The most anticipated spring practice for Texas in two decades is just 31 days away.
While the Longhorns will be ranked in the top 5 in preseason polls, there are still players and positions that need to take key steps this spring to having the chance to maximize the 2024 season.
The interior of the defensive line and linebacker are the two positions Texas has to answer this spring and in August. And depth at safety.
This list was built out with the understanding that wide receivers Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden are expected to experience a smooth transition, and will be impact playmakers with quality depth at the position.
1. Sydir Mitchell, Freshman, DT/NG
Mitchell tops the list for me. Texas needs the 6-5, 350 pound Garden State product to take a big step this spring headed into August. If Mitchell begins to look like the prospect that Texas and Georgia battled for until the ink was dry, Texas defensive tackle position will have a different look headed into the 2024 season. Especially over the ball in a more demanding conference with much better offensive line talent.
2. Alfred Collins, Senior, DT
It’s been a long waiting game for Collins to consistently look like the player and NFL Draft pick his ceiling has suggested since his senior year of high school. It’s now or never for Collins, and the Longhorns need Collins to become the player expected in 2024.
3. Derek Williams Jr., Freshman, S
When Steve Sarkisian said at a signing day press conference the Pelican State product could be a first round pick one day, it certainly raised eyebrows. That’s not a comment made during signing day press conferences. After a strong freshman campaign, Williams beginning to look like that future first round pick level prospect in 2024 would certainly ascend the Texas secondary - especially the safety position.
4. Trey Moore, Junior, EDGE/LB
The UTSA transfer bet on himself hitting the portal in December. If Moore, 6-2 and 235 pounds, is talked about coming out of spring as his strengths translating against Texas level OL’s consistently, the Longhorns will see an uptick off the edge rushing the passer in 2024 - along with Colin Simmons. Moore lacks the long levers of some of the most successful SEC EDGE/LB pass rushers in recent years, but he has possesses high-end twitch.
5. Colin Simmons, True freshman, EDGE/LB
The 5-star EDGE prospect has already added 15-20 pounds of great weight since arriving in Austin. Especially lower body strength, which will be key when attacked in the run game. Simmons possesses pass rush ability off the edge the program hasn’t had in years - since Brian Orakpo.
6. Amari Niblack, Sophomore, TE
The Alabama transfer has down the field ability at tight end that even Ja’Tavion Sanders didn’t possess. Yes, Niblack has that type of vertical speed. If OTF is hearing that Niblack is making a smooth transition into a more complex offensive system and is a more than willing blocker when called upon, the tight end position could be even better in 2024. And that is saying something.
7. Cameron Williams, Sophomore, RT
Williams has patiently waited for his turn while developing physically and technically. His time is now. And that means Texas fans will get to see a player that has a high NFL Draft pick ceiling. Williams made a his only career start vs. Kansas State in 2023. If Williams receives high praise coming out of spring practice, the Texas offensive line will be a lock to be better in 2024 with the returning experience and depth along with Williams.
8. Jaray Bledsoe, Sophomore, DT
Pound-for-pound, Bledsoe is the best athlete in the program. But it’s imperative for the Longhorns to maximize the 2024 season that Bledsoe becomes more than a prospect talked about in terms of potential. He needs to start the on field ascension this spring that vaults him onto NFL scouts minds during the 2024 season. Bledsoe was up to 287 pounds late last season. Texas needs Bledsoe to be an athletic disruptor consistently in 2024.
9. Liona Lefau, Freshman, LB
Lefau flashed last spring and continued to receive praise during the season as a linebacker with a bright future. The long-armed and instinctive linebacker is now in position to grab an opportunity and run with it. If the word coming out of spring practice is Lefau is ready to take a big step in 2024, that changes the trajectory of the position as a whole.
10. Xavier Filsaime, True freshman, S
Texas needs both early enrollee’s Xavier Filsaime and Jordon Johnson-Rubell to make noise in the spring. In the case of Filsaime, he’s for sure going to play safety whereas JJ-R could spend some spring reps at nickel. Filsaime enrolled at Texas with a Power 5 ready frame, and he has impressed since day 1. If that trend continues throughout spring practice, the safety position will look totally different in 2024. That would mean more experience and more speed with the additions of Clemson transfer Andrew Mukuba and Filsaime.
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