Moderators CJ Vogel Posted March 27 Moderators Share Posted March 27 Texas is five practices into spring football now – two practices have concluded with full pads. The Longhorns will practice again on Friday, but there will be no media availability then due to the Texas Relays this weekend. On top of another smooth practice, there was a part of me that felt comfort in the direction of the program that resulted in what I heard off the field from David Gbenda and Quinn Ewers. Before I get into that part of things, I will share a couple of notes that stood out from practice this morning. *** I watched a lot of the tight end group today. It is rare to hear Jeff Banks in a complementary mood but there was praise from the special teams coordinator and tight ends coach at times today. First, on the individual sled where Amari Niblack, Spencer Shannon and Jordan Washington each received a congratulatory remark from Banks for getting the drill correct on the first go-round. As Amari Niblack continues his climb up the Texas depth chart, it is certainly noteworthy that the QB that is consistently throwing to him in routes on air is Quinn Ewers. Arch Manning is often lined up with Juan Davis and Jordan Washington during his rounds. *** There has been some talk about wide receivers having to slow down for passes on deep balls on twitter. Listen, in situations that don't warrant high-speed precision like routes on air, it is difficult to hit a guy perfectly in stride 40-yards down the field on each given throw. The deep ball has looked much better this spring and I will leave it at that rather than nitpicking if a receiver catches it on his backshoulder or out in front. One part of practice I really liked was Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning literally racing one another to get to the individual QB drill about 130 yards away from where they were on the field during special teams. It is little things like that that stands out to me. *** I think Colton Vasek has a real shot at contributing this year. While the path to the field is not necessarily a walk in the park, he has looked great in spring ball so far. He is lengthy, athletic and can bend. I think there is more athleticism here than Ethan Burke and the frame continues to build. Buy stock now. *** But to part of today that I enjoyed hearing about: It is noteworthy that David Gbenda was the first player from the defensive side of the ball to speak with the media this spring. The elder statesman in the room has the respect of the coaching staff and his teammates. Gbenda mentioned Barryn Sorrell, Jahdae Barron, Michael Taaffe and himself as leaders on the defensive side of the ball early on. Derion Gulllette and Tyanthony Smith were singled out as two youngsters who were standing out to him. Of course, Smith was the lone linebacker in the 2024 class this past cycle. The other part of Gbenda's time with time with the media that stood out to me was his remarks when I asked him about motivation he took from the Sugar Bowl. Gbenda told me straight up he was "pissed off" about the loss. Being what he called "12 inches" short of playing for a title, has stuck with him through the winter and into today. That sentiment is echoed throughout the rest of the program as well. *** As for Quinn Ewers, I sensed calm and confident version of Ewers. Multiple times Ewers brought up how comfortable he was in Sarkisian's system as a third year player. Ewers also spoke about his decision to return to school. Citing he did not want to rush the decision or his time in college after skipping his senior season to enroll at Ohio State, then not playing as a true freshman and eventually transferring over to Texas. This is the first time I got the sense Ewers was completely at peace with his surroundings. Ewers mentioned he had an idea midway through the 2023 season that he would return to Texas for another season. A week following the Sugar Bowl, Ewers had bought in completely to returning and eventually made the decision about 10 days after. As for leaders on the offensive side of the ball, Ewers named Jake Majors in the middle of the offensive line and Johntay Cook as the most experienced returning wide receiver on roster – certainly worth mentioning. View full news 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators CJ Vogel Posted March 27 Author Moderators Share Posted March 27 Listen to Ewers here. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NothinButDaHorns34 Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 Think neto has taken over the left guard spot from hayden or is flood just experimenting for spring ball? I really hope Neto took that next step. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryantnelson02 Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 All this team needs is a War Daddy 1 Tech to make sure teams can't just run up the gut against us. That 335-pound reliable body could make the difference in winning the SEC. #KennethGrant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators CJ Vogel Posted March 27 Author Moderators Share Posted March 27 2 minutes ago, NothinButDaHorns34 said: Think neto has taken over the left guard spot from hayden or is flood just experimenting for spring ball? I really hope Neto took that next step. It's giving Neto a chance to win the spot. Two consecutive practices with Umeozulu at LG isn't by accident. Gives Texas the chances to find its best five OL and cross-train Hayden Conner in the meantime. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NothinButDaHorns34 Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 20 minutes ago, ryantnelson02 said: All this team needs is a War Daddy 1 Tech to make sure teams can't just run up the gut against us. That 335-pound reliable body could make the difference in winning the SEC. #KennethGrant Here’s to hoping the second portal window brings us that since sydir is looking less and less ready. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Driskill33 Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 Good Stuff CJ! Do you still feel they need to add an over the ball DT this spring to push this team over the top? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speed817 Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bourbasted Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 So who won the race between QE and AM? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTown Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 Awesome coverage as always! And goes for everyone here. And much appreciated that y'all are in Austin so much. Great atmosphere around campus today and rest of the week with Texas Relays as well. 🤘🤘 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators CJ Vogel Posted March 27 Author Moderators Share Posted March 27 1 hour ago, Driskill33 said: Good Stuff CJ! Do you still feel they need to add an over the ball DT this spring to push this team over the top? Yes 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators CJ Vogel Posted March 27 Author Moderators Share Posted March 27 42 minutes ago, bourbasted said: So who won the race between QE and AM? Quinn had a head start and held off the protoge 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coot Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 5 hours ago, ryantnelson02 said: All this team needs is a War Daddy 1 Tech to make sure teams can't just run up the gut against us. That 335-pound reliable body could make the difference in winning the SEC. #KennethGrant I wonder if Sydir Mitchell could drop 25-30 pounds between now and August. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators CJ Vogel Posted March 28 Author Moderators Share Posted March 28 25 minutes ago, Coot said: I wonder if Sydir Mitchell could drop 25-30 pounds between now and August. That's a lot to ask for from a guy who hasn't lost any weight in a full calendar year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GasserGaston Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 Happy to read that about Vasek! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horns96 Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 1 hour ago, Coot said: I wonder if Sydir Mitchell could drop 25-30 pounds between now and August. The more immediate concern, it sounds like he just needs to maximize effort at his current weight. Reading between the lines, that seems to be the first obstacle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bevotee Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 Glad to hear that about Cook. Though all the talk is about the 3 transfers, I expect Cook to start and impress. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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