Fort Worth & Arlington among the top "red neck" cities in the U.S.

Not sure this is going to sit well with the good folks of Fort Worth and Arlington, but a website has named both cities among the top 10 most redneck in the U.S.

www.movoto.com - which is a site dedicated to national real estate - recently published an informal ranking of the Top 10 Most Redneck places in America.

1. Atlanta
2. Kansas City, MO
3. Oklahoma City
4. Nashville
5. Tulsa
6. Fort Worth
7. Arlington, Texas
8. Sacramento
9. Cleveland
10. Mesa, Arizona

The author of this list is from Austin, Texas and used the following eight points to base his rankings:
* Percent of population that did not complete high school
* Number of gun/ammo stores per capita
* Number of taxidermists per capita
* Number of cowboy boot stores per capita
* Number of country radio stations per capita
* Number of NASCAR race tracks close by
* Number of Walmarts per capita
* Number of riding lawn mower/tractor repair shops per capita

Jeff Foxworthy would be proud, and then bummed he didn't think of it first.

@MacEngelProf
tengel@star-telegram.com
Facebook Mac Engel

Red Raiders already announcing plans for football game against Horned Frogs

It's never too early to start planning for anything, and the good people at The Texas Tech University have already unveiled its plans for the home football game between the Red Raiders and TCU Horned Frogs.

Today is May 13, 2013.
That game is scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2013.

This will be the first home Big 12 game for new head coach Kliff Kingsbury, so it's kind of a big deal. So big that you should probably find your parking spot soon, today preferably.

Of note:
* Potential game times range between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. If this game starts at 8 p.m., we're looking at an 11:30 p.m. finish. Hopefully. The safe bet is midnight.

* Individual tickets will go on sale for this game on August 1. It should be noted that today is May 13.

* Classes at Tech will remain as scheduled for both Thursday and Friday. The university's "top priority is getting students/faculty to their classes and researchers to their labs while transitioning to host the football game later in the day."

What fell on the cutting room floor was, "The university's top priority is to squeeze as much cash from this game as possible. If studies/research can fit into that priority, all the better. Please don't be too drunk before kickoff."

@MacEngelProf
tengel@star-telegram.com
Facebook Mac Engel

Si-Si! New Tex-Mex place finally ready to open

FORT WORTH, Texas - Two certainties in life: There is no such thing as bad free beer, and there can never, ever be enough Mexican restaurants.

Cowtown will be adding another Tex-Mex place shortly - Trevino's Comida Mexicana should be opening around the second week of May.

The location is 1812 Montgomery Street, across the street from the Fort Worth Science Museum and near the cultural area. Trevino's has one other location, in Rockwall, which has been open since 1988.

The owners have eyed Fort Worth for a while and construction on this has lasted just a bit longer than originally expected. (BTW - Is there any construction that hasn't lasted longer than originally expected?)

"We've been wanting to get this open for a while but every time we get close the city has one more thing for us to do. I don't know what else can go wrong," said the owner, Bertha Trevino. "I think it should be open the second week or so of May. That's what we are hoping for."

Seating inside will be for 30 people; there will be a larger patio area that will be good for summer or winter. It's a full restaurant with alcohol, etc.

The sour cream enchiladas, chile sauce smothered pork chops and the steak Juanito are some of the menu's more popular items.

Why can't it be the second week of May right now?

Trevino's Comida Mexicana
1812 Montgomery Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107 

Twitter @MacEngelProf

tengel@star-telegram.com

Facebook Mac Engel

Expect a small alteration for Horned Frogs v. LSU

Not necessarily a big fan of the trend of men's college football and men's basketball teams changing uniform schemes at halftime, but this fad is not going away.

A few birdies told ME EXCLUSIVELY that we should expect TCU to be sporting some new duds for its highly anticipated men's college football game against LSU at 8 p.m. on Aug. 31 at Cowboys Stadium.

BTW - There is no better time to play LSU; if TCU wins this game, put Gary Patterson in Canton, Cooperstown, Toronto and Springfield.

This sounds about right regarding some new unis'. It will be a big game on real national TV against a monster opponent, and an ideal time for Nike to roll out some cool new schemes and patterns for TCU.

Please, for the love of God, none of this throwback Zubaz crap. 

My suggestion? Go with Crimson and White. That is a color scheme that seems to work OK against LSU.

 

Twitter @MacEngelProf

tengel@star-telegram.com

Facebook Mac Engel

Jerry Hughes & TCU's defensive end issues in the NFL

FORT WORTH, Texas - Since Gary Patterson was the TCU defensive coordinator his defenses have routinely produce quality defensive ends.

Jerry Hughes, Chase Ortiz, Braylon Broughton, Tommy Blake, Wayne Daniels, Bo Schobel, Robert Pollard, Aaron Schobel, and now Stansly Maponga and sophomore Devonte Fields.

