Horns Illustrated

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Could Jerrod Heard step in as the starting quarterback this season?

MAY 2015

CONTENTS FEATURES

A LITTLE SPRING IN THEIR STEP FOOTBALL

Leading up to the annual Orange-White Scrimmage, the Texas football team came together for spring drills with the intent to prepare and execute. After 15 days of practice, the Longhorns delivered, showcasing to fans the possibilities that lie ahead. The scrimmage shed some light on new and upcoming players, including true freshman Malik Jefferson. Senior editor Steve Habel evaluates the spring game and provides insights from head coach Charlie Strong.

A FIGHTING CHANCE FOOTBALL

Fans know Nate Boyer. He’s the former Green Beret who walked onto the Texas football team. His dedication to his team, the university and the country go without question. But will NFL scouts and coaches know that from reading his proďŹ le off a piece of paper? Boyer is trying to accomplish what many may think is impossible (once again) by putting himself out there as a possible draft pick.

SMART CHOICE After 17 years at the helm, Rick Barnes decided to part ways with the University of Texas. The timing marks the end of an era but another era, has already begun. Enter Shaka Smart. As the new men’s basketball coach, Smart looks to bring a new perspective and a greater work ethic to the 40 Acres.

DEPARTMENTS

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FIRST LOOK

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

ROUNDUP

SPIRIT OF THE MONTH - Champ

MEDIA VOICES

THE HABE ON THE HORNS

IN SEASON - Texas Relays

FINAL SCORE

COVER PHOTOS: DON BENDER. SPIETH INSET: USA TODAY. THIS PAGE: DON BENDER

BASKETBALL

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COVERING UT SPORTS SINCE 1994 AUSTIN CORPORATE OFFICE: 512-626-8513 SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1-855-246-7677 E-MAIL: INFO@HORNSILLUSTRATED.COM

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ADVISORY BOARD RICK GROSS — TEXAN MEDIA TOM BUCKLEY — UT FACULTY STEW ART RAMSER — RAMSE R M E DIA

PUBLISHER JAMES SCHLEICHER ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR KIP MACASERO LEAH ALISER OPEN-LOOK BUSINESS SOLUTIONS MANAGING EDITOR CARISSA STITH (UT-AUSTIN, BA ’10) SENIOR EDITOR STEVE HABEL SECTION EDITOR TAYLOR GRAFFT CONTRIBUTORS STEPHEN WHITAKER STEVE LANSDALE JESSICA BURROLA PHOTOGRAPHERS DON BENDER JESSE DROHEN COPY EDITORS SARA BETH PURDY HABEAB KURDI DACIA RIV ERS RY AN BRIDGE S ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR LISA REILEY (UT-AUSTIN, BFA ’97) ADVERTISING DIRECTORS RANDY MALTZ (UT-AUSTIN, BA ’91) RANDY@HORNSILLUSTRATED.COM KELLY WONDERLIN KELLY@HORNSILLUSTRATED.COM TECHNICAL DIRECTOR DIGITAL MARKETING & SALES TERRY MIDDLETON SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER KELLY WONDERLIN INFO@HORNSILLUSTRATED.COM

REGIONAL DIRECTORS SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS SAN ANTONIO: JOHNNY WALKER (UT-AUSTIN, BA ’98) SOUTHEAST TEXAS HOUSTON: BRANDON ASSUNCAO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: ALLYSON WATSON MAILING ADDRESS P.O. BOX 50069 AUSTIN, TX 78763 COPYRIGHT© 2015 BY TEXAN MEDIA, L.L.C. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART IS PROHIBITED. HORNS ILLUSTRATED IS NOT AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS. 6 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

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FIRST

LOOK

The men's swimming & diving team completed a dominant three-day performance and won its 11th NCAA team title on March 29. The Longhorns led the meet from start to finish and handily claimed the team title with 528 points. California, the 2014 NCAA champion, took second with 399 points, while Michigan placed third with 312 points. Head coach Eddie Reese tied former Ohio State coach Mike Peppe for most NCAA team titles (11) and was selected as the CSCAA Swimming Coach of the Meet. The team’s victory marked the first NCAA team championship for the university since volleyball’s 2012 title. Texas now has 48 all-time NCAA team championships and 51 overall national team titles in school history. Texas won six individual swimming titles, the most at a single NCAA Championship meet since 2001 for Texas, when the Longhorns won seven en route to their eighth NCAA title.

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MICHAEL MADRID/US A TODAY

ROUNDUP

THE NEW MASTER: Former Longhorn Jordan Spieth made history April 12 after making 28 birdies and finishing 18-under-par to win the 2015 Masters. The Texas Ex (2008-09) became the youngest player to win the Masters since 21-year-old Tiger Woods in 1997. He also became the fifth man to lead the tournament from start to finish, going into the final round with a four-shot lead. Spieth, became the first wire-to-wire winner at the Masters since Raymond Floyd in 1976. This was Spieth’s third win on the PGA Tour and fifth worldwide. “What a week and day for Jordan,” former Texas men’s golf assistant coach Ryan Murphy said. “He’s a special young man and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach him during his time at Texas. His winning the Masters doesn’t surprise me. He’s as strong mentally as any young person that I’ve been around. It is a great day for the Spieth family as well as the Longhorn family.” Spieth’s win was the first by a former Texas player in a major championship since Justin Leonard won The Open Championship in 1997.

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ROUNDUP

TIME TO GO MEN OF HONOR FISHING EACH YEAR, every NFL team honors one of its players with the Ed Block Courage Award. The award is given to individuals who exemplify professionalism, great strength and dedication. In a vote by their teammates, three former Texas players — safety Michael Griffin (Tennessee Titans), defensive tackle Roy Miller (Jacksonville Jaguars) and linebacker Keenan Robinson (Washington Redskins) — are among the 32 recipients. Griffin has played with Tennessee all eight of his professional seasons. He played in all 16 games last season despite battling injuries, recording a team-high 112 tackles and two interceptions.

A TEXAS ICON: Former head coach David McWilliams demonstrated the loyalty and pride of Texas Athletics as a player, coach and an administrator.

Keenan Robinson

AVID MCWILLIAMS announced his intention to step down as co-associate athletics director of the T-Association, Texas Athletics’ letter winner alumni network, effective Aug. 31, 2015. McWilliams retires after more than 50 years of service with Texas Athletics, including time as an assistant coach under Darrell K Royal and Fred Akers, and as a football head coach from 1987-91. “I never could’ve imagined that when I first set foot on the University of Texas campus in early September 1960 that almost 55 years later I’d still be here,” McWilliams said. “My family and I have always tried to give the best we have to Texas, and certainly Texas has always given us the best it had. It’s time for me to go fishing.” McWilliams was a three-year letterman at Texas (1961-63) and played center and defensive tackle on the 1963 national championship team. After graduating, McWilliams served as assistant coach at Abilene High School for two years before becoming the school’s head coach in 1966. In 1970, Royal hired McWilliams as an assistant coach, and for the next 16 years he worked under Royal followed by Akers. McWilliams served as head coach at Texas Tech for the 1986 season. He later returned to Texas as head coach for the 1987 season and stayed through 1991. Following his coaching tenure, he stayed at Texas Athletics as an administrator. In recognition of his contributions to Texas, McWilliams will be honored on the field during the Sept. 19 game against California.

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A six-year NFL veteran, Miller played through a shoulder injury during the 2013 season, waiting until the conclusion of the year for surgery. Last season, he started the 14 games he played in, posting 30 tackles. Robinson overcame injuries his first two seasons in the NFL. He saw his rookie season end when he tore his right pectoral muscle in the 2012 Thanksgiving Day game against Dallas. In 2013, he tore his left pectoral muscle during training camp. Last season, Robinson rebounded by starting all 13 games he played in, tallying a team-high 109 tackles, including a team-best 71 solo stops.

ROUNDUP HIGHER LEARNING: After only one season with the Longhorns, Myles Turner will leave the 40 Acres for the NBA.

"I leave this job with no regrets. Instead, I look back at our time here and say 'Thank you' to all the players, coaches and staff who have worked with our program throughout the last 17 years. I am so proud of our players and their success, not only on the court, but also in the classroom and in the community. I'm humbled when I step back and think about how many of them have gone on to be such great all-around men in life."

THIS SPREAD CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY, DON BENDER, JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS, SUSAN SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS, UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY

— Former men’s basketball head coach RICK BARNES

ON THE VERGE THE TEXAS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM ended its deepest run in the NCAA Championship in 11 years with a 105-54 loss to No. 1 UConn in the Albany Regional Semifinal. Freshman guard Ariel Atkins posted 11 points, marking her 14th double-digit game this season. Junior center Imani McGee-Stafford led the Longhorns in rebounds with

seven, while junior guard Empress Davenport added five assists. As a team, the Longhorns (35-1) shot 34 percent (22-of-64) from the field and connected on 3-of-13 three-pointers. Texas lost the turnover war 18-6. The women’s team concluded the 2014-15 season, its longest stay in the NCAA Championship (Sweet 16) since the 2003-04 season. PROVING GROUNDS: Freshman Ariel Atkins led the Longhorns in their deepest NCAA tournament run in 11 years.

