Texas making strong run for Mouton

There is another twist in the recruitment of four-star safety Jonas Mouton (6-2, 212, 4.5) from Venice, Calif. Mouton just returned from an outstanding visit to the University of Texas in Austin. Not only are the Longhorns national champs but there may be more positives that makes the Austin campus a real contender for the talented safeties services.

"I just found out the other day that Jonas' mom is a Texas grad," Venice head coach Angelo Gasca said. "He also has a brother who lives a couple of blocks from the campus."

"His dad is from Louisiana and that is the LSU connection," Gasca said. "And now of course now with this Texas connection, it makes things interesting."

"USC is still in it because they are close to home," Gasca said. "Michigan did a nice job when he visited there."

"It is kind of funny how Texas got into the mix," Gasca said. "It was a combination of Texas coming here for the Rose Bowl and him going to Texas for the US Army All-American Bowl."

While Mouton was in San Antonio the word was he was teasing California players who were committed to USC saying he's going to go to Texas now that they're No. 1.

The next thing you know Texas started to recruit the Mouton in earnest and were on the Venice High campus last week. At that time they set up the visit.

Down the stretch, the Longhorns are coming on strong.

Michigan, LSU and USC, and now Texas, may be making this the most anticipated recruiting battle left in the Golden State.

Mouton had a team-leading 93 tackles in 2005. He also had one interception and fumble recovery. He also led the team in receptions with 35 and in receiving yards with 471. Mouton had six touchdowns receiving.