Ruminations on the Texas roster at the midpoint of the 2009 season. First up, the defensive line.
Defensive Ends
Each week when I get to the Defensive MVP section of the Post-Game React, I pause and consider whether I can omit Sergio Kindle, if only for diversity's sake. Each week I include him anyway, and it's never a hard decision. The physical gifts are no secret, but I find myself repeatedly writing about the energy and effort, which are otherworldly, as well. In terms of his future, his elite length, ability to change directions, and straightline speed make him a Top 10 NFL pick, and he's got the frame to add a needed 10 pounds of muscle to his upper body. Needs to work on using his hands to keep blocks off his knees, but that's about it; he's special.
Fellow senior Junior Sam Acho has been magnificent in '09 -- a smart, disciplined, and versatile player that gives Muschamp flexibility to strategically mix and match along the line. When he's on the end, he's doing a solid job rushing the passer and a superior job maintaining gaps and assignments; when he moves inside, there's not a quicker front four than Kindle-Houston-Acho-Jones.
Speaking of Eddie Jones, he's healthy and -- like Kindle a year ago -- is enjoying a breakthrough junior season. If he stays healthy, the former five-star prospect will be an All-Conference end for Texas as a senior; he's at 6-3, 260 now and if his shoulder allows it, can comfortably get that up to 275 by the combine. His strength is his, well, strength, and he's regularly abusing hapless tackles.
Freshman freakshow Alex Okafor is the last member of the regular rotation, and he's coming on fast. As if you needed another data point to confirm the great coaching being done on the defensive side, compare Okafor's play against Oklahoma with where he was in the team's opening two games against ULM and Wyoming; he's getting closer. At 6-4, 240 he's only a fraction of what he's going to be physically, but by way of comparison recall Brian Orakpo, who arrived at Texas at around 225 pounds. Okafor's got outrageous length and top-end speed/quickness; as he adds strength and experience, he's going to be a terror.
Looking ahead a year, while Tevin Mims and Dravannti Johnson are nominally in the mix, the big splash is the arrival of 2010 recruit Reggie Wilson and, hopefully, Jackson Jeffcoat. Wilson is perhaps the wilder physical specimen while Jeffcoat (terrific size as well) is as polished a high school end as you'll ever see.
Defensive Tackles
If not for Nebraska's Suh and OU's McCoy, senior Lamarr Houston is First Team All-Big 12. He still might join them as a first round draft pick. He's playing with tremendous passion, quickness, and lateral movement. Has just one sack, but his 5 other tackles for loss result from his consistently excellent ball pursuit and terrific use of his hands to avoid engagement with blocks at the point of attack. His 17 QB Hurries trails only Sergio Kindle (18); no one else on the team has more than 8.
Problems at defensive tackle? What problems? Sophomore Kheeston Randall was the big question mark and he's more than answered the challenge. Though not exactly overflowing with closing speed, Randall has displayed terrific lateral agility and quickness, as well as quality burst at the snap. He's been terrific eating the inside gap and has been a key factor in both Houston and Muckelroy succeeding as they have.
The feel good story of the '09 team has to be the tremendous senior year contributions from Ben Alexander, a guy who clearly busted his ass in the offseason, shed some body fat, and committed himself to being as prepared as he could be to give the team important minutes. Through six games, Alexander's got 17 tackles, including 4 for a loss; if you aren't happy for him, you have no soul.
Finally, sophomore Tyrell Higgins and freshman Calvin Howell have been sprinkled into the rotation. Higgins has a ways to go with his body; Howell won't need his mama around to develop into a quality tackle by next fall. Freshman Derek Johnson is redshirting and working on his strength, but he's got the size to play starting next year.
0 recs | 46 comments
Excellent Write-up
those guys are trucks
by the way… don’t want to be that guy but Sam Acho is a junior
acho81 - October 20, 2009
Good catch on Acho
Thanks
Peter Bean - October 20, 2009
yes he is and thank the Jeebus he's a Junior
I LOVE THIS GUY! Both Achos are really special players, not just great on the field, but real great guys off the field – and thats the guys I want at Texas.
Sam is stone cold – and next year when this Defense has matured into one of, if not THE best, in the country, Acho will be one of the stars and be a draft day steal.
Im looking forward to this D Line terrorizing Mizzous offense.
