Durham Smythe: Texas Longhorns' 4th decommit in 2013 class

Earlier this year when 4-star Belton tight end Durham Smythe verbally committed to Texas our Scipio wrote that he not only filled a desperate need, but was also a bright light in a multi-talented class.

Scipio summed up his skills and his fit for Texas this way:

Smythe is a pure TE prospect with a 6-4, 225 pound frame. Soft hands, explosive first step, nice breaks on his routes, and an enthusiastic blocker who uses great feet and hand placement to find his fit and drive defenders. He's comfortable with his hand on the ground or split out on a linebacker or safety. You don't have to watch many highlights to see that he's a natural pass catcher with enough speed to work the deep middle. He gets off the ball quickly - he has a stronger first step than a number of WR prospects I've seen film on in the 2013 class - and that make him tough to jam.

That was then.

This is now.

Now includes four decommits: Daeshon Hall, Lancaster DE 6-6, 240 -- is committed to Washington.

Ricky Seals-Jones Sealy WR (#1 in nation) 6-5, 220 -- committed to Texas A&M

Kyle Hicks. RB 5-10, 195, Arlington Martin -- committed to TCU.

Now Smythe has told Texas "Thanks, but no thanks." Smythe also made it clear that Texas was no longer an option for him and his decision was final.

That's four decommits in a small class (17). There are easy speculations to make on most: Hall supposedly wanted to be closer to family in the northwest. RSJ, well his uncle in Eric Dickerson, whose hatred for Texas is legendary. Kyle Hicks was injured this season and Texas has running backs on campus who can play.

But Durham Smythe?

No uncles, no agendas, no grandstanding. He just told Texas "no mas." Smythe, an excellent student, has mentioned Notre Dame and Stanford as possible landing spots.

Perception becomes reality, especially in recruiting, and the perception is that the momentum is swinging quickly away from Austin, and at least partially making its way to College Station.

When you start losing out on "The Good Kids Who Graduate," you got problems throughout your program.