Which Texas football newcomer will make the biggest impact in 2020?

Each Longhorns Wire staff contributors chose which newcomer will have the biggest impact for Texas this season.

It’s time for another Longhorns Wire roundtable discussion. Continue reading “Which Texas football newcomer will make the biggest impact in 2020?”

WATCH: Texas running back Roschon Johnson showcases footwork

Roschon Johnson is experiencing his first offseason of preparation as a running back.

The backfield at Texas is loaded with talent. Continue reading “WATCH: Texas running back Roschon Johnson showcases footwork”

Locked on Longhorns Podcast: recruiting rankings

The Locked on Longhorns Podcast discusses the latest recruiting efforts and rankings. Plus what we are looking forward to with the NFL Draft

Cami and Patrick kick off the show by discussing two of the latest updates on four-star recruits that the Texas Longhorns are currently targeting. Could former Longhorn Marquise Goodwin be on the move? According to reports the 49ers are looking to move him for cap relief.

Tom Herman recently discussed a few names for the new incomers that could earn playing time relatively early in the 2020 football season. Bijan Robinson, Alfred Collins and Prince Dorbah could all be in the mix. Another player could be one of the young safeties. Plus is anyone surprised at how well Mack Brown is doing on the recruiting front?

With the NFL Draft just a day away, they discuss what they are looking forward to most and any plans they may have.

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Locked on Longhorns: Latest NFL Draft news and notes

With the NFL Draft only a few days away, Cami and Patrick discuss the latest projections for three former Longhorns.

Cami and Patrick open the show discussing a question from the Texas Longhorns social media team, which Longhorn would you like to meet? Hudson Card’s workout while the isolation continues and recruiting updates.

The duo discuss the latest mock drafts and what analysts are saying about the professional projections of Brandon Jones, Devin Duvernay, and Collin Johnson. Could Devin Duvernay be the first Longhorn selected? Two analysts have him going in round two of the draft.

The WNBA Draft took place on Friday night, where are two Longhorns going to start their professional careers? Greg Brown is expected to make his decision on Friday, could the G league be a potential fit? Vic Schaefer has been busy in his first week as the head coach of the women’s team with building his roster.

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Bijan Robinson among the top 25 running back projections

247 released their latest top 25 position projections, this time at running back. Incoming freshman Bijan Robinson among the list.

Recently 247 Sports put together their list of top quarterbacks for the 2020 season which included Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger. The next list of projections from 247 is the running backs. On this particular list one Texas running back made the list which included plenty of talented backs. Bijan Robinson comes in at number 23.

One of two true freshman in this Top 25, Robinson — a five-star — could flourish as a first-year player with the Longhorns after rushing for more than 7,000 yards at the prep level. He was the crown jewel in an impressive haul for Tom Herman.

The fact that a true freshman running back that has yet to take a snap for a team, much less actually stepped foot on his new campus is quite the compliment. There has been plenty of hype surrounding the number one running back in the country according to 247 composite rankings. Much of it is warranted considering what he was able to accomplish on the field in Arizona.

Other Big 12 running backs to make the list:

  • 1: Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
  • 10: Breece Hall, Iowa State
  • 13: Pooka Williams, Kansas
  • 20: Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma

The Big 12 has plenty of talent at the position and which running back will stand the tallest by the end of the season will be exciting to watch. The Longhorns have three running backs who will likely be in the mix during 2020 season. However, Bijan Robinson should be the one who stands tallest for the Longhorns by seasons end.

Texas RB Bijan Robinson among top 10 playmakers in the 2020 class

Texas signee Bijan Robinson was named one of the top 10 playmakers out of the 2020 class, according to 247Sports.

Whenever there’s a list regarding the top prospects in the 2020 recruiting class, running back Bijan Robinson deserves to be on it.

The most recent recruiting cycle is loaded with talent on the offensive side of the ball. According to 247Sports, Texas signee Bijan Robinson is among the top ten playmakers in the nation.

The ten players range in positions from running back, quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end. A playmaker could have many meanings, perhaps it’s one who controls the flow of the teams offense. It could be a player who seems to provide highlight reels constantly. Unbelievable plays. Acrobatic catches. Unstoppable.

