There is nothing quite like football in the state of Texas, and for the past 15 years, Mack Brown has been the most powerful figure in the sport anywhere in the state. Unfortunately for the UT faithful, the last two season have not gone the way they had hoped. Will 2013 be the third straight down year for the Longhorns, or will things be headed back in the right direction in Austin?
One of the largest reasons for the fall off over the past two years has been inconsistent play from the QB position. Between Garrett Gilbert, David Ash, and Case McCoy, the team could not find and stick with a single guy as their leader. Well Gilbert is gone, and it seems that the job is David Ash's to lose. Despite being an athletic QB, he did not show that dual-treat capability last season. If he can develop both as a passer and runner, and give the team consistent play, I'd expect the level of play from the whole offense to rise. Another reason for the recent struggles in Texas has been the lack of a running game. RB Malcolm Brown burst onto the scene last year, and it looked as if could be the next great Texas running back, that the team had been missing since Jamal Charles went pro. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by injury. He is back for his SO season now, and seems to be healthy. If he stays that way, this offense will reap the benefit. At receiver, Ash will have a few good weapons, including US Long Jump Champion, SR Marquise Goodwin, and new local favorite, SO Jaxon Shipley (younger brother of old local favorite, Jordan Shipley). As great as all of the weapons may be though, it will be the play of the big guys up front that will be the difference. The past two seasons have been struggles with varying lineups and inconsistent play. This year however, thing appear to be different. They are returning 4 starters from last year, which will provide some experience that they really need. Included in that group are standout JR OG Mason Walters and SO OT Josh Cochran. They also added in JUCO transfer Donald Hawkins to stack the other tackle position with. This line has the potential to be very good, and again, that can only help.
The defense has some serious talent of its own, and could be one of the best defenses anywhere in the nation during 2013 if they stay healthy. The front may be the best in the land, with the DE combo of SR Alex Okafor and JR Jackson Jeffcoat rivaling the pair from LSU (Mingo and Montgomery). QBs in the Big 12 have to be nervous about facing these guys because it will be almost impossible to stop them both. The linebackers are the defenses weakest unit, but they are featuring two guys who both show a lot of promise. JR OLB Jordan Hicks is a quick, instinctive player who needs to improve his technique, and SO MLB Steve Edmond is a giant at 6-3, 255. Despite that size though, he has very good speed, and plays a very physical game. The unit may take a little time to gel though, and thus may be a weakness early. The Texas secondary is another athletic physical group of ball players. SR S Kenny Vaccaro is one of the best in the business, and he will get some looks as a possible day one selection next April. SO CB Quandre Diggs is also a special player. They call him "Quandre the Giant" because despite his small stature (5-10), he plays big time. He is in on every play, has the heart of a lion, and makes good things happen for his team.
Things are most definitely looking up "deep in the heart of Texas." Anyone who looks past this Longhorn team this season, or thinks they are in a decline will have another thing coming. Like Clemson, Texas is one of my "Sneaky Good" favorites this season, and for very good reason.
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