Five reasons for optimism heading into next Texas football season

The aura of despondency surrounding the Texas football program has subsided, and coach Steve Sarkisian has already ushered in a brand new wave of optimism only a few weeks faraway from the Longhorns’ nightmarish 2021 season.

That’s what occurs while you land a quarterback prospect who’s as hyped as they arrive.

But it’s not simply the recruitment of Quinn Ewers that has Longhorns followers counting down the times till August. Texas signed the No. 5-ranked 2022 class within the nation, and most of the most proficient recruits tackle particular positional crew wants.

With a bunch of thrilling newcomers, key returning veterans, and a few high-ceiling explosive gamers on offense, the Texas Longhorns appear to be trending upwards heading into Sarkisian’s second 12 months in cost.

An arsenal of weapons on offense

Despite its well-documented struggles in 2021, Texas’ offense was truly a well-oiled machine through the early half of the season. There was the easy 58-point drubbing of Rice, the 70-point demolition of Texas Tech, and the 38-point first half in opposition to Oklahoma.

But after Casey Thompson injured the thumb on his throwing hand in opposition to the Sooners, the Longhorns couldn’t discover regular quarterback play. Despite Thompson being banged up for half the season, the Longhorns nonetheless put up over 35 factors a sport, the second-highest mark within the Big 12.

That was due in no small half to the heroism of Bijan Robinson and true freshman standout Xavier Worthy.

Both return with one other 12 months of faculty expertise below their belt, and may have further playmakers round them. Sarkisian used his Alabama ties to herald two proficient transfers from Tuscaloosa, receiver Agiye Hall and tight finish Jahleel Billingsley, who will spherical out a star-studded solid of weapons.

Consistency at quarterback

Not solely will Robinson and Worthy — in addition to Jordan Whittington and Roschon Johnson — be again and higher than ever, however the Longhorns will definitely enhance at quarterback.

Ewers will most certainly be the man for Sarkisian, and lots of are saying he’s a generational expertise. He and Vince Young are the one quarterbacks since 2000 to obtain an ideal score from 247Sports, and he’s not simply your typical 18-year-old quarterback. Having already spent a 12 months in a school weight room, at a program like Ohio State no much less, Ewers must be able to take the beginning job.

Stronger within the trenches

Other than instability on the quarterback place, Texas’ different weak spot offensively was its offensive line, an issue Sarkisian addressed by signing six linemen. And a few of them might see enjoying time as true freshmen.

With six-year veteran Derek Kerstetter gone, Kelvin Banks, the No. 2-rated offensive deal with recruit within the nation, might slot in for him. And Denzel Okafor’s presence at guard could possibly be changed by Neto Umeozulu, the seventh-best inside lineman in his class. Plus, heart Jake Majors might be heading into his second 12 months as a starter, and Junior Angilau and Christian Jones might be heading into their fifth seasons of faculty football.

Experience up entrance

On the defensive position, nostril deal with Keondre Coburn returns for his fifth 12 months, which might be big for defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski in his second 12 months at Texas. Alongside Coburn, it’s unclear if Moro Ojomo might be returning, however T’Vondre Sweat might step into the beginning function as he enters his senior 12 months.

The solely departing starter on the defensive position is Jacoby Jones, however junior Alfred Collins might show to be an improve on the JACK place. Plus, Ovie Oghoufo is returning on the opposite edge, and Texas signed Jaray Bledson, J’mond Tapp and Justice Finkley, all of whom might present some stable depth up entrance.

Promising secondary

Aside from the offensive line, Sarkisian recognized the secondary as one other space in want of enchancment. With the signing of Ohio State switch Ryan Watts, in addition to four-star defensive backs Terrance Brooks and Bryan Allen, Sarkisian actually addressed that drawback.

Watts, Brooks or Jahdae Barron could possibly be incredible replacements for the departing Josh Thompson, and Anthony Cook, Jerrin Thompson, JD Coffey or Allen could possibly be the reply at security.

The return of D’Shawn Jamison may even be huge for Texas, because the cornerback will undertake extra of a management function. With all of that expertise behind returning linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, Texas’ protection could possibly be a lot improved next 12 months.