Fall Camp 2022

Bijan Robinson is the Lamborghini of running backs​

​


Bijan Robinson enters the 2022 season with a large bullseye one him after having a breakout season in 2021. Robinson rushed for 1,227 yards on 195 carries and caught 26 balls for 295 yards. Robinson has cashed in from his success off the field with numerous NIL deals including a Lamborghini.

Robinson has many of the qualities of a Lamborghini: he’s smooth, powerful, and has excellent speed and quickness. Texas has vastly improved its offensive players around Robinson, which will only help him as he is RB1 and a probable first-rounder in 2023 for a position the NFL does not value typically that high.

The first thing coaches and players say about Robinson when asked about what makes him so special is he is a better person than he is a football player and how humble and grounded he is as a person.

STRENGTHS
  • The total package as a back with speed, power, vision and excellent hands that are a huge threat at any time... His size is also a big advantage as he has the frame at 6’0 220 to stand up to the punishment backs take but his fluidity in his lower half and explosiveness is what makes him special on the field.
  • Robinson in the open field is fun to watch as he routinely abuses defenders that take bad angles and can jump-cut, spin, or cut back to make them miss.
  • Robinson is incredibly patient as a runner and as soon as a crease opens up he is able to accelerate to daylight.
  • It’s rare to see him take a loss as he always seems to find a way to make something out of nothing and almost always get positive yardage.
  • There were multiple games last season where he would take over large parts of the game as he was Texas’s only threat to do any damage.
WEAKNESS
  • Bijan will need to improve as a blocker in pass protection as that’s something the NFL will really want to keep an eye on.
  • I look at Robinson’s touches as a positive as he had virtually no wear and tear in high school and has less than 300 carries so far at Texas. He dislocated an elbow during the Kansas game that cost him a few games.
[More at Horns247]
 
I'm usually late to any party, so it's a safe bet that you're all aware of the this:

Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson are both on the Doak Walker Award watch list.
AAANNNDDD
Xavier Worthy and Isaiah Neyor were named to the Biletnikoff Award
watch lst.

DoakBilit.gif
 
Your Wrong said:
I’ll jump in here as a newbie so feel free to disregard. Plus I’m long winded. Was he slow? I don’t know, but I think your perception is common. There have been screenshots about top speeds out there. Ford is the fastest LB this year, but I thought last year Brockermeyer was up there near the top. Wish I could find those screenshots.

These two guys are polar opposite’s with respect to fans perceptions. In my opinion, they are dead wrong. I realize posted grades reflect poorly on the LBers, but the methodology is a little fuzzy and the behind the scenes info is unavailable. From my perspective, I’d take Brockermeyer in pass defense over any LBer I can remember. Not always but he generally gets better depth in his drops than the others. He generally reads screens better. I’m not sure what is taught, but the general thought I hear common folk discuss is to eye the QBs eyes. Yes and no. A good QB will deceive you with his eyes. As a defender you need to learn to follow the flow of the route runners with the eyes/shoulders of the QB. If you watch us, you’ll see Brockermeyer flow better and make some throwing windows a little tighter. See WVU and their 3rd and long passes and notice who is in and who’s not. That’s not to say the result would be any different but our depth was not good enough. Ford is pretty good at closing once thrown underneath, but he’s a bit more stationary in his drops.

You also should keep in mind they both do good things so just cause one doesn’t make a particular play that the other is always better. They’re both capable.

I’d say Brockermeyer consistently reads plays better but part of that may be because he’s more patient, but that probably means he’d get fewer TFLs than a more aggressive Ford or certainly a guy like Gbenda. I’ll take a gain of 1 versus a loss of 1 on 1st and down if you are more able to diagnose the next two plays. Some of that’s a bit of flash over subtlety.

Our LBers have to engage a lineman almost every play. And as I’ve watched again I think our starters did a decent job of that. Early in the season we didn’t sub much and that hurt us later on. There are probably times when they’d be better served evading the blocker, but that’s not ideal for a well disciplined team because you leave a teammate vulnerable to what they feel you should be doing.

