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Texas Longhorns team of the century: Tight ends

Texas has never been known for the tight ends but has still fielded some good players. Here are the tight ends of the century for Texas:

Texas has never been known for the tight ends, producing better pass catchers at wide receiver. However, there are a couple guys who have played important roles in the offense the past 20 years.

For both Vince Young and Colt McCoy, the tight end was always a safety valve. The two had big-name receivers to throw to such as Billy Pittman, Limas Sweed, Jordan Shipley, and Quan Cosby. Not being the main focus in the passing game, these two tight ends always came through when called upon.

Here are the tight ends of the century for the Longhorns:

Starting tight end: David Thomas

  • 98 receptions
  • 1,367 receiving yards
  • 15 receiving touchdowns
  • 51 games played

An intricate part of the 2005 National Championship winning team, David Thomas gets the starting spot for tight ends. Over his four seasons with Texas, his numbers grew better, having 50 receptions for 613 yards and five touchdowns his senior year.

Thomas’ best performance of his career came in the 2006 Rose Bowl against USC. On that night, he had 10 receptions for 88 yards. Thomas was the safe and reliable option for Vince Young the entire night. He was the leading receiver for the Longhorns, winning the program’s fourth national championship.

Backup tight end: Jermichael Finley

  • 76 receptions
  • 947 receiving yards
  • Five receiving touchdowns
  • 26 games played

Only playing for two seasons, Jermichael Finley was productive during his short stint in Austin. During his redshirt freshman season, Finley’s 31 receptions were the most a tight end had ever caught for Texas during their freshman season.

The next season in 2007, Finley showed out in the Red River Shootout against Oklahoma. His 149 receiving yards were the most by a tight end ever for the Longhorns. A career-high, he did so on just four catches and had one touchdown.

Forgoing his redshirt junior and senior seasons, Finley was drafted in the third round by the Green Bay Packers. Despite only being in Austin for two years, Finley’s production for Colt McCoy was outstanding.

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Texas Longhorns team of the century: Running backs

Continuing our series of the Texas Longhorns team of the century, we now look at running backs. Find out which two players make the team.

Continuing our series of the Texas Longhorns team of the century, we now look at running backs.

Related: Texas Longhorns team of the century: Quarterbacks

Over its’ history, Texas has had world-class running backs come through the program. Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams both won the Heisman Trophy during their time in Austin.

Moving into the 2000s, nothing changed for the Longhorns as they have continued to produce great running backs. Two players, in particular, stand out, as they were both apart of great Texas teams and are atop the all-time leaderboards in rushing.

Starting Running Back: Cedric Benson

  • 5,540 rushing yards
  • 64 rushing touchdowns
  • 621 receiving yards
  • Three receiving touchdowns
  • 49 games played

Benson rushing for 1,000+ yards in all four of his seasons is an incredible stat that will not happen in Austin again for a long time. He got better and better as the years went on, eventually rushing for 1,834 yards and 19 touchdowns his senior season.

His 2003 performance against Texas A&M remains one of the greatest in the history of the rivalry. On 35 carries, Benson had 283 yards and four touchdowns. Texas dominated the Aggies and won 46-15.

Second in all-time rushing yards behind Ricky Williams, Benson is in the top three all-time running backs to play for the Longhorns. From start to finish, he put up monster numbers for Texas.

Backup Running Back: Jamaal Charles

  • 3,328 rushing yards
  • 36 rushing touchdowns
  • 539 receiving yards
  • Three receiving touchdowns
  • 38 games played

A part of the 2005 National Championship team, Charles got to play with both Vince Young and Colt McCoy during his three years at Texas. Sharing carries with Selvin Young in 2005 and 2006, once Charles became the every-down back in 2007, he exploded for 1,619 yards.

Charles’ speed and agility are what made him special for the Longhorns. A play that always comes to mind is his 80-yard touchdown against Oklahoma in the 2005 Red River Shootout.

Despite only playing for three years and having another running back in the backfield with him for two seasons, Charles is still fourth all-time in rushing yards. What if Charles had returned for the 2008 season to help a 12-1 Texas team? It could be one of the biggest ‘What ifs?’ in Longhorns history.

