Four Longhorns mentioned on 247Sports’ true freshmen who matter in 2022
It’s no secret that Texas will be relying on several true freshmen to step up this upcoming season.
Second-year head coach Steve Sarkisian hauled in the No. 5 recruiting class in the country for the 2022 cycle. When you couple that with the fact that numerous players from Tom Herman’s regime entered the transfer portal this offseason, it provides more opportunities for freshmen to step into starting roles all over the field.
The primary position group to watch in regards to the incoming freshmen class is the offensive line. Kyle Flood landed arguably the top offensive line haul in school history, headlined by five-stars Kelvin Banks and Devon Campbell.
The talented offensive linemen have not arrived to campus yet, therefore Flood will be tasked with grooming and developing this young group quickly prior to the 2022 season.
Four Longhorns were included on 247Sports’ top freshmen who matter list for the 2022 season. Three were offensive linemen, while one is on the defensive side.
Cole Hutson, OG
Austin American-Statesman
What 247Sports says
Texas’ starting o-line mix is still very much up in the air, and Hutson stands to benefit. Hutson impressed as an early enrollee to the point he started at right guard during Texas’ final spring scrimmage. Hutson will have every chance to earn a starting spot in fall camp and at worst will be in the rotation for a unit that has far more question marks than answers going into 2022.
Devon Campbell, OL
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
What 247Sports says
If Hutson doesn’t end up starting at right guard, it might end up being Campbell, who arrives in Austin this summer. The No. 1-ranked o-lineman in the country, Campbell is 6-foot-3, 310 pounds with athleticism that would make a lot of skill players jealous. Campbell has college-ready strength and pairs that with speed (sub-5 seconds in the 40) that makes him a devastating second-level blocker. And it’s not like Campbell will compete with an established starter. He’s going to force his way into Texas’ starting lineup at some point this year.
Kelvin Banks, OT
AP Photo/Michael Thomas
What 247Sports says
Yep, another Longhorn true freshman offensive lineman. This is a tough position to play for a youngster, but in this case I feel very safe in saying all three of Hutson, Campbell and Banks will be in the two deep. As for Banks’ future, he will have every chance to push Christian Jones at right tackle when he arrives this summer. Like Campbell, Banks is more college-ready than many other incoming offensive linemen. He’s going to be given every chance to play.
Jaylon Guilbeau, CB
AP Photo/Michael Thomas
What 247Sports says
Guilbeau’s inclusion here comes with a sizable caveat: He was suspended on April 12 for a violation of team activities. That said, earlier in the spring Guilbeau had been splitting first-team reps at cornerback. Assuming Guilbeau returns to the coaching staff’s good graces as expected, he’s going to play quite a bit at a position where Texas needs help.
By the way, don’t be shocked if some of Texas’ true freshmen EDGE rushers like J’mond Tapp end up playing quite a bit. But I didn’t want to totally overwhelm this list with Longhorns.
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