Inside Texas 2017 October

INSIDETEXAS.COM

OCTOBER 2017

THE BIG MAN

POONA FORD IS THE HEART OF THE MUCH-IMPROVED TEXAS DEFENSE.

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in this issue

The Anchor |

by

6

Mike Blackwell

Poona Ford is turning in a stellar senior season.

Texas Wins a Slugfest |

by

Joe Cook

10

The Longhorns win a physical battle agains Kansas State.

Heartbreak in Dallas |

Joe Cook After a furious comeback and brief lead, Texas loses to OU in 4th quarter. by

Special Teams Weapon |

by

Mike Blackwell

Michael Dickson has been a gift from Down Under.

Breakdown Against Cowboys |

by

Joe Cook

An anemic offense wasted a valient effort by the Longhorns defense.v

Rising Visits Austin |

Justin Wells Cameron Rising still solid after taking official visit.

Blowout in Waco |

by

Joe Cook Horns click on both sides of the ball in 38-7 win. by

2018 Roster Crystal Ball |

Eric Nahlin Eric looks at who might leave and new faces to look for in 2018. by

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

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insidetexas.com

THE ANCHOR

BY MIKE BLACKWELL

Too short.

.

Long before he started wrecking Big 12 backfields, the Texas defensive tackle could accurately predict what college coaches would say about him.

Sure, he was a great kid who took care of his business on and off the field.

Yes, he won a bunch of high school accolades. He made

tackles all over the field and even ran with the football, as terrifying as that may seem now: 34 carries for 155 yards and seven touchdowns in high school.

Was he strong? Oh, good Lord yes, he was strong: dude could squat 700 pounds.

But...too short.

So short, in fact, that some pegged him as 5-foot-11.

Nothing infuriates someone who is 6-foot tall as someone claiming he is, in fact, only 5-11.

“I’m 6 feet,” Ford said.

insidetexas.com

7

- POONA FORD -

While there may be at least a little

struggled to move the ball. Iowa

game-to-game. Toss in a true

there is no speculation about

and company. Oklahoma State?

the Longhorns better play defense

ambiguity about Ford’s height,

this: his play at the front of what has become an overwhelming

UT defense has ignited a group

State? Totally outmanned by Ford Ford had four tackles, two and a

half for losses and a forced fumble.

that has started making a habit of

If ever a team needs a true anchor

rough start of the season against

is the Texas defense of 2017.

trashing opposing offenses after a Maryland.

San Jose State? Ford and com-

pany pitched a shutout. Southern California? Ford recorded four tackles and the USC offense

at the front of their defense, it

freshman quarterback and, well,

to have any shot of winning whatsoever.

Tom Herman has 99 problems, but Poona isn’t one of them.

On the other side of the ball, the

“If we can get 11 guys playing like

scoring points. The running game

Herman said prior to the season.

Longhorns seem almost allergic to sputters at best, the offensive line is a mess and who knows what

the receiver rotation will be from

Poona Ford on defense, look out,” “If you’re a defensive player on our team and you want to see what kind of fanatical, championship

effort you need to play with snap in and snap out, look at No. 95.”

Evidently more folks than just the head coach have taken note of

Ford, who was named as a team

captain before the season kicked off. The senior started his final

season fast, blocking a Maryland

field goal (his third career blocked kick), which was returned for a touchdown by Holton Hill.

The following week, Ford was

instrumental in holding San Jose State to just 42 yards rushing, the fewest amount allowed by

the Longhorns in almost three seasons. Against the Trojans,

Texas allowed just 1.9 yards per

rushing carry, a mark Ford and his teammates eclipsed the following week against the Cyclones, who averaged a miniscule 0.5 yards per carry.

After a junior year in which he started all 12 games and was

named as a second team All-Big 12 selection, rest assured Ford

had high hopes for Herman’s first year as the boss. And though he

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- POONA FORD -

is undoubtedly frustrated by Texas’ won-loss record, Ford can nev-

ertheless be proud at the results turned in by his defense.

One person who might not be

surprised by the output of Ford is former Texas coach Charlie Strong, who first glimpsed he

South Carolina native many years ago when he was still the head coach at Louisville.

While plenty of coaches were hesitant to give Ford a shot because he was, umm, vertically chal-

lenged, Strong was intrigued.

“Strong never left the kid’s side,” Ford’s high school coach, B.J.

Payne of Hilton Head High School, told a reporter. “He gave the cam-

pus tour. He had lunch with the kid.

A graduate assistant didn’t show

him around. An assistant coach did not have lunch with him. Charlie Strong did.”

from his conference, and is on the

The football courtship worked, and

an opportunity to play at the next

Louisville. But Strong was then

description was less blingy when

recruiting, and Poona decided to

play in college.

ball destination.

Back then, he was too short.

Though he doesn’t talk much, it’s

Now, instead of worrying about

choice. The man whose real name

the Longhorns’ next game, and

Senior Bowl watch list. He’ll have

Ford decided he was headed to

level. Not bad for a player whose

hired at Texas, Ford reopened his

he started looking for a place to

choose Austin as his college foot-

clear that Ford is happy with his is Kaylon, and who was named

whether or not they will be suc-

(thanks to his grandmother), has a simple wish as his career at Texas

minimum of six victories. He would like nothing more than to end his career in a bowl game.

Now, there is only one thing that

occupies the quiet mind of the man

being too short, Ford worries about

‘Poona’ after Winnie the Pooh

cessful in their quest to reach a

in the middle of the Texas defense.

And he sums up his final wish in a very short sentence.

“I just want to win.”

Join the Conversation

draws to a close.

He’s been a captain. A disruptor.

