Texas Football: Grading each position group prior to spring game
Texas has a stacked roster heading into the 2023 season. We feel strongly about that fact. Barring a colossal breakdown in the Orange and White game, that judgment of the roster won’t change.
The biggest development of the 2023 spring sessions has been the emergence of defensive tackle Alfred Collins. Bobby Burton and Paul Wadlington of Inside Texas detailed his improvement in a podcast episode last week.
If Collins can step into his potential, the Texas defense can be disruptive and destructive in the upcoming season. While much of the focus for the current roster will go to the offense, defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski might have a unit capable of carrying the team.
While there are plenty of strong position groups, there are a handful of question marks heading into the 2023 season. With that in mind, let’s grade each position group heading into the spring game.
Quarterback
Frank Denius Fields on the University of Texas at Austin campus on Monday, March 6, 2023.
Grade: B-
Biggest question: How much can Quinn Ewers improve in 2023?
What could improve grade: If Ewers and Maalik Murphy look as sharp as they are talented in the spring game, the sky is the limit for the quarterback room.
Running Back
Frank Denius Fields on the University of Texas at Austin campus on Monday, March 6, 2023.
Grade: B-
Biggest question: Can the group fill Bijan Robinson’s shoes by committee?
What could improve grade: The running back room is going to be good. If Jonathon Brooks or Cedric Baxter develop into all-conference caliber backs, the group could be special.
Wide Receiver
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: A+
Biggest question: Can Isaiah Neyor or AD Mitchell live up to the hype?
What could improve grade: If Neyor and Mitchell are healthy and return to form, it would take a herculean effort for defensive coordinators to keep this offense contained.
Tight End
Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: B+
Biggest question: Can someone other than Ja’Tavion Sanders command playing time?
What could improve grade: If Texas is successfully running two-tight end personnel packages with what it has at receiver and running backs the grade improves.
Offensive Line
Spring Football 107786
Grade: B
Biggest question: Can the offensive line move defenses in run blocking?
What could improve grade: If young guards like Hayden Conner, Cole Hutson and Devon Campbell pack on strength this offseason.
Interior defensive line
Tim Warner/Getty Images
Grade: B+
Biggest question: Are T’Vondre Sweat and Alfred Collins ready to carry the unit?
What could improve grade: If the noise surrounding Alfred Collins has merit this offseason, Texas could have a superstar on the inside.
Edge rusher
Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: C-
Biggest question: Can talented but inexperienced edge rushers help Barryn Sorrell get to the quarterback?
What could improve grade: If any player gets more than 5.5 sacks.
Linebacker
Texas Longhonsrbb 80746
Grade: C+
Biggest question: Can Texas get enough from the position outside Jaylan Ford?
What could improve grade: If David Gbenda and Anthony Hill are ready to go, this group could see the most improved grade.
Cornerback
Image courtesy of Texas Sports
Grade: A-
Biggest question: Who takes the final starting spot opposite Ryan Watts and Jahdae Barron?
What could improve grade: If Texas cornerbacks can force turnovers in addition to already solid coverage the Longhorns could start routing teams.
Safety
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: B
Biggest question: Can Jalen Catalon return to form?
What could improve grade: Jerrin Thompson is going to make half this unit really good. As for the other half, Catalon and Kitan Crawford provide ball hawking upside that could make this one of the best positions on the team.
