Hasty fallout
Admittedly, some of the details of Longview running back JaMycal Hasty's injury are not exactly clear in terms of when he suffered the back issue and how long it lingered before it was addressed.
Longview head coach John King said Thursday that Hasty will be re-evaluated in about six weeks. However, back injuries are very delicate to handle. If anything, the speculation is that Hasty could miss the entire 2014 season. Hasty said it is not a disc issue but wouldn't disclose anything more than that. However, he also wasn't willing to rule out missing the season.
"There is a chance I'll return,'' he said. "Hopefully, sooner than later, but we'll see.''
Obviously, Hasty's situation with Baylor will not be impacted. Once source said that the injury likely occurred earlier in the summer - perhaps as early as spring ball -- and that Hasty may have played through the 7-on-7 season with it. Hasty did not participate in Longview's scrimmage with Ennis last week.
Hasty is the fourth recruit of the 2015 class to suffer a season ending injury at some point during his high school career. The others are Temple quarterback Chad President (knee, 2013), Gilmer athlete Blake Lynch (arm, 2013) and Fort Bend Marshall defensive back Jordan Tolbert (knee, 2014).
-Kevin Lonnquist
Baylor-SMU attendees
Baylor opens McLane Stadium on Sunday in what should be an overflow crowd. This should also summons an impressive list of recruits in attendance. Unlike past lists where names are given, SicEmSports asked the recruits what they're looking forward to the most. Some recruits did not answer. Really, this is just a starting list. There could be others. We will definitely try to add to those throughout the weekend before the start of the game.
>Jordan Tolbert, DB, FB Marshall (Baylor 2015 commit)
>Soso Jamabo, RB, Plano West (Baylor 2015 offer)
>Ronald Jones II, RB, McKinney North (Oklahoma State commit; Baylor offer)
>Erick Fowler, LB, Manor (Baylor 2016 offer)
>Drew Galitz, P/PK, Rowlett (Baylor 2015 commit) - checking out the recruiting room
>Zach Smith, QB, Grandview (Baylor 2016 commit) - checking out the recruiting room
>Malik Jefferson, LB, Mesquite Poteet (Baylor 2015 offer - he's a maybe)
>Devontre Stricklin, WR, Waco Midway (Baylor 2015 commit)
>Corey Dauphine, RB, PA Memorial (Texas Tech commit; Baylor offer -- he's a maybe)
>Tren'Davian Dickson, WR, Navasota (Baylor 2016 commit) - checking out the recruiting room
>Sam Tecklenburg, OL, Plano (Baylor 2015 commit) - just watching Baylor play in the stadium
>Kahlil Haughton, S, Waco Midway (Baylor 2015 offer)
>Jameson Houston, DB, Austin St. Michael's (Baylor 2015 commit - he's a maybe)
>Devin Duvernay, WR, Sachse (Baylor 2016 offer)
>Jared Mayden, DB, Sachse (Baylor 2016 offer)
>Clay Johnston, LB, Abilene Wylie (Baylor 2015 commit)
>Chad President, QB, Temple (Baylor 2015 commit - he's a maybe)
>Eric Cuffee, DB, Waco, (Baylor 2016 interest)
>Parrish Cobb, DB, Waco La Vega (Baylor 2016 interest)
>De'Eriq King, DB/Ath, Manvel (Baylor 2016 offer)
>Austin Myers, OL, Manvel (Baylor 2016 interest)
>Baron Browning, LB, Kennedale (Baylor 2017 offer)
>Jack Anderson, OL, Frisco (Baylor 2017 interest)
>Eno Benjamin, RB, Wylie East (Baylor 2017 interest) - the recruiting room
>C.J. Morgan, RB, Bossier City, LA (Baylor 2016 interest)
-Kevin Lonnquist
JUCO OL ready to visit
Baylor should have a large handful of visitors this weekend. But only one will be on an official visit.
That would be JUCO OT Deya Mhiesen, who's using his first official visit to watch Baylor open McLane Stadium against SMU.
"I'm excited, but then again, it's a business trip," Mhiesen said. "I want to go in there and just see it for myself and experience the environment and atmosphere of the game. I really want to take everything in."
Mhiesen said he's in frequent contact with the Baylor staff, particularly Phil Bennett and Randy Clements. If the staff were to push for a commitment from Mhiesen, he admits he's not sure what he would do. Especially if the visit goes well.
