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These players will need to be head-and-shoulders above their competition.
The media’s first team all-conference selection is usually predictable. Continue reading “Top 21 dark horse all-conference candidates for the Big 12 this season”
These Longhorns have the potential for monster 2022 seasons.
Steve Sarkisian and the Texas staff have their eyes set on a bounce-back 2022 season.
A rebuilt roster with an influx of talent via the transfer portal and high school ranks has people around the program feeling confident major improvement is coming.
Texas signed the No. 5 recruiting class for the 2022 cycle along with a strong list of exciting transfers, including quarterback Quinn Ewers and wide receiver Isaiah Neyor. The fresh faces on the team hope to establish themselves as premier players in the Big 12 Conference in 2022.
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy and defense back Anthony Cook enjoyed breakout seasons for the Horns in 2021. Texas needs multiple players to step up in a similar way if they want to reach their goal of competing for a Big 12 title this fall.
Here is a look at one breakout candidate for each position group entering the 2022 season. Big seasons from these Longhorns would go a long way towards getting the program headed in the right direction.
Ja’Tavion Sanders might be a more complete player than many believe.
Bobby Burton and Paul Wadlington of Inside Texas shared their thoughts on the Texas Longhorns upcoming 2022 season in their podcast, On Texas Football.
The two shared interesting takeaways from spring game performances and overall feel for the 2022 roster. Among the takeaways, Wadlington details how Ja’Tavion Sanders might be a more complete player than many believe.
Additionally, Burton and Wadlington discuss where the running back and receiver rooms rank among past Texas teams. They go in-depth discussing the impact that newcomers Isaiah Neyor, Tarique Milton and Agiye Hall could have on the Longhorns 2022 campaign.
They don’t shy away from concerns along the offensive line and defense.
Perhaps the most significant and encouraging takeaway is the emergence of Ja’Tavion Sanders. The second-year tight end could finally showcase his five-star ability in meaningful games this year. Paired with Neyor, the two receivers could take the offense to a different level than we have seen.
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Certain players have a way of raising a team’s ceiling.
Certain players have a way of raising a team’s ceiling. Texas has a number of those players. They are sometimes called “X-Factors.”
Texas has more than a few dependable starters. We know what Bijan Robinson and Xavier Worthy can contribute in a full season.
On the offensive line, Junior Angilau is as reliable as his unit was unreliable last season. Entering his fourth season as a starter, runs behind the redshirt senior near the goal line are a safe bet to reach the end zone.
The offense and defense also have a number of wild cards. Some have yet to produce at the college level, while others bring baggage from their time at other programs.
With that said, here are five players that can change the Longhorns’ trajectory in the most significant way.
Taking a look at which position units inspire the most confidence on the Texas roster this season.
Texas’ offseason featured a high influx of talent for Steve Sarkisian’s team. The Longhorns will now feature a more potent roster with stronger depth than last season.
The roster improved most at skill positions by adding Isaiah Neyor, Agiye Hall, Jahleel Billingsley, and Tarique Milton.
Linebackers coach Jeff Choate improved defensive depth by adding Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey. Dorsey may compete for and win a starting job at inside linebacker prior to the 2022 season.
Much of the conversation this offseason revolves around what they did not add through the portal. Offensive tackles and edge rushers underwhelmed last season, perhaps due in part to new technique and strength and conditioning routines. With Texas unable to bring in elite edge transfers, they may have to manufacture their pass rush.
Here is how I would rank my confidence in each of the position units.
The newcomers are all unique in what they bring to the Texas offense.
Texas has been more active at wide receiver than any other position in the transfer portal this offseason. Continue reading “Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is building versatility, not just depth, at wide receiver”
It’s Ja’Tavion Sanders time.
Texas quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Hudson Card are amidst an intense position battle this offseason. Continue reading “WATCH: Texas QB Hudson Card tosses a dime to Ja’Tavion Sanders for a touchdown”
The former five-star stood out in Texas’ first spring practice.
Second-year tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is one of the most talented players on Texas’ roster. Spring practice presents a great opportunity for the young tight end to get more adjusted to the college game.
The former five-star did not see the field much during his freshman season in 2021. With Cade Brewer graduating and Jared Wiley transferring up I-35 to TCU, the opportunity for playing time has presented itself at tight end.
CJ Vogel of The Football Brainiacs had some encouraging remarks about Sanders’ play in practice on Tuesday.
InsideTexas reported Sanders got plenty of runs with the first-team offense in Tuesday’s drills.
I tell ya what, TE Ja’Tavion Sanders looked really impressive today. pic.twitter.com/Eyg7U4aUhH
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) March 22, 2022
Sanders will compete with Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley, Gunnar Helm, and Juan Davis for playing time at tight end. Steve Sarkisian loves to utilize his tight end group, Texas played out of 12-personnel at a high rate last season.
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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 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”
