The media had a very limited window to watch practice on Tuesday. Once again, we saw between 10 to 15 minutes of practice, about half the time from the previous weeks. The main reason is because of the installation taking place with only a few practices left.
However, there were a few interesting things I observed at practice:
- There was no sign of safety P.J. Locke III on Tuesday. Locke sustained a stinger injury during Saturday’s scrimmage. I will get an update from Texas football coach Tom Herman after practice.
- Receiver Jerrod Heard, running back Toneil Carter, receiver Lil’ Jordan Humphrey, cornerback Kris Boyd and receiver Devin Duvernay took turns returning kicks on Tuesday. Heard is clearly the number one returner right now, but Texas is giving other guys looks.
- Texas offensive line coach Herb Hand was on fire during the portion of practice we were allowed to watch. Texas’ first team offense went against backups and walk-ons, but not at full speed. During a run play, Herb screamed at the defense to slow down. Hand was trying to teach his guys a run-blocking technique and wanted to make sure they were getting his instructions. I am sure Hand did not want his guys to sustain any unnecessary injuries against backups either. Once the defense slowed down, Herb finished teaching his guys.
- If you are looking for a sign of leadership, after those drills concluded, Texas sophomore quarterback Sam Ehlinger pulled Carter aside. Ehlinger, who handed the ball off to Carter on more than one occasion, was instructing Carter on where to run by using his hands. It was not a long conversation, but definitely one Carter embraced as they walked off the field together.
- There are no new changes behind Shane Buechele and Ehlinger. Cameron Rising is still the third quarterback to receive reps in practice, followed by Casey Thompson.
- During receiver drills, players had to line up against Drew Mehringer, leading him inside before cutting outside. Duvernay had the quickest feet of any receivers. He did so well, Mehringer complemented him on more than one occasion. In addition, Collin Johnson used his long arms to push Mehringer aside and get to the outside.
- It was a great day for defensive back Kobe Boyce during chute drills. Regardless of the drill thrown at the cornerbacks by assistant coach Jason Washington, Boyce displayed tremendous footwork, balance and speed. Washington praised him more than once for his performance.
- Outside of Boyce, cornerbacks Kris Boyd and Davante Davis continue to lead that group. Boyd was quieter than normal during the portion of practice we watched, but was fluid as always. While the younger players sometimes struggled, they were excellent in every drill, especially change of direction.
- Texas defensive coordinator/linebacker Todd Orlando does not waste any time. Orlando worked with his guys efficiently and effectively. His guys were so ready to go, they wrapped up early and waited 90 seconds for the next period to begin. Orlando is a perfectionist, and if he was done, that unit matched his expectations.
- During individual drills, defensive lineman D’Andre Christmas was impressive while fighting off a double-team. Herman appeared impressed with Christmas when asked about the defensive line last week.
- Texas first-team offensive line matched up against the first-team defensive line during pass rush drills. Three defensive lineman lined up, but the right end did not rush. On the first play, Elijah Rodriguez grabbed Charles Omenihu, who was off-balanced, and threw him to the ground. Texas defensive line coach Oscar Giles yelled “Chris, move your feet” more than once. On the very next play, Omenihu took on two blockers, allowing Malcolm Roach to run free and get into the backfield. In fact, Omenihu eventually shed both blocks.
However, there were a few interesting things I observed at practice:
- There was no sign of safety P.J. Locke III on Tuesday. Locke sustained a stinger injury during Saturday’s scrimmage. I will get an update from Texas football coach Tom Herman after practice.
- Receiver Jerrod Heard, running back Toneil Carter, receiver Lil’ Jordan Humphrey, cornerback Kris Boyd and receiver Devin Duvernay took turns returning kicks on Tuesday. Heard is clearly the number one returner right now, but Texas is giving other guys looks.
- Texas offensive line coach Herb Hand was on fire during the portion of practice we were allowed to watch. Texas’ first team offense went against backups and walk-ons, but not at full speed. During a run play, Herb screamed at the defense to slow down. Hand was trying to teach his guys a run-blocking technique and wanted to make sure they were getting his instructions. I am sure Hand did not want his guys to sustain any unnecessary injuries against backups either. Once the defense slowed down, Herb finished teaching his guys.
- If you are looking for a sign of leadership, after those drills concluded, Texas sophomore quarterback Sam Ehlinger pulled Carter aside. Ehlinger, who handed the ball off to Carter on more than one occasion, was instructing Carter on where to run by using his hands. It was not a long conversation, but definitely one Carter embraced as they walked off the field together.
- There are no new changes behind Shane Buechele and Ehlinger. Cameron Rising is still the third quarterback to receive reps in practice, followed by Casey Thompson.
- During receiver drills, players had to line up against Drew Mehringer, leading him inside before cutting outside. Duvernay had the quickest feet of any receivers. He did so well, Mehringer complemented him on more than one occasion. In addition, Collin Johnson used his long arms to push Mehringer aside and get to the outside.
- It was a great day for defensive back Kobe Boyce during chute drills. Regardless of the drill thrown at the cornerbacks by assistant coach Jason Washington, Boyce displayed tremendous footwork, balance and speed. Washington praised him more than once for his performance.
- Outside of Boyce, cornerbacks Kris Boyd and Davante Davis continue to lead that group. Boyd was quieter than normal during the portion of practice we watched, but was fluid as always. While the younger players sometimes struggled, they were excellent in every drill, especially change of direction.
- Texas defensive coordinator/linebacker Todd Orlando does not waste any time. Orlando worked with his guys efficiently and effectively. His guys were so ready to go, they wrapped up early and waited 90 seconds for the next period to begin. Orlando is a perfectionist, and if he was done, that unit matched his expectations.
- During individual drills, defensive lineman D’Andre Christmas was impressive while fighting off a double-team. Herman appeared impressed with Christmas when asked about the defensive line last week.
- Texas first-team offensive line matched up against the first-team defensive line during pass rush drills. Three defensive lineman lined up, but the right end did not rush. On the first play, Elijah Rodriguez grabbed Charles Omenihu, who was off-balanced, and threw him to the ground. Texas defensive line coach Oscar Giles yelled “Chris, move your feet” more than once. On the very next play, Omenihu took on two blockers, allowing Malcolm Roach to run free and get into the backfield. In fact, Omenihu eventually shed both blocks.
