My Guys, 2009
by Peter Bean on Aug 4, 2009 1:02 PM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Football
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PrintOne of my favorite pieces to read prior to each MLB season is Joe Sheehan's "My Guys" column, penned before each year to highlight those players Joe is eyeballing for a breakout season, yet who aren't receiving big time hype. Translating that to Texas football, I'm looking for those guys (limit of five) who might surprise a lot of folks with how well they play this year -- those with the highest production-to-hype ratio. Malcolm Williams was one of My Guys last year, but doesn't qualify this year because the hype amongst fans has ratcheted way up.
Before offering My Guys for 2009, a quick review of My Guys from a season ago:
Lamarr Houston had a fine, fine year -- even his off-field mistake wound up something of a positive -- but I probably overestimated his immediate impact a smidge. Moving inside from end to tackle, Houston was an outstanding complement to Roy Miller, but the senior Miller was the DT MVP.
Deon Beasley was something of a goat to many fans last year, as his coverage mistakes were highly visible ones and his lack of run support stood out on a Muschamp-directed team full of tacklers. Still, he was mostly outstanding in pass coverage -- far better than most gave him credit for -- and if he decides the NFL might want to see him do some hitting this year, he's got Tarell Brown upside.
Sam Acho had three sacks and nine quarterback hurries and played well as a back up, but the breakout season came from Melton. Acho is primed to shine this year.
Maclolm Williams was a bit of a disappointment out of the gate, simply because he looked so tentative with the ball in his hands. By the end of the year, he was going up and snagging balls at the highest point, one of the team's best special teams players, a ferocious blocker, and a big play threat who only needed a tight end to help him spring free. The best is yet to come.
Michael Huey was a flat out disappointment. When Charlie Tanner went down to injury in September, I thought Huey would keep the starting spot with excellent play, but he was terribly inconsistent. The strength and skills are there; hopefully in year three the light comes on mentally.
Looking at My Guys from 2008, I might have been a year early across the board. I like all five to have "step forward" years this fall.
Finally, while we're here, how about a 2008 All-Breakout Team. If these guys were Your Guys, I'm looking forward to hearing your picks for this year:
2008 All-Breakout Team
David Snow, C
Henry Melton, DE
Colt McCoy, QB
Chris Ogbonnaya, RB
Aaron Williams, CB
Roy Miller, DT
Rod Muckelroy, LB
My five guys for 2009, after the jump.
MY GUYS, 2009
Chykie Brown, CB -- He's an Aaron Ross clone. Same size, similar skill set and disruptive potential. Not that his talent is much of a secret, but he played hurt throughout most of 2008. If he plays the full season healthy, he's a huge reason Texas gets to Pasadena. Especially in the Big 12, and especially with our question marks on the defensive line, Brown's ability to deal with every team's 1A receiver gives Muschamp breathing room to do all sorts of fun stuff.
Fozzy Whittaker, RB -- I tingle a little bit thinking about what Fozzy can do for this team if he stays healthy. In this offense, he could score a half dozen receiving touchdowns out of the backfield, if he earns the coaches' trust to do all the little things a guy like Chris Ogbonnaya did so well. Whittaker could easily be for Texas what Baron Batch was for Texas Tech a year ago.
Keenan Robinson, LB -- Ladies and gentlemen, meet Rod Muckelroy's replacement in 2010. He'll be dandy as a back up in 2009, as well. The kid tackles so soundly, plays sideline to sideline, and understands how to flow to the ball, avoid/shed blocks, and make the play. Not flashy, just great. He's ready.
Aaron Williams, DB -- It's utterly silly that this guy is going to be a true sophomore. It's utterly silly how much talent Texas is fielding in their defensive backfield, period. I've already said nice things about Chykie Brown and Deon Beasley; Williams may have the most upside of the bunch, and we haven't yet mentioned Christian Scott, Blake Gideon, Curtis Brown, or Earl Thomas. The biggest question surrounding Williams is how best to deploy him: Does Muschamp rotate him as the do-it-all nickelback with the exceptional Earl Thomas? Stick him at corner and douse the opposing passing game with piss and vinegar? There's not much Williams can't do, and he's one big reason why this backfield is as good as was Muschamp's 2003 title-winning group at LSU.
