Senior Day: Scott Derry

Scott Derry is part of a linebacking core that has been at the center of Texas fans frustration with the 2007 defense. It seems like the linebacking play has been suspect this year, but Derry is finishing his Texas career as a player who has accomplished a lot and worked hard to get into the position he is.

Derry came to Texas as a 3 star recruit out of Pearland, TX. In 3 seasons on the varsity, Derry recorded over 500 tackles. Derry came to Texas with high academic achievement and he continued to excel in the classroom while in school. He is currently enrolled in UT's Business School's world famous professional accounting program and had been 1st Team All-Academic Big 12 for two years.

Derry saw playing time as a RS freshman and recorded 21 tackles on the year. Unfortunately, Derry lost his entire sophomore year (2005) to injury. During the 2006 season, Derry became the full time starter at outside linebacker. He finished 5th on the team with 70 tackles and had 9 tackles for a loss.

This year, Derry has been criticized by some as too slow and undeserving to keep his starting spot. A group of young, talented backups have been pushing the starters for playing time all season and Derry has been seeing fewer snaps as the season progresses. While his effort can never be criticized, his experience advantage is losing ground to the talent discrepancy. Derry does not look to be headed for a football future after Texas, but he has been a valuable player for Texas during his career.

Senior Day: DT Derek Lokey

Derek Lokey came to the 40 Acres in 2004, an undersized 3-star recruit out of Ryan High School in Denton, Texas. He came in trying to make a name for himself in a program full of top defensive line products.

In 2004 and 2005, Lokey spent much of his time as a backup on the defensive line and special teams player. Appearing in 11 games both seasons, he recorded 10 tackles, 3 for a loss, and half a sack in '04, and 17 tackles, 2 for a loss and a sack in '05.

In 2006, as a junior, Lokey broke into the starting lineup at defensive tackle. Starting the first 8 games of the season he recorded 24 tackles, 4 for a loss, with a fumble recovery and half a sack. His season was however cut short in the game against Nebraska when he suffered a broken leg. However, in 2007 he was able to successfully return from the injury and was slated for big things this season. A preseason 1st team All-Big XII Selection, as well as a member of the preseason Lott Trophy, Outland Trophy, and Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch lists. This season Lokey has been an impact player for the Longhorns recording 41 tackles, 8 for a loss, 1 sack, and 3 pass deflections. He is been a part of a solid run unit and disruptive on the front line.

Lokey has gotten some extra appearances this season as a blocking fullback in jumbo red zone packages. He will certainly have a good chance to play on Sundays next season, possibly going in day 2 of the NFL draft. A good student, Lokey will graduate this December in 3 and half years, and twice was an Academic All-Big XII Performer.

Week 11 Spotlight

While the Stomach Staples won Week 10, their 207-204 victory didn't do much to cut into the 50 point lead for Joe Pa's Cleaning Crew. Joe Pa retained the overall lead, as well as the lead in pickem (.630-.610). The Staples are running out of chances to get back into the race...

Quarterbacks
Two quarterbacks are making their first appearance on fantasy rosters this season, as I'm looking to Todd Reesing, Kansas and Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State. Reesing has thrown for 2300 yards and 23 touchdowns this season, and also picks up some yards on the ground, for the surprising 9-0 Jayhawks. Many will say that he has put up those numbers against inferior competition. Well, what do you think Oklahoma State's defense is? Zac Robinson on the other hand has come on of late after being named the starter four games into the season. (That whole Bobby Reid for Heisman thing certainly worked out well. But if you want to talk about that, then COME TO ME, I'M A MAN, I'M 40!) In his short time, Robinson has led the resurgent Cowboys throwing for 1900 yards and 15 touchdowns. While Kansas has a solid defense, no one has been able to stop this Oklahoma State offense.

