2020 Recruiting - Football

[ViperHorn]

TFB says Thompson to CB.

That is the best place for him if he is entering any thought in playing in the NFL. He has paid his dues at Texas so I hope he stays around and gets a degree at least.

 

[Pomspoms]

I've said this before and I'll say it again I think second string QBs should play a minimum of two series every game and even when the game is still in doubt. We will have multiple solid QBs on the roster next season and beyond so playing time needs to be spread out a little more if we want to keep multiple solid QBs. I don't think there would be much of a drop off in talent. I'm not really talking about Ehlinger but going forward. But CT does need the PT this season and not just mop up time. But that would be my policy as a head coach, get the back-up some experience. I know, if you have two QBs then you don't have any. I don't subscribe to that notion. Plus opposing defenses would have to take the time to prepare for both QBs. And it may be a recruiting advantage in playing two QBs.

 

[dukesteer]

I for one think real highly of CT at QB...but competition is about to get real hot.

No doubt their loaded and the way this could play out, we may be able to keep most of them in the fold.

CT - Heir apparent, until he isn’t.

HC - When he’s a redshirt freshman Thompson will be a senior. Good timing.

RJ - Whether or not he ever moves to QB is TBD but clearly Roschon is a team player, and a contributor. Johnson needs to think about where he would fit at the next level.

JJ - He could emerge as a competitor to Card, or move to another position. So he might be the most vulnerable of the bunch. He might also be the sleeper of the group.

 

[Pomspoms]

No doubt their loaded and the way this could play out, we may be able to keep most of them in the fold.

CT - Heir apparent, until he isn’t.

HC - When he’s a redshirt freshman Thompson will be a senior. Good timing.

RJ - Whether or not he ever moves to QB is TBD but clearly Roschon is a team player, and a contributor. Johnson needs to think about where he would fit at the next level.

JJ - He could emerge as a competitor to Card, or move to another position. So he might be the most vulnerable of the bunch. He might also be the sleeper of the group.

For some reason I have a good feeling about Card being the man, emerging as the starting QB in the years to come.

 

[BurntOrangeLH]

To clarify, the speculation at TFB was that Josh Thompson would move from Safety to Corner Back in the new scheme. No word on any of the other Thompsons on the team.

I apologize for the ambiguity.

 

[HornHuskerDad]

get the back-up some experience.

Agree - think back to Colt's game-ending arm injury against Bama - sure would have been nice if Gilbert had some game experience prior to going into the National Championship game cold.

 

[BevoJoe]

sure would have been nice if Gilbert had some game experience prior to going into the National Championship game cold.

I believe that him being thrust into that game with zero experience had a lasting effect on him into the next season. The weekend after the game, there was the UT television program which showed the fun and other stuff the players were doing that week. Gilbert was interviewed by a reporter and asked if he was involved in the practices and running plays with the first team. His answer was "not really. the coaches just told me to relax and enjoy the week of festivities and have fun..." So, he wasn't prepared to enter the game when Colt went down, especially that early in the contest. And it showed.

 

[RainH2burntO]

No doubt their loaded and the way this could play out, we may be able to keep most of them in the fold.

CT - Heir apparent, until he isn’t.

HC - When he’s a redshirt freshman Thompson will be a senior. Good timing.

RJ - Whether or not he ever moves to QB is TBD but clearly Roschon is a team player, and a contributor. Johnson needs to think about where he would fit at the next level.

JJ - He could emerge as a competitor to Card, or move to another position. So he might be the most vulnerable of the bunch. He might also be the sleeper of the group.

