Inside Texas November 2015

NOVEMBER RAINS

TEXAS SITS AT 4-7 AND MISSES OUT ON BOWL BID

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in this issue

Burt Makes Early Impact |

by

6

Mike Blackwell

John Burt’s success is the combination of hard work with abundant skill.

24-0 |

Justin Wells Texas suffers an embarrasing shut-out on Halloween in Ames. by

5 Thoughts |

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Mike Blackwell What went wrong at Iowa State? by

Texas Runs by Kansas |

by

Bill Frisbie

Longhorns used a balanced attack to take down Jayhawks.

Frustration in Morgantown |

Justin Wells Texas outplayed West Virginia in every category, but 5 turnovers....

Tech Wins on Thanksgiving |

by

Bill Frisbie A close 48-45 loss closes out the home schedule for 2015.

A Season of Almost |

by

Chris Hall 2015 has been a frustrating series of near-successes.

Recruiting Update |

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by

Justin Wells Updates for the 2016 and 2017 classes. by

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Publishers -- Michael Pearle, Clendon Ross | Managing Editor--Clendon Ross | Editor-- Mike Blackwell InsideTexas.com Editor -- Justin Wells | Lead Writer -- Bill Frisbie | Contributor -- Ian Boyd Designer/Photographer -- Will Gallagher | Recruiting Analyst -- Eric Nahlin To Subscribe/Customer Service -- Phone: 512-659-8167 | Email: help@insidetexas.com insidetexas.com

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ONABLE TALENT

By Mike Blackwell

L

ike just about everybody else who is a part of the Texas football program, receiver John Burt is looking for answers as the end of the 2015 season draws near.

And while the answers might be few, the questions for the talented freshman are many: Will I have a new offensive coordinator in 2016? If not, will Jay Norvell stay (not likely)? Will I have a new head coach? Will next year’s offensive philosophy be vastly different than this year’s, ummm, offensive philosophy?

Most importantly, who will be my quarterback in 2016?

And will somebody please throw me the damn ball?

Answers to these questions will ultimately determine if the rangy wideout will live up to the vast promise many dreamed for the Floridian once he determined that Austin would be his college home.

Coming out of Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida, Burt really had only one overriding question: Where will I go to school?

Certainly he had options. Auburn - and his father - wanted him to be a Tiger. Then, obviously, his hometown school of Florida State was interested. And Florida, of course, he could’ve been a Gator.

Alabama. Louisville. LSU. And Miami: what talented receiver from Florida hasn’t dreamed of becoming the next Michael Irvin at one point or another?

7

- John Burt -

Then of course there was Ohio State,

return, which begs another question:

Arkansas in last year’s Texas Bowl.

ceivers in Nebraska), Ole Miss, South

Why in the world is he not returning

Finally - much to the relief of Texas

Carolina, USC. Etc., etc., etc.

kicks for the Longhorns?

head coach Charlie Strong and

Nebraska (yes, they have wide re-

Norvell (and, at the time, Texas co“It doesn’t take too long,” his high

The 6-3, 184-pound Burt put Texas

offensive coordinator Shawn Watson)

school coach, Yusuf Shakir, said

and Auburn at the top of his list, and

- Burt picked Texas.

when asked how long it took for

initially committed to Texas. He then

Burt’s game tape to impress visiting

took two visits to Auburn last fall,

“I felt pretty confident that this offense

coaches during the recruiting process.

and decommitted from Texas in early

was going to be a good fit for me,”

“Every coach that’s come through

January. A few weeks, later, though,

Burt said publically before enrolling.

here and seen the film offered him

he committed for real to the Long-

right away. He’s a phenomenal ath-

horns.

“Looking at those guys he (Strong)

lete.”

had in Louisville, I’m about their size The recruiting route was definitely

and speed. So I’m thinking, hey, if

His high school accolades are elite,

circuitous for Burt; when mom wants

they can do it in that offense, why

to say the very least. Selected to

one school (Texas) and dad wants

can’t I?”

participate in the 2015 Under Armour

another (Auburn), those types of

All-America Game, he was also

decisions become a tad convoluted.

To a much smaller extent than he

invited to participate in Nike’s 2014

Burt was also concerned - big-time

undoubtedly expected at Texas, he

The Opening. He was the 11th-ranked

concerned - about the direction of the

has performed well in 2015, albeit in

wide receiver recruit in the nation;

Texas offense, even before the Long-

a season that has been a whirlpool

he averaged 47.5 yards per kickoff

horns’ disastrous showing against

of uncertainty. He’s caught only 19

8

insidetexas.com

- John Burt -

balls entering the Thanksgiving game against Texas Tech, but has averaged almost 20 yards per reception (19.8 to be exact). He’s scored a pair of touchdowns in an offense that has turned out to be somewhat unfriendly to receivers. He earned a starting job in his first year.

His first impression under the bright lights was a good one, too: a 48yard gem against Notre Dame in the opener. The game foretold his fate for 2015: moments of island grandeur surrounded by a sea of quiet. And the inconsistency is more often than not stemming from circumstances out of Burt’s control.

Like the quarterback quandary that has resulted in small games (one catch for four yards against Oklahoma State) and the occasional large game (four catches for 113 yards against Kansas). Like a change in offensive play-callers (from Watson to Norvell).

Like the loss of one of the key coaches who recruited him (Les Koenning) last year. Like the tumult that has become the 2015 season, when his head coach has had to deny questions about his future employment.

Hence all of the questions.

Burt hasn’t been made available to the press often enough to know what he’s thinking as 2015 turns into 2016. Obviously the expectations he - and everyone else - had about him haven’t been met…yet. But the truth is, his lack of sudden stardom is, again, more a result of factors well beyond his control than anything he hasn’t done personally.

He was good enough to earn a

useful as his gaze turns toward 2016.

starting job as a freshman. He was

Chances are, most likely, he’ll have

good enough to average about 20

the same head coach. As for the other

yards a catch. He was good enough

questions - offensive coordinator?

to hone and improve his downfield

quarterback? offensive philosophy?

blocking. He was good enough - and

- well, those probably aren’t as clear-

smart enough - not to complain about

cut as Burt would like them to be.

the struggles on offense, the lack of an effective passing game, and

Regardless of what the questions

the constant drumbeat of negativity

might be, though, Burt has proven in

that pervades every losing season in

2015 that he will likely be an impor-

Austin.

tant part of the answers that will come only with the passing of more time

As for those questions, well, Burt did

when the season finally comes to an

show plenty of patience and thought-

end.

fulness in his recruiting process, so hopefully those lessons will be

insidetexas.com

9

24-0 by

by JUSTIN JUSTINWELLS WELLS

AMES — Nothing spooky about Halloween night for the Iowa State Cyclones. The only thing scarier than the fans costumes was the Longhorns performance.

