Photo via San Antonio Express-News
One week from now, we are going to wake up after watching Tom Herman’s first spring game at Texas. Actually, the truly addicted fans will tape the game and watch it again on Saturday night.
Herman will have his set of expectations entering the game, but Longhorn fans are looking for hope. After three consecutive seven-loss seasons, and not appearing in a bowl game the past two years, they want to see something on Saturday that sparks their optimism. A rebuilding season is not an option, which means Herman’s team needs to put on a show.
We have heard a lot about guys who have stood out during the offseason, ranging from All-American left tackle Connor Williams to walk-on quarterback Josh Covey. Of course, nearly every offseason story is full of optimism, which makes it easy for some skeptical fans to pass on the Kool-Aid. Fans want to see their team perform with their own eyes before making assessments.
As we get ready for Texas’ spring game on Saturday, this column will focus on what I want to see from every position, including the guys wearing headsets.
Coaches
Before we get to the players, let us start with the coaching staff (as the head goes, so goes the body). We have praised Tom Herman’s staff for lighting a fire under current players, getting them to buy-in, implementing a new system, position changes on defense, and their constant presence on Twitter. The newest OBism is “He gets it," which can be attributed to the amount of times Herman says something that resonates with the Longhorn community. Well, we need to see that equate to success on both sides of the ball this Saturday.
Former offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert installed an up-tempo offense, but there were times when the plays coming in from the sidelines were too slow. There is no need to turn this into a bash session of the previous staff, but there were times you wanted to see the offense move faster. Texas offensive coordinator Tim Beck and Herman have installed an offense that has a quick tempo, with an emphasis on running the ball. I want to see if that practice tempo remains the same in front of a crowd when the cameras are on. Let us see if Beck can call plays fast enough to keep the defense off-balance, substitute efficiently, and witness the staff coaching up players on the sidelines.
Defensively, players have talked a lot about improved communication this offseason. Honestly, they have been talking about improving communication on that side of the ball since I began covering the team in 2014. I even remember hearing how Paul Boyette Jr’.s BBQ was supposed to help guys communicate better. Instead, we saw players look confused and never able to solve the problem. It is up to Todd Orlando and his staff to solve that issue. In addition, I want to see if the staff coaches up their players. Last year, I always saw Brian Jean-Mary working with his group during games, but former defensive coordinator Vance Bedford did not consistently talk to his group when they came off the field. Former head coach Charlie Strong did after he took over defensive play-calling duties, and his unit did improve, but it was too late. We need to see defensive players and coaches on the same page this Saturday.
Photo via HookEm.com
Quarterback
This is more about seeing some potential in Sam Ehlinger than Shane Buechele. Do not get me wrong, I want to see if Buechele understands this offense and can do all the right things, but we have an idea what he is capable of after 12 games last season. Herman and Beck recently praised Buechele, and it appears he has taken a clear lead in the quarterback competition.
However, we need to see if Ehlinger can be a solid No. 2 this season. One practice will not make that determination, but does anybody remember how Tyrone Swoopes struggled during that 2014 spring game? If Ehlinger struggles, the need to obtain a grad transfer quarterback will hit the same desperation level as last call at the bar and that woman you have been buying drinks for all night says her friends are ready to leave. If Ehlinger flashes some potential, Herman may not feel pressure to hit free agency.
Offensive line
Three position coaches in three seasons? It hard not to feel bad for these guys. One day they are getting yelled at by Joe Wickline. The next day they are getting adjusted to Matt Mattox. Now Derek Warehime is leading the room. The good news is the veterans in that room should be used to hearing different coaching styles. The other positive news is Connor Williams will lead that room before deciding if he wants to go pro this year.
I want to see if center Jake McMillon takes advantage of Zach Shackelford's injury and takes this job. Strong's decision to switch McMillon to offensive line from defense may end up being one of his parting gifts to Herman. In addition, we need to see if Patrick Vahe looks like the player who had a lot of promise as a freshman. Vahe appears to be taking advantage of his opportunity with a new coaching staff. I want to see if he has taken the next step.
By the way, we all need to keep an eye on that right tackle battle on Saturday.
Running backs
Chris Warren is not going to play, and we will see if Toneil Carter and Tristian Houston are healthy enough to go. If not, Kyle Porter and Trenton Hafley are going to receive more reps than any of us expected prior to spring practice. This ends up being a great opportunity for both running backs, especially Hafley, a walk-on from Witchita Falls.
Porter is intriguing because his high school tape was strong, but I did not see any flashes of that brilliance when he touched the ball at Texas last season. He ran hard, but that was about it. However, Herman and Beck have praised Porter recently, which means they are seeing something from him in practice we did not see last season. Heck, I want to see what this new Porter looks like.
Receivers
When Herman was asked to name the strongest unit, he pointed out how talented his receivers were. He said they were one of the more talent group of receivers he had worked with. Last week, Herman was asked about his receivers, and he said they need to be tougher. Oh, I believe both things Herman said were true. It almost seemed like Herman had to bring them back down to earth to keep those guys hungry and motivated.
Honestly, I want to see Jerrod Heard and Devin Duvernay in Beck’s offense. From what I was told, Heard might be the only player who has only run with the first-team during the spring. Even if Heard has run with them the majority of times, it says a lot about his progression at that position. Heard and Duvernay are big-play guys with a lot of potential, and I want to see if Beck agrees. We know Collin Johnson and Armanti Foreman are solid players. If Heard and Duvernay are featured in this offense, we may not see a repeat of last year’s struggles.
Tight end
Does Texas have one? Is Andrew Beck at 100 percent? Can Peyton Aucoin catch passes? Is this Reese Leitao or bust? There are so many questions around this unit. I want to see if somebody can provide us with at least one answer.
