Senior year evaluations on Texas' 2025 offensive skill commits

The Texas Longhorns’ 2025 offensive skill position commits have been delivering standout performances in their senior seasons, displaying the unique skills and attributes that have earned them a spot in Texas’ future roster. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of each player’s stats, performance, and skill set evaluation.

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QB KJ Lacey

• Stats (6 games):

• Completions: 90 of 147

• Completion Rate: 61.2%

• Passing Yards: 1,493

• Touchdowns: 21

• Interceptions: 4

• QBR: 123.7

• Evaluation: Lacey is a quarterback with a calm demeanor and high-level field vision, which allows him to dissect defenses and make quick, effective decisions. Known for his rapid release and pinpoint accuracy, Lacey is able to make throws across all levels of the field with ease. His touch on deep balls and ability to hit receivers in stride make him a threat on any down. Despite losing last year’s top target Ryan Williams, Lacey has elevated his game. His poise under pressure and ability to adjust his approach on the fly are attributes that make him ideally suited for the high-powered Texas offense.

RB Ricky Stewart

• Stats (9 games):

• Rushing Yards: 1,064

• Touchdowns: 11

• Yards per Carry: 8.7

• Yards per Game: 118.2

• 100+ Yard Games: 6

• Longest Run: 78 yards

• Evaluation: Stewart brings a combination of power and speed that makes him a tough back to contain. His physicality allows him to power through initial contact, while his acceleration enables him to reach the second level of defenses with ease. Stewart’s vision helps him identify openings quickly, and his ability to cut at full speed gives him an edge in the open field. He’s consistently been the workhorse for Chapel Hill, and has showed an ability to wear down defenses with his tough, downhill running. Stewart’s balanced skill set makes him versatile enough to be effective in any type of run scheme, whether he’s running between the tackles or hitting the edges.

RB James Simon

• Stats (7 games):

• Rushing Yards: 713 (78 carries)

• Rushing Touchdowns: 9

• Yards per Game: 101.9

• 100+ Yard Games: 3

• Receiving Stats: 18 catches, 253 yards, 1 touchdown

• Total Touchdowns: 10

• Evaluation: Simon is a dynamic dual-threat back, as effective in the passing game as he is running between the tackles. His low center of gravity and strength allow him to absorb contact and keep moving, making him difficult to bring down. In the passing game, Simon’s soft hands and route-running ability make him a reliable target out of the backfield. His ability to make defenders miss in open space and create yardage after contact sets him apart as a true multi-dimensional weapon. Simon’s versatility will make him a valuable asset to Texas, providing the Longhorns with a running back who can stretch defenses horizontally and vertically.

WR Kaliq Lockett

• Stats (9 games):

• Receptions: 40

• Receiving Yards: 558

• Touchdowns: 9

• Yards per Catch: 14

• Yards per Game: 62

• Longest Reception: 60 yards

• Evaluation: Lockett is a polished route-runner with a natural feel for finding soft spots in coverage. His reliable hands and catch radius make him a dependable target, while his speed allows him to create separation on deeper routes. Lockett’s ability to turn short gains into long plays has been a consistent threat this season, as he’s shown he can break tackles and evade defenders in the open field. He excels at making difficult, acrobatic catches, even when double-covered, and has demonstrated a willingness to go over the middle and make contested grabs. Lockett’s skill set is a perfect fit for a versatile, dynamic passing game like Steve Sarkisian‘s, as he can work both short and deep routes with equal effectiveness.

WR Jaime Ffrench

• Stats (7 games):

• Receptions: 30

• Receiving Yards: 570

• Touchdowns: 2

• Yards per Catch: 19

• Longest Reception: 65 yards

• Evaluation: Ffrench is an elite deep threat with a unique combination of size, speed, and ball-tracking ability. His large catch radius and ability to high-point the ball in contested situations make him a nightmare for defenders in one-on-one matchups. Ffrench’s route-running has refined his ability to create separation downfield, and his agility after the catch allows him to turn routine catches into significant gains. His vision and elusiveness make him hard to bring down, and he’s showcased an ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Ffrench’s skills align perfectly with a vertical passing game, providing Texas with a playmaker who can stretch the field and create explosive plays.

WR Daylan McCutcheon

• Stats (8 games):

• Receptions: 47

• Receiving Yards: 812

• Touchdowns: 14

• Yards per Catch: 17

• Longest Reception: 82 yards

• Evaluation: McCutcheon is an exceptionally well-rounded receiver with an elite skill set that makes him a versatile weapon. His route-running is polished and precise, allowing him to create separation on both short and deep routes with ease. What truly sets McCutcheon apart is his smooth, fluid movement and the ability to shift gears effortlessly, making him unpredictable and hard to cover. Once he has the ball, he’s a dangerous playmaker—his agility and vision allow him to cut through defenses, while his balance and strength help him break tackles and extend plays. In the open field, McCutcheon’s elusiveness makes him nearly impossible to bring down on first contact, often turning routine catches into explosive plays. Additionally, he’s a natural in the return game, where his quick acceleration and field awareness shine, adding an extra dimension to his playmaking ability. McCutcheon’s combination of technique, speed, and instinct makes him a high-impact player who can contribute immediately to Texas’ offense.

TE Nick Townsend

• Offensive Stats:

• Pass Completions: 10 of 20, 110 yards, 1 touchdown

• Rushing Yards: 165 (20 carries), 4 touchdowns

• Receiving Stats: 15 catches, 179 yards, 2 touchdowns

• Defensive Stats:

• Total Tackles: 44 (31 solo)

• Tackles for Loss: 7

• Evaluation: Townsend’s versatility and football IQ make him a valuable asset, as he can contribute effectively on both offense and defense. Known for his physicality, Townsend excels at shedding tackles and gaining yards after contact, whether he’s running the ball or making plays as a receiver. His natural instincts and adaptability make him well-suited to a variety of roles, with his combination of size, speed, and toughness suggesting he could develop into a highly effective tight end at Texas. Townsend’s willingness to do the dirty work, whether blocking, tackling, or powering through defenders, makes him an asset that coaches can deploy in multiple ways.

TE Emaree Winston

• Stats (1 game reported):

• Receptions: 5 catches, 64 yards

• Rushing Stats: 3 carries, 12 yards

• Evaluation: Winston is a physical presence on the field, using his size and strength to dominate as a run blocker and punish defenders after the catch. His ability to seal the edge and finish blocks resembles an offensive lineman, giving Texas a reliable blocking asset who can also serve as a short-yardage receiver. When he releases into routes, Winston’s soft hands and physicality make him a reliable target in the flats and on bootleg plays. His tenacity and blocking ability add grit to Texas’ offensive scheme, while his versatility makes him a valuable asset in both the run and pass games.

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Each of these offensive skill players brings unique, powerful skills that align perfectly with Texas’ future offensive schemes. Their standout senior seasons demonstrate why Texas coaches see them as foundational pieces in the program’s pursuit of excellence. With this group of playmakers, the Longhorns’ offense is set to add depth, explosiveness, and versatility, building a roster ready to compete at the highest levels.