It was more trick than treat in Ames.

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Photo courtesy of University of Texas Athletics

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11

- TEXAS VS IOWA STATE -

Behind the legs of Mike Warren and Joel Lanning, and a don’t-bend, don’t-break Paul Rhoads defense, ISU blew away Texas, 24-0, from Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday night.

This loss erased three weeks of positive mojo on the 40 Acres. Texas couldn’t run the ball, and never really tried to throw it, at least not downfield, as the Cyclones were the more physical, prepared team.

Lanning, RS sophomore, hit Dondre Daley on a 19-yard TD toss with 5:11 left in the 3rd quarter, giving ISU the 17-0 advantage and every ounce of momentum. It also gave the Longhorn faithful zero amount of

Photo courtesy of University of Texas Athletics

faith. To give you an idea, the Horns had been worse. Numerous times Lanning

more punts (9) than 1st downs (7) before the final drive. Add in seven 3-and-outs,

ISU’s Warren punched it in from three

misfired to open receivers. Sacks by Bryce

and your offensive is officially inept.

yards out, giving the Cyclones the early

Cottrell and Peter Jinkens kept UT close in

7-0 lead. Warren’s score punctuated an 11-

the 1st half. But those plays were few and

Add to it Heard was off all night, and the

play drive in which ISU converted three 3rd

far between in the end.

problems grew larger.

downs. Warren finished with 108 yards on 22 carries, his 5th 100-yard game.

Iowa State was clearly the more physical team. A collection of Duke Thomas, Has-

“He’s a young quarterback,” said Jay Norvell of Heard. “All young quarterbacks

Texas made some noise midway through

san Ridgeway, Malik Jefferson, Alex De La

go through good and bad. I told him that on

the 2nd quarter. Backup QB Tyrone

Torre, and Davante Davis all were down on

the sidelines.”

Swoopes converted two 1st downs from

the field at some point. The Texas training

the 18-Wheeler package, but an ill-advised

staff put in overtime in Ames.

So why Swoopes late the game?

throw by Jerrod Heard landed in the arms of Cyclones’ LB Jordan Harris.

Texas tries to get back on track next Saturday when they host Kansas, the only easy

“We just felt like we needed some rhythm,”

win left on the 2015 schedule.

Norvell said. “Jerrod was struggling seeing

The 1st half, much like the 2nd, was all

the field and completing passes and we

Iowa State. Kicker Cole Netten nailed a

just felt like Tyrone deserved an opportu-

28-yard field goal, closing out a 15-play,

“We just have to be better prepared as

nity to play, so sometimes it helps if a guy

46-yard march. It gave the Cyclones the

coaches, provide that spark for the players

stops and looks at another guy play. So

10-0 lead heading into halftime. It certainly

when they need it,” said Strong. “I thought

we thought that would be a good thing for

set the tone for an unhappy Halloween for

we were taking steps forwards. And this is

Jerrod at that point.”

the Horns.

a step backwards.”

Not only was the offense riding the struggle

Overall, ISU out-gained Texas, 228-98 in

No kidding, coach.

bus, but the defense couldn’t get off the

the opening half, and the game total wasn’t

field on 3rd downs. Again.

much better – 426 to 204. But it could have

12

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5 1

- TEXAS VS IOWA STATE -

THOUGHTS

by Mike Blackwell

Malik Jefferson

FIRST QUARTER DOLDRUMS SET THE STAGE

The first quarter foretold the difficulty awaiting the Longhorns. The Texas offense was especially dismal in the first 15 minutes: 27 total yards, -3 yards passing, two first downs.

Defensively, the Longhorns gave up only one touchdown in the period, but Iowa State managed Photo courtesy of University of Texas Athletics to convert six of eight third down conversions. Iowa State quarterback Joel Lanning ran three times on third down, picking up a first down on each run, gaining 41 yards on those carries. Lanning, by the way, was making the first collegiate start of his career against the Longhorns, and playing for a new offensive coordinator after the Cyclones canned Mark Mangino prior to the game.

The Longhorns – with their listless play in the first period – allowed the Cyclones to believe they could win the game, and Paul Rhoads’ team was certainly correct in holding on to that belief.

2

John Burt

OFFENSIVE NUMBERS

The Texas trend of ineffective passing continued in Ames, but this time, the Longhorns combined the passing struggle with an anemic running game.

D’Onta Foreman, the team’s most effective running back, didn’t play at all until late in the third period because of an injured toe, and ended the game with three yards on two carries.

Johnathan Gray had eight carries for 23 yards. The electric Heard picked up just 13 yards on nine carries.

Third downs? The Longhorns converted just two of 13.

The explosive Daje Johnson had one carry for nine yards, and caught six passes for just 37 yards. The Longhorns’ offensive line – certainly a strong suit in the last two wins – took a beating against the Cyclones’ defensive line.

Photo courtesy of University of Texas Athletics

insidetexas.com

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3

- TEXAS VS IOWA STATE -

SECOND QUARTER ISU DRIVE Perhaps the biggest drive of the night came late in the second quarter, though it certainly doesn’t jump off the stat sheet. The Iowa State offense drove 46 yards on 16 plays, a drive that ended with a 27-yard Cole Netten field goal, giving the Cyclones a 10-0 halftime lead.

The key play in the drive came with Iowa State facing a 4th-and-three situation at the Texas 36. Lanning hit Allen Lazard for five yards for the conversion. Ultimately facing a 3rd-and-goal situation at the Texas 10 with nine yards to go, a pair of defensive backs teamed up to keep the Cyclones from scoring a touchdown.

John Burt Lanning had receiver Quinton Bundrage open in the back of the end zone, but his pass was first tipped by UT’s Duke Thomas, and then knocked away from Bundrage – who got both hands on the ball – by Jason Hall. The play obviously saved more points from being scored on the drive, but the Cyclones were certainly happy with increasing their lead to 10 points.

DEFENSIVE WOES The Texas defense probably played well enough to win the game early – it was just 10-0 at halftime – but that might be overly generous when assessing a unit that failed to force a turnover.

