Longhorns head coach Tom Herman spoke with the media on Saturday following the Longhorns second scrimmage of fall camp. In his opening comments Herman mentioned that the offense won this scrimmage. The first and second team received about 35 snaps total. The team will resume practice on Tuesday, which gives them a couple of days off.
When asked about the linebacker position, Herman pointed out that Jaylon Ford is getting better every day. “Jaylon Ford is proving every day that he is going to be a solid player for us at some point. We are trying to accelerate that learning curve.”
Herman went on to say that he thinks they have four capable guys at the cornerback position it is just a matter of the “cream rising to the top.” The head coach did bring up they haven’t had their full compliment of guys due to precautions. Any time a player has a sniffle, a cold or a stomach bug they are reporting it to the staff and they hold the player out until they are cleared. Herman did mention they haven’t had any positive cases of COVID-19.
In response to being asked about the NCAA’s decision to freeze eligiblity for players this season, Herman said “The NCAA got it right. It is the fair and right thing to do.” Coach did say that the information about how to move forward with the new ruling is very limited. He only knows that the seniors this year won’t count against the scholarship limit in 2021.
When the topic of how different this camp has been, Herman stated that it has been “drastically different.” Not from a COVID-19 standpoint but since the team didn’t have spring and summer workouts. They are trying to condition their bodies. He mentioned giving the team a day off following padded practice. The scrimmage on Saturday and Tuesday’s practice were the only ones in pads.
“It’s been a great marriage thus far. We’re cut from the same cloth” -Tom Herman on his relationship with Mike Yurcich
Herman went on to talk about the new route concepts that Yurcich has introduced to the offense. “The quarterbacks and wide receivers have really liked it. But at the end of the day we all run the same plays,” Herman said jokingly. He did mention that Yurcich has done a great job of enhancing the offense. Herman stated that Yurcich will call the plans with input from himself throughout the game when the situation dictates.
“We’re very very thankful that we have him, because we need him”- Herman on Tarik Black
Herman mentioned the second scrimmage was “so much cleaner than last week and that’s encouraging.” During the scrimmage on Saturday the tight ends were playing on the line, inside and outside receiver due to being thin at receiver. Herman mentioned they played the entire scrimmage in 12 personnel. The 12 personnel group is one running back, two wide receivers and two tight ends.
When asked about quarterback Sam Ehlinger, Herman mentioned that he is always working and never satisfied. The big difference he noticed is a bigger jump from his off platform throws. He is getting the ball out quicker.
“The competitor that you see on Saturdays is the same competitor that he is with himself”- Herman on Sam Ehlinger
The running back position is another group that came up during the media session with Herman. When asked about the rotation of the three, Herman said “I have no idea.” Being that they are three weeks away from the first game, he alluded to the fact that it is a bit early. Herman did say having only three backs on scholarship at a violent position makes him a little “apprehensive.”