One of the biggest mysteries this season has been the disappearance of sophomore defensive back Holton Hill.
Last season, Hill stepped on campus with a talented group of freshmen defensive backs. DeVante Davis, DeShon Elliott, Kris Boyd, P.J Locke and Hill were the confident group of freshmen expected to keep Texas’ DBU legacy alive. Each player was talented. Davis and Hill developed into key contributors in 2015.
Hill played in all 12 games for the Longhorns. He started in the last eight games and finished with 49 tackles and one interception. He also compiled three tackles on special teams. Hill and Davis were expected to hold down the cornerback position until they were seniors, assuming they were not fortunate enough to leave after their junior season.
However, the hype those players received might explain why Hill was not on the field last week and didn't start against Notre Dame.
Texas has played two games this season, and Hill didn't play in week two after seeing quite a few snaps in the opener. The situation is perplexing enough that I asked defensive coordinator Vance Bedford about it during his press conference on Wednesday, and that is when we received our first clue that Hill was not taking care of business behind the scenes.
“It’s a combination of a lot of things,” Bedford said. “First game, Kris Boyd didn’t get in there except for special teams. Guys have a hot hand We’re trying to develop guys, rotate guys in there, and that’s part of what you’re seeing right now. We stay moving guys around trying to find the right fit. The biggest thing you try to find (out) with you guys is (if) they can compete. You need to earn your way. These freshmen, a year ago, came in here and they walked around and they played and all of a sudden, people are saying, ‘Man, you guys did a great job.’ They were inconsistent last year. You saw flashes.
“Our thing right now is if you don’t come to practice every day and practice hard, or you have the opportunity to get in the game, and you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, there’s a good chance you might not touch that football field. That’s just where we are with a lot of those guys right now That’s like Kris Boyd didn’t play a lot in the first ball game. That’s part of it. We’re going to challenge this guys all the time to do things right all the time, be consistent in practice, and go do it in the game.”
Bedford’s answer prompted me to check with my sources, and Hill has definitely put himself in the doghouse.
From what I was told, there are high expectations in the building for Hill. Simply put, Hill has not met those expectations.
Right now, there are five defensive backs ahead of Hill on the depth chart. Those guys are Sheroid Evans, Antwuan Davis, Boyd, Davis and Locke (nickel back). That means Hill is currently the sixth defensive back in Texas’ rotation.
Here is the last week’s snap breakdown for those defensive backs, according to Alex Dunlap: Davante Davis - 41 snaps (35 at RCB, 6 at LCB); 2 Kris Boyd - 27 snaps (23 at RCB, 4 at LCB), Sheroid Evans - 31 snaps, Antwuan Davis - 17 snaps and PJ Locke - 11 snaps.
In addition, my source said told me two other things that stood out during our conversation.
1. That person told me that because they have so many quality cornerbacks, their performance in practice will determine who plays on Saturdays.
2. Meanwhile, I was told, “He needed a little attitude adjustment.”
From what I can tell, there is still an opportunity for Hill to get playing time in the future, but his practice habits and performance need to improve. Meanwhile, he needs to display an acceptable attitude to everyone on staff. There is a simple reason why this must happen.
The more talent Texas coach Charlie Strong and his staff bring to Texas, the less they will have to deal with players who are not meeting their expectations. When they talk about wanting competition at every position, that also means players will not be able to start because the staff lacks options. It means if players do not buy in, they will be on the bench.
Hill’s lack of playing time is no longer a mystery.
Now it is up to Hill to solve the problem. (Richardson)
*****
Outside of Hill, the one player Texas fans have asked about is freshman linebacker Erick Fowler.
He was the last player to hit campus after becoming eligible this summer, and Fowler had been playing catch up since last month. Fowler has been in uniform the past two games, but has not played.
According to a source, I was told there has no decision has been made about redshirting Fowler this season.
In fact, I was told next week would be huge for Fowler.
Everyone in the building has been pleased with Fowler progress after completing a month on campus. If Fowler wants to see the field this year, he needs to stand out during practice next week.
Texas plays Cal on Saturday, and next week is a bye of the team. The bye week is when young players receive a lot of reps as the starters rest. That means Fowler will receive more playing time in practice. If he plays well next week, he could work his way into the rotation. If not, Fowler might be looking at a redshirt season. (Richardson)
*****
Here's a brief "injury roundup," as a host of Texas players were held back versus UTEP:
S Dylan Haines - Was back at practice on Wednesday and is expected to play after sitting versus UTEP.
LT Connor Williams - He came back to practice this week and is expected by everyone we've spoken with to play versus Cal. There were rumors going around that Williams was in the concussion protocol late last week and during the UTEP game, but that remains unconfirmed by school officials.
TE Caleb Bluiett - No word as to the injury or ailment with Bluiett, but whatever it is appears to be minor. We're told by a team source that Bluiett practiced this week and is expected to go versus Cal after a week of almost exclusive Andrew Beck action at the position vs. UTEP.
RB D'Onta Foreman - We were told during the UTEP game that he could have played in that contest with a mild groin, but that the staff elected to hold its best player back out of precaution. There is little doubt among sources close to the program that Foreman will be good to go versus Cal.
RG Kent Perkins - Perkins appeared somewhat injured during the ND game and exited/re-entered multiple times. We've been led to believe the week off was in an attempt to get him totally healthy, much like numerous others held back for precautionary purposes.
LG Patrick Vahe - Vahe is expected to play in a cast/club due to a presumed wrist/hand injury. He was at Wednesday's practice and a full participant; people close to him didn't even know he was wearing a cast so it's clearly not a major medical issue at this time.
FOX Breckyn Hager - He missed practice on Tuesday, but was back to full work on Wednesday. We're unsure of the exact nature of his setback, but it was clearly minor if he was only given the day off.
(Dunlap)