4

The Longhorns’ struggles on getting off the field on third downs continued. Iowa State converted a whopping 15 of 24 third downs in the game against Texas, who missed way too many tackles in the contest. Lanning finished the game 19 of 37 for 188 yards, but it could’ve been much more: he had a handful of drops and also threw some passes to open receivers that fell short of the mark. He also rushed 13 times for 64 yards.

By the time the Longhorns fell behind 17-0 in the third quarter, Texas appeared to be wearing down on the defensive side of the ball, which can also be blamed on the Texas offense: the Cyclones had the ball for 37:25 minutes, while Texas had it for Photo courtesy of University of Texas Athletics 22:35 – a hard to fathom time of possession margin. Add to that the rushing total of outstanding ISU running back Mike Warren – 32 carries for 157 yards – and the defensive woes certainly was a key ingredient in the loss.

5

Jerrod Heard

HEARD, PASSING GAME STRUGGLES Jerrod Heard looked every bit the first-year, (redshirt) freshman starter against the Cyclones. His final numbers: six of nine for 26 yards and one interception. Those stats could’ve been worse, as Iowa State dropped two potential picks in the first half, one deep in Texas territory.

Strong decided to go with Swoopes for good at the beginning of the fourth quarter after Texas fell behind 17-0. Swoopes finished the game with six completions in 13 attempts for 59 yards, with no real opportunity to run the 18 Wheeler package, save for one brief drive in the second period. The Longhorns had no vertical passing game at all, except for one play which typified the Texas passing game struggle: with just over nine minutes left in the game, Swoopes had Johnson wide open down the field in front of the Iowa State bench. The ball was thrown slightly behind the receiver, who caught the ball but could not get his foot down in bounds. The next play, 3rd and four, produced another pass slightly behind Johnson, who dropped it. Unhappy Halloween.

14

Photo courtesy of University of Texas Athletics

insidetexas.com

- TEXAS VS IOWA STATE -

WHAT THEY SAID...

CHARLIE STRONG “We have to be a better prepared team and a bet-

DUKE THOMAS

ter focused team on the

“It’s definitely a tough

road. From a coach’s per-

loss. I don’t like losing at

spective, we have to get

all.

our players going. From our perspective, the lead-

Coming into this game,

ership has to take over, we

knowing it was their

do not have enough senior

homecoming we had to

leaders, it is our job to

play with pride, and we

make it happen.

didn’t make that happen.”

On defense, we have to get off the field on third down, they made some plays that kept drives going. On offense, we never converted on third down, I think we went 2-of-13 on third down, we just have to play better. We thought we were taking steps forward, this was a step back.”

DYLAN HAINES “Offensively we couldn’t get anything going, but on defense we didn’t help them out at all, especially on third down. We’re going to look back on this game and see that we’re not executing on third down and this is not the team that played against OU and K-State, so we just have to continue to play better and execute and that just comes with preparation, It is a one-game season so this one is done so we just have to prepare for Kansas next at home.”

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28 238 188 15-24 0 37:25 15

TEXAS TOO M

BY BILL FRISBIE

AUSTIN - There aren’t many places these days, outside of Austin or Las Vegas, where Texas’ 59-20 thumping of lowly Kansas makes much difference.

The only question is whether Texas can generate from Saturday’s mismatch the momentum it failed to sustain after stunning Oklahoma and now ride that surge toward bowl eligibility.

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MUCH FOR KU

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17

- TEXAS vs KANSAS -

“D

on’t write that we turned the corner,” quipped Longhorns coach Charlie Strong.

Backup Tyrone Swoopes, of course, drives the 18-Wheeler in short-

yardage and goal-line situations while playing all but the final minute of the fourth quarter. He became the first Longhorn of the Charlie

Sorry, Charlie. Some of us have already done that. Twice.

Strong Era to rush for four TDs in a single game.

“Every time you build us up, we crash and burn,” he joked.

“We came in at halftime and knew that we could play a lot better,”

Indeed, confidence and momentum remain tenuous during Strong’s

mindset.”

22-game tenure. The only constant, it seems, has been the annual,

Swoopes said. “We came out in the second half with a different

double-digit dismantling of a Jayhawk program that has now dropped

True to form, Jerrod Heard mixed moments of raw excellence with

close for 30 minutes before Texas ran away (literally) from the visitors.

inside the 10 while attempting a pass as he was sacked). He finished

12 straight and 17 of its last 18. This one, though, was unsettlingly

Texas nursed a 10-point halftime lead after mustering just 33 yards in

head-scratching foolishness (most notably, a second-quarter fumble 13-of-23 for 201 yards while netting 39 yards on the ground.

the second quarter before D’Onta Foreman nearly tripled that rushing

Five minutes before kickoff, I announced in the press box that Texas’

second half was the third-longest rush in school history (The honor

Burt. It was an educated guess given that Texas needed to jumpstart

total in one play. His 93-yard TD run on Texas’ second series of the

first play from scrimmage would be a play-action pass to WR John a passing game that had been

grounded for three weeks and,

frankly, had little to lose against

college football’s worst defense.

Well, 84 yards later, Heard’s play-

action scoring toss to Burt was the

second-longest pass by a Longhorn freshman in program history.

Heard picked on LCB Marnez

Ogletree a second time when he

connected with Lorenzo Joe for 37 yards to the Kansas 30. It set-up

Nick Rose’s 29-yard FG to cap a nine-play drive.

FS Dylan Haines showed blitz, then dropped back into coverage, and

came up with his fourth INT of the season on KU’s third possession.

The junior sprinted 36 yards down the left sideline to set up 1st-andgoal from the 4. Two plays later,

Jason Hall

Swoopes muscled his way into the end zone off the power-counter to spot Texas a 17-0 cushion at the

still belongs to Chris Gilbert for his 94-yard run against TCU in 1967).

6:51 mark.

as Texas finished with 598 yards with nearly 400 of that total produced

Texas’ bend-don’t-break defense was wildly erratic against the

It also ignited an offense against the Big 12’s second-worst defense in the second half.

“I told our players at halftime that (Kansas) was playing harder than us,” Strong said.

The final stat sheet reveals an offense that couldn’t have been more

balanced with 299 yards both passing and rushing. The same balance was nearly struck between Texas’ QBs.

18

league’s worst scoring offense (16.5 ppg) and worst rushing offense.

To their credit, the ‘Horns twice kept Kansas out of the end zone after a pair of 2nd quarter drives reached the 5-yard line.

