Something on the receiver competition --
WR
I would throw down Texas’ WR starters against any corps in the country. However, right now Collin Johnson is out for the Spring, Devin Duvernayis out with a pubic bone bruise, and John Burt is out for track and field. None of this is anything to worry about.
With those guys out that means there are a lot of reps to go around for the receivers.
Two guys really making the best use of these extra reps are Malcolm Epps and Brennan Eagles.
While Epps is a staff favorite and has some impressive hands, right now he can only be categorized as a deep threat. He is very good at the fade route and bodying guys for the ball, but the rest of his routes need polish. He’s a high-ceiling guy who with better route running could become a real contributor.
Brennan Eagles has been running with the Z-receivers, which may be a good indicator for next year. Right now, he’s behind Collin Johnson as an X. From what I’m seeing and hearing, he is understanding his body better at this level, and taking advantage of the extra reps he’s seeing. He’ll see the field more this season.
Josh Moore is back to the same guy who made the diving play against USC. To me, he’s Reggie Hemphill-Mapps with a better attitude. There may be two very good freshmen coming in with Jake Smith and Bru McCoy, but he’ll likely stick as the first string guy at that spot. He is legit.
Bru McCoy is the name that constantly comes out of the program. They almost show him off like he’s a trophy. While his set up is a bit odd and his running style is a little herky-jerky, it works. He is somehow able to maintain fluidity in his movements and guys bounce off of him. He’s also pretty legit and would likely share time with Josh Moore at slot. The biggest question for him is when he gets his waiver decision back. Right now, Texas is waiting on the NCAA to come down with more of the decisions, and from what I’m being told, the NCAA’s case is brittle against decent lawyers. And would you look at that…
Open Post | Weekend, March 22nd - 24th - The Football Brainiacs - UT Edition