With that in mind, we have too much of what appears to be not doing your job. Since I don’t know the coaching instruction, I can’t say for certain here, but there seems to be some perception that a LBer lined up inside is expected to contend with an Olineman and get outside to make a clean tackle. That’s even if we have a DB coming off the edge who not only fails to contain but doesn’t even slightly slow the RB down. As a LBer flowing inside to outside, it would be my expectation that guy does his job on the edge, which changes my approach as an inside guy. I’d be cautious about flowing too quickly and getting kicked out and allowing the cutback. I distinctly remember two long runs in which the DB should have had a tackle for no gain but instead they took themselves out of the play. And yeah Brockermeyer was a half step slow. But the major problem is outside contain was blown.
Click to expand...


Good gravy, what a first post.

That’s allsome! Welcome to the board.
 
Now or never: Fourth or fifth-year Texas Longhorns
have something to prove in 2022 – Part 1

prove-it-1.gif

For the fourth- or fifth-year Longhorns on the 2022 roster, the upcoming season presents a final opportunity to post a successful season and help [Texas] march on a path toward a brighter future.

LB DeMarvion Overshown

Overshown could find himself on the edge more often this season, and has the benefit of going through full slate of spring practices. That was something he had yet to complete as a linebacker at Texas. In what truly is a contract year for him, Agent Zero could utilize his versatility and tenacity to have his best year yet in burnt orange. He’ll be a mainstay in the defense this season no matter where he lines up.

RB Roschon Johnson

Though he’s long been respected in the locker room and among fans, this is the first season he enters as the unquestioned “alpha” of the Longhorn football team. His handling of both leadership and on-field responsibilities will be something to track as he works in tandem with Bijan Robinson.

LB Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey

Texas sought portal prospects on defense throughout the offseason, and Tucker-Dorsey joined Ryan Watts as the only additions made to Pete Kwiatkowski’s side of the ball. An FCS All-American, Tucker-Dorsey has bona fide football skill and good instincts.

CB D’Shawn Jamison

His work as a punt and kick returner has met expectations, and likely exceeded them, too. But his work as a cornerback left much to be desired in 2021. He recorded only one interception and was credited with a single pass defended. Those are numbers he must improve in 2022 in addition to providing more consistent play in coverage.

TE Jahleel Billingsley

After three seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Billingsley reunites with his former offensive coordinator in Sarkisian and position coach in Jeff Banks... Billingsley’s best usage is likely that of a flex tight end hunting mismatches rather than a down-by-down, hand-in-the-dirt type.

DB Anthony Cook

Cook has played in each of his previous four years on campus. He began his Texas career at corner, eventually moved to nickel, and now has moved further back from the line of scrimmage at safety. He has taken to the position well, but he is in a fierce battle with other younger players for the bulk of defensive snaps....

WR Tarique Milton

The 2019 season was Milton’s best as a college player, accumulating 35 catches for 722 yards and three scores for... Iowa State. In 2020 and 2021, he was supplanted by Xavier Hutchinson, who became the No. 1 target for... the ISU passing attack. Milton’s numbers suffered as his catch total dipped to 15 in each the past two seasons.

[More at IT]
Part 2 to follow....
 
Godz40acres said:
Bijan Robinson is the Lamborghini of running backs​

​


Bijan Robinson enters the 2022 season with a large bullseye one him after having a breakout season in 2021. Robinson rushed for 1,227 yards on 195 carries and caught 26 balls for 295 yards. Robinson has cashed in from his success off the field with numerous NIL deals including a Lamborghini.

Robinson has many of the qualities of a Lamborghini: he’s smooth, powerful, and has excellent speed and quickness. Texas has vastly improved its offensive players around Robinson, which will only help him as he is RB1 and a probable first-rounder in 2023 for a position the NFL does not value typically that high.

