Here are the highlights of Texas football coach Tom Herman’s media availability on Thursday:
- Herman said the team had another good week of practice. He also said the team is looking forward to playing on the road. In fact, Herman said the team plays freer and loser on the road.
- Herman on his team’s success away from home: “I think it’s probably a little bit easier to focus when there are not a whole lot of external distractions. You get on a plane with your brothers, get on a bus with your brothers, get a hotel with your brothers. There’s not a whole lot going on.”
- Herman on Connor Williams: “He looked good [this week]. He feels good. Again, the knee hasn’t really been an issue. It’s been just some back soreness, groin soreness, just some getting back into the shape of playing and practicing an entire practice. It’s a little easier for some of these 200-pound guys, but when you’re 6-5, 320 pounds, it’s a little harder to get back into game shape. He’s looked really good.” However, Herman has not determined if Williams will start against West Virginia. He intends to monitor Williams after each series and ask how he feels. If Williams is sore, he will rest for a series or two. Herman also said, “If he feels good, he’s going to play.”
- Texas defensive back Josh Thompson (concussion) will not make the trip to West Virginia. However, linebacker Gary Johnson was cleared on Thursday and fully participated in practice.
- Herman said they will need to protect their cornerbacks with Holton Hill and Thompson out on Saturday. He is confident in Kris Boyd and Davante Davis.
- Herman on Saturday’s quarterback rotation: “We’re going to talk about it tonight. We’re going to talk about it again tomorrow. What we told them, what they’re prepared for, is both of them will play. Play early, probably. Then probably get a feel for how each of them is playing, and how we have to win the game is probably the best way to put it.”
- Herman did not have any problem with linebacker Breckyn Hager’s hillbilly reference on Tuesday. Hager was not talking about the team, and Herman did not view it as bulletin board material.
- Herman said Reggie Hemphill-Mapps injured his knee last week, which is why the receiver was limited against Kansas.
- Herman was asked if he will attempt a field goal again this season. He laughed and said, ‘yes.' Herman said the distance will matter. He believes his kickers have less confidence on longer kicks. Right now, Mitchell Becker remains the No.1 kicker.
- In addition, Herman said Terrell Cuney and Zach Shackelford will play against West Virginia.
- Herman said the team had another good week of practice. He also said the team is looking forward to playing on the road. In fact, Herman said the team plays freer and loser on the road.
- Herman on his team’s success away from home: “I think it’s probably a little bit easier to focus when there are not a whole lot of external distractions. You get on a plane with your brothers, get on a bus with your brothers, get a hotel with your brothers. There’s not a whole lot going on.”
- Herman on Connor Williams: “He looked good [this week]. He feels good. Again, the knee hasn’t really been an issue. It’s been just some back soreness, groin soreness, just some getting back into the shape of playing and practicing an entire practice. It’s a little easier for some of these 200-pound guys, but when you’re 6-5, 320 pounds, it’s a little harder to get back into game shape. He’s looked really good.” However, Herman has not determined if Williams will start against West Virginia. He intends to monitor Williams after each series and ask how he feels. If Williams is sore, he will rest for a series or two. Herman also said, “If he feels good, he’s going to play.”
- Texas defensive back Josh Thompson (concussion) will not make the trip to West Virginia. However, linebacker Gary Johnson was cleared on Thursday and fully participated in practice.
- Herman said they will need to protect their cornerbacks with Holton Hill and Thompson out on Saturday. He is confident in Kris Boyd and Davante Davis.
- Herman on Saturday’s quarterback rotation: “We’re going to talk about it tonight. We’re going to talk about it again tomorrow. What we told them, what they’re prepared for, is both of them will play. Play early, probably. Then probably get a feel for how each of them is playing, and how we have to win the game is probably the best way to put it.”
- Herman did not have any problem with linebacker Breckyn Hager’s hillbilly reference on Tuesday. Hager was not talking about the team, and Herman did not view it as bulletin board material.
- Herman said Reggie Hemphill-Mapps injured his knee last week, which is why the receiver was limited against Kansas.
- Herman was asked if he will attempt a field goal again this season. He laughed and said, ‘yes.' Herman said the distance will matter. He believes his kickers have less confidence on longer kicks. Right now, Mitchell Becker remains the No.1 kicker.
- In addition, Herman said Terrell Cuney and Zach Shackelford will play against West Virginia.