A leader of men. He’s won awards

www.insidetexas.com

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9

TEXAS WINS

insidetexas.com

10

A SLUGFEST by

Joe Cook

AUSTIN — Bill Snyder coached teams rarely give any gifts, especially when he’s celebrating his birthday.

Kansas State was not in a generous mood, so Texas had to earn every point and yard on the evening. insidetexas.com

11

- TEXAS vs KANSAS STATE -

T

exas had a game plan tailor-

is just like USC,’” head coach Tom Herman

made to a true freshman making

After trading scores in the first overtime,

said. “I think it was Patrick Vahe who

his third start behind a relatively

Kansas State opened up on offense for

looked at me and said ‘yeah, except we’re

the second frame. Two holding penalties

going to win it this time.’ I thought that was

pushed K-State back to face a 53-yard

very apropos because we had been there

field goal to help its defense.

before and we didn’t close it out. We were

inexperienced offensive line.

Sam Ehlinger’s 30-for-50, school freshman record 380-yard evening with two

able to do so tonight.”

touchdown passes, plus 20 carries for 113

A clock malfunction/referee miscommu-

yards on the ground were extraordinary,

nication erased Matthew McCrane’s first

Though Ehlinger’s record-setting play

but several Longhorn mistakes forced the

missed attempt, but the second one that

got the Horns in to a position to win, they

game into overtime. In the end, Junior

went off the upright counted in the books,

needed several things to go its way, and

Chris Warren clawed his way into the end

leaving Texas only needing a field goal to

Warren helped make those things hap-

zone in the second overtime to secure a

win.

pened.

“I was praying that the football gods real-

Trailing by a field goal, Texas was driving

“I’m just so proud of the way that we

ized that he was going to miss the kick

near midfield when Ehlinger completed a

fought, the toughness that we showed, the

that first time and let him miss the second

pass to sophomore Lil’Jordan Humphrey

physicality on both sides of the ball that we

time,” junior linebacker Malik Jefferson

on 3rd and 10. The 6-foot-5 receiver at-

40-34 Longhorn victory.

tempted to hurdle a Wildcat defender, losing the ball in the process. Luckily for the Longhorns, Warren was there to recover the football.

“I was just running my route, I stopped and I saw that (Humphrey) caught the ball,” Warren said. “I thought alright, cool. I saw him go in the air. He knew, since he’s a bigger guy, someone’s going to go low on him, so he tried to make a play.

“I saw him in the air. I thought ‘okay, he’s going to be down.’ I didn’t even notice the ball was on the ground at least for a second or two, but then the ball bounced towards me. I just ended up jumping on showed,” Ehlinger said. “It was really good

said. “I was very nervous. It looked like

to see.”

it was going in at first, but then it hit the crossbar. I was like ‘woof.’”

Ehlinger did a lot on his own, including

the ball.”

That drive ended with junior Josh Rowland making a 34-yard field goal to tie the

all the scrambles, which helped to make

Ehlinger led the Longhorns down to the

game, one of his two makes on four at-

sure Kansas State had zero sacks on the

four yard line, and after two tries, Warren

tempts.

evening.

made his way into the end zone with help from several teammates to seal the victory.

“I try to bring this offense energy and do

Kansas State received the ball with a minute and a half left. Facing a third down in

my job,” Ehlinger said. “Take what the

“When we went into overtime, I told the of-

their own territory, KSU quarterback Jesse

defense gives me. That’s what I try to do.”

fense, I said ‘we’ve been here before. This

Ertz, who left the game at one point, threw

12

insidetexas.com

- TEXAS vs KANSAS STATE -

a deep pass out of a formation best suited for running the football. Junior DeShon Elliott intercepted the pass, giving Texas one last chance to win in regulation.

Ehlinger led a drive that could have cemented one of the best performances by a freshman in Longhorn history, but Rowland missed the kick, this time from 45. Luckily for Ehlinger, the delay lasted just two overtimes.

“Sam is a tough, tough kid,” head coach Tom Herman said. “I told the TV, I told the radio, he made a lot of freshman mistakes out there. He’s certainly got a lot of room for improvement, but I think those mistakes, he overcomes with tenacity and

yards, passing yards, total offense, time

“I think the last play of the game was the

toughness, and moving on to the next

of possession and third down conver-

staple of what we tried to do in this game,”

play.”

sions. However, what mattered most was

Ehlinger said. “We know Kansas State is

outperforming a disciplined defense at the

a very physical team. We stuck him on the

very end.

two yard line, got a big push, and won the

In the stat column, Texas outperformed

physical battle.”

Kansas State in first downs, rushing

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- TEXAS vs KANSAS STATE -

WHAT THEY SAID...

COLLIN JOHNSON

TOM HERMAN “I’ll have to watch the film to say whether we out-physcaled them. I can say sitting up here we at least matched their physicality, and that was, you know, on Sunday when we came in this team meeting room right here and we said this will be the most physical team you play all year.”

On Sam Ehlinger “That kid’s a hard-nosed baller. He’s a great runner, a great passer, and a great teammate. And a great leader as well”

PATRICK VAHE

“We’re finding our rhythm as an offensive side. I’m very proud of my guys, especially the defense coming out there and performing the way they are. So really it’s just the team effort.”

7 - 50 32 166 380 8-15 1 31:47 14

FIRST DOWNS RUSHING YARDS PASSING YARDS THIRD DOWNS TURNOVERS TIME OF POSSESSION insidetexas.com

16 140 254 2-11 1 28:13

TEXAS COMEBAC

DALLAS — At first, Tom Herman and Lincoln Riley’s first tussle in the Cotton Bowl looked like it was on its way to mimicking several matchups Mack Brown and Bob Stoops had in the early 2000s. The Sooners jumped out to an early lead, and had both their offense and defense playing very effectively in the first quarter.

