Freshmen redshirting

[Danny Hale]

How many freshmen from Texas 2015 class redshirt. 5 seems to be least amount but no more than 9 barring injury redshirts. This class needs to produce lots of early playing time for basically entire class.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

Danny, I think we will see more younger guys playing this season simply because of the starters lost.  On both sides of the ball, Texas lost roughly half of their starters.  It's a young team, make no mistake about it, but there is still a lot of talent waiting to emerge.  

Numbers-wise there were 28 recruits that signed with Texas on NSD.  Take away Lampkin and the assumption that one or two more signees ultimately might not make it to campus. That leaves a solid 25 new recruits that are with the program.  Count on a fair number of the early enrollees to play this year(i.e. Malik Jefferson, Connor Williams, Tristan Nickelson or Garrett Thomas)... 

Look for some of the freshman WR's to step up too.  After losing Shipley and John Harris, Texas needs playmakers.  DeAndre McNeal, John Burt and Ryan Newsome are guys that could easily see the field this season.  Lo Joe, Dorian Leonard and Armanti Foreman will be guys that get good looks though early on.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

I think you see a lot of freshmen with playing time, some with significant time, and a couple starting . . . simply because there is a lot of talent in this class. I know we lost a lot, but these freshman are going to be exciting to watch. 

 

[utisdabomb12]

Hager, Townsend, Houston, Johnson, Omenihu, and Major are probably all likely candidates for a RS. Probably a couple other guys that end up RS too. I don't think all the guys in the '15 secondary class get playing time, Davis or Locke might RS. I also wouldn't be surprised if one of Wheeler and Cherry RS.

 

[Ryan Bridges]

I think I can come up with scenarios where as many as 12 redshirt, but it's highly unlikely. We'd need some guys who aren't known as producers to produce, and some guys who aren't known for their durability to be durable. 

The obvious RS candidates are Hager, Omenihu, Houston, Townsend, Locksley and Major, so I'll ignore those.

RB: We played with three last year and were fine. Warren and Foreman are probably competing for reps. If Catalon can stay healthy ( ), we redshirt Johnson.

WR: I think Newsome redshirts. There's too much competition for those reps, especially if Hot Rod's knee is good to go.

OL: I don't see any way Williams (duh), Vahe or Hodges don't make it onto the field. Nickelson and Thomas are likely redshirts IMO.

DL: Covered 'em. Vasser plays.

LB: The coaches will RS at least one of Wheeler and Cherry. 

DB: Davis is the only one I think has a better than 50% chance of redshirting. I think Hill and Elliott play early and often. The question here for Elliott is whether Colbert gets his shit together. With his versatility, can Locke find his way onto the field? My guess would be special teams and maybe backing up Bonney. And as crazy as it sounds with all the positive reports this summer, I could imagine Boyd redshirting. I know he's a tremendous athlete. I have questions about his physicality and technique. 

Most important, DICKO PLAYS. Four-time Ray Guy Award winner, Heisman finalist, legend at all the sororities. 

 

[Ryan Bridges]

But to be clear, I think it's more like eight redshirts. 

 

[MikeV73]

I think I can come up with scenarios where as many as 12 redshirt, but it's highly unlikely. We'd need some guys who aren't known as producers to produce, and some guys who aren't known for their durability to be durable.

The obvious RS candidates are Hager, Omenihu, Houston, Townsend, Locksley and Major, so I'll ignore those.

RB: We played with three last year and were fine. Warren and Foreman are probably competing for reps. If Catalon can stay healthy ( ), we redshirt Johnson.

WR: I think Newsome redshirts. There's too much competition for those reps, especially if Hot Rod's knee is good to go.

OL: I don't see any way Williams (duh), Vahe or Hodges don't make it onto the field. Nickelson and Thomas are likely redshirts IMO.

DL: Covered 'em. Vasser plays.

LB: The coaches will RS at least one of Wheeler and Cherry.

DB: Davis is the only one I think has a better than 50% chance of redshirting. I think Hill and Elliott play early and often. The question here for Elliott is whether Colbert gets his shit together. With his versatility, can Locke find his way onto the field? My guess would be special teams and maybe backing up Bonney. And as crazy as it sounds with all the positive reports this summer, I could imagine Boyd redshirting. I know he's a tremendous athlete. I have questions about his physicality and technique.

Most important, DICKO PLAYS. Four-time Ray Guy Award winner, Heisman finalist, legend at all the sororities.

Who is Hot Rod, and what is his knee issue? Also, what sort of car does Hot Rod drive?

 

[Grandpa Zorro]

I'm hoping for an "Astros" scenario.  A few years ago they had some older guys and some guys with marginal talent.  They played like it was a business without too much emotion.  Now, the roster is full of young guys who show their emotions and play with ferocity.  They are really fun to watch and are surprisingly in contention earlier than anyone thought they would be.  And some of those young Astros players are really, really good!!

It's not a perfect comparison but I will look forward to seeing the Horns play with enthusiasm and act like they care if they lose.  Let those young guys play.  Here's to a fun and great season!  Hook 'Em!!

 

[Juan]

Some good Xs an Os stuff in this IT piece on one freshman who will not be redshirting

"Malik is the perfect anti-spread weapon"  http://insidetexas.com/inside-the-gameplan-building-around-malik/

"It’s really only a matter of time before Malik Jefferson begins to play a major role within the Texas defense. Given Dalton Santos’ current status in rehab, the other inside linebackers on the roster, and how quickly Malik has acclimated to college life, it seems that this will be sooner than later.

 
Malik has an absurd collection of talents that have rarely been seen at the college level, which is important because it can be hard for linebackers to dominate today’s spread-option oriented game without having diverse skill sets. Spread offenses like to zero in on coverage matchups and attack linebackers in the middle of the field with run or pass conflicts. The spacing of the modern game requires a mix of athleticism, physicality, and processing speed from linebackers that want to be playmakers....."

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

What's the status of Gilbert Johnson and Devonaire Clarington? Did their transcripts make it through the NCAA's clearing house yet?

 

[Ryan Bridges]

Who is Hot Rod, and what is his knee issue? Also, what sort of car does Hot Rod drive?

Roderick Bernard, sophomore WR from Sharpstown. He returned nine kickoffs in five games as a freshman — nearly breaking a couple of them — before tearing his ACL against K-State. He drives a Camry.

 

[Eastexhorn]

Normally IMO 90% + of freshmmen should redshirt. All QBS and OL should redshirt. However this is not a normal year at Texas and OL needs players and depth.

 

[MikeV73]

Roderick Bernard, sophomore WR from Sharpstown. He returned nine kickoffs in five games as a freshman — nearly breaking a couple of them — before tearing his ACL against K-State. He drives a Camry.

Thanks amigo, didn't know he had a nickname. Camrys are dependable vehicles.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

Connor Williams will start on the line, announced today by CS.

 

[Danny Hale]

I think last year Strong redshirted guys who could have improved special teams but would only play their position seldomly. this year Strong will play freshmen because of their talent level helping special teams and for position depth. I also will not expect many from 2016 class to redshirt either Texas just needs more talent before redshirt luxury returns. injuries will cause some to have to redshirt. I know Heard was redshirted from beginning but  if Swoopes has turnover problems and confidence issues i will not be shocked that Locksley could pass Ty on depth chart. in 2015 class i think the entire defensive class plays just so Vance has options if seniors do not grab starting spots why give practice reps to backup seniors if you can give freshmen experience except for o-line and qb`s if they`re not top 2 their special team value is low so it would waste of year for freshmen o-line and qb`s to not redshirt .