College Football Preview: 14. Texas Longhorns

14. Texas Longhorns

Despite the fact that the Longhorns won 9 games last season, frustration is at an all time high entering 2013. Even with considerable talent on their roster the Longhorns are 22-16 in the last three seasons ever since Colt McCoy left. The Longhorns have the talent and offense to win the Big 12 this year. If they don't Mack Brown's tenure in Austin will be done.



Backfield:  Junior quarterback David Ash made big strides last season. He proved to be a better decision-maker and his arm strength seemed to improve. Offensive coordinator Major Applewhite has implemented a brand new,

David Ash

up-tempo offense that should remind a lot of people of Oregon's. Ash looked good running it in the spring game and could have a huge year if he continues to mature. If Ash struggles expect Mack Brown to give senior Case McCoy an opportunity. Im not have a big fan of Colt's brother. He is pretty accurate and doesn't read defenses well. Impact freshman Tyrone Swoopes is the future in Austin and impressed in the spring game. The  Longhorns have a deep stable of quality backs including junior Malcolm Brown and sophomore Johnathan Gray, who lived up to the hype of his recruiting status. Gray will have a chance to be the feature back though they could spit carries.

Receivers: Although Texas has emphasized the ground attack the past couple of years, the reason the passing game could really improve is the great receiving corps. Senior Mike Davis has emerged as a big-time threat. He is great at separating himself from defensive backs and has proven he can be a downfield threat. Ash should be more agressive this year so Texas can attack defenses with longer pass plays which should help Davis excel. Many recognized junior Jaxon Shipley, mainly because of his star brother, Jordan, a legend in Austin. Though Jaxon is making a name for himself after a very strong 2012 in which he recorded 59 receptions for 737 yards. He has great hands and can record his fair share of spectacular catches. Junior Bryant Jackson and speedy freshman Jake Oliver should also make plays. Sophomore tight end M.J. McFarland should make an impact in this offense right away as he is important in moving the chains.

Offensive Line:  This offensive line should go a long way in helping this new-look offense. It is anchored by junior center Dominic Espinosa who should help out Ash a lot. He moves well and recognizes pass rushers very well and has All-Big 12 potential. Senior left guard Trey Hopkins also is an above-average linemen. He is very experienced and looked like he has the stamina to help out in this up-tempo offense. Massive freshman guard Darius James is also ready to make an immediate impact. Tackles Josh Cochran and senior Donald Hawkins are also quality linemen.

Ashton Dorsey

Defensive Line: The Longhorns defense was terrible last season a rarity in Austin. In order for it to improve this defensive line must get pressure on the opponent. Senior end Jackson Jeffcoat had 4 sacks in just six games and when healthy, is one of the best pass rushers in the Big 12. Jeffcoat is an athletic end and plays a lot like an outside linebacker but his size helps him against big offensive linemen. Senior defensive tackle Ashton Dorsey is a monster up the middle. He is very mobile for a tackle and can disrupt opponents' backfields regularly. The Longhorns must find a replacement at the other end spot for Alex Okafor, the Big 12 leader in sacks. Sophomore Shiro Davis is athletic and has star potential though Texas may lean towards senior Reggie Wilson who definitely has the clear edge in experience. Whoever does start at the opposing defensive end spot has huge shoes to fill.

Linebackers: This year's group of linebackers is extremely talented and should help improve a rush defense that 192.2 yards last season. Middle linebacker Steve Edmond returns after recording 103 tackles a year ago. The junior does a good job at reading defenses and is also a strong coverage linebacker. Coverage 'backers are very important in the Big 12 with all of these pass-happy offenses. Another junior, Jordan Hicks, is ready for a big year at outside linebacker. Hicks is a good tackler and can also become a factor as a pass rusher. Though being in a 4-3 defense I wonder how much he will get the opportunity to blitz. The other outside linebacker spot is a little bit of a question. Junior Tevin Jackson has the chance to start there though a number of other players will get a chance. Sophomores Peter Jinkens and Kendall Thompson both are strong players and could also get some real playing time.

