Texas released its first 2010 depth chart. A look at what some of the moves may mean for 2010 and beyond.
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Biggest Surprise: It’s a tie between Cody Johnson at running back and Tyrell Higgins at defensive tackle.
Johnson came into camp as almost an afterthought, a player who would crush the ball in during short yardage and goal line formations. After losing considerable weight, and adding what appears to be a burst of speed, Johnson leadpfrogged Fozzy Whitaker and Tre Newton to snag the start against Rice. In his only other start, Johnson racked up over 100 yards against the Baylor Bears in 2009. While Texas looks to improve upon the running game with a more ferocious downhill attack, it seems Johnson may be best suited for a between the tackles offensive game plan, especially when you consider the limited bulk and size of his counterparts. Johnson may start, but you can expect Greg Davis will get the ball into the hands of Newton and Whitaker – both of whom bring a game breaking speed to the offense that Johnson lacks. The choice of Johnson could also be an indicator that the offensive philosophy switch may be taking longer than expected to take hold with the offensive line – perhaps the line isn’t opening the holes it needs for the shiftier backs, and coaches believe a bigger, more physical back like Johnson can still earn the tough yards behind a suspect offensive line.
Higgins ascent to the starting position beside Kheeston Randall answers one of the nagging questions concerning Texas fans coming into 2010: Who will step up and lead the interior of the defense? Always a strength for the Longhorns, defensive tackle questions have plagued the Longhorns all off-season, as they looked to replace Lamaar Houston. Most thought Calvin Howell had the job locked up, but he’s currently listed as third team behind Higgins and former defensive end Alex Okafor. Moving Okafor inside is a move similarly made for Houston two years ago, a move which clearly paid off for Texas and Lamaar. It also allows highly regarded freshman Jackson Jeffcoat to earn some playing time at defensive end behind senior Eddie Jones. So while the move to start Higgins may not have been a huge surprise, its announcement exemplified the shakeup of the Texas defensive line, which points to the fact that Will Muschamp and co. are still looking for permanent answers – a troubling idea with the season opening in a few days. Everyone may play every position before the coaches figure out the best combination for each game.
Also, the move to select Case McCoy as the primary backup for Garrett Gilbert over the more celebrated Connor Wood may be an indication of a very smart move by the Texas coaching staff. Texas may be leaning towards redshirting Wood, a more polished player who came out of high school with far more hype, this season and allowing McCoy to play the role Garret Gilbert played last season – mop up duty for blow-outs. Brown may be looking ahead to 2013, when Wood could replace Gilbert as a redshirt junior, allowing the Horns to get two full seasons out of Connor. While his brother will always be a Texas legend, it seems unlikely that Brad McCoy can deliver two starting quarterbacks to Texas. Call it crazy – but the backup QB for 2010 may not be the best player at QB not named Gilbert. Yet.
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