DJ Grant, TE -- Texas's offense needs a tight end. Blaine Irby isn't available. And DJ Grant is as good a candidate as Texas has to fill the role. We don't know how his strength will hold up in a blocking role, but he won't be asked to move mountains here -- just be solid. More than anything, we need a guy who can run the seven yard curl, and dart down the seam to keep safeties from cheating.
And now, you: Who are Your Guys for 2009? And most importantly, why?
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Choices
My 5 consist of:
The O line: Can we get back to power running as Brown would like? Will Colt be the leading rusher again?
Eddie Jones: can he step up as a rusher as Sergio did last year? If so we may just nullify our biggest percieved weaknesses.
Gilbert: not under the radar but I’m so confident in Colt I would like to see Gilbert get enough meaninful throwns in this year to have a break out year so to speak.
by UT2001 on Aug 4, 2009 1:27 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
My guys
PB, great to see you blogging again!
I’m high on every one of your guys, especially AJ Williams. I’ll choose some of my own to supplement yours:
1.) Brandon Collins, WR: Incredible speed and lots of wiggle. Slight frame but makes people miss enough to make his size a moot point. Colt has heaped some heavy praise on him and you don’t need to look farther past the A&M game last year to see why. This guy is everything GD wants for his screen fetish. Quan Cosby with speed and agility, and an attitude (for better or worse).
2.) Emmanuel Acho, LB: I’ve seen this guy at the gym a couple times and he is absolutely jacked. He played as a true freshman and that speaks volumes to Muschamp’s trust in him. Like most who come from West African transplant families, he’s mature and smart. I’ll count those last two attributes as the biggest reason he sees ample playing time this fall.
3.) Alex Okafor, DE: As if his play in high school wasn’t reason enough to be excited, he has been receiving public praise (on multiple occasions) by Muschamp. Coach Boom told us to expect to see this early enrollee early and often. The strength of this year’s D-line is not going to be its interior play so a premium has been put on the pass rush. I’m expecting big things out of the true freshman.
4.) Kheeston Randall, DT: Big guy who is getting lost in the talking-up of Ben Alexander, whom I expect to be this year’s Erick Jackson. I’m putting him on here if for nothing else than he needs to shine. Or else.
Both lists are excellent
but you both left off someone i think worth mentioning.
Christian Scott – The kid is a helluva athlete and i think it just took him longer than others in the secondary (Blake Gideon) to grasp Muschamps complicated schemes. After a year of being coached up i fully expect him to be one of the starting safeties and to have an immediate impact.
Easy to overlook him though with AJ coming up. I understand why everyone is enthralled by Williams talents, but let’s not forget the other young guys we have coming up in our ultra talented secondary. With Scott, AJ WIlliams, Thomas, and Chykie starting and Gideon, Beasley, and Curtis rotating in, i easily see us doubling the interception total from last season.
+1 on Scott
I was just about to write something similar. I believe he is the perfect compliment to Earl Thomas with his aggressive, hard-hitting style of play. With numerous teams in the Big 12 using the short passing game , Scott would place a lot of fear in to opposing WRs who come across the middle.
by Hookem4life84 on Aug 4, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
CScott is greatness.
KU RB lays forward on the hit stick against Gideon, knocks him out of the game. Next play CScott comes in and lays it down on the same RB. Didn’t put him out of the game, but it was satisfying nonetheless. BMF.
Unless Gideon steps it up, CScott may be able to take that starting role…He would’ve at least laid some wood on Pryor. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.
by Tackchevy on Aug 4, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Love Scott
He’s a terrific candidate to have a huge impact season, and if he’s mentally strong and Gideon’s not making plays/creating turnovers, it’ll be difficult to keep him off the field. I personally would love to see Williams-Thomas-Scott out there as a trio. Still, I could only choose five guys, and Scott seems to be a popular choice among the Longhorn online commentariat.
I share your enthusiasm and optimism.
--PB--
that was great
The KU RB was running his mouth about knocking out Gideon and then the next play he got drilled!
by Longhorns84 on Aug 4, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Is there a video anywhere?
I can’t seem to find this particular play on youtube. Scott definitely laid the wood…
Would you really call Robinson a backup? If Kindle’s down at end, Robinson’s probably not backing up Muck; he’s likely playing opposite Muck if there are three LBs in two-point stances.
I’m just picking one “my guy” for now: Brandon Collins. He’s getting some press, but less than, say, Aaron Williams, so I think he still qualifies. I’m thinking he’ll be the second-leading receiver for the team this year.
