College Confidential

Texas A&M regents preparing to take action in regard to Big 12 exit fees

Texas A&M’s board of regents will meet in a Monday teleconference to consider allowing school president R. Bowen Loftin to negotiate a settlement agreement with the Big 12 in regard to the school’s move to the Southeastern Conference in July.

The agenda item, posted today, calls for regents to consider “authorization for the president of Texas A&M University to negotiate and execute a settlement agreement with the Big 12 Conference and its members.” It is the only item on Monday's agenda.

Under Big 12 bylaws, the school would forfeit more than $28 million, based on projected revenues, to leave the Big 12 after this school year. But A&M officials have said they envision cutting that total _ perhaps in half _ through negotiations, a move that worked for former Big 12 members Nebraska and Colorado when those schools left the league.

_ Jimmy Burch

TCU men's hoops sophomore Jarvis Ray academically ineligible for the rest of the season

TCU sophomore Jarvis Ray is academically ineligible for the rest of the season. The guard did not make the trip to UNLV Wednesday and did not play in the Mountain West Conference opener last Saturday at Colorado State. He played in 12 of the Horned Frogs' 16 games this season, including one start Dec. 19 at USC. He last played Jan. 11 against UT Pan American, scoring two points in 14 minutes. His most productive game came Nov. 14 when he scored a career-high 12 points, had two blocks and three steals.
Ray (6-foot-6) attended O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans.
TCU (10-7, 0-2 in MWC) plays Boise State (10-7, 0-2) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.

-- Stefan Stevenson
@FollowtheFrogs 

 

Oklahoma defensive coordinator Venables leaves for Clemson

Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who came to OU along with head coach Bob Stoops in 1999, told media outlets late Wednesday night that he would accept the defensive coordinator's job at Clemson.

Venables' departure comes a few days after the formal announcement last week that Mike Stoops, Bob's brother, would be returning to OU as co-defensive coordinator. Mike Stoops was fired as head coach at Arizona in midseason.

The Oklahoman reported that two of the names being mentioned early to fill the vacancy on the Sooners' defensive staff are TCU linebackers coach Tony Tademy and former Miami Hurricanes' head coach Randy Shannon.

Venables, one of OU's top recruiters, had seen his defense slide in the national rankings in recent years. Mike Stoops and Venables were co-coordinators early in the Bob Stoops' regime, and from 2000 to 2003 the Sooners were ranked in the top 10. Last year OU ranked 55th in yards allowed per game. Venables had been the defensive signal caller since Mike Stoops left for Arizona after the 2003 season.

At Clemson, Venables could see a significant pay increase, according to The Oklahoman and Tulsa World. Venables' salary at OU was $440,000 a year and he could be in the range of $600,000 or more at Clemson.

Venables fills the vacancy left by the departure of former Baylor coach Kevin Steele, whose defense gave up 70 points to West Virginia in the Orange Bowl.

All Saints QB switches commitment to UCLA, other local recruiting notes

Fort Worth All Saints quarterback T.J. Millweard, who committed to Arizona State last summer, has decommitted from the Sun Devils and committed to UCLA, Saints coach Aaron Beck said.

Millweard, who originally committed to Virgina Tech last February, threw for 2,367 yards and 22 TDs as a senior in leading All Saints to the Southwest Preparatory Conference championship game.

Beck said former Arizona State offesnive coordinator Noel Mazzone, now the offensive coordinator at UCLA, was the primary recruiter for Millweard.

Beck also said All Saints running back Brian Vaughn gave his verbal pledge to play for Larry Coker and UT San Antonio.

Bell QB commits to E. Kentucky

Hurst L.D. Bell quarterback Kyle Romano committed to Eastern Kentucky, Bell coach Mark Smith said.

The 6-1, 180 pound Romano, who threw for 1,851 yards and 14 TDs and rushed for 913 yards and 17 TDs this season, also considered Air Force, Sam Houston State and Abilene Christian.

Local duo commits to La.-Monroe

Fort Worth Dunbar cornerback Alex Johnson and Mansfield defensive back Lenzy Pipkins have committed to Louisiana-Monroe.

Legacy QB considering his options

Mansfield Legacy coach Chris Melson said quarterback DaCarlos Humphrey is currently considering several schools.

New Mexico, Air Force and three Ivy league schools are all options for the 5-11, 170 pound dual threat QB, who accounted for nearly 1,100 total yards and 16 TDs this season.

Melson also said Legacy wide receiver Andy Ritter is receiving heavy interest from several Ivy League schools.

-- Matthew Reagan

Wyoming WR Doctson, a Mansfield Legacy grad, transferring to TCU

Wyoming freshman receiver Josh Doctson, a Mansfield Legacy graduate, has transferred to TCU, Legacy coach Chris Melson said Wednesday.Doctson (6-foot-4, 185 pounds) caught a 7-yard touchdown pass against TCU in the first quarter of a 31-20 loss in November. He had 35 catches for 393 yards and five TDs last season.

— Matthew Reagan

 

Keller Central and Baylor commit Zack Sanchez to visit Oklahoma

Keller Central athlete and Baylor commitment Zach Sanchez said on Wednesday that he plans to visit Oklahoma next weekend, the final weekend for visits before national signing day (Feb.1).

"I'm still committed," Sanchez said. "OU offered so they're in the picture now but I'm still thinking about everything and haven't made a decision yet."

Sanchez, who has been committed to the Bears since last summer, said he plans on visiting Baylor this weekend and will make his decision next weekend after he visits the Sooners.

He said he received the offer from Oklahom a week and a half ago and spoke with new OU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops.

"Coach Stoops just came back and he came and visited me the other day," he said.

Sanchez, who was named the Star-Telegram's Super Team Defensive Player of the Year, likely projects as a defensive back in college.

He racked up 41 catches for 944 yards and 15 total touchdowns, grabbed nine interceptions (two for TD) and broke up eight passes during the regular season this year.

-- Matthew Reagan

Wyoming WR Josh Docston transfers to TCU

Wyoming freshman receiver Josh Doctson, a Mansfield Legacy graduate, has transferred to TCU, Legacy coach Chris Melson said on Wednesday.

"It's a done deal - he's a Horned Frog," Melson said.

Doctson (6-4, 185) caught a 7-yard touchdown pass against TCU in the first quarter of a 31-20 loss in November and posted 35 catches for 393 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games for the Cowboys this season.

 

 

Baylor forward Jones on Midseason Top 25 list for Wooden Award

Baylor forward Perry Jones III is one of three players from the Big 12 named to the Midseason Top 25 for the Wooden Award, officials announced today. Other Big 12 candidates include Kansas forward Thomas Robinson and Missouri guard Marcus Denmon.

_ Jimmy Burch

Three Texas defensive players headed to Senior Bowl

Three Texas defensive players have accepted invitations to compete in the Senior Bowl, Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala. The list includes linebacker Emmanuel Acho, linebacker Keenan Robinson and defensive tackle Kheeston Randall. All three will play on the South team, which will be coached by members of the Washington Redskins’ staff.

_ Jimmy Burch

OU cornerback Jamell Fleming to play in Senior Bowl

Oklahoma cornerback Jamell Fleming, an All-Big 12 performer and Arlington Seguin graduate, has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl, Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala. Fleming will play for the North team in the contest.

_ Jimmy Burch