3 freshmen ready to breakout in fall camp
Kelvin Banks, OT
The most likely of the true freshmen offensive linemen that signed with the Longhorns 2022 class to start right away this fall is the former five-star Summer Creek offensive tackle recruit Kelvin Banks. Texas could have their starter in place at one of the offensive tackle positions in Banks.
[T]he 6-foot-5 and 320-pound Banks is likely going to be a more proficient starting offensive tackle than really any other candidate to start at the position this fall....
What makes Banks such an appealing candidate... comes largely thanks to his maturity and natural physical gifts. He’s a very quick and strong offensive tackle that has the wingspan and footspeed necessary to win against opposing defensive linemen in the run and the passing game.
Banks has a powerful punch against opposing defensive linemen and edge rushers. It’s also worth noting that his footspeed and lateral agility allow him to hang with even some of the quicker opposing edge rushers while protecting the passer.
If I had to put a probability on Banks winning a starting job out of the gates this fall, I would put it at least at 80 percent.
Justice Finkley, EDGE
This 6-foot-2 and 245-pound Alabama native is likely going to get his shot to make an early impact for the Texas defense this fall.
The main task at hand for Finkley and the Texas defensive staff in fall camp will be finding the right fit for him in this front seven. Finkley doesn’t have the bulk to him at the moment that would be needed for him to legitimately compete as a Power Five defensive end.
Finkley has good lower body strength and has a good arsenal of moves to get underneath or around opposing blockers when rushing the passer.
That low center of gravity and strength off the line of scrimmage, regardless of whether he lines up in the three-tech or standing up, also will benefit Finkley defending the run. He can get off blocks without too much trouble....
It’s clear that Finkley’s football IQ is high. And he’s got the physical frame that will allow him to effectively compete on defense right away this season.
Terrance Brooks, CB
The former Ohio State Buckeyes commit [Terrance] Brooks is probably going to be the third cornerback in the secondary rotation this season. And he could be in a spot to run with the ones right away in fall camp.
That will put him in a position where he can show off his well-rounded timing and ball skills to the defensive coaching staff right away before this team faces a difficult non-conference slate.
The 6-foot and 190-pound Brooks did apparently have some issues with the way he finished out spring ball and started off summer workouts. The word on the streets seems to be that Brooks has slowed down a bit since his hot start in spring camp. That will mean he’ll be put to the test right away in fall camp to see how he’s able to adjust.
At this point of the offseason, though, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Brooks really settle in as one of the more capable true freshmen defensive backs in the mix.
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Last edited: Jul 31, 2022