* In talking with various sources on Thursday, there is still a sense that
Tom Herman won't make major changes to his staff when the season is complete. I was told that while the door isn't completely shut on the possibility of a tweak to offensive coordinator/play-calling responsibilities, it's more likely that Herman will stand firmly behind the staff he built and the roles he created for them, with full respect given to the circumstances of this season that Herman believes would make any offensive coordinator struggle to perform at a high level.
* Another point that was made rather emphatically all day from various sources is that it is
very unlikely that Tom Herman will make a move for former Texas tight ends coach Tim Brewster, who is currently on seemingly future A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher's staff at Florida State. The bottom line is that it's not a move that Herman apparently has any interest in making.
* While it's probably not fair to call it official, junior-turned-apparent-senior offensive lineman
Jake McMillon appears to have zero interest in returning for another season of football after taking part in Senior Day activities last week.
* Speaking of departures, it's only a matter of time before
Malik Jefferson announces his intention to depart for the NFL.
* Orangebloods released
an updated UT Scholarship Board on Thursday, which took into account the departure of
DeShon Elliott, but not names of players not yet officially announced as departures. The biggest thing to take from the data is the number that previous attrition has already taken on the program.
Before any off-season attrition, the Longhorns have 39 combined juniors, sophomores and redshirt freshmen
(15 juniors, 18 sophomores and 6 redshirt freshmen). When you consider that the program has averaged more than 10 attrition departures per year for the last decade, you can make the case that the caution meter is in the red area for the program right now with regards to the foundation of talent for the future, as it's spread out over a four- to five-year layout.
With even normal attrition numbers in the next three years, it's possible that the Longhorns will have very small senior classes and upper-class numbers in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, similar to what we've seen in the last few seasons (see 2016 as an example). It could mean that beyond next season when the Longhorns will have its first large senior class in a while, the program will once again be very young in Herman's third and fourth seasons in Austin.
It's just something everyone will need to watch and be aware of heading into the next few years. (Ketchum)
*****
The topic of attrition has been a hot topic the past few weeks, and it continues to gain momentum as bowl preparation and the offseason looms.
As we previously reported, there are players in the program who are not happy and considering transferring. Herman sat down with several players recently to discuss their unhappiness and what was happening within the team. As expected, some of the talk died down after Texas defeated West Virginia, but the discontent resurfaced after a season-ending loss against Texas Tech. That loss was enough to quickly solidify the decisions of multiple players.
However, a little perspective about the potential offseason “doomsday” might help.
Are there players who have issues with Texas football coach Tom Herman and his staff? Yes. Are there guys who want out the program? Yes. Is this problem unique to Herman? Not really.
Herman parted ways with 10 players before the season-opener at Texas. Those players were QB Matthew Merrick (quit football), DT Marcell Southall (transfer), TE Peyton Aucoin (transfer), OL Buck Major (medical retirement), RB Roderick Bernard (medical retirement), OL Jean Delance (transfer), DT Jordan Elliott (transfer), LB Erick Fowler (transfer), OL Brandon Hodges (transfer) and DL Chris Daniels (transferred during the season).
Conversely, former Texas football coach Charlie Strong parted ways with 12 players before the season finale in 2014. Those players were WR Kendall Sanders (dismissed), RB Jalen Overstreet (dismissed), DB Chevoski Collins (dismissed), RB Joe Bergeron (dismissed), S Leroy Scott (dismissed), FB Chet Moss (dismissed), LB Kendall Thompson (quit due to concussions), WR Montrel Meander (dismissed), S Josh Turner (dismissed), LB Deoundri Davis (dismissed), OL Rami Hammad (transferred) and T Kennedy Estelle (dismissed).
Prior to the start of Strong’s 2015 campaign, seven players parted ways with Texas before the season opener – OL Darius James (transfer), T Desmond Harrison (transfer), T Camrhon Hughes (transfer), TE M.J. McFarland (transfer), G Curtis Riser (transfer), RB Duke Catalon (transfer) and LB Cecil Cherry (transfer).
Right now, it appears Herman’s upcoming offseason attrition could top Strong’s number in 2015.
Herman was hard on his players from day one and not interested in befriending his squad. He inherited a group of guys who loved Strong, but did not always play hard for him. Instead of trying to become their friends, Herman maintained a player-coach relationship with much of his team, while assistants told their guys if they do not like it, feel free to leave.
Obviously, Texas’ 6-6 record is the main cause of unhappiness. The losing, questionable offensive play-calling and personnel decisions, and hearing Herman blame them for losing, turned off several players this season. By the time Texas Tech rolled around, the rumors about Longhorn players looking to get out was at an all-time high. It remains to be seen if cooler heads will prevail and every player will start to accept this staff.
Here is how Texas’ attrition looks right now.
NFL PROSPECTS
LT Connor Williams – He was gone right after the season finale against Texas Tech. Herman convinced Williams to play in the final two regular season games. However, after losing against Texas Tech, there was no turning back for Williams, a team captain. Williams will not play in the bowl game.
S DeShon Elliott – Multiple sources told us Elliott was not planning to come back for his senior season, and he announced that decision on Thursday. When Elliott met with Herman on Monday, he immediately informed the coach he was gone, and there was no room for debate. Elliott was not happy at Texas and wanted out. He does not plan to participate in the bowl game.
