Over at Barking Carnival, Scipio Tex, one of the most insightful observers of Texas football anywhere, breaks down what the four offensive-line commitments in the Longhorns 2012 recruiting class signal in terms of their program's philosophy shift in the last two seasons:
↵1. Grab at least 2-3 lineman each year: Recruiting classes with upwards of 5-6 offensive linemen create log jams on the depth chart and signal that the previous classes weren't able to perform. And while skill players will transfer if they don't get enough playing time, linemen will take up scholarships while contributing little to special teams.
↵2. Offensive tackles must be "freaks": With the advent of the spread offense, Scipio wants Texas to focus on grabbing 6'6 310+ athletes with the athletic ability to be basketball power forwards for the tackle position.
↵3. Offensive guards are disposable: The best athletes on a high school line are at OT and the D-Line, so the Longhorns should be wary of recruiting pure guards. There was only one in the 2012 recruiting class, with Scipio projecting that several defensive line recruits will eventually be shifted to other side of the ball.
↵4. Raw is good: A great athlete who hasn't been exposed to a proper strength program has a lot more upside than a proficient technician who has already maxed out his physical potential in high school.
↵For more, including break-downs of each of the four offensive lineman coming to Austin, head over to Barking Carnival.