LOST AND ONE

RESHMAN CENTER MYLES TURNER, a McDonald’s AllAmerican while at Euless Trinity, will declare for the NBA draft, according to a video posted on YouTube by Turner’s parents. “It’s hard to say goodbye but this is a decision I had to make,” Turner said on the video. “I’ll forever be indebted to the Longhorn fans and the University of Texas.” The freshman was projected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming draft, and ESPN’s Chad Ford listed Turner as No. 10 on his draft board. The video does not address it, but the departure of head coach Rick Barnes may have solidified Turner’s decision. Barnes stepped aside after 17 seasons with the Longhorns, after 17 seasons with the Longhorns, Barnes stepped aside after Texas athletic director Steve Patterson asked for changes within his program.

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THIS SPREAD CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY, DON BENDER, JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS, SUSAN SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS, UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY

ROUNDUP

AMAZING RACE

EVERY BOAT NEEDS A NAME

HEN THE LONGHORNS hit the water for the San Diego Crew Classic, they had two new boats. But before the start of its first regatta, the Texas rowing team dedicated the new boats to influential women in Texas athletics. The first boat was named “Tina Bonci” in honor of the longtime head athletic trainer and co-director of sports medicine. The team dedicated the second boat to alumna Ruth Stiver, the first Longhorn rower in school history to be named an All-American. Bonci, a nationally renowned pioneer in the field of sports medicine, was a staple of Texas women’s athletics until her death in March 2014. “She was an incredible woman who left a great legacy,” senior captain Casey Redman said. “I got to know her on a personal level when I first came to Texas and I can truly say that she has forever impacted my life.” Bonci was known for forging close relationships with the students she treated. At the time of her death, Bonci was still a full-time employee with Texas athletics and was highly regarded for her unwavering devotion to student-athletes and consummate knowledge of sports medicine. The dedication to Stiver came at an appropriate time as the Longhorns look to return to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2004. Stiver was on that crew and helped lead Texas’ first varsity eight boat to its first two appearances in the NCAA Championships in 2003 and 2004.

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THE WRIGHT SISTERS WHEN TEXAS SOFTBALL faced off against Texas State in a two-game, home-andhome series, it was stitched together by heartstrings. The matchup placed siblings against each other. For freshman pitcher Erica Wright, who donned her No. 20 uniform proudly, another Wright bearing the same number in the visitor’s dugout tugged at her emotions. Texas State’s junior pitcher Ashley

THE TRACK & FIELD TEAM had a stellar showing at the Stanford Invitational, thanks to its distance runners. The invitational has become one of the top outdoor meets in the nation for the distance events. Craig Lutz moved his way up to No. 2 spot in Texas history in the 10,000 meters. He crossed the line in 28:33.48 to finish seventh in the top section of the meet. In a field loaded with All-Americans and professionals, Lutz was the No. 3 collegiate runner in the race. Sandie Raines impressed for the women's squad in section one of the 5,000 meters. She finished in 15:48.04 to rank as the No. 3 Longhorn in school history. She finished 14th in the top section, where post-

collegiate runners outnumbered the student-athletes to make it one of the more talented fields of the night. The 10,000-meter race was also a strong event for the women. Senior Megan Siebert finished 22nd in section one. She crossed the line in 33:37.88 to move to No. 3 in school history. “The men and women all raced well at Stanford," assistant coach Brad Herbster said. “The race that made Texas stand out was the 10k with four guys under 29:20 and Lutz just missing an automatic qualifying standard for USA's. Craig had a shot to break the school record tonight but the race went too slow in the first 5k. We look forward to having time to train for the championship part of the season."

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE: Craig Lutz moved into the No. 2 position in the school record books after his performance at the Stanford Invitational.

Wright is Wright’s older sister. They grew up supporting each other and continue to do so despite playing each other at the collegiate level. “People always ask us, ‘Are you competitive towards each other?’ but, honestly, we’re the exact opposite,” Wright said. “We both want each other to do well. It’s so great playing her; she’s my best friend.” Wright is one of the team’s strongest players. She earned Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Week honors for her

performance in the sweep of Kansas, has the best record on the staff at 10–4 and her 2.43 ERA is second best on the team. Texas has dominated the series against Texas State, winning the last 10 meetings. Head coach Connie Clark said she didn’t think the familiar faces on the other team would be a distraction. “You have fun before the game,” Clark said. “You hug them and wish them well, and then you go about your business.” MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 17

UTSA ROUNDUP

CALENDAR MAY 2015 BASEBALL

BIRDS IN FLIGHT: The Roadrunner baseball team continues to fly up the conference rankings this season.

1: at Louisiana Tech, Ruston, La., 6 p.m. 2: at Louisiana Tech, Ruston, La., 3 p.m. 3: at Louisiana Tech, Ruston, La., 1 p.m. 8: vs. Middle Tennessee, 6 p.m. 9: vs. Middle Tennessee, 2 p.m. 10: vs. Middle Tennessee, Noon 12: at Baylor, Waco, 6:30 p.m. 14: at Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C., 5 p.m. 15: at Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C., 5 p.m. 16: at Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C., Noon 20-24: Conference USA Tournament, Hattiesburg, Miss., TBA M GOLF

14-16: NCAA Regional, TBA, All Day 25-30: NCAA Championship, Bradenton, Fla., All Day W GOLF

7-9: NCAA Regional, All Day 22-27: NCAA Championship, Bradenton, Fla., All Day TRACK & FIELD

2: Longhorns Invitational, Austin, Noon 14-17: Conference USA Championships, El Paso, TBA 28-30: NCAA Preliminary Rounds, Austin, TBA

SOFTBALL

OADRUNNERS ARE NOT KNOWN for taking flight, but this season the Roadrunner baseball team is looking to change the rules. UTSA flew up the Conference USA rankings to the No. 4 position after an Easter weekend series. The Roadrunners won two of their three games against Florida International, pushing the team to a 7-5 conference record and putting them behind conference leaders Rice, Middle Tennessee and Florida Atlantic. Two of those teams were ranked in the NCAA baseball poll — Rice (12) and Florida Atlantic (17) — as of April 7. As the conference season neared the halfway mark, the Roadrunners found themselves ahead of Old Dominion, a participant in last year’s NCAA tournament, and Southern Miss, a perennial contender to punch a ticket to an NCAA regional. With series still left to play, including games against Rice and Louisiana Tech, UTSA remains focus on reaching the conference tournament. However, this season, the team wants a higher seed than the No. 7 position. In 2013, during their only campaign in the Western Athletic Conference, the Roadrunners entered the conference tournament as the seventh seed. UTSA worked its way to the championship game, where the team shocked Dallas Baptist and earned a ticket to the NCAA tournament. Last season UTSA came in as the seventh seed again, this time for its first Conference USA tournament. The Roadrunners advanced to the final, where they eventually fell to Rice. If the Roadrunners can win enough games to earn a No. 4 seed in the conference tournament they could receive an at-large NCAA bid based on the strength of Conference USA. Making the NCAA Tournament may be easier than kicking another bird off the top of the conference — the Rice Owls.

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MEN'S GOLF

IN ITS last tournament before the Conference USA Championship, the men’s golf team competed in the Texas A&M Aggie Invitational. The Roadrunners earned a 10th-place finish in a tournament that featured seven teams ranked in the top 50. J.J. Lindsey led the Roadrunners with a scorecard of 77-71-80 for a total of 228. His performance was good for 29th on the individual scoreboard.

WOMEN'S GOLF

THE WOMEN'S golf team held a matchup with Texas and Baylor at Briggs Ranch Golf Club — the same course that will host the NCAA Central Regional in May. Baylor won the two-day event with a total score of 571. Texas was second with 581 followed by UTSA with 601. Nikki Long was the top Roadrunner, finishing in a tie for fourth place on the individual board with a 1-over-par 145 over the two days.

COURTESY ERIC HUEHN/ UTSA ATHLETICS

FLYING HIGH

2: Longhorns Invitational, Austin, Noon 14-17: Conference USA Championships, El Paso, TBA 28-30: NCAA Preliminary Rounds, Austin, TBA

UTA ROUNDUP SWINGING FOR THE FENCES: Levi Scott’s solo shot in the bottom of the first gave the Mavericks their first lead in the final day of the series.

SOFTBALL

THE MAVERICK softball team extended its winning streak to five games and claimed a measure of bragging rights with a 5-1 win over North Texas on April 1. The win, UT-Arlington’s eighth in its last nine games, boosted the Mavericks’ record to 22-15. Sophomore outfielder Mallory Foster, who entered the game as the reigning Louisville Slugger/NFCA National Player of the Week, went 2-for-3 with a home run, run scored and three RBIs. Her home run was her fourth in her last three games. Pitcher Sam Montes won her fourth consecutive start and didn’t allow a hit until the fourth inning. She struck out a season-high six hitters and allowed only five hits, two walks and an unearned run. The victory improved UT Arlington’s all-time record against UNT to 27-15.