These men produced lots of sacks, forced fumbles, and were All Americans, All Conference picks, etc. What else do all of these guys have in common? With the exception of Aaron Schobel, none of their college success translated up. They were all too short.

On Thursday at TCU Pro Day, Hughes watched Maponga and a handful of other hopefuls run through the myriad of drills in front of the many scouts and the three NFL assistant coaches who attended. 

Hughes was a first round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2010; the team thought he could be one of those smaller, but quick, defensive ends like Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis and eventually replace one. Those two may have been the quickest defensive ends in the league in their prime.

It wasn't until last offseason when the team moved Hughes to outside linebacker did he begin to produce.

"I am very grateful (Colts owner Robert) Irsay selected me in the first round," Hughes told me Thursday. "But when I first got there I wasn't sure what they wanted. I really never did get a straight answer. ... This past season went well. I think I adjusted pretty well and I'm getting more comfortable at linebacker and playing in space."

Hughes should always have been an outside linebacker in the NFL. In '12, he played in 16 games and finished with 41 tackles and a career-best four sacks. Hughes may never be a star, but he can be pretty good and have an NFL job.

Maponga is about the same height and weight as Hughes, and he should be converted into an OLB. That's what Pittsburgh Steelers scout and former LB Joe Greene told Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram.

Here is a look at some of the big name TCU defensive linemen in the past decade or so, and how they fared after college.

Jerry Hughes 6-2, 254. 1st rd pick of Colts in '10. Now an OLB.
Chase Ortiz 6-2, 255. Never made it out of preseason.
Braylon Broughton, 6-6, 272. Currently with Saints. Keeps getting looks because he is so big.
Tommy Blake, 6-3, 252. Never made it. Such a sad story of what should have been.
Aaron Schobel, 6-4, 243. The very best; 78 sacks in nine NFL seasons.
Wayne Daniels, 6-2, 250. Never made it.
Bo Schobel, 6-5, 264. Played 29 NFL games for three NFL teams from '04-'07.
Robert Pollard, 6-2, 261. Played for two teams in three NFL seasons.

These guys were all very good on defenses that thrived in Conference USA or the Mountain West. 

In the Big 12, Patterson is going to need bigger bodies, such as sophomore-to be Devonte Fields (6-4, 240), and as a result more of these guys should have a bit more luck sticking in the pros.

Twitter @MacEngelProf
tengel@star-telegram.com
Facebook Mac Engel

Why TCU defensive end Stansly Maponga had to leave

FORT WORTH, Texas - The name "Maponga" used to be a bit of a four-letter expression around TCU a few years ago.

When a player screwed up, TCU coach Gary Patterson would send said player - usually then freshman defensive end Stansly Maponga - to do a series of nasty conditioning drills that included rope work, pushing a heavy ball up a steep hill, etc. They were called "Mapongas".

Any time a player screws up during a TCU practice, they are often "asked" to do Mapongas.

"I'm glad that's part of my legacy here," Maponga said at TCU today after completing his Pro Day workouts for the NFL scouts and coaches. "Those were fun."

Even though Patterson tried like a dog to talk Maponga out of it, and this rookie class is heavy on defensive linemen, he is going to the NFL with one year left of college eligibility remaining.

"He did. It is what it is," Maponga said. "I appreciate everything he did for me and my family."

It's the impossible equation where the coach wants to keep the player because he knows it's going to make his team better vs. the player, who either needs to, or wants to, go.

It sounds like family is a big reason why Maponga is leaving. He said his mother is working three jobs, and Maponga himself recently became a father to a little girl, who is four months old. A handful of people around the program said they thought Maponga was also just tired of school as well.

Maponga, who is battling a recurring foot problem that may require surgery, is being talked about as a fourth round pick. At TCU's pro day, his 40-yard dash times were 4.84 and 4.85.

Coaches from three NFL teams attended the pro day - Eagles, Dolphins, Steelers - and he said he feels comfortable either as a defensive end or outside linebacker. He said he has a scheduled meeting with the Atlanta Falcons soon.

The one NFL scout I talked to liked him a lot, and thought he would be a fourth or fifth round pick. 

 

Twitter @MacEngelProf
tengel@star-telegram.com
Facebook Mac Engel

NASCAR comes out of closet - admits love for guns

FORT WORTH, Texas - Not sure the NASCAR fan base is going to be OK with this, but Texas Motor Speedway is officially in bed with the National Rifle Association. That relationship could be a big adjustment for the three NASCAR fans who are in favor of more stringent gun control laws.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Race at TMS will be sponsored by the late Charleton Heston's baby - the "NRA 500" will be April 13 at TMS.

That title beat out the other options such as, "From My Cold Dead Hands 500" and the "Suck It Michael Moore Twin 250s".

No word on whether fans can bring their own shotgun or AK-47 on race day.

