May/June/JULY Football

Godz40acres said:
Potential + Talent = Potalent.

I've been told I have the potalent to invent words.
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Godz40 - 'potalent' is one them $5 words... some of the great unwashed out here in cyberspace would have to look up the word to understand the real meaning.

On the other hand I think you mean that some have told that you have "po' talent" to invent words... in other words not such good talent.:smokin:
 
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DBU Should Continue

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Coach [Clay] Jennings’ last two stops have been at TCU and Arkansas, having coached defensive backs at both stops within the framework of the 4-2-5. The reason it excites me is the prospect of... either installing some split-field concepts or at the very least, improved teaching of the 2-high safety zone concepts that the Longhorns employ...

How can we forget the dismal failures, from experienced players nonetheless, against Notre Dame, Cal, TCU, etc.? If Coach Jennings brings with him a slightly better way of thinking or communicating concepts to the Texas defense, it’s a win all around. Now, I don’t suspect we’ll see a drastic revamping of things, but I do expect to see more crisp execution and more AGGRESSION.

The developments I’m excited about are:

– I’m hoping DeShon Elliott not only presses [Jason] Hall for more playing time, but flat-out beats him. If he does, it indicates a significant upgrade at the weak safety position.

– PJ Locke at nickel is an excellent development. Locke is strong, can thump, and is strikingly fast for his build, think a bit bigger version of Quandre Diggs.

– Brandon Jones is coming. Though Dylan Haines should be VERY difficult to unseat at strong or field safety, he may also serve as a great teacher.

– Expect [the cornerbacks] to be left alone more often this season to allow the aforementioned players to wreak havoc against the run, across the middle, and on blitzes.

[Full TFB article]
 
Questions On Defense | Strong Safety

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The strong safety needs to be the ‘quarterback’ of the secondary, as he is often tasked with adjusting coverage and reading the quarterback. It’s favorable to have one of the secondary’s best athletes here, but the strong safety must be steady and consistent with all he does. If not, busts tend to occur, in both run and pass defense.

Dylan Haines catches a lot of flak from fans, why? Well, he’s not the best athlete on defense, neither is he the most physical. However, Haines’ steady play in coverage, whether man or zone tends to set him apart from his teammates.

Also, I’d add, Haines tends to play the run pretty well, but he’s not a big hitter nor an extremely physical player, but he is often in the right spot, with correct leverage, and often saves plays from breaking for bigger gains. Nevertheless, fans want more! To that I say, give it time.

Coming to Texas is the highly coveted safety prospect Brandon Jones, who in many respects, is very similar to Haines, but happens to possess NFL Draft 1st round athletic talent. Yes, I said that. So, from the looks of it, the strong safety position is in good hands long-term.

If Brandon Jones can utilize Haines’ experience and tutelage to accelerate his learning, it may allow him to see the field earlier at the strong safety position.

As it stands now, I expect the incumbent to maintain his starting role. This will likely result in Brandon Jones seeing the field at another position early on. For instance, if the free safeties don’t tighten-up their games, I can see Jones challenging them from the moment he steps on campus.

[Full TFB article]
 
Looks like Coach Traylor got a new title to go along with that raise:

Pass Game Coordinator/WR/TE - Special Teams Coach

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It hasn't been changed at TexasSports.com, but if it's Twitter, it's official. ;)
 
Linebacker Breakdown

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Going into the 2016 season, there is little doubt that Malik Jefferson is the face of the Texas Longhorns. He represents everything coach Charlie Strong wants his program to embody.

Anthony Wheeler and Tim Cole both had extensive roles last season, although not starring ones. Edwin Freeman played in six games last season and finished with 12 tackles.

Incoming freshman, Jeffrey McCulloch, was 16th on the American-Statesman’s Fab 55 recruiting list. It’s thought Erick Fowler could make a dynamic off-the-edge pass rusher.

Here’s a look at the linebackers currently on the roster:

1. Malik Jefferson: A potential college football superstar. [H]e was a freshman All-American. Jefferson (6-3, 238) had 61 tackles last season, 2.5 sacks and a 26-yard fumble return for a touchdown.

2. Anthony Wheeler: [H]ad his best performance in the season finale against Baylor. Wheeler (6-2, 232) had six tackles, one pass breakup and a key fumble recovery. He needs to elevate his play and lock down a starting job.

