2016 Season Running Thread

[jsto60]

and that is why a bunch of us wanted so badly to get a grad transfer. No, he did not have to be a star but somebody that can manage a game. We thought we had found the next VY in heard but his accuracy problems along with the O-line was too much to overcome. This is early in spring and they need to get some weight and muscle on Buechele.

I have been begging for that from Day 1. Back when Strong came in and said Swoopes was best served moving to TE. Yet here we are, a 3rd straight season starting off with him likely taking the bulk of the starting QB snaps.

It was clear a stopgap was needed THIS year. And last year. The year before they were wrongly banking on Ash's health, so I sorta give them a pass on that. They had little time in a quick take over. But it was clear in Swoopes SO year that we needed more competition at QB position, more than just what we got in a RS FR Heard.

 

[oldhorn2]

several things from that Gilbert interview. what he said about Heard was that he could really "spin it".....from every tape I saw the opposite was true. He either end over ends it, or he has to put so much air under the ball the defenders will be able to catch up to it. He also said that what he needs in a QB is accuracy.

I know the coaches all want Shane ( I am calling him Shane now as I never learned to spell Bueschele) to red shirt to give him his best chance, but everything Gilbert saws about the QB's seems to scream....Bueschele is the guy

 

[oldhorn2]

From Chips interview


hip Brown notes from Today Press Conference with Sterlin Gilbert:

What does it take to be successful as a QB in this offense?
"Gotta be intelligent and be accurate with the ball."

On striking the balance of reps by the offense vs what the defense needs in terms of on-field coaching:
"Charlie's been great. It's no different from the amount of reps everywhere I've been."

Is there a QB on campus who can run the offense?
"Yeah. One of these three guys can and will."

Is it possible Kai Locksley moves to another position?
"Maybe. It's still probably early for that."

What he likes about Shane Buechele:
"Headsy, live arm, carries himself well, high football IQ, urgent about what he does and how he does it. But he's got a lot of room for growth."

What he likes about Tyrone Swoopes:
"He's big, got experience, live arm, he cares. He's made plays before."

What he likes about Jerrod Heard:
"Speed, experience. He's a winner. He's won a lot of games in high school and in college already. Spins the ball well."

On if he's hesitant to play a freshman at QB:
"You play the best guy. I've been around where we've played a young guy and have been successful. But you play the best guy."

 

[CoachEmUp64]

 

[dafan]

very fair comment. We were duped by wickline....I thought wickline was our savior and it turned out he was not. I am excited to see where the O-line goes from here.

I also think Swoopes will have less time to think between plays is a plus. I am liking the changes this year. But again, we will see

 

[CoachEmUp64]

Per TFB:
– Gilbert Talks QBs: Last night Texas OC, Sterlin Gilbert, talked about the new offense and the quarterbacks.

Gilbert confirmed what we have been reporting that this is a 3-horse race for the starting job between Tyrone Swoopes, Jerrod Heard, and Shane Buechele.

He had this to say when asked about Swoopes’ past as a player who has been great during practice but not always able to turn it into Saturday success, “Sometimes you don’t know what guys are going to do until those lights come on. It just goes back to some of that we won’t know until we get out there against Notre Dame. Some guys they do a great job in practice, but they don’t do so well in the game, or they’re not great practice guys, but they show up on Saturdays and play lights out. I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum on that. Again, it’s about knowing a guy, getting an understanding of what he does, and once we figure out what his strengths are, then just calling plays to his strengths, and setting that guy up to be successful in every rep and what he’s doing.”

Gilbert had this to say about true freshman Shane Buechele, “He’s heady. He’s got a live arm about him. Carries himself well. Has a high football IQ. Competitive. He’s urgent about what he does, and how he does it. He’s got a lot of room for growth and improvement.”

Texas ran 70 plays in a 10 minute span, which has its effects on some players this early in the spring. Gilbert was asked pushing his guys so hard. He said, “At times it is because they’re doing something they’ve never done before. They can hardly breathe, so they can hardly think early on in this deal. They’ve got to get in shape, and they’re in the process of getting in shape. Then they’ve got to be able to think, execute and do all that in a quick period of time.”

Gilbert added that it is too early to think about a position change for RS freshman QB Kai Locksley, but did say “maybe” when asked if his future is brighter at another position.

One thing that stood out to me is that Gilbert said he has not watched film of Texas’ offense last year because he wants to give each player a clean slate heading into 2016. – (Andrew)

– Defensive Line Depth: Texas is in need of some defensive line depth. It is coming this summer as 2016 signees Jordan Elliott, D’Andre Christmas-Giles, Chris Daniels, Marcel Southall, and Gerald Wilbon will arrive in Austin. For right now though, the current DTs on campus are worn down and grinding it out this spring.

