Strong, Texas ready to go
In less than 24 hours, Texas Football will begin its journey through 2014. New coach Charlie Strong held his introductory press conference to get things started for fall camp while players check in today. Football is almost here.
Texas coach Charlie Strong turned 54 years old yesterday but he’s been waiting his entire life for this. It’s the start of fall camp for the Longhorns and the first time in 16 seasons it’ll be with a new coach. “We are getting ready to start Phase 4,” said Strong. That means it’s time to hit people. Texas starts fall camp on Monday with split practices – veterans in the morning, freshmen in the afternoon. Strong and his staff are ready. But he had to get a few things in order first. “We have 85 guys on scholarship,” said Strong. “If 80 are doing it the right way, why can’t the rest?”Release from UT officials earlier: In correlation to the opening of camp, head coach Charlie Strong announced several roster moves. Three players have been dismissed from the team and received a release from their scholarships to transfer, including senior RB Joe Bergeron, redshirt freshman DB Chevoski Collins, and sophomore RB Jalen Overstreet.
Three other players have been penalized with a loss of games, including senior OT Desmond Harrison, junior RB/WR Daje Johnson and senior S Josh Turner. Strong indicated the number of games will be announced at a later date, though they will practice with the team. Strong also reiterated that wide receivers Montrel Meanders and Kendall Sanders are no longer members of the program. In addition to those, injuries have forced senior LB Kendall Thompson to give up football. He will be placed on a medical scholarship and remain in school at the University. Strong explains more in-depth.”We want to make sure that the games that are taken away from them,” said Strong, “that they understand how important it is to represent this great university, not only on the field but off the field. I say I all the time, if a young man doesn’t want to be part of this program, break a core value. Then you’re telling me exactly where you want to stand. The dismissed players constantly broke team rules, over and over.”Strong stressed the importance of being grateful at UT.”This is the best place in the country,” said Strong. “You (players) hve to start acting like it. I want our players to understand this is the best place in the country. We are not in the business of kicking young men out.”Strong noted that Tyrone Swoopes will be the backup quarterback heading into training camp while freshman, Jerrod Heard, will be third. Ash opens as the starter.”I tell David to get down,” Strong said. “You have to be a game manager, smarter about avoiding the big hits.” Strong noted Ash shouldn’t be limited for the start of practice. After having a few seniors-to-be talk about leaving early for the NFL, Strong showed them some lowlights on film from the season before. That seemed to get their attention.”Is this you or is this someone just wearing your number,” Strong asked. “This senior class, they want to go out here the right way,” Strong said. “It’s our job as a coaching staff to make sure tey go out the right way.” UT’s first practice kicks off at 6:30am. Just after one of his early morning runs.
