Texas Longhorns: Adrian Phillips
2012 record: 9-4
2012 conference record: 5-4 (third in the Big 12)
Returning starters: Offense: 10; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners: QB David Ash, RB Johnathan Gray, WR Mike Davis, WR Jaxon Shipley, LT Donald Hawkins, RT Josh Cochran, G Mason Walters, DE Jackson Jeffcoat, LB Jordan Hicks, CB Quandre Diggs, CB Carrington Byndom
Key losses: P Alex King, S Kenny Vaccaro, DE Alex Okafor, WR Marquise Goodwin
2012 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Johnathan Gray* (701 yards)
Passing: David Ash* (2,699 yards)
Receiving: Mike Davis* (939 yards)
Tackles: Kenny Vaccaro (107)
Sacks: Alex Okafor (12.5)
Interceptions: Quandre Diggs* (4)
Spring answers:
1. Under center: Texas has finally ended all the debate about its quarterback situation and settled on David Ash. While Ash has yet to be stellar in his first two years at Texas, the junior has steadily improved -- he was top 25 in pass efficiency rating in 2012 -- and has won the trust of new quarterbacks coach Major Applewhite. Applewhite believes Ash is the quarterback best suited to run the new up-tempo, spread attack.
2. Loaded at linebacker: One year after being the worst tackling team in the Big 12, Texas went into the spring looking to shore up its linebacker position. And it had plenty of options. Texas has seven linebackers who have started at least one game. Included in that group is Jordan Hicks, who is back after missing 10 games last year because of a hip injury. Hicks will team with true sophomores, Dalton Santos and Peter Jinkens for what should be a much faster and aggressive unit in 2013.
3. Along the lines: While there were a sprinkling of injuries along the offensive line this spring (Josh Cochran and Trey Hopkins), Texas appears to have finally solved the depth riddle at that position. Tackle Kennedy Estelle was able to get quality snaps and should prove to be a solid backup and Sedrick Flowers finally emerged as an option at guard. While Texas returns all five starter from a year ago along the line, the Longhorns know that in the new up-tempo offense it will have to lean heavily on these backups.
Fall questions
1. Speed thrills: Texas wants to move the ball fast. So fast that the offensive players were even taught how to quickly get the ball back to the official so that they could put it down and Texas could line up and run the next play. But Texas only decided it wanted to play this way in mid-December when there was a change in playcallers from Bryan Harsin to Applewhite. So Texas has only had a handful of practices to get up to speed. With a schedule that has Texas at BYU for the second game of the season there doesn’t appear to be much time to get things perfected.
2. Safety dance: Texas’ defense was the worst in school history and that was largely due to the play of the back seven on defense. And now the best player in that back seven, Kenny Vaccaro, is gone. He was a first-round draft pick. That has left Texas wondering who will step up and make some stop at the safety position. Adrian Phillips takes over for Vaccaro, but he was inconsistent last season. The coaches blamed a shoulder injury and the fact he missed the spring. Mykkele Thompson and Josh Turner also missed their share of tackles but both are being called on to be possible starters.
3. Receiving praise: Texas has not had a 1,000-yard receiver since Jordan Shipley in 2009. Mike Davis had 939 yards last year and appears poised to break the 1,000-yard mark this season. But to do that he will need help. And right now there are some questions as to where that help will come from. Texas wants to go with four wide receivers but two of the four players expected to fill those roles -- Cayleb Jones and Kendall Sanders -- are currently suspended because of legal issues. Both will probably be back. But even then, Texas is very thin at wide receiver and needs some other players to step up to help take the double teams away from Davis.
2012 conference record: 5-4 (third in the Big 12)
Returning starters: Offense: 10; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners: QB David Ash, RB Johnathan Gray, WR Mike Davis, WR Jaxon Shipley, LT Donald Hawkins, RT Josh Cochran, G Mason Walters, DE Jackson Jeffcoat, LB Jordan Hicks, CB Quandre Diggs, CB Carrington Byndom
Key losses: P Alex King, S Kenny Vaccaro, DE Alex Okafor, WR Marquise Goodwin
2012 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Johnathan Gray* (701 yards)
Passing: David Ash* (2,699 yards)
Receiving: Mike Davis* (939 yards)
Tackles: Kenny Vaccaro (107)
Sacks: Alex Okafor (12.5)
Interceptions: Quandre Diggs* (4)
Spring answers:
1. Under center: Texas has finally ended all the debate about its quarterback situation and settled on David Ash. While Ash has yet to be stellar in his first two years at Texas, the junior has steadily improved -- he was top 25 in pass efficiency rating in 2012 -- and has won the trust of new quarterbacks coach Major Applewhite. Applewhite believes Ash is the quarterback best suited to run the new up-tempo, spread attack.
