Monday: Notes on the Texas Longhorns after three practices

On3 imageby:Bobby Burton08/09/21

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It’s Monday. There have now been three Texas practices and a fourth one scheduled for later today.

Here are some notes I’ve picked up…

I’m told that no matter the order we see in the media viewing period that Kitan Crawford is likely to get some run with the 1s.

“He’s just that talented,” a Texas team source said.

But that wasn’t the only cornerback of note.

I’m told Jahdae Barron has really come on in his sophomore campaign.

Both young corners are delivering the goods early in camp.

**

While the main scuttlebutt from summer workouts and 7-on-7 work was just how electric Xavier Worthy was for Texas, it remained to be seen just how good he would be in a full team setting, how well he operated when it was 11-on-11, both mentally and physically.

Well, the response thus far has been nothing short of excellent.

“He’s not scared”, a source said of Worthy and his mentality about going over the middle. “He’s a competitive dude. He’s going to be a major part of the offense.”

Could he start over Jordan Whittington?

“We’re going to have to find a way to get him (Worthy) on the field, period” the source said. “I’m not sure what that will mean for anyone else yet.”

You never know when guys will take the next step and live up to their immense athletic ability, or unfortunately if they will ever make that transition from high school to college -Texas has had too many of the latter to count.

But Worthy, if coaches have it right, is one of those guys where it all comes together.

**

Being just the third practice, it’s hard to dissect the offensive line, especially with Isaiah Hookfin sidelined.

But with Hookfin sidelined, it’s pretty clear that Texas has settled into the idea of Derek Kerstetter starting at right tackle. He is currently backed up by a walk-on.

The real battle seems to be on the left side at tackle where Christian Jones and Andrej Karic are both spending the majority of their time.

**

I’m told by a source that has been watching Texas for decades that this Texas team looks in better overall shape than they have in a while, not a lot of extra weight around the middle on the big guys.

They look more “explosive”. Perhaps that’s personnel, perhaps it’s off-season training, I don’t know. Just something to keep in mind, though I know Eric has a comment or two coming later today that might fit into that discussion.

**

One note on realignment:

I am hearing more and more of USC’s dissatisfaction with the Pac-12.

I don’t know if that means they could make a run for the Big 10, go independent like Notre Dame, or what. But they are not happy campers based on what I’ve been told.

I think they clearly would be a big domino to fall, if and when they were to make any sort of move outside of their Pac-12 safe haven. Just something to keep an eye on.

Cover photo by Shane Ware for Inside Texas

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