Texas Longhorns: Trey Hopkins
Three Horns drafted; more coming in '14? 
April, 29, 2013
Apr 29
8:00
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By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Kenny Vaccaro, Alex Okafor and Marquise Goodwin already have stopped thinking about what was -- the NFL draft -- and started to work on what will be -- their respective NFL futures.
Really it’s that type of drive that is what made the three Longhorns NFL players in the first place.
Really it’s that type of drive that is what made the three Longhorns NFL players in the first place.
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AUSTIN, Texas -- Maybe the score didn’t matter in the Orange-White scrimmage but don’t be fooled -- everybody was keeping score.
Play was critiqued. Judgments were made. Assumptions, both good and bad, were confirmed. And undoubtedly there were players who fell to both sides of the ledger: Some excelled and some didn’t. Hey, spring football is a wheat-from-the-chaff thing.
Play was critiqued. Judgments were made. Assumptions, both good and bad, were confirmed. And undoubtedly there were players who fell to both sides of the ledger: Some excelled and some didn’t. Hey, spring football is a wheat-from-the-chaff thing.
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No member of Texas’ 28-man recruiting class in 2012 expected anything less than early playing time when he joined the program, especially after the Longhorns had seemingly thrown every freshman they had on the field the previous season.
You already know plenty about Johnathan Gray, Malcom Brown, Daje Johnson and Texas' other high-impact freshmen. But what about the ones who sat out last season?
For 12 of those 28 signees, getting onto the field in year one just wasn’t in the cards. After spending the fall on the practice field, in the weight room and home in their dorms for road games, those dozen recruits are ready to start making a name for themselves.
It all starts with a breakthrough spring. Last year, tight end M.J. McFarland was really the only redshirt freshman who saw meaningful playing time for the Longhorns. What does 2013 have in store for this year’s crop of second-year freshmen?
You already know plenty about Johnathan Gray, Malcom Brown, Daje Johnson and Texas' other high-impact freshmen. But what about the ones who sat out last season?
For 12 of those 28 signees, getting onto the field in year one just wasn’t in the cards. After spending the fall on the practice field, in the weight room and home in their dorms for road games, those dozen recruits are ready to start making a name for themselves.
It all starts with a breakthrough spring. Last year, tight end M.J. McFarland was really the only redshirt freshman who saw meaningful playing time for the Longhorns. What does 2013 have in store for this year’s crop of second-year freshmen?
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Watch List LB Zach Whitley in no hurry
February, 15, 2013
Feb 15
2:00
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
HOUSTON -- When Houston North Shore linebacker Zach Whitley Jr. ventured to Austin for Texas' first junior day of the year, he quickly felt a sense of comfort.
The reason? The presence of two players he knows, two guys who came from the program he currently plays in.
The reason? The presence of two players he knows, two guys who came from the program he currently plays in.
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Position breakdown: Offensive line
February, 15, 2013
Feb 15
8:00
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas' offensive line is stacked with returning starters at every position.
Yet, every position remains open.
Welcome to the new world of the offensive line. The Longhorns, not satisfied with the blocking against teams even remotely talented on the defensive line (The Longhorns, despite having two of the most-hyped running backs in the country, failed to gain 100 rushing yards on TCU, Oklahoma or Kansas State.) could be in a position to change things up across the line.
Yet, every position remains open.
Welcome to the new world of the offensive line. The Longhorns, not satisfied with the blocking against teams even remotely talented on the defensive line (The Longhorns, despite having two of the most-hyped running backs in the country, failed to gain 100 rushing yards on TCU, Oklahoma or Kansas State.) could be in a position to change things up across the line.
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AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas A&M was the talk of the state in 2013 with its 32-man recruiting class. Don’t be shocked if Texas comes close to those numbers with its 2014 class.
As always, it’s a matter of math. Texas, by rule, can sign no more than 50 recruits in any two-year period. The Longhorns inked 15 this year, so 35 is the absolute maximum for 2014.