3. Tim Cole: Going into his fifth and final season, Cole (6-1, 240) has plenty of experience to draw from. He’s played in 31 career games but started only four. His career best was an eight tackle performance against Texas Tech last season.

4. Edwin Freeman: Freeman (6-1, 232) had four tackles in the season opener against Notre Dame and four in the season finale against Baylor. But only four tackles in four games in between.

5. Cameron Townsend: Once considered the second-best outside linebacker prospect in Texas, Townsend (6-0, 222) redshirted last season.

6. Demarco Boyd: Boyd (5-11, 240) got a leg up on the other freshmen who won’t get here until the summer semester. But his size alone is a worry. Can he avoid getting blocked by the typical 6-foot-4 Big 12 offensive lineman?

2016 freshmen: Last year, Cecil Cherry didn’t even last one week before transferring out. So tap the brakes on inserting “The Shark,” into the starting lineup just yet. Both Jeffrey McCulloch and Erick Fowler need to show up, keep their head down and go make plays.

[Full Hookem article]
 
Building Around The Predator

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Malik Jefferson has a very unique skill set who’s best recent comp might be what OU had in Eric Striker only Jefferson is much more well-rounded. Malik is at least as capable in space, an equally fantastic blitzer, and also capable of playing in the box.

In 2016 the defensive staff is going to need to explore more of the possibilities that his skill set creates for the defense as they try to build a dominant unit despite some shortcomings up the middle.

A weapon in pass defense like no otha!

There’s no doubt that Malik is growing into a serious weapon against opposing passing games, but his abilities in coverage are actually rather unique. He’s not just a great pass-rusher that could be a missile for getting after the QB.

For instance, Malik was very good at defending the middle of the field against Big 12 staples like “snag” which are designed to get an outside receiver open in space thanks to the inability of the average middle linebacker to move laterally.

The fact that Malik’s skill set is basically Kam Chancellor meets Von Miller means the Longhorns are much less vulnerable to the myriad of modern passing concepts meant to attack inside-backers in coverage. With Jefferson in that spot, Texas was able to get a result similar to what Gary Patterson has seen over the years from spinning safeties down to become inside linebackers.

But then there’s also his pass-rushing ability… (Skip to 2:00:15)



This is a really straightforward blitz from Texas with the ends pinching inside, the nose taking a gap, and “the fox and the hound” each blitzing their respective edges while the rest of the defense plays man-free coverage.

You see here from Malik the ability to win the edge and then more crucially the ability to turn the corner and finish the play. That’s the kind of suddenness and flexibility that makes for a dominant edge rusher.

Every time Texas sends five pass-rushers, they get the benefit of either generating 1-on-1 matchups for all its pass-rushers or else forcing the offense to leave a running back in pass protection and allow the defense to play six over four in coverage. With these corners and Malik in the backfield that’s a winning formula.

If he’s always aligned to be able to play the edge or in space, then Malik can create major headaches for opposing centers, QBs, and OCs who are trying to figure out where to set protections without knowing if he’ll be dropping into space or coming off the edge.

There are tons of options that are created for building pass defenses from the fact that Malik can get out in space laterally and be a terror off the edge. The more ways Vance finds to threaten offenses with both skills, the worse it’ll be for opposing offenses.

What about the run D?

Malik’s biggest impact on run defense is probably going to be in erasing mistakes (or occasions where Texas is just beat) up front thanks to his speed in pursuit. Malik isn’t aggressive about blowing up blocks and he’s not really a true inside guy. He’s physical enough to play in the box but at his best as a free-hitter who has some freedom to roam and make plays.

Texas needs guys who know how to plug and aggressively take on blocks, which is yet another reason why the move to the 4-2 makes a lot of sense for this season as it reduces the linebackers’ workload here and seeks to control the line of scrimmage with the four down linemen.

Malik can have an impact by inflicting negative plays when he comes off the edge or by helping Texas to destroy the option.

Charlie Strong isn’t going to want to totally reign in Malik’s free-wheeling nature but with different fundamentals, Malik could probably single-handedly shut down any option plays to his edge. He has enough burst to play it square... and still have a chance to make the play on the back or on the QB.

Texas can play effective run defense in 2016 without dominating the point of attack if Malik can minimize the damage from good plays and inflict a few negatives coming off the edge.

