5 Texas players who will benefit most from bowl practices
Texas is set for an intriguing season finale with the Washington Huskies in the Alamo Bowl later this month. While you play the game to win, a major benefit of bowl season is the amount of reps it affords younger players, especially after older players transfer or sit out to preserve their health in preparation for the NFL draft. Bowl practices aren’t a capstone to the season, they’re a springboard into winter workouts and spring football.
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Making things particularly exciting is the amount of young talent Texas has in the ranks. Given the ability to develop talent the coaches displayed this season we can expect bowl practices to be used wisely. Another benefit we’ll eventually go into much greater detail is the amount of team-wide competition we’ll see in the coming months. Every chance to put the pads on is another chance to earn or keep your snaps.
Practice starts on Friday and the coaches have 15 at their disposal. They don’t have to use them all. A few years ago Tom Herman only used 8 before his team blasted Utah in the same Alamo Bowl.
Here are five players who stand to benefit the most from bowl practices.
QB Quinn Ewers
Despite flashes of brilliance, in aggregate Ewers had a tough season both physically and mentally. Part of the mental challenge was getting over the injury he suffered against Alabama. With nearly two weeks to decompress since his solid outing in the Baylor game it’ll be interesting to hear how good Ewers looks in practice. Steve Sarkisian said in his season ending press conference the first week of practice will be about getting back to basics. For Ewers that will mean work on mechanics and regaining his comfort and composure in the pocket.
With Hudson Card departing, it’s worth noting the increase in reps freshman Maalik Murphy will receive.
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We’re not suggesting Cole Hutson is in danger of losing his starting position next year but there will be robust competition in the interior throughout the spring and likely into next fall. After starting every game and playing well for a freshman, Hutson will miss an undetermined amount of bowl practice. This will increase Campbell’s snaps and likely expedite his rate of improvement. Campbell’s reputation as a five-star talent precedes him, and we certainly saw hints of it, but now he’ll get a chance for more consistent reps.
We think it’s more likely than not Bijan Robinson will skip the bowl. Roschon Johnson could elect to make the same decision, but regardless he won’t be in Austin next year and he doesn’t need the practice reps. The future is now for the nuanced Brooks. He’s an excellent reminder that running backs are either born with feet, balance, vision, and lateral agility, or they aren’t. Big things are expected of the natural runner and he could have a breakout bowl game.
WR Brenen Thompson and WR Savion Red
All right I’m cheating and listing six. Thompson and Red are such vastly different players but both are dangerous in their own right. Everybody knows Texas has talented freshmen coming in with Johntay Cook and Ryan Niblett, plus perhaps a portal addition or two. Now is the time for Thompson and Red to stake claim to their spring reps no matter who arrives.
He already practices with enthusiasm but you know he’s extra hyped given his late season increase in playing time. The back and forth between linebacker and safety is over with linebacker winning out. Not only is Blackwell practicing to cement his position as Sam when the defense is in base, but also to earn a hard look at Will linebacker with senior DeMarvion Overshown departing. Blackwell is going to have a very active December.