2. Loaded at linebacker: One year after being the worst tackling team in the Big 12, Texas went into the spring looking to shore up its linebacker position. And it had plenty of options. Texas has seven linebackers who have started at least one game. Included in that group is Jordan Hicks, who is back after missing 10 games last year because of a hip injury. Hicks will team with true sophomores, Dalton Santos and Peter Jinkens for what should be a much faster and aggressive unit in 2013.
3. Along the lines: While there were a sprinkling of injuries along the offensive line this spring (Josh Cochran and Trey Hopkins), Texas appears to have finally solved the depth riddle at that position. Tackle Kennedy Estelle was able to get quality snaps and should prove to be a solid backup and Sedrick Flowers finally emerged as an option at guard. While Texas returns all five starter from a year ago along the line, the Longhorns know that in the new up-tempo offense it will have to lean heavily on these backups.
Fall questions
1. Speed thrills: Texas wants to move the ball fast. So fast that the offensive players were even taught how to quickly get the ball back to the official so that they could put it down and Texas could line up and run the next play. But Texas only decided it wanted to play this way in mid-December when there was a change in playcallers from Bryan Harsin to Applewhite. So Texas has only had a handful of practices to get up to speed. With a schedule that has Texas at BYU for the second game of the season there doesn’t appear to be much time to get things perfected.
2. Safety dance: Texas’ defense was the worst in school history and that was largely due to the play of the back seven on defense. And now the best player in that back seven, Kenny Vaccaro, is gone. He was a first-round draft pick. That has left Texas wondering who will step up and make some stop at the safety position. Adrian Phillips takes over for Vaccaro, but he was inconsistent last season. The coaches blamed a shoulder injury and the fact he missed the spring. Mykkele Thompson and Josh Turner also missed their share of tackles but both are being called on to be possible starters.
3. Receiving praise: Texas has not had a 1,000-yard receiver since Jordan Shipley in 2009. Mike Davis had 939 yards last year and appears poised to break the 1,000-yard mark this season. But to do that he will need help. And right now there are some questions as to where that help will come from. Texas wants to go with four wide receivers but two of the four players expected to fill those roles -- Cayleb Jones and Kendall Sanders -- are currently suspended because of legal issues. Both will probably be back. But even then, Texas is very thin at wide receiver and needs some other players to step up to help take the double teams away from Davis.
UT's Diggs insists he's not needed at safety
March, 28, 2013
Mar 28
1:30
PM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas – Quandre Diggs wants to quell all the rumors.
"I feel like we can put those rumors to rest about me playing safety this spring because that’s not what I’m doing," said the junior defensive back. "I’m playing nickel and corner. I don’t have a problem playing safety, but that is not where I’m needed right now."
There was a thought back in December that -- with Kenny Vaccaro leaving and the remaining safeties underperforming throughout 2012 -- Texas could move Diggs to safety. He even took some reps at that spot in bowl practice. Texas appeared to be deeper at corner and therefore could afford to make the move.
But there has been steady improvement, and as a direct result much more faith, in returning safeties Adrian Phillips, Mykkele Thompson and Josh Turner. Phillips is expected to be the leader of that group and the one certain starter. Many of his problems in 2012 were pinned on a shoulder injury that hampered his development.
"I have a lot of faith in those three guys in safety so we can put those rumors to rest," Diggs said.
"I feel like we can put those rumors to rest about me playing safety this spring because that’s not what I’m doing," said the junior defensive back. "I’m playing nickel and corner. I don’t have a problem playing safety, but that is not where I’m needed right now."
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Rogelio V. SolisThe Longhorns experimented with playing Quandre Diggs at safety but he's sticking at cornerback.
AP Photo/Rogelio V. SolisThe Longhorns experimented with playing Quandre Diggs at safety but he's sticking at cornerback.But there has been steady improvement, and as a direct result much more faith, in returning safeties Adrian Phillips, Mykkele Thompson and Josh Turner. Phillips is expected to be the leader of that group and the one certain starter. Many of his problems in 2012 were pinned on a shoulder injury that hampered his development.