Secondary: The Linghorns lose one of the most talented players in the nation after safety Kenny Vacarro left to the NFL. Though this secondary is still a pretty strong unit with a number of upperclassmen and potential. Junior Quandre Diggs had 4 interceptions in '12 and is an All-American threat. He is extremely athletic and can hang with any receiver, even the fantastic receivers in the Big 12. The other cornerback is also very talented in senior Carrington Byndom who isn't as strong and isn't as good at coverage but he is a great open field tackler. The safeties must replace Vacarro and they have the talent to do it. Senior Adrian Phillips is a hard hitter and average coverage guy and should likely start at the strong safety position. Junior Mykkele Thompson is the starter at the free safety position unless he struggles. He has extreme potential but isn't a proven talent yet. Kenny's brother, sophomore Kevin, may never be as talented as his brother but he definitely has loads of potential.

A new-look offense that should fit Texas' personnel well and a hopefully improved defense means the Longhorns could have a big year. If Ash continues to improve a Big 12 title isn't completely out of question with Oklahoma rebuilding.

Spring Football '13: New Offense at Texas

Spring Football 2013 Report (viewing the top storylines of college football this spring)

Johnathan Gray

After an average 22-16 record the past couple of years, the Texas Longhorns are ready to switch things up. The Longhorns will make a transition back into a spread offense next season, one that has been compared to the crazy, up-tempo attack at Oregon. But, will it turn the Longhorns, who will have 19 starters back next year, back into a national title contender or hold them back?

David Ash

David Ash showed significant improvement in his sophomore year and looked pretty comfortable in this new offense in the spring scrimmage. The goal of this new offense is too keep opponents on their heels and run enough plays to eventually tire out the defense. Even if Ash improves mightily in the passing game Texas shouldn't stray far from their ground game that carried them through much of last season. They will have speedy back Johnathan Gray back to run wild in this offense engineered by Major Applewhite. The offense should also free up other speedy players not named Gray such as explosive Daje Johnson. This speed means a lot more points and a lot more successful possessions for a team that struggled constantly on offense last season. The key though, as usual, hinges on the quarterback position with Ash. Although Ash is not known for his scrambling ability, as most spread quarterbacks are, he can break a few when give some open space. If he be a factor on the ground it could take the pressure off Gray, who will be a workhorse this next year. The scariest player in this new offense? Tyrone Swoopes, the explosive freshman who could replace the terrible Case McCoy as backup to Ash. Swoopes showed great promise in the team's spring scrimmage, and the coaching staff has a ton of confidence in him. Ash will be the starter, unless he gets struck by an injury, but Applewhite should be creative in getting Swoopes the ball. Although Swoopes is a quarterback he also could be used in some time of screens and in Wildcat-like formations. The talent on this Texas roster favors this new look offense. With players like Swoopes, Gray, Johnson and Mike Davis running wild this could be a truly magical year for these Longhorns.

To see a full preview of Texas' 2013 season, view my College Football Preview 2013-2014 coming out this spring.

College Football Preview: The Big 12

Ranking the Big 12
1. Oklahoma
2. West Virginia
3. Oklahoma State
4. TCU
5. Kansas State