Texas4Life - October 21, 2009
What Amazes Me About Kindle
How can someone who exerts so much pressure on the QB be so good against the run? Better that RAK in that regard.
realmccoy - October 20, 2009
Rak was solid
and more than held his own in that regard, but you are correct about Kindle being on another level.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - October 20, 2009
IMO, it's an extra step of quickness Rak did not have
edsp - October 21, 2009
Kindle was a RB in HS too
I think that gives him an extra half step against the run having played the postition (very well too!!) and allows him to play by sheer instinct
Texas4Life - October 21, 2009
Two things
Derek Johnson is also working on his conditioning, as he came in a little overweight and then regressed when he went back to Arkansas during the second summer session.
Really happy for Eddie Jones. Guy has clearly had all the talent in the world, but just couldn’t stay healthy with his ankle and shoulder problems. Now he is healthy and is almost undoubtedly the best third defensive end in the country. Not only is he strong, but he’s also extremely quick — he may have the second-best first step on the team after Kindle. How talented is this team, though? Acho and Okafor are certainly in that discussion as well and that says more about their collective speed than any lack of it.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - October 20, 2009
Got to agree on Eddie Jones. As much or more than his physical skills, I really love the kid’s attitude.
He came in as a super-blue chip and never showed an ounce of egotism. Despite being dogged by injuries for years, he’s always maintained a positive attitude. Watch any game back to his freshman year and Eddie was almost always the most vocal and emotional guy on the sidelines, even when he couldn’t play because of injuries.
Like you, I couldn’t be happier for a great kid who’s just now starting to realize his potential and show us his chops. Here’s hoping he stays healthy and gets all he deserves.
TKO - October 21, 2009
A tip of the hat....
…. to the member of the staff that found the Acho brothers! A great find.
HornChamps - October 21, 2009
Considering the school, and the level of competition
someone did a borderline unreal level of scouting.
learned hand - October 21, 2009
Agreed
St. Marks is a powerhouse…in Debate. Not like Kinkiad or The Greenhill School, but that is what they’re known for. That was a great find!
kriess - October 21, 2009
Not sure how much credit the staff should get for that one
USC was recruiting Sam before UT.
Horncasting - October 21, 2009
Then it was a great steal. nt
kriess - October 21, 2009
I don't know...
… historically Oscar Giles has always done a good job of finding the DE athletes. Then, he knows how to develop them.
HornChamps - October 23, 2009
So the Achos can talk serious chit after recovering a fumble too. Nice
realmccoy - October 21, 2009
A bit early to ask this...
… but what does the two deep for the front four look like for next season, PB?
DE – Jones, Wilson (?)
DT – Randall, Howell
DT – Higgins, Johnson (or true freshman?)
DE – Acho, Mims (?)
patienthornsfan - October 21, 2009
DE — Jones and Acho as starters with Okafor backing up one side and some combo of Carter/Dravanti Johnson/Mims backing up the other side.
DT — Randall holds down one spot and Howell the other as starters. Backups are likely to be Derek Johnson, Higgins, Kriegel.
llogg - October 21, 2009
Bible and Wilson ....
(and possibly Dorsey) should be in the DL rotations next year. Wilson may play inside much like S. Acho does in certain situations. The DL depth next year will be quite impressive and would be an embarrasment of riches if Jeffcoat commits.
Arroyo Grande - October 21, 2009
Bible...
is college ready now (assuming his shoulder is completely well). He should hit the rotation early and often his freshman year, and I think he’ll be starting as a sophomore. He’s not just very good, he’s a special talent that can anchor an entire defense.
TKO - October 21, 2009
Was there a GoBR write-up on Bible? I guess I missed this one in all the hand-wringing over Hicks and Jeffcoat. What makes this guy so special? I’m not questioning, as we all know how many of our DT’s are playing in the NFL on Sundays at the mo, just wondering how we know this is another one of those special guys?
patienthornsfan - October 21, 2009
Not a full blown write
but this:
http://www.burntorangenation.com/2009/3/12/789002/morning-coffe-has-your-ana
Gives some light into what this kid is capable of.
kriess - October 21, 2009
Also read that he is as good as Tommie Harris was at the high school level
pfc - October 21, 2009
Bible...