Vance Bedford’s bunch recorded six sacks, three INTs (two belonged to freshman S DeShon Elliott) and forced a goal line fumble. But

freshman QB Ryan Ellis found success with quick-hitters and dumpoffs in the flats to finish with 214 yards on 17-of-34 passing. Kansas

tallied a 1st quarter TD in conference play for just the second time this

insidetexas.com

- TEXAS vs KANSAS-

season when Ellis engineered an 87 yards

drive, hitting three-of-four passes for 61 yards.

The momentum was

Kirk Johnson recovered a muffed KU punt

return at the visitors’ 17, resulting in Swoopes’ 1-yard plunge five snaps later. That made

it a 24-7 scoreboard just three minutes into second quarter despite the fact nearly half of Texas’ yards had come on the opening

toss to Burt. The fumble recovery, combined with Haines’ INT-return, shorted the field so

considerably that two Texas TD drives totaled just 21 yards.

The Jayhawks quickly answered and made it

look easy, movingthe chains on 3rd-and-5, on

3rd-and-10 and on 3rd-and-6 on their opening

march of the second quarter. De’Andre Mann’s one-yard TD run up the middle capped a

Tyrone Swoopes

12-play, 59-yard and, suddenly, the Jayhawks were back in this one at 24-14.

then connected with Burt for 18 down the right sideline to set up 1st-

Kansas recovered a Heard fumble at the Texas seven and, now, the

lowly Jayhawks smelled blood against a once-proud program. But on 4th-and-goal from the 1, Jason Hall forced a Mann fumble into the

back of the north end zone. The Horns took over on downs inside the

one since, by rule, only the player who fumbles into the end zone may recover.

“We knew we were playing slow on defense,” SLB Peter Jinkens said.

“I knew I wasn’t playing to the best of my abilities. Everybody got their minds right and we came out and do really well in the second half.”

The Jayhawks remained in prime real estate, however following

Michael Dickson’s 35-yard punt. They moved the chains, ah-gain, on 3rd-and-long when a screen pass netted 12 to the Texas 29 on 3rd-

and-9. For the second time in as many series, Texas dodged a bullet.

Nick Bortolotta’s 26-yard FG attempt bounced off the right upright as time expired.

and-goal from the nine. From there, Foreman run untouched up the middle to break this one open at 38-14.

The defense forced an incompletion on 4th-and-8 from the 32 (Credit

Duke Thomas with bringing the heat. The senior wore No. 28 to honor Freddie Steinmark prior to this week’s release ‘My All-American’).

Armanti Foreman made a great adjustment on Swoopes’ slightly

underthrown ball for a 40-yard catch the left sideline. It was a 45-14 scoreboard just six seconds into final frame, but the Horns weren’t

done. Elliot came up with his first career INT and returned it five yards to the Texas 48. Two snaps later, the 18-Wheeler careened 44 yards into the end zone to push the lead to 38.

Swoopes notched his fourth rushing TD of the night on a 10-yard run which, officially, was a scoop-and-score rather than a carry. That’s

because there were two fumbles on the play. KU LB Courtney Arnick fumbled while trying to advance RB Kirk Johnson’s fumble at the 10,

“We put together a nice drive to get the ball down there towards the

end to atone for the previous drive where we weren’t able to convert fourth down,” said KU coach David Beaty. “That was a momentum changer. That was a big play for them.”

There was no bigger play Saturday than Foreman’s 93-yard TD sprint.

(Give an assist to freshmen LT Connor Williams for a great block on

the edge). Foreman finished with a game-high 157 yards on 12 totes.

A 31-14 scoreboard gave Heard some breathing room as he responded with his best series of the evening. First, he moved the chains on

3rd-and-six when he found Ryan Newsome for eight to the Kansas 41.

Then, on 4th-and-5, he hit Daje Johnson over the middle with a 9-yard

and Swoopes was in the right place at the right time. The result was a nine-play, 86-yard drive and a 59-14 runaway.

“That play was just lucky,” Swoopes said.

It was one of the few times this season that Texas had luck on its

sideline. Texas is still looking for its first road win of the season, and

must win at least one contest outside of Austin just to be bowl eligible.

For one night, at least, it felt good just to get a win – albeit against the Big 12’s perennial cellar-dweller.

“A win is a win,” said Bryce Cottrell. “At the end of the day, it’s better than a loss no matter who you play.”

dart that, arguably, was his most impressive completion in weeks. He

insidetexas.com

19

- TEXAS vs KANSAS -

WHAT THEY SAID...

JOHN BURT “ I’m not sure what it was.

DUKE THOMAS

All I can do is go out there and run what the coaches call every week. The coaches decided to throw a shot the first play of the game. All I can say is “yes sir” and go out there and run it.”

DYLAN HAINES

“It meant a lot. That’s a big stage putting “I had an angle down the sideline

on that number. It meant I lot. I knew that

and I thought for sure I could run

every play out there, I wasn’t just playing

around the quarterback and score.

for myself. It was definitely big... Coach

I think I got around that one player

told us who we were playing for. Coach let

and I was going to put a move, but

us know Steinmark and what he stood for,

he got me on the back of my heel, so he tripped me up, so I thought I might as well go down and hang on to the ball.”

the pride and everything that goes with the tradition of the program. Having that jersey on, having the throwback, and having the guys out there able to watch us meant a lot to us.”

59 - 20 20 299 299 6-13 1 27:37

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FIRST DOWNS RUSHING YARDS PASSING YARDS THIRD DOWNS TURNOVERS TIME OF POSSESSION

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23 192 234 9-20 4 32:23

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21

DAY OF MISTAKES

MORGANTOWN - TEXAS NEEDED TO PLAY A REALLY SOLID GAME TO LEAVE WEST VIRGINIA WITH A WIN. THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN.

22

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IN MORGANTOWN by justin wells

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23

Photo courtesy of University of Texas Athletics

- TEXAS vs WEST VIRGINIA -

W

est Virginia turned five

ttNick Rose got the scoring started with a

“We kept shooting ourselves in the foot,”

Texas turnovers into 24

31-yard field goal early in the 1st. It was

Dylan Haines said.

points, got solid efforts from

only after a Heard 35-yard TD was called

Skylar Howard and Wendell Smallwood,

back on a Connor Williams holding call.

Foreman would get redemption on the

and hoisted coach Dana Holgorsen in a

From penalties at the most inopportune

very next carry. He took a sprint draw 65

crowd surf in the locker room after they

time, to situational defense, Texas leads

yards to the house, untouched. It gave

defeated UT, 38-20, in front of 56,736 at

the Big 12 is snatching defeat from the

Texas the lead back, 10-7, at the 3:39

Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday.

jaws of victory.

mark of the 1st quarter.

