My Guys, 2008
by Peter Bean on Jul 29, 2008 3:25 AM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Football
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PrintOne of my favorite columns of any kind each year was MLB columnist Joe Sheehan's "My Guys" piece, which he used to run prior to each season, highlighting a handful of players he loves to have great, high-impact seasons but who aren't receiving sufficient hype. This year, he tweaked the format to "Breakout Players," but the concept is about the same.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?
Right. My Guys for 2008:
Lamarr Houston, DT - If there's a Lamarr Houston Hype Parade, I suppose I've been the guy with the funny hat, elongated wand, and whistle. I've seen others here and elsewhere start to come around, but judging by the poll in the right sidebar... I'm not exactly leading a revolution. As I keep saying during each of this summer's radio appearances, I think he's the best player on the team.
Deon Beasley, CB - I'm not exactly on an island here, but as far as I can tell, my opinion of Deon Beasley's potential this season is well ahead of most. Not only is he a shining example of proper player development - a credit to the coaches - but the end result is a player who's as mentally confident as he is physically gifted. Playing elite cornerback requires that kind of mental confidence - if you're thinking, you're finished - and if all goes well, Texas has one of the conference's best cornerbacks and the coaches get as strong a reinforcer as is imaginable that the Beasley Way is the Proper Way to develop a player. He's not the team's most gifted defensive back - just the best developed. With so much young talent in the DB Cupboard, a championship-level secondary can be had sooner rather than later.
Sam Acho, DE - Lamarr Houston? Is an NFL-caliber physical freak. Sam Acho... far less so. But it took me about three plays last season to do that thing where you sort of squint in at the TV, hit rewind, and ask yourself, "Wait, who was that?" The kid has absolutely phenomenal instincts, and if Brian Orakpo is the obvious star at end, Acho is the guy - more so than Eddie Jones, perhaps - that I look forward to seeing on the field opposite Orakpo. Especially given what Muschamp will be asking of his front four, I love what Acho brings to the table.
Malcolm Williams, WR - Though I sense more Kirkendoll and Buckner hype, I'm sticking with Williams as My Guy to be the breakthrough receiver for Texas this year. I remember 2004 well enough to be wary of expecting too much of any first-year receiver, but if there's a 2008 successor to Limas Sweed, I think it's Williams. I'm making him one of My Guys because he's a lot stronger than Sweed was in '04.
Michael Huey, G - I see absolutely no difference between Huey and Justin Blalock, a four-year starter at Texas and immediate starter for the Atlanta Falcons in the Sunday league. A product of the Kilgore football factory, Huey is an Absolutely Dependable starter waiting to happen.
Who are Your Guys heading into 2008? And more importantly.... why?
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My Guy
Roddrick Muckelroy: Kindle has all the talent in the world, but Muck is just nasty. If he hadn’t missed so much time as a freshman with the finger injury, I think he would be getting a lot more attention from Texas fans. Muschamp is going to absolutely love having this guy.
My Guys
Ishie Oduegwu, S – 5-10, 210 may be nothing special at safety, but this kid has one thing that 95% of college football players lack: Tackling Ability! He hits hard when he knows he’s out-weighed, and he WRAPS ‘EM UP…which is unfortunately quite unique in college open-field tackling. If the Nickle D is no joke, he’ll be allowed even more freedom to use his speed to make the backfield a Danger Zone.
2007 Stats – 17 UA, 11 A, but only 1 PD
Ryan Bailey, PK – Because kickers get no love. He’ll put some points on the board, one way or three other.
Career Stats – 24 of 28 FG (.857/ #1 for UT all-time) with 9 from 40+ yards out
PS – 2 in the AM, when PB gets his best work done.
Representing the Longhorn greatness in the cold Northeast.
by DKR-is-home on Jul 29, 2008 7:52 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Desean Hales
Although Mack’s track record with true frosh doesn’t support this pick, after seeing a few of his HS games last year I think the day he shows up on campus he will be the most explosive player on an offense that desperately needs explosive players.
I like Hales
He’s a badass on NCAA 09. Slippery as hell. Hope he lives up to it.
Ramonce and Charles
R. Taylor in 2004 and 2005!
he played WR,RB, and returned kicks..I wouldn’t mind seeing Chiles in the same role either.
