Texas fall camp: 2022 class growing up headed into year two

The Texas Longhorns No. 5 ranked class in 2022 is growing up ahead of season two in Austin.

The class that was made up of 28 signees from the states of Texas, California, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arizona and Washington saw six players start games as true freshmen. And seven more played more than four games to be classified as a sophomore’s headed into the 2023 season.

Now with a full off-season and spring football in the rearview mirror, the 2022 class is growing up on the field with as many as 15 players likely to be listed on the two-deep ahead of the season opener.

Inside Texas takes a look at where the 2022 class sits with 16 days until the 2023 season opener against Rice.

Maalik Murphy, QB, 6-5, 238 – Redshirt freshman

The strong-armed pocket-passer entered fall camp as the No. 2 quarterback behind Quinn Ewers, and ahead of Arch Manning. Murphy dazzled in the spring game with his arm talent on full display. Manning’s strong fall camp has made for a very competitive competition for the backup spot headed into the season opener.

Jaydon Blue, RB, 6-0, 191 – Sophomore

Blue’s ability in space and exceptional hands out of the backfield will get the sophomore from the Houston area on the field more in year two in Austin. With Jonathon Brooks the starter, Keilan Robinson back in a similar role and freshman Cedric Baxter Jr. coming on in fall camp — how many snaps Blue will get consistently as the season moves a long is the question.

Savion Red, RB, 5-10, 214 – Sophomore

After playing slot receiver as a freshman, Red very successfully made the move to running back in the spring. Red is currently sitting out of fall camp with a shoulder injury. He’s expected to return to the field in the next week or two.

Kelvin Banks, LT, 6-4, 324 – Sophomore

Banks was a Freshman All-American in 2022, and is primed for an even bigger season in 2023. Banks is a devastating run blocker, that is equally talented in pass protection. The former Summer Creek High standout is likely to be projected NFL first round draft selection headed into the 2024 season.

DJ Campbell, RG, 6-3, 343 – Sophomore

Campbell continues to take first team reps at right guard in fall camp. The powerful guard packs a serious punch in the run game with very quick feet. There is little doubt Campbell has an NFL future headed into year two.

Cole Hutson, G/C, 6-5, 318 – Sophomore

Hutson was the lone early enrollee among the ultra talented 2022 offensive line class. And he made the most of starting all 13 games at right guard in 2022. He underwent right shoulder surgery following the season that kept him out of spring ball. The former Frisco High standout came to Texas as a lineman that was considered a guard or center prospect. He’s taking on that important role of Swiss army knife on the offensive line this fall taking reps at guard and center.

Cameron Williams, RT/LT, 6-5, 369 – Sophomore

The large human from Duncanville High was a reserve right tackle and special teams player as a true freshman. He made strides in his first spring ball on the Forty Acres, and has continued to develop his footwork, hand placement and understanding of the position this fall. Williams is working at both right and left tackle in fall camp, and is expected to be the backup at both spots this season. Williams will be in the rotation on Saturday’s in 2023.

Neto Umeozulu, LG, 6-4, 311 – Redshirt freshman

Umeozulu entered fall camp expected to push returning starter Hayden Conner at left guard. That is happening due to a very high-end combination of quickness, arm length and nastiness in the run game. The former Allen High star delivers initial strikes with intention in the run game, and has the quickness to work to the second level quickly. Umeozulu will be in the rotation this season, at worst.

Connor Robertson, C, 6-4, 319 – Redshirt freshman

The former Austin Westlake tackle and guard is a full time center for the Longhorns. He was actually the backup at center in 2022 if starter Jake Majors had gone down for an extended period of time. Robertson missed spring practice following offseason surgery. He’s back this fall, and has added good weight to his frame. He’s currently the second team center, but does have competition for that spot with Hutson.

Malik Agbo, G/T, 6-4, 294 – Redshirt freshman

The former 4-star recruit has transformed his body in the last year. He lost around 30 pounds since reporting. Agbo’s remains the lineman in the program with the quickest feet and initial quickness. He’s taken reps at tackle and guard in the last year, and could also be used in jumbo packages in 2023. Continuing to add strength is key for him down the line.

Jaray Bledsoe, DL, 6-4, 274 – Redshirt freshman

Pound-for-pound, Bledsoe is as talented as any player in the program. He’s a true freak athlete for his size. The former small school two-sport standout also reported to Texas as raw technically as any player in the program. After a learning year one, Bledsoe is now becoming more than a player that “flashes”. Bledsoe’s added strength, weight and improved use of his hands and playing with his eyes up has led to being a very disruptive player at times in fall camp. While his best football will come in 2024 and 2025 for the Longhorns, expect Bledsoe to make an impact this season. That could be pass rush, or just being an up the field disruptor.

Aaron Bryant, DL, 6-2, 301 – Redshirt freshman

Bryant has added around 20 pounds of muscle since enrolling at Texas. He continues to be a player in the developmental stage that can anchor and play the run. Continuing to have patience this season with a number of experienced players ahead of him will be paramount. If he does that while getting a few snaps per game, he has the chance to be a factor for the Longhorns in 2024 and 2025. The ability to play the run will always get one on the field if they can develop enough to be a disruptor at times.

