Texas offensive linemen Connor Williams and Patrick Vahe addressed the media on Tuesday night, only a few days before the Longhorns’ spring game. Here are the 10 biggest takeaways from their interviews:
1. Williams and Vahe are working with their third play-caller since stepping on campus. Both offensive lineman began their college careers with Shawn Watson, followed by Jay Norvell and the eventual hire of offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert. In addition, Matt Mattox is their second offensive line coach in two seasons.
Here is what each player said about the constant changes:
Williams: “It’s great to see all the different sides of each offense, and to be able to see the defense in different ways … I’ve been liking it (changes) because you get to understand different offensive mindsets, and be able to take the pros with it and remove the cons.”
Vahe: “Being able to see a coaching change, I never thought I would experience it, but these coaches, they care about us. That’s the main thing. They would come here if they didn’t want to be here. They came in, and we respected them for doing that. We have to respect they want to give us, and what they have to teach. Seeing coach Gilbert, I respect him as a coach. I respect who he is as a father. It’s just good.”
2. Here is another key quote by Vahe: “It’s just the uplifting spirit they (have). They’re not trying to put down anybody. They’re not trying to let their day be bad and kill our vibe. They’re there for us, and we’re there for them. That’s all that matters right now.
3. Vahe was asked about quarterback Shane Buechele, and he is very impressed with the freshman: “Shane Buechele. The thing that impresses me about him is he’s a player. He’s a player that’s trying to make it. I understand his story that he told me. I love Shane, man. He’s a good guy. That is what really impresses me about him … Outside of football, he’s just one of us. We take care of him. Whenever we see him, we say hi. We hang out. We do everything together. Shane fits in well.”
4. Williams said Mattox is a great coach and family guy. In fact, Williams said Mattox knows who to barbecue. Mattox invited the offensive lineman to his home, and treated them to brisket, sausage and peach cobbler. More importantly, Vahe said Mattox has emphasized the necessity for his players to be hydrated, physical and have a strong mentality.
5. One area the offense has improved during the spring is picking up the tempo, according to Williams. He said the play-calling is faster, and the Longhorns are effectively moving the ball. In addition, the team has shown a lot of intensity during the spring. That intensity is necessary because each offensive player has been told Gilbert’s goal is to run at least 100 snaps each game. So far, Texas is averaging around 150 snaps in practice.
6. Here was Vahe’s response when asked why this offense has been easy for players to learn: “I’ll say just the schemes. The schemes are a lot easier than last season. It’s more simple rather than complex.”
7. Vahe and Williams had positive things to say about freshman center Zach Shackelford, who is expected to start this season. Williams said, “He’s a hard worker. Great leader. He’s very verbal in the weight room and on the field.”
8. Williams has only been at Texas for one season, but is expected to lead the offensive line. When Williams was asked about the progress he has made in one year, he said, “I think I’m trying to bring a little more leadership to the table. Instead of just leading by example, I’m trying to be more verbal. We’re all just trying to get better at our positions every day.”
9. When asked which pass rushers might give opposing teams problems in the future, Williams said Naashon Hughes and Charles Omenihu have played well prior to the spring game. He also praised Poona Ford and Paul Boyette for their interior presence.
10. Vahe said playing against Notre Dame in the season opener on a Sunday instead of Saturday makes him finally feel like an NFL player. It is a spotlight he is looking forward to.
1. Williams and Vahe are working with their third play-caller since stepping on campus. Both offensive lineman began their college careers with Shawn Watson, followed by Jay Norvell and the eventual hire of offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert. In addition, Matt Mattox is their second offensive line coach in two seasons.
Here is what each player said about the constant changes:
Williams: “It’s great to see all the different sides of each offense, and to be able to see the defense in different ways … I’ve been liking it (changes) because you get to understand different offensive mindsets, and be able to take the pros with it and remove the cons.”
Vahe: “Being able to see a coaching change, I never thought I would experience it, but these coaches, they care about us. That’s the main thing. They would come here if they didn’t want to be here. They came in, and we respected them for doing that. We have to respect they want to give us, and what they have to teach. Seeing coach Gilbert, I respect him as a coach. I respect who he is as a father. It’s just good.”
2. Here is another key quote by Vahe: “It’s just the uplifting spirit they (have). They’re not trying to put down anybody. They’re not trying to let their day be bad and kill our vibe. They’re there for us, and we’re there for them. That’s all that matters right now.
3. Vahe was asked about quarterback Shane Buechele, and he is very impressed with the freshman: “Shane Buechele. The thing that impresses me about him is he’s a player. He’s a player that’s trying to make it. I understand his story that he told me. I love Shane, man. He’s a good guy. That is what really impresses me about him … Outside of football, he’s just one of us. We take care of him. Whenever we see him, we say hi. We hang out. We do everything together. Shane fits in well.”
4. Williams said Mattox is a great coach and family guy. In fact, Williams said Mattox knows who to barbecue. Mattox invited the offensive lineman to his home, and treated them to brisket, sausage and peach cobbler. More importantly, Vahe said Mattox has emphasized the necessity for his players to be hydrated, physical and have a strong mentality.
5. One area the offense has improved during the spring is picking up the tempo, according to Williams. He said the play-calling is faster, and the Longhorns are effectively moving the ball. In addition, the team has shown a lot of intensity during the spring. That intensity is necessary because each offensive player has been told Gilbert’s goal is to run at least 100 snaps each game. So far, Texas is averaging around 150 snaps in practice.
6. Here was Vahe’s response when asked why this offense has been easy for players to learn: “I’ll say just the schemes. The schemes are a lot easier than last season. It’s more simple rather than complex.”
7. Vahe and Williams had positive things to say about freshman center Zach Shackelford, who is expected to start this season. Williams said, “He’s a hard worker. Great leader. He’s very verbal in the weight room and on the field.”
8. Williams has only been at Texas for one season, but is expected to lead the offensive line. When Williams was asked about the progress he has made in one year, he said, “I think I’m trying to bring a little more leadership to the table. Instead of just leading by example, I’m trying to be more verbal. We’re all just trying to get better at our positions every day.”
9. When asked which pass rushers might give opposing teams problems in the future, Williams said Naashon Hughes and Charles Omenihu have played well prior to the spring game. He also praised Poona Ford and Paul Boyette for their interior presence.
10. Vahe said playing against Notre Dame in the season opener on a Sunday instead of Saturday makes him finally feel like an NFL player. It is a spotlight he is looking forward to.
