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New Coaches, Big Visits: Texas Football Spring Practice Becomes a Recruiting Proving Ground

by:Charlie Williams•03/28/25
Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Spring ball in Austin is more than just drills and install—it’s a proving ground. With a loaded slate of elite visitors making their way to the Forty Acres, Texas has a major opportunity to show recruits exactly what this program is all about.

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Last year, recruits walked away from spring visits impressed by the tempo, instruction, and culture. This year? Same standard—with new coaches stepping into the spotlight.

Duane Akina is back in Austin, so recruits will get a chance to see the old-school, fire-breathing DB energy he brings to practice every day. Honing in on technique, accountability, and competition—every snap and every rep.

Mark Orphey will have a chance to make his first impression on recruits. They’ll get to see what he teaches, his technique, his style, how he develops, what his standards are, how he reaches kids to get them to perform, and whether individual drills carry over into full practice.

La’Allan Clark, coming off a national championship with Ohio State, already has a proven track record of development. Recruits will get to see what he teaches in terms of leverage, hand usage, pass rush angles—everything you need to become a pro, because he’s coached them.

Chad Scott, taking over for Tashard Choice, will get the chance to show what he brings to the running back room—how he develops, how he teaches, what energy he brings, how he pushes his room, and how the players respond to his coaching.

For current players, it’s about competing for reps and rising on the depth chart. For new coaches, it’s a first impression. And for recruits—it’s the truth behind the pitch.

Here’s what a few of them had to say heading into their visits:

Alexander Herrera, 2027 OT (6’7”, 305) from Crowley High School (Crowley, TX):

“I’m definitely looking forward to seeing all of the offensive line coaches again and checking out their beautiful facility—it’s easily the nicest I’ve seen so far. I’m also excited to soak up knowledge by watching the older guys and paying close attention to the drills they go through.”

Mark Bowman, 2026 TE and No. 2 tight end in the nation from Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, CA):

“I just want to get down there and see how the guys compete. I’m looking forward to being in the tight end room, seeing how the coaches coach, and finally getting a chance to see the offense in person—from an instructional and install standpoint.”

Jalen Brewster, 2027 DL from Cedar Hill High School (Cedar Hill, TX):

“I’m looking forward to checking out Texas in action. I want to see how Coach Kenny Baker coaches and how he develops his guys. That’s what it’s about.”

These visits give recruits a chance to see everything—how Texas practices, how they coach, and how they compete. If the Longhorns show out again, this could be the launch point for another elite recruiting wave.

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