Interesting takeaways from Texas’ initial depth chart against Rice
The Texas Longhorns have released their first depth chart for the 2023 season. There are a handful of surprises although the main characters are about as expected.
Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers leads the offense with a loaded and fortified offensive line and wide receiver room. As expected, Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and Jordan Whittington are listed as starters with Ja’Tavion Sanders at tight end. Former five-star offensive lineman DJ Campbell is set to make his first start for the team in his second season in Austin.
Defensively there are reasonable personnel decisions with many of the expected starters where they should be slated. Albeit, we will note one glaring decision on the depth chart.
Let’s look at major takeaways from the Longhorns’ first depth chart of the 2023 season.
Maalik Murphy or Arch Manning
Arch Manning and Maalik Murphy are neck-and-neck for the second string spot at quarterback. Their battle is such that neither is solidified as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart. Manning has apparently made an impressive leap over the past couple months.
Cedric Baxter Jr. gets the nod
The top of the running back depth chart reads “Cedric Baxter or Jonathon Brooks,” meaning that we don’t have a solidified running back starter in Austin. That might be a good thing. Texas can afford to have a running back committee because of the talent present in the room. CJ Baxter could see the first carry for Texas against Rice.
Casey Cain or Isaiah Neyor
The Texas coaching staff seems to love Casey Cain. The major contributor to the Longhorns’ 2022 season is given the higher slot on the depth chart than Neyor although it is displayed as a tie.
DJ Campbell or Cole Hutson
Campbell is supplanting a 13-game starter at left guard, and a good one, in Cole Hutson. Huston is still slotted to play, but credit Campbell for climbing his way up the depth chart.
Sweat, Murphy and Collins all starters
T’Vondre Sweat, Byron Murphy and Alfred Collins are all listed as starters. That’s a nasty trio of interior defensive linemen. Texas is set to throw its weight around on the interior.
Jett Bush wins Sam linebacker position
Jett Bush is as technically sound and football savvy as it gets. Unfortunately, his inclusion takes away a spot on the field for Anthony Hill Jr. It’s uncertain if he has the requisite athleticism to command a starting spot. We will monitor Hill’s role in the Texas defense as the season unfolds.
David Gbenda or Anthony Hill
David Gbenda is a good football player and worthy of a starting position. The issue here is that the best athlete on the defense outside of Jalon Catalon starts the season on the bench. You would like to see Hill man another position opposite Gbenda and Ford. Even so, Texas should have a great defense this season.
Terrance Brooks or Gavin Holmes
Texas’ defensive back depth is special. Terrance Brooks has emerged as the cornerback the Longhorns hoped he would become while Gavin Holmes is pushing for a prominent role. Elsewhere, the team has Malik Muhammad and Jaylon Guilbeau equipped to take the field and make an impact should an injury occur.
