What will Texas look like for the Notre Dame game in 2016?

[TheDecker]

Hey Long Horns,

We did this thread all off-season, leading up to the season opener ND/UT game last year. It really helped me learn about UT's team and get excited for the game.

I know it's early, but I'm interested in:

• What will Texas's starting lineup be?
• What will Texas's 2-Deep be?
• Who do fans expect to play QB? Who do they want?
• What schemes do fans expect Texas to run on offense and defense?
• What's the thought on how good Texas can be in 2016?
• What's the outcome Texas fans are expecting for the ND/UT opener???

Thanks in advance for the info

Happy to share info and answer questions as well!

 

[oldhorn2]

Hey Long Horns,

We did this thread all off-season, leading up to the season opener ND/UT game last year. It really helped me learn about UT's team and get excited for the game.

I know it's early, but I'm interested in:

• What will Texas's starting lineup be?
• What will Texas's 2-Deep be?
• Who do fans expect to play QB? Who do they want?
• What schemes do fans expect Texas to run on offense and defense?
• What's the thought on how good Texas can be in 2016?
• What's the outcome Texas fans are expecting for the ND/UT opener???

Thanks in advance for the info

Happy to share info and answer questions as well!

I will take a crack at this:
ineup:...We honestly dont know, but sadly, again we will have to start some freshmen.
2 deep?...see above
QB?....again, all of us are hanging on the edge of our chair wondering this same thing....honestly, I have heard these names as being the one Gilbert starts...Heard...Swoopes...Buschell..Locksley..Merrit...not being a smart ass....that is all any of us know.

schemes?...With a new OC and revamped D...again, honestly, we dont know
How good?...better than last year
outcome?...I expect us to stomp a mudhole in ND....disclaimer....I am often wildly wrong on my predictions

My personal hope is that we give yall all you can handle and no one on either team is hurt

This is one year that none of us have any idea before the Spring game...then again, we never learn anything at the spring game, but we will know a lot more then this year.

Good luck Domers.....you are generally a classy bunch.

 

[clob94]

Given the history of teams that roll out a new offense and a new OC 3 out of 3 years, I'd say there's not a good likelihood of us looking like world beaters in game 1.

 

[bubba2023]

Gilbert is a Briles disciple so we expect something similar to Baylor's offense. I doubt it will be as effective right out of the shoot. Hopefully he's able to teach one of our guys about the forward pass because our last OC thought that was just a fad and not necessary.

Offensively we should be better at every level with no real losses and hopefully a lot of guys continuing to improve.

Defense our DL will be weak again, but hopefully LBs and DBs will be improved. Another weak DL will make for some cringe worthy moments unfortunately.

 

[CoachEmUp64]

After NSD i think everyone will have a clearer picture of what our team **should** look like. We will still depend a lot of freshman. Going to be a young team for several years.

 

[TheDecker]

After NSD i think everyone will have a clearer picture of what our team **should** look like. We will still depend a lot of freshman. Going to be a young team for several years.

With how young Texas was this past year, it seems strange for them to be really young (like depending on a bunch of true frosh) again

Lots more transfers?
Who are the true frosh that you're thinking could end up starting?

 

[HornosaurusRex]

With how young Texas was this past year, it seems strange for them to be really young (like depending on a bunch of true frosh) again

Lots more transfers?
Who are the true frosh that you're thinking could end up starting?

Our upperclassmen didnt hold up over time, so the best players on the team this year were frosh. At least we'll have some battle hardened sophomores next year.

We don't have any incoming transfers or JUCOs yet. May take a D-line JUCO depending on who we get in this class and who's available.

Quarterback is the biggest concern, with no proven answer (yet), followed by O-line and D-line inexperience and depth. We've got a new offensive coordinator and O-line coach installing a new offense (Briles school spread) so there's going to be a learning curve for these young players.

Hopefully we can give you a better game than last season.

Hook 'em

 

[TheDecker]

Our upperclassmen didnt hold up over time, so the best players on the team this year were frosh. At least we'll have some battle hardened sophomores next year.

We don't have any incoming transfers or JUCOs yet. May take a D-line JUCO depending on who we get in this class and who's available.

Quarterback is the biggest concern, with no proven answer (yet), followed by O-line and D-line inexperience and depth. We've got a new offensive coordinator and O-line coach installing a new offense (Briles school spread) so there's going to be a learning curve for these young players.

Hopefully we can give you a better game than last season.

Hook 'em

Interesting

So I'm assuming you feel decent about your starters (or at least most of them) on the OL and DL, as many must return from last year, but that depth is looking like a major concern?

 

[jsto60]

Interesting

So I'm assuming you feel decent about your starters (or at least most of them) on the OL and DL, as many must return from last year, but that depth is looking like a major concern?

This is a fair assessment.

Depth is certainly a concern.

We have a major ? at QB still. Feel good about the OL save the one hole they will be plugging. We are actually starting to build some depth there. The DL is actually an area of concern. Some younger guys will need to step up. This is the spot we had the most attrition this year from SRs leaving at each spot and our best DT going to NFL draft a year early.