The first thing coaches and players say about Robinson when asked about what makes him so special is he is a better person than he is a football player and how humble and grounded he is as a person.

STRENGTHS
  • The total package as a back with speed, power, vision and excellent hands that are a huge threat at any time... His size is also a big advantage as he has the frame at 6’0 220 to stand up to the punishment backs take but his fluidity in his lower half and explosiveness is what makes him special on the field.
  • Robinson in the open field is fun to watch as he routinely abuses defenders that take bad angles and can jump-cut, spin, or cut back to make them miss.
  • Robinson is incredibly patient as a runner and as soon as a crease opens up he is able to accelerate to daylight.
  • It’s rare to see him take a loss as he always seems to find a way to make something out of nothing and almost always get positive yardage.
  • There were multiple games last season where he would take over large parts of the game as he was Texas’s only threat to do any damage.
WEAKNESS
  • Bijan will need to improve as a blocker in pass protection as that’s something the NFL will really want to keep an eye on.
  • I look at Robinson’s touches as a positive as he had virtually no wear and tear in high school and has less than 300 carries so far at Texas. He dislocated an elbow during the Kansas game that cost him a few games.
[More at Horns247]
Click to expand...

Those #s.....while missing how many games?
3??
 
Now or never: Fourth or fifth-year Texas Longhorns
have something to prove in 2022 – Part 2

prove-it-1.gif

For the fourth- or fifth-year Longhorns on the 2022 roster, the upcoming season presents a final opportunity to post a successful season and help [Texas] march on a path toward a brighter future.

EDGE Ovie Oghoufo

Oghoufo will play a key role as one of Texas’ EDGE linebackers in a role conducive to his strengths, and... it sounds like Oghoufo has a sense of urgency about him.

LB Devin Richardson

He’ll compete for time at linebacker, but he is likely to see more snaps either on special teams or in a specialty role as Texas’ fullback.

LB Jett Bush

Bush was woefully miscast as an EDGE defender last year, which in part contributed to Texas’ struggles versus outside runs. He is no longer asked to hold up versus offensive tackles and will offer depth at one of the two off-ball linebacker spots. He posted quality film against 6A competition as a middle linebacker....

LB Luke Brockermeyer

Brockermeyer’s contributions will rely on how swiftly he has recovered from a torn ACL suffered toward the end of last season.

OL Christian Jones

Sarkisian and offensive line coach Kyle Flood moved Jones to the right side in spring, a spot the coaches believe offers Jones more comfort. Whether Jones remains a starter at either tackle or guard is dependent on his ability to fend off underclassmen linemen, but he should remain part of Flood’s top group of 7-8 linemen....

OL Junior Angilau

Angilau is entrenched as one of the starters on the offensive line and has grown more vocal as his career has progressed. Like any other current O-lineman, he’ll have to stave off underclassmen usurpers but Angilau’s play and leadership make him one of the most difficult to unseat....

TE Brayden Liebrock

Liebrock has battled injury throughout his Texas career and did not play in the 2021 season. With transfers and young talent in his position group, playing time could be exceedingly difficult to come by for the fourth-year junior from Arizona.

DL T’Vondre Sweat
DL Moro Ojomo
DL Keondre Coburn

All three senior defensive linemen enter this season with a grip on their current starting or near-starting roles, but calling that grip firm would be a misnomer. Ojomo has been consistent for the Longhorns but rarely spectacular. Coburn and Sweat have slimmed down some, but that’s a relative statement considering each tip the scales at 340 pounds. All three have drawn praise behind the scenes for their work over the summer, but all three have yet to put it together game-after-game-after-game in the manner the Texas defense requires to be a competent unit....

WR Jordan Whittington

There is one question when it comes to Whittington: can he stay healthy? Whittington shows promise every time he is on the field, but injuries have cut into his playing time in 2019, 2020, and 2021... If he can be on the field for the majority of snaps, an All-Conference caliber season is not out of the question.