Considering we play so much nickel and dime
Yeah, I’d call him a back up. He’ll take plenty of snaps, though, and I like him to show this fall that he’s ready to be a great LB for Texas as a starter in 2010.
--PB--
worth thinking about
Thanks for the list PB, I was hoping you’d post on My Guys again this year.
For my list – see my post on stepping up.
I wholeheartedly agree that Chykie Brown and AJ Williams will be considered two of the best and maybe the best pair of cornerbacks outside Gainesville and Boulder in the country this year
I do think Robinson will be good and rotate in a lot, but it remains to be seen how much impact he will have at the weakside linebacker position given that Muckelroy could become an all-conference player, doesn’t miss many plays, and was the Horns’ leading tackler in 2008. .
I think Grant is a year of experience and MadDog conditioning from becoming a “GUY” breakout TE. If Texas lines him up at TE, you can expect lots of blitzing off that corner and press coverage by safeties and the more agile linebackers we face. He’ll have a few big plays in games against weaker opponents, but I would expect little from him this year against our best competition. He is worth having however, because it important to show a TE look, or especially a double TE formation where Grant goes deep off playaction. Grant also allows Texas to use TE and no TE formations in the no-huddle offense because he can shift from TE to WR. However, I think most of these bonuses are a year and 15 pounds away.
Finally, I have to comment about Beasley. My beef with him is not coverage, it’s his lack of physicality. Yes he’s small (5’9" 185), but I simply got tired of watching WR’s and TE’s snuff him out on runs and screens, and his tackling technique can be summed up as “smile and wave, boys, smile and wave!” Contrast that with Ryan Palmer of former Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum fame in 2007. Palmer was of similar if not smaller size but was an excellent tackler and had three key interceptions last year, including the one that turned the Baylor game permanently in UT’s favor.
Good thoughts
I agree on Beasley all the way, but offered the hypothesis that after last year, and with the NFL scouts watching intently this year, he might do a lot more on the physicality side of things. He’s plenty athletic enough to do more. Seems to me a ‘want to’ issue. Here’s to hoping he wants to in 2009.
--PB--
Hes going to have to want to this year to get on the field
With the Browns, Aaron Williams, and three (at least) looking to be rock solid safeties who can tackle, Beasley may find himself on the outside looking in if he doesnt step it up.
by BoddickerIsClutch on Aug 4, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions
He's 5'9?
I could have sworn he was more of the 5’10-5’11 variety.
by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 4, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
You are correct
I am 5’10 and he was slightly taller than me when i met him. Not sure what hes listed at though
Great list, and some strong additions in the comments
I think everybody would agree on Williams. I’d add Snow, Robinson, Sam Acho and Collins (though you could argue Snow and Collins were ‘08 break-throughs and aren’t eligible).
I’ll add who I’D LIKE TO SEE break out in 2009: Any of the defensive tackles who isn’t a senior. Christian Scott. Okafor. Gilbert. Whaley.
My five
Brandon Collins – I thought he had himself a solid season last year, and his sure hands and quick routes will make him an excellent Cosby replacement. He’ll probably not snag the ball in the air, block, or juke people out of their boots like Cosby did, but he’ll have himself a good year.
Eddie Jones – Big time recruit who finally gets a chance to shine as we’re reloading our D-line. He obviously won’t be Orakpo but he’ll turn heads.
D.J. Grant – We need something out of the TE position. He’ll give it.
Christian Scott – I think the fanbase seems pretty hyped up about Williams and Chykie already. While we’re also excited about Scott, there are a lot more doubts swirling around him and how he can play the field. We know he can hit and that he’s athletic, but can he be disciplined? I think he’ll take a huge step forward this year and strike fear into runningbacks and receivers going into his territory.
Vondrell McGee – I know Fozzy is the popular choice, but I liked how McGee looked in the spring game, and I think his injury last year affected him more than we thought. A fully healthy McGee with a renewed emphasis on power running will spring him for a good year. We’ll still spread carries around most likely, so he’s probably not getting to 1000 yards or anything, but I’m pinpointing him as the back who gets the most carries over the season.
