(Editor’s Note: The air may still be thick with the chill of winter’s last vestiges, but college football programs around the country are already gearing up for spring practices. Throughout the next few weeks, CBR will help you get a handle on what to watch as teams hit the field to work out some of the kinks. First up, the Fightin’ ESPNs.)
Camp Opens: February 23
Spring Game: April 1
The ‘Horns took a few steps in 2011 towards stanching the bleeding from 2010. Eight wins and a trip to the Holiday Bowl wouldn’t usually fly with Burnt Orange Nation, but UT did show some signs of improvement while implementing new schemes on both sides of the ball. Starting this spring, the training wheels will have to come off if Texas intends to get back to being Texas – and Mack Brown wants to keep the wolves at bay.
Stability Factor (1 = chaos; 5 = rock solid): 3.5
Compared to a year ago, the vibe around the UT program must feel like your favorite recliner. Whereas the ‘Horns entered 2011 spring camp with an almost entirely revamped coaching staff, this offseason has been relatively drama-free in Austin.
If there is a fault line in the program, it’s the pressure to turn all those ESPN dollars and top-flight recruiting classes into wins. In short, Brown needs a big year.
Under the Microscope: David Ash
Pressed into action at quarterback as a true freshman, Ash looked more like a long-term project than a long-term answer. The numbers certainly don’t smell too sweet (56.9 completion pct., 107.4 rating, 4 TDs, 8 INTs).
Right now, the best thing that can be said about Ash is that he’s UT’s best option behind center. The Longhorns need him to show this spring that he’s got more to offer than that.
Locked and Loaded: Secondary
Texas may very well have the best collection of defensive backs in the country, especially at corner. Carrington Byndom could turn out to be the top cover man in the country and will likely be headed to the NFL a year ahead of schedule. Quandre Diggs started 11 games as a true freshman last year and finished the season with 4 INTs.
At safety, standout Kenny Vaccaro turned down the pros for another year at Austin. Meanwhile, there are plenty of talented youngsters vying to replace whipping boy Blake Gideon at the other starting spot.
Jockeying for Position: Tight End
UT hasn’t had much of a presence at tight end since Jermichael Finley left town. There are plenty of names in the mix this year, but no standouts.
Name to Know: Donald Hawkins
Brown has shied away recruiting junior-college prospects in the past, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Enter Hawkins, who is expected to compete immediately for a spot on the offensive line. OL coach Stacy Searles is likely hoping Hawkins can slide in at tackle, enabling brawler Trey Hopkins to move back to guard.
Spring will be a success if…: The passing game finds a groove
Last season, a new coordinator and emphasis on the running game put some polish on Texas’ turd of an offense. But it’s tough to spit shine a passing game that averaged just 6.9 yards per attempt (64th nationally) with an overall passer rating of 122.1 (89th). UT also ranked 97th overall in Offensive Passing S&P+.
Bottom line: Texas really needs to starts making some strides throwing the ball for Bevo to return to the country’s upper echelon. That not only means getting Ash to a point where both he and the staff have confidence in his ability to make plays with his arm, but finding enough guys who can consistently catch the ball when he does.
