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(Updated 2/6/02; Go to Main Page)
Below is an assessment of Texas depth chart and recruiting needs at quarterback, running back, receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, offensive guard, center, defensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, safety, cornerback and special teams.
The recruiting needs summary assumes that Texas has 20 scholarships to give out in 2003, which is just a guess.
Player eligibility classifications are for next year (Fall of 2002), so they are all one year ahead of where they are now.
(1) Chris Simms (Sr)
(2) Chance Mock (So)
(3) Matt Nordgren (RFr)
(4) Vincent Young (Fr)
Simms played well in '01 . . . until a very rough (to put it mildly) 1-1/2 quarters in the Big 12 Champ game which got him yanked (and, while not wanting to blame a loss on one guy, pretty much objectively cost us the game). He really improved in '01 over '00, however, and did set a new Texas single season TD pass record and our first double-digit win season in many years. He is a real fighter in everything (including bouncing up after some vicious shots), and you just know he will storm back and improve even more in '02.
Chance Mock is an incredible athlete with a very strong arm and, basically, has sat out for two years (redshirted one) picking up the offense while Major and Simms traded off the starting job. Look for Mock to get a lot more minutes this year.
Redshirt freshman Matt Nordgren is a large QB who is much more of a pocket passer than Mock, but has more mobility than Simms and Applewhite.
Perhaps the most talented QB Texas has ever landed, Vincent Young, comes in as a true freshman and would likely battle for PT, immediately, except that he has actually expressed an interest in redshirting. He's a phenomenal talent -- a 6' 5' big kid that is considerably faster and quicker than most (maybe all) WR's in the game that not only hits receivers, but seems to almost always hit them in stride.
Recruiting Needs at QB for 2003 Class: 1. Texas will likely recruit one high quality QB.
Tailback
(1) Cedric Benson (So)
(2-tie) Victor Ike(Sr)
(2-tie) Brett Robin (Jr)
(2-tie) Ivan Williams (Jr)
(2-tie) Anthony Johnson (RFr)
(2-tie) Selvin Young (Fr)
(?) Albert Hardy (Fr)
Shifty power runner Cedric Benson grabbed the starting TB position by mid-season of his freshman year last year, and will start there in '02.
The battle for Benson's backup will likely be a free-for-all between speedster 5th year senior Victor Ike, 3rd down specialist Brett Robin (who will push for fulltime TB duties)and big fast straight ahead hammer Ivan Williams.
Anthony Johnson is a shifty speed back who redshirted in '01 while injured. If he doesn't stay at RB, he is athletic enough to play other positions.
Also getting into the mix will be true freshman running sensation Selvin Young, power runner Albert Hardy (who may end up at fullback when its all said and done) and speedy frosh Clint Haney.
Fullback
(1-tie) Matt Trissell (Sr)
(1-tie) Chad Stephens(Sr)
(1-tie) Will Matthews (So)
(1-tie) Albert Hardy (Fr)?
There is still no clear cut starter at this positinon. Former LB Matt Trissell and former TE Chad Stevens alternated here last year, with Trissell getting more PT. Joining the battle for starter will be sophomore Will Matthews. Also, redshirt freshman FB/LB Eric Hall (big athletic player) and possibly true freshman TB/FB Albert Hardy could into the mix here.
Recruiting For All RB Positions (TB and FB) in 2002: 1-2. Texas will likely target one superstar RB and maybe one great FB, depending on availability.
X Receiver
(1) Roy Williams (Jr)
(2) Brian Carter(So)
(3) Robert Timmons (Fr)
Roy Williams launched himself onto the national stage this season with incredible size, speed and hands. Roy has it all and may be the most gifted WR in college football. Huge things are expected from him next year and, unfortunately, it may be his last (is expected to be a very high, if not #1, NFL draft pick if he wants to be).
Unheralded Brian Carter has really surprised in practice. A shifty player with great hands and a knack for the endzone, Carter will see more of the ball in '02.
Robert Timmons is as gifted as any incoming player, and it will be interesting to see whether he redshirts.
Y Receiver
(1) BJ Johnson (Jr)
(2) Tony Jeffery (So)
(3-tie) Marquis Johnson (Fr)
(3-tie) Clint Haney (Fr)
BJ sizzled for the last two years. He's a "do-it-all" WR, with decent size, incredible wheels and great hands.