CALENDAR MAY 2015 BASEBALL

1: vs. Arkansas-Little Rock, 6:30 p.m. 2: vs. Arkansas-Little Rock, 2 p.m. 3: vs. Arkansas-Little Rock, 1 p.m. 5: at Dallas Baptist, Dallas, 6:30 p.m. 8: vs. Appalachian State, 6:30 p.m. 9: vs. Appalachian State, 2 p.m. 10: vs. Appalachian State, 1 p.m. 14: at Texas State, San Marcos, 6 p.m. 15: at Texas State, San Marcos, 3 p.m. 16: at Texas State, San Marcos, 1 p.m. SOFTBALL

2: vs. Texas State, 1 p.m./ 3 p.m. 3: vs. Texas State, Noon TRACK & FIELD

8-10: Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championships, Gulfshores, Ala., All Day M GOLF

14-16: NCAA Central Regionals, Lubbock, All Day 27: NCAA National Championship, TBD, TBD

TRACK & FIELD

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE: COURTESY ELLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY/ UTA ATHLETICS

SEVEN FOR SEVEN HE UT ARLINGTON BASEBALL TEAM hit seven runs in the seventh inning en route to an 8-1 victory on March 31 over then-No. 2 TCU at Clay Gould Ballpark. “When you have a good atmosphere and crowd like we had tonight, you want to play well,” head coach Darin Thomas said. “I’ll give our guys credit — we needed this win.” The victory improved the Mavericks’ record to 1314 overall and 4-5 in conference play. The announced attendance of 1,201 — the fourth-largest crowd in the history of Clay Gould Ballpark — witnessed the Mavericks take down a No. 2 team for the consecutive season. UT Arlington took down No. 2 Louisiana-Lafayette last April. Thomas said his team would benefit from the lopsided win over TCU. “It has been a while since we’ve had a gap in a game — one where we can breathe a bit,” he said. “This was a good team win. We pitched well, played good defense and scored when we needed to against a good club.”

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UT ARLINGTON turned in a strong showing at the 88th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. Senior sprinter Quentin Butler, who finished fourth in the 100-meter dash with a personal-best time of 10.18, led the men’s team. David Brefo placed third in the triple jump with a leap of 47 feet, 3 ¾ inches, and Heath Skelton placed fourth in the shot put (54 feet, 9½ inches). Roland Sales finished fifth in the high jump when he cleared 6 feet, 11 inches. Sophomore Tobi Fawehinmi was named the Sun Belt Conference Men’s Track & Field Athlete of the Week after he set a world Paralympic record in the triple jump with a leap of 50 feet, ½ inch. His effort broke the previous Paralympic world record by 2.5 inches. Quentin Butler MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 19

ROUNDUP

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COURTESY KURT BRADLEY

CHAMP

MEDIA VOICES

JOHNNY WALKER REVIEW THE FORMER LONGHORN REMINISCES ABOUT THE NFL COMBINE, BEING DRAFTED BY THE PACKERS AND PLAYING PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL. HE NFL COMBINE was a mind-blowing experience because it brings together the best amateur athletes in the world. Attending is an incredible honor but you have to take into account that the scouts and coaches are going to dig into everything about you. They ask you everything and anything — some people even went back and asked my high school teachers and coaches about me. The idea that they were trying PK ł J@ OKIAPDEJC negative about me made me angry. I didn’t like them prodding into my personal life but it’s part of the process. The coaches and scouts do a thorough investigation of the players, especially for those slated to go in the top rounds. The Green Bay Packers drafted me. I was disappointed by my draft round — I went in the eighth round even though I was supposed to go in the second or third. I later found out several teams were spreading the rumor that if I didn’t get @N=BPA@ EJ PDA ł NOP round that I wasn’t going to play football. The Packers called and told me they had me in the second or third round but weren’t sure if I still planned to play. 1DA ł NOP MQAOPEKJ PDAU =OGA@ IA S=O ğ!K UKQ want to play football?� I told them I wouldn’t be going through all this if I didn’t want to play. I went to the Packers’ camp and was cut after the

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE COURTESY UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY

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fourth preseason game. I returned as a member of PDAEN LN=?PE?A OMQ=@ =J@ OP=UA@ BKN IKOP KB PDA OA=OKJ That spring I switched to baseball. In the offseason I signed a free agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers and stayed with them until the third or fourth preseason game. After I was cut, I played in Canada. -NEKN PK PDA +#) !N=BP & S=O EJ IU OA?KJ@ UA=N with the Atlanta Braves minor league and I had a path to move up to the majors. If I had known this, I would’ve bypassed the opportunity with Green Bay. The Braves told me I was one of their best KQPł AH@ANO =J@ PDAU always sent their >AOP KQPł AH@ANO PK ğ1DA 0DKS ‡ I didn’t know that. The Braves didn’t tell me until the next year when I came back. But I’m not a baseball player — I just happen to play. Playing professionally never meant as much to me as the other guys. I didn’t want to play the whole season. Playing was fun and I enjoyed it, but when you have to play 162 games and then play again in the summer, I couldn’t do it. It didn’t mean that much to me. Things were different when I was at Texas. I was in the batting cages from sun up to sun down. In the majors, playing baseball was a job. There’s a big difference. At Texas I had a point to prove. When I got drafted and got paid, I had already proved my point.

JOHNNY WALKER'S RESUME • Played football and baseball at Texas from 1987-90 • Two-time All-Southwest Conference • Caught the game-winning reception to beat Oklahoma in 1989 • Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1990 (4th round)

“

THE FIRST QUESTION THEY ASKED ME WAS, “DO YOU WANT TO PLAY FOOTBALL?� I TOLD THEM I WOULDN’T BE GOING THROUGH ALL THIS IF I DIDN’T WANT TO PLAY.

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MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 21

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MEDIA VOICES

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Shane Buechele

Sizing Up Against the Best Trent Dilfer offers a comparison between a Texas commit and one of the best quarterbacks to play for the Longhorns. OMPARING PLAYERS at varying stages of their respective football careers can be a dicey proposition. Fans can get the wrong idea if an analyst doesn’t give a clear enough comparison or if the evaluation is simply wrong. ESPN NFL analyst and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Trent Dilfer lives in a world where, as the head quarterback coach of the Elite 11, comparisons aren’t only welcomed — they’re a necessity. After completing his day at The Opening Dallas Regional, Dilfer spoke highly of Arlington Lamar quarterback Shane Buechele. The four-star Texas commit, with his size (6’1”, 185), athletic ability =J@ LNAOAJ?A KJ PDA ł AH@ D=O >AAJ ?KIL=NA@ PK KJA former Longhorn quarterback. “I don’t do comparisons very often, but in this world, we do comparisons because it helps the [Elite 11] staff,” Dilfer said.“My [comparison for Buechele] was Colt McCoy. He’s probably a better passer than Colt. I’d say similar athlete, similar body, better passer.” That’s not to say Buechele is destined to be one of the winningest quarterbacks in Texas history. Dilfer, however, does see enough from the nation’s No. 4-ranked dual-threat quarterback to think he has a chance to be tremendous at the next level. His deft passing skills are a big part of what Dilfer said Buechele brings to the table. “Every year we see guys who are born to pass and I think Shane is one of those guys,” Dilfer said. “He’s pure in his stroke, he’s got functional athleticism so his feet are always underneath him, he sees it before it happens — which is hard to articulate, but trust me, I can see it.” Like McCoy, Buechele doesn’t have elite size

FROM LEFT: COURTESY HORNS247.COM, COURTESY HORNS247.COM, UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY

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and that prevents him from standing out among a group of other equally talented quarterbacks at events like the Elite 11 camp. But also like McCoy, Buechele has the ability to make things happen when the play breaks down. He also has enough athleticism and natural running ability to allow the read option to still be a part of the playbook. The bottom line is Dilfer doesn’t see height being a negative for Buechele. “He’ll make up for lack of height because he can do so many other things well,” Dilfer said. “He’ll throw thousands of yards in college because he’ll go to camp on Day 1 and spin it as well as anybody there.”

