Tag: jerrin thompson

WATCH: Jerrin Thompson seals the game with a pick-six

Jerrin Thompson iced the game with a pick-six.

Texas defensive back Jerrin Thompson picked off Wyoming quarterback Evan Svoboda for a 27-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter on Saturday evening. It virtually crushed any hope that the Cowboys had for a comeback.

The Longhorns defense had a decent game defending the pass, while Svoboda completed 17 passes on 28 attempts for 136 yards. Thompson played well, per usual, with three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a touchdown.

Though defending the pass well, Wyoming’s run game hurt Texas from the first possession. Harrison Waylee found the end zone on a 62-yard run on Wyoming’s fifth play of the game, and even though that was their only touchdown of the game, Waylee ended up with 110 yards on 18 carries.

Texas will need to improve their run defense, fast, if they want to begin conference play without a spoiler.

WATCH: Texas safety BJ Allen intercepts pass to Xavier Worthy

BJ Allen made quite a play in this interception.

Depth chart positioning is up for grabs this spring in Austin, Texas. BJ Allen might have a grasp on his opportunity if this highlight play is any indication.

Allen was seen in ball hawk mode intercepting a deep pass intended for Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Judging by the context of the play, it looks like the former Aledo safety was getting reps with first team players. The clip shows him making the play with starting safety Jerrin Thompson and cornerback Ryan Watts in the vicinity.

The former four-star player probably would settle behind Arkansas transfer Jalen Catalon had the veteran player been healthy. Even so, if Allen continues to make more plays like the one in this highlight the Longhorns might have to find a place for him on the field.

In some ways, Allen shares similarities with Texas safety Jerrin Thompson, who didn’t see as many opportunities early. Should he get his moment, it looks like the young talent is ready to capitalize.

Predicting the starting secondary for Texas football in 2023

The secondary looks to be a strength of the Longhorns’ defense in 2023.

The secondary looks to be a strength of the Longhorns’ defense in 2023. Texas has a great mix of returning production and an influx of talent in its defensive backfield.

Ryan Watts, Jerrin Thompson and Jahdae Barron have tons of snaps under their belts as Longhorns. They are joined by the transfer duo of Jalen Catalon and Gavin Holmes, along with some exciting young pieces.

Position battles between the defensive backs are one of the more intriguing storylines to follow in spring practice.

Wake Forest transfer Gavin Holmes and sophomore Terrance Brooks are competing for the cornerback spot across from Ryan Watts. Blue chip freshman Malik Muhammad is already turning heads as well.

Fourth-year safety Kitan Crawford is earning first-team snaps while Catalon deals with an injury. Crawford has been mentioned multiple times as one of the standouts of spring ball.

Texas has the chance to boast one of the best defenive back units in the Big 12 Conference. Here is a look a the predicted starter at each position ahead of the 2023 campaign.

Texas Football: Longhorns Wire awards for the 2022 season

Longhorns Wire hands out team awards for the 2022 season.

The 2022 regular season has come to an end for the Texas Longhorns. Continue reading “Texas Football: Longhorns Wire awards for the 2022 season”

Texas Football: Five Longhorns to watch vs. No. 13 Kansas State

Who can slow down Deuce Vaughn on Saturday?

No. 24 Texas travels to No. 13 Kansas State for a top 25 Big 12 Conference matchup this week.

The Longhorns enter this game as a slight favorite despite being the lower-ranked team and playing on the road. Texas is looking for a bounce-back performance after losing to Oklahoma State two weeks ago.

Kansas State enters on the opposite side of the spectrum following a 48-0 dismantling of Oklahoma State. It was the most complete performance of the year for the Wildcats.

Recent series history favors Texas against Kansas State as the Longhorns have won five straight games in the matchup.

Steve Sarkisian is looking for his second true road win in his Texas tenure, the last being vs. TCU in Oct. of 2021.

This weekend provides a huge oppurtiny for Texas to prove they can handle adversity and have taken the next step as a program.

Here is a look at five Longhorns to keep an eye on against Kansas State on Saturday night.

Five standout defensive players from Texas’ 2021 spring game

Texas’ defense seems as if they have not missed a beat from last season. Here are five defensive players who stood out from the spring game.

Throughout much of spring practice, reports surfaced of how well Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense was performing in comparison to the offense. Even with Juwan Mitchell entering the transfer portal and DeMarvion Overshown dealing with surgery, Texas’ defense seemingly didn’t skip a beat.

Caden Sterns and Joseph Ossai add to the major losses from last season. Ray Thornton out of LSU has stepped up to replace the pass rusher, while Jerrin Thompson and Brenden Schooler are battling it out to replace Sterns. Everywhere else across the defense, especially the secondary, will return players who made significant contributions last season.

Saturday’s spring game was a successful one for both the first-team and second-team defenses. Kyle Flood’s offensive line played so poorly because of how dominant Texas’ defensive line was. Some current backups may have opened some eyes heading into the fall.

Here are five defensive players who stood out from the spring game:

Roundtable: Which Texas player helped themselves most in the Orange-White game?

Which Texas player helped themselves most with their performance in the annual Orange-White game?

Texas held their annual Orange-White spring game on April 24.

While fans didn’t necessarily see one of the two quarterbacks separate from the other, there were several other players who stepped up and proved their case.

Longhorns Wire staff members chose three players who seemingly helped their case most throughout the Orange-White game.

Surprisingly, each selection was on the defensive side of the ball. Take a look at the choices on the next page.

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Six new potential starters for Texas football in 2021

Here are six potential new starters for Texas football under first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Not every head coach has the same philosophy. Continue reading “Six new potential starters for Texas football in 2021”

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.

Biggest Takeaways from the Texas Longhorns victory on Saturday

Looking at the big picture for the Texas Longhorns, our five biggest takeaways about the future of the football team.

The Texas Longhorns dismantled a reeling Kansas State Wildcats team on Saturday. While we broken down the five major reasons for the victory, it is time to look at the big picture. Continue reading “Biggest Takeaways from the Texas Longhorns victory on Saturday”