Tag: bijan robinson

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.

Texas signee ranked No. 1 running back in nation

According to 247Sports final 2020 class rankings, Texas signee Bijan Robinson is now the No. 1 running back in the nation.

As National Signing Day is approaching on the first Wednesday of February, 247Sports released their final rankings for recruits in the 2020 class.

Over the course of the years, there have become two primary signing days worth noting. In December of each year, known as the early signing period, top athletes can commit to their program of choice by signing National Letters of Intent.

Five-star running back Bijan Robinson took advantage of the early signing period, officially inking his commitment to Texas. Throughout much of the recruiting cycle, Robinson was ranked as the No. 2 running back in the nation behind Zachary Evans.

After impressive performances in the All-American Bowl and Polynesian Bowl, Robinson climbed to the top spot in 247Sports final class rankings. The margin is slim between Robinson and Evans, but Robinson is the total package both on and off the field.

The Tucson, Arizona native became the first running back in Arizona history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in three different seasons.

Robinson should make an immediate impact as a true freshman at Texas.

 

2020 Season Early Awards Watchlist

It may be January, but it is never too early to begin talking about awards for the next season. Here is the early 2020 awards watchlist. 

It may be January, but it’s never too early to begin talking about awards for the next season. Especially in a critical year for Texas, in which they are expected to perform at the highest level.

All three sides of the ball presented itself as issues throughout the seasons, with some of the biggest players not performing in the most critical games. In 2020, that must change and the best players on the offensive and defensive side of the ball need to be making plays throughout all four quarters.

Coaching may have been a part of it, but with new coordinator Mike Yurcich and Chris Ash, they are expected to put these players in the best positions available to make plays. Even with a brand new recruiting class coming in, freshman have the ability to make an instant impact on the field.

Looking a newcomer of the year, special teams player of the year, defensive player of the year, and offensive player of the year for 2020, they may not be the best or most talented player in their respective unit, but they will be the most valuable. Somebody who brings the entire team to a new level when they perform and when absent is a glaring hole.

Here is the early 2020 awards watchlist for the Longhorns.

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WATCH: Texas signee Bijan Robinson scores touchdown in Polynesian Bowl

Texas’ five-star running back Bijan Robinson showcased why he’s one of the nation’s top backs in the Polynesian Bowl.

Texas football fans will likely get used to seeing this.

Running back Bijan Robinson is the highest-rated player in head coach Tom Herman’s 2020 recruiting class. As we reported previously, Robinson participated in the Polynesian Bowl yesterday with fellow Texas signee Prince Dorbah.

Robinson demonstrated why he’s one of the nation’s top backs. With only eight carries, he rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown.

The five-star athlete is expected to make an immediate impact as a true freshman for the Longhorns.

Two of Texas’ top commits participating in Polynesian Bowl

Two of Texas’ top 2020 commits, Bijan Robinson and Prince Dorbah, will be participating in the Polynesian Bowl this Saturday.

There will be no shortage of talent on display at the Polynesian Bowl this Saturday, January 18, on CBS Sports Network. Held annually during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week, the country’s top high school players come together to celebrate culture alongside top level competition.

According to 247 Sports Composite, there are six five-start athletes on the roster. Dozens of four-star recruits will also be participating.

Two of the top rated players partaking have already committed to the University of Texas. Five-star running back Bijan Robinson and four-star outside linebacker Prince Dorbah are currently in Hawaii preparing for the game.

Robinson and Dorbah signed with Texas in December. Both will likely close out their high school seasons together in Aloha Stadium as many other 2020 commits have already arrived to campus in Austin.

It appears they are each soaking up the moment.

High expectations surround these highly-rated commits for the Longhorns this season.

Texas Longhorns: Five Areas To Improve In 2020

The Texas Longhorns finished the year 8-5 but here are five areas to get even better in 2020.

Even with the Texas Longhorns victory over the Utah Utes to cap off a 8-5 campaign, there are plenty of areas where the team can improve upon in 2020. The Longhorns will be looking to get to double digit wins for only the second time since 2009 that ended a run of nine consecutive 10-win seasons under Mack Brown.

Defense Needs To Create Turnovers

For any offense, creating turnovers is their best friend. It gives the offense some advantages in that they deal with short fields and the Longhorns could do well to put pressure on the opposing offense that really can play right into the hands of the defense.

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The Longhorns created 22 turnover opportunities under Todd Orlando and with the recent hire of Chris Ash, Texas needs to continue to create more opportunities for Sam Ehlinger and the offense. D’Shawn Jamison led the team with three picks in 2019.

Chris Ash will be looking to bring some of that 2014 Ohio State magic to the Longhorns defense. That season, the Buckeyes tallied 25 interceptions. Ash has a big opportunity to create a defense that Texas has been missing for the last several years.

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2020 All-American Bowl: Four Texas Signees To Watch

Watch for these four Texas signees expected to showcase their talents in the 2020 All-American Bowl.