The main guys at the position are Poona Ford, Paul Boyette, Chris Nelson, and Jake McMillion. Most have seen reports that the offense is moving at a hectic pace, and that could be taking it’s toll on the DTs. I was told Paul Boyette has been banged up with a minor injury. He has been working back through it and it’s nothing to be concerned about.

The bottom line is that this incoming DT group will have multiple guys that will receive an opportunity to play early. – (Andrew)

 

[bubba2023]

When Strong was hired they were very proactive on the QB front with Wittek. All of that fell through in the end but they at least tried. Grad transfers are kind of hard to come by and they usually aren't going to places that are completely rebuilding, but I have no idea why we haven't been after some JUCO guys. The 2 Qbs that they brought in with the 2014 class aren't even getting reps, and it's not like they are behind some quality passers.

 

[horn01]

1. It is terrifying that Gilbert is starting Swoopes on a clean slate and refusing to look at film. THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR. He looked the best in practice, and was the same disaster he had been the year before when he got on the field. The dude cannot handle pressure (a rush, or a difficult game situation). I cannot believe that a staff under this much fire would put their faith in a handful of practices when they have 15+ game films to evaluate.
2. I think if you listen carefully to what he says he wants in a QB, and when he lists what each QB's attributes are, he is at least giving a nod to Buchele. Doesn't mean he will start against ND, but at least there is a chance.

 

[oldhorn2]

at this point I would say Swoopes starts against ND and Shane comes off the bench as soon as Swoopes goes brain dead. I am still hanging on to the hope that last years offense was so out of sync that nobody would have looked good running it.

 

[horn01]

at this point I would say Swoopes starts against ND and Shane comes off the bench as soon as Swoopes goes brain dead. I am still hanging on to the hope that last years offense was so out of sync that nobody would have looked good running it.

the trouble with that is it means Swoopes has gotten first team snaps all off season, i.e., the exact same thing as last year. Why do we need to make the same mistake?

 

[bubba2023]

1. It is terrifying that Gilbert is starting Swoopes on a clean slate and refusing to look at film. THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR. He looked the best in practice, and was the same disaster he had been the year before when he got on the field. The dude cannot handle pressure (a rush, or a difficult game situation). I cannot believe that a staff under this much fire would put their faith in a handful of practices when they have 15+ game films to evaluate.
2. I think if you listen carefully to what he says he wants in a QB, and when he lists what each QB's attributes are, he is at least giving a nod to Buchele. Doesn't mean he will start against ND, but at least there is a chance.

There are not a lot of choices. All of those things that Swoopes can't handle Heard can't either. If you don't want to roll out a true freshman against ND, it's pick your poison.

 

[oldhorn2]

If the coaches think it is a mistake, then I bet they wont start Swoopes. If they dont think it is a mistake, they will start him. I am not being a smartass, I just am going to trust the coaches whose ass is on the line to make the best choice.

 

[jsto60]

Well, reports are out that Heard just injured his shoulder in practice. Not sure how serious it is.

The report stated that Buechele will now be #2 in reps and Locksley/Merrick will get more reps in now.

 

[jsto60]

When Strong was hired they were very proactive on the QB front with Wittek. All of that fell through in the end but they at least tried. Grad transfers are kind of hard to come by and they usually aren't going to places that are completely rebuilding, but I have no idea why we haven't been after some JUCO guys. The 2 Qbs that they brought in with the 2014 class aren't even getting reps, and it's not like they are behind some quality passers.

KNOW excuses.

Meanwhile other teams like ND, FSU, Michigan, Bama, Virginia Tech, TT, and Oregon among dozens of other schools all got xfers in that helped them immensely.

I am not interested in 3 yrs of excuses why we have failed to get in one single QB to compete with our youth at the position. I understand that each kid had his own restrictions and challenges. Just get one. At least ONE.

 

[jsto60]

Well, reports are out that Heard just injured his shoulder in practice. Not sure how serious it is.

The report stated that Buechele will now be #2 in reps and Locksley/Merrick will get more reps in now.

For giggles they tossed in Heards stats from last year in the injury story.

Heard threw for 1,214 yds at a comp% of 57.9% with 5 TDs and 5 INTs. Ran for another 556 yds with 3 TDs.

Swoopes threw for 537 yds at a comp% of 50.5% with 4 TDs and 1 INT. Ran for 451 yds with 12 TDs.


Please for the love of all that is good, I hope the staff finds a passer to run this offense. I do hope they keep the 18 wheeler package and even mix in some passing with it too.

