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We look at what the Texas depth chart looks like ahead of spring ball.
Spring practice begins on Monday, March 6. The sessions soften the blow of a long offseason without football. Continue reading “Texas Football: Predicting the two-deep ahead of spring practice”
Quinn Ewers and Steve Sarkisian need to be able to finish each other’s sentences this offseason.
The Texas Longhorns entered the offseason after their Alamo Bowl game against the Washington Huskies. Following the game, it’s easy to identify what must improve for Steve Sarkisian and his team.
The Longhorns felt Bijan Robinson’s absence in a struggling offensive effort. The Texas offensive line did not give much room for Keilan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks to make plays though Brooks’ long touchdown run helped make up for those offensive line struggles.
For the most part, the line has done a good job. Kyle Flood’s group has done particularly well in pass protection, which bodes well for Quinn Ewers next season.
Inconsistency in the passing game reared its head against the Huskies. This time, Quinn Ewers wasn’t the major culprit. Ewers improved dramatically in bowl practices. Now he and receivers look to get on the same page.
Let’s look at how Texas can target its weaknesses this offseason.
Quinn Ewers completed 31 of 47 attempts for 369 yards.
The Texas Longhorns (8-5) fell to the Washington Huskies (11-2) in frustrating fashion, 27-20.
From early on in the game, the Texas offense looked out of sync. Quinn Ewers missed some passes early but greatly improved through the air. His struggles came forcing the ball to Xavier Worthy.
Worthy had a rough night on the field. He was productive and made plays but was not the type of performer that Texas fans hoped he would be on the night.
The Texas defense gave a strong first half performance, but struggled to get stops in the second half.
All in all, it was a forgettable night for the team. Here’s a look at what to take away from the game before punting it from memory.
It’s time to give Jordan Whittington his respect.
Texas wide receiver Isaiah Neyor went down with a knee injury last week. Lost in that news is the Longhorns have a very good alternative that could play on the outside.
Jordan Whittington is not receiving much credit as a downfield threat, but his history tells us he can stretch defenses.
Last year, Whittington made an acrobatic catch that helped Texas beat TCU. The year before he won a 50-50 ball on the sideline against UTEP for an impressive catch.
Despite popular opinion, the talented redshirt junior has shown he can posterize defenses downfield.
Whittington has the size, speed, strength and physicality to soften the loss of Neyor. While boundary receiver is not Whittington’s best position, Steve Sarkisian believes he is capable of moving around to accommodate the offense.
Despite his injury history, the Cuero High School product has gotten better, healthier and more productive in every consequent season. He could be in for a big year this year.
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Texas can build resilience with offseason adversity.
One offseason ago, Texas brought in transfer wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Much of the attention for the move went to what Texas gained and not what the team he transferred from lost.
The team he transferred from was Michigan, who had just come off a 2-4 “Covid Season” in 2020. The loss of Worthy only added to the angst in Ann Arbor, as the Wolverines started unranked in the preseason AP poll.
Michigan overcame adversity and made their first ever College Football Playoff.
I am not suggesting Texas is about to make a playoff run, but the precedent for a bounce back season after comparable disappointment is there.
Presently, Texas sits outside the preseason Top 25. For the first time since immediately after the Maryland loss in 2018, there is a case that Texas is being underestimated nationally. It’s an opportunity for the Longhorns to work outside the spotlight, without the hype.
Injuries to Isaiah Neyor and Junior Angilau have potential to unite the team around winning for their injured teammates.
Texas already had adversity built into their early schedule. The Alabama game looms large for Texas with a national audience figuring to watch. We will see if Texas uses that adversity to build resilience this season.
Recent injuries all but guarantee at least one freshman will start the season opener.
Texas received bad news Sunday afternoon.
Per reports, gifted and hard-working receiver transfer Isaiah Neyor and indispensable leader Junior Angilau could both be dealing with a season-ending knee injury.
Steve Sarkisian will no doubt sympathize with the players, but will be also tasked with putting a team on the field in three weeks.
One of the deepest positions on the team appears to be dwindling down. Neyor’s injury and Agiye Hall’s suspension leave a vacancy at wide receiver I am not sure who will fill.
There is one Isaiah Neyor on this team. Savion Red has emerged as a potential impact player but likely will play in the slot. Jordan Whittington, Tarique Milton and Brenen Thompson also figure to play from the slot.
Outside of those four Texas could turn to Casey Cain, Troy Omeire or Jahleel Billingsley to play on the outside. Cain is still unproven, while injuries have derailed Omeire’s past playing opportunities.
As for Billingsley, the talented pass catcher presumably would have to learn an entirely new position.
Here’s a look at players who may be called upon to step up in the absence of injured players.