Runningbacks
Over the past two weeks, there hasn't been a better running back in the country then Jamaal Charles (okay, maybe Darren McFadden). But Charles has been on a tear as of late, finding the endzone three times in each of his last two games, and running for nearly 500 yards. Facing a Texas Tech defense that has a rush defense ranked in the lower half of the country, should lead to another big Charles day. Ohio State is heading into a game against Illinois, and against the weak defense of the Illini they will lean on Chris Wells. Wells has been nothing short of outstanding this season, running for 1100 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is the key for the Ohio State offense, and he should overpower the Illini.

Wide Receivers
As one of the Texas defensive players said earlier this week about Michael Crabtree, "I can't even put up those kind of numbers on a video game". Michael Crabtree is having a historically amazing season, with over 100 receptions, 1500 yards and 18 touchdowns. It's a shame everyone is overlooking it because of the offense he plays in. After losing Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez, many thought the passing game for the Buckeyes would suffer, but that hasn't been the case. Brian Robiskie has become the go to receiver and he has had a great season recording 833 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Offense/Defense
Arkansas the past two weeks has been absolutely unstoppable on offense, behind the two-headed monster of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. A trip to Tennessee and an opportunity to face that porous defense should have McFadden and Jones more than excited. Auburn once again this season has been known for defense. Heading to Georgia this weekend, Auburn should find itself in a slug fest between two good defenses and two mediocre offenses. This affair should be low scoring and ugly.

Picks (Winner in Bold)

Wake Forest (6-3)
#21 Clemson (7-2)

#12 Michigan (8-2)
Wisconsin (7-3)

Arkansas (6-3)
#24 Tennessee (6-3)

#18 Auburn (7-3)
#10 Georgia (7-2)

Illinois (7-3)
#1 Ohio State (10-0)

Texas Tech (7-3)
#14 Texas (8-2)

Florida State (6-3)
#11 Virginia Tech (7-2)

#13 Connecticut (8-1)
Cincinnati (7-2)

#4 Kansas (9-0)
Oklahoma State (5-4)

#17 USC (7-2)
California (6-3)

Senior Day: WR Nate Jones

Nate Jones came to Texas in 2004 as a two-way all-state performer out of Texas High School in Texarkana. Not as highly touted recruit as other Texas skill players, Jones had good size at 6'2" and solid speed running a 4.48. However, when it comes to Texas receivers, most everyone is coming in with those kind of numbers.

In 2004 as a freshman, Jones appeared in 11 games, starting 3 games due to an injury. For the season he had 7 receptions for 73 yards. In 2005 he once again was a infrequently used backup in a deep receiving corps, recording 9 catches for 67 yards and a touchdown. In 2006, he appeared in 13 games recording 13 receptions for 153 yards and 3 touchdowns. Coming into 2007 it appeared that Jones would still have trouble making it into the lineup with an offense featuring Limas Sweed, Billy Pittman, Quan Cosby, highly touted, but often injured Jordan Shipley ahead of Jones on the depth chart.

However, injuries with Sweed and Shipley, and the suspension of Pittman, forced Jones into the starting lineup, and it is a position he hasn't relinquished since. He has quickly become one of Colt's favorite targets and an extremely reliable possession receiver. With his good size, Jones has been extremely effective in the short and mid-ranged passing game. In 10 games this season Jones is leading the Longhorns in receptions (57), yards (628), and receiving touchdowns (4). It has been a pleasant surprise and a breakout season for Jones. Even with the return of Shipley and Pittman, Jones has not given up his spot in the starting lineup.

This season will definitely give Jones the opportunity to play at the next level, and while his speed and ability to stretch the field may limit him, his sure hands and ability to get open in the mid-range could allow him to one day become a solid second receiver for an NFL team. Nate Jones might not go down in Texas lore, like a Limas Sweed, but he shows the depth and talent that Texas possesses year in and year out. In addition to his efforts on the field, Jones is an outstanding student that is slated to graduate this December, in three and a half years.