Monroe
might give Hales a run for his money
by Longhorns84 on Jul 30, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Palmer, Miller, and the RB's
I think these two guys will have big years. Palmer suprised me a great deal last year, when he became a shut down corner for us. Miller is just as good (if not better) than Okam., and should clog up the middle this year if he stays healthy.
The RB’s are going to make everyone quit worrying about good ole’ #25!
I like M. Williams, and Hales also to become house hold names this year.
My guys
I like Roy Miller a lot (since he’s been dominating at a level beyond most DT’s in the conference already), and Muckleroy with more starting time. Both of these guys are playmakers who will now get the majority of the defensive snaps. Definitely a good thing.
I heard Orakpo say that the player in the secondary to “look out for” is Earl Thomas and he lead the spring game in tackles.
On offense I like Jordan Shipley to have a better year, as well as Colt. Ryan Bailey is money and I suspect the run-blocking and Fozzy/McGee tandem will be a strength next year.
Nuthin' you can do can take me away from my guys...
OK, Diana Ross fades to the background
Here are my guys – the keys to the season as it were. Only one is “indespensible” but all are the key cogs in taking the Horns from a frustrating 7-4 to a much more magical season and into prime position for the MNC in 2009. The key in my view is whether the Horns can show lost of formations and adapt to different teams’ personnel and strengths. GD haters, you are free to gag at this point, but I think we’ve seen the necessary hints in the Holiday Bowl and spring game.
1. Sergio Kindle – the one GUY who can be the unblockable force at the line as an outside linebacker, who will make the other LB’s and DB’s better by forcing other teams to keep extra blockers or attention to his side. Orakpo, Miller, Muckelroy are all great but Kindle is the most nightmarish to match up with.
2. Colt McCoy – everyone seems to think the other players have to carry him because he got such a bad case of the yips, and thus the INT itch and fumbleitis to boot, last year. But this we know: he’s a GUY: a fighter, he’s the brightest player on the offense, and he’s still the most accurate passer in UT history. He has “mo better” receivers this year in terms of talent, including a big and fast target in Malcolm Williams. I look for Colt to rebound in a big way. I see 30 TD’s and only 10 INTs and a return to the Heisman conversation
3. John Chiles – everyone discounts him because they think MB will protect him as the backup QB and because we have so many receivers to get on the field, he won’t get many plays at WR. However, I think the Horns’ offensive production will increase 10 yards a game for every play he’s on the field. I predict he’ll score on at least two reverses and two WR screens. Furthermore, I see Mack using Chiles in a “Thunder” offense (a zone read or option offense with McGee, 2 TE or a TE and FB, and the best run blocking OL and WRs) as a change of pace to Colt’s “Lightning” (one-back with 3 or 4 wide receivers). Look for it when Texas is tied or ahead and gets the ball on the opponents’ side of the field in the second or third quarters. This is not for Chiles’ experience, but rather to pound on the defense that’s been running around chasing Colt or the receivers all day. Even better, make it a no-huddle aka West Virginia, since the play set will be limited anyway. I see the Horns scoring 10 or more touchdowns out of something resembling the Thunder this year. Give Chiles at least half of those TD’s and he accounts for 9 or more TD’s. If other teams have to prepare for the Thunder and some version of the spread, that will open up many more plays for the rest of Texas’ offensive talent. Furthermore, it will help keep our light but fast defense off the field and thus fresh to rush the passer. Chiles you da GUY!
4.Fozzy Whittaker. Vondrell mcGee will be the MAN who gets 20 carries a game and punches in at the goal line, BUT he always seems lost when the Horns spread out. Enter Whittaker. He reminds me of the type player Quentin Griffin (yeah that GUY!) was when Oklahoma ran Mike Leach’s version of the spread back in 2000-2003. Whittaker might not be able to stuff a blitz, but after he rips off chunks on draws, screens and dumpoffs, the other teams will be spying him, not blitzing him. I see Whittaker accounting for at least a quarter of the Horns explosive plays this year.
5. Earl Thomas. Play the bands for the new 4-2-5 and then keep your eye on Thomas. As Beergut, whatever his other idiosyncracies, aptly pointed out, to play the 4-2-5, you need “freaks” at LB/DE and at LB/S, and Earl seems to be the one GUY who can cover and blow up runs. For the LB/DE freak see 1. Sergio Kindle.