Texas isn’t going for 35 this year. Its 2013 team will feature 15 seniors if Jordan Hicks is granted his medical redshirt. A full class of 25 signees is likely. But don’t rule out the possibility of 30.
As always, it’s a matter of math. Texas, by rule, can sign no more than 50 recruits in any two-year period. The Longhorns inked 15 this year, so 35 is the absolute maximum for 2014.
Texas isn’t going for 35 this year. Its 2013 team will feature 15 seniors if Jordan Hicks is granted his medical redshirt. A full class of 25 signees is likely. But don’t rule out the possibility of 30.
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To gear up for 2013 national signing day, HornsNation’s William Wilkerson is breaking down every commitment in the Longhorns' 2013 recruiting class.
Vitals: Offensive lineman Kent Perkins, Lake Highlands, Texas/Lake Highlands | 6-foot-5, 300 pounds
Vitals: Offensive lineman Kent Perkins, Lake Highlands, Texas/Lake Highlands | 6-foot-5, 300 pounds
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Horns Snapshot: OL Desmond Harrison
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
4:00
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
To gear up for 2013 national signing day, HornsNation’s William Wilkerson is breaking down every commitment in the Longhorns' 2013 recruiting class.
Vitals: Offensive tackle Desmond Harrison, Contra Costa College (Calif.) | 6-foot-8, 310 pounds
Committed: Jan. 21, 2013
Vitals: Offensive tackle Desmond Harrison, Contra Costa College (Calif.) | 6-foot-8, 310 pounds
Committed: Jan. 21, 2013
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Harrison adds to questions on O-line
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
2:31
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Go ahead and pencil Texas’ newest commitment Desmond Harrison (Contra Costa College) in at left tackle.
Then what?
Then what?
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Staff picks: Oregon State vs. Texas
December, 28, 2012
12/28/12
7:30
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By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
The HornsNation staff picks the Valero Alamo Bowl:
Texas 38, Oregon State 35
This game is so hard to pick because Texas is more talented than Oregon State. As most fans and media members that have covered this team know, the Texas issues are much more about that patch of grass between the ears as opposed to the talent that runs out on the grass. Texas will start well on offense, but I believe Oregon State will as well. I would not be shocked at all for it to be a tie game or close to it going into the half. The defense that makes the best adjustments will win this game for their team. We are all talking about the offenses but this game will come down to the defenses. Call me crazy but I'm going with the talent and desperate seniors on the Texas defense. Texas wins a close one.
- Sean Adams
Texas 38, Oregon State 35
This game is so hard to pick because Texas is more talented than Oregon State. As most fans and media members that have covered this team know, the Texas issues are much more about that patch of grass between the ears as opposed to the talent that runs out on the grass. Texas will start well on offense, but I believe Oregon State will as well. I would not be shocked at all for it to be a tie game or close to it going into the half. The defense that makes the best adjustments will win this game for their team. We are all talking about the offenses but this game will come down to the defenses. Call me crazy but I'm going with the talent and desperate seniors on the Texas defense. Texas wins a close one.
- Sean Adams
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Time is now for Applewhite to take reins
December, 17, 2012
12/17/12
5:48
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By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Bryan Harsin was the rebound.
Yep, after the coaching relationship between Texas coach Mack Brown and his former offensive coordinator Greg Davis over those oh so many years, wins and a national title, there had to be one. It was only natural.
Naturally that is not the way Brown explained it when given the opportunity to talk about the departure of his most recently departed co-offensive coordinator, Harsin, and the promoting of another, Major Applewhite.
"I told Major two years ago that I felt like it would be unfair to put him in the [offensive coordinator] position right after Greg Davis," Brown said. "He played for Greg. He coached with Greg and I didn’t think he would ever have a chance for it to be Major’s input. It would always be, 'Well, he’s still doing what Greg did.' And that’s not fair to him or Greg, very honestly.
