Texas Depth Chart Versus Rice: Quick Thoughts, Offense
by Peter Bean on Aug 30, 2010 11:43 AM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Football
Email
PrintNot a ton of surprises on the Rice depth chart, but let's start with a run through the positions:
Quarterbacks: As predicted, Case McCoy won the back up job. Obviously, Gilbert's health is critical to the season, and you should expect our usage of him as a rusher to reflect that.
Running Backs: No ORs, as Cody Johnson wins the job outright. Frankly, that's probably a good thing, even though I expect we'll see all three backs get touches. We're trying to establish a running identity, and it can only help Johnson to be The Guy. For what we're trying to do, this is the right move. Whittaker's a great complementary back, and Newton's a guy we can count on in third down situations. If the line performs and the scheme is competent, I feel good about us succeeding against the cupcakes. Too soon to make any predictions about performance against real D though.
Receivers: Poor Malcolm Williams. He just can't get it together as a pass catcher, and isn't even starting. Message delivered. Seniors Kirkendoll and Chiles are starters, along with Goodwin when we're three-wide. Whether it lasts depends on Chiles' progress being real (he couldn't separate last year) and Kirkendoll producing consistently. This certainly isn't our best trio athletically/talent-wise. UCLA provides a great test for this group, and is a fortuitous opponent to help us sort wheat from chafe prior to OU. Mike Davis is right there to push, getting an OR start with Chiles in the slot. Everyone's on notice.
Tight Ends/H-Back: Barrett Matthews starts and is as critical to the offense as anyone. His blocking ability is legit, and he's the only receiving threat we've got at the position. Pray for his health. Greg Smith will be a solid guy for us in helping to keep Barrett fresh and healthy, providing solid reps against overwhelmed opponents. Matthews needs to be out there for the bulk of our toughest games.
O-Line: As expected, Texas goes left-to-right: Hix, Huey, Snow, Walters, Mitchell. Our back up tackles are Mark Buchanan and Luke Poehlmann. Ohmygod. We need Mitchell to be healthy and competent. If he's not, or get hurts, I'm not so sure Walters doesn't move to tackle sooner than expected. Tray Allen's injury really, really hurts. (Paden Kelley presumably returns after Rice, which will help.)
Fullback: Berryhill and Roberson are the nominal fullbacks, but we'll be using the flex-TE / H-back for lead blocking as often as not.
Kicker: As predicted, Justin Tucker follows the Hunter Lawrence career path. Works for me.
Thoughts?
44 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Two things
Surprised to see Matthews listed at tight end and ESB at H-back — if they are both on the field at the same time, I would expect the roles to be reversed, so I think it’s mostly a sign that Matthews is clearly the top tight end on the roster. Interesting as well that Whaley passed up Dom Jones for the back-up H-back job.
Last season, when Shipley moved into the slot, Kirkendoll moved outside to flanker, supposedly where he was more comfortable. Now he is back in the slot and Chiles is at flanker, despite playing in the slot during the second open practice. What’s going on there? I have a feeling that either of those positions are basically interchangeable at this point. Oh yeah, and things continue to look bad for Malcolm Williams. Ugh.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 30, 2010 11:58 AM CDT reply actions
I'm with you. The WR position seems a little jumbled.
My thoughts at receiver when looking at the depth chart:
Can Kirkendoll beat the press at SE with his size?
It seems that Goodwin would be much better suited for the FL position, and not the slot. His speed seems a lot more useful on the outside than it does up the seam.
Conversely, I’m not convinced that Chiles has what it takes to stretch the defense at the FL position. I’d much rather see him in the slot where it’s easier to get him the ball in space.
What will Goodwin in the slot do to defenses?
Would that give a bit more of an advantage to the outside receiver on that side?
Quise at X, Kirk at Z, and Chiles at sub B if that’s the lineup that has to be. Quise has to be outside to use his speed. Chiles is a possession guy now who’s improved hands should help in the slot, like when Shipley played there. Kirkendoll…IDK where he fits best. He can’t separate from coverage, he isn’t consistent, and he isn’t quick or fast. So, like, what does he do?
by GoHornsGo90 on Aug 30, 2010 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Goodwin in the slot
creates a lot of mismatches. If he gets a LB on him then that route is instant to him.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
Right. But, isn't there a trade off?
Would you not rather have him out wide where he can put more pressure on the safety and open up the middle of the field a little more?
I think that does put pressure on the safety:
does he drop back to give back up to the WR or leave the CB one-on-one or come up to defend against a extremely fast back who could slip the tackle. I think this will freeze him for a second…and a pump fake will kill him on a long route to the WR. Plus there is the TE dragging across the middle.
To set this up they have to throw to Goodwin on a consistent basis. It’s a good chess move.
I suppose it depends on the situation. For example, a play action fake on a running down will match up Goodwin against a safety a lot of the time. That's obviously a matchup we'll take anytime we can get it.
