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1 minute ago, Hanrahan said:

Offense is going to be fine next year.  Defense is going to wreck shop.  Anyone who disagrees is wrong and can go fuck themselves.

Hanrahan: Take it easy, man, I'm in Pre-Law and I've got 71 posts. I must be an expert.

Boone: I thought you were Pre-Med.

Hanrahan: What's the difference?

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IT practice report - 4/19/18

It was the last open practice of the spring and plenty of lettermen were on hand to take in practice. Here’s what I saw during my viewing window.

-I decided to watch the offense for the majority of the available time, and went to the small practice field east of the bubble. Quarterbacks and running backs were working together for a couple of periods, working on various passes out of the backfield.

The first route was a flat route to the back after motioning out wide to the slot.

-Sam Ehlinger rolled out and threw it to Daniel Young, who dropped it. Stan Drayton was on Young quickly, saying “that’s the trust you’ve got to earn.” Shane Buechele completed his pass to Toneil Carter. Cameron Rising completed his pass to Tim Yoder. Casey Thompson completed his pass to Kyle Porter. Ehlinger completed his second opportunity to Young.

They then worked on the throws for bubble screens. Every pass was complete, and the receivers moved to the next drills.

Next, they worked on wheel routes. Ehlinger completed his pass to Carter. Buechele completed his pass to Young. Rising overthrew Yoder. Thompson missed Porter, but successfully completed his pass to Porter on the second attempt.

After this, they worked on completing passes to RBs when they were in the slot. The RB would run a drag route after five yards, Ehlinger missed his pass to Carter. Buechele completed his pass to Young. Rising completed his pass to Yoder. Thompson completed his pass to Porter.

The last route they worked on were flat routes following a three step drop. Ehlinger’s first pass to Carter was tipped by a rushing manager. Buechele completed his pass to Young. Rising completed his pass to Yoder. Thompson completed his pass to Porter. Ehlinger was successful in his second opportunity with Kyle Porter, this time with Tim Beck rushing.

-No real changes in the WR depth chart.

-This practice more than others, I noticed Tom Herman was bouncing from place to place. I had previously noticed him stay a little more hands-off, just taking note and observing at each station. He gave instruction at each stop I saw him make, specifically at QB/RB and WR.

-Also going on at this time were some combination TE/OT work. Derek Warehime was in control of this drill, instructing the tackles and tight ends on how to block defenders in given looks for certain plays. Herb Hand was working with the guards on cut blocks with tire-shaped pads. Hand emphasized details including the proper arm placement for the blockers, telling them to put their arm through the pad.

-When working with the WRs, the passes from the QBs looked much better than it had in previous outings. There were not a lot of drops.

-QBs worked with the WRs for one of the periods I was able to view. Managers provided a certain look, and QBs were responsible for calling the correct hot route/audible. Communication was good (where in the past Herman has complained about not being able to hear guys), and the WRs and QBs connected at a good rate.

-PJ Locke was not in pads and working by himself on the east field for the viewing portion. Kirk Johnson, Tristian Houston, Cade Brewer, and one other I didn’t recognize were working out by themselves, running sprints and pushing a sled. Davante Davis was working with a trainer off to the side.

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34 minutes ago, TXs said:

I have a feeling Herb is going to save Beck's "job" this year. Just like Orlando gave Herman lots of cover fire last year overall. 

<Ricky daydream> No, I think Herman knows Kliff won't survive this season in Lubbock. He's biding his time until he can hire the most lethal and photogenic OC in college football. <end Ricky daydream>

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6 hours ago, Enchubben said:

If Herman calling plays means he doesn’t have the time/ability to exercise judgement on 4th down calls I am down with that.

I may be in the minority on this one, but I'm fine with Herman's judgement on the 4th down calls last year.  I think as bad as our kicking was, going for it on 4th vs trying a FG was a crap shoot.  Damned if you do, damned if you don't.  Later on in the year when the pressure was on, because the offense had clearly been sputtering and wasn't going to get fixed, he seemed to take the FG attempt more often which I think was the more defensible call.  Also Rowland got things sorted out a bit.  