"When [Applewhite] and I really thought about it -- and I didn’t know it would be two years -- but I thought probably whoever we brought in if we had some success, usually our guys get head jobs around here pretty quickly if they want them," he continued. "Bryan was a guy who came here to get a head coaching job. It’s the only reason he left Boise. I told Major you need to put yourself in the position of play caller every day because that day is going to come and it’s gong to come fast."
Yep, after the coaching relationship between Texas coach Mack Brown and his former offensive coordinator Greg Davis over those oh so many years, wins and a national title, there had to be one. It was only natural.
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John Albright/Icon SMIMajor Applewhite will take over play-calling duties for the Longhorns and coach the quarterbacks.
John Albright/Icon SMIMajor Applewhite will take over play-calling duties for the Longhorns and coach the quarterbacks."I told Major two years ago that I felt like it would be unfair to put him in the [offensive coordinator] position right after Greg Davis," Brown said. "He played for Greg. He coached with Greg and I didn’t think he would ever have a chance for it to be Major’s input. It would always be, 'Well, he’s still doing what Greg did.' And that’s not fair to him or Greg, very honestly.
"When [Applewhite] and I really thought about it -- and I didn’t know it would be two years -- but I thought probably whoever we brought in if we had some success, usually our guys get head jobs around here pretty quickly if they want them," he continued. "Bryan was a guy who came here to get a head coaching job. It’s the only reason he left Boise. I told Major you need to put yourself in the position of play caller every day because that day is going to come and it’s gong to come fast."
Four downs: Defense shattering records
October, 24, 2012
10/24/12
1:00
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By
Sean Adams | ESPN.com
Each week Sean Adams takes a look at some topics around the Texas Longhorns and college football.
First Down: Shattering records ... Oh, not those records.
The Texas defense is still on pace to shatter some school records of distinction. While these records are not the distinction that anyone wants, they are distinctions none the less. The Longhorns are on pace to allow an incredible 6,138 yards this season. If they were to hit that total it would be the most in school history by more than 1,300 yards.
They should be able to pull that average down this weekend against Kansas, but there is no denying that the 2012 Texas defense is one of the worst of the Mack Brown era and, at least statistically, one of the worst ever.
Second Down: Things heard at the Texas news conference on Monday
David Ash was asked if the last week between the Oklahoma game and the Baylor game was more emotional than most weeks. His answer, “I haven’t sat down and ranked the emotionality of every week."
From a media member when told one of the computer rankings had Texas ranked 17 th after the win over Baylor, “Well, hell, the computer can’t watch the game.”
Third Down: After re-watching the Baylor vs. Texas game:
1. Chris Spielman: “Lack of fundamentals being taught. Coordinators focus so much on alignment, assignment and scheme that they lose sight of the fundamentals and discipline. If teams would go back to tackling in practice, not worrying about out-scheming everybody, keeping the ball in front of you and focusing on the fundamentals the scores would drop.”
“A lot of it is the 7-on-7 around the country. What are you taught when you don’t have pads on? We are taught to avoid contact. If you are continually avoiding contact, you have to break the bad habits once you get the pads on.”
2. The middle of the offensive line was dealing. Trey Hopkins, Dominic Espinosa and Mason Walters had very good games.
3. Where in the world is Jaxon Shipley? He is too talented to not have more targets going his way.
4. M.J. McFarland is reminding us more and more of the tight ends that have had so much success on the 40 Acres and in the NFL.
5. Is Steve Edmond playing out of place? Should he have his hand down on the ground?
6. Josh Turner might have been the brightest spot on the defense. Twice in the second half, Turner was able to get Baylor off the field, with his interception ranking as the biggest turning point in the entire game.
7. A shout out to Demarco Cobbs for having possibly his best game. He is pound for pound one of the best athletes on the defense. He had his best football game as a football player on Saturday.
8. Mack Brown was active during the game and making his way to the benches to talk with assistant coaches to the players, especially on the defense. CEO on the front line?