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CK FALLS SHORT

Sam Ehlinger

17

Photos by Will Gallagher

BY JOE COOK

- TEXAS OU -

The Longhorns fought back and even took the lead in the fourth

victories, especially when it’s against these guys, but extremely

quarter with true freshman Sam Ehlinger (19-of-39, 278 yards, 1 TD,

proud of the effort, the enthusiasm, the belief, and the fortitude of

106 rushing yards, 1 TD) leading the charge, but a coverage bust

our guys.”

immediately after taking the lead gave the Oklahoma Sooners the deciding touchdown thanks to Baker Mayfield’s 59-yard pass to

The Longhorns’ offense finally woke up after 25 minutes of play,

Mark Andrews. Texas’ final comeback attempts failed and Riley’s

with Ehlinger leading Texas into the Sooners’ red zone. A well-timed

Sooners emerged victorious, 29-24.

screen pass to Kyle Porter put Texas on the board, and Joshua Rowland added a field goal as the half expired to cut the Sooner

Three of Oklahoma’s first four drives ended in points, with Texas

lead in half (20-10).

holding the Sooners to a field goal late in the first quarter. As the second frame got underway, the Texas defense began to pick up

Coming out of halftime, Texas gained more ground on OU, specifi-

their effort, limiting the Sooners to just three points.

cally with Ehlinger and junior Chris Warren. The duo ended Texas’ first scoring drive of the half, with Ehlinger pushing Warren into the

Those three points came on the heels of a perfectly executed trick

end zone to cap off the drive.

play, but the Texas defense recovered and didn’t let the game head toward a blowout. Mayfield was 8-of-9 passing for 179 yards

The Longhorns and the Sooners traded possessions in the early

through one, part of Oklahoma’s 225 yards of total offense.

stages of the fourth quarter, but not because of big defensive plays.

A reception by sophomore Devin Duvernay put Texas into Oklaho-

“To be down 20-0 against one of the best teams in the country and

ma territory, but they struggled to move the ball at all after that one

battle back to be within 10 at halftime and then take the lead 24-23

big play. Facing 4th-and-8, Herman elected to leave kicker Joshua

in the fourth quarter says a lot about this team and where we’re

Rowland on the sidelines and go for it with the offense. The attempt

headed,” Herman said. “Again, much like Week 3, there’s no moral

came up unsuccessful, as Ehlinger could not complete the pass.

“We were against the wind,” Herman said.

“With our kicking woes recently, it was down by whatever we were, down by six at the time, and I didn’t feel good about it being into the wind. Had we been going the other direction, I probably would have jogged the field goal team out.”

Texas started rolling with 10:25 remaining in the game. Ehlinger found freshmen Reggie Hemphill-Mapps and Cade Brewer to move the ball inside Oklahoma’s 10, with Ehlinger rumbling eight yards to give Texas a 1-point advantage.

“I think in the second half we did a great job up front getting the push,” Ehlinger said. “The receivers had great downfield blocking. We just ran our offense. We got comfortable and started doing what we

Kyle Porter

18

do.”

insidetexas.com

- TEXAS OU -

Just as Texas appeared to have a chance to secure a victory, a total coverage bust left Oklahoma’s Mark Andrews wide open for the 59 yard go-ahead score.

“That was definitely a coverage bust,” junior Malik Jefferson said. “I think guys had eyes in the wrong place.”

Jefferson was rushing the quarterback on that play, but Herman’s viewpoint saw a specific miss.

“My understanding is they ran a post to occupy the corner and then ran kind of an out-and-up with him,” Herman said.

“We didn’t carry what we call the wheel route correctly.”

Malik Jefferson (46) and Anthony Wheeler (45)

Ehlinger’s chance to create a special

for 17 carries for 14 yards.

moment in Red River Shootout history was hit with a major setback, as he was forced to leave the game for a few plays after hitting his head hard on the turf. Sophomore Shane Buechele entered for five plays, moving Texas into Sooner

Herman admitted after the game that some carries were a result of his stubbornness in trying to get a rest for his defense, saying

territory, before Ehlinger returned to the game.

that it was an attempt to give his defense a rest.

“I wasn’t ever confused where I was at all,” Ehlinger said. “It was

After three games with strong performances, Herman seemed

a hard hit. My head hit the ground pretty hard, and they were just taking precaution. I told them immediately I could go back in. I felt

to admit after the game that Ehlinger would be the guy going forward, but he added a qualifier to that statement when asked

fine.”

specifically if he anticipated sticking with the freshman.

Texas’ attempt to go ahead failed following a sack, a penalty, and

“I mean, I would think so at this point,” Herman said. “But I don’t

a throwaway on fourth down, but the defense held Oklahoma on the next drive. Ehlinger had one more chance to complete the comeback. On the final drive, two Lil’Jordan Humphrey receptions were overturned, leaving Texas with one opportunity 58 yards

know. Sam’s got to practice really good and we’ve got to see when that occurs that Shane is 100 percent.”

As Herman has repeated several times, the Longhorns need to

away.

leave this game in the past.

In a callback to the 2016 edition of the rivalry, Texas lateraled the

“I told our guys that it definitely hurts a little bit more because of

ball between players several times before the effort was snuffed

who this loss is to,” Herman said. “We’re not going to deny that,

out, ending the game.

but we can’t let Oklahoma beat us twice. We’re 2-1 in the Big 12,

Ehlinger had 384 yards of offense himself and was a one man

Austin, Texas next week that we’ve got to get ready for starting

and we’ve got a really good Oklahoma State team coming into

show at times. Warren, Toneil Carter, and Kyle Porter combined

tomorrow.”

insidetexas.com

19

WHAT THEY SAID...