 

[horn01]

If the coaches think it is a mistake, then I bet they wont start Swoopes. If they dont think it is a mistake, they will start him. I am not being a smartass, I just am going to trust the coaches whose ass is on the line to make the best choice.

I did. I trusted Strong to make a good OC hire. He hired Watson. I trusted Watson to develop a QB. Instead we got Swoopes when Ash predictably got hurt. Then the next year, we got Swoopes again, followed by Heard, neither of them prepared.

 

[bubba2023]

KNOW excuses.

Meanwhile other teams like ND, FSU, Michigan, Bama, Virginia Tech, TT, and Oregon among dozens of other schools all got xfers in that helped them immensely.

I am not interested in 3 yrs of excuses why we have failed to get in one single QB to compete with our youth at the position. I understand that each kid had his own restrictions and challenges. Just get one. At least ONE.

I wasn't meaning it as an excuse. Strong's handling of the QB position has been a failure imo, but those programs you listed are on a completely different level than us as far as the quality of their teams. We are behind all of them in terms of attractiveness for a grad transfer. A grad transfer isn't as realistic as JUCO is all I meant. Getting neither has been a failure.

 

[Metcalf #2]

Maybe my memory is fuzzy, and I am not saying he is Tom Brady, but I dont remember Swoopes being that bad a passer. Where he was total crap to me was never deciding to run even after he saw no one open. He was so tentative in running. That drove me crazy.Seems like in the OSU game he did scripted plays and opened the game by just driving down the field.Come to think of it I am thinking about year before last. At any rate, he started several games with 7 or 8 completions. Where did that guy go? I now am at the point that I have no belief that Heard will ever "get" it. Maybe Swoopes will be able to be average enough for long enough that Shane can grow into the job.

My friend, your memory is very fuzzy. Lol. I still wake up shivering in the middle of the night with images of a burnt orange clad WR running all by himself down the sideline, as he helplessly watches the ball land 5 to 10 yards out of bounds.

"Can't hit the broad side of a barn" was only a saying, a wild exaggeration, a joke....until Swoopes.

 

[Godz40Acrez]

 

[oldhorn2]

Hmmmmm....damn Metcalf.....seems like I DO remember that now that you bring it up!...dammit!

 

[Scholz]

Brainiacs:

– Gilbert Talks QBs: Last night Texas OC, Sterlin Gilbert, talked about the new offense and the quarterbacks.

Gilbert confirmed what we have been reporting that this is a 3-horse race for the starting job between Tyrone Swoopes, Jerrod Heard, and Shane Buechele.

He had this to say when asked about Swoopes’ past as a player who has been great during practice but not always able to turn it into Saturday success, “Sometimes you don’t know what guys are going to do until those lights come on. It just goes back to some of that we won’t know until we get out there against Notre Dame. Some guys they do a great job in practice, but they don’t do so well in the game, or they’re not great practice guys, but they show up on Saturdays and play lights out. I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum on that. Again, it’s about knowing a guy, getting an understanding of what he does, and once we figure out what his strengths are, then just calling plays to his strengths, and setting that guy up to be successful in every rep and what he’s doing.”

Gilbert had this to say about true freshman Shane Buechele, “He’s heady. He’s got a live arm about him. Carries himself well. Has a high football IQ. Competitive. He’s urgent about what he does, and how he does it. He’s got a lot of room for growth and improvement.”

Texas ran 70 plays in a 10 minute span, which has its effects on some players this early in the spring. Gilbert was asked pushing his guys so hard. He said, “At times it is because they’re doing something they’ve never done before. They can hardly breathe, so they can hardly think early on in this deal. They’ve got to get in shape, and they’re in the process of getting in shape. Then they’ve got to be able to think, execute and do all that in a quick period of time.”

Gilbert added that it is too early to think about a position change for RS freshman QB Kai Locksley, but did say “maybe” when asked if his future is brighter at another position.

One thing that stood out to me is that Gilbert said he has not watched film of Texas’ offense last year because he wants to give each player a clean slate heading into 2016. – (Andrew)

– Defensive Line Depth: Texas is in need of some defensive line depth. It is coming this summer as 2016 signees Jordan Elliott, D’Andre Christmas-Giles, Chris Daniels, Marcel Southall, and Gerald Wilbon will arrive in Austin. For right now though, the current DTs on campus are worn down and grinding it out this spring.

The main guys at the position are Poona Ford, Paul Boyette, Chris Nelson, and Jake McMillion. Most have seen reports that the offense is moving at a hectic pace, and that could be taking it’s toll on the DTs. I was told Paul Boyette has been banged up with a minor injury. He has been working back through it and it’s nothing to be concerned about.

