The Texas Longhorns have only two spring practices left before their spring game this weekend, which means the coaching staff is starting to figure just what they have on the roster this year. So with just those two practices left, it's time for an update on how last week's spring practices went. With that in mind, here's our Texas Football Spring Practice Report.
QB Competition
When Herman took over, he didn't declare last year's starting QB Shane Buechele as the starter for this year. Instead, he was going to make Buechele beat out freshman Sam Ehlinger. But so far, it's been all Buechele in the QB race. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck said late last week that Buechele is ahead right now. That surely won't change in the final week of spring ball, but Buechele likely won't be named the starter until fall camp. The coaching staff is throwing as much as they can at the QBs right now, but expect Buechele to line up under center to start the season.
Wide Outs Looking Sharp?
Herman was impressed by the wide receiver corps before the start of spring practice and that appears to have carried over onto the field. Among the impressive players are two youngsters: sophomore Lil'Jordan Humphrey and redshirt freshman Reggie Hemphill-Mapps. 247Sports reports that Humphrey has been getting some first team reps, ahead of Collin Johnson. The size of Humphrey (6-foot-5) potentially paired with Johnson in the red zone, is enticing.
"The thing that stands out about LJ Humphrey is his size," Herman said. "It’s tough when that guy bodies you up if you're a corner or a safety. It’s tough to get around him."
Hemphill-Mapps, per 247Sports, also picked up some first team work in the last Texas practice. He got that work in slot, ahead of senior Armanti Foreman. Even if Humphrey and Hemphill-Mapps only play limited rolls this year, it's a promising sign for the future of the Texas weapons.
Defense Outplaying Offense?
It appears that the Texas defense is getting the better of the Texas offense so far. That's a promising sign for a Texas defense that struggled last year. However, that's what Herman expected.
"I'd hope it’d be that way through eight practices," Herman said. "I use the analogy, and Coach Orlando may disagree with me, on defense ten guys may screw up and one guy makes a great play and you’ve got a TFL or sack or whatever. On offense you can have ten guys do perfect and one guy screws up and you get a TFL or a sack ... Short answer, yes the defense certainly has had the edge here in scrimmage situations, but I’ve seen some signs of life from the offense here lately."
Among the players standing out so far are DT Poona Ford and CB P.J. Locke III. Both are veterans fighting to ensure younger players don't take their jobs. Locke did have a knee injury during the practice, but 247Sports reports it's minor and he'll be just fine.
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