Also, I agree on Beasley. Got a little too much heat last year, but he DID fall short of expectations.
by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 4, 2009 2:57 PM CDT reply actions
“My Guys” isn’t the kiss of death like a Madden cover is, is it?
by burntorangehorn on Aug 4, 2009 2:57 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Another one i forgot
With all the brandon collins buzz everyone seems to have written off James Kirkendoll. I think he has a chance to be a difference maker in games where Colt’s first few options are blanketed. Also if Desean Hales gets on the field much i beleive he will make a big splash.
Agree about Hales
I’m just afraid he won’t get the opportunity this year to make a complete impact, unless we see some creativity from GD that utilizes his speed and quickness. He would probably be a good pick for next year’s column.
by Hookem4life84 on Aug 4, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions
My Guys
Dan Buckner. Gotta get another big out there.
Kheeston Randall. Would be good to get a contribution from that spot.
Emmanuel Acho. He moves well.
Aaron Williams. I think he and Chykie Brown are all-american talents.
Fozzy will have a big year
Love the post PB,
I am on the Fozzy bandwagon, some people involved with the program sound really excited about the Fozz (same people who told me Colt would get past his injury prone curse because of his dedication in the wieght room) Besides his hard work in the gym he also will get relief from our other backs (McGee, Johnson, Whaley) to keep him fresh and healthy, which is HUGE for “homerun hitters”, when the big games come up late in the season. Look for this guy to become the featured weapon in 2010 while GG gets his “sea legs” so to speak and adjusts to NCAA Starterdom. After the season he is looking to have he will be big time hype this time next year.
"Texas Till I Die"
Not getting the warm and Fozzy...
Fozzy really didn’t show up last year outside for the last drive in the Tech game and the Baylor game. He failed to make an impact on the bowl game versus OSU. While I’d love to see the guy break out, I question whether he’s got the elusiveness, strength, and durability needed for a RB of his stature. I’m sure he’s a talent in practice with shorts on, but going full pads is completely different.
by BMG on Aug 4, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions
That’s where I am on him. I don’t get the excitement about him at this point, because he hasn’t really done much of anything in pads that makes me think he could be much of a solution.
by burntorangehorn on Aug 4, 2009 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
My Guys
Sam Acho- Come on, I gotta rep my boy. Plus the players and coaches love his work ethic and his leadership skills are great. Bold pick: Acho will be a captain his senior year.
Brandon Collins- Colt said that he would be the next great Texas receiver. In Colt I Trust.
Cody Johnson- I just have a feeling, plus he had great runs in the A&M game.
Emmanuel Acho- Sam’s brother and fellow St. Mark’s Lion, Acho is completely ripped. That’s good for something.
Blake Gideon- He’ll be back.
Love the Acho's
Both the Acho brothers are a Class Act and have the phyique of Leonidas and his 300 Spartans. I think both these guys become big favorites of the coaching staff by the time they leave.
"Texas Till I Die"
PB, you should make this a BON favorite
And then we can look at it again at the end of the season and see who was right and wrong.
by acho81 on Aug 4, 2009 3:40 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
My list
1) K. Rhandall
2) Grant, Barrett Matthews or Trey Graham (same position) !
3) Fozzy
4) C. Scott
5) Norton in pass coverage
My guys
5. Christian Scott – He’ll have room to roam and will be responsible for making those big first down stopping tackles and create turnovers that feed the hype.
4. Brandon Collins – I would go out on a limb about Chiles, but with Collins ahead of him I don’t see him breaking through. Collins has the hands to be Quan and the speed to be Shipley.
3. Aaron Williams – I’m convinced he’s the best corner we have.
2. Cody Johnson – Where’s the love? I’m not sold on our ability to run the ball, but Cody is going to have the be the man. All this guy did was slim down a bit like the coaches asked and he had a good spring for all intents and purposes. He’ll be the workhorse of the backfield even if he’s not a homerun threat.
1. Sam Acho – Acho has the chance to become a tremendous pass rusher. The schedule sets up nicely for him to get his feet wet before he and Kindle shred an inexperienced OU line.
Sleeper: Chris Whaley
No limb for Chiles
But Chiles, DJ Monroe and the speedster coming in, Goodwin, are all jokers in the deck, especially for the second half of the season. They really can’t be spotlighted but they can not be ignored if they play up to their talent. Unknown back-ups with blazing speed late the game are special.
I always like it when a team has some diamonds in the rough. The 2009 Horns are loaded with them.
