Hooked: UT Football through a UK lens.

This weekend Texas has been on a mission. One I don’t fully understand. I don’t know what to think of it. My wee British brain can’t comprehend college recruiting.

Kelshaun Johnson is the headline name at the top of Chris Jackson’s little black book. Daylan McCutcheon high up there, too. The departure of Worthy, Mitchell, and Whittington leaving the receiver room short handed. I’ve just woken up to the news that Dia Bell has commit to Texas adding some clout to the ’26 class. We’re hyped as a cat on nip for that! — but, what does it take to secure tantalising talent?

Now, it’s not that I don’t understand the concept. Just like NFL teams drafting well, we want the best high-school grads to don burnt orange with us. We want to deepen our roster and set ourselves up for success, not only next season but into the future — something I think UT has done pretty well in the two seasons I’ve been a fan. Riddle me this, what’s the secret sauce and how do we get it right?

Texas have copped a bit of heat for their “flashy” tactics — lining up Lambo’s for prospects to salivate over in the parking lot. The inference “you can have this too” if you play here. If it’s legal, and it works, then fair enough. Is it necessary? Is that what these young guns are looking for? I’d like to believe the answer to that is no.

In the UK our young sporting talent start at professional club academies and local clubs. It starts at a grassroots level. The love for the game eclipses all. While the promise of notoriety and bookoos of cash for young football stars is all well and good, I’d argue that the love of the game is imperative for success. That and undeniable athletic ability.

I’d like to know how colleges continue to foster our freshman players love for the game — if they’re encouraged to look at universities that will help them develop into well rounded individuals and athletes over becoming egotistical dickheads. The colleges that do stand to gain the most.

At the end of the day, these are kids. They need support and nurture in a positive way. They’ve been told they’re “him” since middle-school, if not before. It’s imperative that Texas strikes the balance between being aspirational towards the materialistic celebrity being a football star comes with, and providing an environment where they’re encouraged to succeed in life beyond the gridiron.

Hook ’em.