55 days until Texas Football: Texas had three scoring plays of 55+ yards in 2022
Inside Texas is putting a new twist on long-time photographer Will Gallagher’s time-honored countdown to Texas football kickoff. In addition to Will’s great pictures, the Inside Texas staff will go through every player on the roster by jersey number and offer a season outlook on each, from five-star to walk-on.
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We’ll also look back at other greats to wear that day’s number, with special reverence to some of Texas’ best.
Today is 55 days until kickoff. No. 55 for the Longhorns this season will be worn by Winston Smith, a sophomore walk-on linebacker. We will also look at scoring plays of 55 yards or more from the 2022 season.
When Texas flipped the field and put numbers on the board
Teams do as much as they can to create explosive plays on offense and defense, and Steve Sarkisian’s program is no different. Play-action shot plays are a critical aspect of the offense Sarkisian calls, but Texas had only three scoring plays of 55 yards or more in 2022. Two of them were on the ground, and one was created by the defense.
To be sure, Texas had a number of offensive touchdowns that were at least 30 yards in length. Roschon Johnson had a 52-yard touchdown run versus Oklahoma State, too. But as far as 55 yards or more? Despite the Longhorn efforts, only three went that distance in 2022.
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ULM: D’Shawn Jamison 69-yard interception return
UTSA: Bijan Robinson 78-yard run
KU: Jonathon Brooks 70-yard run
55-yard+ scoring plays aren’t easy to come by, but they’re what Texas will look to add more of in 2023. An improvement in the deep passing game by Quinn Ewers and company should help those efforts. Plus, anything like the 70-yard scamper Brooks provided in Lawrence last year will be welcomed.
Should Texas add a fair bit of explosiveness, the Big 12 may have a serious problem in the Longhorn offense.
Winston Smith season outlook
Smith did not see any game action during the 2022 season. He was a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll (fall 2022). He will be a key member of the scout team as a linebacker
Recent player to wear No. 55: Connor Williams
Williams was a three-year starter for the Longhorns and earned first-team All-America honors in 2016. He was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 50th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys. He is currently a member of the Miami Dolphins.
All-Americans to wear No. 55
Loyd Wainscott, DT, 1968
Connor Williams, T, 2016