LB David Gbenda

... Gbenda made a temporary switch to offense during the early portions of [the 2019] season. He eventually returned to defense, and while he sometimes showcased his athleticism, processing was difficult for the two-game starter. He’s competing at Sam linebacker with Tucker-Dorsey.

[More at IT]
 
Godz40acres said:
"As a freshman at Texas, Robinson started the final six games of the season (and Texas went 5-1) with Robinson getting 86 carries for 703 yards."
That's over 8 YPC.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Godz.
I think they mean his last 6 games. Bijan went down with that forearm/elbow injury vs Kansas and missed the final two games v WVU and KSU...I believe.
Right??
Great frosh#s, either way!
...But could have been even better

Edit: I erred calling 2021 his frosh year. Resolved below
 
Last edited:
RainH2burntO said:
Thanks, Godz.
I think they mean his last 6 games. Bijan went down with that forearm/elbow injury vs Kansas and missed the final two games v WVU and KSU...I believe.
Right??
Click to expand...
IDK. According to ESPN, in 2020 the final 2 games were ISU and KSU. He was 16/54 in the first and 9/172 in the second. They don't show the KU game on his stat sheet.
 
RainH2burntO said:
Thanks, Godz.
I think they mean his last 6 games. Bijan went down with that forearm/elbow injury vs Kansas and missed the final two games v WVU and KSU...I believe.
Right??
Great frosh#s, either way!
...But could have been even better
Click to expand...


I think you’re talking sophomore season rather than freshman.
 
Godz40acres said:
IDK. According to ESPN, in 2020 the final 2 games were ISU and KSU. He was 16/54 in the first and 9/172 in the second. They don't show the KU game on his stat sheet.
Click to expand...

Your Wrong said:
I think you’re talking sophomore season rather than freshman.
Click to expand...
My apologies, fellas.
I see how I created the confusion.
I misspoke referring to 2021 as his freshman year. My intent was to comment in reply to the #s given in the original article for the 2021 season. Just pointing out those could have been better even if he hadn't missed the last couple games.
I believe the confusion set in when I mistakenly referred to it as his freshman year.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to clarify...and to be reminded last year was his Sophomore season. (You'd think if I wanted to forget anything regarding the program it would have been last season...though 2020 was forgettable for many reasons of it's own!)
Hope my point isn't lost in this, because it should be noted on what could have been an even more impressive year last season for BR.

:hookem:
 
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D'Shawn Jamison named to
Paul Hornung Award watch list

PaulHornungAward.jpg

It’s the third consecutive year Jamison has been included on the list, which is given annually to the most versatile player in college football.

Jamison has returned three kicks for touchdowns in his career which is tied for the second-most in school history, with Jordan Shipley (1 kickoff/3 punt) being the only Longhorn with more kick return touchdowns all-time.

Jamison averaged 26.6 yards per kickoff return, which is second in all-time in program history behind Ramonce Taylor (27.0), and ranks fourth all-time in UT history in career kick returns (54) and kick return yards (1,435), while returning 42 punts for 358 yards for an average of 8.5 yards per return.

On the defensive side, he notched 114 total tackles (88 solo), four tackles for loss, four interceptions, 10 pass breakups, one forced fumble and two recovered fumbles.

Adding to the Hornung Award watch list, Jamison was named first-team All-Big 12 as a punt returner by Athlon Sports, a second-team All-Big 12 punt returner by Phil Steele, and a second-team All-Big 12 defensive back by both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.

[More at IT]
 
Godz40acres said:
Click to expand...


Spot on evaluation. Not only do we have some high-end talent, but we are potentially incredibly versatile. We do lack some experience in spots which remains a big question. We’d be better settling in on the Oline not only the guys but their positions. Continuity is critical.
 
3 freshmen ready to breakout in fall camp​

Kelvin Banks, OT



The most likely of the true freshmen offensive linemen that signed with the Longhorns 2022 class to start right away this fall is the former five-star Summer Creek offensive tackle recruit Kelvin Banks. Texas could have their starter in place at one of the offensive tackle positions in Banks.

