FanPost

Stanford Lands Duane Akina to Tutor Cardinal DB's

While I was fully and vocally supportive of "regime change" after another sub-par season in Longhorn-land, losing defensive backs coach/wizard Duane Akina might be the one loss from the former staff the Longhorns, the fans and Charlie Strong come to regret when the dust finally settles.

Please understand, I don't in anyway begrudge Coach Strong bringing in "his guys," that's how nearly all businesses operate - and Texas football is "big business" - and "business" hasn't been as good as it needs to be.

Of course, like all things associated with "transition '14," we won't know until Texas' first or second defensive series against opening day opponent North Texas State how this will all shake out. (and ya, I know, but "UNT" just sounds and feels awkward, and I actually attended NT, briefly)

If Strong-ball d-backs are ranging wide and deep, playing the ball at it's highest point on fades, ball-hawking all over the field, making plays, and - unlike Deion Sanders, who famously bragged about making "business decisions" when deciding whether to make tackles in support of the run game defense - but we have 'Horns actually charging up and supporting the linebackers in the running game - then all will be quickly forgotten.

What we won't forget are the two Texas Jim Thorpe Award winners Huff and Ross, several All-Americans and numerous All-Big 12 defensive backs and the well deserved moniker of "DBU" given to Texas by the numerous quality d-backs developed by Coach Akina.

Earl Thomas - when introduced on "Sunday Night Football" games - repeatedly and proudly proclaims Texas to be "DBU," and owning that honorary title has continued to be a genuine source of Texas/NFL pride.

To say Duane Akina is "the best in the business" isn't hype - or "loose talk," or fantasy - the results were there on the field. It was and is quantifiable.

Coach A., you've love it on "The Farm," we visited up there many years ago when Texas played Stanford at the old stadium. It's a beautiful campus. Best of luck Coach, unless - of course - Texas meets Stanford on the ol' gridiron.

All comments, FanPosts, and FanShots are the views of the reader-authors who create them.