To me, we are now loaded in the secondary. One more year for likely superstars, Muhammad and Williams. Brooks is very talented. The addition of Mukuba. Barron is back. Super talented recruits. And frankly, many are singing the praises of Taaffe. To me, the position has gone from a weakness to a strength. My biggest and possibly my only concern continues to be the interior defensive line. It could be that someone will emerge, but it sounds like Mitchell is not developing as expected. Some are hoping we can grab one or two players in the portal but like no other position, the choices are limited, and the players are highly coveted. It won’t be easy, but Texas is an extremely attractive destination.
No question in my mind that we will be much better at DBU this season also. I think we actually did some more addition by subtraction there with some portals out etc. Plus the experience gained with Manny and Williams last year and some faster, more talented guys also ready to step up.
If Mukuba is the high end transfer, he's a wash with Kitan Crawford statistically. And honestly not as strong as Thompson. I'm with you on the young talent. There were plays against OK State and Washington where Williams was our best DB. I'm still not entirely impressed with Brooks due to his direction and how teams went at him compared to others. Holmes was supposed to come in and challenge for a nickel or dime spot and he's basically absent. We're going to be putting Black and Filsaime in for the primary backup minutes and I'm not sure that'll build continuity the way people think it will. Regarding that other comment, I think we've actually done a far better job at managing depth for DT (which isn't saying a ton because we can only put 2 out there at once compared to DB). We have 6 pretty capable guys to rotate at the moment. One of them was touted on this board as a future star for the past 3.5 years, and another was probably the best DT recruit we've pulled other than Murphy. My issue isn't that I'm sad we lost Sweat and Murphy... it's that the game relies so much on passing that our DBs have to be better.
Bobby Burton said this morning that Mitchell was moving well at yesterday's practice. Gerry said to expect some attrition at the edge position particularly Tapp and Finkley. That room is packed.
I'd hate to see Finkley leave. He has been among my favorites since he was recruited, and I keep hoping he will blossom.
Want DBU back? 1) Lose the worthless soft zone defense 2) Get the damn defensive call to the players BEFORE the ball is snapped, preferably in time for the players to lineup without having two WRs to one side with only one defender.
Agreed on point #1. Washington couldn't run for **** against us outside of the Penix scrambles, yet we loaded those gaps and relied on the DBs to make quick judgments about where the ball was going. The 2024 defense might actually be better suited to "allow" for running lanes and take the pressure off of DBs playing man if guys like Hill and Blackshire can do their jobs. And it won't be because our DTs aren't doing their jobs... it'll be because we don't need Murphy/Sweat out their busting their asses while the QB throws all over us.
Gotta disagree about Mukuba, based on what folks have said, including Sark. Additionally and unfortunately, Thomson regressed last year. A good tackler, he was woeful in pass coverage and a serious liability. He played because we had no better options at the position. This year, that will not be the case.
Not exactly what I meant, but if you want to rumor monger, be my guest. ("Arch considering transfer; can't take the heat in the UT QB room".) Stop the presses. You heard it here first, folks.
Seriously though, I cannot wait (well, I can, this year) for Arch. I think he’s the complete package, skill set, throwing, running, elusiveness, understanding of the position. Of course, he’s not there yet, but he will be. The two major attributes he seems to possess that QE doesn’t is escapability (and speed), and composure. The dude is “not” on a time schedule. Not in a hurry. To me, that’s a big deal. I expect for him to be the # 1 overall pick in the 2027 draft. That is, unless he massively underachieves at Texas, which I doubt.
Bobby Burton with some news about players stepping up. I assume this is in order from best. Wisner Golden D. Moore TE's Neto January T. Moore Vasek - finally healthy Gullette Holmes Guilbeau Taaffe https://ontexasfootball.com/forums/topic/1137-
I kinda wonder what would have happened with Quinn if HE had approached his path the same way Arch did. Quinn has come into his own but could he have been here sooner?
Holmes got better last year as the year went on. Needed for depth. Guilbeau disappeared last year due to injuries apparently. Again, needed for depth. Wisner is a winner. Need Blue to have a big year so he can move on to the NFL to make space for Tre. Vasek has time but glad he is wealthy.
This Is the third year in a row that I am concerned about our d-line. But: Coburn and Ojomo took care of things. then, Sweat and Murphy took care of things. Does the streak end or do we have a couple of guys who will rise to the top? I don't know, hence the concern.
I really like Helm and glad we have him for another season. Last season I called him our secret weapon. Hope he gets more throws his way. Has reliable hands and I think he is an NFLer.
I agree. I think he will be a solid to great QB for the horns. I am sure he will be an accurate thrower but I can't wait to see what he does with his legs. He will extend drives with first downs by his legs cause the secondary will have to contend with his accurate throws to WRs who can run. yep. makes me smile.
Good stuff in there. Unless we have 2 more to anchor and push the middle like last year it will pose a problem with the back end. Without pressure from 4, the rest suffers.
Have to agree although the backup qb is a star at every school. (lol) We saw some glimpses of his play at the end of the season so looking forward to more exposure this year!!!
Arch has the best and quickest release, I think, of any quarterback I've ever seen that played for Texas. It's damn near Marino like.