Just watch the free video on the recruiting sites. The guy is unbelievable. Just eating people alive, on the Jeffcoat videos I’m not knowledgeable enough to see what he’s doing so well but Bible you can’t miss it.
I also read that he’s the best DL prospect from Texas since 2001.
pfc - October 21, 2009
Watched him play
This season and his first step is very very impressive. He has a motor and a mean streak. I also watched the other kid we recruited from Johny Tyler I don’t remember his name either but he was just mean in the game I watched. He was a force up front without even trying and punished the QB when he got there.
TXHorns - October 21, 2009
Love hearing the live report. Thanks.
pfc - October 21, 2009
Bible Will Start. I Swear on it.
realmccoy - October 21, 2009
funny
damn funny sir/ma’am
TexasGarcia37 - October 21, 2009
you forgot okafor who's already seen the field this year.
won’t have to worry about the defensive line for a loooong time.
burrito - October 21, 2009
Great write up...
Our defense is just fun to read about. Thanks for getting some good info down.
pfc - October 21, 2009
Houston as a first round pick?
I’d love to see that happen, but I’ve seen no mention on Houston being a first round, let alone a first day pick. Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t scouts seeing him as undersized and less talented, especially when compared to Suh and McCoy?
That defensive line looks just sick for next year. I wonder if you’ll see Muschamp spin Mims down as early as next year, since he would already have a two-deep of Acho, Jones, Okafor and Wilson on the ends.
If Bible can contribute immediately, that would be greatly beneficial to the DT depth.
Nice write-up!
jc25 - October 21, 2009
Spin him down to LB you mean?
patienthornsfan - October 21, 2009
houston undersized??
lamarr houston is every bit of 6’2 300lbs, and that by no means is undersized for a NFL dt, he the same size as glen dorsey was his final season at lsu (houston is jus put together better), houston most likely will go late to mid-first round because of his 4.8 40yd dash time, and his overall athletic ability
OkcityHornFan - October 21, 2009 via mobile
Think He is a Project
Will prolly fit best on a 3-4 DL and will need to get above 300 while keeping quickiness.
realmccoy - October 21, 2009
I disagree
Just my humble opinion, but I don’t think Houston is a first day guy. My best guess he goes early third round after draft boards are re-worked. But a great combine could change that immediately.
TexasGarcia37 - October 21, 2009
I think PB..
…still sees Houston in the same mold as the former Nebraska DE, who plays DT for the Rams, Adam Carriker, as he did a couple years ago in his My Guys section. (Carriker was the 3rd overall pick)
vy til i die - October 21, 2009
uh...maybe not Carriker..
….maybe it was Long that went to the Rams
vy til i die - October 21, 2009
ah!
I knew it was something along those lines (It was Long, who went 2nd to the Rams)
It was here.
vy til i die - October 21, 2009
Any word on how these guys are coming along?
Kriegal, Dominique Jones, Mims, Russell Carter
I honestly thought Carter looked alot like Orakpo in highschool and keep hoping he’ll have a blowup season in his 4th year like Rak did (pre-injury).
Horncasting - October 21, 2009
I want seconds please.
This is the goo my brother. I salivate.
I like The Stew PB. It would be fun to see a categorical recipe come out at each position. I mean if you have the time?
The amazing place we are called Texas. We are rolling toward a MNC, have the best overall coaching staff on the planet (even w/GD), and are stacked with amazing talent. All this with a possible recruiting class of the ages in waiting.
I like our chances with Hicks. Jeffcoat’s decision is only relevant if he becomes a Longhorn. Serioulsy, his signing with us would be great, but it’s not like losing a Peterson here. Will Muschamp is proving to be the most intelligent thing DeLoss has done since Mack Brown.
The confidence I have with this staff goes well beyond talent. These guys work hard. From Akina, Maddog, Coach Boom, Brown, GD, Applewhite, and the interns. I know I’ve missed some and that’s the risk when you start posting names, but I want to thank these guys and gals for all they do. The athletes themselves communicate the level of excellence and work ethic modeled by the staff. The formula for success is there year after year. Your post offers one more proof.
The D-line is looking really fine and I think we can go into next year with confidence that guys will be ready. I surrender the stress of who will fill in, to the joy of who will step up.
We can see the writing on the wall now with some changes in offense. A Muschamp defense gives us a whole lot of options, and relying on the passing attack of the spread will become a non-essential.