We are young at WR. Ironically our youth has more experience than some of the older guys who haven't seen the field yet. Should see some growth here. We have a big time recruit coming in at this spot, they call him baby Megatron.


The D needs to show improvement. And the O is a total question mark as to how quick it will pan out and who will be manning the new scheme under center.

 

[TheDecker]

This is a fair assessment.

Depth is certainly a concern.

We have a major ? at QB still. Feel good about the OL save the one hole they will be plugging. We are actually starting to build some depth there. The DL is actually an area of concern. Some younger guys will need to step up. This is the spot we had the most attrition this year from SRs leaving at each spot and our best DT going to NFL draft a year early.

We are young at WR. Ironically our youth has more experience than some of the older guys who haven't seen the field yet. Should see some growth here. We have a big time recruit coming in at this spot, they call him baby Megatron.


The D needs to show improvement. And the O is a total question mark as to how quick it will pan out and who will be manning the new scheme under center.

What is the depth chart on the OL and DL shaping up to look like?

 

[TheDecker]

Notre Dame's Projected OL Depth Chart
(with expected heights/weights)

LT
Alex Bars (6'6" 325lbs) OR
Mike McGlinchey (6'8" 320lbs)

LG
Quenton Nelson (6'5" 325lbs)
John Montelus (6'4" 320lbs) OR
Collin McGovern (6'5" 315lbs)

C
Sam Mustipher (6'3" 310lbs) OR
Tristen Hoge (6'5" 290lbs)

RG
Steve Elmer (6'6" 315lbs)
John Montelus (6'4" 320lbs) OR
Collin McGovern (6'5" 315lbs)

RT
Mike McGlinchey (6'8" 320lbs)
Quenton Nelson (6'5" 325lbs)

With Ronnie Stanely and Nick Martin leaving, we have a couple ?'s on the OL depth chart

Alex Bars is the best OT prospect on the roster (after McGlinchey) and is likely the heir at LT. However, if he doesn't win the job then we'd likely be shifting other OLs around, to get Nelson to RT, McGlinchey to LT, and then enter a new OL at the LG position

At C we basically have top rated C prospects from the 2014 and 2015 classes competing for the starting position, and we'll see who ends up winning the job after fall camp

 

[westx]

I honestly expect a night day difference. Having said that, we have to play ND at their best and with Zair again. Zair is a flat out gamer and ND will be a title contender. ND may be the worst possible scenario to judge this team.

 

[TheDecker]

I honestly expect a night day difference. Having said that, we have to play ND at their best and with Zair again. Zair is a flat out gamer and ND will be a title contender. ND may be the worst possible scenario to judge this team.

Our QB competition will be interesting

Whoever takes the biggest steps forward in their game between Kizer and Zaire will be the starter......it could end up being either one of them

What's funny is Wimbush is the most physically talented of the bunch
ND fans are really, really hoping that he sticks around a couple more years to get his shot at the starting job....kid has literally every single tool in the book

 

[TheDecker]

Anyone able to post a "Projected Depth Chart" for Texas

Literally, just take a 'best guess' at who you'll sign, how position battles will turn out, etc.
(If some battles are just too close to call at all....then list both)

Example from ND

QB - Zaire (6'0" 225lbs) / Kizer (6'4" 240lbs)
RB - Folston (5'10" 215lbs) / Adams (6'2" 225lbs)
WR - St. Brown (6'4" 210lbs)
WR - Robinson (6'5" 215lbs) / Boykin (6'4" 225lbs)
Slot - Hunter (6'0" 200lbs)
TE - Smythe (6'5" 250lbs) / A. Jones (6'5" 250lbs)
LT - Bars (6'6" 320lbs)
LG - Nelson (6'5" 325lbs)
C - Mustipher (6'3" 310lbs) / Hoge (6'5" 290lbs)
RG - Elmer (6'6" 315lbs)
RT - McGlinchey (6'8" 320lbs)

DE - Trumbetti (6'4" 270lbs)
NT - J. Jones (6'6" 320lbs)
DT - Tillery (6'7" 315lbs)
DE - Rochell (6'4" 290lbs)
LB - Coney (6'1" 240lbs) / Barajas (6'2" 240lbs)
LB - Morgan (6'1" 240lbs)
LB - Onwaulu (6'1" 235lbs) / Martini (6'3" 245lbs)
CB - Luke (5'11" 195lbs)
CB - Butler (6'1" 200lbs) / Watkins (6'0" 200lbs)
NB - Crawford (5'9" 185lbs)
FS - Redfield (6'1" 205lbs)
SS - Tranquill (6'2" 220lbs)

PK - Yoon (5'9" 180lbs)
P - Newsome (6'3" 220lbs)
KR - Sanders (5'8" 190lbs)
PR - Sanders (5'8" 190lbs)

Despite the low number of "returning starters" on both offense and defense, we should actually have decent individual experience among the starters in both units

We only have 3 positions where at least 1 of the "possible starters" doesn't have 2+ starts:
WR - St. Brown
C - Mustipher / Hoge
LB - Coney