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Former Longhorn Jordan Hicks lends a helping hand

Former Texas Longhorn and Super Bowl winning linebacker Jordan Hicks has teamed up with a local pet shelter to help out.

Current Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger isn’t the only Longhorn who is trying to step up during this time of quarantine to help out those in need. Former Longhorns linebacker and current Arizona Cardinal Jordan Hicks has stepped up to assist with a local pet shelter to help find homes and ways to help out our four-legged friends.

My wife & I have partnered with @austinpetsalive to get animals into homes during this wild time. We will be giving every adopter a care package that includes a crate, pet food, treats, a leash, a toy, litter for cats, and a gift card. Find your forever friend now! – Jordan Hicks via his twitter account

According to a recent report from 247 Sports, new pet owners will be sent home with a care package that includes a crate, toys, food and a leash. With the guidelines set to keep people at home and to comply with social distancing, getting a new pet is a way to keep your mind off of the pandemic. Not to mention that these pets deserve a loving home.

Hicks spent five seasons roaming the field at Darrell K. Royal-Memorial Stadium amassing 5.5 sacks, 248 total tackles, 135 solo tackles and two interceptions for the Longhorns defense. Last season in Arizona, Hicks totaled 150 combined tackles, seven quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and three interceptions. His 150 tackles is the fourth-most in a single season in Cardinals history.

Longhorns offer Virginia Football Player of the Year

Texas has given an offer to TreVeyon Henderson out of Hopewell, Virginia. Henderson is a four-star ATH in the 2021 class but mainly plays RB.

Texas has given an offer to TreVeyon Henderson out of Hopewell, Virginia. Henderson is a four-star athlete in the 2021 class but mainly plays running back. If he were to be a running back, Henderson would be the seventh player the Longhorns have offered at the position in 2021.

Listed at 5 feet 10 inches, Henderson has been outstanding for Hopewell High School the past two seasons. In his junior year, he nearly ran for 2,500 yards, recording 2,424 yards and 45 touchdowns on 198 carries. Henderson was also a threat catching the ball, having 283 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 13 receptions.

Playing some snaps on the defensive side of the ball, he recorded 48 tackles, three of them for a loss. Henderson also forced four turnovers, three via interceptions.

His efforts in the 2019 season were good enough to earn him Virginia Player of the Year. Most top schools throughout the country are in on Henderson, with Oklahoma and West Virginia coming from the Big 12. Clemson seems to be the favorite to land his commitment right now, but the door remains open for Texas to ink another star running back.

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Alamo Bowl Comparison: Line of Scrimmage

Most games in college football are won at the line of scrimmage. Here is a comparison of Texas’ and Utah’s offensive and defensive lines:

Most games in college football are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. Having offensive lineman that can block and give time for plays to develop is just as crucial as getting pressure from your defensive line to disrupt what the other team is doing.

That will be no different for this year’s Alamo Bowl when Texas faces Utah. The Utes have some of the best units on the line of scrimmage in the country and have the opportunity to give the Longhorns some problems. Both units considered weaknesses for Texas, if they are not able to hold their ground, it could be a long night.

Here is a comparison of Texas’ and Utah’s offensive and defensive lines and how they matchup against each other:

Texas’ offensive line vs Utah’s defensive line

The second most sacked quarterback in the Big 12, Ehlinger has taken some shots from opponent defensive lines this season. The worst came against Oklahoma when the Sooners were able to record nine sacks from eight different players. The Longhorns offensive line has given up a lot but still has been above average throughout the season.

As for Utah’s pass rush, they have gotten to the quarterback 29 different times this season. Senior defensive end Bradlee Anae is second in the Pac 12 with 12.5 sacks after leading the conference last season. The run defense has also been excellent, only giving up 56 yards per game. After going quiet against a very good Oregon offensive line in the Pac 12 championship, the Utes will be looking for redemption.

Who has the advantage?

Utah’s defense was the best in the Pac 12 and it all started on the line of scrimmage. They have the advantage, but it is not like the Longhorns have gone against bad defensive lines all season. The offensive line for Texas should be prepared for whatever is thrown at them, but if mistakes are made, the Utes will capitalize quickly.