FORMER TEXAS SOFTBALL player Blaire Luna entered her third season with the USSSA Pride in the National Pro Fastpitch league this May. As a rookie in 2013, Luna posted a 2.85 ERA while appearing in 11 games. She finished with a 1-1 game record, struck out 17 batters in 19.2 innings pitched and held her opponents to a .207 batting average. Luna was born in Austin and played four years for Bowie High School, where she was an All-State selection in 2008 and 2009 by the Texas Girls Coaches Association. In 2009, she earned District 25-5A MVP honors and led Bowie to the regional finals. In 2007 and 2008, Luna led Bowie to consecutive state runner-up finishes, while posting her best ERA in 2008 (0.22). She was an instant success upon arriving at Texas in 2010, leading the Big 12 in strikeouts with 404. She finished her freshman year ranked number four in the NCAA with 11.7 strikeouts per seven innings, and finished fifth in total strikeouts. Luna recorded 30 wins as a freshman and pitched 11 shutouts. She earned Big 12 Pitcher of the Year honors and Freshman of the Year honors. In her sophomore year, Luna ended the season ranked third in the NCAA in complete-game shutouts with 16. As a junior Luna continued to shine. She finished third in the NCAA in strikeouts per seven innings (10.6). She also joined former pitcher Cat Osterman as one of two pitchers in Texas history to record 1,000 career strikeouts. In her senior year, Luna led Texas to the College World Series by throwing a no-hitter and striking out 13 in a 4-0 win over Florida State in the NCAA Austin Super Regional. It was the first time the Longhorns had appeared in the College World Series since 2006. Luna was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Week eight different times in her career as a Longhorn. MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 23

Social Buzz Got a little workout in with the wife last night; jumped in her little class and had my legs hurting! — Malcom Brown (@MalcomBrown_90)

DID YOU KNOW? 146K FACEBOOK LIKES /hornsillustrated

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Our “Reach” was over

1 MILLION during the week of 4/13-4/19 Averaged over

25K VISITS PER DAY OVER 20K POST CLICKS

Have some class Longhorn fans. This program was nothing before Barnes got here. Just say thank you for a great run and bringing the program back to being relevant. — Richard Schumacher Good luck Coach! Class act all the way. — James Pavia Rick, thanks for all you have done for UT. — Kevin Thibodeau He is and will always be a class act. — Darlene Holt Morin

We have over

8500 1100+ 1800+

Forever amazed by how quick the stadium clears out after the 4x4. — Morolake Akinosun (@BelieveMoe)

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I’m generally a kind person but if you approach me and ask if I want to buy a horse and carriage ride in Central Park I will likely cuss you out. — Katie Hoaldridge (@katiehoaldridge)

Thank you to everyone who made these four years possible. I’m truly sorry it ended this way. I will never forget or take for granted this opportunity. I was blessed to even be here

hornsillustrated.com/

HAS OVER 120K FANS IN TEXAS

AND READ BY FANS IN 152 COUNTRIES IN 2014

— Jonathan Holmes (@J_Holmes10)

Good luck to Rick Barnes! He actually made academics an important aspect of the basketball program. Check the statistics before and after his arrival. A class act and a great coach! — Janet Moore Harper Coach, you are a great coach. You put Texas on the map and you did it with in the rules and with class. You will always be a Longhorn. — Brenda Price @watsupdoc: A 60th happy birthday to Randy — a Longhorn for life!

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@HornsIllus: The Fan of the Day at a baseball game!

@ktheezy: Kory Thacker has a unique Longhorn style.

@Eric4397: This type of thing happens when you’re accepted into UT.

C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P R I G H T : A L L T W I T T E R P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y T W I T T E R . C O M , A L L O T H E R P H O T O S C O U R T E S T I N S T A G R A M . C O M A N D R E S P E C T I V E P H O T O GR A P H E R S .

When the news broke that Rick Barnes wouldn’t return for an 18th season as the men’s head basketball coach, Texas fans turned to the Horns Illustrated Facebook page to say their goodbyes.

Thinking about a lot of things. I love the company I keep. All about progression … love to see others like me shine.

JESSE DROHEN

MEET THE T-ASSOCIATION

The T-Association is an organization made up of former varsity athletics letter winners. An additional designation for the T-Association members is the T-Ring, which is awarded to an athlete who lettered for 2 or more years, who did not compete the last 2 years of eligibility anywhere other than The University of Texas and who graduated from college. David McWilliams, former Longhorn head football coach, currently serves as the executive director for the T-Association. T-Association Mission - The T-Association’s mission is to create and maintain an enhanced atmosphere and structure whereby UT student-athletes become lifetime members of The University of Texas Athletics family and are welcomed, involved and encouraged to participate during and after their college tenure. TAPN Mission - The Letter Winner’s Professional Network exists to unite the members of the T-Association on a professional level by providing networking opportunities and a database of contacts, thereby furthering the opportunities, community, education and success of Longhorn Letter Winners. CONTACT INFORMATION: t-association@athletics.utexas.edu 512.471.6864

THE HABE ON THE HORNS

A Bittersweet Ending STEVE HABEL PROVIDES HIS THOUGHTS ON BARNES’ DEPARTURE FROM THE TEXAS BASKETBALL PROGRAM. HEN TEXAS announced on March 28 that Rick Barnes would step down as the men’s basketball coach, not many people were surprised. After all, plenty of fans demanded that Barnes to step aside after Texas’ disappointing 2014-15 season, which ended in an NCAA Round of 64 loss to Butler. The naysayers and critics got their wish; but the opinion here is that the Longhorns may be worse off in the long run. They say the grass is greener on the other side, but one has to be wary that such a green patch isn’t over a septic tank. Barnes’ final press conference on the 40 Acres spelled out many of the reasons he was so respected during his 17 years as the Longhorns’ coach. He talked about his faith, family, love of his players, reliance on his assistant coaches and the fact that he would never be able to get the University of Texas out of his system. His résumé at Texas is more than just impressive. Barnes left Austin as the all-time winningest coach in program history, compiling an overall record of 402180 (.691) — an average of nearly 24 victories per year. A four-time Big 12 Conference coach of the year (1999, 2003, 2008 and 2014) and five-time National Association of Basketball Coaches District 9 coach of the year (1999, 2001, 2003, 2008 and 2014), Barnes led the Longhorns to 16 NCAA tournament appearances (14 consecutive from 1999-2012), including five trips to the NCAA Sweet 16, three to the Elite Eight and one to the Final Four (2003). The appearance at the 2003 Final Four marked the third time in school history and first since 1947 (span of 56 years) that Texas had advanced to the Final Four. Texas claimed three Big 12 Conference titles in the Barnes era (1999, 2006 and 2008). The Longhorns set a school record by recording 13 straight 20-win seasons from 1999-2000 through 2011-12. The Longhorns reached the 20-win mark a total of 15 times in 17 seasons under Barnes. After the loss to Butler, Barnes said Texas

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athletic director Steve Patterson told him he would continue on as the Longhorns’ coach in 2015-16. Something changed shortly afterwards, as the athletic department leaked that Barnes was told he needed to make changes to his staff to keep his job. Those who know Barnes understand that he would never let his assistants go just to remain at Texas, and he said so in his press conference. Barnes sat behind the table and said he was not bitter about leaving Texas and had no qualms with Patterson’s decision. However, you knew from his voice and the way it broke on occasion that the coach was upset. He still took the high road — the one less traveled these days. Patterson wasn’t at the press conference to explain his decision but did release a statement. “The university owes Rick a great deal of gratitude and respect for all he’s done to put Texas on the basketball map,” Patterson’s statement read. “He elevated our program immensely and always did it with class. He put our studentathletes first. He won with integrity.” Barnes’ standing in the college basketball community was never questioned and it took him less than 48 hours to land on his feet as the new coach at Tennessee. This reporter’s stance that Texas should have kept Barnes hasn’t changed. I thought he would remain at the helm going into next season. But Barnes wasn’t going to stay where he wasn’t wanted and work for an administration that asked him to throw his coaches under the bus. Knowing Barnes, as I did, made it impossible for him to remain as the Longhorns’ coach under those conditions. You might not realize it yet, but all Texas fans will miss Barnes — what he meant and what he stood for. I’ll miss Barnes the man, and wish him well in Knoxville. Just sayin’, ya’ know?

The Habe is Steve Habel, Horns Illustrated’s senior editor. He was the magazine’s first staff member, in 1994 and has covered Texas sports ever since. MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 25

A LITTLE SPRING IN THEIR STEP THE LONGHORNS’ WORK IN THE SPRING PUSHES THE TEAM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

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PLAYERS SHOWCASE: The annual Orange-White scrimmage gives the Longhorns an opportunity to show off the work they put in during spring drills. Johnny Tseng, for example, held nothing back as he took down Duke Catalon during an offensive play.

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RUNNING WILD: D’Onta Foreman stole the show this year after running for 66 yards on 11 carries and one touchdown.

