Texas Longhorns Football: 3 Up, 3 Down through eight games

Now that the 2022 Texas Longhorns are through eight games, it’s time to take a look at who has outperformed preseason expectations and who still has some room to improve.

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Most of the candidates for the 3 Up were on offense, considering the influx of talent maturing on the roster, plus talent added via the transfer portal and from the high school ranks. However, several defensive players placed themselves in contention for being one of the top three who have seen their stock rise throughout the season.

For 3 Down, individual players or aspects of the team that the Longhorns hoped to be a strength, or at least consistent contributors, were issued ”needs to improve” grades. There’s room for those three to grow, but it’ll have to be done in the remaining four games against some of the conference’s more difficult opponents.

Up: Kelvin Banks

Even with his On3 Consensus five-star ranking, Banks has outperformed even the loftiest expectations levied upon the true freshman. He’s seamlessly slid into the all-important left tackle role and has played like a seasoned vet, with only a few penalties and a remarkably low number of freshman mistakes. He even passed early tests against Will Anderson and Dallas Turner with flying colors. Banks has received several freshman All-America honors, and could be knocking on actual All-America honors for the next three years.

Up: Christian Jones

Jones may be only behind Banks in terms of the player who has most exceeded expectations. His 2020 season at right tackle showed his capability after some time spent developing, but his 2021 at left tackle was rough. This season, Jones has been a more than capable blocker in both the pass game and the run game back at his preferred right tackle spot. The Longhorn tackles have kept either Quinn Ewers or Hudson Card clean from the effects of opposing EDGEs for the most part. Jones’ marked improvement should be near the top of Kyle Flood’s resume.

Up: Jaylan Ford

Stats: 72 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles

Ford finished the 2021 regular season strong after taking over for Luke Brockermeyer. Following a statistical no-show in the season opener, Ford has been one of the most consistent players on the Longhorn defense and has continued his ascendant trajectory that started last year. Linebacker is tough in modern football, and it’s even tougher in the Big 12. But time after time, Ford is in the right spot and makes the play he needs to. It only makes sense for him to be the defense’s representative as one of the 3 Up.

Honorable mention: Keondre Coburn, Bijan Robinson, Ja’Tavion Sanders

Down: Casey Cain

Stats: 4 catches, 93 yards

Cain’s time on the field has been limited by Texas’ penchant for 12 personnel, but because of missed opportunity. As the player stepping in at X after Marcus Washington‘s transfer, there was a hope for Texas that Cain could match Washington’s tenaciousness in blocking with better hands. That hasn’t been the case. The Iowa State game sticks out as a bad one, but Cain has also been stymied statistically by opposing pass interference penalties and quarterback overthrows. As someone who is a key player on Texas’ 11 personnel looks, the Longhorns need more from Cain this season and going forward in his career.

Down: Ovie Oghoufo

Stats: 36 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

Texas has gotten increased production from the EDGE positions this year, but Oghoufo still has left several plays on the field even as an experienced senior. He plays a key role in Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense, one that rarely leaves the field. But for the senior, he finds himself out of position more often than he should. It’s worth noting he has impacted the game more often this year compared to last year, but Texas could certainly receive more from the Notre Dame transfer.

Down: Punt return

Stats: 16 returns, 142 yards

Special teams has been a positive for the most part this year, between strong kickoff coverage, multiple punts blocked, and decent showings from Bert Auburn and Daniel Trejo. However, one are that has been lacking is the return game. Steve Sarkisian and Jeff Banks elected to place Xavier Worthy at the return spot, but the Longhorns have been unable to reap many benefits from having one of the team’s most electric receivers fielding punts.