Jump to content

2022 Off-Season Thread: No Kool-Aid, Just Flavor-Aid


BurntOrange&White

Recommended Posts

Kool aid from The Insider

 

Quote

 

The 2022 season starts now with Texas players working hard in winter conditioning to improve their overall strength and conditioning to get ready for spring football.

The Longhorns' offseason workouts are going strong as Texas football is making its way through Week 2 of the winter conditioning program.

The Longhorns have a bunch of new faces on campus for the spring semester after welcoming four mid-year transfers —QB Quinn Ewers, WR Isaiah Neyor, CB Ryan Watts and TE Jahleel Billingsley — in addition to 10 high school early enrollees — four-star CB Terrance Brooks, four-star S Bryan Allen Jr., four-star DL Justice Finkley, four-star DL Jaray Bledsoe, four-star CB Jaylon Guilbeau, four-star QB Maalik Murphy, four-star RB Jaydon Blue, four-star S Larry Turner-Gooden, four-star OL Cole Hutson and four-star DL Aaron Bryant — from the 2022 signing class.

In this week’s edition of The Insider, Horns247 delivers some exclusive VIP nuggets from winter workouts, the latest on a key Texas transfer portal target, how former TCU head coach Gary Patterson is adjusting to life with the Longhorns and more.

HOW ARE MID-YEAR ENROLLEES HANDLING WINTER WORKOUTS?

 

Texas fans(Photo: © Scott Wachter, USA TODAY Sports)

The freshmen are acclimating to workouts, and the early word is most are handling the transition well.

A source said early enrollee freshman safety Larry Turner-Gooden has been struggling a bit with overall conditioning early on, but that was expected after he missed his senior season with an injury.

The expectation is for Turner-Gooden to eventually get up to speed and adjust once he’s “found his wind,” a source told Horns247. Outside of Turner-Gooden, the freshman class is definitely keeping up.

 

One source said the defensive line early enrollees have impressed so far in winter workouts. The source singled out freshman EDGE Justice Finkley, saying, “Finkley is different.”

Two guys mentioned as standing out early with their work ethic are cornerbacks Terrance Brooks and Jaylon Guilbeau. Brooks’ speed has caught some attention and the CB is said to have “wheels,” while Guilbeau was described as an “incredibly hard worker.”

 

Among the transfers, we’re hearing Quinn Ewersand Ryan Watts had to adjust to the Longhorns’ workouts. Ohio State’s strength and conditioning program is nothing to down play, but sources indicated they weren’t used to the amount of running that they’re currently doing at Texas. As Horns247 has previously reported, Torre Becton’s focus is more on functional strength and movement that translates to the field. Ohio State’s workouts were more about lifting heavy, and while Texas still hits the weight room hard, the weight regiment is different.

That doesn’t mean those guys are struggling. One source praised Ewers for his work ethic, while several sources indicated that Watts has the type of speed and size to be a difference maker in the secondary.

***

INTEL ON TEXAS QB ROOM

 

10856277.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offset-y0.50&width=620&height=320(Photo: © Texas Football)

One thing we were extremely interested to hear about is how the quarterbacks are coming together. The dynamics in the room have changed with Hudson Card being the veteran of the group while Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy join Charles Wright in the battle.

There was some fear about how Ewers coming in could change the dynamics of the room considering his personality could sometimes be described as standoffish. But the good news is the group is coming together well and there have been no issues between any of the QBs, a source close to the situation told Horns247. (We’ll have more on how Ewers’ transfer played out in the next few weeks.)

 

Card and Wright have been showing the others the way, and the early word is Ewers has adapted easily to life in Austin. In fact, we were told that Ewers and Card have the same type of personality, and everyone has clicked well with Ewers so far.

A source close to the QB said he sometimes gets a bad rap in the personality department, but this person feels Ewers is more at home and at ease in Austin. It’s something we will monitor, but so far, everything is good on that front.

***

 

 As Horns247’s Chip Brown reported earlier this week, Maalik Murphy has been in a walking boot stemming from an injury he sustained in his state championship win prior to enrolling early at Texas. Our sources confirmed the freshman QB is participating in workouts on a limited basis while he continues to rehab his injury.

