CJ Vogel
The media session on the first day of spring practice has concluded. I will be bringing you some notes from the defensive side of the ball, while our @Jeff Howe will discuss Arch Manning and the offense shortly.
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First and foremost, phenom early enrollee Justus Terry was limited today. I do not know the extent of the limitation, but he was off to the side to begin practice.
Colton Vasek also was up on that field.
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Depth Charts on Day 1
First Team:
EDGE Colin Simmons
DL Hero Kanu
DL Alex January
EDGE Ethan Burke
LB Anthony Hill Jr.
LB Liona Lefua
STAR Wardell Mack
DB Michael Taaffe
DB Jelani McDonald
CB Jaylon Guilbeau
CB Manny Muhammad
– Jaylon Guilbeau was the first cornerback on the field opposite of Manny Muhammad.
– Zina Umeozulu took a rep at first team edge in place of Colin Simmons to begin the drill, but partially because I believe he was late getting over to the drill. Simmons received an extensive one on one technique session prior with a Texas staffer.
– Jelani McDonald was back deep at safety with Michael Taaffe. McDonald of course will also be seeing time at nickel this spring.
Second Team
DL Melvin Hills
DL Cole Brevard
EDGE Zina Umeozulu
EDGE Lance Jackson
LB Ty'Anthony Smith
LB Trey Moore
STAR Ryan Niblett
DB Xavier Filsaime
DB Jordan Johnson-Rubell
CB Warren Roberson
CB Kobe Black
– Obviously, some changes and new looks here for the Longhorn defense. Trey Moore was in the middle of the field as an off-ball linebacker next to Ty'Anthony Smith. That allowed for Lance Jackson and Zina Umeozulu to get reps together in the team pursuit drills.
– Cole Brevard will eventually filter into the first team unit as well.
– Interesting to see Ryan Niblett was at STAR to begin pursuit. It was JJR and Filsaime who remained back deep for the first pursuit look.
Special Teams
We did not see kickers today, so save the questions.
Punt returners included: Aaron Butler, Daylan McCutcheon, and Ryan Wingo. Butler had a very rough start with three consecutive punts hitting the ground to start the day.
Jack Bouwmeester was the first punter.
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More Notes and Nuggets
– Zelus Hicks, man, he is a big early enrollee. We knew that coming in, but he towers over a few defensive backs and already has a quality frame to back it up. He is listed at 6–2 and 189 pounds on the Texas spring roster.
– New Texas DL transfer Travis Shaw showcased a really quick first step. That was one of his big selling points at North Carolina and it was evident today. Which is key, he is listed at 350 pounds, but I wouldn't necessarily say he looked that big.
On the defensive line as a whole, there is plenty of mass. Texas is averaged nearly 335 pounds per body in the interior and Kenny Baker closely teaching his guys.
While he was not with the first unit above, Cole Brevard looked tremendous. I think he is going to be your starter by camp's end.
– I was encouraged to see the frame of Caleb Chester in person for the first time today. Lengthy arms and is listed at 6–1.
– One thing that is worth mentioning is the coach to player ratio is significantly lower this year. Of course, Texas added a few more position coaches this season with the change of the NCAA rules, but it was very evident to me. Texas has more teaching going on in day one than I have seen in previous year.
The defensive backs specifically did a 3-4 man station groups today. They would rotate from Akina, Hudson, Orphey and back.