LB Malik Jefferson – He tweeted a decision has not been made earlier this week, but the linebacker will go pro. I heard Jefferson is battling a foot injury, which could prevent him from playing in the bowl game. Jefferson will likely officially announce his intentions after hearing back from the College Advisory Committee.
CB Holton Hill – Since the moment Hill was suspended, he informed multiple people about his decision to go pro. His tune has not changed since the season ended, and it appears very unlikely Hill will be back next season. It will take a very bad report from the College Advisory Committee for Hill to return.
DE Charles Omenihu – It appears he is 50-50 right now. The people I have spoken to who are associated with Omenihu said they are waiting for the College Advisory Committee report before making a final decision. However, I get the feeling if Omenihu receives at least a mid-round grade, he is gone.
DT Chris Nelson – He joins the list of juniors who are looking for input from the College Advisory Committee before deciding his future at Texas. Nelson submitted the paperwork on Monday. Like other junior prospects, Nelson is hoping to receive a good report to leave Austin and pursue an NFL career.
P Michael Dickson – I spoke to multiple sources associated with the program on Thursday who said the punter is seriously considering skipping his senior season and going pro. From Dickson’s perspective, there is not much more to be gained by another year in college. There is no timetable set for Dickson’s decision.
On the way out
RB Chris Warren III – He was unhappy about the lack of touches throughout this season. Herman thought Warren was content with being switched to H-back/tight end. However, Warren decided he would transfer after the move was made. He is currently looking for a new home.
OL Terrell Cuney – It appears he is hanging it up after this season. Cuney received significant playing time this season after riding the bench for most of his tenure at Texas. He is seemingly ready to move on and leave the Longhorns.
OL Jake McMillon – Geoff Ketchum’s sources told him McMillon is “burned out” and “done” with football after this season. Unless McMillon gets talked into playing football at another school as a grad transfer, he is probably done at Texas after the bowl game.
TE Garrett Gray – He played against Maryland and San Jose State before sustaining a season-ending knee injury. Gray also walked on Senior Day.
OL Alex Anderson – Not expected to return for his senior season.
There are multiple other guys who are considering leaving Texas. Some of those players expressed their desire to leave to teammates, family members and/or friends during the season. That group includes guys who received significant playing time and reserves.
Out of fairness to those players, we will not mention their names and speculate about their futures at Texas. Some players might cool off and decide to stay. Other might be venting out of frustration. Instead, we will get into specifics when they make a decision and not paint them into a corner right now. However, it will be interesting to see how many players part ways with Texas between now and the beginning of next season. Herman is not the kind of guy who will beg players to stay. He is more prone to let a disgruntled player walk out the door than convince them to stay. When guys approach him about leaving in the upcoming weeks and months, do not expect Herman to put up a huge fight.
Instead, Herman will focus on bringing in his players and finding athletes who are not bothered by his coaching style.
Strong had to deal with attrition after he is hired.
Herman is dealing with the same issue. (Richardson)
*****
Texas football players will hit the field on Friday as bowl preparation begins. Herman’s staff has been on the road recruiting this week, but will get back into a normal routine this week.
Texas has been without Williams for most of this season, and you can expect Tristan Nickelson or Denzel Okafor to compete at left tackle over the next few weeks.
In addition, Davante Davis will continue to fill in for Hill, while Jason Hall should be in the mix for playing time at safety in Elliott’s absence. With P.J. Locke expected to be ready for the bowl game, he could get a look at safety, while Antwuan Davis has been solid at nickelback.
Texas defensive coordinator Todd Orlando may not have Elliott, but has options. (Richardson)
****
Well, if you are ready for some good news, Texas will learn what bowl it will play in on Sunday. No, I cannot tell you which players will make the trip.
If you are looking for a safe bet, it appears Texas has a good chance of appearing in the Texas Bowl (Houston) on December 27. The Camping World Bowl picks its teams one slot ahead of the Texas Bowl, and officials from Orlando were higher on Texas before its loss against Texas Tech. I was told Texas is still in the mix, but the Camping World official I spoke to this week said they would finalize their list after the Big 12 championship game on Saturday.
Texas is currently in the mix with Iowa State, Kansas State and West Virginia to play in Houston. The Texas Bowl only gets to choose the Big 12 squad, while the SEC handpicks its team. From what I was told, the Texas Bowl will choose its opponent early on Sunday afternoon, while the SEC will announce its pick a few hours later. Since the Texas Bowl cannot make a game based on matchups, committee members must make the most out of their choice.
From what I was told, Texas remains an appealing option because of its fan base in Houston, proximity to Austin, and supportive alumni throughout the state. Basically, Texas can fill up the stadium better than most schools.
If Texas is selected, the SEC opponents are potentially LSU, Mississippi State, with a very slim chance at Texas A&M. I was told Kentucky, Missouri or South Carolina from the SEC East as possibilities, but the SEC usually gives the Texas Bowl squads from the SEC West.
However, our Rivals friends covering the Missouri program have told Orangebloods that the Missouri program believes it is a near-lock to appear in Houston as the SEC rep for the game. (Richardson)