Advertisement

sportsTexas Longhorns

3 reasons why Texas could be better in 2022: Deadly trio may take Longhorns offense to new heights

Bijan Robinson, Xavier Worthy and Quinn Ewers could be a frightening trio for Big 12 defenses.

The aura of despondency surrounding the Texas football program has subsided, and coach Steve Sarkisian has already ushered in a new wave of optimism just a few weeks removed from the Longhorns’ nightmarish 2021 season. That’s what happens when you land a quarterback prospect who is as hyped as they come.

But it’s not just the recruitment of Quinn Ewers that has Longhorns fans counting down the days until August. Texas signed the No. 5-ranked 2022 class in the nation on Wednesday, and many of the most talented recruits address specific positional team needs.

With a host of exciting newcomers, key returning veterans, and a couple of high-ceiling explosive players on offense, the Texas Longhorns seem to be trending upwards heading into Sarkisian’s second year in charge.

Advertisement

An arsenal of weapons on offense

Texas’ offense was a well-oiled machine during the early 2021 season. There was the effortless 58-point drubbing of Rice, the 70-point demolition of Texas Tech, and the 38-point first half against Oklahoma.

Sports Roundup

Get the latest D-FW sports news, analysis, scores and more.

Or with:

But after Casey Thompson injured the thumb on his throwing hand against the Sooners, the Longhorns couldn’t find steady quarterback play. Despite Thompson being banged up for half the season, the Longhorns still put up over 35 points a game, the second-highest mark in the Big 12.

That was due in no small part to the heroism of Bijan Robinson and true freshman standout Xavier Worthy. Both return with another year of college experience under their belt, so Longhorn fans can expect to see more of this:

Advertisement

And this:

Advertisement

Not only will Robinson and Worthy — as well as Jordan Whittington and Roschon Johnson — be back and better than ever, but the Longhorns will certainly improve at quarterback, whoever the starter may be.

Ewers will most likely be the guy for Sarkisian, and many are saying he is a generational talent. He and Vince Young are the only quarterbacks since 2000 to receive a perfect rating from 247Sports, and he’s not just your typical 18-year-old quarterback. Having already spent a year in a college weight room, at a program like Ohio State no less, Ewers should be ready to take the starting job.

If it’s not Ewers, a healthy Thompson could still be one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12. Despite splitting time with Hudson Card for much of the season, Thompson had five more touchdown passes than anyone else in the Big 12.

No matter who the starter is come the season, Texas will certainly be in a better spot offensively — and that’s a scary prospect for Big 12 defenses.

Stronger in the trenches

Other than instability at the quarterback position, Texas’ other weakness offensively was its offensive line, a problem Sarkisian addressed by signing six linemen. And some of them could see playing time as true freshmen.

With six-year veteran Derek Kerstetter gone, Kelvin Banks, the No. 2-rated offensive tackle recruit in the nation, could slot in for him. And Denzel Okafor’s presence at guard could be replaced by Neto Umeozulu, the seventh-best interior lineman in his class. Plus, center Jake Majors will be heading into his second year as a starter, and Junior Angilau and Christian Jones will be heading into their fifth seasons of college football.

On the defensive line, nose tackle Keondre Coburn returns for his fifth year, which will be huge for defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski in his second year at Texas. Alongside Coburn, it’s unclear if Moro Ojomo will be returning, but T’Vondre Sweat could step into the starting role as he enters his senior year.

Advertisement

The only departing starter on the defensive line is Jacoby Jones, but junior Alfred Collins could prove to be an upgrade at the JACK position. Plus, Ovie Oghoufo is returning on the other edge, and Texas signed Jaray Bledson, J’mond Tapp and Justice Finkley, all of whom could provide some solid depth up front.

Promising secondary

Aside from the offensive line, Sarkisian identified the secondary as another area in need of improvement. With the signing of four-star defensive backs Terrance Brooks and Bryan Allen, Sarkisian certainly addressed that problem.

Brooks or Jahdae Barron could be fantastic replacements for the departing Josh Thompson, and Jerrin Thompson, JD Coffey or Allen could be the answer at safety.

Advertisement

The return of D’Shawn Jamison will also be massive for Texas, as the cornerback will adopt more of a leadership role. With all of that talent behind returning linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, Texas’ defense could be much improved next year.

Find more Texas coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.