Texas Longhorns Preview

Few teams have as much to replace as the Texas Longhorns in 2006, in fact the USC Trojans, losing two Heisman winners and another star running back, might be the only other one, but that won’t stop Texas from attempting to fight their way back into the national spotlight and a bid in the BCS Championship in January.

Texas debuts surprisingly high in every major poll despite major losses, but thanks to a few excellent recruiting years and the brilliance of head coach Mack Brown, Texas is definitely still in contention for a Big 12 title and possible National Championship. The loss of Vince Young is something Texas definitely won’t be able to replace completely, given Young’s unmatched ability as both a passer and runner, but some talented young QB’s are working hard in the offseason to work their way onto the field and prove that the Longhorns are still a powerhouse.

No matter who wins the battle at QB, Justin Blalock, an All-American offensive tackle, will anchor a strong Longhorns offensive line that will give the young QB’s plenty of time in the pocket in addition to opening up some good running lanes for Jamaal Charles and Selvin Young, possibly the best running back tandem in the nation for 2006.

On defense, Texas lost a lot of talent in the secondary but still returns plenty of new and old faces are eager to repeat the success of the 2005 squad. Safety Michael Griffin is one of the best defensive backs in the country and he will lead a young secondary that will have its hands full all year. However, the job in the secondary should be made a bit easier thanks to a defensive line that is also one of the best in the country. Senior defensive ends Tim Crowder and Michael Robison will be putting plenty of pressure on the quarterbacks of opposing teams all year, making things a little easier for the rest of the defense.

Texas will definitely have its hands full all year while trying to live up to and repeat the successes of its 2005 team, a job that will not be easy with the losses of such great talents.