I think RJs ability as a QB may be underestimated by some now that he has played a year at RB. ***He was the #6 dual-threat QB in the nation coming out. I do hope TH honors his public words and leaves it up to RJ to compete for QB playing time...and also adds an option for a flanker-type hybrid coming out of backfield or motioning to a slot to keep him in games and having chances on the field. I personally want to see him compete at QB and think he should. Outside of his own desires, two things will likely determine this:
If the plan is to play Bijan >4 games and whether JWhitt moves out to WR or not (and stays healthy).
I'll add this to the discussion on RJ.....If I'm coach I'd let Jwhitt have a strong say behind closed doors (as to his own position). I personally believe he is potentially the most impactful offensive player we will have returning from last year next to Sam, injuries and availability not withstanding. Either way, RJ has earned respect and strong consideration moving forward as pieces fall into place. You want to see guys like that rewarded because it motivates others to be such.
Good to have some of these kinds of "problems" for a change. And all this without even having Bru in the mix.

 

[BevoJoe]

I think RJs ability as a QB may be underestimated by some now that he has played a year at RB. I hope TH honors his public words and leaves it up to RJ to compete for QB playing time and adds an option for a flanker-type hybrid coming out of backfield or motioning to a slot. I personally want to see him compete at QB. ***He was the #6 rated dual-threat QB in the nation

Hopefully, our D can provide enough 3 and outs or get the stops necessary to allow our O to get big leads, and allow Sam to come out and allow more PT for his backups. Can't do that when we get into "scoring track meets with" opponents, like we did against Kansas last year.

 

[Austin_Bill]

The thing about both Card and Jackson is that both can play other positions. Card is a pretty darn good receiver not as fast as Jake Smith but I could see him being very effective. Jackson is not only a great QB but he is a great Linebacker and Safety. My favorite thing about his high school highlights was watching him Run, reminded me of Lamar Jackson.

 

[dukesteer]

I believe that him being thrust into that game with zero experience had a lasting effect on him into the next season. The weekend after the game, there was the UT television program which showed the fun and other stuff the players were doing that week. Gilbert was interviewed by a reporter and asked if he was involved in the practices and running plays with the first team. His answer was "not really. the coaches just told me to relax and enjoy the week of festivities and have fun..." So, he wasn't prepared to enter the game when Colt went down, especially that early in the contest. And it showed.

This was one of Mack’s Achilles Heels. Throughout the 2009 season I fretted about the fact that Gilbert was not getting reps. Mack had chances to use him but decided to play it very conservatively. In the end it probably cost him and the team.

 

[RainH2burntO]

Hopefully, our D can provide enough 3 and outs or get the stops necessary to allow our O to get big leads, and allow Sam to come out and allow more PT for his backups. Can't do that when we get into "scoring track meets with" opponents, like we did against Kansas last year.

This^^^^ just hasn't happened enough on the 40 since...well since....well.....since... uhh.......let me see here......umm.....

 

[zuckercanyon]

I believe that him being thrust into that game with zero experience had a lasting effect on him into the next season. The weekend after the game, there was the UT television program which showed the fun and other stuff the players were doing that week. Gilbert was interviewed by a reporter and asked if he was involved in the practices and running plays with the first team. His answer was "not really. the coaches just told me to relax and enjoy the week of festivities and have fun..." So, he wasn't prepared to enter the game when Colt went down, especially that early in the contest. And it showed.

Lest we forget that MB ditched the zone read in 2010 to emulate the Bama power eye, and that GG had run the zone read HIS ENTIRE FOOTBALL LIFE!!!! And that all of the returning linemen had blocked for the zone read THEIR ENTIRE EXISTENCE AT TEXAS!!!! So, no one should wonder why 5-7 ensued or why it was the beginning of the end of Gilbert and MB at Texas...I believe part of the reason was to convince Malcolm Brown of Cibolo Steele to come ply his trade at Texas......because "no running back wants to get the ball while he's standing still".....ugghhhhh

 

[zuckercanyon]

This was one of Mack’s Achilles Heels. Throughout the 2009 season I fretted about the fact that Gilbert was not getting reps. Mack had chances to use him but decided to play it very conservatively. In the end it probably cost him and the team.

Well, he had to make sure that Little Mr Colt had a chance at the Heisman.....sooo couldn't drag down any stats...… Let's win an award over a championship....

 

[mchammer]

To clarify, the speculation at TFB was that Josh Thompson would move from Safety to Corner Back in the new scheme. No word on any of the other Thompsons on the team.

