Team notes from Texas spring practice No. 7

Tuesday’s practice featured a spirited effort from the defense with ‘effort’ being the optimal word. Guys were flying around making plays or helping their teammates make plays. There were lots of tips, overthrows due to quarterback pressure, and some interceptions. It was so windy the coaches moved the practice indoors for 7 on 7 and team but that didn’t seem to help the quarterbacks much. 

Some overall notes after spring practice No. 7:

– Kitan Crawford remains “locked in.” He’s vocal in the secondary for the first time. If you’re not talking you don’t know what you’re doing — he’s talking. He excels when locked up in man coverage. 

– Another DB who stood out on Tuesday was freshman Malik Muhammad who made an “IQ” interception when he jumped a route after making a great read. This team is deep at corner. 

– The practice featured a lot of 3rd down work which opened the door for Ethan Burke to shine as a pass rusher. He had a strong day which also helped the DB’s. Third down was a bit of an Achilles heel last season, so Burke, or any pass rusher developing, is something to keep an eye on.

– Not to be outdone by T’Vondre Sweat‘s recent interception, Jaray Bledsoe had one of his own while working from the interior. I believe that was on a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage.

– It wasn’t all defense, though. As the offense worked third downs they also worked on the shorter passing game which involved Jordan Whittington. His intelligence as a route runner and ability to find soft zones was on display.

– Xavier Worthy caught another deep ball from Quinn Ewers. It appears the connection between these two is improving which is something else to monitor. Worthy’s hands haven’t necessarily been great but you’ll accept that if he can return to Big Play ‘Zay.

– Perhaps evidence of Chris Jackson‘s coaching, Casey Cain is showing improvement, particularly as a route runner. Dare I say crisper routes!

– A budding theme is we’re hearing of players all over the depth chart making plays, whether true freshmen or second-teamers like Cain. We’re a far cry from a former Texas coach telling us there were 14 players on offense alone who would likely never contribute at Texas.

– Practice resumes Thursday and then again on Saturday.

The post Team notes from Texas spring practice No. 7 appeared first on On3.