Quarterback Sam Ehlinger may have to do some scrambling throughout the game. Extending plays with his feet and running for a few first downs or finding receivers will be critical. Utah will more than likely have good pressure throughout the entire game, but if Ehlinger can be as clutch as we know he can be, Texas will be just fine.

Texas’ defensive line vs Utah’s offensive line

From a pass-rushing standpoint, the Longhorns have struggled this season, only having 22 sacks this season, the third-fewest in the conference. While the unit as a whole is young, it has still struggled this season, especially in the Big 12. With a defensive line led by senior Malcolm Roach, Texas has a tough test against the Utah offensive line.

The reason running back Zach Moss is having such success this season is because of space the Utah offensive line is giving him. A big, physical group led by left tackle Darrin Paulo, the Utes have one of the best offensive lines in the country. Only allowing 21 sacks this year, only one team in the Pac 12 gave up less. From a running perspective, they average 214 yards per game, the best in the conference. The offensive line has been the key to this success, giving Moss and quarterback Tyler Huntley the opportunity to make plays.

Who has the advantage?

The defensive line has been a weakness for Texas this season while Utah’s offensive line has been one of their strengths. The Utes have the advantage going into the game as it is one of their strengths against one of Texas’ weaknesses, but the Longhorns have an opportunity to flip that.

The matchup between the Longhorns defensive line and the Ute offensive line will be one of the most critical in this game. If Texas is able to get constant pressure, it will disrupt everything Utah has planned offensively. Limiting Moss and forcing Huntley into some early throws would give the Longhorns a great chance to win.

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Texas Longhorns Team of the Decade: Special Teams

Texas has been excellent on special teams the past few years. In both facets of the kicking game, the Longhorns have had reliable players.

All three phases of the game are important and in the past few years, Texas has been excellent on special teams. In both facets of the kicking game, the Longhorns have had reliable players who will step up when they are needed. Placekicker Cameron Dicker has been clutch in his two seasons in Austin and punter Michael Dickson was one of the best in the country.

Hitting two game-winning field goals this season alone, Dicker has been a key clutch player for Tom Herman’s squad. This season, he did it against Kansas and Kansas State, stealing two wins for the Longhorns. Dicker has been automatic from the point after, making all but two career attempts. Making above 70% of his career field goals, if Dicker is trotting out, you are more than likely going to end up with three points.

When the offense stalled and required a punt, Texas had one of the best punters in the country. Michael Dickson won the Ray Guy Award in 2017, given to the nation’s best punter. After his three years in Austin, Dickson was the first special teams player taken in the NFL Draft, selected in the fifth round. Averaging just over 45 yards per punt, Dickson constantly switched the field for the Longhorns.

Then there is Justin Tucker, who both punted and was the placekicker to the Longhorns in 2010 and 2011. Now one of the best kickers in NFL history, Tucker was amazing for Texas during his time in Austin. Never missing a point after attempt, he was just as automatic when kicking field goals too. When it was time to punt, he was able to bomb the ball 40 yards downfield.

Here are your Longhorns special teams players of the decade:

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Texas Longhorns Team of the Decade: Safety

Continuing the tradition of DBU at Texas, we look at the best players at Safety to play for the Longhorns throughout the decade.

Continuing the tradition of DBU at Texas, we look at the best players at Safety to play for the Longhorns throughout the decade. Having a great tradition of producing stars at this position, it takes a lot to be considered a great Longhorn play at Safety. Complimenting the great cornerbacks throughout the decade, both of these players were outstanding at Texas.

Dylan Haines and DeShon Elliot both played for former Head Coach Charlie Strong. Elliot played for one season with Herman, but Strong recruited him to the program. While they have two different paths, the two played together for two years in 2015 and 2016.

Not seeing the field until 2014, Haines came into the program in 2012 as a walkon. Redshirting his freshman year, he was on the scout team in 2013 and was awarded the ‘scout team player of the week’ before the Red River Shootout. Getting a scholarship in 2014, Haines quickly became an impact player. Securing 13 career interceptions, that ranks tied for the fifth-most in program history.

Elliot is one of the top players at the position in the history of Texas. Really becoming a key player in his junior season, he ended the year with 63 total tackles, six interceptions, and nine passes defended. Add in three forced fumbles and all he did was create turnovers. Drafted in the sixth round by the Ravens, Elliot is the best safety Texas has seen this decade.