The real issues in the starting lineup are questionable pass-coverage ability from our safeties, the lack of a quality pass rush, and inexperience at LB (likely causing mistakes in coverage)......plus a defense that's so complicated an Andrew Luck/Luke Keuchtly hybrid couldn't start on it until he's a RS Senior

Beyond that, we're razor thin at OT, DE, and S
(Which is really scary, given the injuries we've had the last 2 seasons)

 

[jsto60]

Our QB competition will be interesting

Whoever takes the biggest steps forward in their game between Kizer and Zaire will be the starter......it could end up being either one of them

What's funny is Wimbush is the most physically talented of the bunch
ND fans are really, really hoping that he sticks around a couple more years to get his shot at the starting job....kid has literally every single tool in the book

Kelly might also play both QBs. Heard him say so in an interview yesterday. Regardless, that is a good problem to have. Both your guys can play.

Who do you see taking the job? (I know its wayyyyy tooooo early just wondering what someone closer to the program thinks as I see it as Zaires job to lose from my far distance)

 

[TheDecker]

Kelly might also play both QBs. Heard him say so in an interview yesterday. Regardless, that is a good problem to have. Both your guys can play.

Who do you see taking the job? (I know its wayyyyy tooooo early just wondering what someone closer to the program thinks as I see it as Zaires job to lose from my far distance)

Prior to the bowl game, the fan base felt it was Kizer's job to lose
Since we lost our last 2 games, many in the fan base have suddenly turned on him and now want Zaire again

Personally, I've always thought it was going to be a full-on, open QB competition all through Spring/Summer/Fall and possibly even into the Texas game

I have no idea who is going to win the QB competition, honestly
The real determining factor is who shows the biggest improvements in in-game decision making, knowing where to go with the ball quickly, avoiding turnover, and converting in the Red-Zone

It's honestly 50/50 at this point, imo

 

[TheDecker]

Come on Texas guys....nothing on what the lineup/depth chart will look like?
Just "best guesses"??

 

[jsto60]

Come on Texas guys....nothing on what the lineup/depth chart will look like?
Just "best guesses"??

Here is one off the web that is pretty close

OFFENSE
Wide Receiver (H) 17 Ryan Newsome | 27 Roderick Bernard | 11 Jacorey Warrick |
-- Davion Curtis
Wide Receiver (Z) 1 John Burt | -- Collin Johnson | 8 Dorian Leonard
Tight End (Y) 42 Caleb Bluiett | 80 Blake Whiteley | 47 Andrew Beck | -- Peyton Aucoin
Right Tackle 75 Tristan Nickelson | -- Jean Delance | 70 Buck Major
Right Guard 77 Patrick Vahe | 72 Elijah Rodriguez | -- Denzel Okafor
Center 51 Terrell Cuney | 79 Garrett Thomas
Left Guard 76 Kent Perkins | -- Tope Imade | -- Zach Shackelford
Left Tackle 55 Connor Williams | 58 Brandon Hodges
Wide Receiver (X) 3 Armanti Foreman | 5 Lorenzo Joe | 6 DeAndre McNeal
Quarterback 13 Jerrod Heard | 18 Tyrone Swoopes | 14 Kai Locksley | -- Shane Buechele | Matthew Merrick
Tailback 33 D'Onta Foreman | 25 Chris Warren III | 28 Kirk Johnson
Place-Kicker -- Max Hall | 35 Jon Coppens

DEFENSE
Position No. Player | No. Player | No. Player
Fox End 40 Naashon Hughes | 90 Charles Omenihu | 49 Derick Roberson
Tackle (Nose) 93 Paul Boyette, Jr. | 94 Alex Norman | -- Gerald Wilbon
Tackle 95 Poona Ford | -- Uncommitted freshman
Strong End 91 Bryce Cottrell | 92 Quincy Vasser | -- Malcolm Roach
Middle LB 55 Dalton Santos | -- Dontavious Jackson | 30 Tim Cole
Strongside LB 45 Anthony Wheeler | 35 Edwin Freeman

Weakside LB 46 Malik Jefferson | 44 Breckyn Hager | 45 Cameron Townsend
CB 9 Davante Davis | 29 Sheroid Evans | 24 John Bonney
Free Safety 31 Jason Hall | 11 PJ Locke | 26 Adrian Colbert
Strong Safety 44 Dylan Haines | 16 DeShon Elliott | 18 Kevin Vaccaro
CB 5 Holton Hill | 2 Kris Boyd | 16 Jermaine Roberts
Nickel 2 Kris Boyd | 24 John Bonney | 11 PJ Locke
Punter 13 Michael Dickson | 38 Mitchell Becker

SPECIAL TEAMS
Position No. Player | No. Player | No. Player
Punt Returns 17 Ryan Newsome | 2 Kris Boyd

Kickoff Returns 17 Ryan Newsome AND 2 Kris Boyd 27 Roderick Bernard

Kickoffs -- Max Hall

Holder 15 Trey Holtz
Snapper (PAT/FG) 45 Kyle Ashby

Snapper (Punts) 45 Kyle Ashby