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The camp injuries at running back last season is why Banks and Sark decided to pull the running backs off of special teams.

On kickoff returns, Banks trusts Tre Wisner and DeAndre Moore.

Banks said the main issue had had last season with the kickoff return game were the penalties that wiped out good returns.

Banks says the kick return game a year ago was mostly a non factor out of opportunity than anything.

A punter who can kick the ball high, far and directionally is what the Longhorns were looking for in the portal.

On Endries as a blocker, Banks said the real challenge for him will be when he has to block Anthony Hill or Colin Simmons in a live period for the first time.

Speed, tackling ability and trust are the three things Banks is looking for in special teamers.

Banks was asked what traits they look for with freshmen to play special teams: speed, trust, physicality “If you can flat out run, you are going to play special teams.”

Banks said the sample of Jack Endries’ blocking at Cal made the staff feel like he’d do well in the running game for Longhorns.

“Jack Endries gives us a proven pass receiver and a proven guy in the box.”

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.”