WR Mike Davis
2013 SCHEDULE
8-31-13 NEW MEXICO STATE
9-7-13 at Brigham Young
9-14-13 MISSISSIPPI
9-21-13 KANSAS STATE
10-5-13 at Iowa State
10-12-13 Oklahoma @Dallas, TX
10-26-13 at TCU
11-2-13 KANSAS
11-9-13 at West Virginia
11-16-13 OKLAHOMA STATE
11-28-13 TEXAS TECH
12-7-13 at Baylor
Head Coach: Mack Brown
150-43, 15 years

2012 Statistics
2012 RESULTS: 9-4
WYOMING WON 37-17
NEW MEXICO WON 45-0
at Mississippi WON 66-31
at Oklahoma State WON 41-36
WEST VIRGINIA LOST 45-48
Oklahoma @Dallas, TX LOST 21-63
BAYLOR WON 56-50
at Kansas WON 21-17
at Texas Tech WON 31-22
IOWA STATE WON 33-7
TCU LOST 13-20
at Kansas State LOST 24-42
ALAMO BOWL
Oregon State WON 31-27

ASST. COACHES

Co-Off. Coordinator/QB Coach: Major Applewhite (8th season)
Previous: Texas Co-Off. Coor./RB Coach

Co-Off. Coordinator/WR Coach: Darrell Wyatt (3rd season)
Previous: Texas WR Coach

Def. Coordinator/LB Coach: Manny Diaz (3rd season)
Previous: Mississippi St. Def. Coor.

Running Backs: Larry Porter (1st season)
Previous: Arizona State RB Coach

Tight Ends: Bruce Chambers (16th season)
Previous: Texas RB Coach

Offensive Line: Stacy Searels (3rd season)
Previous: Georgia OL Coach

Defensive Tackles: Bo Davis (3rd season)
Previous: Alabama DL Coach

Defensive Ends: Oscar Giles (9th season)
Previous: Houston DL Coach

Defensive Backs: Duane Akina (13th season)
Previous: Arizona DB Coach

 

2012 Final Rankings
AP-19, Coaches-18, BCS-23
OUTLOOK

No team in the NationalChamps.net Top 25 is bringing back this many starters. This doesn't necessarily equate to more wins but it certainly gives Longhorn fans hope. At the same time it's unusual to see so few Longhorn players on last season's All-Conference list. All this equates to even more pressure on this coaching staff to win more. Anything less than nine wins and Mack Brown could be done. But we have heard this before in Austin. Mack Brown admits he understands why he is considered on the hot seat after three down seasons. What changes may take place in 2013 in an effort to overcome the winning column shortcomings? The biggest story this spring has been Texas implementing a new quick tempo offense. The speed was noticeable as the offense began moving with an average of nine seconds between whistle and snap. Fans got to see what's in store in the second half of the Alamo Bowl when the Longhorns picked up the pace and moved the ball downfield with their speedy weapons. Don't expect a major overhaul of the offense, just a quicker version.

Offensively, the best way to describe the Texas passing game is inconsistent. David Ash started most of the season behind center with Case McCoy getting the nod in the finale. There is plenty of upside in these two providing hope for 2013 that one of these quarterbacks can perform like a veteran while minimizing the mistakes and red zone issues. Ash gets the nod for now and there is much to like about his abilities. With a better junior campaign Texas can be right in the middle of the Big 12 title hunt. Mike Davis is a premier receiver and Jaxon Shipley is always dangerous. They help provide the passing fortunes a better prognosis. As usual plenty of options are available in the backfield. And as usual if running with the ball continues to be a mediocre effort given the talent here and what veterans are up front blocking, Texas is in trouble. The philosophy that the best teams are strong up front has been proven by the SEC this decade. Texas has a really well-built offensive line full of mammoth size and experience. This factor alone should make Texas that much better in 2013.

The less said about the run defense, the better. And that might belie how bad this team really was at times a year ago. The only departure from this front seven will be end Alex Okafor. No reason exists why this defensive coaching staff cannot produce a better product. Maybe that is half the problem and a reason Mack Brown is on the hot seat. Coordinator Manny Diaz, who presided over the worst statistical defense in school history in 2012, too, is feeling the heat. His linebackers were the weakest unit while the two players who are truly supposed to be difference makers on defense (Jeffcoat and Hicks) have struggled with injuries. Look for some mix between the usual 4-3 alignment and some experiments with a 3-4 schematic. The thought process on how to play in this defense may be a little complex but there is no reason why this group should be performing this poorly.

Critics are calling these recent Longhorn teams soft. Coaches call it a farce but the numbers, especially on defense say otherwise. The trust factor with the coaches is certainly gone when it comes to instilling a championship edge. Leadership amongst the players is also one of the biggest question marks. When grading talent levels on paper Texas is right at the top with any other team in the Big 12. Thus far however that paper has proved to be counterfeit...hence the reason Texas won't be the overall favorite to win the conference.


