© Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman
Longhorn DE Barryn Sorrell Reveals Who's 'Been Getting Best Out of (Him)' in Spring Ball
AUSTIN, Texas -- In order to bring his game to the next level after an impactful sophomore season, Texas Longhorns defensive end Barryn Sorrell is making sure to test his versatility during spring ball.
He admitted ahead of Saturday's Orange-White Spring Game that he has some lofty goals next season, which includes reaching double-digit sack numbers. But this is only possible by being able to beat different offensive linemen in a variety of ways.
With that, Sorrell's made sure to emphasize rushing from both sides of the line this spring to see he how fares against both expected starters at the offensive tackle spots in Kelvin Banks and Christian Jones.
"It's definitely been Banks and Christian Jones," he said. "I've been rotating both cause you don't always go against the same person every game. So I definitely wanted to work against both of them."
So, who's been giving him the most fits? Sorrell's answer might be a bit surprising considering Jones' experience headed into his fifth year on campus. But there's a reason Banks was a Second-Team All-Big 12 selection as a freshman last season while starting all 13 games.
Either way, both of them are giving Sorrell trouble due to different reasons, but it seems that as of now Banks has the one-and-one advantage against Sorrell compared to Jones.
"Christian being the older guy, he's played a lot of people, just knowing his experience," Sorrell said. "And then KB, a young person coming in, has a lot of skill. He's definitely been getting the best out of me and I've been helping him get better on what he can do."
Building each other's game up is a vital part at this point in the offseason. Banks himself admitted also that the competition between he and Sorrell is both healthy and necessary. He listed former Longhorns transfer and current LSU Tigers pass-rusher Ovie Oghoufo as another guy that helped in that regard as well last season.
"Those two guys helped me prepare myself for end-game situations," Banks said. "In practice I'm going against these guys. They're going full speed, 100 percent every play. So I feel like they helped me grow ... and get prepared for other guys in game."
The pair of Banks and Sorrell clearly benefited from facing one another in practice all of last season. Along with his aforementioned all-conference honors, Banks was an honorable mention for the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Meanwhile, Sorrell had a breakout sophomore season with 44 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.
All this competition and more headed into fall practice should be getting fans excited about what's to come from two of the team's most important, budding pieces.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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