Texas O-line talk

[LTtxfan 49144]

 

[Sabalo 994]

 

[gmr548 16576]

On 1/13/2023 at 2:01 PM, Hookem2147 said:

Gerry Hamilton said he's hearing that DJ Campbell will play RG in the spring while Conner and Neto will compete at LG. The plan is for Cam William to cross-train at both RT and LT.

Lat reply, but I think this is a sensible plan. The fanfic about moving Jones - a borderline all conference OT this past year and an all conference candidate this season - inside because it might hypothetically improve his draft grade seemed farfetched to me. As good as OL recruiting has been, the group is still not exactly loaded with prototype tackles. Having Cam Williams train as the swing man who can back up both spots is ideal, and will increase his odds of seeing the field while not fixing what isn't broken at RT.

[Josef Pwag 1738]

3 hours ago, Sabalo said:

 

This is a beautiful thing to see. 

[LTtxfan 49144]

 

[Surly Bevo 24908]

One reason I still have some small hope for Sark.  At least he recognized this and is trying to do something about it.  Mack gave up on it and dumbass Strong and Herman didn't even try

 

[LTtxfan 49144]

Feb 26th

 

[LTtxfan 49144]

Burton:  The OL video Gerry and I put up earlier today is interesting, and it brought up something I hadn’t thought about deeply previously.

Who is going to be the back-up center this spring?

Jake Majors is the sure starter. But with Cole Hutson rehabbing an injury and Logan Parr off to SMU via the transfer portal, that doesn’t leave much at center. Perhaps Sawyer Goram-Welch steps in at second string.

But after that, who would get the nod?

The Horns don’t have a true center, other than Majors, on the roster currently.

It’s a small thing, one that hopefully is on the way to being rectified when Hutson can return and cross-train.

[Josef Pwag 1738]

All 5 starters back and quality backups - this is a no excuses year for the o-line. I could still see us going after a Center out of the transfer portal in May. 

 

[Codaxx 5723]

5 hours ago, LTtxfan said:

Burton:  The OL video Gerry and I put up earlier today is interesting, and it brought up something I hadn’t thought about deeply previously.

Who is going to be the back-up center this spring?

Jake Majors is the sure starter. But with Cole Hutson rehabbing an injury and Logan Parr off to SMU via the transfer portal, that doesn’t leave much at center. Perhaps Sawyer Goram-Welch steps in at second string.

But after that, who would get the nod?

The Horns don’t have a true center, other than Majors, on the roster currently.

It’s a small thing, one that hopefully is on the way to being rectified when Hutson can return and cross-train.

Robertson was the 2nd string Center last year. Majors didn’t miss any time, so he took a redshirt year. It might prove to be an opportunity for someone. Personally, I always wanted to see DJ or Neto experimented there. Guard bodies with Tackle athleticism sounds like potential NFL players to me. 

[victory88 5663]

The ON3 guys said the staff seems to like Roberstson at center so won’t be surprised if they have someone like SGW or Merrill train there this spring and then try to develop Robertson and Hutson in the summer/fall when they come back.  Gerry and Bobby both seem to think Neto is going to have a huge opportunity to take the job this spring.  And if he does, he’s athletically as gifted as anyone on the roster and is one of the better run blockers on the team.  Also good returns so far from Stroh and Chatman.  It’s so fun to have an O-line with talent and depth to talk about.  What Flood and Sark have done with the turnover in the OL has been better than what I could have hoped for. 

[JOSEYWALES66 1801]

On 2/10/2023 at 4:21 PM, Surly Bevo said:

One reason I still have some small hope for Sark.  At least he recognized this and is trying to do something about it.  Mack gave up on it and dumbass Strong and Herman didn't even try

 

Remember when we played Arkansas in the bowl game and we had something like 7 offensive lineman on the roster and Swoopes as the QB.  
 

Yeah, me either. 

[futureman 22444]

1 hour ago, JOSEYWALES66 said:

Remember when we played Arkansas in the bowl game and we had something like 7 offensive lineman on the roster and Swoopes as the QB.  
 

Yeah, me either. 

59 yards of offense?  No, doesn’t ring a bell. 

[TexasMan 10891]

 

[Elmer_Fudd 22202]

Just a reminder a true freshman Kelvin Banks down the the #3 and #15 picks in this draft last season.