"I have a lot of faith in those three guys in safety so we can put those rumors to rest," Diggs said.
5 Horns to watch in second half of spring 
March, 18, 2013
Mar 18
8:00
AM CT
By
Sean Adams | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas has one of the most experienced teams in the Big 12 coming back for the 2013 season. It has finished the first half of spring practice, went on spring break and now will settle back in to finish the spring as strong as possible.
In order for the Longhorns to realize and capitalize on their potential, there are some players that will have to step up for rest of spring practice. Here are five Longhorns who need to have a huge spring:
In order for the Longhorns to realize and capitalize on their potential, there are some players that will have to step up for rest of spring practice. Here are five Longhorns who need to have a huge spring:
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UT defense turning page on 2012 'letdown'
March, 13, 2013
Mar 13
8:00
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Manny Diaz's first mistake, the one that would lead to 112 more in the form of missed tackles, was believing, or at the very least not tempering, the hype.
"The mistake I made last year was that I was aware that expectations were higher for our team than they should have been," the Texas defensive coordinator said. "I think there were too many assumptions made. We said, 'Well, this guy is bigger and faster than the guy who graduated, so he must be better.'
"The mistake I made is I should have said, 'Forget about it, it’s your turn now,' " Diaz said.
Their turn is coming up again; most of the same players in all of the same positions. And that is where the worry lies. Not much appears to have changed at Texas. Same players. Same coach. Oh, wait a minute: There has been some change. The two best players on a defense that was the worst in school history in 2012 are off to the NFL. So the team is without its leading tackler from a year ago, Kenny Vaccaro, and without Alex Okafor, who took over the Alamo Bowl and led Texas in sacks. And now there is supposed to be some excitement about the "turn" this group is about to take? Try hand-wringing worry.
"Understandably, we will have lost trust from people from our performance last year, and we understand that," Diaz said. "There’s nothing we can do until we go back out and play in the fall to regain that trust. Our job right now is to get these guys as good as they can be to become a physical, hard-nosed defense."
The first step in doing that is remembering, not who they were collectively a season ago, but who they were when they were at their best, when they were freer, faster and more fearless on the field.
"We can’t carry around the ghost of last year," Diaz said.
"The mistake I made last year was that I was aware that expectations were higher for our team than they should have been," the Texas defensive coordinator said. "I think there were too many assumptions made. We said, 'Well, this guy is bigger and faster than the guy who graduated, so he must be better.'
[+] Enlarge
Patrick Green/Icon SMIManny Diaz believed in the hype of Texas' defense last season. He won't make the mistake again.
Patrick Green/Icon SMIManny Diaz believed in the hype of Texas' defense last season. He won't make the mistake again.Their turn is coming up again; most of the same players in all of the same positions. And that is where the worry lies. Not much appears to have changed at Texas. Same players. Same coach. Oh, wait a minute: There has been some change. The two best players on a defense that was the worst in school history in 2012 are off to the NFL. So the team is without its leading tackler from a year ago, Kenny Vaccaro, and without Alex Okafor, who took over the Alamo Bowl and led Texas in sacks. And now there is supposed to be some excitement about the "turn" this group is about to take? Try hand-wringing worry.
"Understandably, we will have lost trust from people from our performance last year, and we understand that," Diaz said. "There’s nothing we can do until we go back out and play in the fall to regain that trust. Our job right now is to get these guys as good as they can be to become a physical, hard-nosed defense."
The first step in doing that is remembering, not who they were collectively a season ago, but who they were when they were at their best, when they were freer, faster and more fearless on the field.
"We can’t carry around the ghost of last year," Diaz said.
Position breakdown: Defensive back
February, 21, 2013
Feb 21
3:30
PM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Duane Akina will spend most of the spring mix and matching.
Given time, the Texas secondary coach likes to take his time before typecasting a certain player in a certain role. Ideally, Akina prefers to have every defensive back ready and able to play every role.
That versatility can not only cover up some deficiencies but also make the back four a stronger and more cohesive unit because every player understands the role to the player next to him seeing as how he has spent at least some time in that role.
Given time, the Texas secondary coach likes to take his time before typecasting a certain player in a certain role. Ideally, Akina prefers to have every defensive back ready and able to play every role.
That versatility can not only cover up some deficiencies but also make the back four a stronger and more cohesive unit because every player understands the role to the player next to him seeing as how he has spent at least some time in that role.
