Tag: Vernon Broughton

Five offseason statements made by Steve Sarkisian that inspire confidence

These quotes tell you Steve Sarkisian is making changes.

Press conferences are often not very insightful for most football teams. The opposite is true with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Sarkisian is usually contemplative and genuine in his response to questions asked by Texas media. Out of those responses, one can gather what the second-year head coach is hinting at heading into the 2022 season.

There is not tangible proof that Texas is going through a philosophical overhaul on defense, but one can gather from his offseason statements that change is on its way.

The great offensive mind has discussed various changes in defensive mentality all offseason, but recent quotes say a great deal about the core values of his defense.

As for the offense, Sarkisian detailed on how position battles can be won. Here are a few quotes that inspire trust heading into the first month of football.

Jordan Whittington and Vernon Boughton named wildcard players in 2020

Athlon Sports has named two players who could change UT’s season. Jordan Whittington and Vernon Broughton have been named ‘wildcards’.

Texas is heading into another season full of anticipation and expectations. In order for Tom Herman to fulfill those expectations, some new faces are going to have to step up.

Athlon Sports has named two players who could be those guys for Texas in 2020. Labeled as ‘wildcards’, they look at both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, starting with Jordan Whittington at wide receiver.

Offense: Jordan Whittington, WR

Whittington appeared in just one game last year before an injury ended his season. The highly touted RB/WR has the skills to make defenses pay in a variety of ways. Head coach Tom Herman will look to deploy him accordingly.

Whittington had a ton of hype going into the 2019 season as a five-star recruit. Originally, he was going to play running back but sadly picked up an injury in the season opener against Louisiana Tech and sat out the rest of the year.

Thanks to the solid play of Keaontay Ingram and Roschon Johnson, plus the addition of five-star Bijan Robinson, Whittington will be moving to wide receiver.

Scheduled to line up in the slot for most of the year, Whittington just needs to get the ball in his hands to become dangerous. Big 12 defenses are going to have a tough time trying to bring him down.

On defense, Athlon Sports points out another freshman, who is hoping to improve Texas’ worst position group form last year.

Defense: Vernon Broughton, DL

The UT defense fell apart last season in part due to lackluster play on the defensive line. That cracks open the door for a true freshman like Broughton to get on the field right away. He already has the frame (6-5, 286) to handle the leap to the college level.

One of the Longhorns’ early enrollees back in January, Broughton was a four-star defensive tackle recruit. From the Houston area, Texas beat out Ohio State and Texas A&M for his signature.

Because of his size, Broughton has the ability to play up the middle or on the outside. Keondre Coburn and Moro Ojomo are expected to start at nose tackle and defensive tackle respectively but Broughton could become a legitimate role player.

The success of young players will help Texas, despite all of the returning talent on this year’s team. With Sam Ehlinger departing after the 2020 season, the Longhorns will need to find a new leader for the future.

Guys such as Jordan Whittington and Vernon Broughton could become leaders with big freshman seasons.

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WATCH: Texas early enrollee Vernon Broughton showcases footwork

Four-star defensive lineman Vernon Broughton will be ready for his freshman season when the time comes.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, college athletes are forced to be creative by any means to stay in football shape. Continue reading “WATCH: Texas early enrollee Vernon Broughton showcases footwork”

Highest-rated signees from Texas football’s 2020 recruiting class

Get to know the five highest-rated signees from Texas football’s impressive 2020 recruiting class.

Texas has had an impressive 2020 recruiting class up to this point, currently rated No. 11 in the nation. National Signing Day on the first Wednesday of February could still increase their overall ranking among other programs.

Let’s get to know the five highest-rated signees who could make an immediate impact for the Longhorns this season, courtesy of 247Sports Composite.

Bijan Robinson, RB

  • No. 1 running back in the nation, No. 15 overall prospect
  • Five-star
  • Salpointe Catholic High School (Tucscon, AZ)
  • 6-0, 200 pounds
  • Pro comparison: Alvin Kamara
  • Signed Letter of Intent

Hudson Card, QB

  • No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the nation, No. 57 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Lake Travis High School (Austin, TX)
  • 6-2.5, 179 pounds
  • Pro Comparison: Will Grier
  • Early enrollee

Ja’Quinden Jackson, QB

  • No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the nation, No. 73 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Duncanville High School (Duncanville, TX)
  • 6-2, 219 pounds
  • Pro comparison: Dak Prescott
  • Signed Letter of Intent

Vernon Broughton, DT

  • No. 14 defensive tackle in the nation, No. 121 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Cy Ridge High School (Houston, TX)
  • 6-5, 286 pounds
  • Pro comparison: Chris Wormley
  • Early enrollee

Prince Dorbah, LB

  • No. 7 outside linebacker in the nation, No. 126 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Highland Park High School (Dallas, TX)
  • 6-2.5, 208 pounds
  • Pro comparison: D’Andre Walker
  • Signed Letter of Intent

Don’t forget about defensive end Alfred Collins. Currently graded as the No. 64 overall prospect in the country, Collins would be a significant addition to this class. He will be announcing his decision between Texas, Oklahoma, or Alabama on National Signing Day.

If Collins does in fact choose Texas, he would be the third-highest rated prospect in this class. Fortunately for the Longhorns, it’s at a critical position of need as well.

Ehlinger will be returning for his senior season, but the battle between Card and Jackson on who will be his successor will be an interesting one to watch.

WATCH: 2020 Texas football commits arrive to campus

Several of Texas’ top-rated 2020 football commits have arrived on campus to get a head start on their collegiate careers.

Several high school athletes strive to graduate early in December. This allows the freshman to enroll on campus in the spring semester, where they can take full advantage of college training staff and weight rooms before the season begins.

Although five-star running back Bijan Robinson and four-star outside linebacker Prince Dorbah are in Hawaii participating in the Polynesian Bowl, it appears a large portion of the Longhorns top-rated 2020 commits have already arrived on campus.

Four-star defensive tackle Vernon Broughton, four-star offensive lineman Logan Parr, four-star safety Xavion Alford, and four-star dual threat quarterback Hudson Card have all arrived in Austin to get a head start on their collegiate careers.