[T]he 6-foot-5 and 320-pound Banks is likely going to be a more proficient starting offensive tackle than really any other candidate to start at the position this fall....

What makes Banks such an appealing candidate... comes largely thanks to his maturity and natural physical gifts. He’s a very quick and strong offensive tackle that has the wingspan and footspeed necessary to win against opposing defensive linemen in the run and the passing game.

Banks has a powerful punch against opposing defensive linemen and edge rushers. It’s also worth noting that his footspeed and lateral agility allow him to hang with even some of the quicker opposing edge rushers while protecting the passer.

If I had to put a probability on Banks winning a starting job out of the gates this fall, I would put it at least at 80 percent.

Justice Finkley, EDGE



This 6-foot-2 and 245-pound Alabama native is likely going to get his shot to make an early impact for the Texas defense this fall.

The main task at hand for Finkley and the Texas defensive staff in fall camp will be finding the right fit for him in this front seven. Finkley doesn’t have the bulk to him at the moment that would be needed for him to legitimately compete as a Power Five defensive end.

Finkley has good lower body strength and has a good arsenal of moves to get underneath or around opposing blockers when rushing the passer.

That low center of gravity and strength off the line of scrimmage, regardless of whether he lines up in the three-tech or standing up, also will benefit Finkley defending the run. He can get off blocks without too much trouble....

It’s clear that Finkley’s football IQ is high. And he’s got the physical frame that will allow him to effectively compete on defense right away this season.

Terrance Brooks, CB



The former Ohio State Buckeyes commit [Terrance] Brooks is probably going to be the third cornerback in the secondary rotation this season. And he could be in a spot to run with the ones right away in fall camp.

That will put him in a position where he can show off his well-rounded timing and ball skills to the defensive coaching staff right away before this team faces a difficult non-conference slate.

The 6-foot and 190-pound Brooks did apparently have some issues with the way he finished out spring ball and started off summer workouts. The word on the streets seems to be that Brooks has slowed down a bit since his hot start in spring camp. That will mean he’ll be put to the test right away in fall camp to see how he’s able to adjust.

At this point of the offseason, though, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Brooks really settle in as one of the more capable true freshmen defensive backs in the mix.

[More at Hook'em Headlines]
 
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Another QB competition is underway
for Texas entering fall camp

Card-v-Ewers.gif

If it were a mere matter of talent, Texas would probably already have its QB1, and it would be Ewers. And if raw talent, alone, were enough, Sark likely would have already named his starting quarterback, rather than entering fall camp with a neck-and-neck quarterback competition for the second time in as many years.

Instead, both Card and Ewers enter fall camp with a unique opportunity.

For Card, his fate as a Longhorns quarterback may be decided throughout the next month. His 2021 struggles that led to him losing the starting role were disappointing, to be sure, but they could easily be chalked up to inexperience and uneasiness fairly early in his quarterbacking career, which was negatively amplified by Texas’ poor offensive line play and the lack of quality depth at receiver. If he can display a renewed sense of calm and comfort in the pocket and look to let the ball go a bit more to the wealth of options at receiver, Card can absolutely win the starting job yet again....

Ewers, on the other hand, has the outright arm talent to win if that were the only factor, but it’s not. At this point, Ewers should technically be a true freshman who, as noted, hasn’t played a meaningful snap since 2020, so is he ready to perform at the level necessary to overtake the junior Card? If so, after transferring into the program in January, does Ewers have a firm enough grasp of Sark’s offense perform up to his talents?

As usual, it should be an interesting fall camp on the Forty Acres as yet another quarterback competition unfolds. But regardless of who wins out, running back Bijan Robinson is confident Texas has the right guy back there.

“I think we have exactly what we need at quarterback,” Robinson said at Big 12 Media Days. “They’re competing right now, but they’re competing because both of them are very talented guys ... I’m next to them every day and I see the improvement that they’re both making."