Murphy is going through the workouts he can do, though he has been limited in running drills. A source said Murphy’s rehab is going well and he looks like he will be ready to go for spring practice, barring any setbacks.

***

GARY PATTERSON ADJUSTING TO NEW ROLE AT TEXAS

 

10881252.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offset-y0.50&width=620&height=320(Photo: © Horns247, 247Sports)

Former TCU head coach Gary Patterson has been unofficially on the job for a few weeks and he hasn’t wasted any time getting to work at Texas. Patterson has been handling a number of different responsibilities to help the staff, including recruiting evaluations (more on that in a minute), assisting with junior day and monitoring winter workouts.

According to sources, Patterson’s presence has been noticeable at workouts and he’s attended every workout while the coaches are out on the road recruiting.

 

Not only has Patterson been present and monitoring workouts, he’s also been using this time to get to know the players on campus. Patterson has never been afraid to do things his own way, and it doesn’t seem he’s been shy about getting involved in the short time since he arrived at Texas.

As for recruiting, I personally hope Patterson has some sort of voice in evaluating prospects. His eye, especially at the defensive back position, could be what’s needed for Texas.

 

Some may recall that Patterson served as a DB coach at several stops prior to him taking over as TCU head coach. When TCU was at its best, a big part of the success was his staff’s ability to evaluate and land talented defensive backs.

For a long time TCU was among the best in the country in finding guys in the secondary who turned into NFL players. Guys like Jason Verrett, Innis Gaines, Ar'Darius Washington, Trevon Moehrig and Travin Howard all play in the league at the moment. This is an area where Patterson could really help Texas on the recruiting front.

***

 

Speaking of the defensive backs, there is going to be a lot of opportunity and a number of candidates available to fill roles in the secondary for Texas this season.

D'Shawn Jamison and Anthony Cook return as veterans in the cornerback room, though Jahdae Barron and Kitan Crawford continue their fight to emerge at the position. Jamier Johnson, along with mid-year enrollees Ryan Watts, Terrance Brooks and Jaylon Guilbeau, will also work to find their place throughout the spring.

 

Jerrin Thompson is among the lone veterans returning to the safety room. With the limited experience and depth at the safety position, JD Coffey and Bryan Allen Jr. could have the chance to prove themselves this spring.

Spring ball will provide some opportunities for playing time in the secondary, but we’re hearing the staff liked what they saw from Barron last season and the limited looks they had of Coffey. Sources told Horns247 the coaching staff wants to see Crawford grab the opportunity because of his athleticism and natural ability.

The secondary doesn’t lack talent, but there isn’t a ton of experience across the board at the moment. While spring could answer a few of those questions, the group is a bit of a concern at the moment.

***

ASSESSING THE WIDE RECEIVER POSITION UNDER BRENNAN MARION

 

10800774.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offset-y0.50&width=620&height=320(Photo: @BrennanMarion4)

We checked with sources to see how the receivers were gelling with new WR coach Brennan Marion. Marion has mostly been on the road, but he has the ability to relate to this younger generation and speak their language, which has been well received by his guys on campus.

While the group didn’t dislike former receivers coach Andre Coleman, he certainly had a different style than what Marion brings to the table.

 

Similar to the secondary, this spring could open the window of opportunity for some young wide receiver talent to emerge. Texas returns Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington and Marcus Washington, and Troy Omeire is expected to be cleared soon, but the group is somewhat thin. Wyoming transfer Isaiah Neyor will have plenty of opportunities to earn his spot, while younger guys — Dajon Harrison and Jaden Alexis — will have the chance to get a lot of reps in the spring if they stay healthy.

***

TEXAS IN GOOD POSITION WITH TCU TRANSFER OCHAUN MATHIS

Sources close to TCU transfer Ochuan Mathisbelieve Texas is currently in a good spot and appear to be on track to land the proven transfer target. Gary Patterson’s prior relationship with Mathis only helps Texas, and the Manor product can return to familiar territory to finish his college career.

The Longhorns are looking for all the edge help they can find, and Mathis brings a veteran presence with an All-Big 12 distinction on his resume.

