Bobby Burton
Some early returns through two days of practice based on what I've been told.
- If you're asking if any true freshmen are standing out through the first two days, I'm told there are several. "The depth" of the freshman class is "elite" was the first thing passed on to me.
But, individually, there is one freshman who is really doing some nice things very early.
According to a source, Kade Phillips, the cornerback from Greater Houston, is showing some truly elite signs just two practices into spring ball. I'm told it's not just his length and make-up speed, but some intangibles as well.
I know it's early, but Texas may have caught lightning in a bottle. He's been that impressive, in the same way that Ryan Wingo was a year ago at this time.
Nick Brooks also received a comment in that regard. The Atlanta area OL is already seeing some run at second-team left tackle just two days into spring camp.
- This should come as little surprise to those who follow Texas closely, but the size/speed/athleticism combo of Wingo are really separating him as a playmaker for 2025.
- It's also important to note that part of spring camp will be used by the Texas staff to assess what pieces of the puzzle Texas will need to address in the transfer portal which opens on April 15.
We've talked at length previously about likely needs at WR, TE and DL.
But I will remind everyone, Sark is not playing just to hold serve right now. If the Texas staff sees someone in the portal, at just about any position, that they think can help them win games, they're going to go after them.
Sark, I was told, wants to go after a championship every season. That includes 2025.
- One quick Arch Manning update: unsurprisingly, he's looked like a first-year starter at times and like a multi-year NFL vet at others. In other words, his continued development will be what we hope to hear the most about over the next couple of weeks. In some ways, as Arch goes, most likely so will the Texas offense.