Projected 2013 record: 10-2
DE Jackson Jeffcoat
TEXAS
2012 Statistical Rankings
OFFENSE
 
National
Conf.
Rushing:
53
6
Passing:
41
6
Total Off:
40
6
Sacks Allow:
22
4
DEFENSE
 
National
Conf.
Rushing:
88
8
Passing:
36
3
Total Def:
67
5
Sacks:
19
1
RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: David Ash, 214-318-8, 2699 yards, 19 TD

Rushing: Johnathan Gray, 149 att., 701 yds., 3 TD

Receiving: Jaxson Shipley, 59 rec., 737 yds., 6 TD

Scoring: Joe Bergeron, 16 TD, 96 pts.

Punting: None

Kicking: Nick Jordan, 9-15 FG, 31-32 PAT, 58 pts.

Tackles: Steve Edmond, 103 tot., 51 solo

Sacks: Jackson Jeffcoat, 4 sacks

Interceptions: Quandre Diggs, 4 for 14 yds., 0 TD

Kickoff Returns: Daje Johnson, 4 ret., 20.8 avg., 0 TD

Punt Returns: Quandre Diggs, 13 ret., 8.2 avg., 0 TD

 
 
TEXAS
2013 College Football Preview
OFFENSE - 10
----RETURNING STARTERS----
DEFENSE - 9
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Ryan Roberson-FB, Marquise Goodwin-WR, D.J. Grant-TE
DEFENSE: Alex Okafor-DE, Kenny Vaccaro-FS, Alex King-P, Brandon Moore-DT (NFL)
2013 OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK  
The Longhorn nation already understands what David Ash and Case McCoy represent on the gridiron. Ash is the sure starter departing spring ball. He looks the part and throws a nice pass with size and strength in the pocket with the ability to run. The word out of spring is that Ash is also loosening up and showing some confidence. But ask and most fans will tell you they are still in a wait-and-see mode. Changing a personality isn't easy but with Coach Major Applewhite working with Ash there are possibilities. Case McCoy is the backup, but for how long? Applewhite has stated that McCoy would undoubtedly take the field in place of an injured or ineffective Ash because he has so much experience and has won games. McCoy's career never mirrored his brother Colt but as a senior he will maintain an important role. His ability to improvise especially in clutch situations are not enough to make up for his lack of arm strength. All eyes have been on 6'5, 250-pound true freshman Tyrone Swoopes, who has been given every opportunity to wrestle away the backup spot as an early enrollee. Odds are he ends up redshirting but his physical skills may leave coaches tempted to use him in special packages.

RUNNING BACK  
For two seasons now the Longhorns have started the season with plenty of options out of the backfield. For two seasons now the Longhorns have ended the season with few options due to injuries and other circumstances. In 2012 Brown, Bergeron and promising freshman Johnathan Gray were all locked in for playing time. Gray wound up the starter in the Alamo Bowl after the other two suffered through injury. Regardless of how the depth chart works out, injuries aside all three are going to see their share of carries. Bergeron will likely serve as the team's short-yardage back. Gray and Brown are key leaders on this team with big-time talent. Not so very long ago it appeared that Brown was setting up to be the backfield savior for the program. But now the new kid in town Gray seems to have been placed in that same role. Gray looks like he is ready to explode. Don't be surprised if he becomes a 1,000 yard rusher. But all this has been said before with a wealth of recruiting talent lining up at this position through the years. Yet Mack Brown has never put the fear in any opponent when it comes to the ground game. The talent is here once again. Will the lackluster results be the same?

RECEIVER  
Mike Davis is one of the country's premier deep threats. The fourth-year starter took the Longhorn faithful for a loop back in January as he told ESPN he would enter the NFL Draft one morning. But that evening he released a statement saying he would remain in Austin. After his sophomore year he briefly contemplated quitting football for undisclosed reasons and last year at times seemed disgusted at the lack of passes being thrown his way. This time around the senior says he is ready to lead which is definite good news for the backfield. For this running attack to get better Davis has to be on the field stretching defenses. Jaxon Shipley is on board again to offer a great 1-2 punch. He runs tremendous routes and catches just about everything thrown his way. As last year wore on Shipley got better recording 60 or more receiving yards in his final six games. Cayleb Jones was in contention for a starting role left open by the departure of Marquise Goodwin but has been suspended indefinitely for an off-the-field assault charge. Stepping in has been the speedy Kendall Sanders who didn't play much last year but has received solid praise through out the spring. With the new hurry-up offense expecting to produce 80 to 100 snaps a game Texas will need numbers at this spot. The door has been open for Marcus Johnson and Bryant Jackson to earn serious playing time with the first team. Johnson has good size and is deceptively fast, while Jones is a big receiver who uses his body well. Also look for cornerback Duke Thomas to double as a receiver. It simply cannot be Davis and Shipley all season long. Someone has to step forward and preferably more than one.