 

Mathis has plenty of time to make his decision while he finishes the spring semester before picking his landing spot and enrolling in the summer. There hasn’t been much word regarding a potential timeline, but we anticipate the Texas staff being patient with him.

6COMMENTS

One source said a couple of other schools are involved, though they didn’t specify those programs. It’s not a done deal by any means, but Texas is currently in the top position.

(Mike Roach and Nick Harris combined to contribute to this report)

 

 

  • Hook 'Em 4
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 hours ago, Huckleberry said:

Well you might not be sorry but you sure as shit should be for linking to a story by that assclown.

 

13 hours ago, UDontKnow said:

Fuck Richard Justice and any news outlet that gives him a platform. He should really trade in his UT diploma for an aggy bonfire log. 

If I ever saw Justice, I would say that to his fucking face.

About time people are educated on how fucking stupid Richard Justice is.  He's as bad as KB in terms of being a hack. 

  • Hook 'Em 1
  • Rage+1 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Hookem2147 said:

Kool aid from The Insider

 

 

Spoiler

The 2022 season starts now with Texas players working hard in winter conditioning to improve their overall strength and conditioning to get ready for spring football.

The Longhorns' offseason workouts are going strong as Texas football is making its way through Week 2 of the winter conditioning program.

The Longhorns have a bunch of new faces on campus for the spring semester after welcoming four mid-year transfers —QB Quinn Ewers, WR Isaiah Neyor, CB Ryan Watts and TE Jahleel Billingsley — in addition to 10 high school early enrollees — four-star CB Terrance Brooks, four-star S Bryan Allen Jr., four-star DL Justice Finkley, four-star DL Jaray Bledsoe, four-star CB Jaylon Guilbeau, four-star QB Maalik Murphy, four-star RB Jaydon Blue, four-star S Larry Turner-Gooden, four-star OL Cole Hutson and four-star DL Aaron Bryant — from the 2022 signing class.


In this week’s edition of The Insider, Horns247 delivers some exclusive VIP nuggets from winter workouts, the latest on a key Texas transfer portal target, how former TCU head coach Gary Patterson is adjusting to life with the Longhorns and more.

HOW ARE MID-YEAR ENROLLEES HANDLING WINTER WORKOUTS?
 
Texas fans(Photo: © Scott Wachter, USA TODAY Sports)

The freshmen are acclimating to workouts, and the early word is most are handling the transition well.

A source said early enrollee freshman safety Larry Turner-Gooden has been struggling a bit with overall conditioning early on, but that was expected after he missed his senior season with an injury.

The expectation is for Turner-Gooden to eventually get up to speed and adjust once he’s “found his wind,” a source told Horns247. Outside of Turner-Gooden, the freshman class is definitely keeping up.

 
One source said the defensive line early enrollees have impressed so far in winter workouts. The source singled out freshman EDGE Justice Finkley, saying, “Finkley is different.”

Two guys mentioned as standing out early with their work ethic are cornerbacks Terrance Brooks and Jaylon Guilbeau. Brooks’ speed has caught some attention and the CB is said to have “wheels,” while Guilbeau was described as an “incredibly hard worker.”

 
Among the transfers, we’re hearing Quinn Ewersand Ryan Watts had to adjust to the Longhorns’ workouts. Ohio State’s strength and conditioning program is nothing to down play, but sources indicated they weren’t used to the amount of running that they’re currently doing at Texas. As Horns247 has previously reported, Torre Becton’s focus is more on functional strength and movement that translates to the field. Ohio State’s workouts were more about lifting heavy, and while Texas still hits the weight room hard, the weight regiment is different.

That doesn’t mean those guys are struggling. One source praised Ewers for his work ethic, while several sources indicated that Watts has the type of speed and size to be a difference maker in the secondary.

***

INTEL ON TEXAS QB ROOM
 
10856277.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offset-y0.50&width=620&height=320(Photo: © Texas Football)

One thing we were extremely interested to hear about is how the quarterbacks are coming together. The dynamics in the room have changed with Hudson Card being the veteran of the group while Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy join Charles Wright in the battle.