TOM HERMAN “ The defense continued to go out and battle and hold them to field goals. And our offense got untracked there for a few drives and made some things happen. We’ve got to find a better way to run the football with our running backs. And we’ve got to find a better way offensively to protect, but also get guys open on passing situations.”

P.J. LOCKE

SAM EHLINGER “Obviously we all wanted it really bad. This is a big game. Rivalry game. I think in the second half we did a great job up front getting the push. The receivers had great downfield blocking. We just ran our offense. We got comfortable and started doing what we do.”

“There are no moral victories. You win or you lose. There are some things in the game that we did great and there are still some things that we need to tighten up on. ...we just have to learn how to finish on defense. We’ll take it from there.”

24 - 29 23 139 289 8-17 0 28:14

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

20 174 344 5-15 1 31:46

21

WEAPON FROM

Texas punter Michael Dickson is different.

Very, very, very different.

The Australian talks different, he’s from a different continent, he grew up playing a different sport.

His route to becoming an American college football player is without question different.

22

insidetexas.com

DOWN UNDER

Photos by Will Gallagher

BY MIKE BLACKWELL

- MICHAEL DICKSON -

He’s “flips he field” consistently for the Longhorns, doubly-important when his team struggles so mightily to move the football.

In 2016, he averaged a school record 47.4 yards per boot.

If ever a punter could accurately be described as a “beast”, well, that’s Dickson.

But while the story of his many exploits makes for great reading, the story of his trek from Down Under to here is an even better one. Did we mention he was different?

A native of Sydney, he grew up playing Australian rules football - called “footy” - and scoffed a bit at American “punting.” As a high school footy player, he served mostly in the position of defender, averaging 20 “dis-

H

posals” per game. (Side note: a disposal is a kick/punt or hand pass. You’re welcome)

e’s also different in this very, very, very unique way: he’s a football punter who can literally change the complexion of a game.

Australian athletes were making inroads into American football as punters. Eventually, a program known for teaching Australians the

And that is very, very, very different, indeed.

ins and outs of American kicking and punting - Prokick Australia -

Ask Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy how different Dickson is.

The Cowboys’ coach watched Dickson punt 11 times for a 51-yard average, and was relieved that Dickson’s efforts didn’t result in Texas winning in overtime in Austin.

had an open tryout in Dickson’s home town.

The good news for Dickson? He qualified for the program. The bad news? He had to move 550 miles to Melbourne to train.

Dickson’s athleticism shown through in Melbourne, and eventually

“Their punter is — did he win the Ray Guy Award last year?”

former Texas assistant coach Chris Vaughan made contact with

Gundy asked afterward. “He should have won it. He changed the field on us. I don’t know what the yardage is, I just know that every time we got a little bit of field position, he changed the field ... he was fantastic for them.”

Prokick, resulting in the Australian making the trek to Austin for a visit.

The rest was burnt orange history. Literally. When his career has ended, Dickson might very likely have become the greatest punter

How fantastic is Dickson? Well, how much time do you have?

in Texas history.

He’s a Ray Guy Award nominee - again - in 2017. He’s averaging - averaging - 49 yards per punt. Half of those punts have traveled more than 50 yards. Fourteen of his punts have gone out of bounds inside the 20 yard-line.

Yet while continuing to excel at footy, Dickson recognized that

“Everything fell into place and he did what he had to do and next thing you know, he was invited to Texas and it was fantastic,” his mother Lily Baum told a reporter.

Not only had Dickson become an elite punter, but he is also the

24

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- MICHAEL DICKSON -

holder for Joshua Rowland on field goals and extra points. And

greatly appreciates his work, even if he (hopefully) only ends up

how many people can say they’ve recorded a tackle against Notre

on the field for a handful of plays each Saturday.

Dame?

“He obviously puts a big importance on special teams,” Dickson Dickson can.

said. “When we’re out there he takes everything seriously. In the meeting rooms, he’ll call me ‘punter.’ It’s a bit of fun, but he takes

And yet despite all of the praise that has come his way, Dickson’s

it very seriously. I think it’s funny. People can complain and say

name has never been uttered by his head coach, Tom Herman,

we don’t do much on the sidelines, blah blah blah, we’re not hit-

who has a long-held tradition as a head coach of never calling a

ting. I think it’s funny. I respect everyone and they respect my job.”

specialist by their actual name.

Certainly everyone respects his job even more as the Texas “It’s kind of a fun little thing I do since I’ve been a head coach, I

offense continues to find its way. Normally a punter only gets at-

refuse to call specialists by their name until they graduate,” Her-

tention when he does something negative - like Dickson dropping

man says. “Hopefully Mike only plays about six plays a game and

a snap two years ago late in the game against Oklahoma State

at six plays a game you don’t deserve to be called by your first

- but now he’s getting air time because he is consistently booming

name. Once they graduate I call them by their first name, but until

punts into the stratosphere.

then they’re the punter, the kicker and the deep snapper. From what I’ve heard he’s a pretty good player, but that’s still not going

He’s getting attention now because, well, he’s different...very,

to change my stance when I officially call him by his first name.”

very, very different. And the Texas football team is certainly grateful for the Down Under difference-maker.

Dickson - who is as bright as he is athletic - knows that Herman

YO U HYDR ATE

insidetexas.com

WE DO N ATE

25

OFFENSE RUN

AUSTIN — An offensive line hampered by injuries limits what a team can do running the football.

A limited running playbook does not help a young offense with a young quarterback behind an offensive line decimated by injuries.