So…if Kindle and Thomas are at least second team All Big 12 (the fact that neither one is on the radar in pre-season would keep them from being first-team), Chiles scores at least 9 touchdowns and Whittaker gets 12 touches (carries or receptions) a game, I say the Horns beat Missouri, Colorado, A&M and Kansas to finish 11-1 (loss to OU or Tech), and Mack is either rounding up a charter plane to Kansas City for the Big 12 championships or sending E-blasts to his coaching buddies hoping for a BCS berth.
I hope you're right about Colt
But I’m not sure if he qualifies for this discussion for “breakout players.” Even if he has a great season, it’s not like he’s doing anything completely new for us.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jul 29, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Colt underhyped
I didn’t see Colt as a “breakout” player per se, but I do see him as “underhyped,” or at least as much as any Texas QB since 1999. Many at BON and in the media see him as an average QB that we have to put up with throwing the dink and dunk until he graduates and that he is there just to manage the game. Someone else is needed to provide the explosive plays. I remember this time last year, he was on all the Heisman watch lists and considered to be the centerpiece of the offense. Now he’s considered behind Daniel, Reesing, Bradford, and Harrell, and in some circles, even Robinson of Oklahoma State and Hawkins of Colorado. Since so many more offensive players are likely to get touches than last year, I just feel he is likely to have a strong comeback.
by burnt in ny on Jul 29, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
not Hawkins or Robinson, but..
he can get on everyones good side again in the next two years if he beats ou and a&m
sounds like a good plan
It can happen if everyone stays healthy.
by Longhorns84 on Jul 29, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
The role of Chiles
I think the way that Chiles is used this year will go a long way towards determining the impact of Major Applewhite on Greg Davis, and how much Davis can innovate. I agree with wanting to see Chiles in some power running formations. But I would rather have Fozzy running the zone read with Chies because he is going to be so much more explosive than McGee running that play. I wouldn’t mind seeing some of Cody Johnson in there with them, maybe running some triple option. If Chiles isn’t going to pass much, then the additional threat of another runner could open some lanes for him. The reports seem to indicate that Chiles isn’t improving much as a passer, but hopefully Davis and Major can find a couple routes that he can throw well and use them off play action to keep the defense honest.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Jul 29, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Acho
Good to hear someone else is looking for big things out of Acho. Him and his little brother could really contribute here over the next 4 years or so.
I love it . . .
When somebody sticks his neck out. PB, you’re a giraffe.
My view on YOUR picks: yes, yes, no, I hope so, and I hope so again. That ’s yes on Houston and Beasley, no on Acho (because of the DEs already established) and I hope so’s on Malcolm (why did he redshirt when fellow frosh Kirkendoll and Collins played in ‘07?) and Huey (I think he’s more talented than Tanner, but we know how much Mack loves his older guys).
MY PICKS: Sergio Kindle, Curtis Brown, Tray Allen. Kindle is an unstoppable force, if healthy, and if (maybe) turned loose to be a ball magnet. This may be counter to the MB-Chizik-Akina style, but there’s supposed to be a new mindset. Brown is a natural talent, the next Michael Griffin in my view. Allen was the best OL in the country when he left high school; it’s time for him to become a force.
Burnt in NY: That was Mary Wells, not DRoss, on My Guy.
Which DE's are more established that Acho?
You’ve got Orakpo and that’s it. Houston moved inside full time. Lewis will likely play the majority of his snaps inside as well. After that you’ve got Jones (more recruiting hype but so far no more established than Acho), Melton (far from established at DE) and Carter (RS Frosh).
I'm with you
re: Tray Allen. I absolutely cannot wait for him to become a pancake producing machine (i’m already assuming he’s a pancake consuming machine).
Plagiarism is the sincerest form of imitation -NT
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Who are those guys?
If indeed there was a major earthquake following the A&M game, then there will be many break-out players. Your list – and the subsequent ones to follow in the comments – are just the tip of the iceberg.
I see the defense vested with nearly 30 players in the early going and at least 20 or more in conference crunch time, and everyone will be talking about the real explosion of talent. Muckelroy is my favorite about the LBs, Houston among the DTs, but the youngsters like Acho – I remember one play in particular – will really be pushing the DEs. I really don’t worry about the DBs; the CBs will be solid and that will cushion the safeties in the early going.