I apologize for the ambiguity.

I thought Josh Thompson was back up for Nickel last year.

 

[RainH2burntO]

To clarify, the speculation at TFB was that Josh Thompson would move from Safety to Corner Back in the new scheme. No word on any of the other Thompsons on the team.

I apologize for the ambiguity.

Now that makes sense....Would be a timely development if it is true and it works.

 

[ViperHorn]

I've said this before and I'll say it again I think second string QBs should play a minimum of two series every game and even when the game is still in doubt. We will have multiple solid QBs on the roster next season and beyond so playing time needs to be spread out a little more if we want to keep multiple solid QBs. I don't think there would be much of a drop off in talent. I'm not really talking about Ehlinger but going forward. But CT does need the PT this season and not just mop up time. But that would be my policy as a head coach, get the back-up some experience. I know, if you have two QBs then you don't have any. I don't subscribe to that notion. Plus opposing defenses would have to take the time to prepare for both QBs. And it may be a recruiting advantage in playing two QBs.

but if you are fighting for your life against Kansas you do not have that luxury.

 

[X Misn Tx]

Lest we forget that MB ditched the zone read in 2010 to emulate the Bama power eye, and that GG had run the zone read HIS ENTIRE FOOTBALL LIFE!!!! And that all of the returning linemen had blocked for the zone read THEIR ENTIRE EXISTENCE AT TEXAS!!!! So, no one should wonder why 5-7 ensued or why it was the beginning of the end of Gilbert and MB at Texas...I believe part of the reason was to convince Malcolm Brown of Cibolo Steele to come ply his trade at Texas......because "no running back wants to get the ball while he's standing still".....ugghhhhh

i can get behind this exclamation point-riddled, all caps-laced, ellipsis-filled tirade. it has valid points and makes too much sense

 

[BurntOrangeLH]

This^^^^ just hasn't happened enough on the 40 since...well since....well.....since... uhh.......let me see here......umm.....

Mock and Young? Applewhite and Simms? Buechele and Ehlinger?

 

[BurntOrangeLH]

I thought Josh Thompson was back up for Nickel last year.

He was, but the new Coaches seem to think he might be the best one-on-one corner with speed. Jamison and Green might not share that.

 

[rick mueller]

Mock and Young? Applewhite and Simms? Buechele and Ehlinger?

That's correct, and in EVERYONE of those situations, we heard ad nauseum, "if you have two quarterbacks, you have none." Oh and don't forget the John Chiles "play package."

 

[Chop]

I've said this before and I'll say it again I think second string QBs should play a minimum of two series every game and even when the game is still in doubt. We will have multiple solid QBs on the roster next season and beyond so playing time needs to be spread out a little more if we want to keep multiple solid QBs. I don't think there would be much of a drop off in talent. I'm not really talking about Ehlinger but going forward. But CT does need the PT this season and not just mop up time. But that would be my policy as a head coach, get the back-up some experience. I know, if you have two QBs then you don't have any. I don't subscribe to that notion. Plus opposing defenses would have to take the time to prepare for both QBs. And it may be a recruiting advantage in playing two QBs.

Failure to get backup QBs gametime has been a recurring weakness going back to the Mack Brown era.

 

[BurntOrangeLH]

That's correct, and in EVERYONE of those situations, we heard ad nauseum, "if you have two quarterbacks, you have none." Oh and don't forget the John Chiles "play package."

Or the Eighteen Wheeler Package.

 

[Joe Fan]

Here is some Eric Nahlin and Justin Wells about the WR chart (not sure I fully agree with this but we will see)

Switching over to offense, the best news there is Jordan Whittington has been a full participant in workouts. He's going to slot receiver. This works well for Whittington while also making room for Bijan Robinson. With options at receiver being limited, Josh Moore returning would give the position a shot in the arm. His court date is ten days from now and we'll probably have resolution around that time.