26

insidetexas.com

NS OUT OF GAS

Chris Warren

insidetexas.com

27

Photos by Will Gallagher

BY JOE COOK

- TEXAS vs OKLAHOMA STATE -

A

young quarterback playing behind a battered young

Herman described as “monumental.” The defense, led by junior

offensive line that can’t generate a running game forces

Malik Jefferson’s 14 total tackles and junior Breckyn Hager’s two

teams to pass in non-passing situations.

sack performance, limited Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph to just 282 yards and zero touchdowns. The Cowboys

A young quarterback in overtime being forced to pass behind an

scored their lone touchdown on a seven-yard run by J.D. King to

offensive line that can’t run block, and can barely pass block, often

cap off a 96 yard drive early in the first quarter.

results in a mistake from that quarterback. Texas was that team against Oklahoma State; limited in running the football, hampered

The Longhorns utilized a pass-rushing defensive line that in-

by offensive line injuries, and featuring a young quarterback that

cluded Hager for much of the game, daring the Cowboys to run.

inevitably made mistakes. Needing just a field goal to tie in the

OSU conceded Rudolph’s streak of games with 300 yards passing

first overtime, Sam Ehlinger threw an interception in the end zone,

but netted 146 rushing yards on the day, led by Justice Hill’s 117.

sealing the 13-10 victory for the Oklahoma State Cowboys over

Junior cornerback Holton Hill played a huge part in that, heavily

the Longhorns.

limiting Rudolph’s favorite target, P.J. Washington.

“We were supposed to throw it out in the flat on five steps,” Texas

The Longhorns’ lone touchdown came early in the second quarter.

head coach Tom Herman said describing the final play. “Get it out

A pedestrian out-route to junior John Burt ended up going 90

as a little sprint pass, throw it to the flat, a little slant-flat versus

yards to the Oklahoma State two thanks to Burt’s ability to tip-toe

man coverage. And for whatever reason he didn’t throw it early to

along the sideline and past defenders. Ehlinger took the next

the flat so he’s scrambling around. Obviously in that situation with

snap into the end zone for six points.

only needing a field goal we need to throw the ball away.”

Texas reached double digits early in the third quarter with a 22Texas gave up just two scoring plays thanks to a defensive effort

yard field goal from junior Josh Rowland, but that was the last time

Breckyn Hager

28

insidetexas.com

- TEXAS vs OKLAHOMA STATE -

they would add points.

Ehlinger ended the game with 16 carries for -10 yards, the result of a 34-yard loss from one of his own fumbles. Junior running back Chris Warren rushed 12 times for 33 yards, rarely finding room with the exception of one or two plays in the second half.

The limited running game forced Ehlinger to pass, and he turned in a 22-for-36, 241 yard effort with the nailin-coffin interception as his lone statistical blemish. Take away Burt’s 90-yard catch-and-run and the Cowboys limited the Longhorns to just 193 total yards.

Malik Jefferson

“We got to help them more on offense,” Herman said. “I’m looking at this 3-of-

(making a bowl game), and it starts this week in preparation for

17 on third down and obviously the turnover there at the end.

Baylor. I have no doubt in my mind that our guys will wake up

We’ve got to fix what’s wrong with the offense, and we have

tomorrow ready to go to work again.”

flashes and we’re definitely not consistent enough.”

Though the team has not jumped ship, it still struggles to move After the game, Warren had an explanation as to why the Long-

the ball down the field with a team full of struggling pieces.

horn offense could not rise to the occasion like the defense did What Texas is lacking (experience and/or health on the offen-

against Oklahoma State’s No. 1 offense.

sive line, effective running backs, experience at quarterback) “Because we don’t have a running game,” Warren said. “I think

has been thoroughly documented, but there are still times when

that we’re too one-dimensional, and that’s easy to predict. That’s

Texas makes play calls that frustrate plenty of fans.

why we’re not helping the defense.”

The play-calling comes from offensive coordinator Tim Beck.

Herman agreed with the sentiment from his runner. “We’ve got

Herman was asked several times about Beck after the game and

a lot of work to do in the run game, and we’ve got to figure out

if he had faith in his coordinator’s ability going forward.

what we can do before we figure out what we should do,” Her“I hired Tim because he’s very, very capable of doing his job,”

man said.

Herman said. “He’s got a big task ahead of him. We do. We’ve Texas now sits at 3-4, 2-2 in the Big 12 Conference. The path to

got a big task ahead of us to right the ship on that side of the

the Big 12 Championship game, previously possible yet unlikely,

ball. There’s no doubt in my mind that him and the offensive staff

now appears even more unlikely with two losses.

that’s in that room, along with myself, are the right guys to get that done.

While Herman has repeatedly emphasized the goal of playing for the Big 12 Championship, Saturday his message was about

“I’m frustrated that it hasn’t happened yet, certainly, but I can

bowl eligibility.

promise you this: It’s not for lack of trying, and it’s not for a lack of ability in that staff room.”

“They had plenty of opportunities to jump ship and they haven’t yet,” Herman said. “And, like I said, we’ve got a chance to

While the path to six wins and bowl eligibility is difficult, Texas

achieve something that hasn’t been done here in a few years

has a chance to rebound against a winless Baylor team in Waco.

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- TEXAS vs OKLAHOMA STATE -

WHAT THEY SAID...

TOM HERMAN “ Monumental effort by our defense. To hold the number one team in the coutnry to 10 points in regulation is something to be very, very proud of on that side of the football.”

BRECKYN HAGER

SAM EHLINGER On the final play of the game: “It was a spread left. We ran a switch route but they switched it out well on defense. I just made a mistake.”

“We could have obviously played better.

We could have done a shut out, but holding the number one offense to ten points in regulation that’s incredible. Shout out to Coach Todd Orlando; he’s great at what he does.”