Tony Jeffery is really a stellar athlete with fantastic feet who redshirted in 2000-1 after switching from high school QB but, suprisingly, reportedly runs the cripest routes on the team with Kyle Shanahan. Jeffery has bigtime skills, which he showed when he got the ball in 2001. He'll likely see moreof it in '02.
Gifted Marquis Johnson had a partial ACL tear, is supposed to be available for '02, but may take a redshirt. He has a great mix of speed and size who will learn from UT's talented veterans.
Clint Haney is a fast former HS running back who could play WR, RB or DB. I have him here, basically for no other reason that no one knows where he's going to play and he looked good at WR in the US Army bowl.
Z Receiver
(1) Sloan Thomas (Jr)
(2) Kyle Shanahan (Sr)
(3) Dustin Miksch (Fr)
Sloan Thomas is the third of the "Big 3" WR's, and he is every bit as dangerous as the other two. A large WR (6'2", 202) with blazing speed, body control, hands and nose for the ball.
Kyle Shanahan is Denver Bronco Head Coach Mike Shanahan's son, who transferred to Texas and walked on to learn under Brown and his assistants. Kyle is no ordinary walk-on, however, and has really impressed everyone with his crisp routes and athletic ability (don't be surprised to see him get decent PT next year).
Miksch is a speedy freshman that likely will redshirt to add strength.
Receiver (WR, FL and Slot) Recruiting Needs in 2002: 2-3. Texas will likely go for 2-3 high quality WR's to replenish its high powered offense.
(1) Bo Scaife(Jr)
(2) Brock Edwards (Jr)
(3) Artie Ellis (So)
(4-tie) David Thomas (Fr)
(4-tie) Chase Pittman (Fr)
(5) Cullen Loeffler(Jr; walk-on)
Bo Scaife came back from 2 ACL tears to be Texas' designated 3rd down WR last year. Does a tremendous job of getting open aganst seemingly every sort of front.
Junior Brock Edwards has adjusted well to playing TE (was a HS RB) and looks ready to be a bigger contibutor in 2002.
Big WR Artie Ellis (6'4", 210-15) suffered through stress fractures in 2000 and sat out 2001 in Houston to heal. He is now healed, and returns to the team in 2002.
Frosh David Thomas could either play or redshirt. He is a smaller receiving specialist that needs to put some more muscle on his frame to play TE at the Div-I-A level. Fellw DL/OL prospect Chase Pittman may play at TE, as well (which he played a little in HS). Pittman is already on campus (Spring enrollee).
Walk-on Cullen Loeffler will likely see minutes at TE because of the low numbers here (and Loeffler is also a quality TE).
Recruiting Needs For TE in 2002: 1-2. After taking oneTE in 2001, Texas will likely go after at least one great TE, or maybe two.
Left Tackle
(1) Robbie Doane (Sr)
(2) Alfio Randall (Sr)
(3) Roman Reeves (RFr)
Robbie Doane did a great job taking over after Leaonard Davis's departure (first NFL OL picked in '01 draft) last year. His best accomplishment was shutting down all-everything DE Julius Peppers to 0 sacks and tackles on the day.
JUCO transfer Alfio Randall will likely play behind Doane here. Randall could challenge for playing time as the year progresses and he learns the system better.
Redshirt Freshman Roman Reeves may also contribute here.
Right Tackle
(1-tie) Lionel Garr (So)
(1-tie) Jonathan Scott (RFr)
(3) William Winston (RFr)
With big Mike Williams going to the NFL, Gifted Lionel Garr will have to step it up, or else redshirt froshes John Scott or William Winston will get playing time.
If none of them are ready, Alfio Randall may move over from LT to play here.
Recruiting Needs For Offensive Tackles (Both Right and Left) in 2002: 1-2. After taking no true OT's in 2001, Texas will likely target only 1-2.
Left Guard
(1) Derrick Dockery(Sr)
(2-tie) Terrance Young (RFr)
(2-tie) Mike Garcia (RFr)
(2-tie) Justin Blalock (Fr)
Derrick Dockery returns to this position and can really open holes.
Redshirt Freshman Terrance Young or Mike Garcia may get minutes here. Garcia may be ready to play here quicker, but Young may have more long term potential.
Utra-talented OG Justin Blalock could see time here as a frosh, or could redshirt.
