Here's the... um.... the thing from IT with the.... um..... I'm sorry, can we get a name there Treaty Oak?
Humidor:
Thursday’s practice started off in line with what you’d expect ahead of the Spring game on Saturday. It was a little slower paced and coaching driven. But it eventually spun into a spirited thud tempo scrimmage replete with trash talk and some minor skirmishes. Just a bunch of guys being dudes.
It was a competitive day. Today they’ll do a walk-through and of course tomorrow is the scrimmage that signifies the end of Spring ball. I have no idea what we’ll learn from the scrimmage but below we’ll share what we’ve learned from practice thus far through the eyes of quality sourcing.
Quarterback
How improved is Quinn Ewers?
The source stated the second-year quarterback transformed everything, not just his body. He transformed his mind, his knowledge of the playbook, reading defenses, etc. “Based on Spring he went from a rookie to a veteran.” There are a lot of examples throughout the Spring of Ewers making plays with his head, not just his arm, said the source.
Running Back
Who was the best running back this Spring?
One source had to hesitate and think about this one. Since Jonathon Brooks has been back, he’s been the best, but he really liked Cedric Baxter and had good things to say about Savion Red and Jaydon Blue. He was trying not to cop out and went with Baxter of the three who practiced all of Spring. He mentioned Red looked really good but it was hard to get a real barometer because he was with the second team more often than not.
Brooks and Baxter are the most complementary duo of the five potential starters so that’s a good sign.
Wide Receiver
Who was the best wide receiver throughout the Spring?
“I don’t know if he was the best but AD Mitchell was the most noticeable. Maybe because he was new. He really showed up. You can tell he’s experienced and athletic and he can make difficult catches look easy.”
The source didn’t have a negative thing to say about the receivers other than there were a couple practices with too many drops. There were also some practices where the receivers displayed strong hands.
The source is very bullish on Johntay Cook and DeAndre Moore.
Tight End
Is Ja’Tavion Sanders improved in any way?
“It’s hard to tell because he made such a big leap last offseason and followed it up with a really strong year. There certainly wasn’t a drop off.”
How is Gunnar Helm as a receiver?
“He can get the job done. He has pretty good hands and moves well enough. He uses his size well as a receiver. He’s a solid receiver. He’s not JT but there aren’t many JT’s.”
Offensive Line
Who was the best interior offensive lineman this Spring?
Hayden Conner was the first mentioned as having a good Spring. The source indicates Conner is improved and will likely start. Jake Majors also received notice for being “steady Jake Majors.”
How have the tackles looked?
“Kelvin Banks is better than last year and dominates whoever he goes up against. Christian Jones has looked really good, too. He’s had the ability, he’s just way more consistent these days.”
Edge
Who were the best two, whether Jack or Buck?
Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke. The source mentioned Sorrell is a better version of his 2022 self, mainly through additional strength. “Burke is a savvy football player. He knows how to use his strengths to his advantage.” By this he meant Burke will use length and quickness to not just get after the pass rush, but also to set the Edge. He can set the Edge without brute force (that doesn’t mean he’s a finished product or getting the best of Banks/Jones).
Interior Defensive Line
Who was the best iDL this Spring?
“Byron Murphy, hands down. He’s tough to move, he’s tough to keep blocked, he’s great taking on double teams, he’s great against the run.” The source is bullish on Murphy having a breakout year.
Linebacker
What’s the likelihood David Gbenda wins the job and has a good year?
“It’s his to lose. Morice Blackwell has been good and Anthony Hill has improved a lot throughout the Spring, maybe even more than anyone on the team, but Gbenda’s experience gives him a big advantage.”
All three will play with Blackwell and Hill also getting looks at Sam. “Blackwell is fast and physical. Even though he isn’t big he’s strong. Hill has the total package, he just needs more time.”
The source has said enough about the way Hill prepares to make me think he’s destined for very big things at Texas because we know he has the physical and athletic ability.
Safety
Who was the best safety?
After hesitating, “That’s tough. Kitan Crawford shined the most and showed what he can be if he remains consistent. Jerrin Thompson picked up where he left off last year and still brings a lot to the table. He’s not as spectacular as Crawford but he’s more consistent. If you went by pure production, Michael Taaffe probably was around the ball or ball carrier the most. He had a pick on Thursday as well as some breakups.”
This source has always been a fan of Crawford’s upside and Taaffe’s underrated ability. He was the first person to say Taaffe would be a scholarship player at Texas.
Cornerback
Who was the best and second best?
More hesitation, followed by a surprise answer. “They all play differently, except maybe Gavin Holmes and Malik Muhammad. They’re somewhat similar. The most exciting was probably Muhammad. He’s just a savvy player with a pro mindset. Ryan Watts had a good camp. Terrance Brooks is just so athletic. Gavin’s not far behind if at all. It’s hard to pick between those four. I’ll say Muhammad has been playing at a high level. He doesn’t know he’s a freshman. It’s a very competitive room.”
Despite depth and experience at the position, Muhammad has a chance to start as a freshman.
*****
We don’t know how the teams are comprised for the Spring game but we do expect them to be divided pretty equally. The coaching staff will also be divided and I’d bet bragging rights will be on the line. We’ll see if Sark games his own system and gives himself Ewers.