- DE/LB Breckyn Hager got some work with the first group at FOX end during Monday's practice, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Naashon Hughes is struggling. In fact, one person said an improvement is expected on the defense thanks to Hughes becoming stronger at the point of attack.
- With Erick Fowler expected to be on campus in the coming days and freshman Malcolm Roach in the fold (for now) as well, the weak-side DE position (FOX) looks to be shaping up to the strongest group Strong has had during his time at Texas. Some think Roach may end up at SDE eventually, but for now he's taking the Charles Omenihu-route of starting out at FOX and leaving open the option to later transition if his physical development demands such a move.
- RB D'Onta Foreman returned to practice on Monday after missing a good portion of the last week with what OB first reported at the time was a minor ankle sprain. He should be good to go moving forward, but, as we've said before, expect the staff to take things easy on both him and backfield-mate Chris Warren, especially during 11-on-11 and scrimmage-like periods.
- Speaking of Chris Warren, he reportedly remains held back due to, presumably, the same hamstring which held him out of the first two days of practice. Warren reportedly returned to practices for a few days once the media was shut out, but may have had a second setback the staff is being careful with. There is still very little concern involving either Foreman or Warren's availability for the opener early next month.
- Still no exact word on the details of freshman DT Chris Daniels' setback, but we're told he continues to be held back to at least some degree in practice.
- RB Kirk Johnson was reportedly held back in Monday's practice which led to a lot of extra run for freshman Kyle Porter. The issue with Johnson seems minor, but we'll keep an eye on it. We've heard it happened over the weekend.
- In an ideal world, Foreman, Warren and Johnson could handle RB duties for 2016 and allow Porter to redshirt, but the start to 2016 fall camp serves as an illustrative reminder that we often forget how hard it is for a running back platoon to stay healthy through a season given the nature of the position. Even though he's currently battling out Kirk Johnson for the third spot on the totem pole, it's more likely than not that there will be games in 2016 where Porter is depended on.
- No news continues to be good news about RT Tristan Nickelson. He's kept his starting job thus far and we've haven't heard much at all about him being beaten often.
- C Zach Shackelford remains out and no position changes on the OL have been made yet to transition another player to center while he's out. It could lead you to believe that either Jake McMillon is handling center duties adequately or that the staff doesn't view Shack's injury as one that will keep him out of action for too long.
- With Erick Fowler expected to be on campus in the coming days and freshman Malcolm Roach in the fold (for now) as well, the weak-side DE position (FOX) looks to be shaping up to the strongest group Strong has had during his time at Texas. Some think Roach may end up at SDE eventually, but for now he's taking the Charles Omenihu-route of starting out at FOX and leaving open the option to later transition if his physical development demands such a move.
- RB D'Onta Foreman returned to practice on Monday after missing a good portion of the last week with what OB first reported at the time was a minor ankle sprain. He should be good to go moving forward, but, as we've said before, expect the staff to take things easy on both him and backfield-mate Chris Warren, especially during 11-on-11 and scrimmage-like periods.
- Speaking of Chris Warren, he reportedly remains held back due to, presumably, the same hamstring which held him out of the first two days of practice. Warren reportedly returned to practices for a few days once the media was shut out, but may have had a second setback the staff is being careful with. There is still very little concern involving either Foreman or Warren's availability for the opener early next month.
- Still no exact word on the details of freshman DT Chris Daniels' setback, but we're told he continues to be held back to at least some degree in practice.
- RB Kirk Johnson was reportedly held back in Monday's practice which led to a lot of extra run for freshman Kyle Porter. The issue with Johnson seems minor, but we'll keep an eye on it. We've heard it happened over the weekend.
- In an ideal world, Foreman, Warren and Johnson could handle RB duties for 2016 and allow Porter to redshirt, but the start to 2016 fall camp serves as an illustrative reminder that we often forget how hard it is for a running back platoon to stay healthy through a season given the nature of the position. Even though he's currently battling out Kirk Johnson for the third spot on the totem pole, it's more likely than not that there will be games in 2016 where Porter is depended on.
- No news continues to be good news about RT Tristan Nickelson. He's kept his starting job thus far and we've haven't heard much at all about him being beaten often.
- C Zach Shackelford remains out and no position changes on the OL have been made yet to transition another player to center while he's out. It could lead you to believe that either Jake McMillon is handling center duties adequately or that the staff doesn't view Shack's injury as one that will keep him out of action for too long.