I think the defense last season was more of a strait jacket than a method for aggression. And the hard truth is that getting pressure is the only sure fire way to defuse the spread variants; that’s the NFL lesson, kill the QB. With prejudice. Otherwise OU, Mizzou and Tech will slice and dice you to pieces. We’ll find out if the DEs can recognize and contain the run well enough with CU and OU; that’s the real kicker with the youth. I predict the first two games will be a little jittery, the second two much better and the third pair the mature team on the field.
No qualms with Colt; he’ll operate the offense just fine. But, like most everyone here, I want Chiles on the field and an operative part of the offense. The Horns will be so much more dangerous with him there. If we’re running between the tackles, I’m happy with McGee. If we’re going option or outside, I think Whittaker and even some of the others will be speedier options. Like the D, I want to see a lot of players in the heat of game. I don’t give a damn about mistakes – this team can cover those in ooc games – I want the whole range of options available.
Texas has been predictable on both offense and defense. I can see no good reason why that should continue. The Horns have a wealth of players to create offensive and defensive nightmares. They stuck with a pat hand, set formations on both sides of the ball, for two years. Maybe they were living off their clippings from ‘05, maybe they thought they’d found the answers, but it started crumbling in ‘06 and became untenable by the A&M game last year. The coaches didn’t get the message in the ‘06 A&M game when they should have. They screwed up.
So, if this indeed the start of a new era, then all these projections are well justified and many will come true. If this is not a new era and the coaches keep butting their heads into the same brick wall, we’re not going to like this season and it might be the end of an era for Mack. That is what I see as the real drama right now because I think they’re on double secret probation.
And thanks edsp for catching the Mary Wells slip-up on the Smokey Robinson tune.
Fozzy, Kindle, Beasley and Charlie Tanner
Fozzy- I hope that he is as good as i have heard about him, even tho Vondrell should be pretty good im just not sold on him. Just looking forward to seeing him in the open field!
Kindle- One word, Beast!
Beasley- I could use the word beast for him too, but i am hoping we could get him in the return game, could be the next Vasher or Aaron Ross.
Charlie Tanner- I played in Junior High with him, believe it or not he played running back even tho he was 6’ 2” in 8th grade. I dont know if he will start but i have heard he has added weight . Just want to see him succeed
Oh yes
My love of Houston and Orakpo is well documented, but I agree with the crowd…Sam Acho was absolutely nasty when he was on the field. His name always seemed to be called in on the play (and not in the crappy Robert Killebrew way).
For the sake of newness, I’ll throw Blaine Irby out there…not a natural talent like Jermichael, but still has the Dave Thomas/Bo Scaife potential.
And I love Joe Sheehan as well, although his Jeff Francoeur prediction…as a Braves fan, that one hurt.
No hat tip to SMQ?
DT/DE: Eddie Jones Texas
Jones could have made this list last year as a redshirt freshman, based on his recruiting hype, but he limped through an injury and was lost in yet another of these impossibly stacked front line shuffles. He finished with 28 tackles, two sacks, but got a lot of attention in the process and should pass sometime-starter Aaron Lewis on the first team, cementing his nightmare status in the process.LB: Sergio Kindle Texas
Observant Texas fans like Peter Bean spent all last season wondering why the nation’s top incoming linebacker of 2006 couldn’t surpass just-okay Rashad Bobino as the starter in the middle, and after seeing him in person against Nebraska, I sympathize with their frustration. One play stood out, an overlooked burst of dominance that helped turned the game for the Longhorns: with Nebraska leading 17-3 late in the third and facing a 3rd-and-1, Kindle ran through a much bigger blocker like he wasn’t there in pursuit to the ball and leveled the runner behind the line of scrimmage. Texas got the ball back and scored 25 unanswered points. For the year, Kindle added another 37 tackles, three for loss, off the bench. He’s still listed as a backup by most accounts coming into the season, behind either Bobino or Jared Norton on the strongside, but it would be a major upset - or else a total lack of judgment - if Kindle finished there for the third year in a row. It’s now or never to shed the looming “bust” tag.
Both make his All-Up-and-Coming Team: Defense here.
Those two guys have been “my guys” since the first days of their recruiting process, along with Blaine Irby. I’ll be hoping for this trio to break out sometime in the first or second game of the season.
Life is an Occasion. Rise to it.
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