The 2011 running back talent pool is so rich and we already have interest from some of the top recruits. A certain RB in the 2010 class has missed it big time, but not to fret. The Fozz is coming on, Cody is in shape, and Tre`, McGee, Hills, Whaley? Dude?
I think it’s good to go into our treasure room from time to time for perspective.
All is well in the land. Just win & we’re in .
orangetower - October 21, 2009
Someone drank a serious amount of Kool Aid this morning...
But I don’t disagree with a single thing you wrote.
In all honesty, I just don’t see how a recruit like Jeffcoat wouldn’t want to be a part of this. Let’s hope he sees it the way I do.
GoHorns - October 21, 2009
Disagree a Little Bit on the O side
I am concerned about the offensive coaching. My real peeve is based on the following comparisons:
- OLine preseason outlook + WR preseason outlook vs. reality today.
- Contrasted with the preseason outlook at DT vs. the reality today as discussed by PB.
We were really concerned about the DTs early, hoping that they would be able to contain a running gaming like OU. The stat -16 yards rushing. Think about that. It was done with alot of player development (making Alexander much more than a space eater) and some with scheme.
Any deterioration in the OL play this year is totally inexcusable. The development of Huey, Allen, Snow should definitely offset the loss of Dock. (Bruce Matthews’ alleged observations sound like alarm bells to me) WRs a little more understandable because we did unexpectedly lose Collins in addition to Quan. But the lack of development in Malcolm and Kirk is really upsetting. They did not look this bad last year.
It may be hard to get an offensive coordinator at the same level as Will – given that he is the next coach – but we need to seriously evaluate the coaching on this side of the ball.
realmccoy - October 21, 2009
If there is a weak link....
…then I would have to say it’s the O-line coaching.
The next deepest critique would be in the Malcom Williams/John Chiles arena. I will not knock Williams. Is he perect? No. Does he make mistakes? Yes, but if that is the litmus test for playing time then GG would be our starter. Colt, Davis, or Mack either individually or collectively need to change the paradigm through which they view Malcolm Williams. The kid is literally on the highlight reel in every game. If it’s not a big catch, then it’s a key block, assasination of a punter, or recovering a fumble against our arch rivals. I am not exagerating here. Go back and look at the highlights of every game this year and try to find one that does not have a Malcom Williams footprint.
So, I agree realmccoy. It may be hard to get an OC the level of Will until, in my opinion, Will is the HC or Mack has another epiphany ala VY. My greatest fear for next year is that GD & Mack will Sergio Gilbert. What I mean is that 2 years of production will be wasted trying to find out that they have a star on their hands. The kid can play, and can play at any level. I have the utmost confidence that GG will take over this team when called upon to do so, if he’s not hobbled by minds of mediocrity. I think it was GoBR who said what happened to Sergio his first two years at the hands of the then DC’s “was criminal”. Let it never be again.
On the other hand there seems to be an appeasement going on with Chiles. The guy is a great athlete, but who would have thought a 3 star recruit from Tuscola would come in and win the start and go on to break NCAA records. I think the unrest of benching a recruit the level of Chiles had to be unnerving with the physical talent is there, but I think there was a bit of desperation over wisdom as to where that would be.
I too would like to see Chiles make it somewhere somehow. Maybe take a shot at safety or all purpose RB like Romance Taylor was? The WR slot belongs to Williams and I for one admire his determination and effort to win it back.
After saying all that it really isn’t on the backs of Chiles or Williams, but on the offensive staff. This is just a case in point. Maybe a review of the evaluation process is due like you said. I agree that either repair or elimination of the weakest link is now moved to the front burner.
orangetower - October 21, 2009
Burnt Orange Flavor :)
It’s even turning my pee color.
orangetower - October 21, 2009
Then you should probably drink more water.
2Cor12:9 - October 22, 2009
The Line Is Impressive.
The D line this year is looking good. Both the Acho brothers are dominating. Lamaar Houston is showing he place in the team as well. I am cincerned for next year however I havent looked into next years freshmen class. Calvin Howell may be a big part of the team next year with a little more practice. I would have really liked to have seen Derek Johnson come out this year. He has great size and strength if he can get in shape. I have read articles stating that his wife and he are expecting a child early next year and that may be what is keeping him from putting all his ocus into becoming a contender.
texmexfan - October 22, 2009
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