The bottom line is that this incoming DT group will have multiple guys that will receive an opportunity to play early. – (Andrew)

– Dylan Moses: IMG Academy (FL) 5-star OLB Dylan Moses named Alabama his leader recently. He has visited the Crimson Tide and LSU during the past few days and I’ve stated that it will be tough to beat out either team for Moses. However getting him back on campus certainly helps.

Well, that will happen. I confirmed that Moses will visit Texas this weekend. It is obviously huge news. Moses and his father have always been big fans of HC Charlie Strong. – (Andrew)

– UPDATE (1:15 pm): UT announced that RS sophomore QB Jerrod Heard suffered a shoulder injury during practice on Tuesday and is being further evaluated today. I talked to a source about the injury, right now they’re not sure how serious the injury is but I was told Heard made a cut and slipped and fell hard right on the ball and his shoulder.

If Heard misses much practice it will allow freshman Shane Buechele to take more reps with the 2nd group. I wasn’t told if the coaches will give either Kai Locksley or Matthew Merrick some of the 3rd team reps or just split everything between Swoopes and Buechele if Heard misses some practice. – (Andrew)

 

[Godz40Acrez]

 

[Metcalf #2]

So Shane appears to be a more athletic version of Major Applewhite with a stronger arm. I'll take that any day.

 

[bubba2023]

Not that it matters, but I roll my eyes every time Swoopes is described as great during practice but not during a game. What practice reports have Swoopes being great? Seems like all of the reports posted over the years have had him struggling quite a bit. Just a bit less than everyone else. He wasn't named starter last year because he was killing it in practice it was because he didn't look as bad as Heard.

 

[Longyac]

Well, reports are out that Heard just injured his shoulder in practice. Not sure how serious it is.

The report stated that Buechele will now be #2 in reps and Locksley/Merrick will get more reps in now.

Terrible reporting. Merrick is out for the Spring with a back injury. Kai is getting a chance to save his bacon.

 

[madcow12]

Kirk Bohls

✔ ‎@kbohls


Can't be good if Heard's shoulder injury is severe enough that UT releases news.

1:06 PM - 30 Mar 2016

Brian Davis

✔ ‎@BDavisAAS


Generally speaking, Texas does not issue news releases on player injuries unless they are serious. Season opener is Sept. 3.

1:36 PM - 30 Mar 2016

 

[TX1972]

So Shane appears to be a more athletic version of Major Applewhite with a stronger arm. I'll take that any day.

That sounds a lot like Colt.

 

[Metcalf #2]

That sounds a lot like Colt.

Well, I don't think he's anything like Colt when it comes to running the ball, just more athletic than major. Like in between the two.

 

[Cotton #12]

I think that's the way it will play out.

To answer the other guys question, sadly my vote is just to start Buechele from day 1. I think he physically he could use the RS year to put on some weight. I think mentally he is speeding things up to grasp this jump and will struggle at times because of it. But I think he is far and away the best FIT we have on campus for this offense. He is by far the most accurate QB we have. Which is the trait I value first and foremost in QBs nowadays. Running threats are awesome and I love having that extra stress on the D.....if the guy can complete a basic pass or two. But if the guy back there is essentially a RB...well that's why the wildcat offense died.


Ultimately I just hope one guy steps up and impresses over the next few weeks and wins the damn job. Instead of us giving it to the SR by default. If Swoopes starts to impress, then ok. But I think the staff might just settle on him because Heard/Locksley are too enigmatic and Buechele simply isn't fully ready, nor are they ready to hitch their wagon on a true frosh.

IF you were the Head coach at Texas with your job on the line would you really start a kid who was in high school last year? Against Notre Dame?

So Shane appears to be a more athletic version of Major Applewhite with a stronger arm. I'll take that any day.

He can take off and run much better than Applewhite,maybe a step behind Colt McCoy but not much.

 

[CoachEmUp64]

IF you were the Head coach at Texas with your job on the line would you really start a kid who was in high school last year? Against Notre Dame?

If he gave me the best option to win I'd start him in a heartbeat

 

[BringBackRoyal]

If he gave me the best option to win I'd start him in a heartbeat

I'm betting that the coaches will start the QB they feel gives them the best chance to win as well. Charlie is letting Gilbert run the offense as he sees fit, which includes deciding who will be the starting QB. I trust Gilbert is going to put the guy on the field that he believes will lead the team to the most points and the fewest mistakes.