Chiles
I know it will never happen, but the long-term best thing IMO for Chiles and the team would be for him to redshirt and get a year of seperation from Collins and Kirkendoll.
Having said that, I know that the coaches are going to be all in with the team this year.
CoJo
It’d be awesome if he was considered a threat beyond red zone situations. But like it is in EA’s NCAA 2010, he’s not explosive nor elusive enough to warrant calling plays for him when you’ve got robo-QB ready to complete any pass you ask.
Let’s hope his trimming down helps him become more than a bulldozer.
Cody
Cody doesn’t need to be a homerun threat for the offense to be successful, heck we don’t need much of a running game for the offense to be “successful” (see last year). However, an improved running game would free up the middle of the field for a TE or a slot receiver just enough to give McCoy a bigger window to throw to, or a better chance to pop a long gain after the catch. It adds that other dimension in the head of LB cheating over to a side, or the safety keying on the slot receiver. To be quite honest, barring any major injury, I don’t see us losing a game if robo-QB is in form and our running game improves to this level.
Cody needs to average 4 ypc and always make it back to the line of scrimmage. If so, this offense doesn’t get out of sync like it did versus Tech, and it doesn’t stall out like it did against Ohio State.
by BMG on Aug 5, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Introducing my guy
Jared Norton. The kid finally gets the MLB position to himself this year. 4 TFLs and 2.5 sacks could double to some nice numbers for the senior.
Great thought. He's not getting a lot of attention, but playing with Muck and Kindle
will get chances to make plays
I think the biggest thing for Norton
is whether or not he dropped a little bit of weight. He doesn’t have the best mobility or ability to change direction, but he needs to maximize his speed by being in the best shape possible. He’ll also be important against teams like Oklahoma and Oklahoma State that run the ball more, but he’ll also have to prove that he can stay on the field for three downs because those teams won’t give you a lot of chances to substitute. The good news is that he’ll probably get a look in the Buck Package, meaning that he would turn into a pass-rusher on obvious passing downs.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 5, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
My Fave 5
1. Christian Scott—— ATTITUDE
2. Sam Acho— Hard Work
3. Cody Johnson—aka bulldozer
4. Chykie Brown— he reminds me more of Mike G than Aaron R.
5. Alex Okafor—-future greatness
Damn I can’t wait!!!!
-----@ Live the Dream---- 2009 @------
by LadyLonghorninOK on Aug 4, 2009 7:55 PM CDT reply actions
My 5
1. John Chiles – We’ve been waiting 3 years for him to reach his potential, and I think his move to WR is going to bring it out. His throwing skills and knowledge of the offense allow for good trick play potential, and maybe some kind of wild ’horn formation.
2. Lamaar Houston – Looking more comfortable at tackle, Houston will be playing with confidence now that he is going to be keying the inside of the line. He is the reason I think all the talk of our depleted D-Line is exagerrated.
3. Earl Thomas – We already know how good he is, but by November everybody will.
4. Cody Johnson – He impressed me all last season with what few carries he got, and he seems to be the most reliable of our herd of backs. His size fits in well with GD’s running game, and is a natural advantage against the smaller defenses in the B12.
5. Alex Okafor – He seems to be turning into Muschamp’s prized students, being one of his first major recruits in the program. I expect him to see a lot of minutes early, helping keep our line fresh and taking advantage of the double teams on Kindle.
HMs
Gideon – will become a team leader and trusted defender in space
Kirkendoll – the loss of Irby means more catches, tough out of the slot
A. Williams – how is he our third cornerback?
If you're so sure of what it ain't, how about telling us what it am!
by circa1015 on Aug 4, 2009 9:08 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I'll second these five
1. Chiles, he’s got to produce right away to make some serious money for the NFL and I think he knows it.
2. I can’t comment on Houston, but everyone on the D line has to step up.
3. Thomas is all over the field and was the only guy that could catch Griffon from Baylor. So he’s at least going to rack up some tackles in that game. :)
4. Cody is the man, he’s been trimming down, I would think to get out of the “jumbo package” type cast. And every time we put him on the field he gets yards ( possibly because of the blocking in front of him ), but he’s shown as much productivity as any RB on the team
5. Okafor – if Muschamp says he’s good, then he’s going to be good.
I know many people are down on Gideon because of the drop, and it appears many think he’s not all that athletic (I’d argue he’s getting the Jason Sehorn treatment to a small extent), but I think the kid has plenty of athleticism to be a starter for a good defense. Really I think his ceiling is…well, hard to say what it is, but it’s definitely below Michael Huff. His floor looks like Greg Brown to me, though.