There was some fear about how Ewers coming in could change the dynamics of the room considering his personality could sometimes be described as standoffish. But the good news is the group is coming together well and there have been no issues between any of the QBs, a source close to the situation told Horns247. (We’ll have more on how Ewers’ transfer played out in the next few weeks.)

 
Card and Wright have been showing the others the way, and the early word is Ewers has adapted easily to life in Austin. In fact, we were told that Ewers and Card have the same type of personality, and everyone has clicked well with Ewers so far.

A source close to the QB said he sometimes gets a bad rap in the personality department, but this person feels Ewers is more at home and at ease in Austin. It’s something we will monitor, but so far, everything is good on that front.

***

 
— As Horns247’s Chip Brown reported earlier this week, Maalik Murphy has been in a walking boot stemming from an injury he sustained in his state championship win prior to enrolling early at Texas. Our sources confirmed the freshman QB is participating in workouts on a limited basis while he continues to rehab his injury.

Murphy is going through the workouts he can do, though he has been limited in running drills. A source said Murphy’s rehab is going well and he looks like he will be ready to go for spring practice, barring any setbacks.

***

GARY PATTERSON ADJUSTING TO NEW ROLE AT TEXAS
 
10881252.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offset-y0.50&width=620&height=320(Photo: © Horns247, 247Sports)

Former TCU head coach Gary Patterson has been unofficially on the job for a few weeks and he hasn’t wasted any time getting to work at Texas. Patterson has been handling a number of different responsibilities to help the staff, including recruiting evaluations (more on that in a minute), assisting with junior day and monitoring winter workouts.

According to sources, Patterson’s presence has been noticeable at workouts and he’s attended every workout while the coaches are out on the road recruiting.

 
Not only has Patterson been present and monitoring workouts, he’s also been using this time to get to know the players on campus. Patterson has never been afraid to do things his own way, and it doesn’t seem he’s been shy about getting involved in the short time since he arrived at Texas.

As for recruiting, I personally hope Patterson has some sort of voice in evaluating prospects. His eye, especially at the defensive back position, could be what’s needed for Texas.

 
Some may recall that Patterson served as a DB coach at several stops prior to him taking over as TCU head coach. When TCU was at its best, a big part of the success was his staff’s ability to evaluate and land talented defensive backs.

For a long time TCU was among the best in the country in finding guys in the secondary who turned into NFL players. Guys like Jason Verrett, Innis Gaines, Ar'Darius Washington, Trevon Moehrig and Travin Howard all play in the league at the moment. This is an area where Patterson could really help Texas on the recruiting front.

***

 
Speaking of the defensive backs, there is going to be a lot of opportunity and a number of candidates available to fill roles in the secondary for Texas this season.

D'Shawn Jamison and Anthony Cook return as veterans in the cornerback room, though Jahdae Barron and Kitan Crawford continue their fight to emerge at the position. Jamier Johnson, along with mid-year enrollees Ryan Watts, Terrance Brooks and Jaylon Guilbeau, will also work to find their place throughout the spring.

 
Jerrin Thompson is among the lone veterans returning to the safety room. With the limited experience and depth at the safety position, JD Coffey and Bryan Allen Jr. could have the chance to prove themselves this spring.

Spring ball will provide some opportunities for playing time in the secondary, but we’re hearing the staff liked what they saw from Barron last season and the limited looks they had of Coffey. Sources told Horns247 the coaching staff wants to see Crawford grab the opportunity because of his athleticism and natural ability.

The secondary doesn’t lack talent, but there isn’t a ton of experience across the board at the moment. While spring could answer a few of those questions, the group is a bit of a concern at the moment.

***

ASSESSING THE WIDE RECEIVER POSITION UNDER BRENNAN MARION
 
10800774.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offset-y0.50&width=620&height=320(Photo: @BrennanMarion4)

We checked with sources to see how the receivers were gelling with new WR coach Brennan Marion. Marion has mostly been on the road, but he has the ability to relate to this younger generation and speak their language, which has been well received by his guys on campus.

While the group didn’t dislike former receivers coach Andre Coleman, he certainly had a different style than what Marion brings to the table.

