Tag: Gunnar Helm

Longhorns offense getting unexpected boost from Gunnar Helm

While the 2024 campaign is far from over, Helm is putting together the best season of his college career

Over the last few years, Gunnar Helm has been a steady presence in the Longhorns’ offense. In his senior year, the Colorado native has taken his game to a new level and has been a bright spot every week. While the 2024 campaign is far from over, Helm is putting together the best season of his college career.

Through four games, the Longhorns tight end has recorded 11 receptions for a career-high 197 yards. He has also added one touchdown catch to his resume, leaving him one short of matching his total from the 2023 campaign. In an offense full of explosive pieces, Helm has seen his targets increase and taken advantage of his opportunities.

While catching passes from Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers, Helm is averaging a career-high 17.9 yards a catch. That is a decent bump from last year, as he averaged 13.7 yards. The increase has partly been due to speedsters such as Ryan Wingo and Isaiah Bond, who have drawn the focus of defensive coordinators.

With the first month of the season in the books, Helm ranks third on the team in catches and receiving yards. He is one of only three Longhorns players with more than ten receptions. His rise in production has been a welcome sign.

If Helm can keep up his current play, the Longhorns should be able to hold their own in the SEC. They have already shown they can put points on the board quickly while being backed by a very good defense. That combination could lead to a national championship.

Regardless of what this team accomplished, Helm is putting together a season he will never forget.

Early position outlook: Many fresh faces at tight end

Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley was one of Texas’ best pickups in the offseason.

The tight end position will have a much different look in 2022.

The Horns lost three-year starter, Cade Brewer, to graduation and his backup Jared Wiley to the transfer portal.

With Texas in need of experience at tight end, Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley decided to reunite with Steve Sarkisian in Austin.

Billingsley totaled 37 receptions for 559 yards and six touchdowns in his three years at Alabama. He will serve as the older guy in the room with lots of young, but unproven talent behind him.

Texas has a trio of sophomores who will compete for playing time this spring.

Gunnar Helm, probably the best blocker of the group, got the most playing time out of the three a season ago. Helm appeared in all 12 games, mostly on special teams.

Former five-star Ja’Tavion Sanders has one of the highest ceilings out of anyone on the roster. Sanders had a bit of trouble adjusting to the college game in his freshman season, but he will now have a full offseason with the program to develop his game.

Juan Davis is a guy Steve Sarkisian speaks very highly of. Davis only played in two games last season recording just one catch.

If Billingsley picks up where he left off in Tuscaloosa and the younger guys step up, tight end could be one of the best position groups on the roster.

Texas’ TE situation with Jared Wiley entering the transfer portal

Texas will need to replace both starting tight ends next season. Who will they look to?

Texas’ offense will look much different at the tight end position in 2022. Continue reading “Texas’ TE situation with Jared Wiley entering the transfer portal”

Texas Football: Six notes on the initial depth chart for Louisiana

Shortly after Steve Sarkisian’s press conference, the depth chart was released by Texas. Here are six notes on the initial three deep.

Steve Sarkisian’s first game week press conference was on Monday where Hudson Card was officially named the starting quarterback. Shortly after, the entire depth chart was released by Texas.

There were few surprises from the top to bottom. Since the Longhorns are returning a lot of talent from last season, many of the starters from last season will play similar roles.

Here is the full depth chart:

At the end of the day, the depth chart released could be completely different from what Sarkisian and his staff end up doing. In-game adjustments could be made based on matchups or a player could prove he has earned playing time throughout the practice week.

Until Saturday, all we have is a three-deep roster at all 29 positions listed. Sarkisian has proven via the quarterback battle he is going to play something closer to his chest.

Here are six notes on Texas’ initial depth chart for Saturday’s matchup against Louisiana:

Texas tight end Gunnar Helm works out with five-star quarterback Arch Manning

On Friday, a current Texas player got in on the Arch Manning recruitment. TE Gunnar Helm posted a picture with Manning after a workout.

No prospect is going to be coveted more in the 2023 cycle than quarterback Arch Manning. The composite five-star will be making college visits throughout the month of June. Alabama, Clemson, SMU, and Texas will all have their opportunities to impress.

Running back commit Rueben Owens has been going after Manning the most. The two met with each other in New Orleans, while Owens once again mentioned the quarterback after a track and field meet. Texas’ sole member of the 2023 class is making sure the top players in the country are interested in Austin.

On Friday, a current Texas player got in on the action. True freshman tight end Gunnar Helm posted a picture with Manning on Twitter after a workout. The two flashed a ‘Hook ’em’, letting fans overreact as to what it means.

Helm was a player who stood out to Steve Sarkisian during spring practice. Even in a jam-packed tight end room, the former three-star prospect could sneak his way up the depth chart throughout the year.

As for Manning, his recruitment will be drawn out for quite a while. He and his family have been through the process multiple times, all being high-stakes recruitments. Academics will play a role as well.

Sarkisian built a relationship with Manning going back to his time in Tuscaloosa. If any non-SEC schools are going to be in the race, it is Clemson and Texas.

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Texas RB Roschon Johnson names four players who have stood out in spring practice

Roschon Johnson spoke to the media, laying out four players, two on both offense and defense, who have stood out on the practice field.

Roschon Johnson has been one of the most surprising developments surrounding Texas football the past couple of years. He was recruited as a quarterback, converted to a running back, and now, is a fan favorite.

Bijan Robinson may be the starting running back and star of Sarkisian’s new-look offense, but Johnson has emerged as a leader within the locker room. The rising junior has a chance to be one of the captains for the upcoming season.

