Whisenant's Mailbag – 8/22/2013

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Welcome back to Whisenant’s Mailbag. Manziel. There, I made the obligatory media reference. Let’s do this, with a shout out to UTK66, who had no shame in asking whatever he wanted this week.

UTK66 - Who will be the most improved player on the offense?

I could be “that guy” and say David Ash, but I won’t. My money is on Malcolm Brown stepping it up in a “money” (NFL) year since he’ll be three years out after the season. Brown has much to prove after the rumors of transfer and “being soft” last year. He needs to stay on the field, produce, and look the part to have the opportunity to cash in after this season.

Who will be the most improved player on the defense?

Going with Carrington Byndom. He hemorrhaged money with a bad game against WVU last year, and some spotty play at inopportune times, but with the reputation of DBU and a solid season he can improve his stock  from the 3rd-4th round its sitting at now.

How much higher (overall team defense) will we finish ranked as opposed to last years abortion? 

By the numbers from NCAA.com Texas finished 67th in Total Defense last year, the worst in school history. I think Greg Robinson is back on campus for much more than many know, but I think the inherent problems with the Diaz defense are not going to totally melt away. He’s a good coach, but not a great fit with the LB’s we have on campus. I’d expect the defense to finish about 20 spots better this year, much improved, but not Texas class.

Who will be the starting field goal kicker? (heard Fera missed a couple during the scrimmage last night).

Nick Rose, bottomline. Rose has a cannon leg, and with a year under his belt he’s just going to get more confident and better at his job. Fera was a good idea on paper, but a bad idea in practice, and a wasted scholarship.

bbdude: How often and where will Jalen Overstreet play for Texas this season?

As often as he can in a crowded backfield, certainly more than DJ Monroe since Overstreet doesn’t have an issue learning the playbook. Where? Hard to say since the guy can play any skill spot outside of TE. He’s going to have a great year doing anything and everything in this offense. Overstreet has a great work ethic, the “hard hat and lunch pail” attitude this team lacked just a short time ago.

ut-tailgaters: When do you predict that the Horns will face their first true bit of adversity? First half on the road at BYU? Ole Miss? Later?

Kansas State. Yeah, I know what KSU has lost, but old losing habits die hard, and the Wildcats have just had the Longhorns number. KSU is the first demon Texas MUST overcome to get back to prominence. BYU is missing two starting defensive backs already and wont be ready for the high octane Applewhite attack. Bank on it. Ole Miss has bought and paid for a nice recruiting class, but they are still a year away. New Mexico State doesn’t belong in FBS.

Thanks for the questions, see you all next week for the first Game Week edition.