Longhorns Offensive Fall Camp Two-Deep Depth Chart Projection
The Texas Longhorns are entering Year 3 of the Steve Sarkisian era, and with that, there are high expectations abound.
Luckily for the Longhorns, they have the talent to back up those expectations, with Sarkisian utilizing recruiting and the transfer portal to create one of the most exciting rosters in college football.
Not only that, but it is also one of the deepest, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, where despite the loss of Bijan Robinson, the Horns are projected to be as prolific as ever.
With that in mind, LonghornsCountry.com is taking a stab at projecting how exactly the depth chart will shake out for Texas ahead of fall camp - starting with the offense:
Quarterback
Quinn Ewers
Maalik Murphy
As much as people wanted this to be a quarterback controversy when Arch Manning committed, it was never going to be. Quinn Ewers has not only locked down the starting spot but is now garnering incredible buzz for his improvements since the end of last season.
Murphy also had an impressive spring and cemented himself firmly as Ewers' backup entering the season.
Manning's time will come, but not yet.
Running back
Jonathon Brooks
Jaydon Blue OR CJ Baxter
Replacing an NFL-caliber running back is never going to be an easy feat, let alone having to replace two. The Longhorns find themselves in camp of the latter, though, with Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson set to hear their names called in the NFL draft. Lucky for them, though, they have a deep running back room.
Leading the way will likely be Brooks, having shown flashes in limited opportunities last season when spelling Robinson and Johnson. Joining Brooks in the backfield will be Blue, who showed out in the spring game with a 31-yard touchdown where he made multiple defenders look silly.
That said, do not overlook freshman C.J. Baxter, who is also projected to have an impact in 2023.
Wide Receiver
WR - X
Xavier Worthy
Johntay Cook II
WR - H
Jordan Whittington
Deandre Moore
WR - Z
AD Mitchell
Isaiah Neyor
When you have Isaiah Neyor on the second string of your potential two-deep chart, you know you are spoiled at the receiver position. Once Jordan Whittington announced he was returning and the Longhorns landed AD Mitchell via the transfer portal from Georgia, it was hard to find a deeper receiver room. Oh, and Xavier Worthy is still Xavier Worthy.
Behind them is the aforementioned Neyor, a Wyoming transfer coming off a torn ACL that will look to contribute in a big way. Casey Cain had a strong spring and with another year in Sarkisian's system, could be a name to watch. Freshman Johntay Cook II, though, is arguably the most exciting name of the group as he has the potential to be the next big thing at receiver for Texas.
Tight end
Ja'Tavion Sanders
Gunnar Helm
Of those who broke out for the Longhorns in 2022, Ja'Tavion Sanders was arguably the most important one. His emergence as a legitimate threat as a receiver at the tight end position opened up the Longhorns' offense and gave Ewers a safety blanket to work with.
Now, he enters the 2023 season as one of the best tight ends not only in the Big 12 but in college football. He will look to build on a strong sophomore season, while behind him Gunnar Helm will look to take advantage of the opportunities he gets when he sees the field alongside Sanders.
Offensive line
Left Tackle
Kelvin Banks
Payton Kirkland
Left Guard
Hayden Conner
Neto Umeozulu
Center
Jake Majors
Connor Robertson
Right Guard
Cole Hutson
DJ Campbell
Right Tackle
Christian Jones
Cameron Williams
Much like other positions on the offense, there was never any doubt about who would start along the offensive line for the Longhorns in 2023. After all, when you return all five starters along the line it makes for better continuity for not only them but the offense as a whole.
Where the Longhorns could face issues, though, is the depth along the line with the guys behind the starters. In the spring game, Manning was pressured quickly and often, as the second-team offensive line struggled to keep a clean pocket.
D.J. Campbell is coming. And so is Cameron Williams. But for now, at least at the start of fall camp, things should stay relatively the same.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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