Evaluating the Midway Point of Spring Football | Friday

A quick look at which position groups are making noise so far this spring and where the improvement over the back half of practices can be made.

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Quarterback

It has been a clean spring for Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning through seven practice sessions. There is much more confidence on the side of Quinn Ewers and the ball is getting out much quicker where as in previous years we would have seen indecision. Manning is coming along nicely as well in his development. I have also heard positive remarks about Trey Owens early on.

Running Back

The question now at the position is who takes hold of RB3 spot. It will be CJ Baxter as your No. 1 lead back this fall, with Jaydon Blue behind him. Blue has become a much more physical runner inside the tackles this spring. Will it be Savion Red or Tre Wisner as RB3? Maybe a freshman? That's my big question mark for this spot for the backhalf of the spring.

Wide Receiver

One of the most exciting positions coming into the spring has yet to disappoint. We know about Isaiah Bond and the talent he brings, but the emergence of Ryan Wingo and Matthew Golden has made things interesting for the 2024 outlook at receiver. I would like to hear more about Johntay Cook, as I still expect him to be a big time contributor in 2024. DeAndre Moore and Silas Bolden will provide an interesting battle in fall camp. Texas should feel comfortable about 4-5 wide receivers at the moment.

Tight End

It is still Gunnar Helm's job and he has taken strides in the passing game. There remains an element of physicality needed in the trenches, but I have been told Helm is taking the steps there. Amari Niblack is getting more and more run with the first unit as well in two tight end looks. Niblack is thrown to solely by Ewers in practice during routes on air I am told. Jordan Washington is giving some older TE's a run for their money early. Interestingly enough, it would not surprise me to see some Juan Davis this fall.

Offensive Line

The offensive line unit had its best week of practice beginning on Friday when the team got together for some live run periods. For the most part, this group is set in stone. The lone question mark clearly at left guard with the battle of Neto Umeozulu and Hayden Conner continuing to ravage. Conner was back with the first unit this week, though I will be most certainly tuned into who is the first guard on Saturday during the scrimmage. All in all, so much depth here. Freshmen Brandon Baker and Daniel Cruz have acclimated nicely as well. I have heard great returns about Trevor Goosby and Jaydon Chatman thus far.

Defensive Line

Texas will most likely go portaling when the window opens in ten days at the interior defensive line spot. Here are the bright spots – Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton are creating pressure in the pass game. That was expected. Tia Savea is your most consistent piece in the run game at the moment. He anchors better than anyone else, mostly because of his stature and strength than pure size. The question of Sydir Mitchell remains as he fights back from a minor health bug early in camp. 

EDGE

Perhaps the position group I was most excited about coming into camp. This group has plenty of size, speed and talent at the moment, the task for PK in the second half of spring will be finding the rotation – or at least getting an understanding of what it might be in the fall. Trey Moore has exceeded expectations behind the scenes. Colton Vasek and Colin Simmons are pushing Ethan Burke and Barryn Sorrell this spring who have each had solid starts to the spring as well.

Linebacker

A quiet question mark on this team is the linebacker group and whether or not their strengths collectively match what Texas will be looking for in the SEC. It is Anthony Hill Jr. and David Gbenda in the middle now. Hill mentioned Thursday he would be open to receiving the helmet communication in the fall as well. Liona Lefau and Mo Blackwell have each reshaped their bodies this spring as well. Can Kendrick Blackshire contribute consistently? I have heard he's done well in the run game.

Nickel

This is Jahdae Barron's spot and will be in the spring. However, it is encouraging what Jaylon Guilbeau has done thus far. Guilbeau has run sparingly with the first unit as a result of Barron returning to 100%. Austin Jordan remains at the position as well. Freshman Wardell Mack is the candidate amongst the group to remain at nickel from this freshman class.

Cornerback

Malik Muhammad was a bit dinged up earlier in camp, but has since returned to the starting rotation. That absence allowed for Gavin Holmes to get some run with the 1's and some more one-on-one opportunities against Texas' best in practice on a day to day. This group is physical, they are quick and they fight against the ball. A recurring theme I have heard about this unit is the consistency they have when it comes to making plays on the football. There is an urgency to knock passes down and fight through the hands more so than a year ago.

Safety

Perhaps the position group that looks the most different from a year ago. Adding Andrew Mukuba has helped this group from an optics perspective. Derek Williams, Michael Taaffe and Jelani McDonald round out a strong four-man rotation. McDonald might be the biggest riser of the bunch this spring. Jordon Johnson-Rubell and Xavier Filsaime have had their moments as well. Overall, a much improved group from an athleticism standpoint from a year ago.