[Full IT article with diagrams and other videos]
 

Unfortunately, for the next few days I will have to go dark. The NSA is closing in on me, so I will be transferring to my alternate underground command bunker, or UCB-2. I will, of course, attempt to stay in contact as soon and often as possible.

Forgive my use of the Whisper Font, but it's necessary per my situati--
 
Godz40acres said:
Unfortunately, for the next few days I will have to go dark. The NSA is closing in on me, so I will be transferring to my alternate underground command bunker, or UCB-2. I will, of course, attempt to stay in contact as soon and often as possible.
Click to expand...

Good, we must not have a Mayfest Football Gap, the consequinces would be dire. He could stay in that bunker forever, especially with the help of VolHorn4life. He could send down one of his girls from the Executive Ranch and Bordello, in exchange for him getting continued exclusive information.

Where have I seen this kind of thing before?



 
I was able to escape from my original underground command bunker just in time.


I'm settled in at UCB-2 and ready for more exciting UTFB posting! So....





I hope Buck is concentrating more on football than video.




Preach it, VY!
 
WRs Crucial To 2016 Success

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Offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert will use the loaded Longhorn backfield heavily – for good reason – but Gilbert's past suggests the wide receivers for the 'Horns will need to step up. At Tulsa last season, Gilbert facilitated an offense that finished 11th in the country in total passing and featured the nation's leading receiver in receiving yards. More importantly, Gilbert's offense loves to spread people out, often times playing three or four wide receiver sets.

Luckily for new wide receivers coach Charlie Williams, the Longhorns return two of their top three leading receivers and nine scholarship players at the position in 2016. Perhaps the biggest returners are sophomore John Burt, who led the team in receiving yards as a freshman, and junior Armanti Foreman.

[T]he Longhorns return some serious talent underutilized in the past due to an anemic passing game… and each possesses the athleticism to make a substantial impact against Big 12 defenses. If you sprinkle in the three incoming freshmen… the depth at wide receiver looks formidable.

Individual Breakdowns

Throwing the ball down the sidelines and screens on the numbers was a staple for Gilbert at Tulsa and will continue at Texas, especially since the Longhorns most talented receivers are on the outside.

Anchoring these spots will most likely be John Burt and Collin Johnson. Both carry a big frame, a feature Gilbert prizes in his outside receivers. Burt is one of the fastest players in the Big 12 and... also has great hands and route running ability.

Incoming freshman Collin Johnson has already drawn lofty praise in spring ball from his coaches. With great hands and a monster frame to start his freshman season, Johnson will be on the field early for the Horns.

Armanti Foreman and Dorian Leonard will see playing time on the outside. Foreman separated himself in spring practices including an 81-yard performance in the Orange and White game. More than likely, he will also see playing time inside.

Leonard, on the other hand, will have to fight for substantial playing time. The junior looked impressive in the spring game, but sits behind three younger players on the outside and will have to make the most out of his opportunities.

On the inside, the picture is not as clear for the Longhorns. The number one guy will probably be junior Lorenzo Joe. A tall possession receiver, Joe thrives on finding soft spots in defensive coverage and running sharp routes.

The Horns also will look at Jake Oliver and DeAndre McNeal to step up at the slot position. McNeal has a unique gift of size and speed, which makes him a tough match up against safeties and undersized corners who will be defending him. Oliver has barely made a dent at Texas until this past spring where he surprised coaches with his hands and athleticism.

Senior Jacorey Warrick and sophomore Ryan Newsome appear to lie deep on the depth chart, but don't let that fool you. Both small, speedy receivers will see playing time on offense next fall, especially in four-wide sets. Newsome and Warrick have elite speed that will make for tough matchups on the inside.

[Full BON article]

That's the thing about receivers in this offense – even 3rd stringers will have real chances to show off and move up. I hope to see Newsome in the slot more this season.
 
Campus Rush Interviews Charlie Strong

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Campus Rush: The theme of your spring was an increase in tempo. Are you pleased with way things went?

Charlie Strong: You know, what has happened now is the tempo is so fast and offensively they get lined up but the defense has to get on the line also. The field is shortened, where the quarterbacks are able to make reads and checks. It's all about getting the ball out of your hands. It's not holding the ball; it's getting it out.