[Burt Macklin 19020]

3 minutes ago, Elmer_Fudd said:

Just a reminder a true freshman Kelvin Banks down the the #3 and #15 picks in this draft last season.

Are you having a stroke? 

[Elmer_Fudd 22202]

IDK what the fuck my phone was doing

[satyanash 14473]

 

[Jkwellborn 6689]

Just a reminder a true freshman Kelvin Banks down the the #3 and #15 picks in this draft last season.

4 first rounders and no sacks.

[MirrOlure 14760]

 

Jeez I nearly had a heart attack when I saw thin in our family text group.

I was thinking “…faced 4 first degree counts of felony something or other”

F me and F the world

[LTtxfan 49144]

9 hours ago, satyanash said:

 

@Mo Horn found this tweet.  Good info but as always,  Fuck ketch

 

[satyanash 14473]

Joe Cook: Four first-rounders battled Kelvin Banks in 2022. The freshman more than held his own against all four.

Quote

Alabama, Texas Tech, Iowa State, and Kansas State were four of the opponents on Texas’ 2022 schedule, and they all boasted first-round talent at defensive end. Those teams produced No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson, No. 7 overall pick Tyree Wilson, No. 15 overall pick Will McDonald, and No. 31 overall pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah, respectively. Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks faced all four of those players during his first season in college football. In those contests versus the Crimson Tide, the Red Raiders, the Cyclones, and the Wildcats, Banks allowed zero sacks, gave up four total pressures, and committed no penalties according to Pro Football Focus.

Banks, a five-star in the class of 2022 who was the On3 Industry Ranking‘s No. 22 overall prospect and On3‘s No. 6 recruit, didn’t face a member of that impressive foursome in every single one of his 280 snaps during those games. But a significant majority of them did have a top EDGE across the line of scrimmage from him, and Banks turned in impressive pass-blocking performances on nearly every rep.

His PFF pass blocking grade versus Alabama across 45 opportunities was 81.9. Not only did those snaps have him facing Anderson, but also Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell. Versus Texas Tech with 36 chances, his pass blocking grade was 80.8. Against the Cyclones with 29 reps versus McDonald and others, he posted a season-best pass blocking grade of 83.2. His lowest pass blocking grade in those contests came versus Anudike-Uzomah and a stout K-State defensive front. In 32 chances, he posted a pass blocking grade of 60.6. For a true freshman trying to frequently stop four first-round caliber pass rushers from reaching either Quinn Ewers or Hudson Card, that’s an impressive first line on a resume.

The 32 NFL franchises have probably started doing their homework on Banks, On3’s top offensive tackle in the 2022 class, even though Banks isn’t eligible to declare until the 2025 draft. Steve Sarkisian and Kyle Flood know they have a special player in the Texas offensive line room, and they are likely aware they’ll have just three seasons with Banks barring anything unforeseen.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy, who once had Banks committed to the Cowboys, said as much ahead of Texas’ loss to OSU during the 2022 campaign. “The left tackle they have, the one we had committed here for a long time, the good news is after three years, he’ll be gone,” Gundy said in October.

Texas flipped Banks not from Oklahoma State, but Oregon. Banks and fellow Longhorn Cam Williams both committed to Mario Cristobal‘s program during the summer of 2021. Once Cristobal left Eugene for Miami and the Hurricanes, Banks and Williams opened up their recruitments. In short order, Texas landed commitments from both.

Their additions to Texas’ seven-man offensive line class, one of the best OL classes in the recruiting rankings era, paid immediate dividends. A summer enrollee out of Humble (Texas) Summer Creek, Banks zoomed to the top of the left tackle depth chart and became the game one starter at the position. He manned that spot for all 13 games, picking up second-team All-Big 12 honors from the league’s coaches and the Associated Press.

He also was an honorable mention for Big 12 offensive freshman of the year and offensive lineman of the year. The FWAA named him a freshman All-American in January. Banks will be considered one of the top offensive linemen in the conference, if not the country, heading into the 2023 season. He’s liable to be found on preseason All-Big 12 and even preseason All-America teams, plus a number of award watchlists after his stellar opening campaign.