PRING DRILLS, with a combination of execution, attitude and preparation, mark a time when college football teams build upon the previous season. For the Texas football team, the 15 days of drills leading to the annual Orange-White Scrimmage should be considered nothing short of success. This year, the Texas squad beat the Longhorns 27-16. “We’re getting better,â€? head coach Charlie Strong said. “I’ll say this —we’re a better football team now than we were the last game we played last season. Now we have to make sure that our kids compete each and every game and we have to coach better than last year.â€? Strong’s second team on the 40 Acres showed impressively, leaving the hungry B=J >=OA BQHĹ‚ HHA@ @QNEJC PDEO UA=N†O 0LNEJC Jamboree. Among the standouts was sophomore

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running back D’Onta Foreman, whose determined running racked up 66 yards on 11 carries and one touchdown. Foreman’s twin brother, Armanti, displayed his pass-catching prowess when he hauled in a scrimmage-high six passes for 77 yards for the Texas squad. True freshman linebacker Malik Jefferson showcased his sideline-to-sideline defensive work. While the rest of his class at Mesquite Poteet prepare for graduation, Jefferson had ł RA P=?GHAO BKQN KB PDAI QJ=OOEOPA@ =J@ one of those for a loss, alongside his new teammates. He also caused a fumble that redshirt freshman Edwin Freeman picked up and returned 33 yards for a touchdown for the Longhorns. Defensive ends Bryce Cottrell and Naashon Hughes showed improved play, combining to prove that the Longhorns will have options on the edge aside from expected starter Shiro Davis. And then there was the suddenly almost rock-solid performance of beleaguered LH=?AGE?GAN +E?G /KOA %A NELLA@ BKQN ł AH@

CK=HO KQP KB DEO Ĺ‚ RA ?D=J?AO EJ?HQ@EJC KJA from 52 yards. “Overall I was pleased today,â€? Strong said. “You have 15 practices in spring ball and each and every day we were looking to get better. It’s about fundamentals and technique. Over the course of the spring, even with the injuries that we had, we were able to establish some depth.â€? However, even with the team’s improvement at key positions, two huge questions still stand — and that’s a problem. First was how the team’s best offensive unit, utilizing a newly installed up-tempo attack, would fare against its best defensive group. Strong promised reporters that the spring game would have plenty of action where the No. 1 offense would face the No. 1 defense. That didn’t happen in its entirety. The scrimmage featured only a few plays where the starters lined up against each other. Strong said the spring drills would identify the Longhorns’ starting quarterback

YEAR OF THE QUARTERBACK: One question still remains after this year’s scrimmage: Who will serve as the Longhorns’ No. 1 signalcaller? Jerrod Heard may still be up for the job as he continues to close the gap between himself and Tyrone Swoopes.

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for the 2015 season opener at Notre Dame. Would incumbent Tyrone Swoopes, who went 5-7 as the No. 1 signal caller last season, keep his job or would redshirt freshman Jerrod Heard win the position? That question is still up in the air after the two players didn’t create any further separation between themselves in the spring game. Swoopes completed 17-of-31 passes for 159 yards along with a rushing touchdown while Heard went 20-of-31 for 177 yards and a touchdown on the ground. “I don’t want to turn this into a quarterback controversy,” Strong said. “Tyrone is still the No. 1 guy at this point. But it’s going to be fun with those two guys going into the summer battling it out.” They certainly battled it out during the spring game, with both ODKSEJC = CKK@ EB JKP NAł JA@ CN=OL KB PDA JAS KBBAJOA SDEHA directing their teams to touchdowns on their respective opening drives. Swoopes, running with the No. 1 offense and against the No.2 defense, marched the Texas squad 65 yards in 11 plays to start the scrimmage. He culminated the drive with a 14-yard scoring run during which it looked as if two defenders pulled up — as directed — to not put big hits on their starting quarterback. ļ& D=RA ?KJł @AJ?A EJ PDA JAS KBBAJOA =J@ PDA ?K=?DAO 0SKKLAO said. “When you’re going fast, you don’t have time to think, you have to go and react — in that sense, it’s easier. Last year, I was thinking too much.” “As a whole offense, we’ve improved,” Swoopes added. “We’re getting a lot more protection, the receivers are running good routes and the running backs are running the ball real well. I feel like it’s not just me — it’s everybody.” Heard basically matched Swoopes’ work, driving the Longhorn team of mostly second-teamers 65 yards in 10 plays against the

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ON THE OFFENSIVE: During press time, several players (including Tyrone Swoopes) commented on the offense’s overall improvement. Pictured left to right: (Camhron Hughes); D’Onta Foreman; Duke Catalon.

Duke Catalon Å‚ NOP PA=I @ABAJOA 1DA @NERA AJ@A@ SEPD %A=N@ >QNOPEJC QL PDA IE@@HA BKN = U=N@ O?KNEJC NQJ KB DEO KSJ ļ&†I @KEJC IU FK> BKN PDA PA=I ‡ %A=N@ O=E@ ļ&†I BK?QOA@ KJ I=GEJC IUOAHB >APPAN &†RA LQP IU DA=@ EJ PDA LH=U>KKG IKNA PD=J & ARAN D=RA =J@ EB & ?=J CAP IU FK> NECDP =J@ I=GA OQNA ARANUKJA AHOA EO @KEJC SAHH SA†NA CKEJC PK >A CKK@ SDAJ EP ?KIAO PK PD=P PEIA ‡ ļ&†I OPEHH HA=NJEJC ‡ %A=N@ =@@A@ ļ1DA C=IA EO OPEHH B=OPAN PD=J IA OK NECDP JKS &†I FQOP PNUEJC PK HA=NJ PDA NKLAO =J@ PNU PK LH=U PDA C=IA SEPD =J A@CA KJ IU OE@A ‡ "HARAJ LH=UANO ATLA?PA@ PK ?KJPNE>QPA KJ 0ALP BKN PDA KLAJEJC C=IA EJ 0KQPD AJ@ IEOOA@ PDA OLNEJC C=IAÄ¡ SE@A NA?AERAN /K@ANE?G ANJ=N@ Ä GJAA @ABAJOERA AJ@ =HA> HQEAPP Ä GJAA ?KNJAN>=?G 0DANKE@ "R=JO Ä GJAA @ABAJOERA P=?GHA !AOIKJ@ '=?GOKJ Ä BKKP KBBAJOERA P=?GHA !=NEQO '=IAO Ä GJAA SE@A NA?AERAN *=N?QO 'KDJOKJ Ä GJAA @ABAJOERA P=?GHA DNEO +AHOKJ Ä ODKQH@AN @ABAJOERA AJ@ !ANE?G /K>ANOKJ Ä ODKQH@AN ?KNJAN>=?G 'ANI=EJA /K>ANPO 'N Ä GJAA HEJA>=?GAN !=HPKJ 0=JPKO Ä =JGHA =J@ ?KNJAN>=?G !QGA 1DKI=O Ä =JGHA %=REJC PDKOA LH=UANO >=?G AOLA?E=HHU LNKFA?PA@ OP=NPANO HQEAPP '=IAO 0=JPKO =J@ 1DKI=O SEHH DAHL PDA )KJCDKNJO SEPD PDAEN ?KJOEOPAJ?U ļ4A D=RA PK EILNKRA >A?=QOA ARAJ SDAJ UKQ CK PDNKQCD OLNEJC LN=?PE?A =J@ UKQ S=P?D CQUO SDK ?=J I=GA LH=UO PDA ?KJOEOPAJ?U EOJ†P PDANA ‡ 0PNKJC O=E@ 0PNKJC SEHH I=GA OQNA PDA OPEJC BNKI PDA )KJCDKNJO† ODKSEJC EJ NAI=EJO EJ PDA BKNABNKJP KB DEO PA=I†O ?KJO?EKQOJAOO 1DA LH=UANO DKSARAN SEHH JAA@ PK @APANIEJA EB PDAU S=JP PD=P P=OPA S=ODA@ BNKI PDAEN ?KHHA?PERA IKQPDO ļ6KQ D=RA PK >A ?KJOEOPAJP ‡ 0PNKJC =@@A@ ļ>QP EP†O =>KQP QO =O = PA=I 1DA NALAPEPEKJ EO EILKNP=JP >QP EP†O =>KQP PDA SKNG PD=P PDA PA=I SEHH LQP EJ KRAN PDA OQIIAN =J@ EB PDAU†NA SEHHEJC PK @K EP ‡ MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 31

IN SEASON A STORIED TRADITION The 88th Clyde LittleďŹ eld Texas Relays continues to serve as a stage for the nation’s top talent. radition is a word synonymous with the University of Texas. The athletics programs run rich with pride, with each team carrying on its own traditions from one year to PDA JATP #KN PDA )KJCDKNJ PN=?G Ĺ‚AH@ PA=I PDA HU@A )EPPHAĹ‚AH@ 1AT=O /AH=UO EO KJA OQ?D PN=@EPEKJ 1DEO UA=N =PDHAPAO ?KILAPA@ EJ PDA ?KJĹ‚JAO KB *EGA *UANO 0P=@EQI >APSAAJ *=N?D =J@ *=N?D 1DA PKL ?KHHACE=PA =J@ LNKBAOOEKJ=H =PDHAPAO =HKJCOE@A DECD O?DKKH PA=IO ?=IA PKCAPDAN BKN PDA PD =JJQ=H IAAP JKS KJA KB PDA HKJCAOP NQJJEJC PN=?G Ĺ‚AH@ IAAPO EJ PDA J=PEKJ 0ARAN=H ,HUILE=JO L=NPE?EL=PA@ Â… EJ?HQ@EJC 1AT=O =HQIJE )AK *=JV=JK =J@ 1NAU %=N@AA Â… =J@ =O IAI>ANO KB PDA '=L=JAOA J=PEKJ=H team. In all, 34 states and eight countries were represented at this year’s event. 1DA 1AT=O PN=?G Ĺ‚AH@ PA=I AJPANA@ PDA ?KILAPEPEKJ =BPAN OPNKJC ODKSEJCO =P PDA 210 D=HHAJCA &JREP=PEKJ=H =J@ PDA + &J@KKN D=ILEKJODELO &J PDA 201# LNAOA=OKJ rankings, the women held the No. 3 position with the men two OHKPO >AHKS =P +K 1AT=O S=O KJA KB BKQN O?DKKHO PK D=RA >KPD EPO SKIAJ =J@ IAJ N=JGA@ EJ PDA PKL The Longhorns’ rankings only heightened expectations for PDA PA=I PK LANBKNI SAHH =P PDA /AH=UO 1AT=O D=O = SEJJEJC tradition when it comes to this particular competition, where the Longhorns hold several records. In fact, the men alone have claimed gold in the 4x100-meter relay 19 times.