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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: Safety Erik Huhn, Cibolo, Texas/Steele | 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
Committed: June 3, 2012
ESPN.com grade: 80. Four-star recruit
ESPN.com rankings: No. 16 safety, No. 64 player in Midlands region, No. 56 player in Texas.
Vitals: Safety Erik Huhn, Cibolo, Texas/Steele | 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
Committed: June 3, 2012
ESPN.com grade: 80. Four-star recruit
ESPN.com rankings: No. 16 safety, No. 64 player in Midlands region, No. 56 player in Texas.
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Four downs: Is David Ash the right pick?
December, 19, 2012
12/19/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Sean Adams | ESPN.com
Every week Sean Adams takes a look at some topics around the Texas Longhorns and college football.
First down: Is David Ash the right choice?
Does David Ash have "it?" Can we even define what "it" is? Do we go with the Royalism (named after Texas legend Darrell K Royal) of, "If you have to ask the question about whether he has 'it,' he doesn’t." The questions are everywhere.
First down: Is David Ash the right choice?
Does David Ash have "it?" Can we even define what "it" is? Do we go with the Royalism (named after Texas legend Darrell K Royal) of, "If you have to ask the question about whether he has 'it,' he doesn’t." The questions are everywhere.
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Roundtable: Texas' next safety target?
November, 30, 2012
11/30/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Max Olson and
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Every Friday, HornsNation recruiting writers William Wilkerson and Max Olson will answer a question about the Longhorns.
This week's question: What does Texas do at safety now that it missed on Marcell Harris?
Max Olson: Marcell Harris would’ve been one of the dream gets for this Texas recruiting class. Now it’s time to start thinking realistically.
This week's question: What does Texas do at safety now that it missed on Marcell Harris?
Max Olson: Marcell Harris would’ve been one of the dream gets for this Texas recruiting class. Now it’s time to start thinking realistically.
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Each week Sean Adams takes a look at some topics around the Texas Longhorns and college football.
First down: Who knows what 2013 looks like?
Texas coach Mack Brown, alumni, former players, local media and national media have all pointed toward 2013 and 2014 as the years when the Texas Longhorn football program should be loaded at every position. The whole program should have great depth and have impact players on both lines.
With all that said, getting to 2013 is proving to be harder than most expected. David Ash was named the starting quarterback to start the season and for the most part has been successful. He did not play well against Oklahoma, Kansas or TCU. The team was able to overcome the play and win the game against a bad Kansas team. His play, when bad, has been really bad. He still has the most upside of anyone who we have seen play but he also carries a fear for the Texas fan base.
I have long held the contention that no matter how great the other parts of the football team were, the 2013 team would not be championship caliber if it did not finish 2012 with one entrenched quarterback.
On Monday David Ash, who is listed as questionable for the Kansas State game, received a marginal vote of confidence from Brown.
“I think David’s got a chance to be really good in the future,” Brown said. “Case [McCoy] has done a good job coming off the bench and hopefully Case will do well this weekend.”
When asked again if David Ash would be his quarterback in 2013, Brown said sharply, “I see David being a good player for the future.”
Second down: What is still out there for Texas?
I wanted to play in the NFL. When I figured out I wasn't good enough, I had to adjust my goals. I wanted to be a doctor but when I figured out that I wasn't smart enough my goals changed again. I wanted to date a lot in college but when I remembered that I wasn’t very cute, I had to concentrate on finding one woman that would put up with me.
We have to adjust our goals a lot in our lives and Texas has had to adjust its goals and expectations a lot for this football team and program. It’s the old saying "When you’re going through hell, keep going."
On Monday Brown said, “We have a chance to win 10 games. We are in a better place than we were this time last year even after a disappointing loss.”
Teams in the middle of hard times have to reach for goals too. Texas is no different than any other team from Alabama to Florida to USC. When it lost its goals and expectations were changed for the season.
What Texas is talking about right now is all they can talk about. After the season is over, then it will have a chance to look back at it from a holistic perspective.
Third down: Do 10 games really matter?
Should it even be the goal? Ten wins would be more than the 8 wins from 2011.
It is pretty apparent that the goal or at least the adjusted goal for the 2012 Texas team is to get back on track with 10 wins in a season.
“This is a big game for us,” said safety Adrian Phillips. “It’ll give us a chance to win our ninth game. We still want to end with 10 wins this season. This game is big and it also gives us an opportunity to knock off a Top 10 team.”