Right Guard
(1) Tillman Holloway (Jr)
(2) Beau Baker (Sr)
(3-tie) Neal Tweedie (Fr)
(3-tie) Trey Bates (So)
(3-tie) Brett Valdez (Fr)
With AKH's departure to the NFL, Tillman Holloway will move into the starting role. As a practical matter, Holloway played starters minutes here quite a bit in 2000 because AKH's shoulder popped out during most games, necessitating that he not play for the rest of the game.
5th Year Senior Beau Baker played well here in a backup role, and should get significant minutes in 2002 behind Holloway and Dockery.
Redshirt freshmen Trey Bates might also fill in either here or at Center.
Talented OG Neal Tweedie will likely redshirt to add size and strength.
True freshman Brett Valdez will likely redshirt.
Offensive Guard (Right and Left) Recruiting Needs in 2002: 1. Texas will likely take just 1 (maybe 2) quality OG's.
(1) Jason Glynn (So)
(2) Will Allen (RFr)
(3) Lyle Sendlein (Fr)
Glynn backed up here in 2001, did a good job and is expected to get the starting nod.
Will Allen, or maybe OG/C Trey Bates, would likely back up Glynn here.
Lyle Sendlein could either play here or on the DL.
Recruiting Needs at Center in 2002: 1. Probably will take 1 quality center.
Left DT
(1) Marcus Tubbs(Jr)
(2-tie) Miguel McKay (Sr)
(2-tie) Rodrique Wright (Fr)
????? Sonny Davis (Jr-JC)
Marcus Tubbs played very well here in 2001, and returns in 2002.
With Maurice Gordon's departure, Tubbs backup with likely be a mix of former LB Miguel McKay has bulked up and played well in practice and Super Freshmen Rodrique Wright or Lyle Sendlein (former HS LB Sendlein is likely to redshirt to add strength and size).
JUCO transfer Sonny Davis is not likely to be able to transfer for academic reasons.
Right DT:
(1-tie) Stevie Lee (So)
(1-tie) Adam Doiron (Jr)
(3-tie) Kasey Studdard (Fr?)
(3-tie) Tully Janzsen (Fr)
(5 ) Marco Martin (Fr)
With Maurice Gordon's departure from the rotation, big Stevie Lee and Adam Doiron will team up to man this position in 2002.
One of two true freshman -- Kasey Studdard or Tully Janzsen -- will likely back up Lee and Doiron.
Marco Martin will redshirt while he heals from surgery after a high school injury.
Recruiting Needs at DT (both left and right) in 2002: 1-3. Texas will almost assuredly try to target one great DT, and may try to recrut more than that depending upon circumstances.
Left Defensive End
(1) Corey Redding (Sr)
(2) OJ McClintock (Jr)
(3-tie) Michael Williams (Fr)
(3-tie) Bryan Pickryl (Fr)
(3-tie) Kalen Jakes (RFr)
(5) Brian Robison (Fr)
Athletic whirlwind Corey Redding returns in 2002 and will be looked to to lead this position.
OJ McClintock redshirted in 2001 after badly cutting his arm on broken glass, but will return at full strength in 2002. McClintock had really impressed the Texas coaches here in the Spring of 2001 before his injury.
McClintock will likely be backed up by some mix of redshirt freshman Kalen Jakes, true freshman sensation Bryan Pickryl (who might redshirt to add strength and bulk after sitting out with a shoulder injury in early 2002), Michael Williams (who could also play LB) and Brian Robison (likely to play DE in college insstead of LB).
Right Defensive End
(1) Kalen Thornton (Jr)
(2-tie) Larry Dibbles (Fr)
(2-tie) Austin Sendlein (So)
(2-tie) Lance McFarland (RFr)
Kalen Thornton was the surprise of the year in '00, played very well in '01 and will return in '02 after having surgery on his knee.
With Jermaine Anderson's departure, Thornton's backup will be some mix of Sophomore Austin Sendlein, redhsirt freshmen Lance McFarland and super recruit Larry Dibbles.
Recruiting Needs at DE (both left and right) in 2000: 1-3.
Strongside LB
(1) Lee Jackson (Sr)
(2) Braden Johnson (RFr)
(3) Marcus Myers (Fr)
With Tyrone Jones and Marcus Wilkins departure, 5th year senior Lee Jackson will step in. Jackson, a very large S/LB, played a lot at SLB during the Spring of '01 took a medical redshirt with turf toe in 2001. He returns and likely will start at LB in 2002.. Jackson is a tall, excellent athlete that is a hard hitter with good tackling skills. Most imporantly, Jackson is a very good pass rusher, and is very good at coverage for a LB.