9. Malcom Brown is a defensive tackle that has a really bright future on the defensive line.
10. By the time 2014 rolls around, Ash will be a really good quarterback and his play of 2011 will be a thing of the past.
Fourth Down: Adams’ Big 12 Power Poll
First Down: Shattering records ... Oh, not those records.
The Texas defense is still on pace to shatter some school records of distinction. While these records are not the distinction that anyone wants, they are distinctions none the less. The Longhorns are on pace to allow an incredible 6,138 yards this season. If they were to hit that total it would be the most in school history by more than 1,300 yards.
They should be able to pull that average down this weekend against Kansas, but there is no denying that the 2012 Texas defense is one of the worst of the Mack Brown era and, at least statistically, one of the worst ever.
Second Down: Things heard at the Texas news conference on Monday
David Ash was asked if the last week between the Oklahoma game and the Baylor game was more emotional than most weeks. His answer, “I haven’t sat down and ranked the emotionality of every week."
From a media member when told one of the computer rankings had Texas ranked 17 th after the win over Baylor, “Well, hell, the computer can’t watch the game.”
Third Down: After re-watching the Baylor vs. Texas game:
1. Chris Spielman: “Lack of fundamentals being taught. Coordinators focus so much on alignment, assignment and scheme that they lose sight of the fundamentals and discipline. If teams would go back to tackling in practice, not worrying about out-scheming everybody, keeping the ball in front of you and focusing on the fundamentals the scores would drop.”
“A lot of it is the 7-on-7 around the country. What are you taught when you don’t have pads on? We are taught to avoid contact. If you are continually avoiding contact, you have to break the bad habits once you get the pads on.”
2. The middle of the offensive line was dealing. Trey Hopkins, Dominic Espinosa and Mason Walters had very good games.
3. Where in the world is Jaxon Shipley? He is too talented to not have more targets going his way.
4. M.J. McFarland is reminding us more and more of the tight ends that have had so much success on the 40 Acres and in the NFL.
5. Is Steve Edmond playing out of place? Should he have his hand down on the ground?
6. Josh Turner might have been the brightest spot on the defense. Twice in the second half, Turner was able to get Baylor off the field, with his interception ranking as the biggest turning point in the entire game.
7. A shout out to Demarco Cobbs for having possibly his best game. He is pound for pound one of the best athletes on the defense. He had his best football game as a football player on Saturday.
8. Mack Brown was active during the game and making his way to the benches to talk with assistant coaches to the players, especially on the defense. CEO on the front line?
9. Malcom Brown is a defensive tackle that has a really bright future on the defensive line.
10. By the time 2014 rolls around, Ash will be a really good quarterback and his play of 2011 will be a thing of the past.
Fourth Down: Adams’ Big 12 Power Poll
- Kansas State (No. 1 last week): The Wildcats are incredible and they have the Heisman leader in Optimus Klein.
- Oklahoma (2): It goes out of conference and host Notre Dame this Saturday.
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Time for Texas to face its identity issues
October, 18, 2012
10/18/12
8:00
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By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
During two-a-days in the preseason, Texas’ coaching staff made an effort to hammer home an important message to its players.
The story of this Texas Longhorns team would not be written in the preseason magazines. The Longhorns needed this one to stick. They needed to prevent the complacency and entitlement that had doomed a just-as-promising 2010 squad.
Those preseason mags, with their glossy photos, generic evaluations and far-too-early prognostications, were in near-universal agreement when pegging the 2012 Longhorns.
Phil Steele said Texas is “loaded at every position.” Sports Illustrated assured “the defense won’t be a problem for Texas” and “the Longhorns’ D should light up most of the Big 12 quarterbacks it sees.” ESPN The Magazine ran a glowing feature declaring that Texas was poised to threaten the SEC’s elite. All agreed instability at quarterback was Bevo’s biggest flaw.
