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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”
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.
Texas has an abundance of talent on its roster waiting to shine. Here are five fresh faces who could break out for Texas in 2021.
Steve Sarkisian and his coaching staff are not going to be the only fresh faces on the sideline this fall. Texas’ depth chart has the potential to look a lot different than during the Alamo Bowl against Colorado. Continue reading “Texas Longhorns Football: Five fresh faces who could break out in 2021”
Steve Sarkisian has made his first move in the transfer portal. According to IT, LSU grad transfer Ray Thornton will transfer to Texas.
Steve Sarkisian has made his first move in the transfer portal as the head coach at Texas.
According to Inside Texas, LSU graduate transfer Ray Thornton will be heading back to his home state to play for the Longhorns. Listed as an outside linebacker on the Tigers’ official website, he has experience at middle linebacker as well under defensive coordinator Bo Pelini.
Thornton will be entering his sixth season playing college football. After redshirting during his freshman season in 2016, the former four-star recruit has played in 32 games and has four starts. He has totaled 45 tackles, three sacks, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble.
Texas was one of the few schools to offer Thornton back when he was being recruited. He even made a couple of trips down to Austin during the summer of 2015. After five seasons in Baton Rouge, Thornton entered the transfer portal on Jan. 12.
Now, he will be coming to play for a team that currently does not have a defensive coordinator. Sarkisian has done his due diligence and taken his time to find the right man for the job. Thornton’s role will be known once a coordinator is hired and they announced what kind of base scheme they will run.
If the 4-3 base is retained, seeing Thornton play the JACK position could be a possibility. With Joseph Ossai departing to the NFL, Texas needs an experienced veteran to take over. Although he spent the last season at middle linebacker, Thronton has experience rushing the passer.
Thornton was a highly-toured recruit out of Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas. He ranked as the No. 15 weakside defensive end in the country, the No. 205 player in the country, and the No. 32 prospect in the state of Texas.
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