CJ Vogel
Updates on Winter Workouts & the New Texas Coaching Hires
Wanted to share a few notes from winter workouts that have been ongoing for the last month or so. Most of the Texas coaching staff has been enjoying what off time they get during the offseason, but with the new hires now set, the full staff should be back on campus for the start of March.
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Anyways, some updates from the workouts:
– I have heard plenty of positives about freshman WR Jaime Ffrench during workouts thus far. Ffrench has attacked the winter season full on and has drawn rave reviews thus far. Ffrench's straight line speed and change of direction ability has been mentioned as well.
– These winter months are great for body transformations, RB James Simon is one who is beginning to load up on his frame. Very similarly to what I was hearing about Christian Clark a year ago and his lower body, Simon is following course.
LB Bo Barnes arrived on campus around 244 pounds, I have heard Barnes is moving very well at his size, but is certainly on the path to slim down a bit.
Also, I believe we have mentioned it on livestreams already, but early enrollee OL Nick Brooks is turning heads. OTF has heard the staff has already become big fans of the #BigHuman.
– Texas EDGE rusher Colton Vasek remains in a sling since the offseason shoulder injury. Again, it remains a bit unknown whether or not he will be able to participate at all during the spring practices.
– To reiterate as well, RB CJ Baxter is recovering well from his knee injury suffered last fall, it is hopeful he will find the field at some point in the months of May-June.
– For those wondering, there are throwing sessions occurring multiple times throughout the week. Arch Manning is orchestrating those get sessions, but Trey Owens and early enrollee KJ Lacey are big parts of getting everyone together.
I was told if the season were to start today, the starting wide receivers would run: Ryan Wingo, DeAndre Moore, Parker Livingstone. With that said, the belief is still that Texas will target a one-and-done wide receiver in the spring portal.
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Based off of conversations I have had over the last week in regards to the coaching hires, one thing has been consistent – Texas is hiring energy to his staff.
I know the territorial recruiting conversations has topped the totem pole of conversation, but
Chad Scott makes the move from WVU as the next RB coach with the task of replacing Tashard Choice at hand. It is not an easy task, however, Scott is a veteran coach with 17 years of experience already, yet he is only 43 years old. Choice departed from the Longhorns at 40 years old, for those wondering.
That same sentiment can be said about Mark Orphey who will turn 36 years old at the start of March. His youth will play well with the Longhorns talented group of cornerbacks.
I think Texas fans will soon realize the hirings of Orphey, Clark and Scott will mirror that of the previous hires from Steve Sarkisian. Development, eagerness to recruit and connections in key areas of the country to capitalize on the on-field success from the previous two seasons of Texas Football.
Overall, a big fan of how the staff movement went down for Texas.