On Texas Football - State of the Program: Which positions are open heading into spring?
In the latest edition of On Texas Football, Bobby Burton and Eric Nahlin discuss which positions for the Texas Longhorns are open to competition during the upcoming 15 practices for Steve Sarkisian’s football program.
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In this episode, Bobby and Eric discuss:
- The two start out by discussing Eric’s recent article on Inside Texas explaining which positions for the Longhorns are truly open to competition, but Eric notes that the entire roster is open to competition in various forms. “They’ve really done a good job through the portal of weeding out the guys that aren’t competitive, that never really looked like they were going to play,” Nahlin said. “All that’s left really on the roster is competition.” The two go into competition on the offensive line where several members of the 2022 class will contend with Hayden Conner.
- Bobby mentions that the competition is increased as a result of the increased talent level. When it comes to defensive positions, the 2022 class will factor once again as the Longhorns try to replace Ovie Oghoufo at Buck. One of the important traits Eric believes will be a factor in who the coaches select to replace Oghoufo is run defense in order to make life easier for the new Will linebacker. “I do think there’s going to be chances for some third-down pass rushing, third-and-long, and really, rotational play, too,” Nahlin said.
- Bobby then calls Will linebacker the biggest position to fill with DeMarvion Overshown’s departure. “He was an interesting player in that he did certain things great and struggled with certain things at times. How do you replace him?” Burton said. “They at least have Jaylan Ford to go alongside him that is a steadying presence after the year he had a year ago.”
- Eric says for Will, two members of the 2023 class could factor into the equation with Morice Blackwell also competing.
- The two then go into positions that have favorites to win competitions in the fall by setting the foundation in spring. Several of the candidates are transfers into the program. “We think they’re going to win it, but they actually have to win it on the field,” Nahlin said. One wide receiver spot, one cornerback spot, and one safety spot are in this category.
- Bobby and Eric then end with some discussion about players lower down the depth chart, and if Jack EDGE is a position to watch with Jaray Bledsoe and Barryn Sorrell factoring in.
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