"You never know what will happen," he said. "I could commit, I could wait. I have no idea right now."
We'll definitely be monitoring him during this visit, which begins Saturday before his return trip home on Sunday.
-Jake Shaw
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each week, SicEmSports ranks the Big 12 teams based on expectations and performance. Ratings always vary. Agree or disagree, there's nothing like finding out who is ranked where.
1. Baylor - Expectations for this program are the highest they have ever been
2. Oklahoma - With no Dorial Green-Beckham, the inexperienced wide receiver group must find its way.
3. Kansas State - Veteran Tyler Lockett may be the most exciting player to watch in the Big 12 this year.
4. Texas - Suspensions, dismissals and questions at QB are the theme in Austin this fall
5. Texas Tech - Davis Webb has the starting QB job. He has to prove he's one of the best.
6. Oklahoma State - A very young Cowboys team faces a daunting task against No. 1 and reigning national champion Florida State.
7. TCU - Gary Patterson non-committal about his starting QB but says both Matt Joeckel and Trevone Boykin will play.
8. West Virginia - The Mountaineers welcome the challenge facing No. 2 Alabama. It may get brutal in the Georgia Dome.
9. Iowa State - Cyclones play a team (North Dakota St.) on a 24-game winning streak
10. Kansas - The make or break year for Charlie Weis gets another week to prepare for it
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Weekend
A look at Saturday and Sunday's action. All times are central. Kansas is off this week.
North Dakota St. at Iowa State
11:00 a.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (FOX Sports 1)
The Skinny: The reigning FCS champion Bison come in to Ames riding a 24-game winning streak. Remember they opened the season by winning at Kansas State last year. The Cyclones are trying to make up for some heavy graduation losses but won their last two Big 12 games in 2013. Sam Richardson won a hotly contested QB battle in fall camp.
West Virginia vs. No. 2 Alabama
2:30 p.m., Georgia Dome, Atlanta (ABC/ESPN)
The skinny: This the first meeting between these two programs. The Crimson Tide has yet to settle on a starting quarterback. Head coach Nick Saban said both Jacob Coker and Blake Sims will get reps. For the Mountaineers, this daunting challenge starts with starting quarterback Clint Trickett playing at an extremely high level and finding a hot running back.
Stephen F. Austin at No 20/21 Kansas State
6:00 p.m., Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS (KStateHDTV)
The skinny: Jake Waters is now the quarterback of this offense. The Wildcats should be the quiet contender for the Big 12 championship, especially with a defense led by preseason all-Big 12 defensive end Ryan Mueller. What KSU wants to avoid is a repeat of 2013 when it lost to FCS North Dakota State.
Louisiana Tech at No. 3/4 Oklahoma
6:00 p.m. Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK (FOX PPV)
The skinny: For all of the momentum that QB Trevor Knight had in the offseason, he needs help from finding an established playmaker at running back and at wide receiver. Both positions have several candidates. Oklahoma's defense is very strong with nine returning starters including linebacker Eric Striker. Because his situation hasn't changed, linebacker Frank Shannon will not start the season with the program.
Samford at TCU
6:00 p.m. Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (FSN)
The skinny: Another Big 12 vs. FCS matchup. The Horned Frogs need to find an offensive identity as soon as possible. There has not been any separation at the QB position between Matt Joeckel and Trevone Boykin. Defensively, the Horned Frogs should be as good as always at defensive line and linebacker. There is youth in the secondary.
Central Arkansas at Texas Tech
6:00 p.m. AT&T Jones Stadium, Lubbock (FSN)
The skinny: Kliff Kingsbury begins year 2 of the "cool era" with his QB position settled with sophomore Davis Webb. The defense still remains something to monitor. Finally this program is running the same system for the second consecutive year. That has happened in a while. Kenny Williams has been announced as a starting linebacker after moving over from the offense. However, Kingsbury said Williams could see time at running back.
Oklahoma State vs. No. 1/1 Florida State
7:00 p.m. AT&T Stadium, Arlington (ABC)
The skinny: This looks like a mismatch. The young Cowboys are probably going to play nearly two dozen young men who have either had no or little Division I playing time. J.W. Walsh is the starting quarterback for the team but needs to be a polished passed. For the reigning national champion Seminoles, QB Jameis Winston comes in looking to extend his hot streak. OSU has played AT&T several times. This is Florida State's first trip. These teams have met four other times, the last time was in the 1985 Gator Bowl. FSU, 34-23.