What helps us is we have a run game, too, so we can run the football and we can throw it. We have two big ol' backs who are strong and physical (Chris Warren and D'Onta Foreman). I'm very happy with the way it's going. It's all about going against one another, so you don't know 'til you line up. But we're making progress.

CR: You signed an important 2016 recruiting class that included four early enrollees, three of whom could push for playing time. Did you like what you saw out of that group this spring?

Strong: [W]e needed competition at the quarterback position, so to get Buechele in there helped us and helped him. And the wide receiver position, you see a guy who is a playmaker for you because there's Collin. He's 6' 6", 200-something [pounds], and he plays big. Now when you get that class here in June you're able to start and just go to work. It's a class that is loaded with a lot of defensive linemen, which we needed, and we still got some offensive linemen coming with it.

CR: I saw where you recently mentioned that you were close to being able to "flip this thing." Given the recruiting momentum at Texas, how close are you to turning the corner?

Strong: We're close... Once we flip it and get this program heading in the right direction, we're going to steamroll people in recruiting."

I still think we're probably a few players away. We're young, but we're talented. It's all about us coaching them. We can get it flipped. It's players that we recruit now who are gonna help us, and they know that.

CR: You have 15 returning starters: seven on offense, seven on defense and the punter. Now that your guys are basically on campus, are you comfortable with how everything is coming together?

Strong: I probably made the mistake that for some kids, when they come in here, it's overwhelming. You're already scrutinized, and you've been through the recruiting process, so everybody wants to make them this instant success right off because of how big the program is. And you just—you have to give kids a chance to come in and get comfortable. Once they get comfortable it's like, now you start coaching them and letting them see how it really is.

I think that a lot of them come in with pressure. The thinking they have there is, I got to go. No, no, no, no. You just need to come in and let us coach you. We will head you down that road.

CR: How much have you learned about running a program during your first two seasons here? Texas is certainly a different beast than Louisville.

Strong: Being here the first two years, it was, you had to get your staff right, make sure we had the right staff on board. Then you have to make sure, hey, it's about the players. Are they willing to adapt to what we're trying to get them to? The goal at the end of the day is making sure they all get in alignment, make sure they all become better people. That's what you want to see happen.

I got a ton of respect for coach [Mack] Brown. For one man to sit in this chair as long as he did, I said, "Wow. Here?" He needs to be more than inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. And that's why I lean on him so much, because of what he's been through. It wasn't so much that you had to come in and change a lot. It's just that false sense you get when you hear so much about a program and you want to come in and be like, "We can't do this. We can't do that." It was about fixing what needed to be fixed, then move forward.

CR: Is there a player or two who will epitomize the next era of Texas football? Which hard-nosed guys really fit your style?

Strong: Well, you have to look at Malik [Jefferson] because of what he did last season. That's someone we can build on, and he's just going to get better and better. And then a guy that probably doesn't get enough credit but deserves a lot is D'Onta Foreman. Big running back, strong and powerful. He's a guy now.

CR: I have to ask you about the quarterbacks.

Strong: (Smiles) That's first time I've heard that.

CR: The early buzz this spring was that Tyrone Swoopes fits well in this offense.

Strong: It's been amazing to see his development and how this offense has really helped him. And I think he has a point to prove and wants to show everybody he can do it. But to get pushed the way he's getting pushed right now by Buechele, to get pushed the way he's getting pushed by [Jerrod] Heard is only going to make him better. It's making all three better because it's a competition there. It's a really good competition.

CR: Tyrone's physical tools have always been there.

Strong: Oh my god. He looks physically—he's pretty on the hoof now.

I just think with him, he's got to believe in himself. At that position you have to believe, because the ball is in your hands. You'd better be confident. I think last season when that package went in for him that he started having that and started playing a little differently.

CR: Buechele on the hoof doesn't blow you away. He's 6' 1", 190 pounds?

Strong: Yeah, he's about 6' 1", 190.

CR: What does he bring?

Strong: He's always been a quarterback. Nothing fazes him. He's like a gym rat, because he knows in order to be really good, I have to really study the game. He studies the game. I'm surprised he hasn't walked up here yet, but he's always around. And he's a very intelligent young man.

He understands. And he's been in this offense. Now, it wasn't run exactly the way it's run now, but he's been in it, where he's gotten rid of the football and knows where to put the ball. He just understands the game.

[Much more in the full CampusRush article]
 
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