No matter, Dicker's gonna take care of that this year (I hope).

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I had fewer issues than most with our fourth down decision-making, but I thought our playcaller on the first three downs in the 4-down parts of the field consistently set us up for failure.

Also, expecting true freshmen specialists to come in and be good immediately is asking for disappointment.

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Chip Brown's Practice Report: Anyone want to help the Texas QBs?

AUSTIN, Texas — In the last week, we've done a deep dive into the trenches, looked at the depth on defense - specifically the secondary - and with only a walkthrough Friday leading up to Saturday's Orange-White Spring Game, we put the focus on the quarterbacks in Thursday's spring practice No. 13. And let's just say the quarterbacks - Sam Ehlinger, Shane Buechele and even Cameron Rising and Casey Thompson - looked a whole lot better than the receivers on Thursday. Even junior Devin Duvernay, who had been Captain Consistency this spring, ran a curl route into the end zone against the defense in 11-on-11 and was wide open when he turned to sit down on the route, had the ball hit him between the numbers and dropped what would've been a touchdown.

After practice, offensive coordinator Tim Becknsaid the drops Thursday were not typical of the spring. "For the most part, they haven't (dropped passes)," Beck said. "We had an extensive scrimmage Tuesday. Then, they turn around and have practice Thursday, Friday and the spring game (Saturday). So there's a lot going on. Guys are thinking about school, their parents coming in. We forget sometimes they're 18, 19-year-old kids who are excited to see Mom and Dad. But I told 'em today after practice the focus wasn't good today."

Even in the routes run against air by the receivers, Lil'Jordan Humphrey had two quick drops of perfectly thrown balls, putting him on his stomach, knocking out pushups as punishment. Buechele threw a perfect spiral to Brennan Eagles on a shallow crossing route that arrived ever-so-slightly behind Eagles - arriving at his back shoulder - and the ball went through Eagles' hands. On a perfectly thrown deep sideline pass by Buechele, Collin Johnson jumped at the ball, mistimed the jump, and dropped the ball. But there was no need for Johnson to jump. If he would've kept running his route, he would've caught the ball easily in stride. It was the kind of technique mistake you just don't expect to see from a junior who returns as the leading pass catcher from last season. In red zone work against the defense, Buechele threw another perfect pass - this time to John Burt on a shallow crossing route - and Burt dropped it in the end zone, slapping his helmet with both hands in frustration.

But the dropped balls weren't relegated to the receivers. In running back passing drills with the quarterbacks (against air), Daniel Young had a pass in his hands, juggled it and dropped it and was forced by running backs coach Stan Drayton to immediately repeat the rep. Toneil Carter had a consistent day catching the ball. But Kyle Porter struggled, dropping a pass that hit him in the hands followed by the dropping of his shoulders in a display of defeated body language. Even when Porter caught the ball, it wasn't clean. He fought the ball a little bit. The quarterbacks did their part, but if Thursday's practice was a game, too many players considered playmakers would've been having an off day. Let's see what happens on Saturday night.

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IT team notes

Spring is nearly done. The good news is we didn't see any catastrophic injuries. Everyone who participated this spring will be full go come August. The bad news, the offensive line is still searching for players to step up. 

We'll tackle both the good and bad in this offering.

Q: How are spring game teams to be decided?
A: They were split up as evenly as can be with a mix of ones and twos. They'd split up first and second team units pretty evenly. An example is you'd have a first team right tackle with a second team guard and vice versa.

Q: What's the set up for the scrimmage itself?
A: It'll be two 12 minute quarters, then two 10 minute quarters with running clock.

Q: Obligatory comment about rain.
A: Yeah, it might rain. It doesn't matter for the game but they don't want it to effect turnout.