The loss moves Texas to 4-6 on the year

West Virginia got on the board when

WVU’s Elijah Wellman capped an 8-play,

and makes the possibility of a bowl game

a Heard-to-Foreman exchange hit the

56-yard drive with a 1-yard scoring

very unlikely in 2015.

West Virginia turf and LB Jared Barber

plunge, giving the Mountaineers the lead

scooped it up and went 45 yards for the

back, 14-10, with 8:17 remaining in the

It started rolling downhill with just under

score. It gave WVU the 7-3 advantage

1st half.

two minutes left in the 1st half when

just under seven minutes into the open-

Texas QB Tyrone Swoopes fumbled the

ing quarter.

ball at the WVU 26. Mountaineers take

“It hurt us,” said Jay Norvell, about the turnovers. “We were very good in a lot

over and four plays later, Howard hits Jerrod Heard

Jovon Durante with a perfect 53-yard TD pitch-and-catch. It gave West Virginia a commanding 21-10 lead right before the half. And every ounce of momentum.

“In some games, we have (shown progress),” said head coach Charlie Strong.

“In some, we haven’t played well. But we’ve competed, and this was there for us to take it. Five turnovers is hard to overcome. We’ve played well despite the mistakes. We can only continue to battle.”

A quick look at the stat sheet shows this game was closer than the score indicates. Texas had more yards (439-379), converted more 3rd downs, and did it at a higher percentage. But the only stat that counts; the scoreboard.

“We played well enough,” said Strong.

“We just had to eliminate the mistakes we made. The biggest point was right there before half when we were driving the ball ( and then fumbled it), and then they went down there and scored right

Photo courtesy of University of Texas Athletics

before half.”

24

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- TEXAS vs WEST VIRGINIA -

of areas, but those were the killers. We

Pat Moorer

didn’t preform today like we’re capable of. We didn’t make enough plays. We made too many mistakes. We have to do a better job upfront and with our ball carriers.”

Foreman, sophomore, continued his torrid pace. He netted 147 yards on the ground, 103 in the 1st half, before leaving the game with a hand injury early in the 3rd, only to return two series later. Of Foreman’s five TD runs in 2015, they’ve covered almost 40 yards a pop.

Texas opens the 2nd half with a methodical 15-play, 80-yard drive, culminated in

Photo courtesy of University of Texas Athletics

a Heard to Daje Johnson 5-yard scoring

ball over so many times when you know

man, has to help out his QB and come

toss on 3rd down inside the 10. It brought

you’re on the road and you’ve got to

back to the ball. Heard was picked off by

UT within four, 21-17, with 8:33 left in the

protect the football,” Strong remarked.

Nick Kwiatkowski two drives later, with

3rd.

a Rose 34-yard field goal sandwiched in At one point, Texas was like a scene from

between.

Then West Virginia answered.

the television show, M.A.S.H.

Howard hit Daikiel Shorts Jr for a 6-yard

Davante Davis, Paul Boyette, Johna-

with 11 stops, while fellow freshman,

TD pass, midway in the 3rd quarter,

than Gray, Patrick Vahe, Kris Boyd, and

Davante Davis, added an interception on

giving WVU the 28-17 margin. They

Foreman all made appearances in the

West Virginia’s opening drive.

widened that when Boyd fumbled the

locker room. Vahe was seen on crutches

ensuing kickoff, only to be recovered by

with his left knee in a brace, and Strong

At the post-game press conference, it

the Mountaineers. Kicker Josh Lam-

mentioned Gray’s foot was injured.

was the most defeated I’ve seen Charlie

Freshman Malik Jefferson led all tacklers

bert connected on a 20-yard field goal

Strong at Texas. But he offered Longhorn

exchanging the turnover for points, and

Texas was still within distance with just

fans a ray of hope even if he didn’t quite

giving WVU the 31-17 lead with 14:57 left

under 12:00 minutes left in the contest,

believe what he was saying.

ot play in the 4th.

but Heard was intercepted by Darryl

“That’s what’s frustrating, turning the

Worley in the end zone on 4th down. A

“We’ve still got two games left, so you’ve

play that wide receiver, Armanti Fore-

still got a chance.”

Join the Conversation www.insidetexas.com insidetexas.com

25

- TEXAS vs WEST VIRGINIA -

WHAT THEY SAID...

CHARLIE STRONG “We had five turnovers and a number

DAJE JOHNSON

of penalties. It’s tough to win a game especially on the road. We played well enough and if we could just eliminate some mistakes that we made. Probably the biggest turning point was right there just before the half. We had momentum. We were driving the ball and then turned the ball over. Then they take the ball and go score right before half.”

“Hey man, Jerrod, he’s a baller. He’s going to come play every week, so I’m excited for him, and I’m excited for his success, and I

JERROD HEARD “I told them that we are going to get this ball in the end zone. I have faith in them, and Coach (Strong) called the play. I just relied on

just hope he plays like that every week and just leads the team to victory, because the team is going to get even better. We’re getting better each week.”

those guys and did my part. I just keep talking to them and try to be that motivator. I knew we were going to come back and fight and that it would be a shootout in the end.”

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OUTGUNNED ON

AUSTIN - If all Charlie Strong needs is a couple of competitive, narrow

losses in his last two game to keep the wolves at bay, Texas’ second-year coach got at least that much from his injury-riddled Horns Thursday after falling to Texas Tech, 48-45.

28

THANKSGIVING

by Bill Frisbie

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- TEXAS vs TEXAS TECH -

I

t’s just that there are too many boosters with ridiculously deep pockets who insist the program should never come

to this.

Thursday’s setback is just the latest for Strong’s program that is so-close-and-yetso-far from turning the corner toward its former prominence.

I believe every head coach deserves a third season with a chance to earn a fourth, but with this caveat: the second year is usually a solid barometer of the program’s trajectory. That is, two seasons is enough to tell you where this train is headed. So, how do you measure the progress of a fiery, likeable coach whose record now stands at 10-14 and is uncharacteristically shut out of the bowl season?

Daje Johnson

There isn’t much that’s quantifiable (other than the roster’s excess of youth) that presents a solid argument for Strong’s return. In his case, the measurables are the intangibles. Chief among them, it seems, is the heightened level of resolve and fight within the program, players have said.

It was a sentiment that Strong echoed shortly after Texas Tech won in Austin for the first times since 1997.

“I told our players that I was so proud of just how hard they played,” Strong said.