Much like GHG pointed out, it’s the short/intermediate routes that I have concerns with. The offense is changing, but over the past few years the slot position has played a big role in this offense. I’m not sure I want Goodwin to be the guy running a 5 yard hitch in a stick play, or running slants over the middle of the field.
All this said, I’d imagine this depth chart is still very fluid at this point. I’d be surprised if Chiles isn’t the primary slot guy by the Tech game.
They have a lot of options, no doubt.
Goodwin can be put in motion for pitches and reverses as well.
Slot requires a lot of precise routes
Easily the most of the three primary receiver positions. Goodwin is the worst route runner of the eligible receivers, in my opinion. I also second SuperHorn’s opinion that his speed is better utilized on the edge.
There is always a trade off
But when I think of Quise in the slot running seams, corners and option routes you are going to put a ton of pressure on the safety. If you are in Cover 2 and you have Quise in the slot and he is running a seam that safety has to respect him and leave the outside receiver alone. If they try to run cover 3 so they don’t have to worry about deep middle then you open up the shorter routes which obviously makes for a higher percentage pass. There are definitely two schools of thought, that is just my preference.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
Ohmygod. We need Mitchell to be healthy and competent.
That’s really the key as I see it. We have some great weapons, but GG needs consistency up front so he can settle into the position and take advantage of that arm. If the O-Line isn’t improved from last year, the Coach Boom and crew are going to have to outplay even the loftiest of expectations.
Call it naivety or wishful thinking, but I think Malcolm William’s trip back to the doghouse is temporary. I think he’ll be out there with the ones by the RRS.
the man, the myth, the legend.
can't do them in title lines
Never ask a man if he's from Texas. If he is, he'll tell you soon enough. If he's not, don't embarrass him.
Not comfortable at all with
Tucker being the FG and KO man and pushing for the punting job. When Mack tried that with Greg Johnson in 2006, the kid hurt his leg from all the practice required to stay sharp in three different areas. Johnson ended up doing FG only.
I’m hoping Russ can win the KO job — at least on a part-time basis.
The whole backup line is scary. We knew that, but we really know it when the listed second-teamers include a true freshman, two RS freshmen and two sophomores who basically haven’t been on the field since high school. Kelley should help. I fear Tray Allen won’t be back, and if he is it probably would be too late to help against OU and Nebraska.
Is that a serious statement?
If you do not like a punter/place kicker just because he is terrible at fakes, I don’t have words to say.
Remember Wyoming?
Stumpy: It's called the '80s. Ford was president, Nixon was in the White House, and FDR was running this country into the ground. I was bummin' in a hole-in-the-wall town in what is now called "Utah".
Point of minor clarification
Johnson’s injury in the 2006 game against Oklahoma resulted in Lawrence handling kickoff duties the following week against Baylor, and Bailey stepping in late in the Nebraska game. From that point on, Johnson handled only punting. Since then, Mack has been steadfast in diversifying the kicking game with three fresh legs. Look for Russ to handle more and more kickoffs as we go deeper into the year, and Gold to be the solid choice in punting all season. Only an occasional need for a rugby-style effort will put Tucker on the field punting.
Happy for Johnson, I hope Connor gets a redshirt
Johnson fits the scheme better, now has the body to be an every down back. Fozzy is good change of pace back, and Tre is best suited for third down situations.
Wood will be better than McCoy, I’m not so sure this isn’t a move to separate Wood from GG. I think Case is a back up his entire career at Texas. If Case is a competent back up who can manage games if the starter goes down; stroke of genius by the Texas coaching staff offering Case. Case doesn’t seem to have an ego and will accept whatever role he is asked to perform.
Malcolm Williams continues to disappoint, he is nearing his contract year, it’s time to pick it up son. This is Williams 4th year on campus, it would be nice if he played like it. Don’t write him off though, freaky athletic , just needs to put it together mentally.
EBS is very near worthless. Can’t block very well, can’t stretch the field, hands are improving but not very good. EBS was an undersized tackle who got pulled into TE duty because of injury. I will celebrate EBS’s graduation with a nice cold bottle of Barefoot Extra Dry Bubbly. Nice effort EBS, you’re a good kid, but fortunate to have played significant snaps at Texas. Reminds me of Reed Boyd’s career, both tried their hardest, but were not good enough.
Kelley’s development at tackle lessens the pain of Tray Allen. If Allen redshirts that not a bad thing considering how young the O line will be next year. A 5th year senior out there will certainly help. Walters if healthy will be very , very good at right guard.
Berryhill gives hope to white, burly West Texans everywhere. Kid plays hard, and is shaped like a bowling ball. Definitely good traits as a fullback, but I don’t think Berryhill plays that much at Texas. It’s Bergeron’s job from Day 1.
by billfromlaketravis on Aug 30, 2010 12:33 PM CDT reply actions
Just curious
what were your predictions on Colt Mccoy?
