Saturday team intel and latest notes on Colin Simmons

You can pretty much take whatever Steve Sarkisian says publicly to the bank. He mentioned they would emphasize money downs and that has certainly held true during the team portions of practice. On Friday evening the program spent a good amount of time on 3rd downs. Both the offense and defense executed well.

Execution was frequently mentioned by sources as being improved. Overall the team is much more comfortable with their assignments and understanding of the playbook. There are far fewer busts than in previous Augusts. 

One source said, “The last two years there were questions on the offense. This year it’s obvious they’re going to be good.” 

With the veterans off and running the freshmen have a lot of keeping up to do but “those guys are pretty smart and coming along.” 

IT asked if there have been any individual standouts yet and AD Mitchell was mentioned. “I don’t know how the NFL draft will view the room but Mitchell’s probably the best overall receiver on the team. He’s the one you’re going to when you gotta have it.” 

Gbenda’s turn

We checked in on one position battle, though the source isn’t sure it’s a true competition. He believes David Gbenda will win the linebacker spot next to Jaylan Ford relatively easily but that Morice Blackwell will be the starting Sam, the role he held last last year. Anthony Hill is right there with Blackwell in working at Will and Sam. Blackwell will rotate this season, and you already know they have plans for Hill as a pass rusher, but expect Gbenda to be the starting Will as things currently stand. 

The team will be back on the field tonight before having an off day Sunday and returning to practice on Monday. 

Colin Simmons still undecided

Not much new on Duncanville five-star Edge Colin Simmons. Texas continues to have quality communication with Simmons’ camp but no final decision has been made. This one will likely go back and forth a time or two as Simmons continues to weigh the pros and cons of each program, school, and city. 

I still like UT’s chances in the end but him picking LSU wouldn’t be a shocking development based on everything we’re hearing.

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