He’ll have his share of tests in his second season. Braswell and Turner are still on the Alabama roster, plus other formidable rushers like K-State’s Khalid Duke appear on Texas’ schedule. Whatever those EDGEs try to throw at him, it likely won’t be as difficult as what Anderson, Wilson, McDonald, and Anudike-Uzomah tried on Banks in their battles — battles where Banks often maintained the upper hand.

 

[Red Five 40841]

Oh god we’re going to hear about that during every game next year aren’t we.

[BurntOrange&White 39930]

3 minutes ago, Red Five said:

Oh god we’re going to hear about that during every game next year aren’t we.

Spoiler

 

Edited April 28, 2023 by BurntOrange&White

[tbone_ 14110]

Oh god we’re going to hear about that during every game next year aren’t we.

Given the putrid oline play we’ve had the last nearly 20 years I’m ok with it. As long as he keeps it up.

[gmr548 16576]

Oh god we’re going to hear about that during every game next year aren’t we.

I mean, do you prefer hearing the 2021 conversations about LT play?

[Park Gothic 5016]

5 hours ago, BurntOrange&White said:

  Reveal hidden contents

 

[Reese Bennett 3608]

10 hours ago, Red Five said:

Oh god we’re going to hear about that during every game next year aren’t we.

So will O-line recruits. 

[TotallyLegit 3052]

10 hours ago, Red Five said:

Oh god we’re going to hear about that during every game next year aren’t we.

I hope everyone hears about it as much as fucking possible

[MIkeHoncho 1908]

11 hours ago, satyanash said:

Banks allowed zero sacks, gave up four total pressures, and committed no penalties according to Pro Football Focus.

"Just imagine what coach A could have done with him"  - looch   

[LTtxfan 49144]

 

1. Michigan
2. Georgia
3. Texas
4. Bama
5. Oregon State
6. Notre Dame
7. LSU
8. Penn State
9. Kansas State
10. Utah

https://247sports.com/college/texas/longformarticle/college-football-rankings-michigan-georgia-texas-headline-top-10-211345965/#2180866

[LTtxfan 49144]

79 days until Texas Football: Connor Stroh already is showcasing his strength

Steve Habel•about 5 hours

Connor Stroh (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Today is 79 days until kickoff. No. 79 for the Longhorns this season will be worn by Connor Stroh, a freshman offensive lineman.

Connor Stroh season outlook

At one point in his high school career following an injury, Stroh weighed almost 380 pounds. Kyle Flood likes large humans, but the size has to be functional. For spring ball Stroh was listed by the program at 6-foot-7 and 365 pounds, evidence of the strength and conditioning work he had done to drop some of the excess weight he arrived with.

Speaking of work in the weight room, Stroh is already one of the stronger players not just in the O-line room, but in the program. There’s room for growth from a technique perspective, but physical preparedness is not a question for the Frisco Wakeland product.

Stroh worked at guard during the 2023 spring and that’s where he’ll contend in the future. He may not make major contributions this year, but when his time comes he won’t look out of place in a line of scrimmage league like the SEC so long as his hands and technique progress.

Connor Stroh as a recruit

Stroh was ranked as the No. 546 overall prospect, the No. 54 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 89 player in Texas in the 2023

[LTtxfan 49144]

Kelvin Banks tells us what he loves to do away from the field | KVUE

[LTtxfan 49144]

 

Today is 78 days until kickoff. No. 78 for the Longhorns this season will be worn by Kelvin Banks Jr., a sophomore offensive tackle.

Kelvin Banks season outlook

Once Texas completed the flip of Banks from Oregon, he immediately became a candidate to play left tackle for the 2022 Longhorns. Most true freshman aren’t ready for life in the trenches in the Power 5 ranks within their first year on campus, but Banks wasn’t like most true freshmen.

The Humble (Texas) Summer Creek product zoomed to the top of the depth chart at left tackle and held the position for all 13 games. He faced plenty of challenges during his debut season, including   face-offs with four different first-round EDGEs and several other quality defenders.     

From the story linked above…

His Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade versus Alabama across 45 opportunities was 81.9. Not only did those snaps have him facing Anderson, but also Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell.

Versus Texas Tech (and Tyree Wilson) with 36 chances, his pass blocking grade was 80.8.

Against the Cyclones with 29 reps versus Will McDonald and others, he posted a season-best pass blocking grade of 83.2.

