Looking ahead

Head Coach Charlie Strong met with the media on Thursday afternoon. It was the final press conference during Fall camp. The only thing heard more often than a reference to the first game being only 9 days away was reporters that start every question with “Talk about…”

Compared to some of the more recent media events, Strong seemed relaxed and confident. There was a glimmer in his eye and he seemed genuinely eager when talking about the start of the season.

After weeks of endless questions about toughness and a lack of decals on helmets, Thursday’s press conference was focused on football, the team, the upcoming practice schedule and depth chart/injury concerns. Strong seemed at ease talking about actual football topics compared to weeks of talking points about sleeping in a dorm room.

Opening with a few remarks about being pleased with the team’s intensity during Thursday morning’s practice, Strong quickly switched gears, referencing upcoming practices.

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Strong spent a brief amount of time fielding questions about injuries and suspensions. Although the team will likely issue an official injury report next week prior to the North Texas game, Strong made it sound unlikely that Jaxon Shipley will play against UNT. Additionally, tight end Greg Daniels will not play after arthroscopic knee surgery.

Regarding the previously suspended players, Strong said he has not yet determined the length of their suspension. He also confirmed that offensive lineman Rami Hammad has elected to transfer.

After declaring that the coaching staff had not made final decisions on starters at cornerback and safety, Strong rattled off who he plans to start at the other defensive positions:

DL – Shiro Davis, Malcom Brown, Desmond Jackson, Cedric Reed

LB – Peter Jinkens, Steve Edmond, Jordan Hicks

DB – Quandre Diggs, Duke Thomas, Mykelle Thompson

Strong mentioned that both Jason Hall and Dylan Haines will see time at Safety. He did not mention the nickel back position even though it figures to be a defensive staple this season.

On offense, Strong was quick to praise both John Harris and Daje Johnson, While Johnson is one of the players suspended for the North Texas game, Strong commented that Johnson, “Has done everything we’ve asked him to do.”

About Harris, Strong said, “[Harris] has had an unbelievable camp.” Considering that quote came a day after the SID office selected Harris to be one of a handful of players made available to the media, the tea leaves are telling us that Harris could be a focal point of the offense. Toss in the fact that Harris is a Senior and all the ingredients are present for him to make a serious contribution this Fall.

Regarding the rest of the offense, Strong said that the coaches are still unsettled at wide receiver and have not decided who will start at tackle in place of Desmond Harrison (suspended). Strong mentioned that the coaches will start Darius James or Marcus Hutchins.

When projecting the starter at tackle for the game against North Texas, it’s worth noting that Strong spent quite a few minutes talking about walk-ons and practice squad players. In addition to praising their hard work and dedication, the Texas Head Coach only mentioned three players that will participate – Dylan Haines (safey), Ty Templin (receiver) and Nate Boyer (deep snapper).

Other notable offensive positions mentioned include Tyrone Swoopes as 2nd string quarterback and Geoff Swaim as the starting tight end.

Both MJ McFarland and Andrew Beck were listed as backups at tight end. JUCO transfer Blake Whiteley was not discussed as an option.