 
Similar to the secondary, this spring could open the window of opportunity for some young wide receiver talent to emerge. Texas returns Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington and Marcus Washington, and Troy Omeire is expected to be cleared soon, but the group is somewhat thin. Wyoming transfer Isaiah Neyor will have plenty of opportunities to earn his spot, while younger guys — Dajon Harrison and Jaden Alexis — will have the chance to get a lot of reps in the spring if they stay healthy.

***

TEXAS IN GOOD POSITION WITH TCU TRANSFER OCHAUN MATHIS
Sources close to TCU transfer Ochuan Mathisbelieve Texas is currently in a good spot and appear to be on track to land the proven transfer target. Gary Patterson’s prior relationship with Mathis only helps Texas, and the Manor product can return to familiar territory to finish his college career.

The Longhorns are looking for all the edge help they can find, and Mathis brings a veteran presence with an All-Big 12 distinction on his resume.

 
Mathis has plenty of time to make his decision while he finishes the spring semester before picking his landing spot and enrolling in the summer. There hasn’t been much word regarding a potential timeline, but we anticipate the Texas staff being patient with him.

6COMMENTS
One source said a couple of other schools are involved, though they didn’t specify those programs. It’s not a done deal by any means, but Texas is currently in the top position.

(Mike Roach and Nick Harris combined to contribute to this report)

For Darkmode

  • Hook 'Em 3
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, jinx said:

I’m not taking Ohio State lifting heavy while we focus on marathon skills as a good sign

Conditioning does have it's place. However, conditioning should be emphasized and peaked much closer to the season.
 

Eight months out is when you build strength and mass. Throughout spring and summer you start emphasizing power (strength-speed) and conditioning. I hear this over and over: “S&C is an overanalyzed aspect of the program”. In our specific case, I strongly disagree. 

  • Hook 'Em 2
  • Fuck You 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would take whatever Ohio State is doing over what we are doing based on about 12 years of evidence. 
12 years with 5 diff S&C coaches? Say what you will about Maddog mailing it in his last couple years, but those teams didn't get bullied, there were other issues. Same with Yancy if I'm being honest. Last year was the first time in a long time it seemed the team faded in the 4th, especially both lines. Bama is on their second S&C guy since Saban landed there and I haven't detected much drop off if any in their size, strength and endurance. So yeah, let's do what they do..not so much tOSU.
  • Hook 'Em 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, ousux said:

12 years with 5 diff S&C coaches? Say what you will about Maddog mailing it in his last couple years, but those teams didn't get bullied, there were other issues. Same with Yancy if I'm being honest. Last year was the first time in a long time it seemed the team faded in the 4th, especially both lines. Bama is on their second S&C guy since Saban landed there and I haven't detected much drop off if any in their size, strength and endurance. So yeah, let's do what they do..not so much tOSU.

That’s what I would have hoped that Sark would do, so he went and hired a guy from… checks notes… California to replicate the Bama machine.

But just wait until next year!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, RaysBoomBoomRoom said:

Damn Vegas loves Texas this year judging by these odds. I wonder what they would set O/U on wins with two projected  heisman finalists.

https://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/heisman-trophy/

I was about to label this Fake News due to the lack of aggy from that list. But I did a recheck before post and I was mistaken.  Aggy is all over the list. They're listed under their other name and not the official 8-4 one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Damn Vegas loves Texas this year judging by these odds. I wonder what they would set O/U on wins with two projected  heisman finalists.
https://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/heisman-trophy/
I can't help but smile looking at Bama's 5 players from 3 different positions on the Heisman watch list and remembering Saban's recent impassioned speech to the press about how NIL is going to lead to an unfair imbalance in college football.
  • Hook 'Em 2
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Recent posts claim 2021 Texas had a comparable defense as Texas (they didnt) and Texas teams never mailed it in during Madden’s tenure as S&C coach.

IMO Madden contributed to the soft offensive lines that started a trend of injury and stunted growth. No olineman were drafted by NFL from 2007 until like 2019 or something.

And on defense, 2007-2013 teams struggled without Muschamp and Robinson (RIP) kicking ass or their residual legacy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


×
×
  • Create New...