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RISING STILL SOLID AFTER OFFICIAL VISIT

by Justin Wells

C

ameron Rising was perfectly content with playing college football at the University of Oklahoma.

physicality, the tenacity, the mindset, and the culture.”

Then he went to Texas.

This family loves Herman. And there’s some history here.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound quarterback from Newbury Park (CA)

Herman and Cam’s mother attended the same elementary school,

last Spring and left knowing where he’d actually be playing. It

He was the head coach at UH at the time, offering Cam’s older

decided to visit the Longhorns for the Orange-White scrimmage wasn’t Norman, OK.

The Risings made the return trip to Austin last weekend to see

the staff, players, academic side, and to get to know the recruits

with Herman once singing the school song in their living room.

brother who plays for Arizona State. Add to the fact Herman and Cam’s father attended the same college; Cal Lutheran.

“We love coach Herman,” Nicko said. “His intensity is impres-

better. Mission accomplished.

sive. His desire to win is off the charts. We like coach Beck.

“We had an absolute great time,” said Nicko Rising, Cam’s

coach Herman is building.”

He’s a straight shooter, no BS. We really like this staff and what

father. “The game didn’t finish how we’d liked, but you can see

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where coach Herman is taking this program. You can see the

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You might think watching UT start a true freshman quarterback would deter Cameron, but the family doesn’t see it that way.

“We’ve spoke to coach Herman and coach Beck at length about

it,” Nicko said. “We feel like Cam will get a fair shot as soon as he steps on campus.”

The Risings also see the depth chart. It goes Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele. End of list.

If you watch Cam, you can see a little bit of Sam and Shane in his game. But with beautiful mechanics.

He’s accurate and precise like Buechele. He’s big, mobile, and possesses elusiveness outside the pocket like Sam. He’s also

suffering through a senior season very similar to what the Texas QBs are experiencing. He’s lost his No. 1 RB, WR, LT, and

handful of other offensive contributors. He understands without an offensive line, scoring points on offense can be difficult. It’s very relatable.

One of the high points of the weekend was Cam and Niko beating Rondale Moore and Badara Traore in shuffleboard at Casa de Herman.

“That big kid (Traore) was pretty good,” Nicko says with a hint of surprise in his voice. “They all had a great time. Cam and

Cam himself loves the ATX. His family loves the Herman. It’s

Rondale really bonded.”

a match made that might’ve been meant to be. From middle

school memories, college days, and a QB situation where Cam

When you’ve got the skills of a 4-star signal-caller, other

can contribute.

schools will continue to pursue.

LSU and Arizona State are recruiting him the hardest right now.

There’s a chance he could visit Baton Rouge, but nothing is

planned.

The Risings saw enough this weekend to reaffirm their stance as future members of the Longhorn society.

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2015 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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BEATDOWN IN WACO 2015 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

WACO — With 9:42 left in the second quarter, Baylor WR Blake Lynch caught a pass from Charlie Brewer and raced down the sideline toward the Texas end zone, going out of bounds at the two. Two plays later, John Lovett ran the ball in to put the Bears on the board. That was the only time that occurred in the game.

DeShon Elliott insidetexas.com

35

Photos by Will Gallagher

BY JOE COOK

TEXAS vs BAYLOR

T

he Texas defense shut down the

Just get to the end zone. That’s what I tried

The Longhorns offense attempted to run

Baylor offense regardless of who

to do.”

several trick plays throughout the first half, including plays where Humphrey and run-

was leading it. The UT offense, led by sophomore QB Shane Buechele, was able

Texas and Baylor traded poor drives for

ning back Chris Warren attempted passes,

to put up 31 points of its own to support the

the remainder of the first quarter, with

with both falling incomplete.

defense. Junior and Thorpe Award semi-

freshmen running backs Toneil Carter and

finalist DeShon Elliott added six points of

Daniel Young receiving the bulk of the car-

Texas’ scoring plays throughout the first

his own on an early-game interception, and

ries throughout the opening frame.

half came not from trickery but rather the right read. One of those reads was when

the Longhorns cruised past Baylor 38-7.

The Longhorns righted things on their first

Buechele ran 28 yards to the end zone one

Elliott’s pick-six came on the first series of

drive of the second quarter, when Carter

play after the Baylor punter had a snap go

the game and set the tone for the defense

and Buechele worked the ball 90 yards on

over his head.

before lunch. Zach Smith, the other Baylor

11 plays into the Baylor end zone.

“I don’t like pulling (my running ability)

option at QB, sailed a ball into Elliott’s hands. Elliott took it back 43 yards to give

Sophomore Lil’Jordan Humphrey caught

out, but when you have to, you have to,”

the Longhorns an early lead before one

the only Texas passing touchdown of the

Buechele said.

minute of game time had even gone by.

game when he snagged a pass from Buechele in the end zone to complete the drive.

In the third quarter, head coach Tom Her-

“Sometimes you’ve got to be in the right

Baylor would add its only points of the

man, who has previously expressed consid-

place at the right time by doing your job,”

game on the ensuing drive set up by the

erable disdain for 20-yard field goals, sent

Elliott said. “If it happens, get the ball. We

long Lynch reception.

kicker Josh Rowland out on the field to attempt the field goal. Rowland converted

know our team is going to block for us.

his try, giving Texas a 24-7 lead.

“I thought it was important to get a threepossession lead,” Herman said. “We were playing great defense, and to have it at three possessions, I thought was important because I was pretty certain at that point that we were going to be able to hold up defensively and wanted to make sure we came away with points and pushed that lead up to the three-possession mark.”

Texas would add two more scores in the fourth when Carter scored from 19 yards out to open the quarter. With the game in hand, his freshman counterpart Daniel Young rushed for 31 yards to score to seal the victory for Texas.