“They kept playing. Even when they were down, they kept playing and kept fighting.

That’s what you want to see.”

The fact that Texas rallied from a 14-point deficit only to lose its lead in the final three minutes made this one as excruciating as the home losses to California and Oklahoma State. DeAndre Washington’s 2-yard TD rush up the middle spotted TTU a 24-10 lead on its first series of the second half. But thanks largely to freshman RB Chris Warren III’s record-setting 276 rush-

30

ing yards, the Horns were able to match

By halftime, Texas’ walking wounded filled

the nation’s No. 2 offense point-per-point.

the M.A.S.H unit to overflowing. Joining

Tyrone Swoopes’ 46-yard TD run gave

RB Johnathan Gray, RB D’Onta Foreman

Texas a brief 38-34 lead midway through

and RG Patrick Vahe were: NT Desmond

the fourth quarter.

Jackson (flu), SLB Peter Jinkins (knee), MLB Malik Jefferson (ankle), RB Kirk

It took TTU just 1:36 to answer and take

Johnson (left leg), DT Poona Ford (head)

the lead for good. It was Tech’s first win in

and, of course, Jerrod Heard after sustain-

Austin since 1997 and just its third in the

ing a head injury in the first quarter.

series in 17 years. It was also the fourth time in six seasons that Senior Night in

The one bright spot for Texas, of course,

Austin ended with a loss.

was Warren’s splendid debut (albeit against the second-to-worst defense in

“We’re in a rebuilding phase right now and

college football). His 276 yards rushing is

it’s taking longer than a lot of us expected,”

the most by a freshman in program history

said senior DE Shiro Davis. “Once we get

and No. 6 all-time. Warren described his

it turned around, Texas is going to be a

running style as “downhill, fast at times

team to look out for. I just hate I can’t be

and to the point.”

on that team.”

“I’ve been ready all season,” Warren said.

Strong takes a ‘next man up’ approach

“I’ve just been waiting my turn. That’s how

when it comes to injuries, but the injuries

it is as a freshman.”

that continued to mount on a rain-soaked night bordered on surreal. At one point,

Warren entered the game No. 4 in the

seven Longhorn defensive starters were

pecking order but became the bell cow

sidelined with injuries and ailments.

after injuries took its toll.

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- TEXAS vs TEXAS TECH -

De La Torre, after the defense forced at

and-four and then exited the game (head

“We didn’t have enough carries (this

three-and-out, nullified Johnson’s 27-yard

injury). Next, Swoopes overthrew a w-i-d-e

season) for all of (our backs) but we knew

punt return. A new package featuring

open Joe down the right sideline on 3rd-

what we had in him,” Strong said. “He’s a

Swoopes and Heard in the same backfield

and-12 from the 17. Then, Swoopes was

big, strong physical runner. He can break

went nowhere.

intercepted when Nigel Bethel outfought

tackles and he run through people.”

Marcus Johnson on a jump ball at the TTU Texas did very little with Holton Hill’s

39.

Tech countered with 293 rushing yards

fumble recovery at the TTU 41. (Credit

and another 372 through the air. Although

MLB Malik Jefferson with the forced

Until now, Texas’ bend-don’t-break de-

Texas ran for 403 yards, the passing

fumble at the end of Devin Lauderdale’s

fense had been borderline spectacular.

game (or, lack thereof) continues to render

10-yard reception). Freshman RB Kirk

Save for the freak play, Tech had managed

the offense one-dimensional. Heard and

Johnson’s 32-yard dash around right end

a 51-yard FG for its only sustained, scor-

Strong combined for just 64 yards passing

set up 1st-and-goal from the nine, but the

ing drive. But Texas’ defense needed its

on 23 attempts. For all the good Swoopes

Horns settled for a 32-yard Nick Rose FG

stuck-in-neutral offense to at least move

has accomplished with the 18-Wheeler

to open the second quarter.

the chains once or twice just to flip the field

package, the overthrows from the thirdyear player is stunning.

position.

Then came the play that encapsulates Texas’ near-misses this season. It was

The offense responded in a big way. War-

Swoopes overthrew a w-i-d-e open Lo-

a freakish sequence that saw a Patrick

ren’s 91-yard TD run broke five tackles for

renzo Joe in the first half. But no misfire is

Mahomes’ pass richote off Hill’s hands and

the longest run by a Texas freshman in

more glaring than his last gasp attempt to

into the mitts of Jakeem Grant. Instead of

program history.

Daje Johnson on 4th-and-seven in the final

forcing the third turnover of the half, the

two minutes.

result was a 65-yard tip-drill TD reception.

Said Strong: “We’re not going to question

The play seemed to set Texas back for

But Caleb Bluiett fumbled at the Texas 34

it now. They had press coverage outside

three straight offensive series: First, Heard

following an eight-yard catch. Mahomes

so we weren’t going to be able to get the

was sacked for an 8-yard loss on 3rd-

never put the ball in the air on a five-play

Texas had 4:24 to break the deadlock and carry the momentum into the locker room.

slant. Daje had the guy beat. We just didn’t make the connection.”

Said playcaller Jay Norvell: “I thought we had the right play on. We had one-on-one coverage with Daje. We just didn’t make the play.”

Said Swoopes: “We throw that route every day in practice, and I just missed it that time.”

The Red Raiders reached the Texas 29 on their opening drive but, on 4th-and-9, FS Dylan Haines came up with his fifth INT of the season. The Horns drove 23 yards to their own 47 before a false start, followed by a holding penalty, snuffed the series.

Tyrone Swoopes

An illegal block in the back against Alex

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31

- TEXAS vs TEXAS TECH -

Dylan Haines

scoring drive. His one-yard keeper spotted

the Texas nine. The visitors settled for a

Deal is, Texas had the ball last. Sort of.

TTU a 17-10 halftime lead.

37-yard FG after Mahomes was thrown for

Texas found itself in the 4th-and-seven

a nine-yard loss on third-down.

predicament after Connor Williams was

Tech took a 17-10 lead after a rain soaked half.

whistled as an ineligible receiver and neDaje Johnson’s 54-yard return spotted

gated what would have been 2nd-and-two.

Texas at the TTU 40. It set up Warren’s Tech ran circles around Texas’ piece-

23-yard TD run to pull Texas within three

Again, the season in a nutshell: a mistake

mealed defense on its opening series of

with 1:36 left in the third. Texas Tech

here, a missed opportunity there.

the second half. Most of the damage was

continued to run through, over and around

done on the ground during its 12-play, 91-

Texas’ defense. Washington’s 16-yard

Players point out the season is not over,

yard march that culminated with DeAndre

TD run was right up the gut to regain the

but they also recognize Saturday’s finale

Washington’s two-yard TD run.