North Texas at No. 24 Texas
7:00 p.m. Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin (LHN)
The skinny: Charlie Strong's first game at Texas' coach. The roster has seen quite a bit of shuffling between transfers and dismissals. But the good news is that QB David Ash seems to be healthy as does RB Johnathan Gray. Texas' running game should be good. The defensive line has one of the Big 12's best in Cedric Reed.
SUNDAY
SMU at No. 10/10 Baylor
6:30 p.m. McLane Stadium, Waco (FOX Sports 1)
The Skinny: Baylor returns to playing football on its campus for the first time in 78 years. The Bears are thinking repeat as Big 12 champions and to be in the Final Four conversation. The defensive line - led by Andrew Billings, Shawn Oakman and Javonte Magee - could be the best in Waco ever. SMU is starting Neal Burcham at QB but one-time Texas A&M standout Matt Davis could be called upon. This all-time series record is 36-36-7 but SMU hasn't beaten Baylor since 1985.
-SicEmSports
Emptying the notebook
>In his debut with Gilmer, Baylor commit Blake Lynch scored three touchdowns in the Buckeyes' 55-16 rout of Texarkana Liberty-Eylau on Thursday. He did not play any offense after the first quarter. He shared with us that his touchdowns came on plays of 2, 55 and 30 yards. Those were his only touches of the game.
>Dallas Madison 2015 guard Admon Gilder has set his official visit to Baylor on Sept. 6 and will watch the football team play play Northwestern State.
>Everything is still good to go with Texas Titans forward D.J. Hogg and teammate and Baylor guard commit King McClure to take their official visits this weekend. There had been some concern about Hogg's visit since center and teammate Tyler Davis committed to Texas A&M last weekend. There is still some serious thought Hogg will follow Davis. Only time will tell.
>We could find out this weekend how Baylor is going to treat the situation with Bossier City (LA) Parkway DB C.J. Morgan. It's hard to know if Baylor will offer him, but the picture should become much more clear.
>He doesn't do interviews but Rowlett P/PK Drew Galitz said he was very excited committing to Baylor on Tuesday
-Kevin Lonnquist
Admittedly, some of the details of Longview running back JaMycal Hasty's injury are not exactly clear in terms of when he suffered the back issue and how long it lingered before it was addressed.
Longview head coach John King said Thursday that Hasty will be re-evaluated in about six weeks. However, back injuries are very delicate to handle. If anything, the speculation is that Hasty could miss the entire 2014 season. Hasty said it is not a disc issue but wouldn't disclose anything more than that. However, he also wasn't willing to rule out missing the season.
"There is a chance I'll return,'' he said. "Hopefully, sooner than later, but we'll see.''
Obviously, Hasty's situation with Baylor will not be impacted. Once source said that the injury likely occurred earlier in the summer - perhaps as early as spring ball -- and that Hasty may have played through the 7-on-7 season with it. Hasty did not participate in Longview's scrimmage with Ennis last week.
Hasty is the fourth recruit of the 2015 class to suffer a season ending injury at some point during his high school career. The others are Temple quarterback Chad President (knee, 2013), Gilmer athlete Blake Lynch (arm, 2013) and Fort Bend Marshall defensive back Jordan Tolbert (knee, 2014).
-Kevin Lonnquist
Baylor-SMU attendees
Baylor opens McLane Stadium on Sunday in what should be an overflow crowd. This should also summons an impressive list of recruits in attendance. Unlike past lists where names are given, SicEmSports asked the recruits what they're looking forward to the most. Some recruits did not answer. Really, this is just a starting list. There could be others. We will definitely try to add to those throughout the weekend before the start of the game.