However you choose to define a playmaker, Robinson is just that. The Texas signee was the No. 1 running back in the nation by the end of his recruiting cycle. He’s the type of player that can do it all.

Robinson became the first running back in Arizona history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in three different seasons. The Salpointe Cathloic product finished his high school career with 7,036 yards and 112 total touchdowns.

The 6-0, 200-pound back participated in the All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowl over the past few months, solidifying his ranking. He has terrific vision and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.

This type of talent doesn’t come around often. Robinson is expected to make an immediate impact at Texas as a true freshman.

 

 

 

 

2020 Texas Longhorns: Bijan Robinson Profile

Withe the newest recruiting class coming in, we profile Bijan Robinson and what type of impact he could make in 2020.

For the Texas Longhorns in the 2020 recruiting class, there was no higher rated recruit than Bijan Robinson out of Salpointe Catholic of Arizona. He ended up as the number one running back in the country just ahead of North Shore’s Zachary Evans who was rated above him all the way up until right before National Signing Day.

Robinson’s Accomplishments:

  • 7,036 high school career rushing yards
  • 103 rushing touchdowns
  • 836 receiving yards
  • nine receiving touchdowns
  • 12.9 yards per rush / 13.5 yards per touch
  • Arizona 4A State record holder for Rushing Yards
  • Polynesian Bowl Participant
  • US Army All-American Game Participant
  • USA Today High School All-American

In high school it was like Robinson was a man among boys at the rate he destroyed opposing defenses. He helped lead the Salpointe Catholic football team to back to back to back state championship appearances but just couldn’t finish it off for the Lancers. Robinson will now look to help lead Texas to their first Big 12 Championship since their last National Championship run back in the 2009-2010 season.

Running the football was in his blood. Robinson’s uncle Paul was a running back for the Arizona Wildcats and went on to play six years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Oilers. There wasn’t a more complete back in this recruiting class than Robinson. He has the patience and vision that made him an elite talent at the high school level.

Running the ball isn’t the only way that the Texas Longhorns signee can impact the game as he made strides as a receiver out of the backfield. While Robinson only averaged just over 200 yards per season as a pass catcher, he shows the willingness is there. In the Texas offense, he will likely get more opportunity to catch the ball from quarterback Sam Ehlinger, just ask Keaontay Ingram.

For Robinson, he will likely split carries during his freshman season in Austin. However, he likely will get a lions share of the workload in his sophomore and junior seasons. He will be viewed as the next Longhorns running back that likely goes near the top of draft by the time he is done with his collegiate career. For now, Bijan Robinson will aim to be the best back on the field for the team in burnt orange.

 

USA Today Sports: Texas Ends 2020 Class With Highest Rated Player In Big 12

The Texas Longhorns finished the 2020 recruiting class with the highest rated player in the Big 12 on USA Today Sports top 25.

The Texas Longhorns are enjoying another top ten recruiting class with two five-star signings according to 247 ratings. Along with the five-stars (Bijan Robinson, Alfred Collins), the team added 13 more players that finished with four-stars.

USA Today Sports put together their top 25 rated prospects in all of the country. The Texas Longhorns finished with the highest rated player to sign in the Big 12, Bijan Robinson.

Robinson is arguably the top all-purpose back in the country, with the ability to hurt defenses as a runner or receiver. His combination of athleticism, speed and agility are exceptional. – Jason Jordan of USA Today Sports

The only other Big 12 school in the top 25 with a top recruit is the Oklahoma Sooners. Robinson will enroll in the fall and begin his college football career this season. The number one ranked running back in the nation according to 247 sports is drawing comparisons to current NFL running back Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints.

2020 Texas Longhorns Spring Battles: The Running Backs

As spring football approaches for the Texas Longhorns, Longhorns Wire takes a look at the running back battle for 2020.

Over the history of the Texas Longhorns football program, they have put some of the very best running backs from Earl Campbell to Eric Metcalf to Ricky Williams to Cedric Benson to Jamaal Charles on the field at Darrel K. Royal-Memorial Stadium. There are many more that could be listed but you get the point, playing running back at University of Texas has launched many careers to the NFL.

