College Fantasy Draft: Tom Herman and the Longhorns walk away with help on defense

In 247Sports’ most recent article they posed an idea of a college fantasy draft. In this scenario the Texas Longhorns walk away with a LBer.

If you are an avid football fan, it is likely that you play fantasy football. It isn’t just a NFL game anymore as some sites offer a college football fantasy league. Many fans are putting their draft parties together, putting a board together much like a NFL team is doing and prove they have the superior football mind against friends and colleagues. So what about a college football fantasy draft?

What if the contenders in the remaining Power Five conferences got their shot at drafting a player out of the Big Ten or Pac-12 Conference? Throw the transfer portal out the window for just a moment. That is what 247Sports’ staff did. In this scenario the Longhorns received the number 12 selection to try and improve their team. So do they go offense and add to their wide receiver corps? Or do they add to their defense in an attempt to slow down some high powered offenses?

The Longhorns select: Cameron McGrone, Linebacker from Michigan

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

No shock will this selection as the Longhorns have been on the hunt for linebacker help. Recently they were among the three teams vying for the commitment from Arizona transfer linebacker Tony Fields II. In this scenario from Barton Simmons, the Longhorns get their man in McGrone.

Texas needs a fix at defense and has turned to new coordinator Chris Ash for answers. There’s no denying the talent in the secondary and Joseph Ossai is expected to emerge as one of the best pass rushers in the country. It’s the linebacker position where the Longhorns need to find consistency. Cameron McGrone, a former five-star in the Top247 rankings, was poised to have a breakout fall this season at Michigan and the feeling here is that whenever we see him on the field again, he’ll quickly assert himself as one of the best linebackers in the country. That’s the kind of talent that would make Ash sleep much easier in his first year

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Longhorns in the NFL: Training Camp news and notes

In the first NFL training camp update of the year we look at Holton Hill, Kris Boyd, Connor Williams and Devin Duvernay.

NFL is in full swing with training camps getting going. For the Texas Longhorns there a list of former players in the mix for various position battles across the league.

Continue reading “Longhorns in the NFL: Training Camp news and notes”

2021 NFL Draft: Texas QB Sam Ehlinger draws comparison to Buffalo Bills passer

The NFL Draft outlook for Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger is all over the road. However Emory Hunt compared him to a Buffalo QB.

Prior to the bowl game in 2019, Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger submitted paperwork to the NFL Advisory Board. Some speculated that he might declare early and head to the NFL Draft. It wasn’t an unusual occurrence for a college player to submit paperwork. Some want to see where they stand as a draft prospect before making their decision to head to the NFL Draft or finish their college career.

Many felt that the Texas quarterback needed his senior year to develop and increase his odds of being a higher draft pick. Ehlinger decided to return to Longhorns for another year much like offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi. While Cosmi is viewed as a first-round selection, there are mix bag of reviews on Ehlinger. One team reportedly had a second-round grade on him. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler said that it could be a similar situation to Sooners quarterback Jalen Hurts.

One of the comparisons that has been tossed around is Ehlinger’s comparison to former UGA Bulldog Jake Fromm. However, according NFL Draft analyst Emory Hunt it is another Buffalo Bills passer that he compares Sam to. He was recently on Ross Tucker’s College Draft podcast to explain it.

This season will be huge for Sam Ehlinger and his draft stock. If he can improve on his throwing rhythm and the deep ball accuracy then the sky is the limit for the Austin native. If this was a situation several years ago, Ehlinger is likely a quarterback that would be overlooked or viewed as a late-round quarterback. However with the evolution of the game he may just find himself drafted on day two.

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We have a forum and message board now. Get in on the conversation about Texas Longhorns athletics by joining the Longhorns Wire Forum.

Texas Football Recruiting: Jalen Milroe flips commitment to Alabama

The Texas Longhorns lost a 2021 commit in quarterback Jalen Milroe. Following the Ewers announcement it was speculated that he will move on.