>Jordan Tolbert, DB, FB Marshall (Baylor 2015 commit)
>Soso Jamabo, RB, Plano West (Baylor 2015 offer)
>Ronald Jones II, RB, McKinney North (Oklahoma State commit; Baylor offer)
>Erick Fowler, LB, Manor (Baylor 2016 offer)
>Drew Galitz, P/PK, Rowlett (Baylor 2015 commit) - checking out the recruiting room
>Zach Smith, QB, Grandview (Baylor 2016 commit) - checking out the recruiting room
>Malik Jefferson, LB, Mesquite Poteet (Baylor 2015 offer - he's a maybe)
>Devontre Stricklin, WR, Waco Midway (Baylor 2015 commit)
>Corey Dauphine, RB, PA Memorial (Texas Tech commit; Baylor offer -- he's a maybe)
>Tren'Davian Dickson, WR, Navasota (Baylor 2016 commit) - checking out the recruiting room
>Sam Tecklenburg, OL, Plano (Baylor 2015 commit) - just watching Baylor play in the stadium
>Kahlil Haughton, S, Waco Midway (Baylor 2015 offer)
>Jameson Houston, DB, Austin St. Michael's (Baylor 2015 commit - he's a maybe)
>Devin Duvernay, WR, Sachse (Baylor 2016 offer)
>Jared Mayden, DB, Sachse (Baylor 2016 offer)
>Clay Johnston, LB, Abilene Wylie (Baylor 2015 commit)
>Chad President, QB, Temple (Baylor 2015 commit - he's a maybe)
>Eric Cuffee, DB, Waco, (Baylor 2016 interest)
>Parrish Cobb, DB, Waco La Vega (Baylor 2016 interest)
>De'Eriq King, DB/Ath, Manvel (Baylor 2016 offer)
>Austin Myers, OL, Manvel (Baylor 2016 interest)
>Baron Browning, LB, Kennedale (Baylor 2017 offer)
>Jack Anderson, OL, Frisco (Baylor 2017 interest)
>Eno Benjamin, RB, Wylie East (Baylor 2017 interest) - the recruiting room
>C.J. Morgan, RB, Bossier City, LA (Baylor 2016 interest)
-Kevin Lonnquist
JUCO OL ready to visit
Baylor should have a large handful of visitors this weekend. But only one will be on an official visit.
That would be JUCO OT Deya Mhiesen, who's using his first official visit to watch Baylor open McLane Stadium against SMU.
"I'm excited, but then again, it's a business trip," Mhiesen said. "I want to go in there and just see it for myself and experience the environment and atmosphere of the game. I really want to take everything in."
Mhiesen said he's in frequent contact with the Baylor staff, particularly Phil Bennett and Randy Clements. If the staff were to push for a commitment from Mhiesen, he admits he's not sure what he would do. Especially if the visit goes well.
"You never know what will happen," he said. "I could commit, I could wait. I have no idea right now."
We'll definitely be monitoring him during this visit, which begins Saturday before his return trip home on Sunday.
-Jake Shaw
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each week, SicEmSports ranks the Big 12 teams based on expectations and performance. Ratings always vary. Agree or disagree, there's nothing like finding out who is ranked where.
1. Baylor - Expectations for this program are the highest they have ever been
2. Oklahoma - With no Dorial Green-Beckham, the inexperienced wide receiver group must find its way.
3. Kansas State - Veteran Tyler Lockett may be the most exciting player to watch in the Big 12 this year.
4. Texas - Suspensions, dismissals and questions at QB are the theme in Austin this fall
5. Texas Tech - Davis Webb has the starting QB job. He has to prove he's one of the best.
6. Oklahoma State - A very young Cowboys team faces a daunting task against No. 1 and reigning national champion Florida State.
7. TCU - Gary Patterson non-committal about his starting QB but says both Matt Joeckel and Trevone Boykin will play.
8. West Virginia - The Mountaineers welcome the challenge facing No. 2 Alabama. It may get brutal in the Georgia Dome.
9. Iowa State - Cyclones play a team (North Dakota St.) on a 24-game winning streak
10. Kansas - The make or break year for Charlie Weis gets another week to prepare for it
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Weekend
A look at Saturday and Sunday's action. All times are central. Kansas is off this week.
North Dakota St. at Iowa State
11:00 a.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (FOX Sports 1)
The Skinny: The reigning FCS champion Bison come in to Ames riding a 24-game winning streak. Remember they opened the season by winning at Kansas State last year. The Cyclones are trying to make up for some heavy graduation losses but won their last two Big 12 games in 2013. Sam Richardson won a hotly contested QB battle in fall camp.
West Virginia vs. No. 2 Alabama
2:30 p.m., Georgia Dome, Atlanta (ABC/ESPN)
The skinny: This the first meeting between these two programs. The Crimson Tide has yet to settle on a starting quarterback. Head coach Nick Saban said both Jacob Coker and Blake Sims will get reps. For the Mountaineers, this daunting challenge starts with starting quarterback Clint Trickett playing at an extremely high level and finding a hot running back.
