IT seems to be the ones high on Kanu. Speaking of which:
Players lifted after the situational session, then moved into the bubble to work on the situational football they had just reviewed.
Red Zone Work
Thursday’s focus was on sudden-change situations and extensive red zone work—something that is typically part of the Wednesday game-week routine during the season.
The offense performed better in the red zone than in previous sessions. Jack Endries was the primary target in red zone. His connection with Arch Manning improves by the practice.
Meanwhile freshman Kaliq Lockett got some run with the first team in those situations. His length and ball skills in the air profile to that part of the field. DeAndre Moore saw limited snaps outside in addition to his typical reps from the slot. Among the receivers, Parker Livingstone and Ryan Wingo are the only ones not rotating positions. Jaime Ffrench worked behind Livingstone and Aaron Butler, while Ryan Niblett continued to split time between receiver, all-purpose back duties, and special teams. More on Niblett in a bit.
Running Backs: Health and Depth
CJ Baxter’s knee continues to strengthen, while Tre Wisner delivered another strong day. The staff still views Wisner and CJ as the lead backs, but Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark are next in line and gaining valuable reps.
In his availability Wiser mentioned how he likes to talk trash to the defense. That’s a feature, not a bug, and emblematic of the energy he brings day in, day out.
Defensive Line: Heavy Rotation and Veteran Presence
Texas continues to rotate heavily at defensive tackle. Hero Kanu and Travis Shaw provide physicality and veteran presence with the first group, while Cole Brevard and Alex January worked with the twos. Maraad Watson and Josiah Sharma are seemingly with the threes.
There are specific packages that mix and match the personnel but we’ll probably learn more about that together when the games start.
This went missed but Lavon Johnson is just now getting on the field. He had an undisclosed (to us) injury.
Freshman Justus Terry moves between defensive tackle and Edge and continues to impress with his natural ability. Among the freshman DTs, Josiah Sharma has stood out the most to one source, though Myron Charles is also progressing well. Texas feels like it hit on all three.
Seniority and leadership carries weight in the rotation. Kanu and Shaw are the two main leaders, especially Kanu. Brevard works hard but is more quiet.
IT asked if Brevard will be drafted after this year. “Definitely, definitely. Shaw obviously, too.”
Edge and Linebacker Notes
Colton Vasek continues to split reps between at Jack and Buck, while Zina Umeozulu is exclusively at Buck. Lance Jackson is working at Jack, with Brad Spence at Buck.
The group is flat out loaded.
Special Teams: Bouwmeester Impresses
Punter Jack Bouwmeester continues to draw high praise—one source called him “an All-American”—and he trains with former Longhorn legend Michael Dickson. His hang time has been “consistently very good.” I was routinely clocking him over 5-seconds in the two practices I attended and that continues to be the norm. Secret weapon, imo.
DeAndre Moore is currently handling punt return duties, but if his offensive role grows too valuable, the staff could turn to Niblett, Daylan McCutcheon, or even Warren Roberson. Kick return duties belong to Niblett and Wisner, though that’s likely to change given Wisner’s value. Christian Clark is viewed as a logical candidate to replace the junior running back.
In General, How Will They Play Everyone on Defense?
“A lot of guys are going to play a lot. It’s a good problem to have.”
While that’s true, I think it’s going to be tough to manage at times.