Senior Day: Dallas Griffin

Dallas Griffin is exactly the kind of well rounded athlete that every coach hopes he can recruit to his program. In his years on the 40 acres, Griffin has excelled on the field and even more so in the classroom. Dallas has been able to balance football life, as he saw significant time in over 30 games, and his academic life, as he was able to maintain an almost perfect GPA and gain admission into UT's MBA program.

Dallas came to Texas, as a 4 star recruit, from (my hometown) Katy, TX and attended Taylor H.S. He also excelled in Track & Field, winning the 2003 Texas State Championship in shot put and the 2002 Championship in discuss.

Throughout his RS-freshman and sophomore year, Griffin saw limited time on the field, usually in mop up duty. Luckily for him, Vince Young and the offense provided a lot of opportunity to see early time in games that were well decided. And just as Griffin's had work was showing up on the field, his hard work in school was being recognized as well. Dallas was named as a 3-time Academic All-American and earned the Provost's Award for posting a 4.0 GPA in 2004 and 2005.As a Junior, Dallas began to see more playing time as he became the primary backup for Lyle Sendlein. He saw time in 8 games and even received the award for Most Improved Offensive Player on the Texas team.

Finally, in his senior year, Dallas was tabbed as the starter at center. He played well all season, as he and his line-mates tried to replace a line that was filled with future NFL players. Texas' running game continued to improve all season as the protection for McCoy got better and holes began opening up for Jamaal Charles. His best moment probably came when Charles rushed for 216 yards in the 4th quarter against Nebraska.

Unfortunately, Dallas career ended in the 1st quarter of the Oklahoma State game as he suffered season ending damage to his knee. Griffin will not get to play in his final game at DKR, but it can be said, without a doubt that his college career will go down as an well-rounded success.

Senior Day: OT Tony Hills

A 5-star tight end prospect coming out of Alief Elsik High School in Houston, 6'6" Tony Hills was converted to offensive tackle. His freshman year in 2004, he appeared in 7 games, playing sparingly along the line as a backup and on special teams. In 2005 he appeared in 11 games as a backup along the offensive line.

Hills broke into the starting lineup in 2006 as a junior and became a mainstay along the offensive line. After starting all 13 games in 2006, he was voted an All-Big XII Honorable Mention, an accomplishment, given the 3 NFL caliber players already on the line. This season he found himself on the Outland Trophy watch list to start the season, and has started every game this year, helping as one of the few experienced players on a young line.

Hills has been known at Texas for his imposing presence and athleticism along the line. However, he is even more well known for the passion that he plays the game with. Hills can be recognized as the player that is always waving his arms, trying to pump up the crowd, celebrating big plays with teammates, and always giving his all. He is an entertaining player to watch, which is a lot to say for an offensive lineman, and will certainly find himself playing on Sundays next year. He has ingrained himself as another of the successful linemen to come out of Texas in recent years.

Baylor First Big XII Team to Drop the Axe

It is being reported that Guy Morriss won't be returning after the season to coach the Baylor Bears. Morriss inherited a program in 2003 that had been notoriously atrocious in the Big XII, that went (3-9) (1-7) in 2002. Morriss struggled to turn around the program going (3-9) (1-7) in '03 and (3-8) (1-7) in '04. It appeared that he might be turning around the program winning 5 games in 2005, and 3 conference games in 2006, both highs during his tenure. However, this season, forced to break in a new quarterback, Baylor has struggled and remains winless in conference this season.

With no conference wins in sight, and Baylor desperate to contend among large public universities in the Big XII, most figured that Morriss wouldn't return. The report says he will finish out the season, but will be let go from the final year of his contract. Baylor will once again find itself in a familiar position this off season, looking for a coach to resurrect their program. A word of advice, don't hire a coach from a losing program (ex: Morriss and Kentucky).

Morriss is the first that was dismissed from the Big XII, but he certainly won't be the last as Dennis Franchione from Texas A&M and Bill Callahan from Nebraska will certainly be joining him come season's end.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3101428