Opportunity is coming for Texas' 2022 O-line class
Left to right, the Texas starters along the offensive line for all 12 games in the 2022 season were true freshman Kelvin Banks, true sophomore Hayden Conner, third-year sophomore Jake Majors, true freshman Cole Hutson, and fifth-year senior Christian Jones. When help from the bench was needed, true freshman DJ Campbell was typically first to receive the call.
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Within that group of six, half are from the Longhorns’ 2022 signing class. Texas offensive line coach Kyle Flood brought in one of the best high school O-line classes ever last year when Banks, Hutson, Campbell, Malik Agbo, Neto Umeozulu, Connor Robertson, and Cameron Williams joined the Horns.
Several factors led to a group that large inking with Steve Sarkisian’s program. One was the lack of linemen signed in 2021 since only Conner and Max Merril joined the UT program in the previous cycle. The other factor was opportunity for playing early time.
Banks, Hutson, and Campbell took the fullest advantage of that opportunity, but the other four earned time on the field as well. At various junctures, usually with the game easily in hand for the Longhorns, Flood trotted out an all first-year offensive line. If any from that group didn’t get playing time on standard down offense, they were often contributing on special teams.
The seven members of the 2022 O-line class combined to make 50 appearances in their first year on campus. In the coming seasons, that total is only going to increase.
Good evidence of the future of the Longhorn offensive line being in the hands of the 2022 class was revealed recently in two separate ways. The first was when Jones, a fifth-year senior, decided to go through senior day honors. His comments about his time at Texas in the leadup to the Baylor game and even postgame were happily reminiscent in tone.
Though he could return for a sixth season thanks to COVID-19 eligibility relief, Jones’ pre-senior day comments and quality play on the field suggest his time at Texas will conclude following the Valero Alamo Bowl after performing well at right tackle in a “contract year.”
The next indicator was seen on Monday, when veteran offensive lineman Junior Angilau entered the NCAA transfer portal. Angilau, who suffered a torn ACL in preseason camp, started in 34 games in the three seasons prior. He too went through senior day honors.
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The likely departure of Jones and the assured departure of Angilau, two of the last Longhorns still on the roster from the 2018 signing class, clears a path for more playing time for 2022 signees.
In addition to those data points, Texas is not expected to add anyone to Flood’s position group via the transfer portal.
The Longhorns upcoming matchup with the Washington Huskies in the Alamo Bowl will be a good test for Texas’ top five. U-Dub ranks No. 18 nationally in sacks and No. 33 in rushing defense.
In the practices prior to December 29’s contest, members of Texas’ 2022 class will have the opportunity for additional development and more time learning technique and fundamentals, as Sarkisian so often emphasizes.
In 2023, every spot save for Banks’ position on the blindside are liable to be up for grabs. Majors, a three-year starter at center, and Conner, a talented player who fits Flood’s O-lineman mold, will both contend to remain starters for Sarkisian’s third season. Plus, Hutson will be difficult to unseat. The other five will look to join the starting lineup.
The 2022 class signed with Texas largely due to the opportunity for early playing time. Three took advantage this year, and more could do the same next season during their second year on campus.