I surely think that winning 10 games matters but the question will be is that enough. Teams play 13 games including the bowl games and people have to ask themselves if averaging 10 wins or getting to 10 wins is enough for them.
It was an amazingly impressive streak when Texas was doing it but it also brought two conference championships and a national championship.
Texas seems a long way from a conference championship. They are so far from a national championship that my fingers ache just typing it.
Fourth down: Adams’ Big 12 Power Poll
First down: Who knows what 2013 looks like?
Texas coach Mack Brown, alumni, former players, local media and national media have all pointed toward 2013 and 2014 as the years when the Texas Longhorn football program should be loaded at every position. The whole program should have great depth and have impact players on both lines.
With all that said, getting to 2013 is proving to be harder than most expected. David Ash was named the starting quarterback to start the season and for the most part has been successful. He did not play well against Oklahoma, Kansas or TCU. The team was able to overcome the play and win the game against a bad Kansas team. His play, when bad, has been really bad. He still has the most upside of anyone who we have seen play but he also carries a fear for the Texas fan base.
I have long held the contention that no matter how great the other parts of the football team were, the 2013 team would not be championship caliber if it did not finish 2012 with one entrenched quarterback.
On Monday David Ash, who is listed as questionable for the Kansas State game, received a marginal vote of confidence from Brown.
“I think David’s got a chance to be really good in the future,” Brown said. “Case [McCoy] has done a good job coming off the bench and hopefully Case will do well this weekend.”
When asked again if David Ash would be his quarterback in 2013, Brown said sharply, “I see David being a good player for the future.”
Second down: What is still out there for Texas?
I wanted to play in the NFL. When I figured out I wasn't good enough, I had to adjust my goals. I wanted to be a doctor but when I figured out that I wasn't smart enough my goals changed again. I wanted to date a lot in college but when I remembered that I wasn’t very cute, I had to concentrate on finding one woman that would put up with me.
We have to adjust our goals a lot in our lives and Texas has had to adjust its goals and expectations a lot for this football team and program. It’s the old saying "When you’re going through hell, keep going."
On Monday Brown said, “We have a chance to win 10 games. We are in a better place than we were this time last year even after a disappointing loss.”
Teams in the middle of hard times have to reach for goals too. Texas is no different than any other team from Alabama to Florida to USC. When it lost its goals and expectations were changed for the season.
What Texas is talking about right now is all they can talk about. After the season is over, then it will have a chance to look back at it from a holistic perspective.
Third down: Do 10 games really matter?
Should it even be the goal? Ten wins would be more than the 8 wins from 2011.
It is pretty apparent that the goal or at least the adjusted goal for the 2012 Texas team is to get back on track with 10 wins in a season.
“This is a big game for us,” said safety Adrian Phillips. “It’ll give us a chance to win our ninth game. We still want to end with 10 wins this season. This game is big and it also gives us an opportunity to knock off a Top 10 team.”
I surely think that winning 10 games matters but the question will be is that enough. Teams play 13 games including the bowl games and people have to ask themselves if averaging 10 wins or getting to 10 wins is enough for them.
It was an amazingly impressive streak when Texas was doing it but it also brought two conference championships and a national championship.
Texas seems a long way from a conference championship. They are so far from a national championship that my fingers ache just typing it.
Fourth down: Adams’ Big 12 Power Poll
- Oklahoma (No. 1 last week): It pulled out a win at home against Oklahoma State and stays on top.
- Kansas State (3): I bet it can’t wait to get to Texas on Saturday.
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Roundtable: Instant impact in '13 for Texas
November, 2, 2012
11/02/12
11:00
AM CT
By
Max Olson and
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
Every Friday, HornsNation recruiting writers William Wilkerson and Max Olson will answer a question about the Longhorns.
This week's question: At which position does Texas need the most immediate help in 2013?
William Wilkerson: It has to be safety.
This week's question: At which position does Texas need the most immediate help in 2013?
William Wilkerson: It has to be safety.
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A closer look at Texas' defensive issues
October, 31, 2012
10/31/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas – Quandre Diggs talks like he plays -- fast, hard and with an edge.
So when the question as to why the defense has not lived up the hype was put to the Texas cornerback he came back with a quick punch: "You think everybody who comes on the field is automatically an all-American."
Well, true. That is the perception of Texas because Texas does recruit and sign so many high school all-Americans. Over the past five years, Texas has had 51 ESPN top 150 players sign. For perspective, Baylor has had three. The Bears are only 25 spots worse in overall defense than Texas this season.