They all said what most Longhorns fans already believed: The identity of this team was unmistakable. Tremendous defense. Solid power offense. Big 12 title contender.
Preseason judgments came from what Texas looked like on paper. Midseason judgments? They come from what’s on tape. What we know now, thanks to the 42-point shellacking Oklahoma doled out last week, is much murkier.
What exactly is the identity of this Texas team?
The story of this Texas Longhorns team would not be written in the preseason magazines. The Longhorns needed this one to stick. They needed to prevent the complacency and entitlement that had doomed a just-as-promising 2010 squad.
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J.P. Wilson/Icon SMIMike Davis and the Longhorns passing attack has shown the ability to stretch the field, but Texas struggled offensively against the Sooners.
J.P. Wilson/Icon SMIMike Davis and the Longhorns passing attack has shown the ability to stretch the field, but Texas struggled offensively against the Sooners.Phil Steele said Texas is “loaded at every position.” Sports Illustrated assured “the defense won’t be a problem for Texas” and “the Longhorns’ D should light up most of the Big 12 quarterbacks it sees.” ESPN The Magazine ran a glowing feature declaring that Texas was poised to threaten the SEC’s elite. All agreed instability at quarterback was Bevo’s biggest flaw.
They all said what most Longhorns fans already believed: The identity of this team was unmistakable. Tremendous defense. Solid power offense. Big 12 title contender.
Preseason judgments came from what Texas looked like on paper. Midseason judgments? They come from what’s on tape. What we know now, thanks to the 42-point shellacking Oklahoma doled out last week, is much murkier.
What exactly is the identity of this Texas team?
Longhorns must rally around QB David Ash
October, 17, 2012
10/17/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Well, that whole "RISE" slogan Texas tried to brand on everything since it was ingeniously conceived and trumpeted back in June is not working.
As if inspirational mantras ever do outside of a yoga studio.
But it has become clear that Texas cannot rise without subsequently falling -- to the same opponent, Oklahoma. Repeatedly. So it is with that in mind a meeting of the minds clearly needs to convene in order to conjure up another team slogan.
Therefore let it be noted the first suggestion put forward for a new Texas slogan is ... can we get some trumpets sounding? ... Beat Up, But Not Broken.
At least it fits for quarterback David Ash and his left wrist.
That’s right, the quarterback, who donned nothing more than what appeared to be a headless sock puppet on his wrist Monday while talking to the media, has evidently rubbed some dirt on what appeared to be a gruesome injury and is ready to play.
Looks worse than it is, he said.
Hey, wait a minute, "looks worse than it is," very well could be entry No. 2 in the new Texas slogan contest. But enough digressions. Back to the issue at hand, er, wrist.
And that issue is: Can those around Ash take note of the backbone -- not to mention an apparent lack of a central nervous system, as least the part governing pain -- exhibited by him and play for him?
As if inspirational mantras ever do outside of a yoga studio.
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Tim Heitman/US PresswireQuarterback David Ash injured his wrist against Oklahoma, but he says he's playing against Baylor on Saturday.
Tim Heitman/US PresswireQuarterback David Ash injured his wrist against Oklahoma, but he says he's playing against Baylor on Saturday.Therefore let it be noted the first suggestion put forward for a new Texas slogan is ... can we get some trumpets sounding? ... Beat Up, But Not Broken.
At least it fits for quarterback David Ash and his left wrist.
That’s right, the quarterback, who donned nothing more than what appeared to be a headless sock puppet on his wrist Monday while talking to the media, has evidently rubbed some dirt on what appeared to be a gruesome injury and is ready to play.
Looks worse than it is, he said.
Hey, wait a minute, "looks worse than it is," very well could be entry No. 2 in the new Texas slogan contest. But enough digressions. Back to the issue at hand, er, wrist.
And that issue is: Can those around Ash take note of the backbone -- not to mention an apparent lack of a central nervous system, as least the part governing pain -- exhibited by him and play for him?
