Status check on Texas’ redshirt freshmen
We spend a whole lot of time discussing the elder statesmen in the program as well as the expected early impact true freshmen. Today we’ll give a little shine to the members of the 2022 class who redshirted last season.
As I asked about each player, I stated to the source I am just monitoring progression. I don’t expect a huge impact from this group for this upcoming season, I just want to better understand where they are in their development so we can know what to expect in the future.
S Larry Turner-Gooden
If he makes a mark on the field this year it will most likely come on special teams. He’s not the fastest and to make up for lack of speed you have to process very quickly. His processor isn’t quite there yet. As you know, safety is a mentally taxing position and it can take time. On top of it all, there’s a lot of experience ahead of him.
S B.J. Allen Jr.
This will be an interesting August for the formerly highly rated recruit. Kitan Crawford has left the door cracked to lose playing time and Allen, along with true freshman Derek Williams, will both have a chance to crack the two deep.
With a big August, in which he proves reliable, Allen could make a move towards playing time as a backup to Jalen Catalon this season.
QB Maalik Murphy
Murphy will start the year as the backup but the battle with Arch Manning will be never ending while both share the same quarterback room. Both QB’s understand that. Throughout 7 on 7 this Summer he’s shown off his arm, but sometimes he’s too confident in it. There’s no window he won’t try and fit. This is common with younger quarterbacks with big arms. He’s still young and developing and nowhere close to his ceiling.
CB X’avion Brice
He’s a good, solid player. Long, smart, understands the position. He’s coachable. He’s just in a stacked room and isn’t *quite* as athletic as some of the others in it.
Edge J’Mond Tapp
This is a huge year for Tapp. He’s not consistent but he has potential. This should have been his year to play guaranteed snaps. He’s a little stiffer than what many saw in high school. He needs to have a big August in which he earns snaps this season.
DT Aaron Bryant
Like Brice, he’s a good, young player but in a stacked room. The addition of Trill Carter took the greatest toll on Bryant’s snaps. He’s a hard worker and a good program guy who is probably ready for snaps this season, there’s just a log jam.
CB Connor Robertson
He’s smart, knows the playbook well, very few missed assignments, he just needs to continue improving after missing Spring ball. Second team center spot is his to lose. Team has trust in him but if DJ Campbell wins the right guard spot then Robertson may be in competition with his good friend Cole Hutson.
OL Malik Agbo
Great dude, popular within the program. His holdup is lack of consistent physicality. He’s worked hard to reshape his body but it will go for naught if he doesn’t get nastier.
OL Neto Umeozulu
He’s moved between tackle and guard but as of now it looks like he’ll push Hayden Conner at left guard. Good athlete who has clearly improved year over year. Conner will be tough to unseat but we expect Kyle Flood to rotate O-lineman much more this year than in previous seasons.
Edge Jaray Bledsoe
He’s still arguably the most athletic player on the team when factoring for size. Just a crazy athlete for being so big. He needs to process quicker. As far as size goes, he’s just a little thicker than Edge Barryn Sorrell right now. His size isn’t ideal for 3-tech. He could carve out a role in a 3rd down package.
DT Zac Swanson
He’s behind some really good players. He’s assignment sound, the coaches like him. He has no real issues other than size and players in front of him. If he continues to develop and pack on weight he’ll play at Texas.
Edge Kristopher Ross
He’s not likely to take Ethan Burke’s spot, and may not take over Justice Finkley’s No. 3 Edge position, but don’t count him out. He’s showing maturity and getting better overall every day – mentally, physically, technically. He’s taking the right steps.
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