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Banks said the Texas tight end room is “a lot more versatile” with the additions of Emaree Winston and Nick Townsend.

TE room is much more versatile with the freshmen and portal addition says Banks.

Littleton, Barnes, Phillips were mentioned as expected special teams contributors from the freshman class.

A Xavier Filsaime mention when Banks mentions potential core special teamers.

Banks said all three have “home run ability.”

Banks also mentions Texas will likely be more of a pressure unit on punt return, meaning coming after block punts instead of setting up returns.

Jeff Banks says three guys they have trust in at the moment in the return game: DeAndre Moore, Ryan Niblett and Tre Wisner

Regarding the acquisition of Mason Shipley, Bert Auburn’s struggles on kicks of 45-55 yards played a big role in the decision to get a kicker out of the portal.

On Mason Shipley, Jeff Banks says he looks at three factors 1. Body of Work 2. Leg Talent Banks mentions most of the kicks Bert Auburn was missing were north of 45 yards. 3. Looking for a guy who can come in and make kicks at this level. “Mason has a great disposition.”

It's gotta be CJ Baxter and Derek Williams for me. I can't wait to see those 2 healthy!

The ability to play the run with lighter boxes allowed the Tampa-2 looks (including the 3-safety looks Texas used against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl) to evolve. The defense gradually got better and better at it, so they used it more and more.

Jeff Banks time

That’s it for PK.

PK “feels really good about what we’ve got personnel wise” regarding the pass rush.

PK says a big reason for success of the program is the continuity of the coordinators at Texas. PK adds why he and everyone else has stayed at Texas despite having job offers elsewhere “We are all good dudes and we get along.”

Players knowing the expectations of the staff and how the coaches operate is what’s been the key in staff continuity counting.

PK’s vision for the defense in 2025: “We’ve just got to keep getting better… Not resting on our laurels.”

PK on Duane Akina: “I think he’s mellowed out, according to him. He brings a lot of fire.”

When speaking about vocal leaders — outside of Taaffe — PK mentions Guilbeau, McDonald, Trey Moore and Ty Smith as guys doing well in the vocal aspect of the game.

PK mentions Manny Muhammad, Jaylon Guilbeau, Kobe Black and Warren Roberson are fighting for the two cornerback positions. Also says freshman CB Kade Phillips is doing well.

PK says not every call is a perfect call, but having a guy like Michael Taaffe in the back end helps patches up errors or diagnose what is going on before a snap occurs.

PK was asked about “abrupt movement” penalty changes in 2025 on the defensive front. He didn’t have a very fun reaction and believes it will be a week to week approach depending on the officiating crew.

Kwiatkowski speaking on Jonah Williams IMG_0882.mov

PK says the versatility of the LB room is fun and a good problem to have. Says there are plenty of different ways Texas can attack where it be individual players blitzing or through schematic approaches.