Q: Let's talk some personnel. How has Patrick Hudson looked in his return?
A: That [expletive] is STRONG. His power really comes through in pass protection too. He's handled blitzing linebackers easier than anyone. He's slammed all of them at one point or another, even Roach. You have to keep in mind he's fresh while everyone else is tired but he looks really good.

Q: In your opinion who are the best five offensive linemen in order?
A: Kerstetter. Vahe. Hudson. Shackelford by default. That's four, let me see. Okafor has struggled. Cosmi I guess but he hasn't had as good of a spring as expected.

Q: Sounds like Hudson will need to start.
A: It'll come down to assignments, but yeah, somebody's gotta come off the field for him.

Q: Any new offensive wrinkles?
A: Not really. They're still working direct snaps to LJH and motioning guys around.

Q: Our site did an article on LJH and just looking at clips of him, it really reminds how unique Lil'Jordan is.
A: LJ's a monster. He's not the fastest but he's quick and smooth. He's physical. There are still too many guys not playing physical but not him. He's also reliable -- if he's supposed to run a route to 17 and break it back, he runs it to 17.

Q: Who has been the surprise of camp?
A: LJ. He was obviously talented but he looks like the best player on the team. Other guys playing really well: Charles Omenihu is consistent, Breckyn too, Danny Young when he runs behind his pads, Roach. The two young safeties have been making plays everywhere. Sterns can flat play, GREAT ball skills. He's had like five picks this spring. Today he came from the opposite hash and jumped over the safety and receiver for the pick, then came down and somehow kept his balance. It was beautiful. BJ is 100% a boundary safety and is exactly what they're looking for. Comes downhill HARD.

Q: You could see that in Sterns in his sophomore tape. I had a guy point it out last week too. It's crazy that BJ is excelling so quickly despite not playing defensive back all that much.
A: Looks like it's the only position he's played his whole life. 

Q: Something in that Angleton water. You mentioned Roach. What's he doing that stands out?
A: He's a great blitzer. That shouldn't be surprising. He does struggle in space, though. They blitz him a lot.

Q: Collin Johnson's had a quiet camp.
A: He's had some drops but the quarterbacks haven't been very accurate either. 

Q: How's he doing against press?
A: He does better on outside releases than inside for some reason. They like to put Boyd on him.

Q: Orlando mentioned Brandon Jones playing well. What's going on there.
A: Great open field tackler, still struggling with ball skills, though.

Q: Who's playing, who isn't?
A: Cook might play. PJ and Davante are out. 

Part II should be up around noon.

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5 minutes ago, Machinator said:

IT team notes

 

  Hide contents

Q: Let's talk some personnel. How has Patrick Hudson looked in his return?
A: That [expletive] is STRONG. His power really comes through in pass protection too. He's handled blitzing linebackers easier than anyone. He's slammed all of them at one point or another, even Roach. You have to keep in mind he's fresh while everyone else is tired but he looks really good.

Q: Sounds like Hudson will need to start.
A: It'll come down to assignments, but yeah, somebody's gotta come off the field for him.
 

 

If Hudson can come back in fall healthy and lives up to his billing, that would be really nice. Could be a big upgrade to one of the guard spots, and we figure to get a big upgrade at the LT spot with Anderson. If Kerstetter builds on his freshman year and improves some, then maybe - maybe - the OL won't be maddeningly terrible. . 

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13 minutes ago, Hank Chinaski said:

If Hudson can come back in fall healthy and lives up to his billing, that would be really nice. Could be a big upgrade to one of the guard spots, and we figure to get a big upgrade at the LT spot with Anderson. If Kerstetter builds on his freshman year and improves some, then maybe - maybe - the OL won't be maddeningly terrible. . 

You take that cautious optimism and stick it up your ass sir. I just did a cell phone flop out for the CFP!

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1 hour ago, satyanash said:

Chip Brown's Practice Report: Anyone want to help the Texas QBs?