Seth Doege, Texas Tech

Overview: Oklahoma stumbled in 2011 after many (including me) had them number one in the nation. Though a Big 12 title is pretty much a lock thanks to the return of prolific quarterback Landry Jones. Also back is explosive receiver Kenny Stills, sure tackling Tom Wort and strong defensive back Demontre Hurst. The Big 12 is tougher than the Big East but don't expect West Virginia to struggle at all. Geno Smith has a huge arm that will get his amazing receivers, Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin, the ball. The defense is definitely a problem but this offense is so good that this defense could be the worst in the Big 12 and the Mountaineers would still win 10 games. Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon are gone but Oklahoma State is still dangerous. Now, it appears they will run the ball a lot with back Joseph Randle who has speed and power. The defense is decent, but the secondary is stacked with Brodrick Brown and Justin Gilbert. Gilbert is also an excellent returner on special teams. Wes Lunt or Clint Chelf will likely be fighting for Weeden's spot as leader of the Cowboys.  TCU is in a tougher conference but the Horned Frogs should still win 10 plus games. Casey Pachall could end up being just as good as Andy Dalton and they have a stacked backfield even if Ed Wesley doesn't play with Waymon James and Matthew Tucker. Gary Patterson loves defense and he has a good unit with pass rusher Stansly Maponga and linebacker Kenny Cain. Collin Klein is back which means Kansas State will win a lot of games. Along with Klein is back John Hubert and a number of good receivers with Tyler Lockett and tight end Travis Tannahill. This defense is decent with Arthur Brown and shutdown corner Nigel Malone.  Texas doesn't know who their quarterback is but if they can figure that out they will win games thanks to the backfield. Malcolm Brown will excel and Jonathan Gray appears ready to play in the Big 12 and won't need much of an adjustment period. This defensive line features two sack machines in Jackson Jeffcoat and Alex Okafor. 2011 was the Year of the Bear in the Big 12 but Baylor will fall back to earth a bit. Nick Florence is likely the main faced with the task of replacing incredible RG3. Florence should do good though as he has excellent receivers headed by seniors Terrance Williams and Lanear Sampson. The defense is good with senior Gary Mason and Chance Casey. Texas Tech was looking like a true contender after beating Oklahoma last season but 5-7 was not their goal. Seth Doege and most of this prolific offense is back which means a bowl bid is a realistic possibility. Iowa State will likely start Jared Barnett who led the upset of OSU last season. He'll improve a lot in his second season. This Cyclones team has a whole lot of talent especially in the linebacker core with A.J. Klein and Jake Knott. Kansas has a new coach in Charlie Weis and hopefully more wins. Dayne Crist will likely start but he doesn't have too much talent around him to work with.

College Football Preview: 21. Texas Longhorns

21. Texas Longhorns Returning Starters: 16 Returning Star: DE Jackson Jeffcoat Key Loss: LB Keenan Robinson Player to Watch: WR Jaxon Shipley 13-12. Thats the Longhorns record over the past two seasons, something that nobody associated with this football team is proud of. But, this year's squad could win 10 games thanks to the return of 16 starters. Quarterbacks David Ash and Case McCoy split snaps last season but it appears Ash will get the bulk of snaps this season. Ash is a smart player with a good arm but isn't quite mature yet. Junior McCoy has no consistency but has the raw potential to be great. This backfield is deep and talented and will carry this offense. Sophomore Malcolm Brown had an okay freshman year and will continue to improve. If he can stay healthy he could improve significantly on last season's 742 yards. Back is sophomore Joe Bergeron also but he'll probably take a backseat to the next big thing at Texas. Jonathan Gray was the second-most prolific back in Texas high school history and will make plays in 2012. Gray has great speed and has the vision to spot lanes. In order to help Ash and McCoy this Longhorns squad must find a big play receiver. Sophomore Jaxon Shipley has the potential and smarts to become that guy. Also back is junior Mike Davis who has the size and senior Marquise Goodwin has the experience. Offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin hopes to find an effective tight end. Senior D.J. Grant or junior Dominique Jones could fill that role. This offensive line keeps on improving with the return of junior guard Mason Walters and tackle Trey Hopkins. The Longhorns like to play gritty defense and it worked last year as the Longhorns had the nation's 11th best defense. The defensive line has two great defensive ends in Jackson Jeffcoat and Alex Okafor. These two combined for 15 sacks last year, a number that could improve to 20 plus. Other than these two though the line is weak. Gone are Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho leaving these linebackers depleted. This secondary could end up being the nation's elite. Cornerbacks Carrington Byndom and Quandre Diggs are sticky and will give quarterbacks headaches. Senior safety Kenny Vaccaro shows promise. The Longhorns are slowly turning back into a championship contender just give them time. Heisman Hopeful: Malcolm Brown Big 12 Rank: 6th