Zac Swanson, DL, 6-4, 270 – Redshirt freshman

Swanson is working hard to add weight and strength to his frame. Now up to 270 pounds, it can become more realistic to see the former Brophy College Prep standout at 285-290-pounds and being able to hold up against the run. Another year to add the weight is needed.

Ethan Burke, EDGE, 6-6, 257 – Sophomore

Burke appeared in 11 game as a true freshman totaling six tackles, including 1.5 for loss. He’s added around 20 pounds of good weight since that time, and is now the starter at ‘Buck’ position headed into the season opener. His length can be a true difference maker for this Texas team. Burke, while needing to continue to develop physically, also has the toughness required to fight in the run game.

Justice Finkley, EDGE, 6-2, 250 – Sophomore

Finkley was singled out by Steve Sarkisian earlier in the week for being an improved player in year two. His ability against the run got him on the field in 12 games as a true freshman. He posted seven tackle with half a sack. Finkley is now a stronger player in year two with more development as a pass rusher. He’s got to be a player that wins with an array of pass rush moves, leverage and understanding since he does not possess ideal length. But make not mistake, it’s his ability to play the run and motor that will be his calling card on the Forty Acres. Finkley will be in the two-deep come the season open, and play a key role for the Texas defense.

J’mond Tapp, EDGE, 6-3, 266 – Redshirt freshman

Like Bledsoe, Tapp enrolled at Texas as a very high-ceiling prospect on the defensive front that needed time to develop physically and technically. Tapp has tremendous feet and quickness for his size, but the understanding of the position and learning technique continues to need time. Tapp is making some strides in fall camp, and is receiving plenty of third team reps at EDGE.

Kris Ross, EDGE, 6-2, 255 – Redshirt freshman

The former 4-star recruit was a rare 265’ish pound defensive lineman that enrolled in college, and lost a bunch of weight. He got as low as around 240 pounds at one point, but is back to around 255 this season. Ross is now spending much more time at EDGE headed into year two. His quickness, ability to get upfield and 82-inch wingspan at 6-foot-2.5 provides the opportunity to develop as a pass rusher. Continuing to have patience while developing will be key for Ross.

B.J. Allen Jr., S, 6-1, 205 – Redshirt freshman

Allen signed with Texas as a top 150 recruit nationally. He got too heavy during his redshirt year, getting up to around 220 pounds at one point. He got back to around 205 for spring ball, and put together an impressive spring game. He’s battling to be in the two-deep this fall. Allen is an instinctive and physical player at the safety position.

Larry Turner-Gooden, S, 6-0, 204 – Redshirt freshman

Turner-Gooden is coming off a redshirt year. He’s appearing on some special teams and competing at safety. To this point, he’s been unable to make a push to be in the two-deep.

Jaylon Guilbeau, Star, 6-0, 180 – Sophomore

The Golden Triangle product played in eight games as a true freshman, including three starts. After missing the spring due to knee surgery, Guilbeau is back on the field this fall. Steve Sarkisian remarked earlier this week that the former 4-star recruit is back and impressing at the Star position. Guilbeau is running second team behind Jahdae Barron, and will play a lot this season.

Austin Jordan, Star/CB, 6-0, 198 – Sophomore

The former Denton Ryan High star appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman. He total seven tackles, with most of his snaps coming on special teams. He did appear at cornerback as well. Jordan is now in the fight for playing time at the Star position, while also still cross training.

Terrance Brooks, CB, 6-0, 200 – Sophomore

Brooks played in nine games with three starts as a true freshman. He tallied five tackles and three pass break ups in 2022. Brooks has positional value for the Longhorns. He can play both boundary and field corner at a high level. The former Little Elm High cornerback possesses the ability to stay attached and has extremely long rms for his height. Brooks is a likely starter this season. With Texas having four cornerbacks that will be on NFL rosters in the coming years, the competition is highly competitive and a position of strength for Sarkisian and staff.

Xavion Brice, CB, 6-1, 183 – Redshirt freshman

Brice redshirted in year one, and is competing for time at corner. With a loaded position and experience ahead of him, the DFW area product will have to have some patience while still developing his craft.

Will Stone, K, 6-0, 194 – Sophomore

Stone came to Texas and won the starting kick-off role. The local product kicked-off in all 13 games in 2022. He produced 26 touchbacks in 86 kick-offs as a true freshman. Now a year older and strong, special teams coach Jeff Banks has a goal of 50% touchbacks for Stone.

Lance St. Louis, LS, 6-0, 219 – Sophomore

After playing in ten games at the Texas deep snapper as a true freshman, he’s seemingly one player locked into a starters role once again.

No longer with the program

Brennan Thompson, WR

Trevell Johnson, LB

Derrick Brown, LB/EDGE

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