 

  Reveal hidden contents

AUSTIN, Texas — In the last week, we've done a deep dive into the trenches, looked at the depth on defense - specifically the secondary - and with only a walkthrough Friday leading up to Saturday's Orange-White Spring Game, we put the focus on the quarterbacks in Thursday's spring practice No. 13. And let's just say the quarterbacks - Sam Ehlinger, Shane Buechele and even Cameron Rising and Casey Thompson - looked a whole lot better than the receivers on Thursday. Even junior Devin Duvernay, who had been Captain Consistency this spring, ran a curl route into the end zone against the defense in 11-on-11 and was wide open when he turned to sit down on the route, had the ball hit him between the numbers and dropped what would've been a touchdown.

After practice, offensive coordinator Tim Becknsaid the drops Thursday were not typical of the spring. "For the most part, they haven't (dropped passes)," Beck said. "We had an extensive scrimmage Tuesday. Then, they turn around and have practice Thursday, Friday and the spring game (Saturday). So there's a lot going on. Guys are thinking about school, their parents coming in. We forget sometimes they're 18, 19-year-old kids who are excited to see Mom and Dad. But I told 'em today after practice the focus wasn't good today."

Even in the routes run against air by the receivers, Lil'Jordan Humphrey had two quick drops of perfectly thrown balls, putting him on his stomach, knocking out pushups as punishment. Buechele threw a perfect spiral to Brennan Eagles on a shallow crossing route that arrived ever-so-slightly behind Eagles - arriving at his back shoulder - and the ball went through Eagles' hands. On a perfectly thrown deep sideline pass by Buechele, Collin Johnson jumped at the ball, mistimed the jump, and dropped the ball. But there was no need for Johnson to jump. If he would've kept running his route, he would've caught the ball easily in stride. It was the kind of technique mistake you just don't expect to see from a junior who returns as the leading pass catcher from last season. In red zone work against the defense, Buechele threw another perfect pass - this time to John Burt on a shallow crossing route - and Burt dropped it in the end zone, slapping his helmet with both hands in frustration.

But the dropped balls weren't relegated to the receivers. In running back passing drills with the quarterbacks (against air), Daniel Young had a pass in his hands, juggled it and dropped it and was forced by running backs coach Stan Drayton to immediately repeat the rep. Toneil Carter had a consistent day catching the ball. But Kyle Porter struggled, dropping a pass that hit him in the hands followed by the dropping of his shoulders in a display of defeated body language. Even when Porter caught the ball, it wasn't clean. He fought the ball a little bit. The quarterbacks did their part, but if Thursday's practice was a game, too many players considered playmakers would've been having an off day. Let's see what happens on Saturday night.

 

Chip Brown can go fuck himself.

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TFB spring practice (4/19) notes: http://texas.thefootballbrainiacs.com/2018/04/open-post-weekend-april-20th-22nd/

Spring Practice Notes | April 19th Practice

1s…
QB: Sam Ehlinger
RB: Daniel Young
X: Collin Johnson
Y: Lil’Jordan Humphrey
Z: Devin Duvernay
TE: Andrew Beck
OL: Denzel Okafor – Patrick Vahe – Zach Shackelford – Elijah Rodriguez – Derek Kerstetter

DL: Breckyn Hager – Taquon Graham – Charles Omenihu
BLB: Jeffrey McCulloch
RLB: Malcolm Roach
MLB: Anthony Wheeler
SS: John Bonney, Chris Brown
CB: Kris Boyd, Kobe Boyce
BS: Caden Sterns
FS: Brandon Jones

2s / 3s…
QB: Shane Buechele/Casey Thompson/Cam Rising
RB: Toneil Carter / Kyle Porter
X: Brennan Eagles
Y: Jerrod Heard / Jordan Pouncey
Z: John Burt / Davion Curtis
TE: Reese Leitao
OL: Samuel Cosmi – Patrick Hudson – Elijah Rodriguez – Tope Imade – JP Urquidez

DL: Marquez Bimage – Gerald Wilbon – Jamari Chisholm/ Andrew Fitzgerald – D’Andre Christmas
BLB: Jeffrey McCulloch
RLB: Ayodele Adeoye
MLB: Demarco Boyd
SS: Chris Brown, Jamarquist Durst
CB: Anthony Cook, Eric Cuffee
BS: walk-on
FS: BJ Foster

