It seems almost ages ago when Tom Herman was asked,” How many elite players do you have on your team?” Where he infamously replied,” Some?” Many took issue with these comments from Coach Herman, but at the time of these comments, Texas was at a point where we genuinely didn’t know who was elite and who wasn’t.
It’s safe to say that the program is in a much different place now than it was back then, so with that being said, and Big12 Media day coming up on us, let’s look and see who are the elite players for Texas this upcoming season?
Sam Ehlinger
Was there ever any question on this one? This list wouldn’t be a list of elite players if the best QB in the Big12 wasn’t on it. The heart and soul of this Texas team, Ehlinger threw for nearly 3300 yards and ran for another 500, to go along with 41 total touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. Ehlinger is the epitome of what it is to be the starting QB at The University of Texas, and if he makes another leap like he did this past year, college football better watch out.
Collin Johnson
Who is Collin Johnson? Collin Johnson is just your average 6’6 wideout who can jump out of the gym and turns 50/50 balls into more 80/20. Johnson had a major impact on the Horns offense this past year, racking up 68 catches for 985 yards and 7 touchdowns on a hurt knee in the latter part of the season. With the Departure of Lil’ Jordan Humphrey, Johnson should be the main target for QB Sam Ehlinger and will look to have an All Big12 type season.
Zack Shakelford
One of the more under the radar players to the average football fan, any Texas fan knows this name. The starting center has been one of the solids on the offensive line, and the difference is noticeable when he is not there. He made USA Today’s Top 10 Lineman for the 2019 Season and has shot up most draft boards. If the Texas offense will look to have success this upcoming season, he will be a catalyst.
Samuel Cosmi
Samuel Cosmi was a player that honestly surprised most Texas fans this past season. One of the players in Tom Hermans first class at Texas, Cosmi was a name known around the Big12 by the end of the season. Gaining national media attention as well, Cosmi earned a place on the Freshman All American list. Cosmi will transition to left tackle this upcoming season, Cosmi also has pro scouts raving about him. If Cosmi continues to improve, he could be a national name and a first round pick.
Caden Sterns
The other Freshman All American on Texas’ roster, Sterns earned high praise from everyone around college. The Young Wolf had four interceptions this past season and has begun to develop a ball hawking reputation. In a league where teams like to air it out, look for Sterns to keep growing as a ball hawking presence in the defensive backfield, and have another All Big12 type season.
Brandon Jones
People tend to forget that before his injury, Brandon Jones was looking like a man amongst boys on the defense. Jones flirted with the possibility of declaring for the NFL Draft but decided to come back for his senior year. Jones will look to be a leader on Todd Orlando’s defense this year, and if he can recover from his ankle injury, he will be a player to watch in the Big12.
With Big12 Media day looming upon us as well as the season, the question has to be asked, who else will stand out? Is there anyone else who will become elite? Only time will tell.
