Good read here...found this on a few boards but originally posted by Brutus on OZone
NYTimes
NYTimes
Inside the Red River Recruiting Rivalry
Michael Stravato for The New York Times
Jamarkus McFarland, a top defensive prospect from Lufkin, Tex., put an end to months of aggressive recruiting on Thursday.
By THAYER EVANS
Published: December 25, 2008
LUFKIN, Tex. ? This college football season ended with Oklahoma and Texas once again demonstrating the intensity of their rivalry. The teams and their fans lobbied hard for the precious Bowl Championship Series points that would ultimately clear a path for the Sooners to compete for the national title against Florida.
Michael Stravato for The New York Times
The process often divided Jamarkus McFarland and his mother, Kashemeyia Adams, who received offers to influence her son.
But there is one place where the tension between these programs has long run even deeper: on the recruiting trail. And while the debate unfolded over the teams, another battle quietly raged in this quaint East Texas town.
The fight was over Jamarkus McFarland, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive tackle from Lufkin High School who is considered the state?s best defensive prospect this year and one of the nation?s most promising players. He is also a top student and the president of his class.
The effort to recruit him took a turn at precisely 12:01 a.m. on Christmas, when McFarland, 18, decided to commit to Oklahoma. On Thursday, he called the Sooners? defensive line coach, Jackie Shipp.
?I want you to coach me for the next four years,? McFarland told him.
?What did you say?? Shipp said.
?I want you to coach me for the next four years,? McFarland repeated. ?Isn?t that what you wanted for Christmas??
Shipp told McFarland to hold on, then he began screaming. McFarland?s decision ended a grueling recruiting process, although he cannot sign a letter of intent with the Sooners until Feb. 4. Coaches from Oklahoma and Texas are not allowed to comment on McFarland until then.
Since July, he and his family have provided a reporter for The New York Times with exclusive access to his recruitment, a journey that often divided McFarland and his mother. They endured frequent telephone calls and e-mail messages from reporters and coaches, tears of frustration, restless nights and Internet rumors suggesting impropriety.
McFarland?s mother, Kashemeyia Adams, said she received numerous offers, including one for an interest-free loan for a former classmate, if her son were to choose Texas. She said she did not believe the offers were affiliated with the Texas football staff.
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