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    CJ Vogel

    In The Pipeline | EDGE & LB

    By CJ Vogel, in Articles,

    Time to move to the remainder of the front seven on the defensive side of the ball. Earlier today I spoke about the future of the trenches for the Texas program – and yes, I did remember Sydir Mitchell was on roster for those wondering. 
    For this piece, a look at the edge rushers and linebackers. Two positions that have seen an increase in production, and project to be amongst the strength of the Texas defense for the upcoming years. Should be a fun rabbit hole to dive into.
    Defensive Ends
    On Roster: Trey Moore, Ethan Burke, Barryn Sorrell, Trey Moore, J'Mond Tapp, Justice Finkley, Colton Vasek, Tausili Akana, Billy Walton, Colin Simmons, Zina Umeozulu
    Coming Soon: Lance Jackson
    For 2024: On paper, this unit should see an increase in production from a year ago. UTSA transfer joins the room as does five-star EDGE Colin Simmons. Both guys figure to crack the rotation at early on this season. Where Texas can really see an increase in on-field success is with the returning vets, Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke. There is plenty of experience and big moments from the both of them, but finding consistency will be key. Texas will toss in Finkley and Tapp for extra depth to this room as well. What kind of steps will we see taken from Vasek, Akana, Walton and Umeozulu? Remains to be seen.
    Beyond: Building off that final sentence above, the future here is very bright, especially when you add in 2025 commit Lance Jackson out of Pleasant Grove, TX. Colin Simmons is the star of this group moving forward. He is the highest rated prospect on the defensive end spot in 15 years. But who else joins him in the production category? Right now, I look at Colton Vasek as someone that can eventually take that leap, he is bendier than Burke with a 6-foot-5 frame of his own, but when will we see him fully healthy? How soon can Akana and Waltotn get up to speed physically? I think we are all awaiting the light to flick on for J'Mond Tapp and Justice Finkley, but by 2025 will it be too late? It is a great issue to have, as the iron makes stronger iron as we all know. Depth won't be an issue here, but finding the one or two additional gamechangers is the key.
     
    Linebackers
    On Roster: Anthony Hill Jr., David Gbenda, Kendrick Blackshire, Morice Blackshire, Derion Gullette, S'Maje Burrell, Liona Lefau, Tyanthony Smith
    Coming Soon: Anthony Williams
    For 2024: I wouldn't say the linebacker group is a concern for me, but it is a spot where I will have questions that will need answering in the spring session. Of course, Anthony Hill Jr. is a special player. That won't come as a surprise to anyone who watched a possession of Texas football last fall. But where does Texas go after that at LB? David Gbenda is the experienced piece in the room, but as we saw in 2023, is he ready for a full slate of snaps? I question how often you can keep Gbenda and Blackshire on the field in obvious passing downs which leads me to someone like Liona Lefau potentially coming in to the rotation full time. The staff likes Mo Blackwell a lot, but his role seems to be refined solely to those aforementioned passing downs. Feels like Texas may be at a crossroads of personnel tipping tendency here at LB, unless someone can take that next step – potentially Lefau?
    Beyond: I have mentioned Lefau's name plenty here. But I do see him being a multi-year starter for the Longhorns in the middle of the defense. My biggest question coming out of HS was Lefau's size – he is firmly in the 6-foot-1 range and carries 230 pounds relatively well at the moment. He can play. One guy that is worth mentioning now and should have been mentioned above is Derion Gullette. This spring will be really key for Gullette to prove he can play at this speed and level now that he is fully healthy. I like both Burrell and Smith at the back end of this list and believe one of the two will be a starter to pair next to Gullette or Lefau way down the road in 2026. Also, Texas is in pursuit of a loaded 2025 linebacking class, will be interesting to see who joins this room after the 2024 season.
     