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GOING THE DISTANCE: Hannah Grubb and the Longhorns looked to carry on their winning traditions at the 2015 Texas Relays.

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History does have a way of repeating itself. Manzano stole the spotlight on the second day of the Relays when he set the meet and stadium records in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:46.63. The Olympic silver medalist broke his own stadium record (1:47.34) — a record that stood for only a year. “It’s an incredible moment,�Manzano said. “I was glad I could come out here and perform at the Texas Relays on my home turf. This is something I’ve been looking forward to.� Seniors Eduardo Rodriguez and Megan Siebert represented the current Texas team, 34 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

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Ĺ‚ JEODEJC OPNKJC EJ PDAEN NAOLA?PERA ARAJPO Rodriguez won the men’s 5,000 meters with a PEIA KB ÄĄ =J@ 0EA>ANP Ĺ‚ JEODA@ OA?KJ@ EJ the women’s competition. Texas Ex Kendra Chambers won the 800-meter race with a time of 2:06.57. “This year is special,â€? Chambers said when asked to compare this Texas Relays to those of the past. “They added the women’s 800 and it’s one of my events I’m focusing on for my professional career. It’s awesome to be able to run your own event in a meet that focuses on NAH=UO 1DEO /AH=UO @AĹ‚ JEPAHU D=O PKLLA@ PDA

other years but nothing tops wearing the burnt orange on your own track.â€? “I love this track, I grew up on this track, and I’ve done a lot of hard workouts on this track when I was here,â€? she added.“It’s a blessing to be able to come back and run as a professional and give back to the community. The Longhorns’ underclassmen made history of their own, with sophomore Fabian Dohmann winning the javelin with a throw of 232 feet, 6 EJ?DAO 1DA RE?PKNU I=NGA@ 1AT=O† Ĺ‚ NOP SEJ EJ the event in 24 years, when John Poole took Ĺ‚ NOP EJ

PREVIOUS SPREAD: BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS. THIS SPREAD: PHOTOS 1-3, 6, 10, 13-17, 19-22, 24 JESSE DROHEN, ALL OTHER PHOTOS BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS

Honorees Smokey the Cannon Kendall Baisden Shelby Poncik Senoj-Jay Givans Logan Emery Mobolaji Adeokun Brady Turnbull, David Anamosa Leo Manzano Ryan Crouser Johannes Hock Johannes Hock Clint Harris Kally Long Kaitlin Petrillose Byron Robinson Starter’s Gun Hannah Grubb Chyna Ries Kaitlin Petrillose Sonya Richards-Ross, Trey Hardee Ashley Spencer Robert Uhr Will Spence Christopher Irvin Ariel Jones

“I had my team supporting me,â€? Dohmann said, “and it’s not a coincidence that I threw my best with them clapping.â€? U PDA Ĺ‚ J=H @=U KB ?KILAPEPEKJ =PDHAPAO ?=IA KQP EJ BQHH BKN?A NA=@U PK P=GA DKIA PDAEN KSJ LEA?A KB DEOPKNU &J =HH BKQN NA?KN@O BAHH KJ PDA H=OP @=U KB PDA /AH=UO 1DA )KJCDKNJO >KPD BKNIAN =J@ ?QNNAJP @E@J†P OAP =JU KB PDA =BKNAIAJPEKJA@ NA?KN@O They did, however, bring home several awards =J@ Ĺ‚ NOP LH=?A Ĺ‚ JEODAO 'QJEKN *KNKH=GA GEJKOQJ S=O J=IA@ PDA IKOP KQPOP=J@EJC ?KHHACA LANBKNIAN SDAJ ODA SKJ PDA IAPANO EJ = SEJ@ =E@A@ Ä IAPANO LAN OA?KJ@ PEIA KB OA?KJ@O 0DA =HOK =J?DKNA@ PDA RE?PKNEKQO T IAPAN NAH=U =J@ N=J PDA HA=@ HAC BKN PDA T SDE?D =HOK PKKG Ĺ‚ NOP LH=?A Äź&P S=O =J =SAOKIA ATLANEAJ?A PK SEJ PDNAA ARAJPO ‡ GEJKOQJ O=E@ Äź& PDEJG SA†RA KJHU OAAJ a glimpse at what the team’s potential is; this was = CKK@ KLAJEJC OP=NP BKN QO ‡ /U=J NKQOAN QLDAH@ DEO KSJ SEJJEJC PN=@EPEKJ ?H=EIEJC PDA ODKP LQP PEPHA BKN PDA PDEN@ consecutive year. The Longhorns ran into some hurdles Ä Ĺ‚ CQN=PERAHU @QNEJC PDA ?KILAPEPEKJ SDAPDAN EP S=O >A?=QOA KB PDA SEJ@ ?KJ@EPEKJO KN QJ?KRANEJC

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MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 35

IN SEASON

LEADING MAN: Boyer’s life experience and dedication to the team instantly positioned him as a leader within the Longhorn organization.

A FIGHTING CHANCE

The unlikeliest Longhorn looks for another chance at a no-way opportunity. OOTBALL PLAYERS, as a rule, take risks. The quarterback who stands in the pocket for an extra second runs the risk of being smothered by a defensive end rushing off the edge. That same pass rusher, in his zeal to reach the quarterback, runs the risk of getting injured by a running back who decides to dive at the defender’s knees to save his quarterback. The same running back will run the ball numerous times through the offensive line — sometimes running through a wide

F

36 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

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gap, but sometimes lying at the bottom of a pile. That risk is part of the inherent appeal of the sport. Players are impressed when their teammates “put it on the line” for the betterment of the team. Coaches sing the praises of their most courageous players. Fans adore players who do the dirty work. Under these criteria, no player in the country should be more revered than Nate Boyer. When NFL scouts convened in Austin to

test players looking for a shot at a professional career, they saw a group that looked like a team conjured up in the minds of NFL general managers: linemen big enough to bench press a pickup truck and receivers who could outrun a sports car. They also saw an older guy jump into the drills, snapping balls to punters for placekicks. If an NFL team wanted a guy who could retire before ever playing, this might be the guy. So why was he working out? What was he even doing there?

FROM LEFT: JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS, MATT HEMPEL/UNIV. OF TEXAS, BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS

claims that “everyone was a better athlete than I was,” he quickly became a favorite of the coaching staff. He didn’t have any experience at any position but he worked eagerly at whatever was asked of him. During his first season, he played wide receiver, safety and on special teams. Boyer worked intensely in practice but was not a contributor on Saturdays. “It wasn’t frustrating,” he said. “I knew the entire time that I wasn’t supposed to be there. I didn’t exactly belong athletically. The fact that I had gotten that far was cool. I just kept pushing.” At the end of that season, Boyer told thenhead coach Mack Brown that he planned to play long snapper the following year. Brown admired Boyer’s drive. Boyer put on 15 pounds that year, pushing his weight to 180 pounds. Yet he was still 70 pounds lighter than most long snappers. “I wanted to get on the field,” Boyer said. “I made the team, and in that first year I recognized where I could make a difference. I was looked at as a leader, but I thought a leader should play in the game — play meaningful snaps. That first year, the starting deep snapper and his backup graduated, so I knew where I had a chance.” If his diminutive stature didn’t leave any doubts in the coaching staff’s minds about his possible placement at deep snapper, Boyer’s