His lowest pass blocking grade in those contests came versus Felix Anudike-Uzomah and a stout K-State defensive front. In 32 chances, he posted a pass blocking grade of 60.6.       (Joe Cook, April 28)

Banks ended up as an All-Big 12 selection and two different outlets named him a freshman All-American. After a standout 2022 blocking for Bijan Robinson, Quinn Ewers, and Roschon Johnson, it’s not unreasonable to think one of the five major selectors will tab Banks as an All-American should he continue on what appears to be a lofty trajectory.

Texas hasn’t had an Outland Trophy winner since Brad Shearer in 1977. Banks will be on the watchlist for that honor this year, and could be a contender for prestigious award in his sophomore campaign.

Banks started all 13 games as a true freshman last season and earned second-team All-Big 12 Selection by both the Big 12 Conference’s coaches and the Associated Press after a dominating first year on the 40 Acres.

Banks was named honorable mention Big 12 offensive freshman of the year and league’s offensive lineman of the year by the league’s coaches after he garnered a spot on ESPN’s 2022 preseason true freshman All-American team.

Kelvin Banks as a recruit

Banks was ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect, the No. 2 offensive tackle, and the No. 5 player in Texas in the 2022 On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services.

[Reese Bennett 3608]

Who was the OT with a higher recruiting ranking?

[BurntOrange&White 39930]

3 minutes ago, Reese Bennett said:

Who was the OT with a higher recruiting ranking?

I want to say the kid who went to LSU who was also freshmen all American 

[futureman 22444]

I swear, you fuckin dipshits that can't figure out freshman/freshmen had parents that didn't love you.

[Mother mopar 3318]

Who was the OT with a higher recruiting ranking?

https://www.on3.com/db/zach-rice-122996/

He went to UNC.

[LTtxfan 49144]

77 DAYS 🤘

-------------------------------------------

On3

The Player: Andre Cojoe, OL, Arlington (Texas) Mansfield Timberview, 6-6, 345

The Rating: 87.05, On3 Consensus three-star

The Ranking:

The Recruitment: Texas was Cojoe’s first offer, just days after his 15th birthday. Though he would go on to collect a number of quality offers, from the likes of A&M, Oklahoma State, and TCU, Texas led pretty much wire to wire.

The Projection: Cojoe is an interesting projection, with his youth adding another variable to account for. Cojoe won’t turn 17 until a few days after enrolling at Texas in January. Young men tend to mature at hyper speed between 16-20 and Cojoe is on the low end of that spectrum. That means, while his body is rapidly maturing it will occur under the direction and oversight of a college S&C program. While he already fits the ‘large humans’ preference for Kyle Flood, he may actually lean up and become more agile as he gets older. If he does that, Flood will have a steal on his hands. Cojoe has the chance to become a high-end guard.

Another interesting note, Cojoe was his district’s MVP. You don’t see that often from an offensive lineman, let alone one who is just 16-years old.

The Reasoning: “I picked Texas because it felt like home. It was the first school to offer me and the one school that showed the most love.” – Andre Cojoe

The Relationship: “My relationship with Coach (Kyle) Flood is great. We became close during the summer going into my junior year and ever since then it’s been great to speak to him.” – Cojoe

The Education: “I’m studying sports medicine.” – Cojoe 

The Enrollment: Early enrollee, meaning January 2023

The Final Word: Just as we saw with Connor Stroh, Coach Flood likes giant prospects and he’s not afraid to be the first to offer, or to be on an island when it comes to evaluation and projection. Cojoe’s age gives him a higher ceiling than an 18-year old with similar size and tape. If he works hard he’ll make Flood look like a genius while making himself a lot of money

[LTtxfan 49144]

76 DAYS !!!  🤘

Hoping for a big year for Hayden...

 

 

[LTtxfan 49144]

Back in April...  Kelvin Banks

 

[LTtxfan 49144]

Today is 76 days until kickoff. No. 76 for the Longhorns this season will be worn by Hayden Conner, a junior offensive lineman.

Hayden Conner season outlook

Kyle Flood tinkered with the offensive line during 2022 preseason training camp and ultimately settled on Conner at left guard. Like his four other position mates, Conner started every game at left guard with Kelvin Banks to his left and Jake Majors to his right.