Stephen F. Austin at No 20/21 Kansas State
6:00 p.m., Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS (KStateHDTV)
The skinny: Jake Waters is now the quarterback of this offense. The Wildcats should be the quiet contender for the Big 12 championship, especially with a defense led by preseason all-Big 12 defensive end Ryan Mueller. What KSU wants to avoid is a repeat of 2013 when it lost to FCS North Dakota State.
Louisiana Tech at No. 3/4 Oklahoma
6:00 p.m. Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK (FOX PPV)
The skinny: For all of the momentum that QB Trevor Knight had in the offseason, he needs help from finding an established playmaker at running back and at wide receiver. Both positions have several candidates. Oklahoma's defense is very strong with nine returning starters including linebacker Eric Striker. Because his situation hasn't changed, linebacker Frank Shannon will not start the season with the program.
Samford at TCU
6:00 p.m. Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (FSN)
The skinny: Another Big 12 vs. FCS matchup. The Horned Frogs need to find an offensive identity as soon as possible. There has not been any separation at the QB position between Matt Joeckel and Trevone Boykin. Defensively, the Horned Frogs should be as good as always at defensive line and linebacker. There is youth in the secondary.
Central Arkansas at Texas Tech
6:00 p.m. AT&T Jones Stadium, Lubbock (FSN)
The skinny: Kliff Kingsbury begins year 2 of the "cool era" with his QB position settled with sophomore Davis Webb. The defense still remains something to monitor. Finally this program is running the same system for the second consecutive year. That has happened in a while. Kenny Williams has been announced as a starting linebacker after moving over from the offense. However, Kingsbury said Williams could see time at running back.
Oklahoma State vs. No. 1/1 Florida State
7:00 p.m. AT&T Stadium, Arlington (ABC)
The skinny: This looks like a mismatch. The young Cowboys are probably going to play nearly two dozen young men who have either had no or little Division I playing time. J.W. Walsh is the starting quarterback for the team but needs to be a polished passed. For the reigning national champion Seminoles, QB Jameis Winston comes in looking to extend his hot streak. OSU has played AT&T several times. This is Florida State's first trip. These teams have met four other times, the last time was in the 1985 Gator Bowl. FSU, 34-23.
North Texas at No. 24 Texas
7:00 p.m. Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin (LHN)
The skinny: Charlie Strong's first game at Texas' coach. The roster has seen quite a bit of shuffling between transfers and dismissals. But the good news is that QB David Ash seems to be healthy as does RB Johnathan Gray. Texas' running game should be good. The defensive line has one of the Big 12's best in Cedric Reed.
SUNDAY
SMU at No. 10/10 Baylor
6:30 p.m. McLane Stadium, Waco (FOX Sports 1)
The Skinny: Baylor returns to playing football on its campus for the first time in 78 years. The Bears are thinking repeat as Big 12 champions and to be in the Final Four conversation. The defensive line - led by Andrew Billings, Shawn Oakman and Javonte Magee - could be the best in Waco ever. SMU is starting Neal Burcham at QB but one-time Texas A&M standout Matt Davis could be called upon. This all-time series record is 36-36-7 but SMU hasn't beaten Baylor since 1985.
-SicEmSports
Emptying the notebook
>In his debut with Gilmer, Baylor commit Blake Lynch scored three touchdowns in the Buckeyes' 55-16 rout of Texarkana Liberty-Eylau on Thursday. He did not play any offense after the first quarter. He shared with us that his touchdowns came on plays of 2, 55 and 30 yards. Those were his only touches of the game.
>Dallas Madison 2015 guard Admon Gilder has set his official visit to Baylor on Sept. 6 and will watch the football team play play Northwestern State.
>Everything is still good to go with Texas Titans forward D.J. Hogg and teammate and Baylor guard commit King McClure to take their official visits this weekend. There had been some concern about Hogg's visit since center and teammate Tyler Davis committed to Texas A&M last weekend. There is still some serious thought Hogg will follow Davis. Only time will tell.
>We could find out this weekend how Baylor is going to treat the situation with Bossier City (LA) Parkway DB C.J. Morgan. It's hard to know if Baylor will offer him, but the picture should become much more clear.
>He doesn't do interviews but Rowlett P/PK Drew Galitz said he was very excited committing to Baylor on Tuesday
-Kevin Lonnquist