[More at BON]
 
3 Texas football players who could
lose starting jobs in fall camp​

Keondre Coburn, NT

Keondre%20Coburn.jpg


Despite [Keondre] Coburn taking the bulk of the starting reps at nose tackle last fall, he regressed as the season moved along especially compared to [sophomore Byron Murphy II]. In fact, Coburn registered the worst defensive grade and highest missed tackle rate of his career last season.

[Pete] Kwiatkowski and [Bo] Davis will need someone truly impactful to anchor the defensive line this fall. And it’s hard to find a better fit to give the defensive front the necessary jolt as an anchor for this group than Murphy.

From what we’ve heard coming out of summer workouts, Murphy is the one making the real impression on the defensive staff throughout the offseason. That doesn’t bode well for Coburn.

Ovie Oghoufo, LB/EDGE

Ovie%20Oghoufo.jpg


Last season, Oghoufo posted the worst pass-rushing grade of his career and only came up with two sacks on more than 150 snaps rushing the passer.

[H]e posted the lowest missed-tackle rate of his career in snaps on run defense. And he more than tripled his previous career total in terms of run stops in his first year wearing the burnt orange.

All in all, it looks as if Oghoufo will be the favorite to win the starting job at buck coming out of fall camp. But if his pass-rushing productivity doesn’t pick up early in the 2022 regular season, he could see some of his starting reps going to some newer blood at the position in [true freshman Justice] Finkley and [true freshman J’Mond] Tapp.

Christian Jones, OT

Christian%20Jones.jpg


The fact that Jones brings more size and experience to the table means that he might be the more reliable option to get this Texas offensive line through a difficult non-conference schedule in September.

Jones definitely is a more capable run-blocker than he is a pass-blocker.... Starting Jones at one of the offensive tackle spots would help ensure a strong start to the season on the ground.

Jones had the worst production in pass blocking among any regular starter for the Longhorns last season. He allowed more than two-dozen quarterback pressures last fall, and he was even less proficient in true pass sets.

[More at Hook'em Headlines]
 
Six Texas Longhorns training camp
storylines to follow​

The Texas Longhorns begin preseason training camp with an afternoon practice on Wednesday.

Texas hauled in high-level offensive talent via the transfer portal and put freshmen offensive linemen to work in offseason conditioning. The offense has exciting prospects in 2022, to say the least.

The defense is a different tale. Pete Kwiatkowski has a lot of pressure on him to deliver something better.

Plenty of stories will unfold over the course of the next 33 days, but here are six to watch during Texas’ training camp.

Quarterbacks

[Hudson] Card emerged as the starter in last year’s competition with Casey Thompson only to relinquish the role a few weeks later. He showed bright spots toward the end of the season until an injury ended his 2021 campaign prematurely. Will he offer consistency and, more importantly, poise that he didn’t showcase last year? If he can’t, and Ewers’ ability to make ‘wow’ plays is backed up by good decision-making, Card could find himself as the backup once again.

Another thing worth monitoring is how the competition for the third-string spot shakes out. Maalik Murphy and Charles Wright are the names to know for that race.

Which personnel grouping on offense works best?

The collection of offensive skill talent at Sarkisian’s disposal... should provide the Longhorns with one of the more dangerous offenses in the country. Between Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson at running back, Xavier Worthy, Isaiah Neyor, Jordan Whittington, and Agiye Hall at receiver, and Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jahleel Billingsley, and Gunnar Helm at tight end, Texas does not lack for top level offensive talent.

However, only 11 players can be on the field at one time. Is Texas best served by running two tight end sets?... Are there situations where a tight end isn’t even needed?

Whatever the dominant personnel grouping is should come from one of 12 personnel (one RB, two TE), 11 personnel (one RB, one TE) or 20 personnel (two RB, no TE). [T]hese combinations seem the most likely.

How soon do freshmen offensive linemen move up the depth chart?