NOTES

Injuries:
– RB Tristian Houston
– RB Kirk Johnson
– RB Cameron Townsend
– TE Cade Brewer
– OG Mikey Grandy
– DT Chris Nelson (Green Jersey)
– LB Gary Johnson
– LB Edwin Freeman
– DB Montrell Estell
– DB Josh Thompson
– DB Davante Davis

Take Aways:
– It’s definitely not the Steve Patterson days anymore, as today was lettermen appreciation day at practice. There were past and future players (i.e. Cameron Dicker) chatting on the sidelines with each other throughout practice. It was pretty cool to see guys like David Pino and Billy Pittman talking with current coach Michael Huff.

– Anthony Cook is back on the field today, but Kobe Boyce is still playing with the 1’s while Davante Davis gets 100% healthy. That means, despite other reports, Kobe Boyce is your number 3 CB as I reported earlier this Spring.

– I do think Anthony Cook is going to be an astounding corner, but he’s physical to a fault. I first noticed this in The Opening Regional in Houston last year this time. He’s a bit grabby and at this level that’ll cost you 10-15 yards. Still, his technical capabilities give him the makings of a great one. Just have to reign him in a little.

– Have I mentioned that I’m excited about Caden Stern yet?

– As I’ve said before, the word with this receiving corps is inconsistency. Some days they catch anything and other days they can’t bring in the easy passes. Today Lil’Jordan Humphrey just couldn’t reel in anything, and Collin Johnson continued to be the poster boy of inconsistency.

– For Collin, it’s not so much the easy balls that go straight to his chest that he has trouble pulling in, it’s the balls where he has to extend his body to pull them in or grab it in mid-air. Again, if he can start making consistent good use of his grab it in mid-air hands, he’ll be unstoppable.

– It’s also is a matter of getting these guys the deep ball. The deep ball seems to be a little shaky, yet consistently decent. I still urge patience with Sam Ehlinger to the fan base. If Vince Young started his true freshman year, fans would have gotten tired of his lack of accuracy and propensity to run and then clamored for the next best thing.

– However, when it comes to confined spaces, Jerrod Heard has carved out a nice little niche for his game. He’s become pretty good during practice in making plays in a phone booth and the red zone.

– Chris Nelson is still rocking the green jersey. He runs with the 1s in non-contact.

– I guess Austin Alsup has class that overlaps with the beginning of practice because he seems to arrive late to most practices and it’s hard not to notice. As we leave practices it’s funny to watch this big guy wearing #69 riding in on a small moped wearing full gear (football helmet and all).

– Lastly, I was asked last week by @amanpatel101 about Joel Klatt’s remarks that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Texas competing for a Big 12 Championship based on the improvements he saw in the Spring. If I remember correctly, he made those comments in regard to the increased size, speed, and athleticism of the players. I agree they look great in terms of their physical improvements. In fact, I think I made quite a few comments about how much bigger this team is than last year. There are more guys (especially on defense) that I feel confident in getting consistently great play out of. The offense seems to have taken huge steps forward. Before I say I won’t be surprised, I want to see what the offensive line looks like vs Maryland. I don’t think you’ll really be able to tell any sooner than that. This team will go as its offensive line goes no matter how big the strides by other players. I can say that I won’t be surprised if this defense is ridiculously good and if the run game is much more consistent. – (Will)

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29 minutes ago, Hank Chinaski said:

If Hudson can come back in fall healthy and lives up to his billing, that would be really nice. Could be a big upgrade to one of the guard spots, and we figure to get a big upgrade at the LT spot with Anderson. If Kerstetter builds on his freshman year and improves some, then maybe - maybe - the OL won't be maddeningly terrible. . 

what has his billing been since being at UT? i honestly don't know. has he shown promise during the short times he has been healthy? what his billing was in HS is meaningless now. 

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