The 2020 team is no exception. The Longhorns signed the number one running back in the nation with Bijan Robinson. Robinson won’t be in spring camp since he won’t officially enroll at Texas until the fall. He has had quite the winter with his appearance in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio and the Polynesian Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Balance, speed, vision, hands. Robinson has it all and that is why the Arizona product was ranked as the number one running back in the nation. While Bijan won’t be part of the spring football workouts and spring game, he is still one the backs to watch when he steps foot on the Forty Acres this fall.

Keaontay Ingram

Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

The incumbent starter, Keaontay Ingram finished his second season for the Longhorns. Ingram rushed the ball just two times more in 2019 than he did in 2018 for a total of 145 yards more. His total yards from scrimmage increased from 878 yards to 1,095 as he became more of an option in the passing game.

The former four-star back from Carthage, Texas has the leg up on the starting role given how he has performed for the Longhorns. The soon to be junior running back did split time with Roschon Johnson this season with a Ingram getting more carries by a narrow margin.

Roschon Johnson

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

Johnson showed that he is the ultimate teammate in 2019. Following the injury to Jordan Whittington, Roschon made the switch to running back. He was listed on the depth chart as the second running back and third quarterback. The dual-threat is living up to the moniker as he is a threat to play two separate positions. It wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson could also help out at the wide receiver spot as well.

Roschon finished his first season at Texas with 146 touches, 807 yards and eight scores. Most of those numbers coming on the ground when asked to spell Ingram. Roschon should get more looks at running back in 2020 and during the spring based on how well he adapted this past season.

Jordan Whittington

AP Photo/Chuck Burton

Jordan Whittington brought a lot of hype with him to Austin in 2019, unfortunately that was short-lived with his injury that robbed him of his freshman season. After suffering an injury against Louisiana Tech early on in the season, Whittington was shut down after two receptions for 17 yards. In 2020, a lot will be expected of him. He was listed as one of ESPN’s Top 25 breakout players in 2020. 

Whittington was a star running back in high school and he could very well find himself in the mix at both running back and wide receiver come the fall. The Longhorns are going to have to find ways to replace the production of Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson who left for the NFL after graduating.

For Texas the running back room is suddenly chock full of talent and the best part is that new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich will have plenty of options at his disposal for 2020.

Highest-rated signees from Texas football’s 2020 recruiting class

Get to know the five highest-rated signees from Texas football’s impressive 2020 recruiting class.

Texas has had an impressive 2020 recruiting class up to this point, currently rated No. 11 in the nation. National Signing Day on the first Wednesday of February could still increase their overall ranking among other programs.

Let’s get to know the five highest-rated signees who could make an immediate impact for the Longhorns this season, courtesy of 247Sports Composite.

Bijan Robinson, RB

  • No. 1 running back in the nation, No. 15 overall prospect
  • Five-star
  • Salpointe Catholic High School (Tucscon, AZ)
  • 6-0, 200 pounds
  • Pro comparison: Alvin Kamara
  • Signed Letter of Intent

Hudson Card, QB

  • No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the nation, No. 57 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Lake Travis High School (Austin, TX)
  • 6-2.5, 179 pounds
  • Pro Comparison: Will Grier
  • Early enrollee

Ja’Quinden Jackson, QB

  • No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the nation, No. 73 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Duncanville High School (Duncanville, TX)
  • 6-2, 219 pounds
  • Pro comparison: Dak Prescott
  • Signed Letter of Intent

Vernon Broughton, DT

  • No. 14 defensive tackle in the nation, No. 121 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Cy Ridge High School (Houston, TX)
  • 6-5, 286 pounds
  • Pro comparison: Chris Wormley
  • Early enrollee

Prince Dorbah, LB

  • No. 7 outside linebacker in the nation, No. 126 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Highland Park High School (Dallas, TX)
  • 6-2.5, 208 pounds
  • Pro comparison: D’Andre Walker
  • Signed Letter of Intent

Don’t forget about defensive end Alfred Collins. Currently graded as the No. 64 overall prospect in the country, Collins would be a significant addition to this class. He will be announcing his decision between Texas, Oklahoma, or Alabama on National Signing Day.

If Collins does in fact choose Texas, he would be the third-highest rated prospect in this class. Fortunately for the Longhorns, it’s at a critical position of need as well.

Ehlinger will be returning for his senior season, but the battle between Card and Jackson on who will be his successor will be an interesting one to watch.