By Jason Remmert

No surprises here in Austin on national signing day.  Head Coach Mack Brown and staff did a terrific job holding this class together as the Longhorns lost only one recruit during the coaching mix up after a dismal 5-7 season.  This class is a typical Mack Brown class, loaded with talent as 7 recruits are listed in the ESPNU 150.  Here is my star, sleeper and miss on the 2011 recruiting class.

Overall Grade: B +

The Star

Malcolm Brown - 6’00” 215 lbs.  #2 RB Prospect

Malcolm Brown is without question the best recruit in this class.  Brown, from Cibolo Steele High School, ran for over 2,600 yards 30 touchdowns and led his team to the 5A State Championship in 2010.  Brown brings a downhill running style that the Longhorns have been lacking the past few years.  Brown is an every-down 20-25 carries type of back.  He has the strength to run through arm tackles and he is terrific in yards after contact.  Doesn’t have top end speed but makes up for it with good vision in the backfield.  With the hire of new Offensive Coordinator Bryan Harsin and his pro-style offense, look for Brown to get a good amount of carries right away.

Check out some Malcolm Brown highlights here.

The Sleeper

Chet Moss - 6’1” 225 lbs.  #16 ILB Prospect

            It is really hard to select a sleeper in this class but look for Chet Moss to get some early playing time.  Moss, from Cedar Park High School, has good size for an inside linebacker and he can put on some more muscle once he arrives on campus.  Moss is a great instinctual defender and as solid as anybody at defending the run.  He has good speed that allows him to get to the pitch plays and his motor never stops.  Moss is a very aggressive defender and that hurts him against good play action teams.  Moss won’t start this upcoming year but look for him to contribute early and often on special teams.

The Miss

Christian Westerman - 6’4” 290 lbs. #2 OT Prospect

            This is the one that got away. The coaching changes didn’t faze anybody but Westerman and that was enough to get him to reconsider his verbal to Texas.  Westerman signed with the National Champion Auburn Tigers and will play his college ball there. This hurts the Longhorns who were desperately looking for a solid offensive tackle for the next three to four years.

Other Notables/Names to Watch: CB Quandre Diggs, DT Desmond Jackson, LB Steve Edmond, G Sedrick Flowers, T Garrett Greenlea, ATH Josh Turner