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    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.
     
    CJ Vogel
    At the very end of the contact window, Steve Sarkisian and Jeff Banks made a trip down to Houston to visit in-person with 2025 LB Javar Thomas.
    The 6-foot-3 linebacker at Aldine Nimitz HS saw his recruitment grow in the month of January with offers from UNLV, Washington, Colorado State and Houston. Texas also got involved in Thomas' recruitment when they officially tossed their hat in the ring last Friday on the visit from Sarkisian and Banks.
    Despite having visited campus on January 20 for the Junior Day, Thomas told me it was a total surprise when the offer arrived from the Texas staff. 
    Continuing the trend of lengthy, long-levered linebacker prospects, Thomas is a prime candidate to see return to campus in March for a second unofficial of the year.
    Bobby Burton
    A quick list of the Longhorns' 2024 Recruiting Class Superlatives:
    Production - Colin Simmons, Tyanthony Smith, Melvin Hills, Trey Owens
    Hills may be the surprise of this list. But he was ultra-productive as a high school senior, registering 14.5 sacks.
    Fastest - Ryan Wingo, Xavier Filsaime
    Both Wingo and Filsaime have verified 100-meter times in the 10.5s.
    Most Athletic - Jordan Washington, Aaron Butler, Xavier Filsaime, Kobe Black, Ryan Wingo, Colin Simmons
    Lots of high caliber athletes in this class. These are probably the best of the group.
    Acceleration - Aaron Butler, Wardell Mack
    Butler's ability as a punt returner is impressive. Mack has the ability to turn on the jets quickly.
    Quickest Feet - Christian Clark
    Makes cuts I'm not sure anyone else on the roster can make.
    Physically Most Ready (for their position) - Jerrick Gibson, Xavier Filsaime, Colin Simmons, Ryan Wingo
    These are most ready body types for the rigors of college football. Simmons may surprise some here, but he's wiry strong and adding good weight.
    Toughest - Daniel Cruz, Xavier Filsaime, Christian Clark, Jerrick Gibson, Nate Kibble, Colin Simmons
    Don't try to take Daniel Cruz's or Christian Clark's school lunch. It won't end well for you.
    NFL Prototype - Brandon Baker, Ryan Wingo, Trey Owens, Xavier Filsaime
    Filsaime's speed, Baker's frame and athleticism, Wingo's size/speed combo, Owens' arm talent.
    Body Type (long term) - Zina Umeozulu, Ryan Wingo, Jordan Washington, Wardell Mack, Trey Owens, Alex January, Brandon Baker
    Find a better long-term body type on the roster than Zina on the defensive side of the ball.
    Longest Arms (for their position) - Wardell Mack, Tyanthony Smith, Jordan Washington, Ryan Wingo, Zina Umeozulu
    These guys all have the "length" Texas coaches have been looking for.
    Strongest Hands - Daniel Cruz, Alex January
    These two lock on you and you're in trouble.
    Football IQ - Jordon Johnson-Rubell, Daniel Cruz, Tyanthony Smith, Santana Wilson, Parker Livingstone, Trey Owens
    Johnson-Rubell, Smith and Cruz have played and started at multiple positions over multiple years. That's not easy.
    Family Tree - Alex January, Santana Wilson, Ryan Wingo, Kobe Black, Aaron Butler
    January's dad played at Texas. The others had relatives who played either college or pro ball.
    Multiple Positions in HS - Christian Clark, Daniel Cruz, Zina Umeozulu, Xavier Filsaime, Tyanthony Smith, Wardell Mack, Kobe Black, Santana Wilson
    Played Basketball - Jordan Washington, Kobe Black, Colin Simmons, Tyanthony Smith
    Washington or Black would win the 1-on-1 contest among enrollees.
    Played Baseball - Alex January, Parker Livingstone
    Livingstone would have had a shot at professional ball.
    Ran Track - Ryan Wingo, Xavier Filsaime, Parker Livingstone, Wardell Mack, Freddie Dubose Jr., Aaron Butler, Jordon Johnson-Rubell, Melvin Hills (throws)
    Wrestler/Powerlifting - Daniel Cruz, Nate Kibble
    Cruz is an elite wrestler.
    Hampered By Injuries As A Senior - Freddie DuBose Jr., Christian Clark, Parker Livingstone, Ryan Wingo, Aaron Butler
    These guys all missed time as a senior or were still nursing significant ones all year.
    Four-year High School Starter - Daniel Cruz, Nate Kibble, Jerrick Gibson, Jordon Johnson-Rubell
    State Champs - Colin Simmoms, Alex January, Michael Kern, Brandon Baker
     
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