I expect the following to become firm fan faves over the course of the season:
1. A. Williams
2. C. Scott
3. B. Collins
4. V. McGee
5. M. Williams
and Chykie’s nipping at their heels
Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis.
My guy three years ago was Sergio Kindle
Lets hope he pans out!
by pleaseplaykindle on Aug 5, 2009 12:06 AM CDT reply actions
I should add
That this was 2007, when our starting linebackers were:
Scott Derry: “I’ll go over here and hold on to this guys arm until the bigger kids show up to tackle him.”
Rashad Bobino: “I’ll run into several blockers and make no impact on the play.”
Robert Killebrew: “I’m just not very good.”
Meanwhile, on the bench waited sensation Sergio Kindle, who once stole Chuck Norris’ lunch money, but gave it back to him because he cried so much.
by pleaseplaykindle on Aug 5, 2009 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Hey now...
…Robert Killebrew was excellent at getting called for personal fouls.
He was almost as automatic as Flozell Adams getting called for false starts…
Bobino...
For what is was worth, he sure did love making contact.
Loved it so much
He didn’t want to shed it.
"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden
Mr. Obvious's My Guys
1. Colt McCoy – 98.32% completion percentage, 67 TDs and 1 INT only because he’ll be pulled mid 3rd quarter of every game. That would be what it would take for Colt to have a breakout year… think about it.
2. Sergio Kindle – He will look like he lines up in the offensive backfield this year. Maybe Muschamp will get him a Blackberry to use during games so he can crash through the offensive line (sorry if someone has already made this comment).
3. Jordan Shipley – He realizes he might not be Colt’s roommate next year. He’s going to have to make it on his own…
4. Hunter Lawrence – His lower leg will fly off his knee over the crossbar with the ball, mid PAT, in the Kansas game, after his 123 made attempt in a row… Unless it is Ryan Bailey instead.
5. Ryan Zych – He will come out of nowhere and nail his Philosophy Final and graduate on time!!!
Seriously, I just cannot wait. I am also looking for a breakout performance in the snare line.
My Fav Five..
Clearly McCoy, the OL, Shipley, Kindle among others are easy. My five are going to be players that aren’t the oh-so obvious because this is suppose to be a little hard:
1) Malcolm Williams – Tall and fast, this season is his chance to follow in Roy and Limas’s footsteps and become the guy to carry the torch for UT receivers into the GG-era!
2) Cody Johnson – Javorskie-light takes over where Henry Melton failed to go AND that’s into the end zone WITH the football for more than one season! CoJo becomes Mr. Automatic inside the ten and provides yet another comparison to the 2005 National Title team when Melton scored 10 TDs in a crowded backfield.
3) Blake Gideon – His first interception will receive a standing ovation. He won’t be the sole reason the secondary is better this year, but he will be one of the pieces that will come together to help stave-off all the pass-happy QBs the Longhorns face this year.
4) Any starting Longhorn TE – will be better than no TE last year although Jordan Shipley was the best small TE ever in college football!
5) John Chiles – Like Ramonce Taylor in ’05, he will become a versatile weapon that is finally put to use. His chance to shine will come now that the QB burden is lifted off his shoulders. Pencil him in somewhere between Ramonce & Kordell…
As an ousider, i find it hard to justify all this praise for the secondary after their performance on the field last year. I saw Scott in HS so I know what he offers. However, I think Gideon was your best DB on the field last year so Scott may spend another year riding the pine behind him. Why is everyone so bullish on this secondary with less of a pass rush than last year? Do you think a year of experience will mean that much?
Bullish on Secondary
These guys all saw a lot of pig flying at them last year… Either from playing pass-happy teams or being ahead. They’re all great talents, and should theoretically make a pretty significant leap from trial-by-fire freshman seasons to this year.
Anyways, besides Kindle, what else do we really have to be excited about defensively this season? Ben Alexander?
Last years defense was tops in the pass happy Big 12
This despite the best cover corner missing 3 games including Tech and Ok. State.