Conner had his ups and downs. He had a season-long average PFF grade of 66.5 pass blocking but a run blocking mark of 50.8, with a season-low grade of 41.7 coming versus Alabama.

Spring created competition for Conner, but he emerged from the 15 practices as the first man up at left guard even after working some at center during March and April. While maturation in the room from Neto Umeozulu, DJ Campbell, Malik Agbo, and others will create more for Conner to overcome, he enters the season leaner (listed at 314 pounds as opposed to his 324-pound mark in 2022 and 333-pound number in 2021) and more mature in the system.

As he did last year, Flood could tinker with the line during preseason camp and try Conner at all three interior offensive line positions. Even with talented youngsters on his heels, there’s a spot for Conner in the Texas first five in the fall.

Connor has played in 21 games with 13 starts (all in 2022) in his two seasons on the 40 Acres. He is a three-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll (spring 2021, fall 2021, fall 2022).

Hayden Conner as a recruit

Conner was ranked as the No. 389 overall prospect, the No. 32 offensive tackle, and the No. 55 player in Texas in the 2021 On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services

[LateAughtsHorn 588]

On 6/11/2023 at 8:53 PM, LTtxfan said:

 

1. Michigan
2. Georgia
3. Texas
4. Bama
5. Oregon State
6. Notre Dame
7. LSU
8. Penn State
9. Kansas State
10. Utah

https://247sports.com/college/texas/longformarticle/college-football-rankings-michigan-georgia-texas-headline-top-10-211345965/#2180866

Longtime lurker, but damn if seeing this doesn't bring a tear to my eyes. It reminds me of reading the unit rankings in Athlon/Lindys et al back in the mid 2000s. After fifteen fucking years, a coaching staff has FINALLY bothered to address the O-line. Looking forward to seeing these guys grow!

Edited June 19, 2023 by LateAughtsHorn
Forgotten text.

[LTtxfan 49144]

Today is 75 days until kickoff. No. 75 for the Longhorns this season will be worn by Jaydon Chatman, a true freshman offensive lineman.

Jaydon Chatman season outlook

Chatman reaped the benefits of enrolling early and going through spring drills. He formed a freshman tackle tandem on the third string with Andre Cojoe on the left side and Chatman at right tackle.

It’ll be tough for Chatman to break through at first- or second-string tackle this year with Kelvin Banks, Christian Jones, Cameron Williams, and Payton Kirkland ahead of him. A redshirt season where he can continue add weight (Texas lists Chatman at 299 pounds) while keeping his quality technique is Chatman’s likely route for the 2023 campaign.

Jaydon Chatman as a recruit

Chatman was ranked as the No. 214 overall prospect, the No. 14 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 37 prospect in Texas in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services.

[LTtxfan 49144]

Surprised Max is still part of the 2023 roster

Today is 73 days until kickoff. No. 73 for the Longhorns this season will be worn by Max Merril, a sophomore offensive lineman. 

Max Merril season outlook

Merril is a depth piece at left guard behind Hayden Conner and Neto Umeozulu. Merril has not seen any action in his first two seasons at Texas. He is a two-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll (fall 2021, spring 2022).

Max Merril as a recruit

Merrill was ranked as the No. 1066 overall prospect, the No. 101 offensive tackle, and the No. 165 player in Texas in the 2021 On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services.

[kegman 187]

In on the nice page of 69

[LTtxfan 49144]

Today is 72 days until kickoff. No. 72 for the Longhorns this season will be worn by Neto Umeozulu, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman. 

Neto Umeozulu season outlook

The Longhorns earned Umeozulu’s commitment just before the 2022 class’s first signing day, and worked hard to keep him committed until pen hit paper. The Allen product then enrolled last summer looking for early opportunity.

Umeozulu saw action in routs of Louisiana-Monroe, Oklahoma, and Kansas. While he was unable to crack the starting lineup during his freshman year, he entered the spring looking to compete with classmate DJ Campbell and incumbent starter Hayden Conner at guard.

While he could play at either guard position, Umeozulu pushed Conner throughout the spring at left guard. Umeozulu’s future is on the interior, and potential tinkering by Kyle Flood could set him up with an opportunity to take hold of a first-string spot during training camp. If that doesn’t take place, Umeozulu will be one of the first, if not the first, interior linemen called off the bench should his services be necessary.