After working odd jobs and sorting out what he wanted to do after high school, Boyer read a Time magazine article about the genocide in Sudan. Moved by what he read, he wanted to help. He boarded a plane shortly after and made the journey, even though he wasn’t a part of an aid organization. Boyer, simply put, just showed up. Upon returning to the U.S., he looked for other ways to help his community and eventually enlisted in the Army. And of the 145 in his basic training class, 11 — including Boyer — were selected to join the Special Forces. Boyer served three combat tours — the first in Iraq and then in Afghanistan. Between his second and third tours, he enrolled at Texas, where he eventually met then-strength and conditioning coach Jeff “Mad Dog” Madden. After speaking with Madden, Boyer decided to take a chance and try out for the

football team. The open tryout started with six laps around the field, during which the then-29year-old Boyer lapped the entire squad. One of the marquee programs in the country, Texas boasted a roster full of blue-chip athletes — all of whom, as Madden stated, were lapped by “the old guy from the Army.” “Football was something I always wanted to do,” Boyer said. “I had never played when I was younger and I regretted that. I would’ve been fine if it had never worked out — there are greater tragedies in the world. But I wasn’t going to go to school and not try.” “I joined the military, but I didn’t grow up shooting a bunch of guns,” he continued.“I went to basic training and had no clue. I figured that out and became a Green Beret, so I assumed I could figure out football too.” His first season playing for the Longhorns was a learning process. And although Boyer MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 37

NEVER STOP BELIEVING: Although he knows his shot at playing for an NFL team is a long one, Boyer remains positive that there’s one scout who will look past his profile on paper.

decision to leave that summer likely didn’t help. He informed Brown that he wouldn’t be in Austin to train with the team over the summer. Instead, he was headed back to Afghanistan for his third tour. But when Boyer returned to Afghanistan, his luggage included a football. When his unit wasn’t engaged in combat, the soldiers spent their time in different ways. Some watched movies, some played cards or dominoes. Boyer, however, lifted weights and snapped a football … usually to no one. “I built myself a target out of plywood with some holes in it,” he recalled. “I put netting behind it so I had a target to snap to.” “It’s not a natural skill because you’re hanging between your legs, looking at an upside-down world,” Boyer said about his training. “You have to snap it as fast as you can with a perfect spiral, either 15 yards 38 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

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(to a punter) or seven to eight yards (for a placekick). It’s not natural, but it becomes natural. I did a lot of repetitions because I had to. A lot of these guys started snapping when they were kids. They went to camps. I didn’t have that luxury because I didn’t start snapping until I was in my 30s. I snapped every day and I went through growing pains while I figured it out. Honestly, I sucked for a long time. I had to get it straight and eventually, I figured it out.” The statement that Boyer figured things out is an understatement. He excelled. Because of his need to maintain speed and stamina for military life, Boyer maintained his weight at 180 pounds. With linemen with more than 100 pounds on him looking to maul each other at the line of scrimmage, the game rules to protect a deep snapper were

bigger, stronger. But if I do my job, if I’m in the right position, I don’t need to tackle the guy. I just don’t want to let him get behind me for two seconds. That’s not much to ask.” The line of scrimmage where Boyer plies his trade represents a marriage of his two worlds, football and the military. For years, the sport has been described with military vernacular, oozing with war-inspired descriptions: linebackers blitz the quarterback and quarterbacks fire off passes referred to as bullets and bombs. Coaches and players

generally acknowledge that such phrases are a stretch, applied for dramatic effect, but both sides of such parallels are personal to Boyer. Nonetheless, he insists he doesn’t mind the use of military terms to describe the sport. If anything, Boyer said his military background helped him adjust from turning soldier to football player. “If anything, it makes me laugh,” he said about the shared terminology. “In some ways, football and the military are similar, as far as teamwork, commitment and dedication.”

FROM LEFT: PATRICK MEREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS, PATRICK MEREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS, MATT HEMPEL/UNIV. OF TEXAS

rarely enforced — something Boyer realized quickly. “They’re not supposed to hit you but they do,” he said. “They should wait until your head is up. The officials don’t want you to injure your neck, but some guy is always blowing you in the head. The ref will say, ‘Stay off the snapper,’ but they never do.” “I learned to use the guys next to me,” he continued.“I have 300-pound guards at my side and they’ll tell me which way the opposition is lined up. That way I know before I look up which direction the opposition is coming from, and by the time I come up, I’ll be leaning that way. I stand my ground pretty well — I’m small, but I’m strong and I fight, so I do what I can to keep them from getting behind me.” The fact that he was substantially smaller — he now carries about 220 pounds on his 5’10” frame — than other deep snappers is less important than the fact that Boyer often acted 100 pounds heavier when facing the opposition. “These guys are highly recruited football athletes,” Boyer explained. “Whoever it is, he’s a better athlete than I am — faster,

MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 39

“A good team — the type of team I want to play for — is made up of guys not playing for themselves but for the guy next to them. That’s how it is in combat — it’s not about you. It’s about the guy on your left and the guy on your right. Everything you do is to protect him. It’s a higher mission and it’s a good mindset for a team to have as well.” If he receives the chance to play professionally, Boyer looks to join a team whose dedication matches his own. But for now, he will wait. He knows playing professionally is a long shot. Even after adding 25 more pounds since the end of the season, he’s still four pounds lighter than the lightest long snapper in the NFL last season. If 34-year-old Boyer gets on an NFL roster, he’ll be the oldest rookie in at least 20 years. 40 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

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He said NFL scouts have shown what appears to be genuine interest, although he acknowledges that it’s hard to discern whether their interest is in Boyer as a football player, or simply their admiration for Boyer’s service to his country. After all, it’s not like NFL personnel are prone to telling the truth this time of year. “It’s hard to say,” Boyer said about his chances. “I guarantee that every NFL scout is looking at that paper to see how big and old I am — they’re numbers people. That’s how the organization runs. Initially those numbers will scare them. What it comes down to is, ‘Can I do the job?’ The answer to that is yes.” “All it takes is one guy paying attention,” he continued,“watching me snap and watching me move. It’s not even taking a chance — they need to believe in me. Even coach

[Mack] Brown, who’s my biggest supporter, wouldn’t take me seriously on paper. This is about winning hearts and minds. Who knows? Maybe it will take someone saying, ‘This guy’s a great story — let’s give him a shot.’ That’s all I need. It doesn’t matter how it happens. I’m just hoping that it does.”

FROM TOP: MATT HEMPEL/UNIV. OF TEXAS, JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS

SMALL BUT MIGHTY: During his college years, Boyer weighed 70 pounds less than the average deep snapper. Yet Boyer played smart and as though he weighed 100 more pounds than the opposing team.

MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 41

Rick Barnes’ 17-year tenure as Texas men’s basketball coach renewed the program and made the Longhorns a perennial force on the national hoop landscape. Here are some of the highlights — and lowlights — of his stint on the 40 Acres. April 13, 1998

Feb. 27, 1999

March 16, 2000

Texas hires Hickory, N.C., native Rick Barnes to replace Tom Penders. Prior to accepting the position at Texas, Barnes was the head coach at Clemson for four seasons. Before Clemson, he was at Providence for six years and one year at George Mason.

&J DEO Ĺ‚NOP UA=N =P PDA DAHI =NJAO SEJO DEO only outright regular season Big 12 championship, earning Big 12 Coach of the Year honors in the process.

=NJAO C=NJANO DEO Ĺ‚NOP + PKQNJ=IAJP victory 77-61 over Indiana State. The Longhorns would go on to lose to LSU in the second round two days later.

March 12, 1999

March 22, 2002

1AT=O HKOAO PK -QN@QA EJ =NJAO† łNOP NCAA tournament game as the Longhorns’ ?K=?D 1DA C=IA I=NGA@ PDA łNOP KB OPN=ECDP appearances in the NCAAs.

=NJAO I=GAO DEO Ĺ‚NOP =LLA=N=J?A EJ PDA Sweet 16, losing to Oregon 72-70.

Dec. 2, 1998 After starting his Texas tenure with four ?KJOA?QPERA HKOOAO =NJAO Ĺ‚J=HHU ?N=?GA@ PDA win column when his team defeated Oral Roberts 87-77. 42 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

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April 5, 2003 Barnes leads Texas to the Final Four for the Ĺ‚NOP PEIA OEJ?A 1DA )KJCDKNJO ARAJPQ-

ALL PHOTOS THIS SPREAD: UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY

The Rick Barnes Era at Texas: 1998-2015

Barnes & Wendell Carter

March 30, 2008

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March 18, 2010

April 30, 2014

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March 19, 2015

!AOLEPA NAPQNJEJC =HH ł RA KB EPO OP=NPANO BNKI PDA LNAREKQO OA=OKJ =J@ =@@EJC 1QNJ AN PDA )KJCDKNJO ?=LLA@ KBB = @EO=LLKEJP March 20, 2013 BPAN IEOOEJC PDA + PKQNJ=IAJP BKN PDA EJC OA=OKJ SEPD = ł NOP NKQJ@ HKOO PK QPHAN ł NOP PEIA QJ@AN =NJAO 1AT=O HKOAO PK %KQOPKJ EJ PDA + PKQNJ=IAJP EJ PDA ł NOP NKQJ@ KB PDA & CEREJC PDA )KJC DKNJO = ł J=H NA?KN@ BKN PDA OA=OKJ March 28, 2015 BPAN UA=NO =J@ SEJO KJ PDA ?NAO =NJAO EO @EOIEOOA@ =O DA=@ ?K=?D KB March 9, 2014 =NJAO EO J=IA@ EC K=?D KB PDA 6A=N PDA IAJ†O >=OGAP>=HH PA=I BKN PDA BKQNPD PEIA =BPAN HA=@EJC 1AT=O PK = OQN ally lost to Carmelo Anthony and Syracuse in the OAIEł J=H 1DA ?=IL=ECJ … SEPD LKEJP CQ=N@ 1 ' #KN@ A=NJEJC >KPD PDA +=EOIEPD =J@ 4KK@AJ S=N@ =O LH=UAN KB PDA UA=N =J@ =NJAO SEJJEJC PDA EC K=?D KB PDA 6A=N =S=N@ …SKQH@ LNKRA PK >A =NJAO† IKOP OQ??AOOBQH KJ PDA ?NAO