10-point lead for the visitors. Swoopes’

at Baylor is now for pride. It still may have

one-yard plunge capped the 77-yard,

some bearing on Strong’s tenure.

This one looked like it was going to head

eight-play response.

south until nickel back Bonney forced

“If you look at what we have,” Strong said,

an Ian Sadler fumble that DE Charles

Swoopes would give Texas a brief 38-34

Omenihu recovered at the Tech 28. It set

lead during its next series but, with the

up Warren’s 21-yard TD run that saw the

tempo resembling basketball-on-grass,

The big question, of course, is how much

freshman break three tackles. But Devin

the victor would likely be whoever had the

of that future Strong will be around to see.

Lauderdale’s 59-yard catch-and-run put

ball last.

the Red Raiders in prime real estate at

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“the future is very bright.”

- TEXAS vs TEXAS TECH -

WHAT THEY SAID...

DUKE THOMAS “It’s definitely frustrating. You go through the offseason and you go through

SHIRO DAVIS

your senior year you don’t just expect this season to happen. But, I know we laid down a good foundation and next week we have to get a win.”

“I personally think the staff is great. We are just in a rebuilding phase right now and it’s

CHRIS WARREN III “ I’ve been ready all season. I’ve

taking a little while longer than expected

just been waiting my turn, that’s

but once we get it turned around Texas will

how it is as a freshman. You have

definitely be a team to look out for. I’m just

to make sure you know that you’re

sad I can’t be on that team.”

behind and just have to work your way up or you just wait for your opportunity to come.”

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2015 SEASON DEFINED I

Heartbreak is something Longhorns have become all too familiar with this year.

Texas lost a close game to the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Thanksgiving. That ensured they won’t finish with a .500 record, or become bowl eligible for “Happy Holidays” this year. The saddest thing is not that the Longhorns lost, but the way they lost: fighting hard and coming up short — again.

36

Lorenzo Joe

insidetexas.com

N ONE WORD: ALMOST

by Chris Hall

37

- a season of almost -

T

here were more injuries than I thought possible within the

Grant nabbed a deflected pass off cornerback Holton Hill’s hands that

span of four hours. Jerrod Heard (quarterback), Dylan Haines

was originally intended for a different receiver. He then ran 65 yards

(safety), Kirk Johnson (running back), Malik Jefferson and

(nearly untouched) and gave Tech a 7-3 lead in the 2nd quarter. To

Peter Jinkens (linebacker), Hassan Ridgeway (defensive tackle), and

be fair to Hill, Tech receiver Devin Lauderdale collided with him and

Caleb Bluiett (tight end) were all sidelined at some point during the

popped the near interception out and into the air for Grant to grab.

game. But that was just during the game.

It was an incredible play, but incredibly believable at the same time Running backs Johnathan Gray and D’Onta Foreman, right guard

because it happened to the Texas.

Patrick Vahe, and defensive tackle Tank Jackson were out before the game ever began. By the end of the night, Texas was without eight

That one play embodies the entirety of Charlie Strong’s second

starters, including QB1, RB1, both linebackers and defensive tackles.

season.

That meant even more young guys had to step up against one of the

A young, talented player, is poised at the right place and at the right

best offensive units in the country. And they did; Texas only lost late,

time to emphatically turn the game’s momentum. The Longhorn Net-

48-45.

work, and all of Longhorn Nation, is poised to have something positive to talk about for the upcoming week.

Injuries and youth movement aside, one play in particular was symbolic of Texas’ 2015 season. That play was Jakeem Grant’s miracle TD

But somehow, inexplicably, the only disastrous thing that could pos-

catch, in which he did his best Franco Harris impersonation as seen in

sibly happen in that situation does. Thus, everyone is left mad, sad,

the “Immaculate Reception.”

and grasping at straws for how the program could have ever sunk to

Daje Johnson

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- a season of almost -

its current depths. It’s the same episode again and again.

The entire season can be defined in one word: Almost.

CAL The Cal game was Jerrod Heard’s grand introduction to the world of college football.

It was a gunslinging, high-scoring shootout between the son of Spike Dykes (with his NFL-caliber quarterback) and the new sheriff in town, Strong (with plenty of “Juice” in his new found offense).

Heard’s record-setting performance was only topped by his last minute comeback. The Longhorns drove the length of the field and scored in the final two minutes of the game.

That score would tie the game, and with a win in overtime, firmly establish Heard’s legend in the lore of Texas football.

Armanti Foreman

Those 25 yards of penalties put the Cowboys within field goal range.

Instead, a missed extra point erased all of that. It was “almost” the signature win this team and staff so desperately needed.

But, another chance would come the next week against Oklahoma State.

to win the game in its 2-minute offense.

Surprise, the drive stalled, and another infamous special teams blunder cost the Longhorns a win over a ranked team.

A mishandled snap by the Longhorns’ punter gave the Cowboys the

OKLAHOMA STATE

ball inside Texas’ redzone. Another tacked on field goal won Oklahoma

It’s 1st and 10 for the Cowboys at the UT 44. There’s less than four minutes to go in the game. OK State’s last 27 plays have yielded 51 yards offense on 7 different drives. That, and two interceptions.

The game has turned into a defensive stalemate and Texas leads, 2724.

State the game.

Close again, almost.

WEST VIRGINIA After Texas’ 38-20 loss to West Viginia, the Longhorns were at a loss for

In comes the mysterious Poona Ford defensive holding call, on a run play. After which, Strong gets a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty for not liking the call in the first place. The referee clearly initiates contact with Strong just before reaching to throw his flag. The Big 12, however, insists the penalty had to do with Strong’s comments and his being on the field.

They then tied the score 27-27, and Texas was left with an opportunity

words. Who could blame them?

Texas entered Morgantown’s hostile environment (having not played well on the road all year) and beat the Mountaineers in every category except turnovers, untimely penalties, and points scored.

After getting shutout to Iowa State, the Longhorns had their backs

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39

- a season of almost against the wall. Needing two wins in their last three games, it was

The one true bright spot of 2015: the Oklahoma game. It never hurts

either beat West Virginia or Baylor (in Waco) for a chance to make the

beating your greatest rival (especially as they’re now on the verge of

bowl season.

making the College Football Playoff).