“Really good team win,” Herman said. “I thought we played well, save for one drive on defense the entire day.”

Texas once again relied heavily on its defense on the road. Junior Holton Hill Shane Buechele

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continued to play at a high level despite

TEXAS vs BAYLOR

Daniel Young

being forced to leave the game for a short

said. “If there’s one side of the ball that I

Herman said. “Credit to Tim Beck and

spell due to a hard hit. Hill supported mul-

would like to carry us, it is that side. That’s

the offensive staff, and Shane as well for

tiple times in the run game and was second

number one on our plan to win is to play

staying engaged and being there when his

on the team with five tackles, trailing only

great defense. We’re doing that pretty well

teammates needed him.”

Elliott and junior Malik Jefferson.

right now.”

Buechele admitted it had been difficult to

“I feel like we’re playing at the level we

On the offensive side of the ball, there were

stay on the bench these past few weeks, but

should have been playing at,” Hill said.

still some plays in which the Longhorns

he credited those around him for helping

“It’s only up from here. Take it one day at a

looked very poor against a Baylor defense

him keep moving forward.

time, one practice at a time, and just grow

ranked near the bottom of the country in

every week.”

defensive metrics. However, the run game

“It’s been tough, I’m not going to lie,”

did seem to reinvigorate itself with the help

Buechele said. “But you know, you have

of the freshmen runners, Young and Carter.

to stay focused. I think that’s just the main

Hill has been playing against opposing

thing. The players and coaches around

team’s best receivers for most of the year.

Today, he held Baylor’s Denzel Mims to

“I thought they broke tackles, which was

me I think helped a lot just keeping me

four catches for 42 yards with a long of 21.

encouraging to see, and they slithered

focused.”

around in there when things weren’t “I told you he’s a first round cornerback,”

blocked perfectly they found creases and

Herman and the Longhorns return to Austin

Elliott said. “They’re going to see it

threw their bodies through the creases,”

for practice this week before going on the

eventually.”

Herman said. “I was proud of them. They

road to take on the TCU Horned Frogs.

protected the football, which is obviously The efforts from Hill and the rest of the

always a concern when you’re playing true

After celebrating a win on the road, Texas

secondary have kept Texas in all its recent

freshman running backs.”

has TCU on the horizon as well as a chance to get to bowl eligibility. Herman’s focus,

games against high-powered Big 12 offenses. Though the winless Bears likely do

Buechele’s efforts through the air were

not fall in that category, the effort defensive

great as well, going 27-of-34 for 256 yards

coordinator Todd Orlando’s side of the ball

with one touchdown and one interception.

“I just want to go win another one this week,” Herman said. “The big picture is

has shown has made a huge impact on the team.

however, has not reached the latter part yet.

“I was really excited and happy and proud

irrelevant right now.”

for him to have not played for as many “They’re carrying us right now,” Herman

weeks as he hadn’t and stayed engaged,”

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TEXAS vs BAYLOR

WHAT THEY SAID...

TOM HERMAN

SHANE BUECHELE On the freshman running backs: “You know, they were really good. They run the ball hard, which is really good to see, and you know, they’re fast. They’re quick guys, and they can hit it and bounce it off side, whatever they want to do. But it was good to see Danny and Toneil do what they did.”

“We’ve got a lot of still improving to do, especially offensively. Wasn’t happy with 3rd and 4th down and obviously getting a field goal blocked is unacceptable, but winning is really hard, and winning on the road is even harder. It doesn’t matter where it’s at or who you’re playing, especially in this conference. It is re-

CHARLES OMENIHU

ally, really difficult to win on the road.”

On how big DeShon Elliott’s pick six was: “Oh, yeah, DeShon is a bother, man. That’s a dude right there. That’s a real guy. It was good. It was like a jump start kind of deal where we just, all right, now it’s pedal to the metal, full go.”

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Kraken_Texas_mechanical.indd 1

5/19/11 2:17:09 PM

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2018 ROSTER

BY ERIC NAHLIN

Malik Jefferson

There’s a long way to go this season but with the 2018 schedule coming out this month an eye has been cast towards the future.

Let’s take a look at depth and some potential scenarios.

many. Going into next season I think Toneil Carter and Daniel Young will be a much bigger part of the offense. I also expect to see Keaontay Ingram integrated into the offense early in his career.

WR Texas is losing some to graduation and there will also likely be some unexpected attrition. There will still be a good nucleus of Collin Johnson, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Reggie Hemphill-Mapps

QB A healthy Sam Ehlinger is likely your starter but Shane Buechele will have a lot of opportunity to stake his claim the rest of this season. Behind those two will be Casey Thompson and Cameron Rising, assuming they stay committed. As of now that appears likely. Both should red-shirt and the staff should be in position to do that for the first time since.....does Matthew Merrick count? It

and Jerrod Heard. Hopefully John Burt truly got it back together.

Texas will finish with a talented wide receiver haul in this class and there will be tons of early playing time available. Yesterday I wrote Texas could short this position to allocate the scholarship elsewhere but I’m re-thinking that. Four is probably the right number.

wouldn’t surprise if Texas made a push for some grad transfer rando, even if the depth chart isn’t overly appealing to one.

TE Andrew Beck will attempt to return. Cade Brewer will be a year

RB I’m expecting some attrition here, just not sure who and how

40

bigger and stronger and an even more technical blocker. Reese Leiato won’t be forced to play unless he’s ready which it sounds like he will be. He’ll be one of the players I pay attention to in the

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off-season. I’m not sure if Garrett Gray will stay or go the way

future. Warehime needs to develop guys like JP Urquidez and

of Jake Oliver and enter the real world with a year of eligibility

Garrett Thomas into reliable depth. Maybe you shouldn’t be a

remaining. Malcolm Epps has had a good senior year but he’s still

starter by year three in a program but you should be able to come

a project as a blocker and we know the emphasis on blocking for

in and play in a pinch. Next season hinges on this group being

tight end in this system.

at least average. Hopefully Traore is added. I don’t think he’s an immediate fix but his size and athleticism would be a welcomed sight.

