Texas Football was fun again thanks to good coaching, steady defense, and Quinn Ewers

This article was written by Coach Venables, a long-time successful Texas high school football coach who specialized in defense.

Sometimes football is just frigging fun. Watching a squad do what they do was fun because luck met preparation on the field at DKR. While I witnessed a big time blowout the coach in me was impressed because this Florida team came to play the game for sixty minutes despite the uneven talent level at skill positions, namely QB and DB.

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We were challenged in a competitive nature—blocking and tackling was the main focus for a 100,000 in the stands while a few million monitored the boob tube action. Two things stand out above all other factors for this fan—we are very fast across the board, scary fast, and we are very well coached.

The sweet smell of success always makes the roster gain confidence. When you can play as many non-starters as we did yesterday you get to view first hand the improvement the back-ups provide for the future. It’s only fair to say there is bright sunshine ahead for some while a few others have a long row to hoe. The game is still too fast for some while others find the water fine in their lanes. Yesterday was a great gauge for most of the roster. Most would concede it appears that UT football is now a well oiled machine operating on all cylinders.

There are at least three individuals that deserve special mention this week. QB1 Quinn Ewers (3) had a fantastic stat game and zero uglies. DE Trey Moore (8) had a huge big play game—finally a great stat game for a super consistent and competitive player. My player of the game though must be Alfred Collins (95) because of his impact on the game and I just like defensive players better. So there.

A thumbnail observation for most of the active individuals this week:

Anthony Hill Jr. (0) played well sideline to sideline but had too many inside runs without being in on the tackle.

DeAndre Moore (0) was very good except for two touchdown drops that he will catch next time—book it.

Matthew Golden (2) remains the dependable winner at everything related to football.

Ewers (3) had over 300 yards passing and four td passes but his best play was stepping up in the pocket and scrambling for a head first dive that kept a drive alive—that will be rewarded in the team film room.

Jaylon Guilbeau (3) had another quality outing—he has found a home at the star position. He had a big sack on a great call.

Andrew Mukuba (4) forced interception and made two good tackles where he got trucked but held on for dear life.

Malik Muhammad (5) is the real deal at corner—paired with Barron (7) we have the best corner duo in college football period.

Ryan Wingo (5) had a catch but his value tripled considering his blocking and clearing out threat. Big time player about to burst on to stardom.

Kobe Black (6) played a high number of snaps—this guy has tight coverage ability combined with sure tackling skills—star in the making.

Jahdae Barron (7) just makes every play that he should and a few that are extra—great pair of corners.

Isaiah Bond (7) is a very good player that appears fast—scratch that—he’s a blur with skill.

Moore (8) had his best stat game but he grades well every week. Really like this guy’s effort each week.

Amari Niblack (8) had one catch on a crossing route but blocking still needs work.

Jerrick Gibson (9) had his best game yet but had two mishaps that must be cleared up. The fumble was just a well aimed direct hit on the ball (happens, tip your hat) but the missed hand-off needs to be corrected.

Silas Bolden (11) is slicker and quicker than a flash—big time pick-up that always produces a positive play on every opportunity.

Colin Simmons (11) had one tremendous hurry plus several hustle plays but occasionally opens the gate off the edge.

Bill Norton (15) had a few plays but didn’t provide any pursuit this week.

Arch Manning (16) had a productive game—every chance makes him more ready for his time in the spotlight.

Michael Taaffe (16) was active with strong tackling but also got trucked once—good coverage.

Liona Lefau (18) didn’t have his usual strong reading game and his stunts weren’t effective. Florida’s pretty solid from tackle to tackle.

Ryan Niblett (21) is very valuable—he had a great block on Bond’s reverse run. I like this guy—you always get his best.

Jaydon Blue (23) had his best overall game period. He ran hard and frigging fast. Difference-maker coming alive?

Jelani McDonald (25) came back to earth this week.

Tyanthony Smith (26) had a good interception but didn’t care much for the inside ground game for the Gators.

Tre Wisner (26) had a big first half but was rested the second half. Big play TD.

David Gblenda (33) didn’t get many snaps nor make many tackles.

Vernon Broughton (45) missed the first half—played well the second half.

DJ Campbell (52) had two bad plays but was stout most of his assignments—good open field block.

Aaron Bryant (53) lost the LOS in brief action—needs more time to get stronger.

Cole Hutson (54) is a very good sixth man. He’s a good reason we have OL depth.

Cameron Williams (56) had a decent game—nicked up an ankle but returned to action.

Jake Majors (65) should be the all-conference center—great snaps, quality line calls, and strong blocking assignments. Player.

Neto Umeozulu (72) is always a threat to block past the whistle. He is also one of the best pure run blockers we have. 

Brandon Baker (73) had some good snaps but needs more strength. Will be a player with technique.

Trevor Goosby (74) got reps at RT and LT—got the nod at RT when Cam missed time.

Hayden Connor (76) just keeps getting better each week—no longer weak on run blocks.

Kelvin Banks (78) had another good game despite a holding penalty. He is the standard.

Juan Davis (81) had a good catch on a crossing route plus a few good blocks.

Gunnar Helm (85) should be the all-conference TE. Another TD catch. 

Barryn Sorrell (88) had a quiet game for him. Bad penalty for roughing the passer.

Ethan Burke (91) was limited in snaps good hustle in pursuit.

Alfred Collins (95) was outstanding. He’s had an all-conference season himself.

Alex January (97) had a tough go—Gators OL was a load for our DL. 

Jermayne Lole (98) lost the LOS to doubles too many times. 

We had problems versus the inside ground game from the front six. I remember Arkansas stuffed that damn ball down our adam’s apple last time and probably plan to repeat the butt kicking next week. We didn’t show enough to discourage their thinking but I bet stay ready to keep from getting ready next Saturday.