We are two weeks away from the start of spring football in Austin, Texas – wrap that through your brain and get excited this Tuesday morning!
A rundown of each early enrollee heading into the spring season and what their focus will be or what it is we want to see from them for the 15 practices they are allotted.
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QB Trey Owens - Cypress Fair HS (TX)
The freshman quarterback arrived to campus at 6-foot-5 and 238 pounds. Owens will work into the third team reps this spring with the focus on body transformations and the understanding of the offense. Sarkisian and Milwee will be working to get Owens up to speed this spring with calls, formations and assignments.
RB Jerrick Gibson – IMG Academy (TX)
It appears the freshman running back will be wearing No. 9 this season after a post to his IG story yesterday afternoon. I will be interested in seeing just how big Gibson gets to this spring. He was listed in high school at 200 pounds, though having seen him most recently in Orlando, I would not be surprised to see Gibson come in around 210-215. Seeing him in-person, you would think Gibson has to turn sideways to walk through doorframes.
RB Christian Clark – Mountain Pointe HS (AZ)
The frame of Gibson gets a lot of love and for good reason, but do not sleep on Christian Clark and the work he has done this offseason. Clark's lower body is really where he makes his money when has the ball in his hands. He has a great lower half and the burst has been noticeable in workouts. For both running backs, the key to getting on the field early is what approach they are able to take in the pass protection game.
WR Ryan Wingo – Saint Louis University (MO)
I have not heard more praise about an early enrollee this offseason than I have about Wingo, he has probably been the MVP among the EE's so far. It was clear in San Antonio for the All American Bowl that he was special and that has resulted in a smooth transition to the winter conditioning program. Wingo has tremendous speed for his size and has been one of the best overall performers in winter camp regardless of class. It also doesn't hurt that he has been a standout in throwing sessions either.
WR Parker Livingstone – Lovejoy HS (TX)
Livingstone possesses more height than any other wide receiver on the roster and combines that with a great top-end speed. The staff is hoping for Livingstone to add about 15 pounds to get up to 200 pounds or so by the end of his freshman season. Livingstone has been a constant attendee in throwing sessions and again, surprises folks with his running ability.
WR Aaron Butler – Calabasas HS (CA)
It was rather unfortunate Butler joined the Texas class as late as he did. Texas fans have yet to realize what kind of talent he possesses at the receiver position. For those fans who have watched Butler's senior year Hudl, you have a better idea. Our Bobby Burton has reported earlier this spring that Butler is right behind Ryan Wingo as the most impressive freshman wide receiver. Butler's acceleration is noticeable instantly.
WR Freddie Dubose – Smithson Valley HS (TX)
How healthy is the knee for Dubose? I have heard it's still getting back to 100%. Dubose helped bring Smithson Valley to a state championship appearance in 2023 though there was still a little hitch in and out of breaks when watching him run routes. On a positive note, Dubose is closing in on 190 pounds after previously being listed around 175 in high school.
TE Jordan Washington – Langham Creek (TX)
It has been a great winter for Washington as he gets his body acclimated to the college game. Washington was very light for most big-time tight end prospects coming out of high school, however he falls in that category of body-changers since arriving in Austin. Washington's lower body has progressed further than his upper body at this point. Thus far, I have heard only positive remarks about Washington since arriving.
OL Brandon Baker – Mater Dei HS (CA)
The sky is the limit here for Baker. Though, the question remains how quickly can he reach that level? There will be a high focus for Baker this spring when it comes to quickness off the snap. In pass protection, Baker has an 83-inch wingspan that will translate to the college game, but the get-off will be what dictates a strong spring in my eyes. Regardless, Baker has long been mentioned as one of the hardest workers in the freshman group this winter.
OL Daniel Cruz – Richland HS (TX)
Texas fans are going to love the demeanor of Daniel Cruz once they get more familiar with him. On the field, I have yet to meet many players or prospects that can flip the switch better than he does. Cruz plays mean and nasty, yet has a tremendous brain between his ears which is the perfect combination for a center.
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