Umeozulu played in three games last year as a true freshman. He was a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll (fall 2022)

Neto Umeozulu as a recruit

Umeozulu was ranked as the No. 76 overall prospect, the No. 5 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 14 prospect in Texas in the 2022 On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services.

[LTtxfan 49144]

71 DAYS  🤘

 

Get to know 2023 Texas commit Payton Kirkland

Gerry Hamilton•12/20/22

Whether you’re a diehard recruiting fan in need of a refresher or a casual fan in need of only the particulars, this will be the series for you. The first national signing period for college football runs from December 21-23. That puts it a week later than normal, which allows you even more time to familiarize yourself with the next class charged with helping restore Texas back to national prominence. 

The preceding 2022 class is already off to a good start, but the way to win at a consistently high level is to stack talented class after talented class. At all times you need young players developing, creating competition, and providing valuable depth before becoming quality starters. 

The top 5 contending 2023 class is just what Texas needed after the top 5 2022 class.

In the lead-up to NSD1, Inside Texas will offer profiles of each member of the 2023 signing class.

Next up, Payton Kirkland

The Player: Payton Kirkland, OL, Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips

The Rating: 89.00, On3 Consensus three-star, 6-foot-5, 355 pounds

The Ranking:

The Recruitment: Kirkland’s recruitment was a whirlwind. He was seemingly leaning to several schools early and late in the process prior to committing to Texas on July 23. He ultimately came down to Texas, Michigan State and Oklahoma after Miami’s recruitment ran hot and cold. In the end, the Longhorns made a lot of sense for Kirkland thanks to a combination of football tradition and academics, plus the fact that his mother is planning a move to the Houston area in 2023.

The Projection: Kirkland is one of those swing type offensive line prospects. He played both tackle and guard for Dr. Phillips High in Orlando. He certainly has the frame and arm length to play right tackle long term. The deciding factor will be his reactive foot quickness and body quickness at the next level that will determine if he stays outside, or moves inside.

The Reasoning: “I always wanted to be a part of something with tradition. It’s a great tradition there and they’ve always been at the top of the ranks. Over the last few years, things have changed of course, but I feel like that’s a place where I can really grow as a man and a ballplayer and be able to be a part of something greater than myself and really contribute to something.” – Payton Kirkland.

The Relationship: “The communication really never stopped. Texas was always in my back pocket. They were always called the Sixth Man or the Dark Horse of my recruitment. They just ended up being in the front pocket and leading the way. Me and Coach Flood’s relationship, it really extends past football. It’s not really just a college football coach-recruiter type of relationship.” – Kirkland.

The Enrollment: Kirkland is a December high school graduate, and will enroll at Texas for the spring semester.

The Final Word: Kirkland is part of a two-year run of offensive line recruiting that has the Longhorns stocked up ahead of the move to the SEC. Kirkland’s upside is certainly higher than his prospect ranking and rating. How close he comes to reaching his ceiling will come down to answering the bell physically at the next level. If he does that, he is the large human prospect that Steve Sarkisian and Kyle Flood are ultimately looking for.

[LTtxfan 49144]

Star Lineman Payton Kirkland Talks Texas Football 

 · 5/28/2023

[LTtxfan 49144]

 

Today is 71 days until kickoff. No. 71 for the Longhorns this season will be worn by Payton Kirkland, a true freshman offensive lineman.

Payton Kirkland season outlook

Kirkland committed to Texas before visiting and became one of the strongest recruiters for Steve Sarkisian, Kyle Flood, and others from 1000 miles away. He zoomed to the second-string left tackle spot in spring as part of work done to transform a frame that had a significant amount of weight.

Kirkland is a versatile player who doesn’t mind the idea of playing all five spots on the offensive line, but his first opportunity will be at tackle. Whether he redshirts or not remains to be seen, but work reshaping his body is priority No. 1 for the Orlando product.

One month ago, Kirkland spoke about his first-semester experience at Texas.

“I know how I like to feel when I’m playing football. And (the Texas coaching staff) agreed with my decision. They told me when I came in, you got to do what you got to do. I feel like that was probably one of the biggest things that I felt that they appreciated about me was that I came in ready to work and I knew what I had to work on.”