The first wave of news coming off the Quinn Ewers commitment has hit for the Texas Longhorns. It had been widely rumored prior to Ewers’ decision to play for Texas that Jalen Milroe was being pursued by the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Nick Saban and company were hot on the trail for Milroe so it comes to no surprise for many. The quarterback room was becoming increasingly crowded for the future with Casey Thompson, Hudson Card, Ja’Quinden Jackson and Ewers. Milroe was likely to be the odd man out but now gets a new opportunity with Alabama. This would make the third recruit that Texas had its sights on that will play for Saban. The Longhorns already lost out on legacy players James and Tommy Brockermeyer.

First, I’ll like to give thanks to God for blessing me in all that I am and all that I do. I want to say thank you to Coach Herman and Coach Beck for recruiting me and giving me an opportunity to chase my dreams and further my academic and athletic career at the University of Texas. I want to also thank Coach Yurcich. I know I wasn’t initially your guy, but you continued to build a relationship with me. To the #trUTh21, you’re a special group, and you all are gonna be dangerous! Lastly, I’ll like to thank the University of Texas’ fans. You all have shown me tremendous support and love since I committed over a year ago. At this time, after taking a lot into consideration, much prayer and speaking with my parents, I have decided to decommit from UT and commit to another University thats shares my visions and aspirations. With that being said, I’ll be committing to the University of Alabama! My recruitment is 100% closed. Roll Tide!- Jalen Milroe on Twitter

Texas Football: Quarterback outlook after Ehlinger era

The quarterback room at Texas is suddenly loaded with talent.

Texas went through a quarterback rut between the likes of Colt McCoy and Sam Ehlinger. Continue reading “Texas Football: Quarterback outlook after Ehlinger era”

CFN predicts Texas to debut in AP preseason poll at No. 9

CFN attempted to predict what the initial AP Poll will look like, only having five conferences available. The Longhorns came in at No. 9.

The 2020 football season is going to be a different one, with the Big Ten, Pac-12, Mountain West, and MAC canceling their fall seasons. Because of that, the AP Poll is going to look different, only composing of teams from six conferences.

College Football News attempted to predict what the initial AP Poll will look like, only having ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, American, Conference USA, and Sun Belt available for selection.

Texas made it into the top 10, coming in at No. 9. This would be the second year in a row the Longhorns will be a preseason AP top 25 team, also coming in at No. 9 last season.

Here are CFN’s full top 25 predictions:

  1. Clemson
  2. Alabama
  3. Georgia
  4. LSU
  5. Florida
  6. Oklahoma
  7. Notre Dame
  8. Auburn
  9. Texas
  10. Texas A&M
  11. North Carolina
  12. Virginia Tech
  13. UCF
  14. Tennessee
  15. Miami (FL)
  16. Cincinnati
  17. Iowa State
  18. Kentucky
  19. Memphis
  20. Louisville
  21. Virginia
  22. Appalachian State
  23. Mississippi State
  24. Baylor
  25. Navy

Three other Big 12 teams make the top 25, with Oklahoma being the highest at No. 6. Iowa State sits comfortably at No. 17 while Baylor sneaks in at No. 24.

A surprise in the poll is no Oklahoma State, who is expected to contend for a spot in the Big 12 championship game. The Cowboys are set to be one of the most explosive offenses in the conference, with Spencer Sanders, Chuba Hubbard, and Tylan Wallace leading the way.

Outside of the Big 12, legendary Texas head coach Mack Brown and North Carolina nearly crack the top 10 at No. 11. The Tar Heels are coming off a 6-6 season but sophomore quarterback Sam Howell could be one of the best in the ACC.

The official AP poll will come out on Aug. 24.

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WATCH: Texas RB Bijan Robinson showcases speed during fall camp

Texas running back Bijan Robinson is turning heads early throughout fall camp.

Texas fans are anxious to witness the nation’s top running back take the field this season. Continue reading “WATCH: Texas RB Bijan Robinson showcases speed during fall camp”

Four former Longhorns to compete in the NBA’s bubble playoffs

The NBA season will now turn to the playoffs down in Orlando. Four former Horns will be in action across the Eastern and Western Conference.

