Doc50
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Was on the front row again this year for a early assessment of Longhorn football.
While the results were an expected mixed bag of good and bad, among the standouts was Malik Jefferson.
This dude is the real deal, displaying elite athleticism and outstanding recognition for a true freshman. He looked like a veteran with his reads and hits. Fellow LB Edwin Freeman (Arlington Bowie) also looked good, as did DT's Poona Ford and Hassan Ridgeway (Mansfield). Bryce Cottrell (Plano West) was disruptive at DE. With injuries at DB, the play was some what tainted by a couple of walk-ons, making it difficult to judge the real effectiveness of the opposing offense. That would be the #1 O, lead by Swoopes. He was mostly on target with his reads and throws, but against lesser competition.
On the contrary, Heard went against the #1 D, and looked only a hair less effective. He threw on the run accurately, but was a bit indecisive in the pocket on a couple of plays that lead to sacks. He's more elusive than Swoopes, who looks about 2 biscuits short of a DT. Lorenzo Joe, the converted QB out of Abilene Cooper, was frequently open against the #1 D. Ty Templin also was a solid target who made some excellent catches in traffic, as did Armanti Foreman.
Johnathan Gray didn't play much; his right thigh was heavily taped, and it was bothering him a little bit.
D'Onta Foreman and Duke Catalon subbed fairly well at RB.
Daje Johnson had some touches without much success, though he was plenty quick; trying to get him the ball.
Kevin Vaccaro got a few aggressive licks; he's still small, though, at 183#.
TE's Blake Whitely and Matt Center did not impress in the passing game, but Whitely blocked well.
The kicking game was solid (but no returns in the spring game).
So, there's reason for optimism for the D to be better this year; the loss at LB and CB is a void, but newcomers will step up because the DL will be noticeably better. Watch Malik -- star power.
There's also reason to be glad that the season is months away.
The new offensive scheme hasn't gelled yet, too many underclassmen need more time and coaching, a half dozen key players need to recover from injuries, and additional reps may allow Heard to win the QB job.
The band was again in mid-season form.
Attendance was not great, unlike the apparently starved and rabid fans at UN and OSU.
Had a great time -- saw and heard all the guys up close, as well as the coaching interaction.
Also saw Earl Campbell, Jamaal Charles, Tre Newton, and Shaka Smart.
Ate at VY Steakhouse -- very classy, great aged beef (OK, now.....no jokes about VY turning to aged beef).
While the results were an expected mixed bag of good and bad, among the standouts was Malik Jefferson.
This dude is the real deal, displaying elite athleticism and outstanding recognition for a true freshman. He looked like a veteran with his reads and hits. Fellow LB Edwin Freeman (Arlington Bowie) also looked good, as did DT's Poona Ford and Hassan Ridgeway (Mansfield). Bryce Cottrell (Plano West) was disruptive at DE. With injuries at DB, the play was some what tainted by a couple of walk-ons, making it difficult to judge the real effectiveness of the opposing offense. That would be the #1 O, lead by Swoopes. He was mostly on target with his reads and throws, but against lesser competition.
On the contrary, Heard went against the #1 D, and looked only a hair less effective. He threw on the run accurately, but was a bit indecisive in the pocket on a couple of plays that lead to sacks. He's more elusive than Swoopes, who looks about 2 biscuits short of a DT. Lorenzo Joe, the converted QB out of Abilene Cooper, was frequently open against the #1 D. Ty Templin also was a solid target who made some excellent catches in traffic, as did Armanti Foreman.
Johnathan Gray didn't play much; his right thigh was heavily taped, and it was bothering him a little bit.
D'Onta Foreman and Duke Catalon subbed fairly well at RB.
Daje Johnson had some touches without much success, though he was plenty quick; trying to get him the ball.
Kevin Vaccaro got a few aggressive licks; he's still small, though, at 183#.
TE's Blake Whitely and Matt Center did not impress in the passing game, but Whitely blocked well.
The kicking game was solid (but no returns in the spring game).
So, there's reason for optimism for the D to be better this year; the loss at LB and CB is a void, but newcomers will step up because the DL will be noticeably better. Watch Malik -- star power.
There's also reason to be glad that the season is months away.
The new offensive scheme hasn't gelled yet, too many underclassmen need more time and coaching, a half dozen key players need to recover from injuries, and additional reps may allow Heard to win the QB job.
The band was again in mid-season form.
Attendance was not great, unlike the apparently starved and rabid fans at UN and OSU.
Had a great time -- saw and heard all the guys up close, as well as the coaching interaction.
Also saw Earl Campbell, Jamaal Charles, Tre Newton, and Shaka Smart.
Ate at VY Steakhouse -- very classy, great aged beef (OK, now.....no jokes about VY turning to aged beef).
