practically non-existent. Maruo and Hickey are already on campus and will join Jr. Marcos Curry and Sr. La’Kel Bass. Look for Wilson and staff to want at least two linebackers both form the high school ranks. UTSA needs to start developing depth at the linebacker position.
Cornerbacks: 3 Commits
Brenndan Johnson [Naval Academy Prep], Carrington Kearney [Hendrickson], Derrick Worthy [Orange Coast]
UTSA lost two senior cornerbacks in Bennett Okotcha and Trevor Baker. The Roadrunners return talent, but it is mostly inexperienced. Derrick Worthy will come in and contend for early playing time. Johnson might see some time as well, but most likely on special teams. Kearney will probably redshirt in 2016. Don’t expect for UTSA to take any more cornerbacks this cycle.
Safeties: 0 Commits
UTSA had talent and depth at this position for 2016, but do not be surprised if Wilson targets one safety this cycle. It is dangerous not to spend at least one scholarship on a position as important as safety.
