Paying tribute to the Texas seniors

[Matt Cotcher]

Nate Boyer

• Started his career as a walk-on after serving in Green Beret Special Forces unit. Still serves in Texas National Guard during his Summers.

• Of all the players I’ve met this year, Nate Boyer was, hands down, the most impressive. Although very affable, his demeanor and tone belies a life of experience that most of us can’t imagine.

Malcolm Brown

• Has started in 15 consecutive games, and is ranked 11th on UT’s career rushing list.

• Fans always expected more from Brown courtesy of his 5* rating, but will likely miss his dependability. Running behind a patchwork OL, and trying to hold the offensive locker room together probably was not his dream scenario for a Senior season, but he did both admirably.

Quandre Diggs

• Has played in 60 career games, and made 47 starts – his 11 interceptions ranks 9th all-time at UT.

• It’s hard to do Quandre the Giant’s career justice in 2 bullet points, so watch this instead:

Dominic Espinosa

• Had an active streak of 39 consecutive starts snapped by injury during this year’s UNT game. That streak was best on the team.

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Steve Edmond

• His 308 career tackles is tops among active players.

• Edmond is quiet, unassuming and extremely polite. He talked about how Charlie Strong has impacted his life, and is one of several on this list that probably wishes he had a 2nd year with the new coaches.

John Harris

• Needs 24 receiving yards to reach 1,000 for the season. Entered the year with 9 catches in his career.

• What John Harris has achieved on the field this year is an incredible testament to himself and the Texas coaches. When he reaches the 1,000 yard milestone tonight, the whole stadium should stand up and applaud. Harris is an easy choice for Offensive MVP this season.

Jordan Hicks

• Leads the team in tackles (136), has 2 interceptions, and is 2nd on the team in TFL’s (12).

• Edmond, Harris, and Hicks in a row...three players that have re-made their careers at UT over the course of the season. The focus on Hicks over the coming month will be whether or not he seeks another year of eligibility and returns  in 2015.

Mykkele Thompson

• Has played in every game over the last 4 seasons.

• From funny stories about wearing contacts during games, to finding the courage to be a physical football player, Thompson is another guy that transformed himself over the last 9 months.

Cedric Reed

• 35 TFL’s, 17 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles in his career.

• Viewed as the one surefire Senior with NFL-talent on the roster before the season, Reed and fans both found themselves doubting his ability after the first half of the season. Much like Malcolm Brown, this was not the season that Reed imagined, but he’s done everything asked of him by the new coaching staff. His production dropped this year, but NFL scouts watching film will see a talent worthy of a draft pick.

William Russ

• Averaging 42.8 yards/punt, which is good for 30th in the nation.

• There were points in the team’s first five games where a case could have been made for Russ as the team’s most valuable player. Although he’s been replaced by Michael Davidson toward the end of the year, the under-rated part of Russ’ role remains – he’s been sure handed as the team’s holder all season. When the holder makes news it’s never good, so not hearing anything about Russ at holder is a credit to his dependability.

Jaxon Shipley

• His 217 receptions ranks 3rd all-time at UT, and his 2,504 receiving yards ranks 6th. Only 3 receivers in UT history have had three 50-catch seasons – Shipley is one of them.

• The Shipley family is Texas football royalty. After his brother’s record-setting career on the 40 Acres, Jaxon committed to Mack Brown and was excited to wear 8, like his brother did. How Jaxon managed to never be overwhelmed by the legacy of his brother is a testament to his career. Over the course of the season, Shipley is the one player that was always upbeat and positive when he talked to the media. He is a rock on this team and will be missed by both players and coaches.

Geoff Swaim

• Leads all offensive players with 17 consecutive starts.

• This season my favorite Swaim memory is of the time the SID had him appear in a weekly press conference. There’s a reason that hasn’t happened again.

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• Much was made before the season about how Shawn Watson and Joe Wickline would operate an offense without a credible tight end. Swaim’s season made that concern a irrelevant – while not elite, Swaim has capably blocked and caught passes when called on. 

 

[Worster1]

Excellent post - CHEERS to all of the Seniors for their contributions to the team, program and The University of TEXAS!

Hook 'Em Horns!!!

 

[Aaron Carrara]

Nice job Matt. Texas is losing a lot of special players. Congrats to all these guys.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

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[dillohorn]

At first I thought you were talking about me.        I hope the seniors get the most out of tonight and the bowl. They deserve a lot of credit for the ongoing turnaround of this team.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Among the disappointments last night, the crowd ranked near the top.

With the winning streak and it being Senior night, I was surprised at the lack of support.