Johnson spoke to the media on Tuesday, laying out four players, two on offense and two on defense, who have stood out to him on the practice field. Two are new to campus, while one will be looking to live up to his lofty recruiting expectations.

Wide receiver Jordan Whittington was the first player highlighted by the running back. “[Whittington] has come a long way,” Johnson said. “I’m just glad to see him healthy, running around, catching balls.”

With Jake Smith out of spring practice due to a foot injury, Whittington has the opportunity to become Texas’ top wide receiver. Injuries have held him back during his two seasons on campus, only playing in seven career games up to this point. Health pending, Whittington may benefit the most from Sarkisian’s offensive scheme.

Freshman Gunnar Helm was the other offensive player Johnson pointed out. After having two tight ends decommit from the 2021 class, Helm ended up being the choice under Tom Herman’s staff. With Jeff Banks in charge of tight ends, it is no surprise Helm is having early success in practice.

Moving to the defensive side of the ball, outside linebacker Ray Thornton was praised by Johnson. “He’s one of those leaders that comes in and everyone feels him,” Thompson said of Thornton.

Joseph Ossai was such an important part of Texas’ defensive success at the jack position. Thornton was brought in from LSU, hoping he can replace Ossai’s production. Hearing he is standing out only a couple of practices in is certainly encouraging. The former Tiger also has experience at middle linebacker, playing there for Bo Pelini last year.

Safety Jerrin Thompson is the final name Johnson offered during his media availability on Tuesday. The sophomore took over at free safety when Caden Sterns opted out of the season for the NFL draft. He secured an interception in the Kansas State game and led the team in tackles against Colorado in the Alamo Bowl.

As spring practice continues, more players will stand out. Johnson mentioned how well Sarkisian is doing with the running backs, saying they will be “lethal threats.”

Players within the program seem excited about the direction Sarkisian is taking them in.

The return: Senior tight end Cade Brewer announces he is back for 2021

Texas Longhorns senior tight end Cade Brewer announced that he will be returning to the team in 2021. How will that impact the group?

The Texas Longhorns have seen their fair share of players deciding to leave the Forty Acres for the NFL in recent weeks. However, tight end Cade Brewer was not one of those players as he announced that he would return in 2021. Continue reading “The return: Senior tight end Cade Brewer announces he is back for 2021”

The return: Senior tight end Cade Brewer announces he is back for 2021

Texas Longhorns senior tight end Cade Brewer announced he will return to the team in 2021. How will that impact the group?

The Texas Longhorns have seen their fair share of players deciding to leave the Forty Acres for the NFL in recent weeks. However, tight end Cade Brewer was not one of them, and he announced Monday he plans to return in 2021. Continue reading “The return: Senior tight end Cade Brewer announces he is back for 2021”

Updated Big 12 Recruiting ranks, Texas still in the lead

With the current movement on the recruiting track, Austin American-Statesman reviewed the conference rankings in recruiting.

When it comes to recruiting under Tom Herman in Austin, it hasn’t been an issue. Development of these prospects has been a different question entirely. Herman and staff are well on their way to yet another top 10 recruiting class in the 2021 cycle. The Longhorns currently sit at 12th in the nation after being pushed down by Florida and Miami. A strong push in the coming months could launch them back inside the top 10.

Texas, Oklahoma rise to top of the Big 12 football recruiting rankings

Mike Craven of the Austin American-Statesman provided an update on the Big 12 recruiting rankings.

The 2021 Big 12 football recruiting rankings are beginning to take a familiar shape as Oklahoma begins pushing its way towards the top spot. Texas and OU dominate the Big 12 recruiting landscape on a yearly basis with the Longhorns taking the crown the past two years despite the Sooners’ on-field domination, though transfers like Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield and Jalen Hurts don’t count toward the rankings.

Texas Longhorns: 15 Commits

Texas’ lone commitment over the past month was four-star cornerback Jamier Johnson from Pasadena, Calif. Johnson, the 17th-ranked cornerback in the nation, is considered a national top-250 prospect. The Longhorns gained a commitment from four-star cornerback Ishmael Ibraheem, forming a formidable duo at the position. Texas also holds pledges from four-star safety JD Coffey and elite athlete Billy Bowman Jr., who is expected to play primarily in the defensive backfield.

Eight of Texas’ 10 in-state commitments rank among the top 55 players in Texas. The Longhorns possess the best class in the Big 12. Texas now holds a commitment at every position except for kicker, though the Longhorns did add a punter from Australia in Isaac Pearson.

What we say

The Longhorns just added yet another commitment to their 2021 class after the publication of the article mentioned above. Gunnar Helm gives Texas the tight end prospect that they didn’t have. With the decommits of Lake McRee (USC) and Landen King (Auburn), the staff was able to get Helm. He just adds to an already impressive class for Tom Herman.

The Longhorns class could end up even better with the possibility of running back Camar Wheaton out of Garland. The five-star runner would give the Longhorns their second-straight five-star runner if it falls their way. Wheaton would be yet another big weapon on the offensive side of the ball. He is the next name to keep an eye on.

Four-star Wisconsin 2021 TE target Gunnar Helm commits to a Big 12 opponent

The Badgers lose out on the 2021 TE

[lawrence-newsletter]2021 four-star TE Gunnar Helm announced he would be committing to Texas just moments ago on his instagram and Twitter.

Helm chose Texas over Wisconsin, Auburn, Georgia, and Iowa State. Wisconsin misses out on the 2021 TE target, however, the Badgers do have four-star TE  Jack Pugh already committed in the class of 2021.

The Colorado native is the first 2021 TE in the Texas class, and joins a group that is currently ranked as the No. 12 overall class by 247Sports.