Texas has talented freshmen O-linemen like Kelvin Banks, DJ Campbell, Neto Umeozulu, and Cam Williams who will begin their careers behind the more experienced players... How long will it take for any of the freshman to earn a higher spot on the depth chart? Sometimes it takes just one practice, sometimes it takes all of camp.

How will the defense generate more havoc?

In 12 games, the 2021 Longhorn defense recorded seven interceptions, 19 sacks, seven forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. All that is to say the Texas defense did little to disrupt opposing offenses.

There’s no doubt Pete Kwiatkowski needs his defense to do more to throw offenses out of rhythm. Does it mean utilizing depth on the interior defensive line at the expense of some aspects of his scheme? Does it mean playing more base personnel instead of nickel? Where does DeMarvion Overshown need to play to benefit the defense most?

What does this new era of special teams look like?

Jeff Banks will need to find a new starting kicker, punter, and long snapper ahead of the season.

Special teams is where “hidden yardage” resides, and for a team with plenty questions surrounding the defense, any yardage to the Longhorns’ advantage helps.

The winner of the kicker battle should be one of Bert Auburn, Gabriel Lozano, or Will Stone. Auburn handled most of the kicking during the spring game. Lozano is a Texas Tech transfer. Stone joins as a strong-legged true freshman.

Isaac Pearson does not have the same type of competition at the punter position. Though the job seems his, there’s a lot to prove for the Aussie who has yet to see game action.

Is Ja’Tavion Sanders ready to be TE1?

Sanders did most of his work on special teams last year with a handful of snaps as a regular tight end. Despite his immense talent, the tight end position was one he had to learn the finer points of during camp last year since he played wide receiver in high school. Now with a year under his belt learning from Banks, Sanders is likely at the top of the depth chart and should be a significant contributor on offense this fall.

Sarkisian often says that in his offense, tight end is only behind quarterback in terms of importance. [The] other tight ends... do not possess Sanders’ physical gifts. Should Sanders pair those gifts with positional know-how, Texas could have one of the top tight ends in the conference.

NoStinkinTightEnds.jpg

[More at IT]
 
QB is always a hot topic, but especially when you don't have a VY or Colt.

At yesterday's PC, Sark said: "A lot of it for Hud was what does his comfort level really look like in our system now in Year 2 and how he’s operating — which is not just about him, but how that exudes to his teammates and the performance of everybody around him, and not just himself.

"For Quinn, it's his knowledge based in the system. It's one thing to talk the offense and to talk about it in a meeting room. It’s another to actually do it, and then to do it consistently on the football field. I give Quinn a lot of credit — everything that we've asked of him to make a correction from one day to the next, he's really worked at it and tried to do it."

My highly trained guessolgy says Card starts game 1 with Q-d-QB playing the 2nd half; then Q is named as starter for Bama and beyond.

By midseason, Card will transfer to HornFans.
 
Successful so far, offseason to be
determined by August​

In a nod to Bo Davis’ post-Iowa State rant, Sark had to address lack of team leadership. He did that through player-driven competition where teams were drafted by team leaders. The result was that players knew exactly where they stood within team hierarchy and clear leaders emerged. How well this works likely depends on how much adversity the team faces this season, but the program is clearly in a better place year over year.

[G40A's personal commentary: "I love this next part of the article."]

This successful offseason goes for naught if the program doesn’t show marked improvement this season. That makes August extremely important as all these aspects are collated together. During the lost decade we’ve seen Texas teams, no matter the head coach, discovering who they are through the adventure of 12 Saturdays. Actual games should be used for fine-tuning, not finding out who you are.

The greatest task for August will be to establish team identity on both sides of the ball. To accomplish that, the staff needs to understand what players can and can’t do, and therefore which schemes, plays, and personnel packages work and don’t work. Even Texas pessimists trust Sark to navigate this on the offensive side of the ball, but great head coaches are able to do the same on the opposite side of their background.

Fortunately, I think Kwiatkowski has a plan more custom tailored to his personnel for this season and we should see improvement.

[More at IT]
 
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