The nation’s best senior football players will be featured in the 2020 All-American Bowl this Saturday, January 4, at 1 p.m. CST on NBC.

America’s most-watched high school sporting event has not lacked in producing young stars in the past, including 159 NCAA All-Americans and 380 NFL Draft picks. Although millions of seniors are eligible each year, only the top 100 are chosen from the selection committee.

Texas has four signees expected to showcase their talents in this prestigious game, including the No. 2 running back in the nation according to 247sports:

Bijan Robinson, RB

  • Five-star running back
  • Wearing No. 6 on the West roster
  • High School: Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, AZ)
  • Broke the all-time rushing record in Arizona.

Prince Dorbah, OLB

  • Four-star outside linebacker
  • Wearing No. 32 on the West roster
  • High School: Highland Park (Dallas, TX)
  • Three-straight Class 5A Division I state titles, 219 total tackles (128 solo), 67 quarterback pressures and 40 sacks.

Andrej Karic, OT

  • Four-star offensive tackle
  • Wearing No. 54 on the West roster
  • High School: Southlake Carroll (Southlake, TX)
  • Multi-year starter, first-team all-district.

Xavion Alford, S

  • Four-star safety
  • Wearing No. 4 on the West roster
  • High School: Shadow Creek (Pearland, TX)
  • First-team all-district selection as a junior, No. 9 safety in the country.

After an underwhelming 2019 season that forced several coaching staff changes, Texas head coach Tom Herman has still managed to produce a 2020 recruiting class that currently ranks top ten in the nation.

Expect to get a glimpse of that on Saturday.

Recapping Texas’ national signing day

Going into today, Texas had 16 commitments. None of them flipped, making the Longhorns a perfect 16 for 16 on National Signing Day.

Going into today, Texas had 16 commitments. None of them flipped, making the Longhorns a perfect 16 for 16 on National Signing Day. While there may have been some other distractions, it was still an overall good day for the Longhorns. They finished in the top 10 of the 247Sports rankings, coming in at No. 10. As for ranking in the Big 12, Texas beat Oklahoma by one spot for the best 2020 class in the conference.

Here is a recap of Texas’ national signing day:

Five-star recruits

RB Bijan Robinson

Four-star recruits

QB Hudson Card, ATH Ja’Quinden Jackson, DT Vernon Broughton, OLB Prince Dorbah, S Xavion Alford, CB Kitan Crawford, S Jerrin Thompson, C Jake Majors, OT Jaylen Garth, WR Troy Omeire, G Logan Parr, T Andrej Karic

Three-star recruits

ATH Jaden Hullaby, WR Dajon Harrison, DT Sawyer Goram-Welch

The name to get most excited about is Bijan Robinson. In his high school career, he rushed for over 7,000 yards and scored over 100 touchdowns over four years. He had 35+ touchdowns in his final two seasons, reaching as high as 38 in his senior year. This season, the Longhorns struggled with depth in the running back room and Robinson will instantly make an impact in Austin.

Two other names to keep an eye out for are Hudson Card and Ja’Quinden Jackson. Card is a dual-threat quarterback from Austin, while Jackson is listed as an athlete on 247Sports. Jackson played quarterback in high school for Duncanville High School. Both of these guys will have a great opportunity to take over after Sam Ehlinger’s final season as quarterback.

It was a big day on the offensive line, signing four different four-star prospects. All from the state of Texas, Jaylen Garth and Andrej Karic come in as tackles, while Jake Majors is a center, and Logan Parr is a guard. With two seniors leaving on the offensive line after this season, one of these players may have a chance to start right away for the Longhorns.

Texas now focuses its attention on the bowl game, where they will play Utah in the Alamo Bowl. You can catch the game on New Year’s Eve at 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN.

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Bijan Robinson officially signs for the Longhorns

It has been a long time coming for Texas fans, as five-star RB Bijan Robinson has officially signed. Robinson will make an instant impact.

It has been a long time coming for Longhorn fans, as five-star running back Bijan Robinson has officially signed his national letter of intent to join Texas. Robinson has been verbally committed since early August and is the 13th highest-rated recruit the Longhorns have landed in their history according to 247Sports.

The 6 foot, 200 pound running back is from Salpointe Catholic High School in Tuscon, AZ. 247Sports has Robinson as the second-best running back in the 2020 class, only behind Zachary Evans of Houston, TX. Robinson was also considering Ohio State and USC but stuck with his commitment to Texas.

Robinson’s numbers in high school were insane. He has rushed for 2,000 yards in three consecutive seasons, totaling at 7,036 yards over four years. Not only did he get yards, but he put the ball in the endzone. In his senior season, Robinson had 38 rushing touchdowns and had 103 in four years.

Texas had some problems at running back this season, with players at the position being injured all year. Freshman Roschon Johnson, who came in as the third-string quarterback, ended up getting a decent amount of snaps in the backfield. With Robinson coming in, he is expected to make an instant impact and make the position group one of the best in the conference.

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