So when the question as to why the defense has not lived up the hype was put to the Texas cornerback he came back with a quick punch: "You think everybody who comes on the field is automatically an all-American."
Well, true. That is the perception of Texas because Texas does recruit and sign so many high school all-Americans. Over the past five years, Texas has had 51 ESPN top 150 players sign. For perspective, Baylor has had three. The Bears are only 25 spots worse in overall defense than Texas this season.
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Five storylines: Baylor vs. Texas
October, 18, 2012
10/18/12
10:00
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
Five storylines for Texas as it plays Baylor Saturday night at DKR.
1. Watch out for Williams
Baylor wide receiver Terrance Williams has proven to be the most explosive player at his position in FBS. Williams has eight receptions that have gained 40 or more yards. Seven of those eight 40-plus yard gains were on balls throw at least 20 yards in the air, meaning Williams uses speed to beat a defender off the line. That also means that the defense needs help with a safety over the top. And this is where Texas could have issues.
1. Watch out for Williams
Baylor wide receiver Terrance Williams has proven to be the most explosive player at his position in FBS. Williams has eight receptions that have gained 40 or more yards. Seven of those eight 40-plus yard gains were on balls throw at least 20 yards in the air, meaning Williams uses speed to beat a defender off the line. That also means that the defense needs help with a safety over the top. And this is where Texas could have issues.
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Tackling still a struggle for Texas defense
October, 16, 2012
10/16/12
4:00
PM CT
By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- You’ve had to devour lots of sour, nasty statistics from Oklahoma’s 63-21 beatdown of Texas. Here’s another that won’t sit well.
The number is 311.
That’s how many extra yards Oklahoma picked up against the Longhorns thanks to a combination of missed tackles, over-pursuits, poor angles and other kinds of whiffs.
The number is 311.
That’s how many extra yards Oklahoma picked up against the Longhorns thanks to a combination of missed tackles, over-pursuits, poor angles and other kinds of whiffs.
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Kenny Vaccaro at a loss over Texas' issues
October, 9, 2012
10/09/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Kenny Vaccaro is a senior.
He's a leader.
He's the spirit of the Texas defense.
And he is at a loss.
"Right now all I can say is we've got to keep working hard and I don't have all the answers," said the Longhorns safety.
It's impossible to have all the answers when it comes to the Texas defense because there are so many questions. Why can't Texas tackle? What's wrong with Carrington Byndom? Is Mykkele Thompson really the answer at safety next to Vaccaro or should Adrian Phillips be the guy? What will change when and if Jordan Hicks comes back?
The questions, much like the points scored by West Virginia, abound.
One place where there are no questions though is with the play of Vaccaro.
"Kenny has been the key," said Texas coach Mack Brown. "He has played great. He is tough and he is smart."
But the issue remains that Vaccaro has been the exception rather than the rule. As a whole, the Texas defense has not lived up to the hype manufactured by the media. And it is not just since Hicks went out in the third quarter against Ole Miss. There were cracks in the foundation as far back as Wyoming and the Keystone cops missed tackle that led to an 82-yard touchdown. And even further, according to Brown.
"I've seen this from spring that we were giving up yards," Brown said.
He's a leader.
He's the spirit of the Texas defense.
And he is at a loss.
[+] Enlarge
John Albright/Icon SMISenior safety Kenny Vaccaro has been the most consistent part of Texas' inconsistent defense this season.
John Albright/Icon SMISenior safety Kenny Vaccaro has been the most consistent part of Texas' inconsistent defense this season.It's impossible to have all the answers when it comes to the Texas defense because there are so many questions. Why can't Texas tackle? What's wrong with Carrington Byndom? Is Mykkele Thompson really the answer at safety next to Vaccaro or should Adrian Phillips be the guy? What will change when and if Jordan Hicks comes back?
The questions, much like the points scored by West Virginia, abound.
One place where there are no questions though is with the play of Vaccaro.
"Kenny has been the key," said Texas coach Mack Brown. "He has played great. He is tough and he is smart."
But the issue remains that Vaccaro has been the exception rather than the rule. As a whole, the Texas defense has not lived up to the hype manufactured by the media. And it is not just since Hicks went out in the third quarter against Ole Miss. There were cracks in the foundation as far back as Wyoming and the Keystone cops missed tackle that led to an 82-yard touchdown. And even further, according to Brown.
"I've seen this from spring that we were giving up yards," Brown said.
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.