Spring football kicks off in just over 24 hours from right now. We have made it. It is here.
Finally, we can sideline the hypotheticals and get to the real action on the field. For all of the excitement this offseason has built, there remains plenty of unforeseen turns before the end of the spring and many questions that are atop of the priority list when it comes to finding the true identity of this team.
Practice No. 1 kicks off tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. I will be in attendance for the media availability of the first session. But beforehand, a quick idea of what I will be looking for when it comes to the spring season getting underway.
***
1. Can Sydir Mitchell Carry 373 Pounds?
It truly is that simple of a question. This was probably the surprise of the roster update – aside from Savion Red at 240 pounds. Texas is banking on a continuation of elite interior defensive line play as they move into the SEC and Sydir Mitchell was expected to be a large piece of the puzzle here. If he can move well and be an impact guy, this is a moot point, but right now, it remains to be seen just how much he can contribute at that weight.
2. Ryan Wingo in Action
Of course, the talk of the offseason has been the transfer portal additions at the wide receiver spot, but that won't stop me from being excited about the five-star wide receiver. Wingo was a star in San Antonio when I last saw him in person. He has the physical tools, a tremendous frame and speed that Sarkisian covets. Now it is about carving out his own role within the Texas offense.
3. Anthony Hill Jr. + LB2
The expectation coming into spring football is David Gbenda will be the man in the starting 11 for the Longhorns at the MIKE linebacker spot alongside Anthony Hill Jr. We saw the glimpses of Gbenda in 2023 where he made his most significant impact coming downhill in run fits and often as a blitzer chasing after the quarterback. The question is can he be relied upon in the passing game. Will we eventually see Morice Blackwell moved inside? How quickly can Liona Lefau and Derion Gullette make an impact here? And don't forget Alabama transfer Kendrick Blackshire for what he can do in this defensive scheme.
4. All of the EDGE's
Texas has lacked that consistent game changer off of the edge for a couple of seasons under Sarkisian. However, we look at the EDGE room now in 2024 that is a strength on paper. You can expect Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke to take steps in their game from a year ago. You add UTSA star transfer Trey Moore and of course five-star Colin Simmons enters the fold as well. But don't sleep on guys like J'Mond Tapp, Billy Walton and Justice Finkley. And it would be found money for the Longhorns to get Colton Vasek completely healthy this spring as well.
5. Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning
I mean it is kind of outrageous that the Heisman frontrunner and the former No. 1 overall player in the country come in at No. 5 on this list am I right? But hey, that just leads to the intrigue of this spring football season. Quinn Ewers physically will look a little stockier than what we saw in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. With the new WR corps, I want to know what the rapport looks like. Of course, with Arch, how is he progressing here as well. Plus, let us see the first couple of practices for early enrollee Trey Owens. A very talented and hyped up QB room for Sarkisian here.
-
15
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.