Blake Munroe

Another good round of guests this week on Coffee and Football. Monday - Coach Brian Randle (Landen Williams-Callis head coach) Tuesday - Former Texas RB Johnathan Gray, Former Texas LB Lance Taylor Wednesday - Thorpe Award winner, National Champion, 2x Super Bowl Champ… Former Texas defensive back Aaron Ross Still working on Thursday and Friday, but got some stuff brewing there too.

There was never any debate about who would represent No. 34. By the time his Texas career ended, Ricky Williams had rewritten both the Longhorn and NCAA record books. He rushed for 6,279 career yards and 72 rushing touchdowns, both still Texas records, while piling up 7,206 all-purpose yards and setting 21 NCAA records and 46 school records. His 1998 season remains one of the greatest individual campaigns in college football history: 2,124 rushing yards 27 rushing touchdowns 2,386 all-purpose yards Led the nation in rushing Rushed for a school-record 350 yards against Iowa State Broke Tony Dorsett’s NCAA career rushing record against Texas A&M And, of course, the hardware followed: Heisman Trophy Two-time Doak Walker Award Two-time Unanimous All-American Maxwell Award Walter Camp Player of the Year AP Player of the Year Sporting News Player of the Year Today, his No. 34 is one of the few retired jerseys in Texas football history.

Shout out to my guy Edwin Freeman. Also gotta mention Kevin Durant.

The countdown rolls on with one of the greatest running backs in Texas history. Jim Bertelsen helped power the Longhorns to back-to-back national championships, three straight Southwest Conference titles and a 30-game winning streak from 1969–71. He finished his Texas career with 2,510 rushing yards, 33 rushing touchdowns and averaged 6.1 yards per carry while leading the Longhorns in total offense during each of his three varsity seasons. His 1969 season remains legendary. Bertelsen rushed for 740 yards and 13 touchdowns, scored the tying touchdown in Texas’ iconic 15–14 win over Arkansas, tied the school record with four rushing touchdowns against SMU and earned first-team All-SWC honors while helping lead the Longhorns to the national championship. He went on to become a two-time national champion, two-time All-Southwest Conference selection, the 1971 Texas team MVP and co-captain before spending five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams after being selected in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft. 35 days until Texas football is back. Hook ’Em! 🤘

One of our members, Albert Green a.k.a Catfish Bevo a.k.a. AL Bevo, passed away this morning in the hospital. While he wasn’t very active on the board, he was always in the Coffee and Football chat. According to his wife, an infection spread through his body from a valve that was replaced last year. I’ve known Brother Al for a long time…. Back to when I covered recruiting at my first job. He was a good, good man who served his community as a preacher, among many other things. Al would stop in Comanche anytime he was near and meet Krista and I at Dairy Queen. During those times it was apparent he loved three things: The Lord, The Longhorns and his family. RIP to a long time OTF supporter and friend.

Had to cheat on Graham pic. Couldn't find a picture of him at Texas!

We're 36 days away from Texas football, so today's spotlight is on the best Longhorns to wear No. 36. William Graham ranks among the top ballhawks in school history with 11 career interceptions, including seven in 1981. His biggest play came in the 1982 Cotton Bowl, when he intercepted Alabama at the Texas 1-yard line to preserve one of the program's most memorable victories. Alex De La Torre appeared in 44 games and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2015. His lead blocking helped power a Texas rushing attack that averaged nearly 225 yards per game during his final season. The current No. 36 is senior defensive back Nick Hudson, a portal transfer from Brown. Who do you think is the greatest Longhorn to ever wear No. 36? Hook 'Em. 🤘

As we continue our countdown to kickoff, today’s spotlight is on the best Longhorns to wear No. 37. Glenn Blackwood | Defensive Back (1975–78) Blackwood headlines this list. A captain of the 1978 Texas team, he helped lead the Longhorns to the 1977 Southwest Conference championship and an undefeated regular season. He led Texas in interceptions during that 1977 campaign before going on to enjoy a 10-year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, where he played in two Super Bowls. Blackwood was inducted into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor in 2020. Henry Melton | Running Back/Defensive End (2005–08) One of the more unique careers in Texas history, Melton arrived as a bruising running back before successfully transitioning to defensive end. He was a member of the 2005 national championship team and scored 16 rushing touchdowns during his first two seasons before becoming an impact defender. Melton earned All-Big 12 honors as a senior and later developed into an NFL Pro Bowler with the Chicago Bears. Terry Orr | Fullback (1981–84) Orr played a key role on some outstanding Texas teams during the early 1980s. His most memorable moment came when he scored the go-ahead touchdown in Texas’ victory over Alabama in the 1982 Cotton Bowl. He helped the Longhorns to multiple top-five finishes before enjoying a nine-year NFL career that included two Super Bowl championships with Washington. Nate Boyer | Deep Snapper (2010–14) Boyer’s legacy extends well beyond football. After serving as a Green Beret and earning a Bronze Star, he walked on at Texas, eventually earning a scholarship and becoming the Longhorns’ primary long snapper. He received the inaugural Armed Forces Merit Award and remains one of the most respected and inspiring figures to ever wear the Burnt Orange. Who would you rank as the greatest Longhorn to wear No. 37?

Adding Alex De La Torre to the list. He will join us on Friday.

Our countdown to kickoff rolls on with No. 38, a jersey worn by a pair of standout Texas linebackers from different eras. Glen Gaspard (1971–73) was one of the anchors of Darrell Royal’s defense, earning first-team All-Southwest Conference honors twice while leading Texas with 110 tackles in 1972. He helped the Longhorns capture three straight SWC championships, played in three consecutive Cotton Bowls, handled kicking duties early in his career, and was later selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1974 NFL Draft. Roddrick Muckelroy (2006–09) became one of the leaders of Mack Brown’s defense, finishing with 291 career tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles. A two-time All-Big 12 selection, Muckelroy helped Texas reach the 2009 BCS National Championship Game and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Pack LF Lugo CF Brennan RF

Just something that needed to work itself out.

Just added this in and the end of the story, as I forgot to put it in… Lugo chose Texas over Arkansas, North Carolina and Georgia.

Yes.

LOVE this pickup. This is why I kept telling yall to not pencil anyone in as a starter yet.