TIGHT END  
The never ending search for the next great tight end continues. Coaches just want to see something, anything that shows this position can actually bring something positive to this offense. On paper the situation looks good, but that case can be made for many positions across the board with the recruiting success Mack Brown has been blessed with. At this point do coaches go with a blocker or pass catcher here? Recently it's been tough building a productive package. With weapons already available to catch passes look for converted defensive lineman Greg Daniels to be more of a value for blocking purposes. M.J. McFarland played wide out in high school and in the spring game displayed a glimpse of what the fall could bring as he caught two passes on the very first drive. He just needs to display some consistency. JUCO transfer Geoff Swaim has talent too as a blocker but don't look for him often in passing situations. The tight end will continue to be a work in progress.


OFFENSIVE LINE  
All five primary starters return that combined for 62 of a possible 65 starts. Ergo, this group should be a great place to start the offensive wrecking ball rolling. The middle of this group is extremely steady. Right guard Mason Walters enters his last season with 38 starts under his belt. Left guard Trey Hopkins has started 16 games after being a starter two years ago at tackle. Center Dom Espinosa has started every game of his career here. The tackle spots are going to be a little more interesting. Right tackle Josh Cochran sat out the spring with a leg fracture opening the door for Kennedy Estelle who is oozing with ability to be an impact player. The influence of big 6'8, 310-pound JUCO transfer Desmond Harrison, who will arrive this summer, will really make things interesting at left tackle. Mack Brown has already stated Harrison has a chance to be something really special. He will be in a battle to take over for Donald Hawkins, a JUCO transfer last season, whose results were mixed in 2012. If Harrison is as advertised his arrival could really shake up this unit in a positive way.

 

WR Jaxon Shipley

 
TEXAS 2013 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key Players
OFFENSE
QB David Ash-Jr (6-3, 223) Case McCoy-Sr (6-2, 200)
FB Chet Moss-Jr (6-2, 255) Alex De La Torre-So (6-1, 230)
RB Johnathan Gray-So (5-11, 207) Malcolm Brown-Jr (6-0, 223)
Joe Bergeron-Jr (6-1, 240)
WR Jaxon Shipley-Jr (6-1, 192) Bryant Jackson-Jr (6-2, 199)
Daje Johnson-So (5-10, 184)
WR Mike Davis-Sr (6-2, 193) Marcus Johnson-So (6-1, 189)
WR Kendall Sanders-So (6-0, 183) Cayleb Jones-So (6-3, 200)
TE Greg Daniels-Jr (6-5, 258) M.J. McFarland-So (6-6, 245)
OT Desmond Harrison-Jr (6-8, 310) Donald Hawkins-Sr (6-5, 310)
OG Trey Hopkins-Sr (6-4, 300) Sedrick Flowers-So (6-3, 313)
C Dominic Espinosa-Jr (6-4, 300) Garrett Porter-Sr (6-6, 315)
OG Mason Walters-Sr (6-6, 320) Curtis Riser-RFr (6-4, 305)
OT Josh Cochran-Jr (6-6, 299) Kennedy Estelle-So (6-7, 300)
K Nick Rose-So (6-3, 192) Nick Jordan-So (6-1, 175)

 
2013 DEFENSE

    DEFENSIVE LINE  

  • Alex Okafor, arguably the team's best player last fall, will make it seven Longhorn defensive ends drafted to the NFL in the last 10 years.
  • Cedric Reed replaces Okafor and started six games in 2012 after Jackson Jeffcoat was lost for the season against Oklahoma with a pectoral injury. Reed could be a budding star but still has not proven he can dominate on a consistent basis.
  • Jackson Jeffcoat was still out for the spring opening the door for a combination of young players to earn playing time.
  • Bryce Cottrell will push for a spot in the rotation and has drawn praise from those close to the program. Cottrell, Shiro Davis and Caleb Bluiett are the younger guys coaches are watching closely. Bluiett has moved back to defensive end from tight end. None of the three have separated themselves from the pack.
  • End Reggie Wilson is still dealing with inconsistency as a senior.
  • At tackle Malcom Brown performed well in limited action as a true freshmen and is another budding star.
  • Between Brown, Hassan Ridgeway (moved inside from defensive end), Jackson, Dorsey and Whaley the numbers are heavy for the two tackle spots, which is a good depth sign. Jackson is the team's top returning tackler from this group. Getting one or two of them to step up and be a consistent force is another story. So far this has not happened.