And the Longhorns responded well. Mostly.

Who can forget the emblazoned image of Texas players hoisting their coach into the air after such a significant win? It was a catharsis for

Fighting injuries (sound familiar?), they played hard all four quarters

the entire program.

(sound familiar?), and got a huge game from a freshmen running back. Anyone else experiencing déjà vu?

No one can question the heart of Strong and this Texas team. It truly feels like these men are putting everything they have into making

This time it was D’Onta Foreman, not Chris Warren. But five turnovers

things work. Unfortunately, it just hasn’t most of the time. But that

by the Longhorns negated everything.

doesn’t mean it always won’t. As a player, all you can do is keep your nose to the grindstone. Go to work. You can’t think too much about

Texas entered the game with only seven turnovers on the year, and

potential staff changes, what might have been, or what will be. You

nearly doubled that total in one game’s afternoon. Not even the

have to stay present.

Alabama Crimson Tide can win when they turn the ball over five times.

(Ask Ole Miss).

On December 5th, the Longhorns will be playing for pride. Baylor may be playing for a New Year’s bowl bid. I hope the season finishes well

Resiliently the Longhorns, almost, pulled out a crucial victory on the

for Texas. But even if it doesn’t, a mental “reset button” may be just

road. But the “almost” narrative repeated itself again.

what the doctor ordered.

What will emphatically break the cycle for this team?

The thick of offseason and recruiting will begin for the Longhorns the

NEXT YEAR

very next day.

Jerrod Heard

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Kraken_Texas_mechanical.indd 1

5/19/11 2:17:09 PM

RECRUITING UPDATE

by Justin Wells

and Ian Boyd

Heavy in playmaking ability, long in talent, here’s the Recruiting Notebook for some of the Texas commits from the Classes of 2016 and 2017.

LAGARYONN CARSON, DL Westlake, TX (2017) How he fits at Texas: Shawn Oakman redux. Carson was often over-powering as a sophomore relying simply on strength and motor and his eventual future as a 6-6, 280 pound end is a promising one. In high school he frequently played wide contain as a 4-3 DE and could close on the ball in space or fight through the wash to reach the ball carrier. At Texas that range combined with further growth and development could turn him into an ideal 3-3 DE who’s an excellent run blocker but can contribute to creating a viable 3-man pass rush. We’ll have to check back in on his pass-rushing and physical development in a year. – Ian Boyd

How this affects Texas: The top player in east Texas for 2017 is the 2nd largest get in the Strong era. The future 5-star has been enamored with the Longhorns since they were the first school to offer him - Alabama, Baylor, and Texas A&M quickly followed suit. Carson is a big fan of Jeff Traylor, loves Strong’s defensive vision for him Hassan Ridgeway 2.0 - and looks forward to calling Austin home. It also waters a drought of misses along the defensive line. Nabbing this 5-star was big on a multitude of levels for Strong and Texas.

Coach says: Scary. When you’re 6-foot-5, 270, and can move like Carson, that’s horrifying for offensive opponents. Add to the fact he’s only 16 years old, and you’ve got a potential monster in Texarkana.

The 5-star moves incredible for his size, also moonlights at tight end, and shows tremendous strength and burst. Carson needs to play at a little lower pad level, as he just overpowers players at times. If he gets his technique down, we’re talking Top 10 national prospect.

– Justin Wells

How this affects Texas: How this affects Texas: The 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman is need for the young Horns offensive line.

He’s down to Texas and TCU with the Frogs holding a slight advantage. For Texas to overtake the young 4-star, it will take consistent contact, selling the product, and promoting the global opportunities. He’s built a nice relationship with Jay Norvell and Joe Wickline. Him and Strong talk regularly. Texas can get this guy.

– Justin Wells

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Coach says: First off, I’m a fan of his name. Good, strong

How this affects Texas: Ten-

name. I’m not sure he is 240

nison is one of the top TE targets

pounds right now, but if he is,

in 2017. The state is filled with

he carries it extremely well.

them. Tennison told me UT

Uses his size to his advantage

wants to see some junior film

against smaller defenders – as

before offering, but new UT TE

he moves on to the next level

coach Jeff Traylor has seen him

that will become a great asset.

up close and personal during the

He is essentially an oversized

epic Bullard-Gilmer battles. He’s

receiver at this stage in his

the new age tight end – started

development, but I expect he

as basketball player and learned

will be asked to be more of a

it’s easier to get a D1 football

traditional tight end at the next level. With his receiving skills he will be able to stretch the

scholarship than a D1 basketball

MAJOR TENNISON, TE

scholarship. He’s got incredible

Bullard, TX (2017)

hands and feet for the position but is he David Thomas or Gar-

seams, and be a nice safety valve for when you need to

How he fits at Texas: Tennison has strong hands and fluid movement, if

rett Gray? Texas fans must hope

move the chains with great

unspectacular speed, but those former traits really matter more for attacking

for something in the middle. His

hands for a big man.

the seam as a TE. Tennison is a great prospect as a flex or in-line tight end

offer list will increase over the

that is relied on to run routes in the middle of the field with his ultimate upside

next nine months, which is good

depending on where his frame takes him and how he does at blocking de-

that Texas has already built a

fensive ends. Tennison’s frame and skill set does not project well to H-back

nice relationship with him.

which means that he doesn’t project as cleanly to an offense built around a

– Justin Wells

two-back run game unless Texas plays him with another tight end or fullback and de-emphasizes the spread.

– Ian Boyd

Coach says: This is a good pick up for Texas. Big fella with good feet, good balance, and most importantly? TCU really wanted him. Plays tackle exclusively for Lewisville, but he is a guard all day long at the collegiate level. That’s not a knock on his athleticism at all, because as you watch them film he doesn’t lack that for a guy his size.

He is very effective as a drive blocker, and will get after your ass to and through the whistle. Most importantly, his feet never stop on contact and he has good functional field strength. As a puller he is able to locate his target at the second level, and able to latch and finish. In pass protection, he is solid. He doesn’t get off balance, he remains patient, and doesn’t overextend with his punch. It will be a bit different on the interior rather than protecting the edge, but the potential is definitely there How he fits at Texas: Okafor represents something of a shift for Texas from grabbing massive guards that can cover up DL to getting shorter and more athletic guys that can get low and drive people or get out and block in space.

He’s a good fit for the gap schemes that have taken a place of greater prominence in the Texas scheme that pull the guards more often. - Ian Boyd

DENZEL OKAFOR, OL Lewisville, TX (2016)

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