Going into last year Ch. Brown, A. Williams, E. Thomas, B. Gideon, Cu. Brown and C. Scott combined for zero career starts and almost no meaningful snaps. Going into this year that same group has combined for more than 40 starts and all have played meaningful snaps. Combine that with the talent, athleticism and reports from spring and 7-on-7 workouts and that is pretty much why UT fans are so bullish on the secondary.
That’s a great point. Even with freshmen at the safety spots (one true, one RS) all season, and with weak enough returning corners that another true freshman had significant PT. When all is said and done, one consistent but not outstanding (although massively appreciated by yours truly) senior corner graduated, and every other significant part of the Big 12’s best pass defense in 2008 will be back from 2009. Three guys who were freshmen and one who was a sophomore, now obviously three sophs and a junior, should make a big progression, considering the biggest jump in performance typically takes place early in players’ careers.
by burntorangehorn on Aug 5, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
comments like this don't deserve a response
but I’m a sucker and I can’t resist.
First — Yes, a year of experience makes a world of difference. At this time last year, we didn’t have players in the secondary, we had question marks. Week by week, Thomas, the Browns, Gideon, and AWilliams showed they could handle the best that the big 12 could offer throughout a brutal conference stretch. They got better week by week, which is more than I can say about the majority of football players out there. Add to that the fact that as Sophomores and Redshirt Sophomores, most of these guys are going through their first off-season knowing their roles and focusing on nuances, and we know that Gideon and Thomas have bulked up in the process as well.
We’re not talking about guys who lack physical ability. Earl Thomas is the fastest longhorn safety I’ve seen not named Huff. Chykie Brown & Aaron Williams have the height & speed that will make them NFL corners one day. The talent and depth is there for this secondary to be an elite unit. Talent is not what was lacking when Crabtree got in the endzone – it was experience.
Second — the Horns are working in a base 4-2-5, not a 4-3-4 like last year. Its hard for Christian Scott to ride the pine behind Blake Gideon when he’s going to be playing along side him most of the time. Each guy brings something different to the field, Gideon is cerebral and has a knack for being at the right place at the right time, Scott has shown a willingness to lay the lumber. Add Thomas’ skillset and you have a lot of playmaking ability in the middle of your defensive backfield. That’s why we’re amped up.
Lastly, you do bring up a valid point about how a less effective pass-rush would be to the detriment of the secondary. While their are concerns in the interior of the line, most BONers would agree that its not the pass rush that will suffer because Kindle, Acho & Jones have each demonstrated the ability to rush the QB. Weakness in the interior will affect our run defense though, and that is a concern.
by BMG on Aug 5, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
FWIW
1. Keenan Robinson – Whoever introduced Derrick Johnson to Tommy Nobis, please repeat here. Also, dibs if we’re adopting players this year.
2. Cody Johnson – “Hammerhead”
3. Aaron Williams – He’s pretty, in the Muhammad Ali sense.
4. John Gold – With a name like that, future pornstar?
5. Sherrod Harris – I just hope he gets a chance to do something. He seems like a real quality individual.
"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden
Wow, John Gold with two mentions on this thread,
he’s getting some serious love for a punter. And he’s a good one, too, but I think the coaches continue to only use him in long punting situations where he can just boom it, which he can do extremely well. I think anyone in the midfield area will draw Justin Tucker again, kicking with either foot. As much as I like Gold, and I like him as much as any punter I’ve seen at Texas since 2002, Tucker may end up being more valuable to the team with his ability to pin opponents inside the 10-yard line.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 5, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
He punts a pretty ball
It literally looks like it’s being shot out of a cannon.
The rugby punt has it’s place and I can appreciate it’s value. It’s just not as sexy.
"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden
by run Bevo run on Aug 6, 2009 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Here's my boys
Brandon Collins & Kirkendoll: these 2 step up (like they did RoseBowl 08) and our offense is truly unstoppable.
Earl Thomas: natural playmaker, nuff said
Rod Muckelroy: This is Muck’s defense now- i think he’ll bust out, lead us to Pasadena and earn himself some serious NFL cash in the process
Colt: who could’ve guessed, VY’s replacement would win the Heisman Trophy?
<All Hail Major Applewhite>
The Great C. Scott
Christian Scott – dude is a playmaker and has the defense down this year. Last year wasn’t focused enough, but this year has made a 360, just wait till open practices. Now that he has the mental side of the game down and the confidence he will be a force to be reckoned with. Watch out on KR to because he can take it to the house!
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