College Football Preview: A Peek Inside. . . The Big 12

Big 12
Top Teams
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas A&M
3. Oklahoma State
4. Texas
5. Missouri
Top Players:
Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor
Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M
Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas
Blake Gideon, S, Texas
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Outlook: The Big 12 lost Colorado and Nebraska but is still a power conference thanks to Oklahoma. The passing game is stacked with quarterback Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles. Linebacker Travis Lewis leads the defense. Texas A&M has Ryan Tannehill who isn't your traditional QB but is effective. The loss of Von Miller stings. Thanks to slinging quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide out Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State is ready to break out. The offensive line is strong and defensive back Markelle Martin is dangerous. After a rough season Texas is ready for a comeback in 2011. The quarterback situation will likely be won by Garrett Gilbert but Case McCoy will get starts. The secondary is weaker but the linebacker core is loaded. Without Blaine Gabbert Missouri needs a lot from QB James Franklin and tight end Michael Egnew. Baylor is ready for their strongest season in a while. Robert Griffin is a smart, mobile QB. He moves well out of the pocket. He doesn't have a great arm but has good accuracy. Wide receiver Kendall Wright is a speedy option for Griffin. Texas Tech returns 15 starters especially with back Eric Stephens and a stacked O-Line. The quarterback position needs some work now without Taylor Potts or Steven Sheffield. Seth Doege will likely start but Jacob Karam might get snaps. Kansas State is strong and has a strong defensive back in sophomore Ty Zimmerman. Kansas doesn't have a consistent quarterback and isn't great. Iowa State did alright in 2010 but isn't ready to contend seriously yet.

College Football Preview: 22. Texas Longhorns

22. Texas Longhorns
QB Garrett Gilbert- Junior
RB Fozzy Whittaker- Senior
RB Tre' Newton- Junior
WR Malcolm Williams- Senior
LB Emmanuel Acho- Senior
S Blake Gideon- Senior
It was weird having Texas not in a bowl and not contending. Things will change though thanks to the improvement of quarterback Garrett Gilbert after a tough first year as starter. He has an okay arm and decent accuracy. If Gilbert doesn't work out coach Mack Brown has another option in Colt McCoy's brother Case. Case McCoy is a sophomore and was a big recruit for the Longhorns a year ago. The backfield is the team's strength with senior Fozzy Whittaker, senior Cody Johnson and Tre' Newton. Whittaker will likely start but Newton and Johnson will also get carries. Gilbert's options are less limited now without James Kirkendoll and John Chiles. Senior Malcolm Williams is now the best wide receiver and is helped by junior Marquise Goodwin and sophomore Mike Davis. The offensive line is okay and will protect Gilbert fine. Center David Snow and guard Mason Walters are pretty well. The defense lost some talent but still have many playmakers especially at the linebacker unit. Defensive tackle Alex Okafor and nose tackle Kheeston Randall are the best players on the line. Senior linebacker Emmanuel Acho and Keenan Robinson lead not only the 'backers but the defense. The secondary was the most talented unit last year for the Longhorns with the Browns, Chykie and Curtis along with Aaron Williams. All of those three are gone but safety Blake Gideon is pretty good. Strong safety Christian Scott is pretty talented along with Gideon. Kicker and punter Justin Tucker is pretty good also.

Heisman Hopeful: Garrett Gilbert
Big 12 Rank: 4th

Official College Football Preview: Texas Longhorns

2.Texas Longhorns Key Game:Oklahoma in Dallas, 9/17/09
The Longhorns season ended early when Oklahoma got the bid to play in the Big 12 championship game against Missouri. But this year is different. Texas are many people's favorites to win the Big 12 and challenge Florida for a BCS championship. Even with the loss of Brian Okrapo on the D-Line, eager Sergio Kindle( a defensive end/ linebacker) who needs to impress NFL scouts will replace him Meanwhile, the offense is still pretty well packed. Colt McCoy leads the 8 returning starters against three tough games that may decide the Big 12: Missouri, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. And this time, the Longhorns will not fall short.