The Five Biggest Disappointments of 2006: #4 - Sergio Kindle

by Peter Bean on Jan 22, 2007 8:14 AM CST in Texas Longhorns Football

We continue our countdown of the Five Biggest Disappointments of the 2006 season with a true freshman, Sergio Kindle. Normally, disappointment is reserved for kids who've been in the program for more than one season, but the expectations surrounding Kindle were far from normal, and by all accounts, appropriately so.

Kindle, a former prep running back and linebacker star, was expected to come in and provide key minutes for the Longhorns right away. When our guest recruiting writers profiled Kindle over the summer, they wrote:

I won't sit here and list high school stats because they're boring and inflated. What I will tell you about is his dominance. Think LeBron in high school dominance. Man among boys. Rivals calls him the best player out of Dallas in over ten years. He's the consensus top player in Texas and most services have him ranked among the top five players nation wide.

Kindle will make an impact as a freshman. Most experts agree that he will probably start at OLB from the get-go and only improve as the season progresses.

Unfortunately, Kindle suffered a high ankle sprain before the season began, missed the first two games from the injury, peaked with an 11 tackle performance against Sam Houston State, and finished with a mere 20 tackles for the entire season. During a year in which linebacking help was desperately needed, Kindle never emerged as a key contributor. That, I'm sorry to say, was a big disappointment.

It's not entirely clear whether the ankle injury, the coaches, or poor play was the biggest factor in Kindle's disappointing 2006 season, but disappointing it was. He should have every opportunity to win a starting spot in next year's linebacking group, and lofty expectations will likely surround him heading into 2007, as well.

Top 5 Disappointments of 2006
#5: Frank Okam
#4: Sergio Kindle

--PB--

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Comments

Sadly, I have to agree

You know I picked SK as my new favorite Horn before the season started, but he most certainly got nowhere near my own expectations. I can sum up his season when I say that I think his best play was his 5-yard rumble in the Alamo Bowl!

Starting in January 2007, just another Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Jan 22, 2007 9:30 AM CST reply actions

Sergio will be watched closely

It sure would be nice to have a solid anchor on the defense develop for the next few years. With Colt coming along -- and a maturing run game Texas could peak on offense and defense in 08/09. (I wonder if Mack is planning this with his reluctance to pull redshirts)

On the other hand, if by mid season Kindle doesn't show signs of development (which, wouldn't be a complete loss) -- then they should make the switch to RB. He's too good of an athlete -- and it's rare you can have a guy come out of HS who is an elite player at multiple positions.

Wait and see what Duff man can do. Then start sergiokindletoRB.com if it doesn't work.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Jan 22, 2007 10:07 AM CST reply actions

Are you already giving up on JC

He regressed last year, but I am still holding out hope he will be an every down back.

by Wells on Jan 22, 2007 12:59 PM CST up reply actions

JC

needs to add about 15-20lbs of muscle. I think it can be done, but at what cost to his speed. I am all for using JC like a Percy Harvin type. Split him out as a wide reciever sometimes, stick him in RB sometimes. Have him all over the field as a check down option for Colt. That worked well for Vince.

by kicker @ Burnt Orange Nation on Jan 22, 2007 3:52 PM CST reply actions

I am not ready to close the book on JC

A year ago we were talking hiesman dark horse.

Our running game was bad for a variety of reasons this year, but I still think JC has that break away speed and quick moves, I am not ready to give up on him as our feature back, with or without the added muscle.

by Wells on Jan 22, 2007 4:27 PM CST up reply actions

JC needs more touches

in free space. I'd like to see him get 3-5 passes in his direction out of the back field and/or with a motion to the LOS.

If we could ever figure out how to run a RB screen, that'd be great too.

by Hornbud on Jan 23, 2007 3:39 PM CST up reply actions

I Agree

Maybe a motion out of single back to give us a 4 or 5 receiver sets with an empty backfield, could get him matched up with an LB.

If he is coming out of the backfield, like with the much vaunted wheel route, we need good protection as the play takes a long time to develop.

The screen is tough with our huge lineman, as they need to be able to pull and block in space. How many times do you see line men completely miss on a corner back who breaks up the screen in the backfield. The shovel pass (I know, I know) is supposed to make up for this by having a receiver screen without the need for the linemen to pull. The problem is that you need the D line to pass rush past the RB to make it work.

by Wells on Jan 23, 2007 4:08 PM CST up reply actions