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Five Longhorns who could take the season from good to great

Eric Nahlinby:Eric Nahlin•05/09/23
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AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 25: Alfred Collins #95 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after a sack in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

For the past 12 years Texas has been a program marked by unfulfilled potential. You’re an Inside Texas reader so you know the reasons for that better than anyone. But given staff continuity, a deep and talented roster, and visual and empirical improvement from Year 1 to Year 2, a common feeling now is potential will turn into production in 2023. 

In many ways the 2023 Longhorns have a high floor: a second-year quarterback, the entire offensive line returning, skill talent everywhere, a veteran secondary, an All-Conference linebacker, and a strong interior defensive line. Given those factors compared to the rest of the conference means Texas should win the conference. That would be a great step for Texas before departing for the SEC, but if these five players live up to their potential, expectations could go from conference champs to playoff contender rather quickly.

SR, Alfred Collins

Collins has teased and tantalized his ability since his arrival from nearby Bastrop. His length, quickness, and athleticism is rare for a defensive tackle. But so far his production has been pedestrian given his ability. His 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in three seasons are stats he’s capable of having in one season. 

Fortunately Collins is trending in the right direction. He was noticeably stronger this Spring, both in his build and in his play. Similar to his high upside line-mate, T’Vondre Sweat, Collins is in a contract year.

Texas needs one of them to play to their potential. If both do, watch out.

JR, AD Mitchell

With his combination of length and quickness, Mitchell has the chance to become a touchdown machine in Steve Sarkisian’s offense similar to how he’s been a touchdown machine in Georgia’s four recent playoff wins. He can separate three ways: size, quickness, or speed. However, he did miss significant time last season and his hands have not always been the most consistent. He can make hard catches look easy and easy catches look hard. Here’s an example of the former:

One source noted he was one of the five best players on the team during Spring ball. If Texas gets 12 games of that AD Mitchell life is going to be easier for the quarterback, other receivers, and the run game.

Like with iDL, Texas has a high upside honorable mention at wide receiver in Isaiah Neyor.

SR, Jalen Catalon

Catalon’s shoulder injuries have been well chronicled, especially after Texas kept him out this Spring after he had yet another procedure. His medicals were heavily scrutinized and he’s expected to be fully cleared for August but Texas coaches will be holding their breath with each tackle. 

A healthy Catalon paired with Jerrin Thompson could make safety a position of strength. He’s both an eraser when the ball is in the air and on the ground.

FR, Cedric Baxter

Running back is one of the easier positions to make the transition from high school to college. It’s even easier when you have the physical and mental maturity of the former five-star Baxter. 

Texas has plenty of other quality options to carry the ball, but none with the blend of Baxter’s inside power and outside speed. At a minimum he should carve out 100 carries, but if he hits the ground running he could be in line for a lot more, including goal line and short yardage. 

With Steve Sarkisian‘s preference to run inside zone, opportunity will be knocking very early in Baxter’s career.

FR, Anthony Hill

I will very rarely hype up a freshman linebacker given the difficulty of processing at the position but I feel strongly Texas can design a role that focuses on unleashing his athleticism and pass rushing. He’s the mirror opposite of Baxter in that he’s both physically and mentally mature, his position is just more difficult to adjust to. But Hill could fill a need as a situational pass rusher or Sam linebacker when the defense is in base. 

What you saw in the Spring game should be a harbinger of things to come. That’s not to say he’s going to have 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks like LSU freshman Harold Perkins, but we could see similar utility. 

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