I'm not saying this as any kind of Swoopes apologist, because I'm as big of a Swoopes doubter as there is, but people need to remember the conditions in which Buechele is looking good -- specifically, he's under no threat of getting hit. It's not a stretch to think that a gifted true freshman who shows great potential in the protected setting of practice might react to things a bit differently when the pocket gets dirty in a real game, with NFL-bound DEs and 240-lb. LBs striving to separate his head from his body. If Swoopes somehow looks competent in this offense in practice conditions, with its much simpler reads than Watson's ridiculous WCO garbage, then the fact that he has gotten hit by people with bad intentions in multiple actual games at this level should and will be a factor in Gilbert's decision. Same with Heard.

Buechele also seriously needs to add weight -- and fast. People who are seeing him up close are saying that there's no way he's much over 180 lbs. The QBs in Briles' system do run the ball and take some hits. (How many QBs has Baylor lost to injury over the last few seasons? It seems like at least one every year for several years now.) Durability will be a big concern at that weight, to say nothing of the psychological effect of getting hammered by P5-level defensive players. None of these things are factors in practice right now.

 

[bubba2023]

If he gave me the best option to win I'd start him in a heartbeat

Well there in lies the rub. The next snap he takes will be his first, so it's not clear if he gives you the best option to win.

The question should be do you think the coaches with their jobs on the line will feel that a player fresh out of high school will give them the best option to win? Obviously they aren't going to play the guy they think doesn't give them the best option to win.

 

[Longyac]

IF you were the Head coach at Texas with your job on the line would you really start a kid who was in high school last year? Against Notre Dame?

He can take off and run much better than Applewhite,maybe a step behind Colt McCoy but not much.

His running on his Senior film at Hudl sure reminds me of Colt. Buechele was timed at 4.8 at The Opening. Colt's 40 at the combine was 4.79. Buechele's shuttle was 4.24 which is pretty good.

 

[Scholz]

OrangeBloods reporting QB Jerrod Heard has a shoulder sprain after falling down at practice. He could be back as early as next week and it isn't supposed to be serious.


Brainiacs:
– Bedford Talks Defense: Yesterday Texas DC, Vance Bedford spoke with the media about how things are coming along on the defensive side of the ball this spring.

Bedford said something that we’ve all seen coming since this guy stepped on campus. Malik Jefferson is taking ownership of and leading the team. Bedford note that Malik continues making plays on the field and but is also a leader off the field.

Bedford also hinted at the possibility of Malik Jefferson being used as more of an edge rusher this season saying, “We’re going to put our playmakers in a position to make plays this season”.

For Jefferson to make the move to the edge, someone would have to step up as the MLB. That guy could be sophomore Anthony Wheeler. Bedford named him as one of he defenders who took a “major step” forward this offseason along with S PJ Locke, CB Davante Davis, and DTs Poona Ford and Chris Nelson. Some of those guys named are coming off of nice freshman seasons and Bedford said sometimes guys like that can get, “the sophomore blues, but we don’t have time for that”.

Some expected sophomore S DeShon Elliott to take over the safety position opposite Dylan Haines this offseason but it looks like JR Jason Hall is putting together a really nice spring. Bedford praised Hall saying he was doing a great job in creating takeaways. It’s good to hear that Hall and Elliott are pushing each other because they will both only come out better. That competition breeds excellence.

On a related note, in talking to a source about some of Hall’s issues early on, it appears he wasn’t seeing things develop quickly enough. Apparently that has changed. He’s seeing things happen earlier and as such is able to be in position on time to make the play.

Bedford also mentioned two guys who aren’t even on campus yet in LB Jeffrey McCulloch and DT Jordan Elliott. Those are two guys that will likely see the field early in 2016. Bedford also had a recruiting message, by saying, “If you are 300 pounds, you will play for us when you come in as a true freshman.”

It’ll certainly be interesting to see what McCulloch brings to the table and how quickly he can pick things up. His presence will give the staff more freedom to move Malik around. It also seems SO Breckyn Hager could be moving back to FOX end, where he played in HS.

Bedford ended by praising some young offensive players, RB Chris Warren and WR Collin Johnson. On Warren, who’s up to 255 pounds he said, “When he turns his shoulders, it’s like a Mack truck coming at you.” And on 6’6 Johnson he said, “I thought LeBron was running routes on us the other day.” He also complimented Johnson on his ability to go over DBs and pluck the ball out of the air. – (Andrew)

 

[SatydogHorn]

His running on his Senior film at Hudl sure reminds me of Colt. Buechele was timed at 4.8 at The Opening. Colt's 40 at the combine was 4.79. Buechele's shuttle was 4.24 which is pretty good.

View embedded media

Not near fast enough to run outside of the pocket at the college level. One of Colts best attribute running the football was making the defender over pursue then stepping up in the pocket and taking off.