Defensive line
The strength of Orlando’s defense at Houston was his defensive line. The weakness of Texas’ unit the past two years has been its defensive line. Texas was unable to get pressure with its front four, which resulted in creative defensive packages. Breckyn Hager had to put his hands in the dirt, and he may have been the team’s best pass rusher. Orlando watched the film from last season and decided to reassign some players.
I want to see how Malcolm Roach and Chris Nelson perform on the defensive line. They are smaller defensive ends, but have a great combination of quickness and strength. Considering Jackson Jeffcoat may have been the last standout defensive end at Texas, it is time to see if somebody can consistently pressure the quarterback. In addition, I want to see if Charles Omenihu has improved.
Photo via HookEm.com
Linebackers
Sure, I know Hager is playing middle linebacker, and we need to see how he handles that position. Yes, I know Erick Fowler has a chance to receive significant playing time this season. I also know this game could help create some distance between those guys and incoming junior college linebacker Gary Johnson. Heck, Naashon Hughes is a name we have mentioned a lot this spring.
However, I will be focused on Malik Jefferson.
Many Longhorn observers believe Jefferson struggled last season, but it is hard for me to agree when we know he was playing the wrong position. Jefferson is an outside linebacker and playing inside limited his ability to be a playmaker. It appears Orlando is putting Jefferson in a position to be successful this season. I want to see Jefferson be that five-star linebacker he was coming out of high school. We have not heard the staff go out of their way to praise Jefferson this spring. Time to see if Jefferson is a new man.
Cornerbacks
After Quandre Diggs left, this unit has struggled. We excused their issues in 2015 because Holton Hill, Davante Davis were Kris Boyd were freshmen. Last season, Davis and Hill were benched for various reasons, and these cornerbacks could not stop Cal’s receivers on the road. Nobody wants to relive how Oklahoma abused this secondary last year. If Texas is going to hang with Big 12 teams, the cornerbacks have to play better.
Since P.J. Locke is a lock at the nickel position, I want to see what Boyd and Hill have to offer. Boyd has emerged into a vocal leader this offseason. All of these guys seem solid. I want to see if any of them are exceptional.
Safety
Dylan Haines is gone, while Jason Hall is recovering from a hamstring injury. That has opened the door for DeShon Elliott and John Bonney, and both are making the most of their opportunities. I asked Elliott what it would take for him to become more than just a hitter this past week. He quickly corrected me and said he could play any position and is not a one-trick pony. I want to see what Elliott has in his arsenal.
Last year, it appeared the safeties were constantly out of position during big plays, and there were plenty of missed tackles. I want to see if Hall and Elliott can solidify that group. I also want to see Brandon Jones in action. This is a great opportunity for him to become a solid second string option.
Photo via HookEm.com
Special Teams
Punter Michael Dickson is not participating, and I really am not interested in kickers until the regular season. That basically leaves us to watch punt returns. I think Duvernay could be a lethal punt returner, and is one big play on Saturday could give put him in the lead for that position.
Funniest Things You Will See This Week
This one is for the teachers
This one has bad language, so do not watch around the kids, or during church (skip it if you are easily offended)
Sports On A Dime
1. So, my girlfriend watches my son during practice, and she picked him up as usual at the LBJ parking lot on Thursday. As I was getting my son out of the car, Herman notices me and says hello as he and several coaches were walking to practice. He says hello to my son, asks him about Paw Patrol (he was wearing a Paw Patrol t-shirt), and plays with him. My son does not like strangers, but quickly opened up to Herman. When my girlfriend pulled into the parking lot, Herman introduced himself, and they had a brief conversation. After Herman left, I told her she just met the head football coach at the University of Texas. She said, “Oh, really?” I tried to tell her a bit about him, but her nods told me she was just waiting for me to stop talking. She said, “Yeah, he said his name was Tommy, Tom, or something like that.” Guess I will hold off on the engagement ring.
2. It will be interesting to see what former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire does after seeing Florida redshirt quarterback Feleipe Franks complete eight of 14 pass attempts for 119 yards and a touchdown during his team’s spring game. Florida football coach Jim McElwain said Franks is in the lead. If Buechele is impressive on Saturday, Zaire will need to decide which school gives him the best chance to play this season.
3. I was listening to Andy Staples radio show on Sirius XM this past week, and he pointed out these numbers that show the recruiting challenge Herman faces in the Big 12:
2017 NFL Combine invites by conference (Division I FBS)
1. SEC: 66 participants
2. ACC: 60
3. Big Ten: 51
4. Pac-12: 46
5. Big 12: 19
6. AAC: 18
7. Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West: 11 each
10. Independents, Sun Belt: 5 each
4. It is very easy to dismiss Tony Romo’s shot to make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but after seeing Terrell Davis get voted in this year, anything is possible. Warren Moon did not rack up a ton of playoff wins, while Tony Dungy had only one Super Bowl victory, but both made it into the HOF. Romo may not be a first ballot guy, but I am not ruling out the possibility of him getting in after a few years of eligibility.
5. Speaking of the Cowboys, Richard Sherman apparently wants out of Seattle. Jerry Jones needs to make that call.
6. Was there one person in attendance for this Mexican Football League game?
7. Well, we finally found one thing Rob Gronkowski cannot do … rap.
8. Tim Tebow, ladies and gentleman. No matter what you think about Tebow, he is a fierce competitor and deserves your respect for never giving up on his dream to play a professional sport.
9. Will this go down as the greatest WrestleMania card ever?
10. Speaking of history, could you receive letters like this and still perform at a high level? Hank Aaron's courage in face of racism and death threats was amazing.
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