Here are your Longhorn Safties of the Decade:

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Texas Longhorns Team of the Decade: Cornerbacks

While there has been debate over who DBU is, Texas makes a strong case. Diggs and Boyd are two of the bost CBs to ever come out of Texas.

While there has been a long debate over who ‘Defensive Back University’ or DBU is, the Longhorns make a strong case when bringing up these two names at the cornerback position. Both crucial members on their current NFL teams, Quandre Diggs and Kris Boyd are two of the best cornerbacks to come out of Texas.

While they never played on the same field, what Diggs and Boyd do share in common is that they both had two different head coaches during their time in Austin. Diggs was there for the final years of Mack Brown while playing under Charlie Strong for one season. Boyd got two years of Strong and the first two years of Tom Herman.

On the field, Diggs played amazing in his first two seasons, getting All-Big 12 honors and even being named the Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2011. His best season came in 2011, when he had four interceptions, while also being involved in 13 pass breakups. His 11 career interceptions rank him at No. 10 in career interceptions in a Longhorn uniform.

Coming in the season after Diggs was drafted, Boyd found more success under Tom Herman than he did with Charlie Strong. Even though he was not a huge interception machine, Boyd covered No. 1 receivers really well. His final two seasons saw him receiving All-Big 12 honors and got him drafted in the seventh round by the Minnesota Vikings.

Here are your Longhorn cornerbacks on the decade:

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Texas Longhorns Team of the Decade: Linebackers

Even though they haven’t been as good as the past, Texas has still had some great LBs to come through the program throughout the 2010s.

Even though the unit has not been as good for the Longhorns as it has in the past, Texas has still had some great linebackers to come through the program this decade. Jordan Hicks, Steve Edmond, and Malik Jefferson all were able to make it to the NFL after their time in Austin.

Hicks and Edmond were on the field together for three years, starting in 2013. Getting a fifth year of eligibility after picking up an ankle injury in the 2013 season, Hicks played amazing in his final year for the Longhorns. Leading the team in tackles with 116, Steve Edmond was the only player to come close to his tackle numbers that season.

Declaring for the NFL after his junior year, Edmond also had a monster 2014 season for Texas. Finishing with four fewer tackles than Hicks, he had 112 on the season. His best career game came against Baylor that season, he had 17 tackles and had two of his 8.5 career sacks that night.

Finally, Malik Jefferson was the best linebacker to play for the Longhorns throughout the decade. Playing in the final two seasons of Charlie Strong and in the first year of Tom Herman, Jefferson was solid throughout his entire career. While he did not have the most total tackles of the three, he had the most solo tackles and was getting All-Big 12 awards throughout his three seasons on the 40 acres.

Here are your Texas linebackers of the decade:

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Texas Longhorns team of the decade: Defensive line

Shifting to defense in the team of the decade, we begin on the LOS. Throughout the 2010s, Texas has produced some monsters on the d-line.

Shifting from offense to defense in the Texas team of the decade, we begin on the line of scrimmage. Throughout the 2010s, the Longhorns have produced some monsters on the defensive line. Producing a few guys good enough to make it into the NFL, all four of these players were recruited by former coaches Mack Brown and Charlie Strong.

The first two players are Alex Okafor and Jackson Jeffcoat, who shared the field for three years. Between the two of them, they have a combined 49 sacks. Jeffcoat’s 26 career sacks are good enough for eighth in Longhorn history. The two players benefitted off each other, with 36 of their 49 sacks coming when the two played together.

Poona Ford played defensive tackle for Texas and did not rack up the kind of sacks the other three players got. At 6 foot, 300 pounds, Ford was an aminal for the Longhorns. Taking up space on the defensive line, he was able to make physical plays at the line of scrimmage to stop runners getting behind him.

The most recent of the players is Charles Omenihu, who graduated in 2018. Playing in 48 career games, Omenihu was in the backfield a lot. His best season came in his 2018 senior year when he recorded 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Currently playing for the Houston Texans, Omenihu was selected in the fifth round. Playing all four years, Omenihu is one of the best defensive players Texas has produced in recent years.

Here are the Longhorn defensive lineman of the decade:

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