"The NRA has been invovled in the sport for several years and a partner of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. for many years in various aspects, and this race entitlement is just another extension of that business relationship," TMS general manager Eddie Gossage said in a statement.

I had no idea of the NRA's involvement with Speedway Motorsports. But it could explain Jimmie Johnson's dominance in this sport - the guy was packin' and probably just flashed his piece on the final laps to ensure all of those wins.

Sadly, NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre was unable to attend Monday's media day at TMS for this exciting announcement. He said in a video message:

"The NRA 500 is the latest announcement in the long history of a growing partnership between the NRA, Speedway Motorsports and the NASCAR community. NRA members and NASCAR fans love their country and everything that is good and right about America. We salute our flag ... volunteer in our churches and communities ... cherish our families ... and WE LOVE RACING!"

LaPierre did an OK job of meeting his minimums on making statements.
Guns? Check
Country? Check
Racing? Check
Church? Check
Flag? Check
Troops? Whiff
Hate President Obama? Whiff

 

Twitter @MacEngelProf
tengel@star-telegram.com
Facebook Mac Engel

Buy a ticket for Andy Dalton's charity event in FW

Anything Andy Dalton is all good. The former TCU Horned Frogs quarterback, who should have his number retired by the school by now, will be hosting a charity event soon so it's time to spread the word and buy a ticket to attend an event that will benefit the Andy and Jordan Dalton Foundation.

At 7 p.m. on Monday, March 4 at Texas de Brazil in downtown Fort Worth Dalton's foundation will host a "steak out" with proceeds benefiting his charity.  The Andy and Jordan Dalton Foundation provide opportunities, support and resources to children and families in need in Cincinnati and Fort Worth. 

Guests will have the chance to meet Dalton, get an autograph, and dine on the greatness that is Texas de Brazil. TCU stuff will be on sale on site. According to the press release, no outside memorabilia will be allowed in.

Tickets are $100 for general admission, and $150 for VIP.

For ticket information please click here - www.AndyDalton.org

Texas De Brazil
101 N. Houston St. 
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817-882-9500

 

Twitter @MacEngelProf
tengel@star-telegram.com
Facebook Mac Engel

Video: Galloway & Big Mac debate Josh Hamilton's thoughts

 

 

Twitter @MacEngelProf
tengel@star-telegram.com
Facebook Mac Engel

The worst thing that could happen to Texas A&M football is Russell Wilson

FORT WORTH, Texas - The first thing you notice about Johnny Manziel in person is that this is not a thin, little dude. This is a thick kid who looks like he can take a hit. He looks strong, with rather large hands. As Twitter follower @CourtnieWyche says, "He has a giant head, too!"

He is a legit 6-foot. Probably not an inch taller. In today's NFL, that's enough. And if you are Texas A&M, that has to make you a little nervous.

Manziel is in Fort Worth this evening to receive the 3,454th trophy he has been awarded for the 2012 season - the Davey O'Brien award.

Normally at his height he would stick around for three more years before looking at the NFL. Given how the little guys look like they can play quarterback in the NFL, we are likely looking at the last year of Manziel at College Station.

After the 2013 season, Manziel will be eligible to enter the NFL draft. He says he's not thinking about it, which is a total load. And he should. No one looking at a first-round signing bonus should ever pass.

"Right now it’s worrying about this upcoming season and if things, if you’re fortunate enough to get a chance to go to the NFL draft, then you get to send your stuff in and see how you would be evaluated, so when that time rolls around I guess we’ll worry about it then," Manziel said.

He says his priority is to do something that Texas A&M has never done before - win a national title. A real one. Not one of those bogus titles when only white guys plays white guys. Not one of those titles the school awarded itself last fall.

One year ago if someone told you a 6-foot quarterback could thrive in the NFL the normal response is Drew Brees. It can happen, but you should not plan for it. The success, and the style, of Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson (5-11, 206) has changed the way people may view Johnny Football.

Manziel said he is a fan of Wilson now. 

"Being a shorter guy, a chance at the NFL at a high draft pick, that’s something that I’ve only every dreamed about," Manziel said. "I love A&M and I love everything about it, so when the time comes I think it will be a hard decision."

"You look at (Wilson) and what he’s done this year and how he played. You look at his stature and some of the things he’s done, it’s impressive," Manziel said. "The NFL is, like a lot of people, are changing. It’s changing. You look at guys who are mobile. You look at RGIII, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, (Colin) Kaepernick. Kaepernick goes to the Super Bowl and he came out of nowhere. There’s a lot of things that can be done with more mobile guys. You’ve still have your (Tom) Brady and (Peyton) Manning and stuff like that, but I feel like the game’s changing a little bit."

Even if the uber-mobile QB is a fad Manziel's window is open so it would a surprise if he doesn't take advantage of it.

 

Twitter @MacEngelProf
tengel@star-telegram.com
Facebook Mac Engel