In Mack Brown We Trust!
I was thinking the same thing.
Heading into 2006, McCoy over Snead certainly wasn’t the popular opinion.
I meant that Case has a good attitude and will accept any role.
Should Case be a back up for most or all of his career, I don’t believe we will have to worry about any transfer or “retiring from football” drama.
I think at the end of the day Wood’s athletism wins out, but it will be an interesting battle to watch. Competition is good.
by billfromlaketravis on Aug 30, 2010 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Think Aaron Hernandez @ Florida....
….. and move Malcolm Williams to TE/HB. I’ve seen him throw some nice downfield blocks and he creates some serious problems for a LB trying to cover him.
--- All roads to the Big-XII Championship lead through OU/RRS. It's not just another game! We're all about championships here. ---
Chiles
Chiles and Kirkendoll? You have got to be shitting me.
Williams drops passes? Have you seen cement hands on the 3 yard out? Chiles and Kirkendoll quit numerous times last season and can’t get open or catch.
This is complete horseshit.
That was last year
this is a new year. I would trust the Mack’s evaluation.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
thirtyand0
I completely understand your qualms, and I’ll go as far as to say I’ll be utterly shocked if Kirkendoll doesn’t quit on quite a few plays throughout the season. But Chiles looks like a different player and human being. I’m excited (tepidly so) to see some consistency from his in a Quan Cosby type role.
EBS
I’m thinking the thought behind starting him at H-back has something to do with protecting GG. Keep him in the backfield where he can help save GG life from anyone lining up against Snow, if Snow plays anything like he did last year.
"I live in the tower with Coach Brown." -Bevo
curious as to why...
Monroe isnt a punt returner as well. Seems silly to put Curtis brown, one of our D starters there to risk injury
The coaches
Think Monroe fights the ball on punt returns. You can drop a KR because there’s plenty of time to pick it up and, for a guy like Monroe, still score. But with a punt the cover team is almost always in your face when your catching the ball, and has a great shot at recovering a muffed catch.
Curtis Brown is one of the quickest guys we have on the team
with great hands. Catching a kickoff and a punt are two different animals, so good hands take precedence over world class speed.
Stumpy: It's called the '80s. Ford was president, Nixon was in the White House, and FDR was running this country into the ground. I was bummin' in a hole-in-the-wall town in what is now called "Utah".
If Monroe had hands
he’d be in the WR mix. Too bad we can’t start him off by just handing the baton to him.
I've seen this posted wrong on this site more than once..
Hix and Huey are next to each other in the left…
Anyone else terrified by...
the lack of depth at tackle…offensive tackle. I thought out of Ashcraft, Porter, and Hopkins at least one would be a tackle. We’re really hoping for health and the development of Kelley. Seems like the big elephant in the room. We talked about defensive tackle all summer, but offensive tackle might be a scarier situation.
'Til Gabriel blows his horn...
Nearly every position on the O-Line
Is there any position on the O-Line where we’re even 100% confident in our starter? Let alone the backup.
I’m saying many prayers for those guys. I want them to come out of the gate and dominate the game… and to stay healthy.
I'm terrified of....
…… the lack of swagger in our O-Line. In fact, I’m terrified of our lack of recruitment of swagger on the O-Line. The 2011 class seems to be a departure from our past recruitment of GPA. Thank goodness.
--- All roads to the Big-XII Championship lead through OU/RRS. It's not just another game! We're all about championships here. ---
So there's going to be another season?
I had just given up hope.
Is this silly? Just had a thought about Mathews, Whaley, & Cody. Those are 3 fairly large & athletic guys who are comfortable with the football & are going to be central to what the offense does this year. Given what was going on last year at TE, H-Back/FB, & TB, seems about as drasically different as could be managed given only one off-season. So my silliness concerns Whaley’s familiarity with toting the rock. Could the meeting with Boise’s coaches have been to try to come up with ways to get the ball in Whaley’s hands? Little misdirection plays rather than the statue of liberty kinda stuff. For instance if you’re pounding with Cody pretty good, line up with Barrett on the LOS on the right side & Whaley outside him & off the LOS, at the snap Cody goes to the strong side faking it’s an off-tackle run for him, Whaley comes left just behind the line to receive the handoff from Garrett’s left (inside) hand while Garrett’s moving right in an apparent attempt to get Cody the ball, Snow & Walters pull left like on a counter, Huey & Hix block down, and suddenly you’ve got an even larger back with two pulling linemen attacking the weak side of a defense that’s already sick of getting hit with size. Maybe I’m crazy, but maybe utilizing the H-back as a legitimate running threat or to catch short passes behind the LOS like Florida has done can serve a useful purpose and Whaley never has to run an actual route.
Justin Tucker needs To Fill some mighty big shoes
Justin will have some mighty big shoes to fill, and kick with. There’s just no following the Hunter Lawrence show. Lawrence is just the best I’ve ever seen.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
