The 10 most indispensable Longhorns for the 2023 season
On Saturday I offered my take on the 15 best Longhorns entering the 2023 season. Today we’ll discuss the most indispensable players. This is a calculation that combines player talent, experience, and the readiness of depth behind him. Fortunately, depth is increasingly better, both from an experience and talent standpoint. That makes this exercise more difficult than in years past.
1. QB Quinn Ewers
I am a fan of Maalik Murphy as a backup but this isn’t the year for him to learn on the job. We just witnessed the ups and downs of a talented but inexperienced QB. It would be foolhardy to think Murphy would come in with little to no drop-off at the most important position on the field. This is the year for mop-up time for Murphy.
Quinn sets the ceiling for the season, and that ceiling is pretty high.
2. LB Jaylan Ford
Ford had a breakout junior season as he proved effective as a leader, against the run, and dropping into coverage. I think Jett Bush is going to finish his career on a high note as a productive role player but going from Ford to Bush would be a big drop (no politics!).
3. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders
Sanders is both a unique talent and at a position with questionable depth. He’s a difficult matchup for defenses as a receiver and he has want-to as a blocker.
4. Edge Barryn Sorrell
This is as much about depth concerns as it is Sorrell’s own talent but he is a quality, physically mature player with good leadership intangibles. Replacing him would be very difficult.
5. DT T’Vondre Sweat
I bet Byron Murphy has the better year but I love Sweat’s size and athleticism. That allows him to play either defensive tackle position equally well.
6. DB Jerrin Thompson
Thompson barely missed my Top 15 list but he makes this one as the quarterback in the secondary. Depth behind him is solid, but not spectacular. Replacing his experience and knowledge wouldn’t be easy.
7. OT Kelvin Banks
I’m a big fan of Christian Jones but if Banks were to miss time we would see *some* drop in play at left and right tackle. I do expect to see Cameron Williams play quite a bit this season. That will be big for 2024. In years past with Connor Williams and Sam Cosmi left tackle was often No. 1 or 2 on these lists
8. WR AD Mitchell
Even if Isaiah Neyor returns to his old form in August I’d still have Mitchell on the list. I’m that high on him as the go-to receiver in clutch situations. He and Ewers have struck up quite the rapport. Mitchell is the one receiver who can bail out an errant or misguided throw.
9. NB Jahdae Barron
It’s great hearing Jaylon Guilbeau has returned to action and I’m probably the highest outsider on Austin Jordan (big 180 from my original stance on him) but Barron is a game changer. I will note that one source felt I should have swapped his place with Jaylan Ford on the Top 15 list. I had Barron No. 4 and Ford No. 7.
10. WR Xavier Worthy
I think Johntay Cook is going to be a star, perhaps as early as 2024, but Worthy’s ability to get open at will is elite and gives the offense a whole different dimension.
Defensive tackle Byron Murphy barely missed the cut. Bert Auburn was also considered after his clutch kicking last year. Had Texas held on to beat Alabama he’d be a legend. I don’t want to overhype him but I also considered Anthony Hill on the strength of his ability to pressure the quarterback.
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