The Texas Longhorns have finished spring practice and the Longhorns are now stuck waiting for fall practice to start up. With spring practice over, it's the perfect time to take a look at how the Texas football depth chart looks.
Not every player on the roster will be listed, since there's no real need to include walk-ons who won't play. Instead, think of this as an expanded two-deep depth chart. And, with fall camp yet to begin, much can and probably will change. With that in mind, here's Texas Football's depth chart projections after the spring.
Quarterback:
Starter:
Shane Buechele, So.
Backups:
Sam Ehlinger, Fr.
Despite Tom Herman saying he won't name Shane Buechele the starter, let's not kid ourselves. He's the better of the two QBs right now and the heavy favorite to win the job. Depth is an issue for the Longhorns though. A graduate transfer to provide some veteran depth would be nice.
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Running Back:
Starter:
Chris Warren III, Jr.
Backups:
Kyle Porter, So.
Kirk Johnson, R-So.
There was no depth at this spot during the spring, as highlighted by the spring game. The top three guys listed above, plus Roderick Bernard and Tristian Houston were out with injuries. Early enrollee Toneil Carter might be pressed into early playing time because of the injuries and depth issues. If everyone is healthy, expect Warren to start and Porter to be the top backup. If injuries happen, the depth will be tested. Warren has some great potential.
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Wide Receiver:
Starters:
Collin Johnson, So. (Outside)
Jerrod Heard, R-Jr. (Outside)
Devin Duvernay, So. (Slot)
Backups:
Armanti Foreman, Sr. (Slot)
Dorian Leonard, Sr. (Outside)
John Burt, Jr. (Outside)
Lil'Jordan Humphrey, So. (Outside)
Reggie Hemphill-Mapps, R-Fr. (Slot)
There's a common theme among several positions this year for Texas: plenty of bodies, but needing players to step up. Johnson seems primed to do that this year, after a strong spring. He has amazing size. He seems to be in position to be a sure-fire starter, but the other two jobs are wide open. And more than just two will play as well; the loser of the Devin Durvernay and Armatni Foreman will see the field for sure. John Burt fell out of favor last year and hasn't appeared to regain any of it with the new staff. Hemphill-Mapps could steal snaps from Foreman, while Humphrey is a prime candidate for red zone work with Johnson. Johnson is 6-foot-6, with Humprehy at 6-foot-5. That's the stuff of nightmares for defensive coaches.
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Tight End:
Starter:
Andrew Beck, Sr.
Backups:
Garrett Gray, R-Jr.
Depth and talent is a major problem here, so don't be surprised if Texas again limits the use of its TEs. Beck had just four catches last year, while Gray has yet to make a catch. Syracuse grad transfer Kendall Moore will arrive in the fall, which should help the depth.
Offensive Line:
Starters:
Connor Williams, Jr. (Left Tackle)
Patrick Vahe, Jr. (Left Guard)
Zach Shackelford, So. (Center)
Jake McMillan, Jr.. (Right Guard)
Tristian Nickelson, Sr. (Right Tackle)
Backups:
Brandon Hodges, Sr. (Tackle)
Elijah Rodriguez, R-Jr. (Guard)
Patrick Hudson, R-Fr. (Guard)
Jean Delance, So. (Tackle)
J.P. Urquidez, R-Fr. (Tackle)
Terrell Cuney, R-Jr. (Center)
Alex Anderson, R-Jr. (Guard)
The Longhorns are in a pretty good spot, especially on the left side of the line. Connor Williams is a stud and likely future first round NFL draft pick. Vahe is a very good left guard and Shackelford should be the center after dealing with an injury during spring ball. McMillan seems in line to replace Kent Perkins at guard, while Nickelson is back at right tackle. Brandon Hodges will again try to push past Nickelson. Elijah Rodriguez might be the first interior linemen in off the bench.
The added bonus for Texas is a group of young linemen who could make a push in the fall. Jean Delance, J.P. Urquidez and Patrick Hudson might not be ready to start, but one or two could make a push on the right side. If not, they'll be in line to take over very soon.
The key for Texas this year will be upgrading the pass protection. The run game, obviously, was amazing. But the offensive line must do a better job of protecting Buechele (or whomever is at QB).