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MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 43

SMART CHOICE SHAKA SMART LOOKS TO RIGHT THE PATH FOR THE MEN'S BASKETBALL PROGRAM. HEN TEXAS ATHLETIC director Steve Patterson decided that the men’s basketball program needed to take a new direction, he hired Shaka Smart. Smart, a 38-year-old dynamo of a coach, has been in high demand since he guided Virginia Commonwealth University to the Final Four in 2011. “We wanted someone who’s a great, dedicated coach,â€? Patterson said. “Someone who plays an exciting style of basketball and is interested in developing the entire group of student-athletes both on and off the court.â€? “We wanted someone who’s consistent in operating in an ethical fashion,â€? he added. “We thought of Shaka Smart — he’s the only person I interviewed.â€? Smart is now the 24th men’s basketball coach at the University of Texas. He spent the past six seasons as head coach at VCU, leading the /=IO PK PDA + PKQNJ=IAJP Ĺ‚RA PEIAO =J@ =P HA=OP SEJO @QNEJC A=?D KB DEO OA=OKJO EJ /E?DIKJ@ 0I=NP D=O =J KRAN=HH NA?KN@ KB Ä Ä˘ PDA SEJO PEA@ DEI BKN PDA OA?KJ@ IKOP PKP=H RE?PKNEAO @QNEJC PDA Ĺ‚NOP OET UA=NO KB = DA=@ ?K=?DEJC ?=NAAN EJ + DEOPKNU VCU and Duke are the only two programs in the country to have LKOPA@ =P HA=OP SEJO EJ A=?D KB PDA L=OP OET OA=OKJO “I’m looking forward to building on the past success of Texas basketball,â€? Smart said. “I embrace that history. There’s tremendous potential in this program and my job is to work extremely hard to ensure that we realize that potential. I can’t wait to get to work.â€? 0I=NP HA@ 3 2 PK = KRAN=HH NA?KN@ EJ EJ?HQ@EJC = I=NG EJ PDA PH=JPE? KJBANAJ?A =J@ = +K N=JGEJC EJ PDA Ĺ‚J=H OOK?E=PA@ -NAOO LKHH 1DA /=IO ?=LPQNA@ PDA PH=JPE? Tournament champi- onship and advanced to the second round of the + PKQNJ=IAJP >ABKNA B=HHEJC PK ,DEK 0P=PA Ä EJ KRANPEIA Over the past few seasons, Smart has turned down jobs at UCLA, North Carolina State, Minnesota and Wake Forrest to stay at VCU, but the allure — and money — from Texas was simply too good to pass up.

W

44 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

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NEW MAN IN CHARGE: Shaka Smart met with the returning players to discuss his expectations as their new head coach.

MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 45

46 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

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playing for the Longhorns and a redshirt post player who transferred from Maryland joining the squad. QP 0I=NP EO JKPDEJC ODKNP KB = D=N@ SKNGAN “I know it’s going to take hard work,� Smart said at his introductory press conference. “I met with the team right before I came here and I’m excited about rolling up my sleeves and working with them. They will like me some of the time, not all the time. We’re going to work extremely hard, and everything we do is going to be in the name of building this program and winning championships.� Texas senior center Prince Ibeh said Smart could inject a different level of communication with

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ALL PHOTOS THIS ARTICLE: JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS

“Shaka is a smart, driven coach and developer of young men who the entire basketball world has watched with admiration for some time,â€? Patterson said. “We know he can continue the upward trajectory of our basketball program.â€? Now comes the hard part. Smart inherits a team with most of its players returning from last season’s @EO=LLKEJPEJC OETPD LH=?A Ĺ‚JEOD EJ PDA EC =J@ Ĺ‚NOP NKQJ@ @ABA=P EJ PDA + O %A†O ATLA?PA@ PK get more from those players than the departed Rick =NJAO SDK S=O QJ?ANAIKJEKQOHU ODKSJ PDA @KKN =BPAN PDA ?=IL=ECJ This may seem like a tall task — even with two of the nation’s top guard recruits still committed to

In 2012-13, VCU’s 422 total steals shattered the Atlantic 10 single-season record of 352 set by Xavier in 1998-99. The 422 thefts marked the 18th-highest single-season total in NCAA Division I history. During the 2013-14 season, the Rams registered 391 steals — 21 more than any other squad. Now the new coach will have to prove that his high-pressure system can translate to a conference that’s among the best in the country. “We’ll always be aggressive,â€? Smart said.“We’ll be highly competitive. There are certain core components that won’t change.â€? “I don’t want to take away from the program — there’s only one University of Texas,â€? he added. “This is an extremely special place. There’s unbelievable potential here. We can do phenomenal things moving forward if we work together, work hard, and — forgive the pun — work smart.â€? one of the best players at Texas during Barnes’ 17year tenure, said he was excited about what Smart will bring to the program. “Shaka has earned the respect of every player he’s ever coached,â€? Ford said. “I’m proud that Texas is leading the way in Division I athletics with a strong commitment to diversity on its staff. I’m happy to stand next to Shaka today and look forward to our future together.â€? 0I=NP EO PDA Ĺ‚ NOP BNE?=J IANE?=J IAJ†O basketball coach for the Longhorns. Patterson said Smart signed a seven-year contract that averages

=>KQP IEHHEKJ LAN =JJQI SEPD PDA Ĺ‚ NOP OET UA=NO of the contract guaranteed — longer than the deal received by football coach Charlie Strong. Texas will also pay Smart’s $500,000 buyout, Patterson said, as well as play a home-and-home with VCU. “The opportunity here, at Texas, was one that we simply couldn’t pass up,â€? Smart said. 0I=NP HKRAO PK OLNA=@ PDA Ĺƒ KKN >QEH@EJC DEO reputation on his “havocâ€? attack. VCU led the country in steals per game for three consecutive seasons (2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14) and ranked fourth nationally this past year (9.5 spg).

Horns Illustrated (ISSN 1096-2573), Volume 22, Number 5. Copyright Š 2015 by Texan Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Published nine times a year (monthly in January, February, March/April, May, June, July, October, November and December) in the United States by Horns Illustrated, 1505 Ridgecrest Drive, Austin, TX 78746. Subscription inquiries: Send new or renewal notices or change of address (send both old and new addresses) to Horns Illustrated, P.O. Box 50069, Austin, TX 78763. Allow 6-8 weeks for change of address. Subscription problems: Call 855-246-7677. Subscription costs: U.S. and its possessions, oneyear basic rate, $49.95. Periodicals Postage Paid =P QOPEJ 1AT=O =J@ =@@EPEKJ=H I=EHEJC KBł ?AO POSTMASTER – send address changes to Horns Illustrated - P.O. Box 50069, Austin, TX 78763. Tel. (512) 626-8513. Publisher disclaims all responsibility to return unsolicited editorial mat-ter, and all rights in portions published vest in publisher. Letters to Horns Illustrated magazine or its editors are assumed intended for publication in whole or in part without permission from the writer. Any similarity between persons or places IAJPEKJA@ EJ PDA ł ?PEKJ KN OAIE ł ?PEKJ =J@ NA=H places or persons living or dead is coincidental. Single copies: $4.95 in U.S. MAY 2015 HORNS ILLUSTRATED 47

FINAL SCORE

This March marked head coach Charlie Strong’s first NFL Pro Day with Texas, and in his first Pro Day at the Longhorn helm, he saw 14 players perform for scouts and coaches from 25 different teams. The day was crucial for wide receivers Jaxon Shipley and John Harris, who weren’t invited to the NFL Combine. Harris, one of the Longhorns’ few offensive weapons last season, stole the show. The 6’2” receiver trimmed a few pounds off his frame and it showed in the speed and agility drills. Harris ran an unofficial 4.5 second 40-yard dash and impressed in the three-cone drill. He caught the ball well too, building upon his stellar senior season, when he became just the sixth Longhorn ever to record a 1,000-yard receiving season. “It’s a dream come true,” Harris said about participating in Pro Day. “Every guy at Texas looks forward to this moment. Coming out here and performing for NFL teams, my teammates and friends — it was a surreal moment, and I’ll cherish it forever.”

48 HORNS ILLUSTRATED

MAY 2015

PATRICK MEREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS

A LEAP OF FAITH

i HORNS ILLUSTRATED

MAY 2015