For the time being we believe Marcus Washington will remain at X and Brennan Eagles will remain at Z. The staff is keeping a close eye on the transfer portal with Michigan's Tarik Black a prime candidate. They also have an eye towards North Texas' Rico Bussey but there is some concern over the knee injury that robbed him of most of his senior year. We'll go into greater detail on the offensive depth chart this Friday.​

I think in this scenario, Smith would alternate b/w slot and the Z, while also handling KR/PR duties

 

[Chop]

Here is some Eric Nahlin and Justin Wells about the WR chart (not sure I fully agree with this but we will see)

Switching over to offense, the best news there is Jordan Whittington has been a full participant in workouts. He's going to slot receiver. This works well for Whittington while also making room for Bijan Robinson. With options at receiver being limited, Josh Moore returning would give the position a shot in the arm. His court date is ten days from now and we'll probably have resolution around that time.

For the time being we believe Marcus Washington will remain at X and Brennan Eagles will remain at Z. The staff is keeping a close eye on the transfer portal with Michigan's Tarik Black a prime candidate. They also have an eye towards North Texas' Rico Bussey but there is some concern over the knee injury that robbed him of most of his senior year. We'll go into greater detail on the offensive depth chart this Friday.​

I think in this scenario, Smith would alternate b/w slot and the Z, while also handling KR/PR duties

Get the four (or three) best WR on the field at the same time—most secondaries will have a weakness, or two. Cross-train them at multiple WR positions as needed.

As of now, our best two WR are Eagles and Smith. The 3rd and 4th best would probably be a pick two from: Washington, Moore, and J Whitt. That could all change. We’ll see who else emerges in Spring training.

 

[ViperHorn]

Get the four (or three) best WR on the field at the same time—most secondaries will have a weakness, or two. Cross-train them at multiple WR positions as needed.

As of now, our best two WR are Eagles and Smith. The 3rd and 4th best would probably be a pick two from: Washington, Moore, and J Whitt. That could all change. We’ll see who else emerges in Spring training.

This; although I am not sure Smith and Whitt can be an X due to lack of body size to get off the LoS without a running start. Besides those two are probably the fastest so a running start becomes even more desirable. Otherwise, play the best 4 that the QB can get the ball to (15+ yards down the middle is still an adventure for Sam).

 

[Chop]

This; although I am not sure Smith and Whitt can be an X due to lack of body size to get off the LoS without a running start. Besides those two are probably the fastest so a running start becomes even more desirable. Otherwise, play the best 4 that the QB can get the ball to (15+ yards down the middle is still an adventure for Sam).

Smith is medium sized (6-0 200 lbs) and very fast. Whitt has some size and strength. Whitt is listed as 6-1 215 lbs. I suspect he'll be a bit bigger and stronger than most of the DBs matched up against him. Whitt is heavier than Washington, Duvernay (graduated), Burt (graduated), Woodard, and Lewis.

Moore at 180 lbs is the lightweight of the bunch.

 

[ViperHorn]

Smith is medium sized (6-0 200 lbs) and very fast. Whitt has some size and strength. Whitt is listed as 6-1 215 lbs. I suspect he'll be a bit bigger and stronger than most of the DBs matched up against him. Whitt is heavier than Washington, Duvernay (graduated), Burt (graduated), Woodard, and Lewis.

Moore at 180 lbs is the lightweight of the bunch.

Thanks Chop. They are saying Whitt to the Slot which would push Smith probably to X or slot depending on the situation (or a hybrid H alternative to a RBor TE there). Wherever he needs to be on the field. I would put Eagles at the X and at times pair him with Whitt at the slot on the same side. Let the CB and LB figure that one out.

 

[BurntOrangeLH]

Since the previous 30+ posts were about returnees (For which there is a thread in the On The Field section) and not 2020 Class of Recruits, I will draw attention by posting (perhaps reposting from the Bijan Thread) this to return to the 2020 Recruiting Class:



Texas has a stellar 2020 Class.

 

[zuckercanyon]

i can get behind this exclamation point-riddled, all caps-laced, ellipsis-filled tirade. it has valid points and makes too much sense

I was told not to look directly at an ellipsis because you can go blind....