    CJ Vogel

    In The Pipeline | Trenches

    By CJ Vogel, in Articles,

    National Signing Day threw a wrench into the schedule of the In The Pipeline series we have going on, but have no fear, we are doubling up today on the posts for this series.
    Thus far, quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end have been covered for the 2024 season and beyond. As we progress down the roster, we arrive to the biggest (literally) group on roster – the offensive line and defensive line. Focusing solely on interior guys for the defensive side of the ball.
    So, let's get to it.
    Offensive Line
    On Roster: Banks-Conner-Majors-Campbell-Williams | Hutson, Umeozulu, Goosby, Chatman, Kirkland, Robertson, Stroh, Cojoe, Baker, Kibble, Cruz
    Coming Soon: Potentially 4-5 in 2025
    For 2024: The offensive line took a noticeable step forward in 2023 with the core of the lineup returning for a second year together. As we sit more than 200 days away from the opening kickoff, it is looking like the offensive line will once again be making a move in the right direction as a result of continuity in the starting group. Four of five starters from a year ago return, plus I believe big Cam Williams is a shoe-in for the right tackle spot. Now, there are interesting theories to ponder about right now at left guard and right tackle. Could there be some movement there to shore up depth? Potentially. We will see this spring what kind of push Texas gets from Cole Hutson and Neto Umeozulu, two guys with playing experience. But regardless, the offensive line is set up beautifully for a third year Quinn Ewers and a stable of running backs eager to get their first full share of touches.
    Beyond: You can expect to see Jake Majors, Hayden Conner and Kelvin Banks depart following the 2024 season. Texas will be able to boast about their first 1st round offensive lineman drafted since the ice age with Banks. Luckily, attrition has yet to be an issue for the Longhorns here (*knock on wood*). Daniel Cruz and Connor Robertson will battle for the center spot. At the tackle spot, it is expected a third year Trevor Goosby will be the favorite to take over left tackle with a returning Cam Williams at right tackle. Think about that for a second, Texas' tackle duo for the 2025 season could average 6-feet-7-inches and over 335 pounds. Not too bad. I would think DJ Campbell returns for 2025 unless he lights the world on fire this fall, which leads to one of Umeozulu or Hutson to man the right guard spot. By all accounts, an experienced offensive line remains. Toss in five-star Brandon Baker into the mix as well somewhere and the pipeline is tremendous.
     
    Defensive Line:
    On Roster: Alfred Collins, Vernon Broughton, Tiaoalii Savea, Sydir Mitchell, Aaron Bryant, Jaray Bledsoe, Alex January, Melvin Hills
    Coming Soon: Brandon Brown
    For 2024: Well, this will be an interesting spot for the 2024 Longhorns. I, for one, am not as bearish on this group as many. Yes, Texas will likely need to add a piece to this room before the season begins – that is best case scenario. But I do feel like this group won't be a glaring weakness with the current pieces in the room. Now, how will they perform? I guess that is up to Coach Baker and his preparation for the unit as a whole. But there is experience here. Alfred Collins was a plus on the D-Line last year and Vernon Broughton's strength has been stopping the run. Add in Savea who has nearly 550 snaps of live action over the last two seasons, and there is a quality depth spot there. The biggest question to me is how often you can rely on Aaron Bryant who found his way into the rotation for the Sugar Bowl. January on campus early helps as well. If, and I want to get ahead of this, Texas finds an extra gear with Jaray Bledsoe, I will be comfortable with this unit in year one in the SEC. It won't be a plus, but it will be enough to not lose games this fall.
    Beyond: This group will be needing some portal work in 2024 after the season. Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton will depart after the season and the cupboard isn't exactly stocked. A big recruiting class is needed, but it won't bridge the gap quickly. Most of us are rather excited about what Alex January can bring to the table here as well. Texas is going to need to do some real work to reconstruct the defensive line room for 2025 and beyond. Luckily, if Jaray Bledsoe can add the necessary weight, he can be a real contributor for the Longhorns in the meantime. But until then, Kenny Baker will have his work cutout for him.
    CJ Vogel
    Former Texas analyst and TCU head coach Gary Patterson has found a new home in the state of Texas — Waco. 
    Patterson has been hired by Baylor HC Dave Aranda to join the program as a senior level consultant.
    Quite the conundrum for both fan bases  as both have a long history rooting for and against Patterson in the TCU-Baylor rivalry.
     
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