    LINEBACKER  
  • The linebackers faced a ton of criticism last year for their sub par performances (ranked 88th nationally in run defense). Even Mack Brown has alluded to the struggles of this unit up the middle.
  • What the rotation will exactly look like this fall is anyone's guess. A ton of questions still exist here and could be the reason Texas still has problems getting over the winning hump.
  • The return of Jordan Hicks will be a boost but likely not enough to make this an elite set of linebackers. Hicks has the physical and mental qualities necessary to be a top flight backer.
  • Peter Jinkens was active last season on a limited basis. The talk is that he can be a premier playmaker after impressing quite nicely this spring. Jinkens is exactly what a Big 12 linebacker should look like.
  • Dalton Santos appears to have replaced Steve Edmond at the middle backer spot. Santos has slimmed down and took most of the reps with the first team this spring.
  • Demarco Cobbs and Tevin Jackson will have to fight to find continued playing time. Both have dealt with the injury bug. Cobbs is a good fit athletically but isn't sure of what the defense is trying to achieve. Jackson could be the odd man out when Hicks does return fulltime. He will be more valuable in Dime packages playing in space and adding depth.
  • This unit performed poorly enough that last year's predominant starters are now apparently playing back up roles across the board. Depth is great but the ability to be a great linebacking corps is still in question.
  • Defensive Coordinator and linebackers coach Manny Diaz is under the gun. His defense had serious problems last season with his continued Fire Zone blitzing scheme that isn't working.

    DEFENSIVE BACK  

  • Corners Carrington Byndom and Quandre Diggs are known commodities. Byndom will be the top option to cover the opponent's best receiver. Diggs will slide to free safety or man the nickel spot so the corner position opposite Byndom is still wide open. Look for Duke Thomas to be the fill in here as he tries to double as a receiver when Texas has the ball.
  • Diggs will look to assume a more physical role at safety as Kenny Vaccaro did so enthusiastically last season.
  • The talent is this secondary is undeniable, but defensive backs coach Duane Akina is going to have to find a way to fit it all together.
  • At this point no job is safe, especially at safety. Coaches have started from scratch this spring with no depth chart in sight.
  • Adrian Phillips had a disappointing junior campaign and his inability to play physically suggests safety may not be his best suite. Josh Turner was a corner in high school but will continue to push for starting duty at safety.
  • Mykkele Thompson is athletically gifted but has proven to fall short in the tackling department.
  • There is not a Thorpe Award finalist in this group. However there is no denying the fact recruiting has been good to this secondary.

 

CB Carrington Byndom

 
TEXAS 2013 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Cedric Reed-Jr (6-6, 250) Reggie Wilson-Sr (6-3, 259)
NT Chris Whaley-Sr (6-3, 292) Hassan Ridgeway-RFr (6-4, 300)
Ashton Dorsey-Sr (6-2, 295)
DT Desmond Jackson-Jr (6-1, 300) Malcom Brown-So (6-4, 315)
DE Jackson Jeffcoat-Sr (6-5, 245) Bryce Cottrell-RFr (6-3, 230)
SLB Peter Jinkens-So (6-1, 213) Demarco Cobbs-Sr (6-2, 218)
Tevin Jackson-Jr (6-2, 233)
MLB Dalton Santos-So (6-3, 250) Steve Edmond-Jr (6-3, 255)
WLB Jordan Hicks-Jr (6-2, 235) Kendall Thompson-Jr (6-3, 239)
CB Duke Thomas-So (5-11, 175) Sheroid Evans-Jr (6-0, 185)
CB Carrington Byndom-Sr (6-0, 180) Leroy Scott-Jr (5-10, 193)
SS Adrian Phillips-Sr (5-11, 201) Josh Turner-Jr (6-0, 177)
FS Quandre Diggs-Jr (5-10, 200) (NB) Mykkele Thompson-Jr (6-2, 183)
P Anthony Fera-Sr (6-2, 220) William Russ-Jr (6-4, 185)

 

 

2013 SPECIAL TEAMS
  • Nick Rose is the field goal kicker if the games commenced today, sitting just ahead of Nick Jordan by a narrow margin. There has not been a long ball kicker worthy of consistently making 40-plus yard field goals since Justin Tucker departed. Rose handled the kickoff duties in 82 of the 85 attempts last season so hopes are that he has a better leg for long distance.
  • Expectations were high for Anthony Fera when he transferred from Penn State last summer, but after an injury-riddled junior season where he was only 2-for-4 on field goal attempts and missed two extra points, his role as a kicker has ended.
  • Anthony Fera is getting tryout time as a punter as the search for replacing Alex King continues. Fera averaged 42 yards per punt at Penn State.
  • Multi-talented Duke Thomas had two kick returns for 65 yards in the spring game. Thomas has seen time at both cornerback and receiver. He will need to work on ball security but there appears to be no question he can be dangerous with the ball in this hands. Odds are that Quandre Diggs will continue to handle the punt return duties.