The hype train for Texas is on a roll unlike Longhorn Nation has seen in a while. Finishing the season with a huge win over Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, expectations are high in the great city of Austin.
The players have not rested on their laurels though, and have hit it hard in spring practice and it culminates with the Texas Orange-White Spring Game. Here are 5 things to watch for in the Spring Game.
Texas Running Game
Although taking a step in the right direction in the 2018 season, the Texas running game still left plenty of room for improvement. And with the departure of “do it all” back and grad transfer Tre Watson, the burden of filling his shoes will be carried by Keontay Ingram. . During Ingram’s freshman campaign he ran for 708 yards on 142 carries and 3 touchdowns. Injures slowed him down some of the season though, and Ingram has made it a priority to add weight to his slim frame, and it will be interesting to see how much he can improve. His running mate, Jordan Whittington will be on full display as well. Whittington may be the most hyped prospect Texas landed after he ran all over Pleasant Grove for the 4A State Title. A converted WR to RB, Whittington should look to be used in different formations, making him the prototypical “ all purpose” back. The Spring Game will showcase which direction these two have taken and how Texas will use the
Who Will Fill LJH’s Shoes?
Lil’ Jordan Humphrey was an absolute monster in 2018, racking up 86 receptions for 1,176 yards and 9 receiving touchdowns while playing alongside Collin Johnson, another exceptional WR. . With Humphreys declaring for the NFL Draft, though, a hole is left at the slot wideout spot. Texas could go in a few different directions. National Gatorade Player of the Year Jake Smith is a shifty and elusive wideout who could take over the role. Another answer could be MaxPreps Player of the Year Bru McCoy. McCoy is another big bodied wide receiver that can bring the same bruising style that Humphreys was able to bring at Texas. Sophomore wideout Brennan Eagles could also be an answer, being another big bodied wideout, though he looks poised as an outside receiver. No matter who fills the shoes, he better have a big foot.
Defensive Line Production?
Texas loses all 3 starters on the defensive line, including Big12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Charles Omenihu. In a conference where putting pressure on the quarterback is essential to succeeding on defense, Texas will have to look for answers fast. One key returning player is Malcolm Roach, switching back to defensive end after a short stint at LB. The other 2 spots are more up in the air. Gerald Wilbon and Keondre Coburn are both fighting for that nose guard spot, which will be a fun battle to watch in the Spring Game and into fall camp. At the other end spot it looks to be a battle between Jacoby Jacobs, a JUCO transfer and Ta’Quan Graham. Both are pretty neck and neck, so the spring game will be a huge indicator as to who will pull ahead in the race.
Talent on the Back End
With talented safeties Brandon Jones and Caden Sterns out for the spring game with injuries, and starting corners Kris Boyd and Davante Davis graduating, Texas will look to less experienced but equally talented players: Demarvion Overshown, Josh Thompson, Anthony Cook, Jalen Green, Chris Brown, and Kobe Boyce. These less experienced players will look to make an impact in the Spring Game. With their talent, Texas will look to build depth in the back end of the defense.
If Texas is looking to return to national prominence like in years past, it will take a lot more than Sam Ehlinger declaring, “Texas is back!” This spring game will give us a glimpse inot what this team is made of and who they will be in the upcoming season.