Wild formation has two to thank for revival
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
4:00
PM CT
By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
When fall camp began, Mack Brown didn’t know if Johnathan Gray had it in him. Could he run "Wild?"
There was no topping how the direct-snap formation looked when Fozzy Whittaker was running the show, on that Brown was certain. But there was always some indefinable trait -- some “it” factor -- that made Whittaker uncommonly perfect for the role.
Texas coaches usually referred to it as toughness, but it was a combination of a few things. Decisiveness. A quick first step. Power into the second level.
Whatever it is, Gray found that “it” factor last Saturday at Oklahoma State.
Gray ran the Wild formation six times against the Cowboys. He kept the ball three times and rushed for 20 yards, including 13 yards after contact. He gave it to D.J. Monroe on a sweep left for a 10-yard pickup and handed off to Jaxon Shipley twice -- a 2-yard run and a trick play that Shipley threw away incomplete.
Those numbers are modest, yes, but there’s one stat that can’t be overlooked: Texas picked up four first downs on its five carries out of the Wild.
Though it was his first ever game running the formation, Gray was trusted with the ball in his hands on a third-and-2 and later on a fourth-and-2 situation. That alone is a testament to the level of trust he’s already earned.
“He’s handling the Wild formation like a five-year senior,” Brown said. “He’s handling it like Fozzy did, and we didn’t know that in preseason. We just weren’t sure who the guy was or what he was. It’s him. It’s him all over the place.”
There was no topping how the direct-snap formation looked when Fozzy Whittaker was running the show, on that Brown was certain. But there was always some indefinable trait -- some “it” factor -- that made Whittaker uncommonly perfect for the role.
Texas coaches usually referred to it as toughness, but it was a combination of a few things. Decisiveness. A quick first step. Power into the second level.
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William Purnell/Icon SMIFreshman Johnathan Gray rushed for 68 yards on 12 carries in Texas' win over Oklahoma State.
William Purnell/Icon SMIFreshman Johnathan Gray rushed for 68 yards on 12 carries in Texas' win over Oklahoma State.Gray ran the Wild formation six times against the Cowboys. He kept the ball three times and rushed for 20 yards, including 13 yards after contact. He gave it to D.J. Monroe on a sweep left for a 10-yard pickup and handed off to Jaxon Shipley twice -- a 2-yard run and a trick play that Shipley threw away incomplete.
Those numbers are modest, yes, but there’s one stat that can’t be overlooked: Texas picked up four first downs on its five carries out of the Wild.
Though it was his first ever game running the formation, Gray was trusted with the ball in his hands on a third-and-2 and later on a fourth-and-2 situation. That alone is a testament to the level of trust he’s already earned.
“He’s handling the Wild formation like a five-year senior,” Brown said. “He’s handling it like Fozzy did, and we didn’t know that in preseason. We just weren’t sure who the guy was or what he was. It’s him. It’s him all over the place.”
ABOUT HORNSNATION
Sean Adams
Sean Adams has covered the Texas Longhorns and college football for the last 12 years as a writer and radio host. Sean co-hosts "The Big Show" with Erin Hogan each afternoon on ESPN Austin 104.9 The Horn. He lives with his family in Round Rock, Texas. Email him at thisean@gmail.com.
Max Olson
Max Olson joined ESPN in 2012 after covering the University of Nebraska for the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald and high school and college sports for the World-Herald and Rivals.com. Olson is a University of Nebraska graduate and lives in Austin, Texas. Email him at maxolsonespn@gmail.com.
Carter Strickand
Carter Strickland joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Georgia for Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the University of Oklahoma for The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman and Washington State University for The (Spokane, Wash.) Spokesman-Review. Strickland lives with his wife and family in Austin. Email him at cstrickland70@gmail.com.
William Wilkerson
William Wilkerson joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering high school sports, college sports and the Texas Rangers over four years at the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram. William is a University of Texas graduate and lives in Austin. He can be reached at wilkerson.espn@gmail.com.