Jackson's backup will probably consist of some mix of redshirt frosh and former safety Braden Johnson, who has adjusted nicely to the move to LB and true freshman Marcus Myers.
Middle LB
(1) Reed Boyd (Jr)
(2-tie) Aaron Harris (Fr)
(2-tie) Rashad Thomas (RFr)
(2-tie) Eric Hall (RFr)
DeAndre Lewis' departure completely opens this position up. Junior experienced and solid LB Reed Boyd will also probably start here. Redshirt froshes Eric Hall and Rashad Thomas will likely compete with super true frosh Aaron Harris and for the backup role.
Weakside LB
(1) Derrick Johnson (So)
(2-tie) Aurmon Satchell (RFr)
(2-tie) Garnet Smith (Fr)
Rawls departure leaves this position open for Superstar in the making Derrick Johnson, who had basically taken over the position by the end of last year.
Redshirt freshman Aurmon Satchell will move in here and play significant minutes in 2002, along with true freshman Garnet Smith.
Recruiting Needs at LB (middle, strongside and weakside) in 2000: 2-3. Texas will need to get 2 great LB's and maybe more if Mike Williams plays at DE.
Right CB
(1) Rod Babers(Sr)
(2) Edorian McCullough (Fr)
(3) Monti Collier(Jr)
Rod Babers played very well all year and will return here for his senior year.
Babers backup will likely be either one fo the three RS frosh at Left CB (Ross, Huff or Griffn) or super frosh CB Edorian McCullough.
Monti Collier didn't see a lot of the field last year and may see a bit more in 2002.
Left CB
(1-tie) Cedric Griffin (RFr)
(1-tie) Aaron Ross (Fr)
(1-tie) Michael Huff (RFr)
With Quentin Jammer's departure, talented freshman Aaron Ross who will enroll in the Fall of '02, and redshirt freshmen Cedric Griffin and Michael Huff will likely battle for this job in the Spring. There was talk of moving super athlete Nathan Vasher here but, Griffin, Huff and Ross have been so impressivve, that many have speculated that Vasher will actually stay at safety. If need be, Vasher could always slide back to CB.
Recruiting Needs at CB (both left and right) in 2001: 2-3. With Jammer, Hill and Brooks graduating, Texas will likely recruit at least 2-3 CB's in 2002, especially if one of Ross, Griffin or Huff moves to safety.
Free Safety
(1) Dakarai Pearson(Jr)
(2) Michael Huff (RFr)
(3) Mattew Melton (Fr)
Dakarai Pearson split time here with Ahmad Brooks in 2001, and he takes over the position full time in 2002.
He will likely be backed up by some mix of redshirt freshman Michael Huff and Phil Geiggar.
True frosh Matthew Melton might see action here in 2002. He was a guy who did not receive a lot of attention in high school but was liked a lot by the Longhorn coaches.
Strong Safety
(1) Nathan Vasher (Jr)
(2) Phil Geiggar (Jr)
(3-tie) Rufus Harris (RFr)
(3-tie) Kendall Briles (RFr)
Vasher is the likely starter here, but could always move to CB if the redshirt freshmen there have any problems. Phil Geiggar is the likely #2 man (or starter if Vasher moves) in 2002. Geiggar looked good when playing the position in spot duty the last few years.
Redshirt froshes Rufus Harris and Kendall Briles will likely duke it out for PT behind and in rotatin with Vasher and Geiggar.
Recruiting Needs at Safety (FS and SS) in 2002: 1-2. Texas will likely take 1-2 quality safeties in 2002.
Kick/Punt Returners
Explosive Nathan Vasher will probably return punts in 2002.
Likely Kickoff Returners will probably be Victor Ike, Ivan Williams and Phil Geiggar.
Kicker
(1) Dusty Mangum(So)
(2-tie) Dan Smith (So)
(2-tie) Brady Noto (So)
Walk on Dusty Mangum did a solid, but not spectcular, job kicking FGs in 2002. He had problems getting distance on kickoffs, so Dan Smith took those duties in 2001 and that will likely continue.
Walk on Brady Noto will battle for both FG and Kickoff duties.
Punter
(1-tie) Brian Bradford (Sr)
(1-tie) Justin Smith (So)
Spring 2001 JUCO transfer Brian Bradford and Justin Smith rotated here in 2001 and will battle it out for thos position in 2002.
Recruiting Needs on Special teams (all positions) in 2001: 0-1.