After eight games in the NBA bubble, their season will now turn to the playoffs down in Orlando, FL. Four former Longhorns will be in action across both the Eastern and Western Conference.

Starting in the East, Jarett Allen of the Brooklyn Nets, D.J. Augustin of the Orlando Magic, and Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers will be vying for their first NBA championships.

Turner has become a star for the Pacers, averaging 12.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. However, he did miss Indiana’s finale against Miami, dealing with a wrist injury and being listed as day-to-day.

Brooklyn was supposed to feature two former Longhorns in Allen and Kevin Durant. An Achilles injury has sidelined Durant for the entire year and the duo will have to wait another year.

In the meantime, Allen has been averaging nearly a double-double, with 11.1 points and 9.6 points per game. He is the Nets’ second-leading rebounder, only behind DeAndre Jordan, who has 10.0 per game.

Finally in the East, Augustin has a tough mountain the climb against the one-seed Milwaukee Bucks. The point guard finished the regular season second on the Magic in assists, having 4.6 per game and adding 10.5 points per game.

Moving over to the West and Houston Rockets’ star P.J. Tucker. The 6-5 forward is shooting 35% from three this year, averaging 6.9 points per game. He has been a consistent player for head coach Mike Dantoni, playing 34.3 minutes per game. Houston will be playing the Oklahoma City Thunder.

All NBA playoff games can be found either on ABC, ESPN, NBATV, or TNT.

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Locked on Longhorns Podcast: ‘Quinn Ewers commitment and impact’

The Locked on Longhorns kicks off your week discussing the commitment of Quinn Ewers to Texas. How does that impact the team moving forward.

In a wild weekend, the Texas Longhorns secured their second perfect-rating recruit. The No. 1 player of the 2022 class, Quinn Ewers, committed to play for his childhood team. Ewers is a program-changing player, so what kind of impact does this make on the recruiting front? Seems as though top players from across the country are lining up to have the opportunity to play with him.

The quarterback room is suddenly loaded with Hudson Card, Ja’Quinden Jackson, Casey Thompson, Jalen Milroe (2021) and Ewers (2022). In the post-Ehlinger era, how does it all play out? Will someone change positions? Will someone eventually leave?

In the funny story of the weekend, current Texas A&M tight end Blake Smith tweeted he would sign up to play with Ewers. Was he telling others to come to Texas? Or was it a brief brain lapse that caused him to tweet that and immediately remove it?

The wide receiver group was dealt a blow with the injury to freshman Troy Omeire. Over the weekend, we were told by head coach Tom Herman that he “tweaked” his knee, but it was later confirmed he tore his ACL. With him out for the season, how does that impact the group?

Athletic director Chris Del Conte confirmed in an email there will be fans in the stands. A total of 25 percent which equates to 25,000. It was later reported by Brian Davis of the Austin American-Statesman that Texas is planning zero allotments to opposing fans for home games. The annual Texas-OU Red River Rivalry will be split with each school getting 12.5 percent of tickets.

Plus Oklahoma’s top running back Kennedy Brooks has opted out of the 2020 season. What impact will that have on an already young team that lost its starting quarterback and top wide receiver to the NFL draft this past year.

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Texas Offers 2021 three-star wide receiver and TCU commit

The Texas Longhorns made an offer to three-star wide receiver and TCU commit Chase Jackson. Jackson is coming off a monster junior year.

The Texas Longhorns are continuing to target receivers on the recruiting trail. The latest is a TCU commit in Chase Jackson of Oklahoma. Jackson had a monster year in 2019 with 1,342 yards and 17 touchdowns for Choctaw High School. Jackson could be a big play wide receiver in this Mike Yurcich offense and a weapon for whoever takes over as quarterback following Sam Ehlinger’s departure.

Continue reading “Texas Offers 2021 three-star wide receiver and TCU commit”