We’re two weeks in to spring practice.
We’re hearing about some “movers” behind the scenes. And by that term, we mean players who are moving up the depth chart or who are changing the way they are perceived by teammates and coaches alike.
Here’s a quick rundown.
1. Tre Wisner RB - while Wisner is likely to play third fiddle to the mix of Jaydon Blue and Cedric Baxter, he could also be forcing himself on the field in a role not all that dissimilar to Keilan Robinson. Wisner is even more versatile than Robinson, because of his ability to truly play the RB position.
2. Matthew Golden WR - Consistent and reliable. Those are the words folks are using to describe the Houston transfer. Perhaps that shouldn’t be surprising. But it’s still good to hear.
3. DeAndre Moore WR - an afterthought by some prior to spring ball, Moore has attacked practice like the game means something extra to him. Coaches and teammates have taken notice.
4. Amari Niblack/Gunnar Helm TE - anyone thinking Helm would be passed over by the arrival of Niblack are mistaken. The senior from Denver is set to play a lot in 2024. Likewise, Niblack is finding his own niche as a gifted receiver. Both are moving in the right direction.
5. Neto Umeozulu LG - his move forward really started late last season, but it hasn’t stopped since. For the first time in two years, there is very real competition for the starting left guard spot.
6. Alex January DT - January has already moved ahead of Sydir Mitchell in the DT pecking order in practice.
7. Trey Moore DE - even with two returning starters at defensive end, the Longhorns will not be able to keep the UTSA transfer off the field.
8. Colton Vasek - oft hampered by injury, Vasek is finally seeing some action and looking the part.
9. Derion Gullette LB - Gullette is starting to make plays during live action.
10. David Gbenda LB - He is clearly someone Steve Sarkisian and staff are counting on, which is a clear change from just two months ago. He and Anthony Hill are your game one starters.
11. Gavin Holmes CB - Holmes played the run too soft a year ago and it put him behind a newcomer like Manny Muhammad. This off-season Holmes has taken the constructive criticism to heart and is trying to mix it up more often to prove he’s not a liability in the run game
12. Jaylon Guilbeau Star - Guilbeau never really recovered from his knee injury two years ago. But now he’s performing at a better level.
13. Michael Taaffe - do not discount his presence in the secondary. A year ago, everyone thought he might play *some*. This year, he is making the move to become the leader of the secondary as well as a team leader.
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