OL I’m operating under the assumption Connor Williams leaves early even if it isn’t a foregone conclusion. My guess would be the

DL

offensive line goes Elijah Rodriguez-Patrick Vahe-Zach Shack-

Poona Ford will be missed but Chris Nelson will provide similar

elford-Jake McMillon-Denzel Okafor but that guess isn’t worth

quality. Gerald Wilbon will see his snaps increase and he’ll be

much. The interior three have been a big disappointment (their job

ready. He’s right on time in his development. I have Charles

has been made more difficult by the tackle situation) but I don’t

Omenihu returning (10% he leaves). Scouts have taken notice of him but he’s not ready.

Connor Williams

Malcolm Roach isn’t being utilized in a way that allows him to make the head turning plays he made last year but he’ll be good, especially with a year of familiarity at the position. Texas should have quality depth in the form of Ta’Quon Graham, Jamari Chisholm, and some younger players with some promise in Andrew Fitzgerald and Max Cummins. I don’t expect much, if any, fall-off even with the loss of Ford.

LB I have Malik Jefferson at 95% to the NFL. It would be an absolute blast to see him come back and fully blossom into one of the nation’s marquee players but if he can get paid it’s time to go. This is where Gary Johnson comes in and does his thing. The position requires a rare athlete and Johnson has what it takes. Rover has the chance to become an easy sell on the recruiting front (hi, Marcel Brooks!).

Mac is a much bigger question which is a damn shame with Wheeler being a senior. Right now you’d have to think Wheeler know who would take their spots.

holds on to the job but it will be interesting to see who competes with him. Will it be a freshman? Will it be one of McCulloch or

I’d love to see Okafor or Kerstetter in the mix there, though both

Bimage (probably not)? Texas needs to hit on Ayodele Adeoye but

can remain at tackle if need be. They need to find competition for

I fear he might have some of the movement limitations Wheeler

Shack. McMillon will at least have Patrick Hudson pushing him,

does.

assuming the big man from Silsbee returns healthy. He’ll have some catching up to do and was already a long-curve player.

Naashon Hughes graduates after seemingly spending enough time in Austin to pick a good 4-6 degrees. That’s McCulloch’s

E-Rod could also push the guards or right tackle if Samuel Cosmi

position to start but if he couldn’t beat out Hughes I have some

is ready for prime time at left. Cosmi is being groomed to be the

modest concerns. This is where Joseph Ossai is huge. The

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41

2018 TEAM OUTLOOK

dime to finish his career, though maybe he gets one last look at corner if Hill bolts.

Montrell Estell enters the fray but he’s slotted behind Jones. If Locke doesn’t have a strong finish finding him competition is imperative. Thompson could emerge here. Brown has some of the traits necessary but probably not an important one: coverage.

Some true freshman will eventually be groomed here but this isn’t a position a player comes in immediately and plays well.

The bad news; Texas will likely lose some talent we didn’t get to enjoy long enough. The good news; depth is solid, and should buy enough time for the freshman class to not learn under fire.

They’re uber talented and I’m not talking about Scipio’s driving skills, but you don’t want to play anyone outside of perhaps a spectacularly talented corner out there any earlier than you have to.

ST

Holton Hill

I have no idea if Michael Dickson will leave early. I’ll probably find

coaches have told him playing time is available early if he earns

that out further down the road. This will come down to his motiva-

it. I do think he could play early too. Marqez Bimage is also in the

tions. Is school important to him? Has he grown to love Austin?

mix. He’ll be a sophomore after the coaches wasted his red-shirt.

It’s a lucrative thing to be a mercenary Aussie punter and it’s not like another year of college is going to better prepare him as a player. Josh Rowland will be back. Cameron Dicker will be added

DB

to the equation. He has the leg but the position is so dependent

I have Holton Hill at 75% gone but it would possibly be higher if I

on mental strength and focus I have no idea what any kicker will

knew what the NFL was going to think of him in mid-December.

ever become. Nick Rose is in the NFL, btw.

Hill’s season has gone a long way towards giving Texas momentum in the Anthony Cook recruitment. DeShon Elliott is also

To conclude, my predictions are Connor Williams, Malik Jeffer-

possibly gone. I have him at 50% and again that’s contingent on

son, and Holton Hill declare. Each will be a big loss, especially

finding what the NFL thinks of him in a month. The returns from

Williams. Malik is a big loss too but I’m confident Johnson will

the College Advisory will be big for those two. I don’t think Elliott

kill it as a senior. I’m confident Thompson will be good even as

is having the season his Thorpe semi-finalist recognition indicates

a sophomore starter. He’ll take some lumps like all corners do.

but he’s still be good. He could use another year.

Hopefully he can get a lot of reps versus Kansas.

Kris Boyd will almost certainly be back (do you ever truly know

That 2018 schedule sets up nicely for a team that shouldn’t have

with Kris?) and fans will at some point realize that’s a good thing.

nearly as many questions about it as it currently does.

PJ Locke and Brandon Jones will appear to be holdover starters at nickel and safety respectively. If Hill declares Josh Thompson becomes the immediate front-runner for corner. He’ll have Kobe

Join the Conversation

Boyce and some freshmen to hold off but he likely would. If Elliott leaves that opens the door for Chris Brown. I don’t think Bonney has enough lead in his ass for the position. Bonney likely remains

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