Shipley close to Flippen Leander update. Harsin gets DeRuyter reviews.. I Hear

Nothing decided yet, but as What I Hear reported two weeks ago, Brownwood coach Bob Shipley is having talks about a position with the Flippen Group, the fast-growing leadership and educational group which hired Brad McCoy from Graham last year.

"I love what they do and I have a passion for growing leaders and helping coaches and athletes reach their potential,' Shipley said. "I use their philosophies in my program and it's helped us incredibly. They're an exciting company and you'll see them involved more and more with school district's athletic programs as well as college and professional organizations."

Leander is looking for a replacement for retiring Steve Gideon but offensive coordinator and interim head coach Clint Harper is the leading candidate to take over a strong program which has six playoff berths in the last six years under Gideon…. Highly regarded Georgetown assistant is expected Bill Wilder is expected to join the new staff of Lance Moffett at Fredericksburg...Cameron Yoe quarterback Jack Rhoades will attend Texas A&M, according to his dad, Yoe coach Rick Rhoades. Jack is undecided about whether to walk-on at A&M but decided not to take playing offers at Angelo State and Midwestern State…No exactly under the radar but Class of 2012 receiver De'Vante Lacy of Grand Prairie may be another real steal for the Horned Frogs, who are showing the most love. Lacy also is a top baseball player who reminds me most of former W.T. White and UT first-round draft pick Calvin Murray with incredible speed in centerfield taking away hits.

Parish Episcopal School defensive back Charles Cook will go to Yale University after setting a TAPPS state record with 16 interceptions as a senior leading Parish to the Class 4A state title. Cook strongly considered Harvard where he was hosted by former Lake Highlands star Ricky Zorn.

Texas has its first 2012 commitment with quarterback Connor Brewer of Arizona committing earlier this week. Texas looked at SA Reagan QB Trevor Knight as well and still might bring Knight in for a visit. Both a 6-2, 190-pounder with good arms, decent roll-out and 8-yard run threat. Look like taller, stronger Riley Dodge to me but Riley was faster but not as strong of arm… Bishop Dunne defensive tackle Alex Norman is the grandson of former Dallas Cowboys star Pettis Norman and likely could be start of Texas' Class of '12 which will add several commits with UT's first Junior Day coming Sunday… Former Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.. now coaching someplace in Florida…has made offers to Austin WR Cayleb Jones and Skyline LB Peter Jinkens. Muschamp seemed very high on Harker Heights 6-6, 270-pound tackle Camrhon Hughes but hasn't offered yet.

Harsin impressive

New UT offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin obviously is a coach-on-the-rise coming from Boise State and getting lots of reports filled with "sharp, impressive and talented" as he meets high school players and coaches across the state. Harsin was spoke at a fairly small, 75-person Pflugerville coaching clinic Wednesday night, but wowed those in attendance. Lots of energy, knowledge and strong communicator… Got same feedback when A&M defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter first hit Texas last year… Harsin and DeRuyter will be HCs somewhere soon.

Hirschi, Pilot Point hire

Pilot Point elevated Robert Best to head coach to replace Blake Feldt, who left last week to take over at Buda Hays. Best had been Pilot Point's offensive coordinator. A Thomas Jefferson grad from Dallas and former Texas Tech (Class '72) footballer who has worked in college and high schools…Miles' Cody Slater has been named the lone finalist and will become WF Hirschi coach pending school board approval according to Times Record News reporter Zach Duncan.

Congrats Coach Seals: NFL honor nets $25 K

Houston Madison coach Ray Seals received the inaugural Don Shula NFL Coach of the Year during Super Bowl XLV week in Dallas. Nominated by the Houston Texans, Seals receives $25,000 with $15,000 going to Madison's program. Seals has been coaching high school for 46 years and among his many former players was a 3-year starting quarterback named Vince Young.