Earl Thomas had a Texas record 8 interceptions this season. (Image: Getty)
Redshirt sophomore safety won’t be back in 2010 for the Texas Longhorns. The Thorpe Award finalist out of West Orange-Stark has announced he is leaving school early for the NFL. The news is not unexpected but didn’t think we’d get confirmation so soon.
Earl is projected to be drafted in the middle of the 1st round so this is a good decision for him and for his family. You go to college to prepare yourself for your future career and Thomas has done that (and then some) in his three years at Texas. Athletically he seems ready to play in the league and his biggest negative is his size which wouldn’t improve with more time on campus.
Thomas’ departure leaves the Horns a little thin on experience in the secondary for 2010. At safety, starter is returning as is the promising but neither has man coverage skills Thomas does. Someone else from the group of guys including and will also need to step up.
Posted August 30th, 2007 by Brian
Filed under: Depth Chart, Football
With the first official depth chart released for the we can officially do our first second guessing of the 2007 season. Let’s complain examine the defensive side of the ball first:
| Position | Player | Player | Player | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE (Quick) | Brian Orakpo |
|
|
Eddie Jones | ||
| I think everyone is expecting a big sack total from this season, I’m thinking he could be our breakout defender. I’m excited to see play, kid is a future star. | |||||
| Nose Tackle | Derek Lokey |
or
|
Roy Miller |
|
|
Ben Alexander |
| If doesn’t get hurt, Texas wins the Big 12 and ends up in the Fiesta Bowl last year. A healthy Lokey helps the entire defense. | |||||
| Tackle | Frank Okam |
or
|
Roy Miller |
|
|
Thomas Marshall |
| There were all-world expectations for when he arrived in Austin and he’s yet to perform at that level. He’s still got a chance to be a high draft pick if he can be healthy and active this year. | |||||
| DE (Power) | Aaron Lewis |
|
|
Lamarr Houston | ||
| Maybe the weakest spot on the defensive line but a couple of guys that impressed in limited time last season. and are both about a biscuit short of becoming defensive tackles. | |||||
| Strongside LB | Robert Killebrew |
|
|
Dustin Earnest | ||
| Any chance comes in and takes this position over after his suspension? needs to make more plays. | |||||
| Middle LB | Rashad Bobino |
|
|
Jared Norton | ||
| is consistent but has trouble getting off blocks, will knock your teeth out but is inexperienced. We’ve got to find the right mix of heady guys and playmakers at linebacker. | |||||
| Weakside LB | Scott Derry |
or
|
Roddrick Muckelroy |
|
|
Keenan Robinson |
| was our best linebacker before he tore up his finger against Rice and this season he’s listed as a co-starter. I think Muck ends up being on the field as much as any of the other guys. | |||||
| Right CB | Ryan Palmer |
|
|
Deon Beasley |
or
|
Chykie Brown |
| Uh oh. Now we’re into the area where fans are making a little noise. has the makings of a solid player but he hasn’t performed well when he had opportunities. has a chance to take the starter’s job if he wants it. | |||||
| Free Safety | Marcus Griffin |
or
|
Drew Kelson |
|
|
Tyrell Gatewood |
| Everyone knew was the starter but I was surprised to see the number two guy here and not at strong safety. Maybe Kelson plays in likely running situations. | |||||
| Strong Safety | Erick Jackson |
or
|
Ishie Oduegwu | ||
| Glad to see earn himself a chance. Kid has some bad luck but he was has all the measureables and was highly rated coming out of high school. And is named Ishie, you’ve got to root for him just for that. | |||||
| Left CB | Brandon Foster |
|
|
Curtis Brown |
or
|
Earl Thomas |
| Even more worrisome than the other corner spot. is about the same as Palmer but an inch and a half shorter. He’s got two true freshmen behind him so it looks like a experience versus potential battle. | |||||
It’s just Arky State so I’m not going to get to worked up over anything on this depth chart. It’s the first game of the year so I think guys who have been here longer are going to have the edge over the young guys who have only been on campus a month. It’ll be interesting to see if the freshmen and sophomores battling for spots can show enough against ASU to see increased time against TCU.
Posted August 30th, 2007 by Brian
Filed under: Football, Quick Hits
Statesman profile on Blake Gideon. Kid isn’t highly rated but I think he’s got everything you look for in a safety.
Posted August 28th, 2007 by Brian
Filed under: Football, Quick Hits
Texas is quickly becoming DBU. Hopefully someone comes up big this year and continues the tradition.
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